Abstract This paper discusses how Carl Jung's theory of individuation relies on alchemical symbolism to describe the psychological process of growth involving collective unconscious experience and personal unconscious experience. The paper provides a review of the peer-reviewed and scholarly literature to determine what alchemy was, how it was supposed to work, whether it did in fact work, and an analysis of how Jung's theory of individuation was formulated based on these arcane alchemist concepts. A summary of the research and important findings are reported in the conclusion. A photograph of 'The Splendor Solis - Plate 8: Colors of Rebirth' is included with the paper.
From the Paper "The existing body of knowledge concerning alchemy during this period in history was largely based on manuscripts written in an esoteric and arcane, symbolic language that made them almost impossible to understand from a modern perspective; however, also during the early 20th century the emerging field of depth psychology (called 'analytical psychology' by C.G. Jung) introduced an entirely new approach to understanding the nature of alchemical pursuits and its application to human psychological development. According to Biedermann (1970), "Psychologists, notably C. G. Jung, have begun to pay serious attention to the symbolism of alchemy. Jung's interpretations are often not much easier to understand than the obscure texts of the old alchemists themselves but his investigations focused attention on the 'esoteric alchemy,' on the symbolism as opposed to the chemistry" (p. 57). "
Abstract This paper considers how the metaphor of alchemy is a metaphor of becoming, suggesting in terms of psychology that the old dream of turning base metals into gold can serve as a metaphor for changing the personality and for observing the process as it takes place. The nature of this metaphor is stated clearly by Schwartz-Salant (1998) when he writes 'Because alchemy is characterized by a peculiar identification between the alchemist and the material with which he or she works, personal and material transformation are intertwined so closely as to defy their separation'. The paper further discusses how this linkage is part of the complex metaphor of alchemy which accepts the possibility that changes in the personality of the artisan somehow effect changes in the matter with which he or she is working.
This paper discusses the life and works of one of the most instrumental contributors to mathematical and scientific theory in the last few centuries, Sir Isaac Newton.
Abstract This paper explains that Sir Isaac Newton advanced a whole new system of mathematics, including systems of physics and calculus, which were revolutionary during his time and continued to be
observed long after his death. The author points out that one of Newton's most significant contributions is his basic laws of motion often call Newton's Laws. The paper relates Isaac Newton would never have described himself as a 'scientist' because the word was not coined until more than a century after his death; he was a reclusive Hebrew scholar and Classicist who wrote more about alchemy and theology than the natural world, and his posthumous reputation is riddled with contradictions.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Life of Mathematician
Significant Contributions
Comparison to Present System
Conclusion
From the Paper "Newton's laws of motion can generally be described through example and demonstration and represent a continuation of thought and inquiry into questions of physics. For example, many scientists before Newton could think of explanations for the continuation of movement of a given object due to force and velocity, but could not demonstrate it in a scientific way in the same way that Newton could with his laws of
motion. Using force and velocity, Newton made important mathematical relations that showed up in real world examples. For example, if someone was riding on a horse, they were going the same speed as the horse, then their velocity remained constant, but if something changed their velocity, it would differ from the velocity of the horse, and they
may change velocity in direction of proportionate force. Newton also contributed the commonly repeated maxim that each and every force (action) has an equal and opposite force (reaction). This is a very significant contribution because it represents a basic precept of modern physics."
Abstract This paper reviews the poem "The Elixir" by George Herbert. The paper demonstrates how the poem's title is deceptive, since it suggests that the poem will have an intoxicating subject. However, the poem's topic is theological. The paper explains that the title is actually derived from the name for the medieval science of alchemy. It further shows that science serves as a metaphor for finding the right way of belief and mental readiness to approach one's daily tasks. The paper cites versus from the poem to support its thesis that with this 'right' mode of belief, even the most common servant can elevate all of his experiences and duties to the realm holy.
