A Tentative Discussion On The Rise Of Western Alchemy During The 12th And 13th Centuries And It's Cause

This dissertation discusses the rise of early western alchemy during the 12th and 13th centuries, and try to explores the cause of this phenomenon.This dissertation is divided into three chapters besides preface and conclusion. The preface expounds the value of the chosen theme, the present condition of study and the basis of stuff.The first chapter:'Early Western Alchemy and the related activity'. The alchemy was transmitted to Europe in 12th century through Arab by the tide of translation. It started to thrill all over the Europe from then on, the alchemy in monastery be taken as an example. At the same time, the pseudo-alchemists were flourishing.The second chapter: 'Early Western alchemists'. In this era, Most Western alchemists were ecclesiastics Whose activities have special characteristics .The alchemists were marginized at the same time, which was fulfilled through interaction between alchemical elements and the social as well as culture circumstances of this time.The third chapter: 'Cause of the rise of western alchemy' . There are three points: First, The alchemist claimed the capacity of transmutation which means infinite treasures and various benefits that can satisfy private desires or realize social ideals; Second, the basis of alchemical theory, according with the scientific and philosophic ideas of this period, was recognized by the scholars; Third, the spiritual principles of alchemy can effect psychology of an alchemist so that the need of it might be satisfied.In a conclusion, the general process of western alchemy was reviewed briefly, and a commentary on the alchemy and alchemists was summarized.