The Renaissance brings a unique approach to medicine. Based on the Four Humors theory of health the Galenic way, purging the body of...

Amoebas live in nearly all environments of Earth. Unique adaptations and survival strategies of these canny microorganisms make them...

Jan Baptist van Helmont (1580 - 1644) is a Flemish physician, alchemist / chemist and natural philosopher. A disciple of Paracelsus , he...

Catalase is an enzyme found in carbon life forms, including humans. It's known for its exceptional ability to decompose hydrogen peroxide...

Bacteria are responsible for millions of vital processes hidden from our everyday perception. These single-celled organisms are essential...

Syphilis is a complex disease, leading to unusual and alternative treatments in history. A sexually transmitted disease, syphilis is...

Some graphics may be disturbing. Disease in the European Renaissance takes a grave toll. Ancient killers include smallpox, malaria,...

Valerian ( Valeriana officinalis ) is known for its calming properties. It's a prominent plant in natural health and herbal medicine....

Distilling essential oil can be used for aromatherapy, in cuisine, beauty, healing or to set a mood. Here's the methodology to capture...

The Elixir of Life manifests as potion, tea, powder, water, oil or soluble salts. This mystical creation is said to bestow immortality or...

Alchemy and astrology interact on levels of occult arts, principles of science and laws of nature. Just for fun, here are the twelve...

Zinc (Zn) is an essential metal of life and one of the four components in the Tetrasomia of Maria in alchemy. The 30th element on the...

The alchemy of elixirs goes back to early mankind, when plants with known healing properties are combined, boiled or mashed. The mortar...

The Almadén Mines in central Spain have an infamous past driven by profit and greed. The deadly history of ancient Almadén revolves...

In ancient philosophical thought, Democritus is a visionary whose ideas continue to illuminate minds. Born in 460 BCE in Abdera, Greece,...

A vibrant golden spice, turmeric captivates kingdoms, heals the sick and rules the routes of the spice trade. The humble root has a long...

Bolos of Mendes (Bolus of Mendes) is a Neo-Pythagorean writer of the Nile Delta in the 3rd century BCE. He publishes several works under...

The ancient Greek philosopher Empedocles of Sicily is an important figure in science and metaphysics. Based on Plato's work he...

Numerology, the mystical study of numbers and their meanings, empowers people for centuries. A prominent figure in psychology and...

The Ottoman-Venetian Wars are seven major conflicts between the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Venice from the late 14th to the 18th...