Albertus Magnus (c. 1200 - 1280) is a German Dominican friar, philosopher, scientist, and bishop, considered one of the greatest medieval philosophers and thinkers.
Albert discovers arsenic, and writes commentaries on almost all the works of Aristotle.
Also known as Saint Albert the Great, Albert of Swabia or Albert of Cologne, Albert is a scientist, philosopher, astrologer, theologian, spiritual writer and diplomat. He forms the Dominican curriculum, including works of Aristotle and Neoplatonists such as Plotinus.
The study of Aristotle (384 - 322 BCE) is central to the intellectual pursuits of Albertus Magnus. Intrigued by the insights of Aristotle, Albertus Magnus explores the works of Muslim scholars, focusing on the influential contributions of Avicenna and Averroes.
The Muslim academics, with a rich philosophical tradition, provide Albert with fresh perspectives and knowledge. Through study and commentary, Albert contributes to broader dissemination and appreciation of Islamic philosophy in the West.
After Albert's death, stories circulate relating him to alchemy and magic. This is partly due to later works like the Secreta Alberti and the Experimenta Alberti, wrongly attributed to him by the authors to enhance their credibility.
Alchemy
Many alchemical treatises are linked to Albert. His authentic writings avoid the subject of alchemy, mostly providing commentary on Aristotle. For instance, in his commentary De mineralibus, he mentions the occult power of stones without further elaboration.
Alchemy works emerge after his death. They include Metals and Materials, Secrets of Chemistry, Origin of Metals, Origins of Compounds, and Concordance, observations on the Philosopher's Stone and other alchemy topics under the title Theatrum Chemicum.
In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the titular character, Victor Frankenstein, studies the works of Albertus Magnus. This exploration of Magnus' writings plays a significant role in shaping Frankenstein's own scientific pursuits and philosophical beliefs.
Parallels appear between Magnus' pioneering ideas and Frankenstein's groundbreaking experiments. They highlight complexities of tradition and innovation, and the ethical dilemmas arising when humans tamper with the fundamental forces of nature.
Arsenic
Albert is credited with discovery of arsenic c. 1250 AD. Arsenic is a semi-metallic element occurring in nature, widely appearing in the Earth's crust. Its concentrations in the environment differ depending on location. It's present in water, air, and soil.
Organic arsenic compounds, which contain carbon, represent one of the two main forms of arsenic, the other being inorganic. A small amount of arsenic exists in the human body and is essential for proper brain functions.
Arsenic over-exposure during an extended period through drinking water and food can lead to cancer and skin lesions. It's linked to heart disease and diabetes.
Exposure during pregnancy and early childhood has been connected to harmful effects on cognitive growth and higher mortality rates among infants and children. Arsenic is a favorite of poisoners. Due to its slow buildup in the body it's a worsening unknown sickness.
The word arsenic originates in the Syriac word zarnika, from Arabic al-zarnīḵ 'the orpiment', based on Persian zar ("gold") from zarnikh, meaning "yellow" (literally "gold-colored") and hence "(yellow) orpiment".
Orpiment is an ore of arsenic and a popular bright yellow painter's color desired especially during the Renaissance. Orpiment joins red lead, cyanide-based Prussian blue and the vermillion mercury ore cinnabar as a killer color.
It's adopted into Greek as arsenikon – a neuter form of the Greek adjective arsenikos (ἀρσενικός), meaning "male", "virile".
Astrology
Albert has a strong interest in astrology. The practice is widely embraced by scientists and intellectuals during the Middle Ages and early modern period. They believe life on earth mirrors the cosmos, suggesting a connection between the two realms.
This adds to the concept of celestial bodies following patterns similar to those on earth, a philosophy appearing in ancient Mesopotamia. The adventures of Goddess Queen of Heaven Innana are thought to coincide with cycles of planet Venus.
This connection is echoed in the concept of celestial bodies affecting human, not only divine, activities. In Rome, Emperor Nero (37 - 68 AD) bans astrologers from Rome and prohibits anyone to predict his date of death, due to popular interest in the subject.
Albertus Magnus contends understanding celestial influences can guide people to live in accordance with Christian principles. His astrological beliefs are detailed in works written around 1260 and ideas can be found throughout his writings.
In pursuit of innovation, he works with photosensitive chemicals, exploring the unique properties of silver nitrate. Albertus documents the ability of nitric acid to separate gold and silver, as in electrum, by dissolving the silver.
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Silver nitrate is the least expensive salt of silver. It offers several other advantages as well. It's relatively stable to light, and it dissolves in numerous solvents, including water. The nitrate is versatile and can be easily replaced by other ligands.
When making photographic film, silver nitrate is treated with halide salts of sodium or potassium. Similarly, silver nitrate is used to make some silver-based explosives.
Silver salts have antiseptic properties. Fused silver nitrate, shaped into sticks, is traditionally called lunar caustic because silver was called luna by ancient alchemists who associate silver with the moon.
Silver nitrate is used to cauterize superficial blood vessels in the nose to help prevent nosebleeds. Dentists sometimes use silver nitrate-infused swabs to heal oral ulcers. Silver nitrate is used by some podiatrists to kill cells located in the nail bed.
Albertus is a leading figure in development of the philosophy of science. Others include Roger Bacon, Robert Grosseteste, William of Auvergne, Henry of Ghent, Thomas Aquinas, John Duns Scotus, and William of Ockham.
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