In a fascinating delve into the history of alchemy, researchers recently uncovered striking evidence about the legendary Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe. Best remembered for his astronomical observations, particularly in the late 1500s, Brahe also had a hidden life as an alchemist, complete with a well-equipped laboratory supposedly located in his famed castle-like observatory on the island of Ven in present-day Sweden.
This revelation stems from an extensive analysis of five ceramic and glass shards extracted from the remnants of Brahe's observatory, dismantled following his death in 1601. A joint research effort between the University of Southern Denmark and the National Museum of Denmark examined these artifacts, believed to be remnants of Brahe's basement alchemical laboratory. The study, published in Heritage Science, aimed to unlock the secrets hidden within these long-abandoned materials.
Researchers utilized mass spectrometry to investigate 31 trace elements present in the shards, revealing a surprising variety of materials. Common elements, including nickel, copper, zinc, tin, antimony, gold, mercury, and lead, were detected as anticipated. However, the most startling discovery was the presence of tungsten — an element that was not categorized as such until the late 18th century and was entirely unknown during Brahe's time.
Kaare Lund Rasmussen, an expert in archaeometry from the University of Southern Denmark, expressed his intrigue regarding this unexpected finding. He remarked, “Tungsten is very mysterious. Tungsten had not even been described at that time, so what should we infer from its presence on a shard from Tycho Brahe’s alchemy workshop?” The question lingers: how did tungsten find its way into Brahe's laboratory, especially when it had not been documented in scientific literature?
One prevailing theory proposes that tungsten could have entered Brahe’s lab via natural minerals. This scenario suggests that the element was already present in some minerals Brahe might have used. Yet, another equally captivating theory posits that Brahe may have had a unique understanding of tungsten or a substance linked to it, further enhancing his recipes for medicines popular among Europe’s elite.
Tungsten, known as 'Wolfram' in German chemistry circles, is closely tied to the origins of alchemy in Europe. The German influence on Brahe’s medicines is notable, suggesting a crucial connection to this rare element. Rasmussen speculated, “Maybe Tycho Brahe had heard about this and thus knew of tungsten’s existence. But this is not something we know or can say based on the analyses I have done. It is merely a possible theoretical explanation for why we find tungsten in the samples.” The truth behind the tungsten presence might remain shrouded in mystery.
The elements uncovered also provided insights into Brahe's secretive medication practices. His recipes, known for their complexity, contained a bewildering mix of ingredients — from snake flesh and opium to metals and various herbs. Therefore, it's plausible that Tungsten, if indeed present in his medications, might have contributed to the effectiveness of his renowned remedies.
Poul Grinder-Hansen, a senior researcher and museum curator at the National Museum, highlighted how Brahe's dual interests in astronomy and alchemy were not as disparate as they might seem. In Brahe’s worldview, there existed close links between celestial bodies, the fundamental elements of nature, and human anatomy. This philosophy shaped how alchemists, including Brahe, understood the natural world and their medicinal practices.
Historically, elements such as gold and mercury held esteemed significance. Gold, for instance, was posited to correspond with the sun and the heart, while mercury was linked to the lungs, reflecting a deeply-rooted belief about the connection between earth’s materials and the body’s organs. With this understanding, alchemy was rife with symbolic connections, with silver representing the moon and tin ascribed to Jupiter.
Where tungsten fits into this grand scheme of elemental symbolism still poses challenges. Its role in Brahe’s practices has yet to be elucidated. The analysis does highlight that certain elements appeared in notably higher concentrations than expected, indicating a deliberate enrichment that potentially unveils more about Brahe's alchemical endeavors.
As researchers pore over these findings, the next steps will likely focus on contextualizing tungsten’s significance in Brahe’s work. Did he use it as a potent ingredient in his famously complex medicines? How did he procure it, and what were his theories surrounding its effects? Although the findings have propelled the narrative forward, they also serve to deepen the enigma surrounding Tycho Brahe’s legacy, bridging his dual identity as both astronomer and alchemist.
This interplay of science and mysticism is a hallmark of the historical period. The boundaries between science and alchemy during Brahe's time were often blurred, with each feeding off the other. With the introduction of new findings, the historical narrative of our understanding of elements like tungsten may become richer, illustrating how early scientists and practitioners viewed the world around them and the elements they sought to harness.
