“Good morning, everyone. We’re going to be talking about a particular branch of magic that’ll be interesting to you potioneers and herbologists. Alchemy.” Trina gave the students a moment to make sure they were ready to take notes, before continuing on. She wasn't going to lecture too long today, which her voice was very thankful for.
“Alchemy is the theory of using the natural elements and chemical reactions to change the make-up of materials. Basically, it was believed that alchemy could turn an ordinary metal into gold, or could create a potion to give eternal life, or could cure any disease. Before you get too excited, you should know by now that there are limitations to what magic can and can’t do. Alchemy has helped with some of these things, but you know, morals and laws of physics and biology and all that.” She gave the students a look, eyebrow raised, before continuing. “Alchemy was practised in ancient China, India and Islamic countries before being brought to Europe. Interest surged in the 15th and 16th century, where Europe, especially Prague, became a hub for further study. This was a time of great advancement, which brings us to a couple of alchemists I want you to know about.”
Trina waved her wand at the board, making some notes appear.
“You will note the mention of the Philosopher’s Stone. Many alchemists tried to recreate it. Or to rob the Flamel's graves for it. After all, who wouldn’t want to live as long as they wanted, or to create as much wealth as they desired?” Trina shook her head, with an almost helpless shrug. “Of course, nobody managed to. As far as we know. Anyway, to summarize, Alchemy may not be the most popular branch of magic in this day and age, but it's an important study to be aware of. If you’ve copied down the notes, you may go. See you next lesson!”
Homework
RP the lesson.
“Alchemy is the theory of using the natural elements and chemical reactions to change the make-up of materials. Basically, it was believed that alchemy could turn an ordinary metal into gold, or could create a potion to give eternal life, or could cure any disease. Before you get too excited, you should know by now that there are limitations to what magic can and can’t do. Alchemy has helped with some of these things, but you know, morals and laws of physics and biology and all that.” She gave the students a look, eyebrow raised, before continuing. “Alchemy was practised in ancient China, India and Islamic countries before being brought to Europe. Interest surged in the 15th and 16th century, where Europe, especially Prague, became a hub for further study. This was a time of great advancement, which brings us to a couple of alchemists I want you to know about.”
Trina waved her wand at the board, making some notes appear.
Paracelsus
Nicolas Flamel
- Born Theophrastus von Hohenheim in 1493
- Known as the ‘Father of Toxicology’
- Used the elements as a base for curative medicine
- Argued the importance of relation to the natural world, leading to stronger ties between Herbology and Potions for healing
- Died in 1541
- Born in about 1330, believed to have attended Beauxbatons Academy
- He and his wife Perinelle were noted philanthropists
- Believed to have created or discovered the Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary alchemical item that gave eternal life
- Was believed to have been seen alive well after his reported passing in 1418
“You will note the mention of the Philosopher’s Stone. Many alchemists tried to recreate it. Or to rob the Flamel's graves for it. After all, who wouldn’t want to live as long as they wanted, or to create as much wealth as they desired?” Trina shook her head, with an almost helpless shrug. “Of course, nobody managed to. As far as we know. Anyway, to summarize, Alchemy may not be the most popular branch of magic in this day and age, but it's an important study to be aware of. If you’ve copied down the notes, you may go. See you next lesson!”
Homework
RP the lesson.
