Basic concepts to be reckoned in a proper history of alchemy
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Basic concepts to be reckoned in a proper history of 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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S. Mahdihassan
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Basic concepts to be reckoned in a proper history of alchemy
Year: 1986
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
This article discusses the historical roots and evolution of alchemy, emphasizing its connections with ancient practices aimed at prolonging life. The term 'alchemy' is traced back to the Chinese drug known as Chin–Yeh, which combined gold with herbal principles to create a synthetic drug believed to enhance longevity. The author highlights the transition from using simple herbs and minerals for health benefits to complex formulations involving gold, leading to what was known as alchemy. By analyzing these developments, the article challenges the conventional understanding of alchemy and illustrates its foundational significance in early medicinal practices.
The Cult of Longevity
One vital concept explored in the article is the Cult of Longevity, particularly its emphasis on extracting life-extending properties from color and material. Ancient civilizations, particularly the Chinese, revered substances like red-ochre, jade, and gold for their believed life-enhancing qualities. Red-ochre was considered a potent drug due to its association with blood and soul, while jade was valued for its physical strengthening properties. Ultimately, gold and cinnabar emerged as the preferred substances in the quest for eternal life, with gold symbolizing an everlasting body and cinnabar representing the 'soul.' This transition showcases how these cultures experimented with various elements to create effective longevity drugs, leading to the cultural evolution of alchemy.
Conclusion
In summary, the origins of alchemy are intricately linked to the human pursuit of longevity, involving a complex interplay of herbalism and mineral use. The synthesis of Chin–Yeh marked the beginning of alchemy, which later culminated in the preparation of Chin–Tan, signifying the peak of alchemical practice as a legitimate art form. The article underscores that an understanding of key historical figures such as Emperor Shen Nung and the god Shou–Sing is essential to grasping the foundations of alchemy, as well as acknowledging the significance of red color in these early life-prolonging substances. Ultimately, alchemy's trajectory from practical longevity applications to mystical pursuits illustrates the intertwining of science, medicine, and spirituality in ancient cultures.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the primary goal of alchemy as described in the text?
Alchemy aimed to synthesize substances that could prolong life, reflecting humanity’s urge for longevity, particularly through herbal and mineral preparations. The earliest drugs of longevity were simple substances like red-ochre, jade, and gold.
Who is Emperor Shen Nung, and what role does he play in herbalism?
Emperor Shen Nung is depicted as a foundational figure in Chinese herbalism, personifying the art of herbal medicine. He is associated with the peach, considered the best drug of longevity, symbolizing the connection between herbalism and the cult of longevity.
What significance does redness have in the context of alchemy?
Redness was seen as an essential quality associated with life-essence and soul. Substances that were blood-red, like cinnabar, were viewed as ideal drugs of longevity, enhancing the body’s vitality and prolonging life.
How did the term 'alchemy' originate according to the text?
The term 'alchemy' originated from the combination of the Chinese 'Chin-Yeh' (gold and plant juice) and later Arabic 'Al-Kimiya'. It reflects the practice of creating herbal-gold composites aimed at achieving longevity, marking the birth of alchemy as an art.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Basic concepts to be reckoned in a proper history of 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) Drug:
In the context of alchemy and longevity practices, a 'drug' refers to any substance, whether herbal, mineral, or metallic, believed to extend life or enhance health. Red ochre, jade, gold, and various plant juices are highlighted as historical drugs that were thought to embody or enhance the soul's essence, facilitating the human quest for immortality.
2) Blood:
Blood is regarded as the essence of life in ancient traditions, symbolizing vitality and the soul. Its redness is thought to enhance one's 'soul-content.' Alchemy conceptualizes blood as a magical substance that can be replaced or restored by red-ochre or other blood-representative substances to maintain life and promote longevity.
3) Substance:
The term 'substance' encompasses both organic and inorganic materials utilized in alchemical practices. Key substances include minerals like gold, lead, and cinnabar, which are believed to have properties that promote longevity. Each substance is examined for its potential life-enhancing properties, defined by its color, particularly redness, indicative of life essence.
