Distillations: Science + Culture + History

Alchemy is about a lot more than turning lead into gold or making the philosopher’s stone. Until the 17th century, alchemists worked hard in their laboratories to produce medicines, develop metal- and glass-working techniques, and uncover the quintessential essence of all earthly and celestial matter. SHOW CLOCK 00:00 Opening Credits 00:31 Introduction 01:09 Element of the Week: Quintessence 02:54 Review of Tara Nummedal’s Alchemy and Authority in the Holy Roman Empire 06:34 Alchemy at the Corning Museum of Glass 11:15 Closing Credits CREDITS Special thanks to Nina Goodby and Anke Timmermann for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.