Phosphorus is the first element not known since ancient times. This glowing substance was discovered by German alchemist Hennig Brand in 1669, the height of the European Renaissance, during his quest for the elusive Philosopher's Stone. In the 16th and 17th centuries, art, architecture, exploration and discovery flourished, and alchemy enjoyed a fruitful time.
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While experimenting with bodily fluids, Brand isolated white phosphorus. The name phosphorus comes from the Greek meaning 'light-bearer', 'Lucifer' or 'Morning Star'. Phosphorus is called the devil's element because of its name, its toxic effects and its propensity for bursting into flame. It glows green on exposure to oxygen and burns with white smoke when ignited.
An important alchemical element, phosphorus enchanted scientists and laypeople alike. Occurring in two major forms, red or white, phosphorus seems to have a divine connection. The white form glows green as it oxidizes. It appears capable of catching and holding light.
Only the white form glows when exposed to oxygen. Red phosphorus is created by super-heating white. In alchemy phosphorus represents the spirit. Its symbol is a triangle atop a double cross. The element sulfur (sulphur) represents the soul.
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During the Renaissance, alchemy enjoyed a time of prosperity and influence, one of several 'golden ages' through history. In the 17th century the earlier works of Paracelsus inspired a new approach in sciences and medicine, and aroused popular interest in the natural world.
Alchemy works from the basis of the natural elements and their interactions and processes, with the common goal of finding the fabled Philosopher's Stone. Fundamentally alchemy seeks to discover the formula or transmutation process to turn base metals to gold; to find the Elixir of Life, and to create a panacea to cure all disease.
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It sometimes calls for strange experiments. Alchemist Dippel of Castle Frankenstein had the reputation for grave-robbing. Though he did dissect animals to create his animal oil, which he likened to an Elixir of Life, there is no evidence he worked on human beings.
He might have experimented with body fluids as did Hennig Brand, who discovered phosphorus by distilling salts from his own urine. Phosphorus is an element vital to life and human urine contains a lot of it. The process involves some time. First, Brand let his urine stand for several days, until it gave off an awful smell.
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Then, he boiled it down to a paste. He heated the paste to high temperatures, and led the vapors through water, hoping they would condense to gold. Instead, he got a white, waxy substance that glowed in the dark - phosphorus.
The gold idea isn't so far off the mark though, since all humans contain about 0.2 mg of gold. It helps with vital processes such as signal transmission through the body, and joint health. Alchemists often boiled down animal bones, feces, blood and other body parts to extract (perhaps) a miracle elixir.
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At first Brand kept his findings a secret, then caved in and sold them. About the same time, an English alchemist made a similar discovery, and sources leaked information about phosphorus found in urine. It was no longer a secret.
Phosphorus is also derived from bone ash and bat guano. Before mineral-based extractions, the element came largely from bone ash (calcium phosphate), which is also used to make fine china or porcelain.
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Like so many pretty elements, phosphorus is toxic to humans. Once used in match production, it caused rampant sickness among workers and even made some women glow, not in a healthy way. By 1858 reports came of phosphorus necrosis of the jaw, commonly called ‘phossy jaw’.
Symptoms included unbearable abscesses in the mouth, facial disfigurement and death due to brain damage. In severe cases the gums produce a constant glow. The Berne Convention banned phosphorus matches in 1906.
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Phosphorus naturally occurs in the body in small amounts and is necessary for the formation of bones and teeth. It facilitates the absorption of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D and calcium. It's important to brain function especially memory, concentration, learning and problem solving. Phosphorus is essential to life but too much of a good thing is deadly.
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