Views on history in medieval alchemical writings.
During the Middle Ages, the prevailing conception of the history of alchemy was that of a genealogical line of descent--both carnal and spiritual--where the original paternal figure was invested with the role of ensuring unity of knowledge. The relationship between this figure and its descendants was one of genus and species. On an epistemological level, the genealogy of knowledge entails the idea of an initial full revelation of knowledge, and its subsequent (partial) loss and recovery. Fundamentally, this view precludes the idea of progress. However, within the frame of history of salvation, alchemy was being assigned a particular role. In writings of, or associated with, Franciscan spirituals, it was meant to provide both material and spiritual support for fighting the Antichrist. From the early fourteenth century onwards, the adherence to a Christocentric and anthropocentric perspective favoured the idea of progress, in the sense that human knowledge of natural and artificial transformations was considered to be increasingly complete. This progress was considered primarily to be one of spiritual perfection, aimed at restoring the nature of man.
Obrist
Barbara
B
CNRS/Univ. Paris Diderot, Paris, France. bobrist@lycos.com
D000422:Alchemy; D006663:Historiography; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049691:History, Medieval; D019359:Knowledge; D008373:Manuscripts as Topic / Q000266:history*