An engraving from Michael Maier’s Symbola Aureae Mensae (1617) depicting an alchemical androgyne.
FUN FACT: Romantic and sexual imagery was a popular means for describing alchemical processes in both the Middle Ages and the early Modern Period.  It’s true! Long before there was Fifty Shades of Grey, there were many alchemy texts rife with blush-inducing romantic and sexual metaphors. To find out why, listen to this “Distillations” podcast (from the Chemical Heritage Foundation, ooooh sexeee). You’ll also hear some steamy passages read out loud! Aside from chemical burns in the lab, this is as hot as science gets.
Thu, Feb 7, 2013
Pop Culture