Lead and mercury each as prime matter in alchemy
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Lead and mercury each as prime matter in alchemy
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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S. Mahdihassan
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Lead and mercury each as prime matter in alchemy
Year: 1988
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The article discusses the concept of Prime Matter in alchemy, focusing primarily on lead and mercury as the original substances believed to be foundational in the creation of all metals. The author, S. Mahdihassan, posits that lead was the first substance recognized as having dual characteristics of matter and energy—potentially represented through its ability to transition from a red state (which signifies soul or energy) to a white state. Following lead, mercury emerged as a second prime substance due to its similar properties. The exploration of these materials takes us back to the origins of alchemy, emphasizing the cultural significance of longevity in ancient China and other civilizations, which fueled the search for substances believed to confer vitality and immortality.
The Role of Redness in Alchemy
One significant theme is the association between redness and the concept of the soul in alchemical traditions. In various cultures, particularly in ancient China and Mesopotamia, substances that appeared red were thought to contain concentrated life energy. For instance, the peach, recognized for its blood-red core, became emblematic of longevity, producing the deity Shou-Hshing, the god of longevity. Other examples include the pomegranate and the ephedra plant, each associated with the idea of life essence due to their red characteristics. The article emphasizes that the ancients perceived life and vitality as linked with the physical properties of red substances, prompting a search for minerals like lead and mercury that could emphasize these qualities. Both lead and mercury, capable of changing color when heated, thus represented the dualistic nature of existence as matter-cum-energy, further solidifying their status as Prime Matter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, lead and mercury are positioned as essential players in the early formulations of alchemical thought, representing the dual nature of existence. The article underscores that these metals played a crucial role in humanity’s quest for longevity and vitality through their perceived connection to the soul and life energy. Lead, with its capacity to become red, symbolized the potential of matter to hold dynamic life force, while mercury followed suit. The discussion extends to how these substances, alongside cultural beliefs surrounding life and immortality, laid the groundwork for the alchemical pursuit, ultimately informing our understanding of the primal elements believed to constitute the universe.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the concept of Prime Matter in alchemy?
Prime Matter refers to matter-cum-energy, essential for alchemy. Lead was the first substance identified as such due to its ability to be transformed into red, symbolizing energy or soul.
How did ancient cultures view lead and mercury?
Ancient cultures considered lead and mercury dual-natured substances. Lead was seen as body-cum-soul, while mercury was recognized for its potential red form, linking both to the quest for longevity and alchemical transformation.
What role did the color red play in ancient alchemy?
Redness represented soul or vital energy in ancient alchemy. Red substances, including lead and the peach, were believed to confer longevity, influencing the pursuit of red minerals as vital life-extending drugs.
Why was gold not considered Prime Matter like lead and mercury?
Gold remains unchanged regardless of heating, unlike lead and mercury. This consistent state led to gold being viewed solely as matter rather than Prime Matter, which requires dual characteristics of both matter and energy.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Lead and mercury each as prime matter in alchemy”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Substance:
In the context of alchemy, a 'Substance' refers to a material with inherent potential, categorized as either matter or energy. Prime Matter, identified as substances capable of becoming red, encompasses both. Lead and mercury are prime examples of substances that symbolize the dual nature of existence and the alchemical pursuit of longevity.
2) Drug:
A 'Drug' in this text represents substances believed to confer longevity and health. Alchemical practices sought drugs, derived from both minerals and plants, particularly those with red coloration. Lead, mercury, and jade were notably used as drugs of longevity, signifying the ancient understanding of healing's connection to the essence of life.
3) Blood:
Blood is portrayed as synonymous with the concept of 'soul' and embodies life force in ancient philosophies. In alchemical thought, blood's redness correlates with richness in soul-content, thus influencing the search for red substances. The relationship underscores the belief that consuming red substances could enhance longevity and vitality.
4) Cina (Cīna, Cīnā, Ciṉa, Ciṉā, Cīṉā, Cinā):
China is proposed as the cradle of alchemy, where early practices emerged within a quest for longevity. The discourse highlights the significance of jade and gold in ancient Chinese culture as medicinal substances. This cultural framework shaped the understanding of alchemy, intertwining spirituality and physicality in the pursuit of eternal life.
5) Soma (Somā):
Soma represents an important element in the search for longevity among the early Aryans. As a plant-deity associated with blood-red berries, its juice was deemed a drink of immortality. The text parallels Soma with the Chinese god Shou-Hshing, emphasizing the universal quest for eternal life through nature's red substances.
6) Red lead:
Red lead emerges in the alchemical narrative as a pivotal substance during the quest for longevity. When gently heated, lead transforms to a red state, symbolizing its potentiality. This transformation signifies the connection between matter and soul, establishing lead as a foundational drug of longevity in ancient herbalist practices.
7) Medicine:
In the alchemical context, 'Medicine' refers to the application of specific substances for therapeutic purposes. Lead and mercury were consumed in various forms as medicinal agents aiming to prolong life. The transformative processes in alchemy reflect an early understanding of health's duality, entwined with spiritual and material dimensions.
8) Science (Scientific):
Science, as discussed in this text, involves a systematic understanding of the universe, encompassing both matter and energy. The correlation between ancient practices of alchemy and contemporary scientific principles showcases a historical continuum, emphasizing the quest for knowledge regarding substances that possess dual characteristics as both matter and energy.
9) Purification:
Purification is vital in alchemical practices, signifying the process of refining substances to enhance their properties. The text elaborates on the method of purifying ores, such as lead and cinnabar, to extract their essences. This notion of purification highlights the alchemical goal of transforming base materials into more powerful and life-enhancing substances.
10) Pomegranate:
Pomegranate symbolizes another culturally significant fruit associated with longevity, particularly in Mesopotamia. Its blood-red seeds align with ancient beliefs connecting red substances to the essence of life. The reference to the pomegranate within the alchemical discourse exemplifies the interplay between nature and spirituality, reinforcing the concept of the 'Tree of Life'.
11) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the deliberative engagement with ideas surrounding alchemy, longevity, and the identification of Prime Matter. The author stresses maintaining focused discussions while avoiding controversies, indicating that understanding the roots of alchemy and its practices requires careful analysis of cultural, spiritual, and historical contexts, leading to deeper insights.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Lead and mercury each as prime matter in alchemy’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.
Soma juice, Cosmic egg, Blood red, One substance, Cosmic soul.