Johann Rudolf Glauber is a German-Dutch polymath who revolutionizes the scientific world with groundbreaking discoveries and innovative experiments. His alchemical achievements include discovery of sodium sulfate salts and a use for the purple vapors of fulminating gold.
Johann Rudolf Glauber (1604 - c. 1670), is known for his pioneering contributions to the field alchemical science. He's born in the small town of Karlstadt am Main, Germany. Little is known about his early life. His passion for chemistry and alchemy quickly becomes evident.
While he doesn't finish school, it's thought he studies pharmacy and visits laboratories on his own. He later says he's glad not to suffer the grind of high school and learn by experience instead.
Glauber’s perspective on alchemy is influenced by his enduring belief in the importance of experimentation and observation. Using the principles of alchemical science, Glauber takes a practical approach, much like prior figures such as Paracelsus, Diogenes and Hippocrates.
Despite the societal stigma which has begun to surround alchemy, Glauber’s reputation grows, and he's a well-respected figure in his day. He's sought after for his ideas and methods, attracting both patrons and students interested in learning from his expertise.
A keen traveler, he lives in several progressive cities. They include Vienna (1625), Salzburg, Giessen, Wertheim (1649 -1651), Kitzingen (1651 -1655), Basel, Paris, Frankfurt am Main, Cologne and Amsterdam (1640 - 1644, 1646 -1649, 1656 - death).
In his younger years he works in the production of mirrors before serving two terms as the Apothecary to the court in Giessen, with the latter period as the Chief Apothecary. He's forced to leave due to the Thirty Years War (1618 - 1648).
He establishes a pharmaceutical business in Amsterdam, specializing in the production of various substances such as Glauber's salt. This brings him significant wealth but also leads to bankruptcy in 1649, prompting his relocation from Amsterdam to Wertheim.
In Amsterdam he marries twice and, with his second wife Helena Cornelius (m. 1641), has eight children. His son Johannes Glauber helps him with his engraved illustrations, such as the one below from a book of Glauber's works.
In the Netherlands Glauber revels in a melting pot of science and experimentation. This move centers him in the vibrant intellectual community of the 17th century. The etching above comes from a translated version of one of his books. The book is over 800 pages long.
The explanatory comment is by the translator:
"The works of the highly experienced and famous chymist, John Rudolph Glauber: containing, great variety of choice secrets in medicine and alchymy in the working of metallick mines, and the separation of metals : also, various cheap and easie ways of making salt-petre, and improving of barren-land, and the fruits of the earth : together with many other things very profitable for all the lovers of art and industry."
" ... by:
Glauber, Johann Rudolf, 1604-1670; Packe, Christopher, fl. 1670-1711
Publication date: 1689
Topics: Chemistry, Alchemy, Medicine, Magic, mystic, and spagiric, Materia medica ... "
Golden Age of Amsterdam
During this Golden Age, Amsterdam is the most important trading hub in Europe and the leading financial center of the western world. Amsterdam is colloquially called "Venice of the North" for its numerous canals.
Glauber experiments extensively, exploring the processes of distillation and the transformative powers of various substances. His relentless inquiry aligns with the burgeoning scientific revolution, positioning him as a man of alchemical science.
Sodium Sulfate Salts
One of Glauber’s most notable contributions is the discovery of sodium sulfate, commonly known as Glauber’s salt (Na₂SO₄·10H₂O), in 1625. This crucial compound is first described in his writings and has practical applications from medicine to glassmaking.
Sodium sulfate salts are also used in the papermaking process, and in treatment of waste water. Sodium sulfate crystallizes beautifully and has remarkable solubility properties, making it important to industrial dye and textile industries.
Glauber calls it sal mirabilis (wonderful salt). Health trends of the time involve "purging" of the bowels, and sodium sulfate is popular as a laxative.
The Alchemical Art of Gold-Plating: Fulminating Gold Vapors
Equally impressive is Glauber’s work on gold plating, particularly his experiments with the purple vapors of fulminating gold. In exploring methods to coat various metals with a thin layer of gold, Glauber use vapors of fulminating gold to get a stunning and durable finish.
Glauber makes significant advancements in the field of alchemy, particularly in the art of gold-plating. Through his experiments with fulminating gold vapors, Glauber discovers the secrets of gold deposition. Fulminating gold is a highly explosive substance. It lets off purple vapors.
Within these vapors are granules of pure gold, which under the right conditions create a lustrous gold sheen on almost any material. Although fulminating gold has already been known for a while, its use is more a dangerous novelty than an alchemical ingredient.
Glauber is the the first to synthesize and isolate many chemicals, including antimony trichloride, arsenic trichloride, tin tetrachloride and zinc chloride. He writes over 40 books, many of which have been translated from Latin into German and English.
Non-Fiction Books:
Fiction Books:
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