Pope John Paul XII bans the practice of alchemy for the falsification of metals in 1317. In the Middle Ages, alchemy is a mysterious esoteric discipline. Alchemists apply secrets of nature magic in pursuit of enlightenment, including metal manipulation and chemical reaction.
Most courts have resident alchemists, along with astrologers and other followers of arcane arts. Alchemy arises from metallurgy and ancient medicine. Part of the alchemical arts of gold-making and silver-making include recipes to color metals.
Recipe for Silver Making (Leyden Papyrus, c. 250 AD, Greek):
Manufacture of Silver
Plunge Cyprian copper, which is well worked and shingled for use, into dyer’s vinegar and alum and let soak for three days. Then for every mina of copper mix in 6 drachmas each of, earth of Chios, salt of Cappadocia and lamellose alum, and cast.
"... Cast skillfully, however, and it will prove to be regular silver. Place in it not more than 20 drachmas of good, unfalsified, proof silver, which the whole mixture retains and (this) will make it imperishable."
These are found in the Alexandrian school of the early years AD, and in Islamic alchemy. Coloring metals is one of the links alchemy has to metallurgy. Recipes include how to make copper look like silver or gold, or turn lead into silver, which might be done with galena.
Gilding - To Give the Appearance of Gold
"... Lamellose arsenic, copperas, golden sandarach, mercury, gum tragacanth, pith of arum, equal parts; dilute the whole with the bile of a goat. It is applied upon copper objects, upon silver objects, upon figures (in metal) and small shields. The copper should not have a rough surface..."
Such practices as gilding can provide cheaper jewelry or decor, but are also used to deceive the customer. Under the Pope's decree, even gilding innocently may be unlawful.
A medieval Islamic text describes "use of a liquid mordant which quickly and permanently colors lesser metals for more lucrative sale and profit." Terms such as "gold-making" can refer to gold coloring.
Eventually it turns to flat-out counterfeiting, with metal merchants selling fake gold as real gold, and alchemists discussing ways to make fake look real. France especially is known for counterfeit coins.
At the time of Pope John Paul XII, the Papal residence is at Avignon, France instead of Rome, due to political disruption. In 1317, the Pope bans the practice of alchemy for falsification purposes.
He issues the Spondent quas non exhibent, literally "they guarantee what they do not present." Misrepresentation of metals is officially called "The Crime of Falsification." It so happens the Pope studies chemistry (metallurgy, dyeing, ceramics) before becoming Pope.
The Crime of Falsification targets individuals engaging in the illicit production, distribution, or sale of counterfeit alchemic metals. This proclamation comes with strict financial penalties.
Offenders must pay fines based on the weight of the forged metal, with the equivalent value to be paid in genuine gold or silver. For those unable to meet the fines, harsher consequences include imprisonment, a severe beating or gouging out the debtor's eyes.
In Florence the debtor's prison, built in the 1300s AD, is Stinche. Before that, cells beneath an old amphitheater are used. Gamblers, debtors, servants, slaves and rude children are sent to prison. Rich and poor alike are incarcerated for crimes such as sodomy or unwise politics.
The alchemical edict extends to those who use fake metals to mint coins, with more repercussions reserved for clerics. They receive the harshest penalties, including forfeiture of all clerical privileges without any chance of reinstatement.
This leads to a climate of caution among alchemists, some of whom operate covertly to avoid repercussions by the papal decree. The alchemists seek patronage to continue working in peace.
Many already have wealthy sponsors due to the incredible cost of diverse alchemical equipment. Supplies range from chemicals such as alum, zinc and soda ash to flasks and specialized glassware, to a staggering array of tools and utensils. A working forge is crucial.
The successful alchemist takes students or assistants who perform the most lowly of labors, such as keeping a fire going at an even temperature for six hours, or grinding cinnabar to get mercury. Collecting dung for experiments is also the work of the budding alchemist.
By c.1400 the witch hunts begin in the Holy Roman Empire and spread through Europe. Alchemists could be a target, but alchemy is considered a branch of natural philosophy.
Any magic involved is "nature magic", not "witchcraft", even as academic talk focuses on human soul transfer and raising the dead. After the Papal decree of 1317, other authorities
put versions of the ban in place. But they come and are gone and alchemy carries on.
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