Famous lyrics by »
![Alkahest](https://static.stands4.com/app_common/img/avatar_male.jpg)
In Renaissance alchemy, alkahest was the theorized "universal solvent". It was supposed to be capable of dissolving any other substance, including gold, without altering or destroying its fundamental components.Among its philosophical and spiritual preoccupations, Hermeticism was more anciently concerned with the panacea, but (in the context of reformed understandings of human physiology) the emergent Latin alchemy associated with European humanism was itself transmuted into a new medical and pharmaceutical philosophy. The Swiss physician and alchemist Philippus Paracelsus (1493-1541), who gave his name to the early modern school of medical theory known as Paracelcism, first made mention of the alkahest as a chemical which could fortify the liver, and (in instances where the liver failed) could act as a substitute for its functions (see De Viribus Membrorum Spiritualium, Cap. VI, "De Cura Epatis", at p. 10). By reducing or dissolving substances into their fundamental virtues and properties, it was hoped to gain control of those invaluable medical healing properties (see also azoth), and for this reason the alkahest (also known as the ignis gehennae) was earnestly sought, and the reality (or otherwise) of its existence was debated among the alchemists and philosophers.
0 fans
Share your thoughts on Alkahest with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In