Astrological Influence on Alchemy, 1512
Astrological (zodiac) beliefs influenced alchemy. Adjustments to distillation processes and the use of plants and vegetables corresponded to the heat of the sun and to the seasons. In other words, the alchemists employed the warmer, seasonal conditions to maximize the heating processes of the distillate. Thus under Aries (pictured on the right), early spring months, alchemists used very mild heat to distill. Under Gemini, early summer months, alchemists used moderate heat to distill. Under Cancer, the summer months, alchemists used relatively strong heat. Under Leo, the end of summer and early fall months, the strongest heat was used by the alchemists. Brunschwig's Liber de arte distillandi simplicia et composita (Little Book of Distillation) was one of the earliest books ever written concerning the subjects of chemistry and pharmacology. Printed in Strasbourg in 1512, it is a practical manual on chemical, alchemical, and distillation devices and techniques used to manufacture drug therapies. It includes instructions on how to distill aqua vitae, potable gold, artificial and natural balsams and how to use distillates to treat illnesses in surgical cases. The last of the 16th century herbals, this book is widely regarded to be an important link between the Middle Ages and modern times. Hieronymus Brunschwig (1450 - 1512), was a German physician, surgeon, chemist, and pharmacologist. He was notable for his early work on chemical techniques, as well as his methods of treatment of gunshot wounds. He died in 1512 at the age of 61 or 62.
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