The powerful Medici family of Italy, like many ruling courts, patronize and practice alchemy. In the Renaissance alchemy is a topic of intellectual debate through Europe as scholars and practitioners reveal secrets of this fascinating world.
By the 13th century AD the Medici family, or House of Medici, is a growing power in Florence, Italy. Arriving during the 1100s, they quickly rise to prominence in banking. The Italian Renaissance is inspired by influential families including the Medici.
Other patrons include Visconti and Sforza in Milan, with Catherine Sforza (1463 - 1509) known for alchemical research; the Este in Ferrara; Borgia and Della Rovere in Rome. The search for knowledge inspires the flowering of the Italian Renaissance c. 1340 - 1550 AD.
Just over twenty years before, Pope John XXII passes a decree outlawing the use of alchemy for "falsification" or producing fake gold or silver to fool creditors or clients, or to work for anyone else doing this. Dyeing of metals is one of the foundations of alchemy.
It's not always done for purposes of evil and profit. Gilding, gold or silver plating, dyeing lesser gemstones to look like rubies or amethyst are legitimate practices for alchemists catering to those who want the flash without a lot of cash.
Still, counterfeiting is a major concern. Punishment for passing off fake gold and silver as real include a hefty fine, debtor's prison or a good beating. Alchemists in the Medici and other courts mull over metal transmutation and the health benefits of poison.
For the Medici, an active interest in alchemy is broadened by Cosimo I de' Medici (1519-1574). A traveler and patron, Cosimo introduces Renaissance Florence to the enigmatic world of Eastern alchemy, medicine and spirituality.
Florence emerges as a center of science and culture, attracting scholars, practitioners, and alchemists from far and wide to exchange knowledge and rub elbows. In these days of risk and rumor, alchemists find security in a patron as long as they keep the patron's confidence.
To the Medici family, alchemy is a connection of political power, intellectual curiosity, spiritual exploration and the possibility that somewhere, there might exist a Philosopher's Stone. Alchemists, always in need of funds, seek patronage.
The practice of alchemy is expensive. Some people spend fortunes on it. Cosimo I has two massive laboratories built. Alchemy studies prompt the construction of a set of laboratories known as the Fonderie Medici.
Cosimo I de’ Medici initiates the first laboratory at Palazzo Vecchio. It's later relocated to the Casino di San Marco, and eventually the Uffizi, which is initially built as law and administration offices. The Uffizi later becomes a magnificent art gallery.
For two hundred years from 1586 the distillation laboratory for medicinal products is in the Uffizi. The Medici family put a private museum there as well, which becomes greater until the family fades out in the 18th century, leaving Florence with countless treasures.
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