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Albertus Magnus on Alchemy: Between Ars and Scientia
1https://ror.org/035gh3a49Scuola IMT Alti Studi Lucca, Italy.
Science in Context
|April 28, 2026
Summary
Albertus Magnus viewed alchemy as both an art and a science. His perspective depended on whether alchemy involved manual labor (art) or natural philosophy and metaphysics (science).
Area of Science:
- Medieval philosophy
- History of science
- Alchemy studies
Background:
- Albertus Magnus's (ca. 1200-1280) epistemological status regarding alchemy is debated.
- Existing scholarship often presents a dichotomous view: alchemy as either art or scientia (science).
- This binary approach leads to interpretational challenges in understanding Albertus's complex views.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically assess the epistemological status of Albertus Magnus's alchemy.
- To move beyond the simplistic "black or white" categorization of Albertus's view on alchemy.
- To provide a nuanced framework for understanding Albertus's conception of alchemy.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Albertus Magnus's writings on alchemy.
- Contextual examination of Albertus's references to alchemy.
- Comparative study of "art" and "scientia" in medieval philosophy.
Main Results:
- Albertus Magnus's approach to alchemy is not exclusively "art" or "scientia."
- He considered alchemy an "art" when linked to manual labor.
- He viewed alchemy as "scientia" when connected to natural-philosophical and metaphysical principles.
Conclusions:
- Albertus Magnus's perspective on alchemy integrates both "art" and "scientia."
- The classification depends on the specific context and application of alchemy.
- A contextual approach is essential for accurately interpreting Albertian alchemy.
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