Sixteenth-century Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, known for his groundbreaking observations of supernovas, is now shedding light on his lesser-known alchemical pursuits through the analysis of broken glassware from his laboratory. A recent study published in Heritage Science reveals that these glass fragments contain traces of nine metals, including mercury, copper, antimony, and gold, which may have been used in Brahe’s elixirs and medicinal concoctions.
Chemist Kaare Lund Rasmussen from the University of Southern Denmark led the analysis of the glass shards excavated from Brahe’s lab on the Swedish island of Ven. The presence of these metals on the shards suggests that Brahe was experimenting with different combinations in his alchemical work. Interestingly, the shards also contained metals like nickel, zinc, tin, lead, and tungsten, which were not part of Brahe’s known recipes. The researchers speculate that these metals may have been byproducts or waste materials from his experiments.
The inclusion of tungsten, a metal not isolated until two centuries after Brahe’s time, raises questions about his knowledge and experimentation with rare elements. The researchers suggest that Brahe may have been investigating the properties of tungsten unknowingly, or he could have intentionally isolated the metal for his alchemical studies. This discovery adds a new dimension to Brahe’s scientific pursuits and highlights the complexity of his work beyond astronomy.
Chemist Laure Dussubieux from the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago commended the study for its innovative approach to understanding historical alchemy. While much research has focused on the use of ceramic vessels in cooking, exploring their role in alchemical experiments provides valuable insights into the practices of early scientists like Brahe. The findings from this study open up avenues for further exploration of medieval alchemy and its connections to modern chemistry.
Overall, the analysis of Tycho Brahe’s glass shards offers a glimpse into the world of Renaissance alchemy and the blending of science and mysticism during that era. By uncovering the metals present in his laboratory equipment, researchers are piecing together the puzzle of Brahe’s alchemical practices and expanding our understanding of his diverse scientific interests. This study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research in unraveling the secrets of the past and connecting them to the present.