Born in Ireland in 1627, Robert Boyle plays a significant role in the 17th century "scientific revolution". His groundbreaking publication "The Sceptical Chymist: or Chymico-Physical Doubts & Paradoxes" questions the established traditions of alchemy. It's about time.
When Boyle shakes his fist at the "established traditions", one must understand these are not traditions of alchemy. Renaissance alchemy is very different to Alexandrian, Islamic and Chinese alchemy. Its use of esoterica and symbolism escalates in the Middle Ages.
So, Boyle's indignation is righteous. Renaissance alchemy is a burst of artistic interpretation and late-night philosophical rambles. It's the White Queen and Red King, the spirit Mercurius, the divine hermaphrodite Rebis, the Tail of the Peacock, and inhaling too many toxic fumes.
It's the incipience of the Rosicrucian movement and a mad scramble for the now-popular philosophers' stone. It's the hopeless pursuit for metal transmutation by scientists like Isaac Newton and the rants of Paracelsus against the ignorance of medical science.
In this melee alchemists differ. There are those who philosophize, those who practice, those who obsess over elemental details or eat toxic substances, and others like to watch gold explode. Some produce alchemical salts and caustic waters.
Boyle's disdain for the Renaissance principles of alchemy, which by this time are flamboyantly re-invented and over-interpreted to the smallest detail, cultivates an increasingly subjective perspective. In this situation he sets out to investigate the nature of matter on his own terms.
"The Sceptical Chymist": A Revolutionary Treatise
In "The Sceptical Chymist," Boyle explores the fundamental nature of substances, arguing against the idea all matter is composed of earth, air, fire, and water. These are the classical elements proposed by Empedocles and appropriated with due credit by Aristotle.
Radical concepts like the atomic theories of Democritus c. 400 BCE, or the empirical methods of Renaissance alchemist Giambattista della Porta when he proves garlic does not de-magnetize magnets, possibly influence the new thought.
One of Boyle's most significant contributions to chemistry is his formulation of Boyle's Law, which describes the relationship between the pressure and volume of a gas. Presented later in mathematical form, Boyle studies properties of gases and the vacuum pump.
He demonstrates air is not an elemental substance itself, but a mixture of elements. Air cannot have a chemical formula as it's a mix of various gases, not a compound. Air consists of about 78% N2, 21% O2, 1% argon, and increasing levels of carbon dioxide (0.5% CO2).
Key Achievements and Insights
The Definition of Elements: Boyle is instrumental in redefining the term 'element.' He asserts the elements should be understood as simple substances. These cannot be broken down into simpler ones. This theory is pivotal in development of modern chemistry.
The Scientific Method: Emphasizing empirical evidence, Boyle advocates for rigorous experimentation. His insistence on replicable results becomes a cornerstone of scientific inquiry, influencing generations of scientists who (eventually) follow.
Philosophy of Science: Boyle is also a philosopher. In his writings, he explores the relationship between science and religion, arguing that pursuit of knowledge is a means to understand the divine order of the universe.
The Boylean Society: As a member of the Royal Society, Boyle collaborates with prominent scientists of his time, contributing to the collective advancement of knowledge. His participation helps legitimize experimental science as a respectable field of inquiry distinct from alchemical traditions.
The key word, of course, is "respectable". In early modern times alchemy is associated with frauds, cheats and swindlers, for no other reason than it attracts both cons and suckers. Turning lead to gold has gone from a primer in coloring metals to an idea accepted as truth.
So, alchemy bears a stigma by the 17th century. Those who practice "the chemistry (al-kimya)", as it's known in Islam, want to distance themselves from the unsavory aura now surrounding this word.
This is exactly the kind of sociological atmosphere fostering change, which is just another cycle with a different color. They convince themselves they're doing something new, when in fact it's been done so many times before.
Legacy and Impact
The impact of Robert Boyle extends far beyond his lifetime. Boyle's seminal work, "The Sceptical Chymist," is a building block of modern chemistry.
Beyond his contributions to chemistry and alchemy, Robert Boyle bridges the gap between science and philosophy, epitomizing the interdisciplinary nature of scientific inquiry. His work leads to many intriguing discoveries.
Two centuries later, German chemist August Kekulé solves the benzene ring structure. Most organic chemical compounds contain loops of six carbon atoms, or benzene rings. Kekulé visualizes the structure of after dreaming of an ouroboros, an ancient alchemical symbol.
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