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Jan Baptiste van Helmont and an alchemist
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Jan Baptiste van Helmont and an alchemist
Jan Baptiste van Helmont and an alchemist. Artwork showing the Belgian doctor and chemist Jan Baptiste van Helmont (1579-1644, right), being given a piece of the Philosphers Stone by an alchemist. Van Helmonts work was part of the transition from alchemy to experimental chemistry. He invented the word gas (from Greek chaos). He identified carbon dioxide and monoxide, nitrous oxide, and methane. He was the first to use the boiling and freezing points of water as standards for temperature. In medicine, he used remedies specific to the disease, the affected organ, and the causative agent. He showed that acid is the digestive agent in the stomach. He realised that matter is indestructible and that metals dissolved in acid can be recovered
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Media ID 6306529
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
17th Century Alchemist Alchemy Apparatus Belgian Chemist Doctor Elderly Experimental Forties Physician Scientist Senior Sixties Surname H Experimenter False Coloured Health Care Helmont Laboratory Physical
EDITORS COMMENTS
This artwork depicts the renowned Belgian doctor and chemist, Jan Baptiste van Helmont, engaged in a momentous encounter with an alchemist. As a pivotal figure during the transition from alchemy to experimental chemistry, Van Helmont's contributions have left an indelible mark on scientific progress. In this illustration, we witness Van Helmont being presented with a piece of the Philosopher's Stone by the enigmatic alchemist. This symbolic exchange represents the convergence of ancient mystical practices and emerging scientific methodologies. Van Helmont's groundbreaking achievements spanned various fields. He coined the term "gas" derived from Greek chaos, forever shaping our understanding of matter. Through meticulous experimentation, he identified carbon dioxide and monoxide, nitrous oxide, and methane - laying the foundation for modern gas laws. His pioneering work extended beyond chemistry into medicine. Van Helmont developed specific remedies tailored to individual diseases and organs while recognizing acid as a crucial digestive agent within the stomach. Moreover, he made significant strides in temperature measurement by utilizing water's boiling and freezing points as standards - revolutionizing thermometry. With his profound insights into matter conservation and metal dissolution in acids' recoverability, Van Helmont solidified his status as one of history's most influential scientists. This vivid portrayal not only pays homage to Jan Baptiste van Helmont but also encapsulates his relentless pursuit of knowledge that propelled humanity towards greater scientific enlightenment.
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