Alchemy and the Development of Chemistry
Topic 2: Alchemy and the Development of Chemistry
15th-century illustration of chemists
"Alchemist's Workshop"
[Public Domain via Chemical Heritage Foundation]
Chemistry developed from many areas of study. Chemistry is named after alchemy. Currently, chemistry is defined as the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. Can we put the study of something in a box, or do we run the risk of not seeing the connections between the scientific disciplines because of this separation? Historically, many “chemists” have been physicists and vice versa. This discussion is somewhat of a historical journey. Your task is to:
Research the origins of alchemy, and how it has morphed into the chemistry we know today by choosing an element, compound, or mixture of substances that was important to this early study of chemistry. Answer the following questions:
State your element, compound, or a mixture of substance.
Summarize how and why were these substances being studied and how they were being changed.
Research early apparatus that may have been used in the study of alchemy. Keep your eyes open for the measuring devices that were used.
How accurate do you think these devices were?
It was common for painters to use alchemy as the subject matter of their paintings. Find a painting that illustrates alchemy or chemistry, describe what it is showing, who the artist was and their motivation for the painting.
In your Subject Heading state your element, compound, or a mixture of substance, along with your artist's name. Remember, cite all references in your post.
15th-century illustration of chemists
"Alchemist's Workshop"
[Public Domain via Chemical Heritage Foundation]
Chemistry developed from many areas of study. Chemistry is named after alchemy. Currently, chemistry is defined as the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. Can we put the study of something in a box, or do we run the risk of not seeing the connections between the scientific disciplines because of this separation? Historically, many “chemists” have been physicists and vice versa. This discussion is somewhat of a historical journey. Your task is to:
Research the origins of alchemy, and how it has morphed into the chemistry we know today by choosing an element, compound, or mixture of substances that was important to this early study of chemistry. Answer the following questions:
State your element, compound, or a mixture of substance.
Summarize how and why were these substances being studied and how they were being changed.
Research early apparatus that may have been used in the study of alchemy. Keep your eyes open for the measuring devices that were used.
How accurate do you think these devices were?
It was common for painters to use alchemy as the subject matter of their paintings. Find a painting that illustrates alchemy or chemistry, describe what it is showing, who the artist was and their motivation for the painting.
In your Subject Heading state your element, compound, or a mixture of substance, along with your artist's name. Remember, cite all references in your post.
- Assignment status: Solved by our Writing Team
- Source@PrimeWritersBay.com
Comments
Post a Comment