Where The Spirits Come From…

Alchemists and the Transformation of Elements

The roots of “spirits” delve further into history, reaching back to the early alchemists who were essentially pioneers in the realms of science and chemistry. These alchemists were ardent believers in “transmutation,” the process of converting one element into another. Notably, their pursuits included the legendary quest for the “philosopher’s stone” (Arabic ḥajar al-falāsifa), a sought-after substance between the 1st and 3rd centuries. Alchemists aimed to transform base metals into precious ones, such as turning lead into gold and silver. The philosopher’s stone was believed to possess rejuvenating properties, considered a panacea—a remedy for all diseases.

Tabula Smaragdina: Ancient Alchemical Wisdom and the Enigmatic Formula

Ancient alchemical wisdom, purportedly transmitted through time, is encapsulated in the Tabula Smaragdina. According to legend, Hermes Trismegistus, often regarded as the “founder of alchemy,” engraved the manufacturing formula for the philosopher’s stone on an emerald tablet over 2500 years ago. This formula purportedly required the basic elements of fire, water, earth, and air, combined with mercury, sulfur, and added salt.

Salt in Distillation: Unraveling the Middle Ages Connection to the Philosopher’s Stone

The prevalence of the philosopher’s stone legend in the Middle Ages might explain why early distilling recipes included salt, although it is not essential for creating aqua vitae or aqua ardens.

In the world of alchemy, the objective for alchemists was to distill the “essence” and create an elixir, as espoused by Gabir (Geber). This elixir was envisioned as a panacea—a remedy promising rejuvenation and longevity. Alchemists crafted “essences” and distilled the “spirit” with the metaphorical “breath of life,” intertwining the pursuit of the philosopher’s stone with the art of distillation.