1. A short rundown by Martin Kölpin
Alchemy
A short rundown by Martin Kölpin
Alchemical Laboratory (

2. Structure What is Alchemy? Classical elemental theories
The Magnus Opum
Turning a copper cent piece into gold?– a transmutation experiment

3. 1. What is alchemy? Common disbelief: Only about creating gold
Not only scientifical but also philosophical goals
Main Goals:
Transmutation of „base metals“ into „noble“ ones
Creation of an elixir of immortality
Creation of panaceas (remedy to cure all diseases)
Creation of an alkahest (universal solvent)
Perfection of human body and soul
modern chemistry originated from achievements in alchemy
The Alchemist in Search of the Philosopher‘s Stone by Joseph Wright (1771) (

4. 2. Classical element theories
Earliest theory: all things were formed of 4 elements with 2 primal states each
Expansion of the theory: 8 elements; aether and the 3 principles were added
for the creation of metal, materials have to go through the principles to gain different attributes
Water
Fire
Earth
Air
Mercury
Sulphur
Salt

5. 3. The Magnum Opus
often referred as „The Great Work“
term for the process of creating the philosopher‘s stone from prime materia
consists mainly of four phases
Nigredo (blackness)
Albedo (whiteness)
Citrinitas (yellowness)
Rubedo (redness)
sometimes the phases were expanded by chemical steps like Dissolution or Calcination

6. 4. Turning a copper cent piece into gold? – a transmutation experiment

7. That‘s all folks! Thank you for your attention and feel free to ask questions.