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Second Years: Lesson 4; *Archived* Slytherin & Hufflepuff
Topic Started: Jan 7 2014, 05:21 PM (131 Views)
Jonathan Spenser
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HoM Professor | Ravenclaw HoH
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Professor Spenser paced before his door as he waited for the students to arrive. He had a lot planned for the day, and he wanted to begin as soon as possible. He glanced at the clock a couple more times, and then took a seat behind his desk. He flipped through a few random books, and then finally the class arrived.

"Hello, please take your seats as quickly as possible! Take out your quills and parchment." Jonathan waited a moment then continued, "Today I am going to lecture about the historical study of Alchemy. Is everyone ready?" He looked around and saw that they were.

"Historically, Alchemy is the ancient study of a mix between chemicals and magic. Many Alchemists tried to create gold from less valuable metals, and to concoct a potion that could cure all ills and make the drinker immortal. Some say Alchemy was founded and studied first by the Arabs, but history has proven that Alchemy started everywhere; on all continents.

"During the late 1500's two emperors hired the world's leading alchemists to work in the city of Prague in what is now the Czech Republic. This led to a nickname for the city: 'The Metropolis of Alchemy.' Emperors, however, can be fickle. When a British alchemist, Edward Kelley, failed to create gold, he was thrown in a dungeon. Even the efforts of Britain's Queen Elizabeth I failed to win his release. He died trying to escape.

"Of course, there were many frauds. A story told of an Arabian man who arrived in Prague in that era, and invited all the wealthiest men in the area to meet with him in a banquet hall. He promised them to multiply all of their gold, creating them from other forms of metal. He took in the gatherings of gold, then, once that was completed, he began to create a mixture of eggshells and horse manure, among other things. All this did was create a stink bomb. While the wealthy men were suffering from the smell, the Arabian man quickly took all the gold and escaped.

"Okay, how many of you have heard of the Philosophers Stone?"
Jonathan waited for the students to raise their hands. Most of them did. "Right, well, for those of you who do not know, the Philosophers Stone is a stone which most alchemists dedicated their entire lives searching for. By their theories of alchemy, all metals were a combination of mercury and sulfur. The more yellow the metal, the more sulfur in the mixture. So combining sulfur with mercury, in the right proportion and with the proper sequence of steps, would create gold. Many great minds of that time lost their lives in search of the ever elusive Philosophers Stone."

Jonathan looked at the clock. "Oh! The time! Right, I'll give you your homework assignment for tonight and I would like you to write an essay on Nicolas Flamel; one of the most famous alchemists ever. "A History of Magic" is an excellent source. You can find this book in the Library. Thank you for your cooperation, have a wonderful week! Class dismissed!"
Homework Assignment:


RP: 10
Essay: EC

Okay, here's a little historical tidbit for you; Nicolas Flamel really existed! I'd like your essay to be on him, not the man you read about in the Harry Potter books. I'd like this essay to be at least 100-150 words. Have fun with this one! This is due by next week!
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