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Sylvia Rose

Phosphorus: Element of Fatal Fascination

Updated: Aug 8

Phosphorus is the first element not known since ancient times. This glowing substance is discovered by German alchemist Hennig Brand in 1669, the late European Renaissance, experimenting with body fluids in a quest for chrysopoeia and the Philosopher's Stone.





While working in Hamburg, Brand boils his own urine. He distills the salts left after evaporation and isolates white phosphorus, which glows green on exposure to oxygen. He calls it phosphorus mirabilis ("miraculous bearer of light").


The name phosphorus from the Greek means 'light-bearer', 'Lucifer' or 'Morning Star'. It's later called the devil's element because of its name, toxic effects and propensity for bursting into flame. It glows green on oxygen exposure and burns with white smoke when ignited.




Alchemy experiments - this is Hennig Brand, who discovers phosphorus by distilling his urine
Hennig Brand discovers phosphorus in 1669, fundametally by distilling his urine (Joseph Wright 1771)


In Brand's process he lets urine stand for days until it ferments and gives off a fetid stench. Then he boils it to a paste. He heats the paste to a high temperature, and channels the vapors through water, where he hopes they will condense to gold.



Instead, he gets a white, waxy substance. It glows in the dark. He's discovered phosphorus; specifically, ammonium sodium hydrogen phosphate, (NH4)NaHPO4.




It takes about 1100 liters [290 gal] of urine to make 60 g of phosphorus. The noxious odor phase can be skipped. Scientists discover fresh urine yields the same amount of phosphorus as fermented urine.


Phosphorus enchants scientists and laypeople alike. Occurring in two major forms, red or white, phosphorus seems to have a divine connection. The glow as it oxidizes gives it the appearance of catching and holding light.




Only the white phosphorus glows when exposed to oxygen. Red phosphorus is created by super-heating white. The phosphorus symbol is a triangle atop a double cross.

Phosphorus symbol, arrow pointing up w 2 lines

During the Renaissance (c. 1350 - 1700 AD), alchemy enjoys prosperity and influence in one of several alchemical Golden Ages. The 14th century Italian Renaissance drives revolution in science, art and exploration throughout Europe. Alchemy is patronized by powerful figures.



Finding the Philosopher's Stone a goal of alchemy
Cosimo de' Medici 1389 - 1464 (Florence) is a patron of alchemy

The urine-to-gold gold idea comes from the "golden" color of urine. It's not so far off the mark 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.


At first Brand keeps his findings a secret, then caves in and sells them. About the same time, an English alchemist makes a similar discovery, and sources leak information about phosphorus found in urine. It's no longer a secret.



sharing secrets


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. It's also extensively used in plant nutrition, crop health and gardening


Phosphorus occurs naturally in the body, necessary for formation of bones and teeth. It aids absorption of elements such as Vitamin D and calcium; and promotes brain functions. It's essential to life but too much of a good thing is deadly.



Phosphorus is toxic to humans. Once used in match production, it causes 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 bans phosphorus matches in 1906.



Non-Fiction Books:


Fiction Books:

READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure

READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series

READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries





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