Alchemy: History of Science

The video explores the history and evolution of alchemy, highlighting its philosophical and experimental aspects. It discusses the quest for the Philosopher's Stone, the classification of metals, and the global practices of alchemy. The video also covers the contributions of notable alchemists and the eventual decline of alchemy as it transitioned into modern chemistry.

What was the primary goal of alchemists in their experiments?

• To create new elements

• To invent new languages

• To turn lead into gold

• To discover new planets

What was a common method used by alchemists to encode their knowledge?

• Musical notes

• Colorful paintings

• Secret codes and allegories

• Mathematical equations

Which of the following metals was considered a noble metal by alchemists?

• Copper

• Lead

• Gold

• Iron

What was the Philosopher's Stone believed to do?

• Cure all diseases

• Grant eternal life

• Turn any metal into gold

• Predict the future

In alchemical practices, what was palingenesis?

• The creation of new metals

• The process of turning lead into gold

• The idea of bringing things back to life

• The study of celestial bodies

Which civilization's alchemy was associated with the invention of gunpowder?

• Indian

• Chinese

• Islamic

• Greek

Who was known for the phrase 'the dose makes the poison'?

• Johannes Gutenberg

• Jabir ibn Hayyan

• Paracelsus

• Isaac Newton

What was a significant contribution of Johannes Gutenberg to the spread of alchemical knowledge?

• Inventing the telescope

• Developing the printing press

• Creating the first alchemical society

• Writing the first alchemical textbook

Why did alchemy begin to decline in popularity?

• It was seen as lacking scientific rigor

• It was banned by the church

• It was proven to be entirely false

• It was too expensive to practice

Which notable scientist was known to have practiced alchemy in the 17th century?

• Albert Einstein

• Galileo Galilei

• Isaac Newton

• Marie Curie