Role Description____________________________________
Alchemists in the Middle Ages practiced an art which was a mixture of science, philosophy and mysticism. They are most often known for their supposition that common elments could be changed or "transmuted" to gold or silver. Although feared by the church and commoners because of their secrecy, they contributed to science by identifying elements, creating new compounds and the development of laboratory devices and procedures.

There is an excellent fiction book, The Book Without Words by Avi, that will give you some insight into the world of Medieval alchemy.


Keywords______________________________________________________

alchemy	transmutation	laboratory
sublimation	mysticism
occultism	chemistry

Print Resources_________________________________________________

Title	Location	Call Number	Pages
Dictionary of the Middle Ages	Reference	REF 940.1 DIC	v.6, p.180-182 v.8, p. 247-254
Encyclopedia of the Medieval World	Reference	REF 940.1 ENC	v.1, p. 427
The Middle Ages	Reference	REF 940.1 MED	v.1, p.14
Encyclopaedia Britannica	Encyclopedias	REF 031 ENC	v.1, p.22
World Book 2007	Encyclopedia Case	REF 031 WOR	v.1, p.334

Web Resources__________________________________________________

Suggested Databases:
Thomson Gale: Student Resource Center Gold; History Resource Center-World

Web Sites:
Alchemy in the Middle Ages Medieval Alchemy

Medieval Alchemy and Herbalist Symbols