What a fascinating article! Tycho Brahe, an astronomer and alchemist, was a true Renaissance man. His discovery of a supernova in 1572 led to his appointment as the royal astronomer for King Frederick II of Denmark and Norway, which enabled him to build his observatory on the island of Ven.
The article highlights the surprising discovery of tungsten residue in Brahe’s remains, which suggests that he may have been experimenting with smelting gold from this rare ore. The presence of gold in his remains also raises questions about his alchemical work and whether he was creating medicines or other remedies using valuable ingredients like potable gold.
The article also delves into Brahe’s worldview, which saw connections between the heavenly bodies, earthly substances, and the body’s organs. This philosophical framework allowed him to explore alchemy as a means of understanding the natural world and developing new treatments for diseases.
It’s fascinating to learn about Brahe’s legacy in scientific circles and how his work laid the foundation for future scientists like Johannes Kepler and Isaac Newton. The fact that he was recognized during his lifetime and continued to make significant contributions to astronomy despite conflicts with King Frederick II speaks to his dedication to his craft.
I must say, I’m intrigued by the idea of alchemy being a precursor to chemistry and how it was seen as “cutting-edge” research in Brahe’s time. It’s amazing how far we’ve come since then!
What do you think about Tycho Brahe’s life and work? Would you like to learn more about his scientific contributions or explore the history of alchemy further?
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/27/science/tycho-brahe-alchemy-lab-tungsten/index.html