Alchemy through the ages is a science affected by personal spirituality and religion. Rooted in ancient practices, alchemy takes shape in...

Andreas Libavius (c. 1550-1616) is one of the most influential figures of Renaissance alchemy, active in the Elizabethan era. His book...

Ammonium carbonate [NH4]2CO3 is the main ingredient in Victorian smelling salts. Also called baker's ammonia, sal volatile , salt of...

Glass of antimony , or vitrum antimonii , gives warm yellow or red hues. As Sb2O3, its use in alchemy is largely medicinal, one of many...

Johann Georg Faust or Doctor Faustus is an alchemist, physician and magician, a cryptic figure of the German Renaissance. Perceived by...

The German Peasants' War (1524-5) is short, bloody and violent, and changes the course of history in Europe. Up to 400,000 peasants rise...

Uric acid is a factor in conditions like gout and kidney stones. It's also essential to the animal body, plants and the rest of the...

Urea CO(NH2)2, also known as carbamide, is an essential organic compound and waste product in urine. Formed in the liver, urea is an...

Galen of Pergamon (c. 129 - 216 AD) is well known in the history of medicine. His extensive writings and theories prevail for over 2000...

Aristotle (384 - 322 BCE) is a Greek philosopher. His contributions span multiple disciplines such as biology, psychology, physics,...

The Nine Years War, also known as the War of the League of Augsburg, is a key conflict in European history. Fierce battles erupt,...

Brevibacterium linens is a remarkable microorganism on a mission to spread its pungent aroma everywhere, from the unique bite of cheese...

Pathogens of food include Bacillus cereus , Salmonella typhimurium , Aeromonas hydrophila , and Pseudomonas fragi . Each of these...

Cornstarch, also called corn flour, is a common ingredient worldwide. A fine, white powder processed from endosperms of corn kernels,...

Scheele's Green is a rich, vibrant green. Its color appeal surpasses that of the copper carbonate paints of the late 18th century and...

Fungal biofilms are integral to ecosystems. Often unnoticed, these living structures exemplify microorganism cooperation in survival,...

Glycerin, also known as glycerol or glycerine, is a simple polyol compound with the chemical formula C3H8O3. This colorless, odorless,...

Iron(III) oxide or ferric oxide (Fe2O3) yields a striking red color as a pigment, and has a wide range of uses. From industrial...

Bacteria affect food, water, soil, human health and the vibrant colors of art. Here are six remarkable bacteria known for stunning...

The microbes of concrete corrosion include bacteria, fungi and algae. Their purpose in life is to break down and decompose matter, and...