Andreas Libavius (c. 1550-1616) is one of the most influential figures of Renaissance alchemy, active in the Elizabethan era. His book Alchemia is pivotal in science. Opposing Paracelsian thought, Libavius believes in the possibility of turning base metals into gold.
Born in Halle, Germany as an underprivileged child, Libavius shows impressive mental acumen and rises above his circumstances to enter university at age eighteen. He pursues formal education and eventually becomes a scholar of considerable repute.
He teaches history and poetry, becomes poet laureate in 1581 and holds prestigious academic positions at various institutions including Rothenburg, Coburg, Basel and Jena. He receives his medical doctorate in 1588.
Alchemia: A Groundbreaking Textbook
In 1597, Libavius publishes Alchemia, aka Alchymia, a monumental textbook recognized today as one of the first comprehensive treatises on chemistry. This work details discoveries and practices of alchemists up to this point.
Controversy surrounds the book. Alchemia reveals trade secrets and provides a systematic approach to alchemy. Libavius's synthesis of alchemical knowledge into a coherent form is a pivotal moment in the evolution of science.
By exposing techniques and processes traditionally kept secret, Libavius incites heated debate. Some praise his dedication to transparency, asserting knowledge should benefit society. Others feel betrayed, fearing loss of exclusive knowledge.
Alignment with Aristotle
Libavius's alignment with Aristotelian thought rather than the radical ideas of Paracelsus (1493 - 1541) piques lively discussion in philosophical circles. Paracelsus sums up his views on alchemy in his well known quotation:
“... Many have said of Alchemy, that it is for the making of gold and silver. For me such is not the aim, but to consider only what virtue and power may lie in medicines.”
- Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim (Paracelsus (the Great)) 1493-1541 AD
Paracelsus also introduces Spagyria, or the botanical alchemy of healing, into Europe. He collects ancient wisdom from secluded villages in the Swiss Alps, bringing these into current practice. He also introduces the concept of chemicals in medicine.
Making Gold in the Elizabethan Era
However, Libavius maintains a dedication to transmutation, or the transformation of base metals into gold. Queen Elizabeth herself holds this belief, taking back her ex-astrologer, John Dee, in hopes of his enticing Edward Kelley to her court.
Before this can happen, Kelley dies in Prague of injuries sustained while trying to escape imprisonment for attempting to con Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II, twice. Rudolf, a supporter of alchemy, has a star-studded roster of writers, astronomers and alchemists at his court.
Turning base metals to precious ones is a fundamental objective of some alchemists, creating ongoing problems with legitimacy. Fraudsters cannot empirically prove their projections and transmutations, while practicing alchemists balk at revealing their experiments.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Isaac Newton, perhaps inspired by the earlier writings of Libavius, continues the trend of trying to turn lead into gold. He almost loses his scientific reputation to his pursuit of the magical medium.
Libavius favors the ideas of Aristotle and by extension Galen, an early purveyor of Hippocrates' Four Humors theory. This concept rules medicine until the 18th and 19th century despite previous condemnation by Paracelsus (and followers).
Libavius does accept the Paracelsian principle of using occult properties, or astrological factors to explain phenomena, but rejects their possible connection to the divine. He's also critical of alchemists who claim to produce a panacea, or cure-all.
While he believes a panacea is possible, alchemists refuse to disclose their formulas. He asserts anyone who manages to create a panacea is duty bound to teach the process to as many other people as possible, so it can benefit mankind.
Renaissance Medicine
By accepting the anti-Paracelsian ideas, Libavius puts medicine back to the Humors philosophy. This leads to activities from scientific to desperate. Medicine includes trepanning, or drilling a hole in the skull to let out bad humors. This practice is thousands of years old.
Purging is a major medical treatment to balance the humors. Purging includes emetics to induce vomiting, laxatives, sudoforics or medications to cause profuse sweating; diuretics and everyone's favorite, bloodletting with leeches (see leech jar above).