From the Paper "The poet thus wishes to proceed through life so that simply seeing a neighbor on the street and smiling to that neighbor becomes a divine act, because the poet sees the divine presence in his neighbor's face. Herbert makes a distinction between human and animal life and consciousness, setting humanity above mere and base nature as he begs to act, "Not rudely, as a beast, /To run into an action;" in other words, to go about action with base thoughts and feelings. Rather, "But still to make Thee prepossest, /And give it his perfection," in other words, to make perfect all Herbert does on a daily basis. Unlike beasts, humans have rational thought and God-crafted souls. Thus, Herbert wishes to use this ability to think rationally about God when in motion, so his daily motions are not the motions of a beast."
An application of Clement Greenberg's definition of modernism to one modernist, Jackson Pollock's "Alchemy" and one post-modernist work, Arnulf Rainer's "Face Farces".
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, 2000, $ 47.95
From the Paper "This study will examine Clement Greenberg's definition of modernism (as expressed in Theories and Documents of Contemporary Art, edited by Kristine Stiles and Peter Selz) and will then apply those statements to an analysis of one modernist and one non/anti- or post-modernist work of art, including statements by the artists themselves which will shed light on the nature of modernism, particularly as a theory of the teleology of art. The modernist work selected is Jackson Pollock's "Alchemy" (1947) and the anti-or post-modernist work is Arnulf Rainer's "Face Farces" (1969). Despite the fact that only twenty-two years separate the two works of art, a great chasm of intention and perception on the part of the artists separates the essence of the works."
Greenberg writes that
The essence of modernism lies . . . in the use of the
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to examine the origins and development of alchemy, from the earliest stages of its practice and through the transitions it made from being a pseudo-science toward becoming a major foundation of the harder science of chemistry. As appropriate, reference will be made to those features of alchemy that appear to have survived the transition and continued to exercise an influence on the environment of scientific research.
The origins of alchemy can be traced as far back as the Greeks and the Hellenistic period, if the historiography of the scientific community is to be taken as a guide. It seems important to include Aristotle in any understanding of the reach of alchemy for the reason that the residue of philosophical and scientific environment of intellectual discipline attributed to..."
This paper is a review of "The Life of Isaac Newton" by Richard Westfall, a detailed portrait of the English mathematician, physical scientist, and theologian.
1,565 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 2 sources, 2002, $ 51.95
Abstract This paper describes the book, "Life of Isaac Newton" by Richard Westfall, which tells chronologically the life of a solitary scholar, Trinity College professor, government administrator and elder statesman of the English scientific community by showing his accomplishments and human weakness. This paper tells the story of the "apple" and points out that Newton may have gotten the idea when he was young but it took many years for him to develop his theories.
From the Paper "For a number of years, Newton did not publish anything and seemed to immerse himself in the study of chemistry and its "occultist" neighbor, alchemy. Avoiding the more mystical areas of the science, there is no doubt he was searching for both knowledge as well as gold . Newton also was delving into some dangerous theological areas, doubting the existence of the Trinity and attributing it to a corruption of the true earlier Christian religion. Despite holding these beliefs until his death, he successfully kept them a secret, and even managed to be appointed to the Lucasian chair of Trinity College without having to take the usual step of taking on the holy orders. He kept his then-heretical religious beliefs a secret until his deathbed, when he refused to take his final communion "
Abstract This essay deals with an indepth look at the psychological theory of Carl Jung and how it came to be. It speaks of the influences from his personal life as well as those from other psychologists of the time. The essay looks at the idea of archetypes and how dreams manifest what is really in our unconscious mind and that to be a "whole" person one has to face the unconscious.
From the Paper "Man is not an isolated figure, but lives in a world that has many facets. Being constantly immersed in a specific culture and environment is bound to affect any field of study in which one is engaged. This is true for Carl Jung and his analytic personality psychology. Throughout his life, Jung was greatly affected by many events and incidents. He strived to make sense of them in an organized manner, but it was not until later in life that he was able to fully understand the true meaning of these events. Jung brought to his work and theories personal experiences, familial relations experiences, as well as the cultural-historical ideas of his time that, combined would give Jung the foundation he needed to create his great psychological theory."
Abstract This paper examines how magic and religion have always seemed to be at odds with the scientific community and how ironically enough they were major contributors to the motivation and means behind the Scientific Revolution. It looks at how many of the leaders of discovery in that time were heavily influenced by religious matters and how men like Descartes, Newton and Galileo saw their work as evidence of God's infinite wisdom. It examines the specific circumstances surrounding scientific discovery in the 1600s and the natural philosophers themselves and evaluates the influence of these factors on methodology and motivation.