4) Cina (Cīna, Cīnā, Ciṉa, Ciṉā, Cīṉā, Cinā):
In this text, China is recognized as a pivotal center for the development of alchemical practices, especially concerning the pursuit of longevity. The traditions of Chinese alchemy involve extensive experimentation with both plants and minerals, serving as a fundamental basis for the conceptual and practical developments in the art of alchemy.
5) Medicine:
Medicine plays a vital role in the history and evolution of alchemy. It encompasses the use of various herbal and mineral preparations aimed at health and longevity. The text illustrates how early medicinal practices laid the groundwork for alchemical thought, emphasizing the quest for life extension through potions and elixirs.
6) Science (Scientific):
While alchemy is not science in the modern sense, it represents an early, systematic exploration of materials and processes aimed at understanding nature and health. The connection between alchemy and the evolution of chemistry is noted, highlighting the historical context in which 'science' begins to emerge from mystical and empirical studies.
7) Knowledge:
Knowledge refers to the accumulated insights from historical practices of alchemy and medicine. The text emphasizes that understanding the origins and techniques of alchemy requires knowledge of key figures like Shen Nung and significant drugs such as Chin-Yeh, establishing a foundation for the broader understanding of early scientific practices.
8) Makara (Makāra, Mākara, Mākāra):
Makara refers to a significant preparation in Indian alchemical tradition known as Makara-Dhwaja, or Cupid’s Hallmark. It symbolizes rejuvenation and is considered a panacea for aging and ailments. This term embodies the synthesis of gold and longevity-promoting substances, reflecting the peak of alchemical practice focused on life enhancement.
9) Soma (Somā):
Soma, primarily associated with Aryan traditions, is regarded as a sacred substance linked to immortality and rejuvenation. Similar in concept to the Chinese 'drugs of longevity,' Soma exemplifies the widespread cultural beliefs in the power of certain substances to grant life-extending properties, paralleling the practices and beliefs found in Chinese alchemy.
10) Terminalia chebula:
Terminalia chebula, referred to as 'Har' in the text, is an important herb recognized for its longevity-promoting qualities. It is highlighted as a significant component in alchemical preparations, particularly in the herbo-golden complex involving gold, emphasizing the synergistic potential of plant-derived substances in the pursuit of life extension.
11) Purification:
Purification is central to the alchemical process, highlighting the transformation of raw materials into potent substances through various techniques, including sublimation. The act of purification is portrayed as essential for enhancing the properties of substances like lead and cinnabar, facilitating their use in the creation of life-enhancing elixirs and drugs.
12) Pomegranate:
The pomegranate serves as a symbolic representation of life essence, similar to other red substances associated with longevity. Its use in burial traditions in ancient cultures, such as Mesopotamia and Iran, indicates its significance in the belief system surrounding life, death, and the continuation of life, akin to the principles of alchemy.
13) Evolution:
Evolution in this context refers to the gradual development and refinement of alchemical practices and concepts over time. The text underscores how alchemy evolved from simple drug usage to complex synthesis methods, reflecting humanity's deep-rooted desire to understand and manipulate life forces for health and immortality.
14) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana, Rasāyana, Rāsāyana):
Rasayana is highlighted as the Indian counterpart to the Arabic term Kimiya, representing a practice aimed at rejuvenation and longevity. Its significance lies in its parallel with alchemy, focusing on the preparation of herbal elixirs that confer health benefits, emphasizing the shared goal across cultures to enhance life quality and duration.
15) Maharaja (Mahārāja, Maha-rajan, Maharajan, Mahārājan, Maha-raja):
Maharaja signifies a royal figure with authority in historical contexts, in this case referencing a specific Maharaja who was given longevity-enhancing preparations. This emphasizes the relationship between health and social status, where royal patrons sought knowledge and remedies to prolong life, illustrating the cultural importance of alchemical practices.
16) Water:
Water symbolizes a fundamental component in many alchemical preparations, often used as a medium for dissolving and mixing substances. In historical contexts, water is vital for creating herbal decoctions and other medicinal preparations that are crucial for achieving the desired life-extending effects in alchemical practices alongside other ingredients like milk.
17) Milk:
Milk is mentioned as a significant carrier in the preparation of drugs, such as with Terminalia chebula. In alchemical practices, milk embodies nourishment and purity, serving as a base for infusing the essence of herbs and minerals, thus contributing to the creation of life-enhancing remedies in the quest for longevity.