The Periodic Label

Aqua Vitae

Literally the "water of life." Alchemists thought it would cure all ills and prolong life. We now know it just got you really drunk. Starting in the middle ages, some alchemists increasingly came to view the metaphysical aspects as the true foundation of alchemy; and chemical substances, physical states, and material processes as mere metaphors for spiritual entities, states and transformations. Thus, both the transmutation of common metals into gold and the universal panacea symbolized evolution from an imperfect, diseased, corruptible and ephemeral state towards a perfect, healthy, incorruptible and everlasting state. Learn more about Aqua Vitae and alchemy on wikipedia.