From the Paper "Magic was redefined as well. The new interest that began the Scientific Revolution was due in part to a desire for more practical convenience. Mechanism and alchemy came directly from magic and the occult, but according to our present definition of magic, this fact is blurred. We tend to view the mystical, demonic, or spiritual side of magic as the whole, but in truth, scientists took the physical, known use of magic and renamed it SCIENCE. At one time, using an herb or a mineral solution to cure a physical ailment was considered natural magic. To use one thing in nature to affect another, to study their interaction closely, and to derive conclusions from this intimate knowledge of the natural power of things, was an early form of the Scientific Method. This method was taken directly from natural magicians."
Abstract This paper examines how Chinese thought derives its basis from an indigenous religion preexisting Confucianism and Buddhism and how its development throughout history shows influence of the Indian-derived Buddhism and the definitively Chinese Confucianism. It explores how Taoism imitated the Confucian division of scripture into four books and five classics and emphasized the patriarchs along with filial piety and also incorporated some Buddhist elements, especially in the areas of meditation and monasticism, although it maintained a separation from those other belief systems in the use of herbal lore and pairing of divine energies.
From the Paper "The second essay in the Pao-sung-p"ao-ho-chi contradicts the traditional Chinese view of a cyclical universe where even the gods undergo transformation. Here, rather than incorporating Buddhist thought, Taoism contributed to Buddhist thought and this contribution explains somewhat the development of doctrines in Buddhism relating to layers of heavens and eventual return of even the highest of beings to the lower states. But Taoism relies on the concept of the Three Purities, Five Elders and Golden Immortals and holds that immortals are not bound by the laws of yin-yang and the five agents. It also emphasizes the creation role of T"ai-shang (Lao-Tzu) in stating that he can re-create the world. And in this latter statement we see something of Shiva, and the Indian doctrines that preceded Buddhist thought."
Abstract Through setting, mood, plot, and character development, Hawthorne explores the dark world of alchemy in Aylmer's laboratory. This paper discusses how Aylmer's attempt at perfecting a beautiful creature of the earth teaches us that boundaries not only exist between man and nature, but that they should also be respected.
From the Paper "This setting of "The Birthmark" serves as the perfect backdrop for the tale, taking place in the "latter part of the last century" (Hawthorne 600). Aylmer is a "man of science, an eminent proficient in every branch of natural philosophy" (600). While Aylmer was married man, it is difficult to assume that he was completely normal. In a time when the "mysteries of Nature seemed to open paths into the region of miracle, it was not unusual for the love of science to rival the love of woman in its depth and absorbing energy" (600). This key passage gives us insight into Aylmer's character. We know that while Aylmer is married, he is also very passionate about science. Nature, the narrator tells us, is on the brink of miracles, and this mentality is one that captures Aylmer and holds him like a prisoner."
Abstract The objective of this paper is to research the topic of sublimation of the body as discussed by Aristotle. The paper also reviews the topic from the perspective of Plato, and compares Plato's view with that of Aristotle. The paper also reviews and researches the related area of mind and body dualism.
Outline:
Objective
Sublimation Defined
Introduction
Aristotle and Alchemy: Sublimation of the Body
Literature That Discusses Aristotle's View
Plato's View
Mind/Body Dualism
The Jewish View of Dualism
The Spiritual View of Dualism
John Beloff on Dualism
Summary
From the Paper "Aligned with the mind, 'human sense' is radiant. As organs of the flesh, on the other hand, the senses collapse into an obscuring, destructive sensuality. Sight--the sense closest to the 'mind's eye'--is both a tool for the acquisition of knowledge, and a locus of carnal desire." Stated further in this work is that in the treatise on 'Moral Philosophy' of Roger Bacon written in the mid-thirteenth century, Bacon reasoned that 'In his treatise on 'Moral Philosophy' written in the mid-thirteenth century, Roger Bacon reasoned that 'evil men lose their identity, because the identity of a thing consists in retaining its order and preserving its nature'. Sin, however, 'is contrary to the order of nature . . .' He concludes: 'you cannot regard as a human being the man whom you see transformed by vices'. (Sight and Embodiment in the Middle Ages, nd) Additionally stated is: "Because of the polluting influence of the emotions and appetites, the gods of Plato's Timaeus had 'located the mortal element of man in a separate part of the body, and constructed the neck as a kind of isthmus and boundary between head and breast to keep them apart'.12 The 'mortal element', Plato wrote, is divided in turn by the midriff (or diaphragm), according to its 'better and worse' properties; the emotions being superior to the appetite. To illustrate this idea of the properly ordered and contained body, he used the telling analogy of a house 'divided into men and women's quarters'."
