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A Machine Reasoning Algorithm for the Digital Analysis of Alchemical Language and its Decknamen
1University of Graz, Austria.
Ambix
|March 11, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a digital distant-reading method for decoding alchemical coded names (Decknamen). It uses computational analysis on Michael Maier's works to understand early modern alchemical language patterns.
Area of Science:
- History of Science
- Digital Humanities
- Computational Linguistics
Background:
- Alchemical language, including coded names (Decknamen), has been historically significant.
- Previous studies primarily used close reading to decode alchemical terminology.
- Understanding alchemical language is crucial for insights into early modern scientific communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and present a digital distant-reading approach for decoding alchemical Decknamen.
- To analyze patterns in alchemical language using computational methods.
- To address the historical challenge of understanding early modern alchemical texts.
Main Methods:
- Development of an algorithm for digital analysis of alchemical language.
- Application of the algorithm to a corpus of printed works by Michael Maier (1568-1622).
- Utilizing machine reasoning for pattern analysis in alchemical texts.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of a computational approach to analyze alchemical language.
- Identification of patterns within Michael Maier's alchemical writings.
- A new method for decoding alchemical Decknamen is presented.
Conclusions:
- Digital distant reading offers a novel approach to studying alchemical language.
- Computational analysis can reveal patterns previously obscured by traditional methods.
- This method aids in understanding the social and scholarly functions of alchemical language.
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