Chapter 1: Introduction
The Understanding of alchemy has been a long-running pursuit of alchemists, apothecaries, medics and the like. It has been documented for many years, with the source of this book estimated to date back to somewhere between -2500 and -2000 PS during the expansion era.
The goal of alchemy is different for all that wield it, some wish to master the transmutation of metals, others seek fortune and some air to unlock the elixir of life.
However these matters have yet to be understood fully, yet much information has been gained and can be applied to alter the world around us.
And unlike the harmful use of occult practises the use of alchemy is grounded in science and a deep understanding of the world leaving one's own consciousness free from sin or corruption.
Chapter 2: Tools
There are many alchemical tools to be used, but the most prominent ones are the Alembic, Retort, Mortar & Pestle, Sieve, and Athanor.
Alembic
An alembic is a distillation apparatus consisting of two vessels connected by a tube. Its purpose is to separate and purify substances through the process of distillation. It works by heating a mixture, allowing the volatile components to vaporize and then condensing those vapours back into liquid form. Alchemists use alembics to extract essential oils, separate liquids with different boiling points, and isolate pure substances from complex mixtures.
Retort
A retort is a closed container with a long, curved neck. It is used primarily for distillation or chemical reactions that require a closed environment. The curved neck allows vapour to condense and flow back into the main body of the retort. Alchemists often use retorts when they need to capture and collect the condensed product of a reaction or when they want to perform reactions under controlled conditions.
Mortar & Pestle
Mortar and pestle are essential tools for grinding, pulverizing, and blending substances into fine powders or pastes. They provide a way to break down solid materials into smaller particles, making them more suitable for various alchemical processes, such as mixing ingredients, creating homogenous mixtures, or preparing ingredients for dissolution or extraction.
Sieve
A sieve is a meshed utensil designed for straining and separating particles from liquids or for grading solids by size. In alchemy, sieves are used to separate fine particles or impurities from liquids, ensuring that only the desired components pass through the mesh. This helps in achieving greater purity and consistency in alchemical solutions.
Athanor
An athanor is a specialized furnace, or in some cases a vessel placed atop a controlled fire. It is used in precise alchemical reactions that require consistent and controlled heating. Unlike an open flame, the athanor allows alchemists to maintain a stable temperature over an extended period, making it suitable for slow and deliberate chemical transformations. The athanor is essential for processes like calcination and sublimation, where temperature control is crucial.
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