Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto were not yet discovered while Alchemy was commonly practiced, though many modern alchemists consider them representative of Uranium, Neptunium and Plutonium, respectively. Although they occasionally have a symbol of their own (see table below), they were usually symbolized by the planet's symbol. Planetary metals were 'dominated' or 'ruled' by one of the seven planets known by the ancients. In particular, it is intended for those whose research brings them into contact with occult or hermetic texts, ancient or modern for historians of the occult. While the notation method was mostly standardized, styles and symbols varied between alchemists, this page shows the most commonly used ones, with some more recent additions used by alchemists today for substances unknown prior to the 19 th century. Alchemy was the name given in Latin Europe in the 12th century to an aspect of thought that corresponds to astrology, which is apparently an. Another well known aspect is the search for the Philosopher's Stone, the possession of which would supposedly give a person the ability to transmute gold or to have eternal life.Īlchemical symbols, were used to denote most elements and some compounds until the 18 th century. alchemy, a form of speculative thought that, among other aims, tried to transform base metals such as lead or copper into silver or gold and to discover a cure for disease and a way of extending life. Alchemy was one of the main precursors of modern sciences, and many substances and processes of ancient alchemy continue to be used by modern chemical and metallurgical industries.Īlthough alchemy has many aspects, it is perhaps best known in popular culture as the process used to change lead (or other elements) into gold.

Today the discipline is still active but is of interest mainly to historians of science and philosophy, and for its mystic, esoteric, and artistic aspects. It has been practiced in Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Persia, India, and China, in Classical Greece and Rome, in Muslim civilization, and then in Europe up to the 19th century in a complex network of schools and philosophical systems spanning at least 2500 years. They both combine elements of chemistry, metallurgy, physics, medicine, astrology, semiotics, mysticism, spiritualism, and art. Alchemy refers to both an early form of the investigation of nature and an early philosophical and spiritual discipline.

Ancient alchemy symbols