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses the origins of metallurgy. According to the paper, metallurgy has been around for centuries on many different continents, in many different cultures and used in a vast array of various methods. According to the paper, one of the first 'modern' metallurgists was a German called Georgius Agricola.
From the Paper "One of the first 'modern' metallurgists was a man by the name of Georgius Agricola, who actually began his career as a small-town teacher of Latin and Greek. This quickly became to boring for him causing him to travel to Italy were he would spend three enlightening years of study, particularly in the field of medicine. "
"It was probably while studying there that he became familiar with the works of the Roman physician, Galen "who in the course of his descriptions of his visits to Cyprus to collect materials for his medicines incidentally mentions some metallurgical processes for the sublimation of zinc ores to produce zinc oxide to act as a salve" (Craddock 1994 pg 67)."
Abstract The paper discusses how the discovery of gold in 1848 and the subsequent influx of thousands of people into the region created the foundations and the special character of California today. The paper relates that many historians see the Californian gold rush as having an extensive national as well as regional influence.
Outline:
Introduction
A Brief Overview
The Effect on the Development Growth of California
Conclusion
From the Paper "The discovery of gold in Caliornia was an event that changed the region and which had a profound impact on the country as a whole. This historical event is even described as "epoch-making. ( Color in the River) The effects of this event had a far-reaching impact on the social structure of the region and also on economic, political, judicial aspects, as well as the cultural development of California. The influx of thousands of people into California in search of gold "...transformed not only the economic history of California, but much of its social, cultural, and political history as well." ( Color in the River)"
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that duality in literature and drama is a common theme suggesting various relationships between people, attributes, character traits, and also suggesting the larger dictum that things are not always what they seem. The writer discusses that the 'Alchemist' is a comedy written in verse and that two of the central themes in this play are inherently shaped around ideas of duality. The first of these themes is that of illusion versus reality, again a common theme in drama and one that includes duality as how things appear is not how they truly are. This theme also shows the tendency people have to see what they want to see and to fail to perceive the true nature of people and things in this world. A second theme in this play is transformation, clearly a term related to the idea of an alchemist, who had as his primary goal changing base metals into gold, an idea that was an illusion in itself. The writer notes that in the 'Alchemist' this idea involved a deliberate duality as even the concept of alchemy itself becomes the subject of and means to a swindle, a deliberate illusion to mask the true intent of the perpetrator.
From the Paper "The names of the characters have a duality all their own as they tend to be fitting to the real character while the character him or herself seeks to hide that fact. The three conspirators are Subtle, Face, and Dol Common, and the use of the word "subtle" in particular suggests deception. Their primary target is Sir Epicure Mammon, a man whose name represents two of the seven deadly sins, gluttony and greed. The house where the conspirators create their illusion is owned by a man named Lovewit, also suggestive of one who knows a deception is taking place and who enjoys the game of it, though in fact he has left London to escape the plague. The conspirators want to be all things to all people, so long as this will give them an advantage and enable them to fleece those who visit them. Mammon is attracted by their promise of the Philosopher's stone, a legendary artifact that can turn base metals into gold and that is the object of all alchemical inquiry. Kastril is attracted by the promise of a charm so he can win at cards. Drugger the tobacconist wants his shop cleansed of impurities and supernatural threats. The duality of the three conspirators is matched by that of Pertinax Surly, the man who sees through their deceptions and who uses a disguise of his own to investigate."
