Alchemy begins with several elements coming together at a crucial time in Alexandria, Egypt. As an international glass center, the city is renowned for medical schools and philosophy. Alchemy rises into a Golden Age. This is some equipment alchemists use even today.
1. Alembic
One of the most iconic pieces of alchemical equipment is the alembic, a type of distillation apparatus. Typically made of glass or metal (copper or iron), it is used for separating mixtures based on differences in boiling points.
The alembic can be heated from the bottom, with vapors condensing and dripping down the narrow spout into (ideally) another vessel. Cleopatra the Alchemist of Alexandria is credited with inventing the alembic.
2. Retort
Similar to the alembic, the retort features a spherical body, long curved neck and collection vessel. In contrast to the retort where body and neck are a single piece, the alembic consists of two separate parts. The neck of the alembic extends from a cap on top of the still's body.
A retort is another distillation apparatus but with a different design. Distillation is a favorite process of alchemists. It also has a bulbous body with long neck. Alchemists favor retorts for their ability to heat substances directly, ideal for understanding the essence of materials.
3. Mortar and Pestle
The mortar and pestle serve as the alchemist's basic grinding tools. Used to crush and grind various substances - herbs, minerals, and metals - these tools are fundamental for preparing materials for further processing. Alchemist experiment with different materials and sizes.
The use of mortar and pestle begins about 35,000 years ago, making this tool one of the first used by early humans. People grind roots, herbs, bones, rocks, pigments, dye products, medicines to release the power of the plant or substance.
4. Crucible
A crucible is a heat-resistant container used for melting and fusing materials at high temperatures. Alchemists use crucibles to experiments with metals and other substances. Crucibles are often used for smelting or separating metals.
Generally a crucible is a small bowl or cup made of ceramic or metal. In the crucible the metal can be heated and purified. In the process below the crucible is used to separate oxides, or impurities, from the metal, by stirring and working the molten metal.
5. Flasks and Beakers
Glass flasks and beakers are essential for holding liquids and conducting reactions. Alchemists relied on different types of vessels for various processes—some for fermentation, others for heating.
Each type had its significance, representing the alchemist's intention behind each experiment. Alexandria's position as a primary glass center by the 1st century AD contributes to the rise of alchemy. Alchemists can see their experiments at work, and even have vessels custom made.
6. Spirit Lamp or Bunsen Burner
Heat is a crucial component in alchemical transformation. Alchemists often used spirit lamps or early versions of Bunsen burners for controlled heating of substances. Using flame for alteration and synthesis is a key to process, emphasizing the transformative nature of fire.
Flame temperatures:
Orange flames range from around 1100 °C to 1200 °C (2012 °F to 2192 °F)
White flames are hotter, measuring 1300 °C to 1500 °C (2372 °F to 2732 °F). The brighter white, the higher the temperature.
Blue flames, or flames with a blue base, are up to twice at hot, with temperature approximately 2500°C to 3000°C (4532 °F to 5432 °F)
Violet flames burn hotter than 3000 °C (5432 °F)
7. Heating Mantle or Hot Plate
In modern alchemy, heating mantles or hot plates are often used to provide a uniform heat source. Although not part of classical alchemy, these tools can facilitate experiments in a more controlled manner, bridging ancient techniques with modern scientific processes.
In the past the alchemist has a hearth or forge for working with metals, herbs or medicines. Alchemy is an expensive hobby if one needs to rent a lab and buy a list of equipment from here to Toledo. As the Renaissance blossoms, patrons and practitioners form bonds of alliance.
8. Scales
Precision is vital in any form of chemistry. Scales are essential for measuring materials accurately. Today's scales are more precise than those used by ancients, due to digital and decimals. Measurements are crucial especially in medicines.
Alchemists need to weigh ingredients carefully to ensure proper ratios between such ingredients as alum and purple plant dye. Due to the rise in counterfeiting, gold weight and silver weight are also among the indicators of purity.
9. Glass Rods, Measuring Cylinders and Stirring Tools
Stirring rods made of glass or ceramic are best to mix corrosive solutions and ensure uniformity in reactions. Some solutions will eat metal rods. Measuring cylinders, beakers, test tubes and more fill the alchemical shelves.
From strange storage jars to blacksmith tongs, suppliers get rich while alchemists seek patrons. These tools signify the alchemist’s role as both scientist and magician. The alchemist follows the mystic path of creation, crafting elixirs, dyeing and working metals with careful attention.
10. Notebook, Drawing Pad and/or Photo Device
Recording experiments is important, and many a time someone gets carried away and forgets to note down the critical steps of a process. Alchemists often write in code, through metaphor or symbolism.
For example, old writings refer to iron as Mars and copper as Venus due to the association of planetary signs and metals pervading the alchemical corpus. Mars red is another term for a deep red iron oxide painters' pigment.
This is only a fraction of the equipment used by alchemists. Workspace is also important, with proper ventilation and lots of elbow room. Other items on the list are safety goggles and gloves, lab coat in case of spills, rubber-soled shoes and of course the alchemical pantry.
Every alchemist builds up a stock of materials she uses regularly. As time goes by, the pantry shelves begin to fill.
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