Hindu Achievements in Exact Science: A Study in the History of Scientific Development c22.4

c22.4

All previous studies in minerals had been under the thraldom of alchemy. The researchers were swayed by mythological and metaphysical notions.³⁶ Roger Bacon believed that the "philosopher's stone" was able to transform a million times its weight of base metal into gold. It was no unusual assertion that the fortunate possessors of the "elixir of life" had been able to prolong their lives to 400 years and more.³¹ Even Libavius (1616), who combated the excesses of Paracelsus and the employment of "secret remedies," believed in the transmutation of metals and the efficacy of potable gold.⁴⁴