2007-06-08 07:31:53 · 7 answers · asked by random panda ! 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Alchemy is still being practiced today, but because of the split between science and spiritual philosophy in modern times, it became misunderstood, scorned, and is now considered a "pseudoscience". Because it is considered "riddled with superstition" and because of its highly unobjective nature, it is regarded by the masses and serious scientists as false science. The concept of a "sacred science" is ludicrous and laughable in the eyes of today's science.
Plus, it has been misinterpreted as a vain and self deluded quest for gold and immortality. It is not. There were, however, "puffers" who misinterpreted the art in their search for wealth.
I am a practitioner of the spagyric arts, producing medicines based on alchemical philosophy, and will in a number of years, proceed to true alchemical practice.
2007-06-09 13:40:35 · answer #1 · answered by yevaul 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because we know it is imposiilbe to change matter into something completely different just by mixing chemicals. But, Matter transmutation, the old goal of alchemy, enjoyed a moment in the sun in the 20th century when physicists were able to convert lead atoms into gold atoms via a nuclear reaction. However, the new gold atoms, being unstable isotopes, lasted for under five seconds before they broke apart. Well, thats the best that is possible so far...
2007-06-08 07:53:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because alchemy was a scam. An alchemist was a person who claimed the ability to turn lead into gold during the dark ages.
2007-06-08 07:40:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They didn't really stop. They directed their attention towards understanding and controlling physical nature, i.e., the physical sciences, chemistry, medicine, etc.
They pursued this path instead of the internal transformation that is the true focus of alchemy, and based upon refining the personality (which is the meaning of transforming metals).
RLA
2007-06-08 23:45:42 · answer #4 · answered by Roger A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a) It requires an object called a "Philospher Stone" and non-fake ones are extremely rare and hard to come by
b) With the advent of the periodic table of the elements, it was determined that lead (or other base metals) can't be transmuted to gold anyway.
c) "Elixir of life," granting immortality, has never been successfully produced in any useful quantities.
2007-06-08 07:41:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because they realized that normal chemical process cannot change one element into another.
2007-06-08 07:38:49 · answer #6 · answered by hcbiochem 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is very important, in the manner that we call to the spirits of earth, air, fire and water. Fire adds the intensity to majik.
2016-05-20 01:17:50 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