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[Alexandr Korol]

Chapter 10. Alchemy

I’m now going to look into Wikipedia. This Wikipedia article has been translated from a foreign language; there simply isn’t a Wikipedia article like this in Russian. “Azoth is a universal agent or powerful solvent sought in the field of alchemy, similar to the alkahest — a special alchemical substance. The quest for Azoth was at the heart of many alchemical pursuits and was symbolized by the caduceus. Initially, the term referred to an esoteric formula that alchemists searched for, akin to the philosopher’s stone, but later the word “Azoth” became a poetic name for the element mercury. The etymology of the word “Azoth” traces back to Medieval Latin as a modification of “azoc,” which in turn comes from the Arabic “al-zā’būq,” meaning “mercury.” The scientific community does not recognize the existence of this substance. The myth of Azoth may have arisen from a misinterpretation of observations of solvents such as mercury that are capable of dissolving gold. Moreover, the myth may have been fueled by occult leanings upheld by alchemists, who based and guided their chemical inquiries on superstitions and dogmas. Azoth was considered a key agent of transformation in alchemy. It is the name ancient alchemists gave to mercury, believing it to be the vital spirit hidden in all matter and enabling the transmutation of one substance into another. The word comes from the Arabic “al-zābūq,” meaning “mercury.” The term appears in the works of many early alchemists, such as Zosimos, Olympiodorus, and Jabir ibn Hayyan (Geber). Mystical traditions and philosophy: Azoth is also linked to various mystical and spiritual practices that go beyond alchemy. In the context of Renaissance magic, it was often associated with the idea of spiritual enlightenment and purification of the soul. Some mystical traditions regarded Azoth as a metaphor for the inner transformation necessary to attain a higher state of consciousness. It was believed to embody the process of turning base human traits into divine virtues, akin to the transmutation of base metals into gold. This spiritual interpretation of Azoth influenced many esoteric and hermetic schools, contributing to its lasting legacy in Western mystical traditions. Moreover, Azoth’s connection to mercury and its fluid, transformative properties made it a symbol of adaptability and change in a broader philosophical context.”