Alchemy can be viewed as a protoscience, a precursor to modern
chemistry, having provided procedures, equipment, and terminology
that are still in use. However, alchemy also included various
non-scientific mythological, religious, and spiritual concepts,
theories and practices.
The best-known goals of the alchemists were the transmutation of
common metals into gold (called chrysopoeia) or silver; the
creation of a "panacea", or the elixir of life, a remedy that, it
was supposed, would cure all diseases and prolong life
indefinitely; and the discovery of a universal solvent. Although
these were not the only uses for the discipline, they were the ones
most documented and well-known. Starting with the Middle Ages,
Persian and European alchemists invested much effort in the search
for the philosopher's stone, a legendary substance that was
believed to be an essential ingredient for either or both of those
goals.
In the eyes of a variety of esoteric and Hermetic practitioners,
the heart of alchemy is spiritual. Transmutation of lead into gold
is presented as an analogy for personal transmutation,
purification, and perfection. This approach is often termed
'spiritual', 'esoteric', or 'internal' alchemy. Early alchemists,
such as Zosimos of Panopolis (c. 300 A.D.), highlight the spiritual
nature of the alchemical quest, symbolic of a religious
regeneration of the human soul. This approach continued in the
Middle Ages, as metaphysical aspects, substances, physical states,
and material processes were used as metaphors for spiritual
entities, spiritual states, and, ultimately, transformation.
Disclaimer:
Do not approach this series lightly. If this were only a 500'
bushwhack, I would call it hellish. The roots will trip you, the
branches will shred you and poke your eyes, and the insects will
consume you. But it's not 500'. It's over 12 bloody miles! I highly
recommend you bring snake boots, lots of water, long pants, long
sleeve shirt, lots of water, good hat, pokey stick, lots of water,
spare everything, bug spray, lots of water, writing utensils, cell
phone, lots of water.
Did I mention bring lots of water?
You may find a laminated clue slip in this cache. If you do, you
might want to solve the riddle. This will help you locate the Gaia
puzzle cache nearby. Please leave clue slips in the caches you find
them in.
