The alchemical origins of modern chemistry: an archaeological perspective

Abstract

: This paper presents a brief review of recent research on medieval and early modern alchemy, chemistry and metallurgy, pursuing two main aims. Firstly, it is argued that historians who consider Renaissance alchemy and chemistry as separate or contrasting fields are committing anachronism and reproducing an interpretive error that is deeply ingrained in traditional literature. Secondly, some examples are presented, mostly emerging from the study of archaeological remains of laboratories, in order to illustrate the sophisticated experiments and knowledge of the pioneer scientists that are often disdained as obscure alchemists.