Technikatörténeti szemle 22. (1996)
Papers from the Second International Conference on the History of Chemistry and Chemical Industry (Eger, Hungary, 16–19 August, 1995) - Pérez-Bustamente, A. Juan: The Holistic Concept of Alchemy
Macrocosmic-microcosmic correspondences and magics can be said to have been omnipresent in all alchemical systems associated with a number of philosophical concepts such as hylozoism, neumatism etc. or with cosmologie and astrological ideas such as vital forces, sympathy, panvitalistic conceptions etc. Primary superstitions played an important role as well with animistic doctrines. Cosmogonies, théogonies and mythology played also a most important role in alchemical systems which become specially apparent by the rich alchemical simbolism, almost inaprehensible, as related to elements, forces, animals, plants, objects of any type etc. which can be found everywhere in connection with a great variety of cosmic correspondences (stars, planets, stones, colours, birds, metals, dragons, serpents, eggs, winds, numbers, etc.). A selection of the main bibliographical sources is included, which served as basis for the elaboration of the present paper focusing attention mainly on the exoteric aspects of experimental alchemy as well as on the pertinent mystics or philosophies associated with the doctrines of matter in the different alchemical periods. The readers interested in a more exhaustive bibliography can be reccomended to make use of a few recent extensive compilations of alchemical sources 23 both classic and modern ones up to the present time. In the present work no consideration is given practically to the extremely abundant classical hermetic alchemical literature nor to the equally abundant modern esoteric alchemical production. Purposes of this Work The present paper is aimed at awakening both humanistics and cultural interests by scientists which have no real Idea, or a very simplistic one, about the real meaning and coverage of alchemy considered within a holistic frame. This paper attempts to enable many readers to find the Ariadna's thread not to get lost into the minotaurean labyrinth related to the holistic significance of alchemy, in general and its specific connection with chemistry, in particular. The holistic concept of alchemy is much wider and richer than what is generally assumed to be: - It is related to protochemistry - It is much more than that - It uses a symbolic dialectics related to transcendental contrasts where the opposition matter vs. spirit is omnipresent, like in Cervante's "Don Quijote"
