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Some Alchemy Views of Croatian Natural Scientistis

Snježana Paušek-Baždar ; Zavod za povijest i filozofiju znanosti, HAZU, Zagreb

Sažetak

After a survey of the basic characteristics of Renaissance alchemy, the paper expounds the most important alchemy views of Petrus Bonus presented in his treatise Pretiosa margarita novella, written in Pula in 1330. It is shown that the work is a true philosophical treatise presenting arguments in defense of alchemy, intended to provide it with scientific dignity. However, it is also shown that Bonus was the first author to introduce a religious approach and link Jesus Christ with alchemical issues. Alchemy is defined as a human endeavour imitating and surpassing nature through faith in Jesus Christ. It was this approach thet led to the dominance of the spiritual component in the further, post-Renaissance development of alchemy.
The paper also expounds the alchemy views held by Daniel Istranin, presented in his poem Sulla pietra filosofale, also written in Pula in either late 13th or early 14th century, and points at both the differences and similarities between Daniel's and Bonus texts. The difference is most evident in Daniel's practical approach to the making of the stone and the elixir on the basis of Hermetic tenets, while Bonus' treatise is purely teoretical. However, just like Bonus, Daniel asks for Christ's help. He believes that God helps to any humble alchemist with a pure soul. It is only possible to perform the great transformation, the Great Deed (Ars Magna) if one has a pure soul.

Ključne riječi

Hrčak ID:

68109

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/68109

Datum izdavanja:

5.12.2005.

Podaci na drugim jezicima: hrvatski

Posjeta: 1.534 *