By the time of Libavius, the ghost of Paracelsus has risen in the ranks of mysticism, and this happens largely due to the ironically non-existent Rosicrucians of the early 17th century. Followers of the Rosicrucian 'philosophy' walk in a highly spiritualized and esoteric world.
Today, Paracelsus may be mentioned as "mystic" due to alchemy and astrology, the latter being termed occult even in the Renaissance. At the time astrology is a requirement for physicians wanting a doctorate in medieval Europe and alchemy is a common practice.
Emphasizing rationality, Libavius advocates for meticulous experimentation. He seeks to understand nature's laws and believes 'true' or scientific alchemy is the pathway.
Libavius draws criticism from those who incorporate spiritual elements into alchemy. His focus on observation and experimentation solidifies the scientific approach.
Notable Discoveries
Throughout his career, Libavius makes several significant contributions, including discoveries of hydrochloric acid, ammonium sulfate, and tin chloride.
Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)
One of the earliest acids known, hydrochloric acid is essential in processes such as human digestion. Also known as muriatic acid, it's significantly explored by Libavius. With records of its properties and reactions, he provides a foundation in inorganic chemistry.
Hydrochloric acid combines with nitric acid to create the famous aqua regia, royal water or Green Lyon of alchemy. This compound creates a solvent which can dissolve gold. The gold can be recovered by another process as follows:
The method for extracting gold using gold-bearing aqua regia involves mixing the aqua regia with ammonia water, filtering the mixture to obtain gold hydroxide. It is allowed to sediment, then heated and baked to re-produce metallic gold.
Ammonium Sulfate ((NH4)2SO4)
A salt formed from ammonium and sulfate ions, ammonium sulfate is widely used in fertilizers and as a protein precipitant in biochemistry. Libavius's identification of this compound shows the importance of chemical interactions in nature.
Ammonium sulfate is an inorganic sulfate salt formed by the reaction of sulfuric acid with two equivalents of ammonia. A high-melting white solid it decomposes above 280°C. Very soluble in water (70.6 g/100 g water at 0°C; 103.8 g/100 g water at 100°C), it's often to fertilize alkaline soils.
Tin Chloride or Stannous Chloride (SnCl2)
Libavius's work with tin chloride contributes to the understanding of metal salts and their reactions, which became crucial for advancements in inorganic chemistry.
Hobbyists and professionals use stannous chloride to detect gold salts. When SnCl2 interacts with gold compounds such as chloroaurate salts, it produces a vivid purple colloid Purple of Cassius. A similar reaction with platinum and palladium salts result in green and brown colors.
He's not the first person to invent the tin chloride process. Franciscan friar Ulmannus discovers it earlier and writes about it in his Buch der heiligen Dreifaltigkeit (Book of the Holy Trinity) in 1415.
Religious Views
An orthodox Lutheran, Libavius is not only a scientist but a theologian. Writing under the pseudonym Basilius de Varna, he critiques Catholic practices, particularly those of the Jesuits, whom he believes distort the Gospel.
He later criticizes Calvinism, firmly defending his Lutheran beliefs through theological treatises.
He assert the need for clarity in religious doctrine. The intersection of scientific and theological inquiry are in keeping with a broader movement toward enlightenment in both fields.
Facts About Andreas Libavius
Pioneering Educator: Beyond his texts, Libavius revises educational theories of his time. He emphasized the importance of systematic education and the importance of universities in advancing scientific knowledge.
A Diplomatic Figure: His connections with other scholars and his ability to navigate controversial academic discussions illustrate his skill as a diplomat in the intellectual salon of his day.
Legacy in Chemistry: Libavius's work influencing contemporaneous and future chemists.
Linguistic Contributions: He writes several of his works in Latin, which is the lingua franca of the scholarly community. Again this is an anti-Paracelsian move as Swiss-born Paracelsus shuns Latin and gives lectures in German so everyone can understand them.
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