Alchemy versus Chemistry

By: Pauline Law

Between the 5^th and 18^th centuries, many scientists studied a particular branch of science called alchemy. These scientists, called alchemists, were interested in discovering a method to produce gold or silver from other more readily available metals. An interesting story about alchemy and chemistry developed in the late 18^th century between an alchemist and a chemist.

James Price obtained his medical degree at Oxford University in England. He was an alchemist and claimed to have made gold and silver from more common metals. He wrote a book about his findings and it was published in 1782. He called his book, " An account of some experiments on mercury, silver and gold made at Guilford in May 1782". When asked to perform his experiments to members of the scientific community, Price claimed that it took too much energy to produce gold and that he could no longer continue his experiments.

Joseph Black obtained his education at the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Black was a chemist and also a professor of chemistry, medicine and anatomy at these two schools. Black had always thought that alchemy was impossible and when Price’s booked was published he attempted to visit Price in his laboratory. When Price declined to perform his experiments, Black slanders Price by telling the scientific community that Price was a fraud.

Black’s accusations prompted the Royal Society* to begin an investigation on Price and his experiments. Upon hearing of these developments, Price commits suicide in 1783. Because of this incident, alchemy was no longer seen as a science and James Price is now considered to be the last important alchemist.

Questions

1. Based on your previous knowledge of chemistry and the periodic table of elements, can lead or any other type of metal be turned into gold or silver? Why?

2. What could have motivated Price to claim that he could make gold from common metals?

3. What reasons could you give that caused scientist to study alchemy for such a long period of time? (5^th to 18^th century)

4. Why do you think Black was so determined to find out if Price could really make gold?

Resources

Microsoft Encarta 98 Encyclopedia, 1998 Edition

Dr. Andrew Ede, History 397: History of Science, Lecture Notes May 19, 1998.

www.levity.com/alchemy/home.html

www.levity.com/alchemy/timelin2.html