Caustic Potash—developed by Albertus Magnus
(1206-1280), who also described the chemical com-
position of cinnabar, ceruse, and minium.
Bicarbonate of Potassium—prepared by Raymund
Lully (1235-1315).
Zinc—described by Paracelsus (1493-1541), who was
the first to prepare and use chemical compounds.
Benzoic Acid—discovered by Blaise Vigener (1523-
1596).
Tin Oxide—discovered by Giambattista della Porta
(1541-1615)
Sodium Sulfate (Glauber salt)—discovered by Johann
Rudolf Glauber (1604-1668), and thought by many
to be the long-sought Philosopher’s Stone.
Phosphorus—discovered by Hennig Brand in 1669).
Porcelain—first produced in Europe by Johann
Boetticher (1682-1719).Although most modern scientists dismiss alchemy
as a discredited “pseudo-science,” the search for a
method to change the atomic structure of base metals
into gold or other elements continues today in chem-
istry laboratories, particle accelerators, and nuclear
reactors. The principle of “first matter” is reflected in
modern atomic theory, in which all atomic elements are
composed of primary subatomic particles that are built
up into increasingly heavy elements, from hydrogen,
with only one proton and one electron, up to the “trans-
uranium” elements, with hundreds of protons, neu-
trons and electrons. Biologists are still trying to create
life in a test tube and have recently succeeded in clon-
ing, at least. The search for the Elixer of Life continues
in genetic research and the multibillion-dollar “Life
Extension” industry. And many modern alchemists still
experiment in the creation of chemicals to effect per-
sonal transformation and enlightenment.- Glossary of Alchemical Terms
Acid: Any substance that reacts with a base to form a
salt. Acid produces free hydrogen ions and turns
litmus paper red.
Actinic: Producing rays, such as light
rays, X-rays, gamma rays, etc.
Alchemy: The art and science of trans-
formation and transmutation; fore-
runner of modern chemistry.
Alembic: A teardrop-shaped con-
tainer used for mixing and heating
substances in the process of dis-
tillation.
Alloy: A metal that is a fusion of several different me-
tallic elements (bronze, brass, steel).
Aludel: A glass or ceramic vessel with spheri-
cal chambers for condensing vapors.
Anima Mundi: “The Spirit of the World.”
Mother Earth; Mother Nature.
Athanor: A furnace like a kiln with a sealed
upper compartment that can hold materi-
als being heated under pressure.
Base: Any substance that reacts with acid
to form a salt. Bases remove hydrogen ions from
acid and turn litmus paper blue.
Base (i.e. “worthless”) Metals: Common metals that
readily react and oxidize, such as lead, copper, tin,
and iron.
Catalyst: A substance that causes changes in other
substances without being changed itself.
Coagulation: Turning a liquid substance into a solid.
Combustion: Bursting into flames.
Compound: A material made of several different chemi-
cally combined atomic elements.
Condensation: Turning a gaseous substance into liq-
uid by cooling it down.
Crucible: A bowl-shaped heat-
resistant container in which solid
substances are heated to melting.
Dissolution: Dissolving a solid material
in a liquid medium.
Distillation: The process of evaporating the liquid
out of a solution and then condensing it back into
a pure fluid.
Elements: 1. The four states of matter (solid, liquid,
gas, and plasma—called Earth, Water, Air, and Fire).- The 105+ known Atomic Elements of the Peri-
odic Table.
Elixer: A magickal drink or potion, consisting of drugs
in a solution of alcohol.
Elixer of Life: A hypothetical substance that, when
imbibed, would heal all ills and confer immortality.
Evaporation: Turning a liquid substance into its gas-
eous form by heating it up.
Filtration: The process of separating solid particles
and impurities from a liquid or gas by passing it
Synthesis of the Alchemical Work (note 7 correspondences)
—Basil Valentin, L’Azoth des PhilosophesALUDELCRUCIBLE246 Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard
Corrected pages 3rd printing.2.p65 36 6/10/2004, 4:02 PM