Prompt Cast
The Secret Alchemy Research of Isaac Newton
TLDR Isaac Newton, known for his scientific achievements, also dedicated over 30 years of his life to studying alchemy and pursuing the Philosopher's Stone. His research remained secret during his lifetime and was only discovered after his death, leading to questions about how such a brilliant mind could be involved in alchemy.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Isaac Newton was not only a mathematician and physicist, but also had a fascination with alchemy.
01:49
Isaac Newton spent most of his life studying alchemy and trying to find hidden codes in the Bible, which is often overlooked in discussions about his scientific achievements.
03:22
Alchemists conducted chemistry-like experiments in an attempt to understand matter and substances, often believing that everything was made up of four elements and seeking to achieve objectives such as an elixir of immortality or the Philosopher's Stone.
04:48
The Philosopher's Stone was a substance that alchemists believed could transmute base metals into noble metals and was also associated with the Elixir of Life or the Panacea, and Isaac Newton dedicated over 30 years to studying alchemy and pursuing the Philosopher's Stone.
06:19
Isaac Newton kept his research on alchemy secret because it was illegal, he believed he had made progress in creating the Philosopher's Stone, and he wanted to protect his own personal safety and prevent others from taking credit for his discoveries.
07:41
Isaac Newton's alchemy research remained secret during his lifetime, with much of it written in code and only coming to light after his death, leading later generations of scientists to question how such a brilliant mind could be involved in what was considered a "contemptible" pursuit.
09:13
Isaac Newton's alchemy papers were acquired by John Maynard Keynes and eventually donated back to Cambridge, with current efforts to digitize and make them available online.
