2006-09-10 02:05:58 · 3 answers · asked by flignar 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Ask Jeeves. (cksq)
2006-09-10 08:16:09 · answer #1 · answered by CKRT SQRL 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If by "alchemy" you mean "chemistry" Then I would say "chemistry." But if by "alchemy" you mean the medieval occult studies of the Arabs, etc then I would say astronomy.
Alchemy per se had a really negative effect as it diverted a lot of energy into searches for lead-gold exchanges and other such nonsense, and probably delayed the rise of modern chemistry for several hundred years.
Astronomy is a wonderful bonus to human understanding of where and who we are. It maybe wasn't necessary to humanity, but suppose we had evolved on a planet that was continuously covered with clouds (this is the theme of several sci fi stories) then there would be no astronomy. Imagine how different our view of the world would be! And, maybe it would have taken a lot longer to develop useful navigation. Imagine the reaction of the first pilot to fly above the clouds!
2006-09-10 03:27:35 · answer #2 · answered by matt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a good question. Whereas chemistry has undeniably granted mankind enormous power to change our environment (for the good as well as for the worse), chemistry would not be possible were it not for the physics of stellar fusion, aka astronomy creating all the heavier (heavier than helium) elements.
2006-09-11 01:54:52 · answer #3 · answered by sparc77 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