Something I came across that I need to be able to find later but have no way to send to myself from where I am so I'm posting it here:

[DrLeftover]

Technology and the spirit of alchemy​

Giuseppe Del Re
​

• Abstract: A historical perspective can throw light on problematic aspects of technology, regarded as part of the scientific approach to Nature. The master reference in this respect is chemistry, a science which still gives priority, as its mother alchemy, to the practical imitation and emulation of Nature's most secret operations. Now, the transition from the fogs of alchemy to the rigor of chemistry is often attributed to the abandonment of the religious foundations of the alchemical 'philosophy'. In this paper, we argue that, on the contrary, the complete elimination of the 'spirit of alchemy' was an unjustified loss and a premise for the misuses of technology now seriously dreaded.

more:

HYLE 3 (1997): Technology and the spirit of alchemy

 

[DrLeftover]

and this too:

ROGER BACON'S PLACE IN THE HISTORY OF ALCHEMY​

ROGER BACON'S PLACE IN THE HISTORY OF ALCHEMY

 

[DrLeftover]

And now that I have time, and a stiff drink, I'll explain that bit of forum abuse.

On Thursday I am the cook and sound man for a community music program and meal.

We've been running between fifty to sixty people, mostly senior citizens, a good number of disabled, a couple that were homeless, and so on. The youngest regular attender is a lady's great grandson, called "Tater" who is 4, the oldest is Miss Myra who is 103 (yes, One Hundred and THREE!), which gives us an age range of 99 years. Not Bad.

As this week's program is just days before that winter holiday that everybody else goes to Walmart to prepare for, we were competing with several school's programs, a good deal of random illness, and some crappy weather, so the attendance was down. In both the band and the audience.

And they were singing Christmas Carols (curse - spit). And I couldn't have a bottle of high test bourbon in the sound booth. ......

So I spent the time doing a bit of research.

And now, you can do a bit of research as well.

The Alchemy Website contains some absolutely fascinating material, including artwork that is 500 years old:

I highly recommend it.