Nova Newton's Dark Secret:
Nova website: here
Magic or Mainstream Science?
An interview on Newton's alchemy with historian Bill Newman
Wiki's page on alchemy:
Alchemy is an early protoscientific practice combining elements of chemistry, physics, astrology, art, semiotics, metallurgy, medicine, and mysticism. These practices were usually used outside of what is now known as the scientific method, however, alchemy can be regarded as the precursor of the modern science of chemistry prior to the formulation of the scientific method.Wiki's page on Philosopher's Stone:
The most well known goal of alchemy was the transmutation of any metal into either gold or silver. Alchemists also tried to create a "Panacea", a remedy that supposedly would cure all diseases and prolong life indefinitely. The "Philosopher's stone" was believed to be an essential ingredient in these goals. This mythical substance was hypothesized to have the ability to do both. A third goal of many alchemists was creating human life.
The Philosopher's stone, a longtime "holy grail" of Western alchemy, is a mythical substance that supposedly could turn inexpensive metals into gold and/or create an elixir that would make humans younger delaying death. The Great Work, or Magnum Opus, refers to the quest for this stone. In addition, making the Philosopher's Stone is understood to confer a type of initiation upon the maker, and this initiation is the proper culmination of the Great Work.It is also known as the materia prima, or the magnum opus.
comment on the program: Nova barely scratches the surface on this one, making one wishing for more.
torrent link
2 comments:
I've always thought alchemy was kind of neat ... kind of a cross between magic and "real" science. Popular interest in it seems to be making a bit of a comeback ... one of the most popular comic book series in Japan is about an alchemist (鋼の錬金術師), some of the themes are picked up in Harry Potter, etc.
I'm not really sure why they call alchemy Newton's "dark secret" ... many respected scientists worked on alchemy, and really, what is cubic zirconia if not "alchemists' diamonds"? =) Hindsight is 20/20 when it comes to determining what is fact and what is fantasy.
They call it dark secret because it sells. in addition alchemy at that time was a taboo as well as Newton's somewhat deviant interpretation of the Bible.
I watched the anime series(鋼の錬金術師) half a year ago and was mildly impressed. It could have been better.
Also read this book last year, The Alchemist. a fun read.
true that a lot of alchemy practices were the early understanding and experiments of today's chemistry. seems like we will achieve most of what a philosopher's stone was promised to do, with a slightly newer branch of biochemistry.
Post a Comment