Alchemy refers to a system of philosophy that deals with the mystery of life and the formation of inanimate substances. Hence, there are two major divisions of alchemy.
Esoteric alchemy: an attempt to understand the gods, and to find salvation Esoteric alchemists considered chemical transformations as analogies, and used their observations for religious allegories.
Exoteric alchemy: a search for the philosopher's stone for transmutation of base metals to gold, and the elixir of life to confer immortality.
Greek Natural Philosophy Scientific thinking Egyptian Technology Eastern Mysticism Mystic revelation Metallurgy r- ALCHEMY Exoteric Alchemy Esoteric Alchemy the worldly aspect the religious aspect
Influence of Greek Science on Alchemical Conceptions
The Greek thinkers of classical period had never attempted actual experiments to check their ideas. Owing to the Greek social class system, the philosophers were members of small, elite group, the free citizens who worked with mind. The practical experiments required manual work which was for the slaves.
In the early period of the Hellenistic science, Greek philosophers (e.g. Euclid, Ptolemy the astronomer, Archimedes) started to perform experiments an approach of modern science to support their ideas.
The doctrines of Aristotle were used to explain new observations or facts, wherever possible; and to strengthen the expression of variant ideas.
As time passed, numerous mystical cults from the East had gradually integrated into the Hellenistic culture. Under influences of those believes, the Hellenistic philosophers slowly drifted further and further away from the fundamental nature of the classical Greek philosophy, turning away from observation and relying upon mystic revelation for knowledge and understanding of nature.
Mysticism (n): the belief that the knowledge of God and of real truth can be found through prayer (mm) and meditation (ahwigaans) rather than through reason and the senses.