Transmutation: Myth or Reality?

In summary, Alchemy is an ancient practice that was a precursor to modern chemistry and utilized many other sciences. Its main objectives were to create an immortality potion and turn lead into gold, with the latter being successfully achieved. Alchemy also played a role in developing important lab techniques and synthesizing common chemicals. It also had a mythical and spiritual aspect, and some notable alchemists include Jabir ibn Hayyan, Hening Brandt, and Isaac Newton. In modern times, it is not practical to produce gold through alchemy as it would be more expensive than buying it.
  • #1
captain
164
0
what is it exactly? is it some sort of mythological thing because of symbols? or is it just simply changing elements into different ones like gases and liquids?
 
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  • #2
all i know about alchemy is from paolo coelho's book, the alchemist. it's supposed to be an ancient art with two main objectives, still not yet accomplished. these are:
1) making the immortality potion
2) turning lead into gold
 
  • #3
#2 has been accomplished
 
  • #4
What he said, although it would probably be cheaper to buy gold then use a series of nuclear processes to produce it from lead.
 
  • #5
Yes, it is definitely MUCH more expensive to synthetically produce gold from lead then extract it from its ores.

Although Kushal accurately cites two of the most important goals of alchemy, you can basically look at alchemy as a precursor to modern chemistry. It also utilized many other sciences. It probably was first practiced in ancient Egypt and slowly spread throughout the Eurasian continent and was still practiced in Europe even in the 1700/1800s.

Many important lab techniques were developed through alchemy such as distillation. The alchemists also synthesized many chemicals that are commonplace today like sulfuric, nitric, and hydrochloric acids, along with ethanol, potash, and saltpeter.

Of course, there was also the mythical and spiritual side of alchemy. Alchemy was kind of like science, religion, and art all melded into one practice.

Some interesting alchemists:
Jabir ibn Hayyan
Hening Brandt
Isaac Newton

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Backyard Chemistry
 
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  • #6
They used what they had to produce useful compounds, and other not so useful ones.
 
  • #7
AbedeuS said:
What he said, although it would probably be cheaper to buy gold then use a series of nuclear processes to produce it from lead.

If it wasn't then we would have massive amounts produced and the price of gold would thus be driven down.
 

1. What is transmutation?

Transmutation is the process of changing one element into another. This can occur through nuclear reactions or by artificially manipulating the atoms of an element.

2. How does transmutation occur?

Transmutation can occur through nuclear reactions, such as radioactive decay or nuclear fusion, which change the number of protons and neutrons in an atom. It can also occur through artificial means, such as bombarding atoms with high-energy particles.

3. Why is transmutation important?

Transmutation has many practical applications, such as in nuclear energy production, medical treatments, and creating new materials with desirable properties. It also helps us understand the fundamental properties of matter and the universe.

4. Is transmutation safe?

Transmutation can be both safe and dangerous, depending on the context. In controlled environments, such as nuclear power plants, transmutation can be used safely to generate energy. However, in uncontrolled environments, such as nuclear accidents, it can be dangerous due to the release of harmful radiation.

5. Are there any ethical concerns surrounding transmutation?

There are many ethical concerns surrounding transmutation, particularly in regards to its use in nuclear weapons. There are also concerns about the long-term effects of transmutation on the environment and human health. It is important for scientists to consider the potential ethical implications of their research and use transmutation responsibly.

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