Single Idea 15951

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 8. Scientific Essentialism / a. Scientific essentialism]

Full Idea

The alchemists sought the separation of the 'pure essences' of substances from unwanted impurities. This last goal was of great importance for the development of modern chemistry at the hands of Boyle and his successors.

Gist of Idea

Alchemists tried to separate out essences, which influenced later chemistry

Source

Peter Alexander (Ideas, Qualities and Corpuscles [1985], 01.1)

Book Reference

Alexander,Peter: 'Ideas, Qualities and Corpuscles' [CUP 1985], p.16


A Reaction

In a nutshell this gives us the reason why essences are so important, and also why they became discredited. Time for a clear modern rethink.