| Papers [1-8] of 8 | Search results on "ALCHEMY": |
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Alchemy, 1993.
A look at the origins and development, the impact on the science of chemistry, theories, leaders, techniques, goals and the role of Sir Isaac Newton.
3,375 words (approx. 13.5 pages), 30 sources, $ 119.95
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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..."
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The Self and Psychology, 2006.
A discussion regarding the metaphor of alchemy.
2,250 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 4 sources, $ 89.95
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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.
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Modernism in Theory and Practice, 2000.
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, $ 47.95
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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
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The 'Alchemist' and Duality, 2008.
This paper discusses the theme of duality in the play the 'Alchemist' by Ben Jonson.
2,883 words (approx. 11.5 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 85.95
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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."
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Sublimation of the Body, 2006.
An in-depth review of sublimation of the body as discussed by Aristotle.
7,545 words (approx. 30.2 pages), 21 sources, APA, $ 165.95
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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'."
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"The Birthmark", 2005.
An analysis of Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story, "The Birthmark," focusing on the character, Aylmer.
1,987 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
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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."
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Sir Isaac Newton, 2005.
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.
2,535 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 76.95
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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."
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"The Elixir", 2006.
A review of George Herbert's poem "The Elixir".
970 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 34.95
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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."
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