Did Sir Isaac Newton discover alchemy in his later years?

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SUMMARY

Sir Isaac Newton's interest in alchemy spanned his entire life, not just his later years, as evidenced by his extensive unpublished works that include occult studies and alchemical writings. His alchemical pursuits were intertwined with his scientific endeavors, particularly in mathematics and astronomy, although he did not achieve any significant discoveries in alchemy. The discussion highlights the psychological and physical toll of his alchemical experiments, including a nervous breakdown potentially linked to chemical exposure. Despite the historical significance of his alchemical studies, much of the material may have been lost, and the consensus is that alchemy does not yield practical results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's contributions to mathematics and physics
  • Familiarity with the historical context of alchemy and its relationship with early science
  • Knowledge of the psychological effects of intensive study and experimentation
  • Awareness of the scientific method and the transition from alchemy to modern chemistry
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  • Research the historical context of alchemy in the 17th century
  • Explore the relationship between alchemy and early scientific practices
  • Investigate the psychological impacts of alchemical studies on practitioners
  • Learn about the transition from alchemy to chemistry and its implications for modern science
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Historians, science enthusiasts, students of philosophy and science, and anyone interested in the evolution of scientific thought and the historical significance of alchemy.

  • #31
Integral said:
Start with http://aether.lbl.gov/www/tour/elements/stellar/stellar_b.html"

According to http://home.teleport.com/~salad/4god/elements.htm" even god aproves of element formation inside of stars.

http://origins.jpl.nasa.gov/library/poster/elementform3.html" seems to think heavy elements are formed at the end of a stars life.

How many more do you want?

Believe it or not modern Physics pretty well understands the strucure of the elements. It is not a mystery where they came from or how they got here. Alchemy is not the answer.

That's cool. Thank you for the reference material.

This whole disscussion about how gold is formed is a diversion away from my original question about Newton's alchemical discoveries.

I have simply stated some of my observations on gold formation. Personally, it is the alchemical work that Newton performed and why he did so that interests me... and I found some answers during the tributaries of discussion that have occurred on my thread, "Newton's Alchemy?", here.

I think I can rely on William Newman's accounts and his decifering of Newton's notes on alchemcial experiments for information with regard to the topic of my thread.

Thank you to anyone who has attempted or was going to attempt to bring some more info on Newton's alchemy to the table. I think I hear :!) and :!) calling. Cheers.
 
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