84. Alchemy (Part 2)
In this episode we discuss the return of alchemy to Europe through the translation of Arabic texts, the revelation of the 15th century rediscovery of the original Greek texts, and the demise of alchemy as a discipline at the hands of the scientific revolution. Kevin Miller returns as guest.
Thanks to Mike and Donna Bleskie, Ian Davis, Perry, Kimberlyn Crowe, Levent Kemal Sadikoglu, Russ Mangum, and more for supporting the show! If you’d like to do the same, please visit http://www.patreon.com/hi101.
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From David Hume, A Treatise of Human Nature:
“The intense view of these manifold contradictions and imperfections in human reason has so wrought upon me, and heated my brain, that I am ready to reject all belief and reasoning, and can look upon no opinion even as more probable or likely than another. Where am I, or what? From what causes do I derive my existence, and to what condition shall I return?
[…]
Most fortunately it happens, that since reason is incapable of dispelling these clouds, nature herself suffices to that purpose, and cures me of this philosophical melancholy and delirium, either by relaxing this bent of mind, or by some avocation, and lively impression of my senses, which obliterate all these chimeras. I dine, I play a game of backgammon, I converse, and am merry with my friends; and when after three or four hours’ amusement, I would return to these speculations, they appear so cold, and strained, and ridiculous, that I cannot find in my heart to enter into them any farther.”