Alchemy and Natural Magic: The Birth of European Science
TU Bergakademie Freiberg
- Upcoming events
This interdisciplinary course examines the foundations of science and engineering through the historical lenses of alchemy, natural philosophy, and magic in Europe. Aimed primarily at students with a technical background, it traces the evolution of scientific thought from ancient traditions to early modern science, highlighting how alchemists, natural philosophers, and even occultists contributed to the principles underpinning today’s scientific and engineering disciplines.
Through engagement with primary texts, encounters with influential figures, and discussions of landmark experiments, participants will explore the interplay of mysticism, experimentation, and technical innovation that shaped early scientific inquiry. The course deepens understanding of the cultural, philosophical, and technological legacy that paved the way for modern engineering, while also offering insight into public expectations of science and technology in historical context.
Although the course is tailored for Master and PhD students it is also open to the public.
Key information
Registration deadline: 12 January 2026
Language: English
Recognition of credits: 3 ECTS
Assessment:
- Written exam (case study short essay) – weighted assessment.
- Active class participation (minimum 80%) – prerequisite for examination.
The final grade is based on the written exam results.
Lecture Schedule
(Mondays, 10:00–11:30):
Lecture Schedule (Mondays, 10:00–11:30):
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20 October 2025
An Introduction to Alchemy
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27 October 2025
Magic and Magical Thought: The Essentials
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03 November 2025
What does Astrology have to do with Medicine?
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10 November 2025
Philosophical Foundations of Alchemy: Elements, Principles, and the Philosopher’s Stone
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7 November 2025
Alchemy and the Artisans: Metallurgy, Glass, and Mining Technologies
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24 November 2025
Natural Magic and the Rise of Experimental Science
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1 December 2025
Hermeticism, Mysticism, Occult and the Shaping of Natural Philosophy
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8 December 2025
Alchemy, Medicine, and Iatrochemistry: From Paracelsus to Chemical Healing
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15 December 2025
Knowledge in Practice: Books of Secrets, Laboratories, and Early Engineering
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5 January 2026
From Alchemy to Chemistry: Boyle, Lavoisier, and the Scientific Revolution
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12 January 2026
The Cultural Legacy of Alchemy and Magic in Europe
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19 January 2026
Alchemy, Natural Magic, and the Birth of Modern Science: Reflections and Conclusions
