In the Middle Ages, alchemy was shrouded in secrecy, with practitioners closely guarding their knowledge. The renowned Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, known for his groundbreaking work in astronomy, also had a keen interest in alchemy, which was typical of intellectuals of his time.

His laboratory, located beneath his residence and observatory, Uraniborg, on the island of Ven, held many secrets that have intrigued scientists for centuries. Recent chemical analyses of fragments from his lab have revealed intriguing insights into the materials and processes he might have used.

Despite Tycho Brahe’s fame, little is known about his alchemical activities due to the destruction of Uraniborg after his death in 1601. The building materials were repurposed, and much of Brahe’s equipment and notes were lost.

Monument to Brahe and Kepler in Prague
Monument to Brahe and Kepler in Prague. Credit: Josef Vajce / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons

However, an archaeological excavation conducted between 1988 and 1990 uncovered fragments of glass and ceramic in the garden of Uraniborg. These fragments are believed to have come from his underground alchemical laboratory.

A recent study, published in the journal Heritage Science, involved a chemical analysis of five of these fragments—four glass and one ceramic—to uncover the elements they once held. The analysis was led by Kaare Lund Rasmussen, an expert in archaeometry from the University of Southern Denmark, and supervised by Poul Grinder-Hansen from the National Museum of Denmark, who provided historical context.

The analysis revealed enriched levels of trace elements in four of the five fragments, with one glass fragment showing no specific enrichment. The enriched elements included nickel, copper, zinc, tin, antimony, tungsten, gold, mercury, and lead. Many of these elements were commonly used in alchemy and medicine during Brahe’s time. Gold and mercury, for example, were well-known for their purported medicinal properties, particularly among the elite classes.

Tungsten ore (wolfram)
Tungsten ore (Wolfram). Credit: Didier Descouens / Wikimedia Commons

However, the discovery of tungsten is particularly puzzling. Tungsten was not officially described until more than 180 years after Brahe’s death by the Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele. The presence of tungsten raises intriguing questions about Brahe’s practices. One theory is that tungsten, known in its mineral form as “wolfram” by the German mineralogist Georgius Agricola, might have been present in the minerals Tycho Brahe was using and unwittingly isolated during his experiments.

Tycho Brahe’s interest in alchemy was not solely focused on the transmutation of metals, as many might assume. Influenced by the German physician Paracelsus, Brahe was part of a branch of alchemy that sought to develop medicines for various ailments of the time, such as the plague, syphilis, leprosy, and other common diseases.

His medicinal recipes, often kept secret and shared only with select individuals like Emperor Rudolf II, reflected his belief in the connections between celestial bodies, earthly substances, and human organs. For example, he linked the Sun with gold and the heart, the Moon with silver and the brain, and so on.

Stjerneborg, Tycho Brahe's underground observatory, in an engraving by Willem Blaeu
Stjerneborg, Tycho Brahe’s underground observatory, in an engraving by Willem Blaeu. Credit: Public domain / Wikimedia Commons

One of his known plague remedies contained turpentine, copper or iron vitriol (sulfates), various oils, herbs, and potentially up to 60 ingredients, including snake meat and opium. This concoction could be enhanced with tinctures of coral, sapphires, hyacinths, or potable gold, a form of gold thought to have healing properties.

Brahe’s dual interest in astronomy and alchemy was not unusual for his era. His belief in the interconnectedness of the universe was emblematic of the Renaissance’s blend of scientific inquiry and mystical philosophy. His funding by King Frederick II of Denmark and later Emperor Rudolf II underscored the importance of his work in the context of Renaissance science.

These recent findings from Brahe’s laboratory fragments offer a rare glimpse into the alchemical practices of one of history’s most prominent astronomers. They highlight the complex interplay between science, medicine, and mysticism during the Renaissance and provide new insights into the enigmatic world of alchemy. As researchers continue to study these fragments, they hope to uncover more about the mysterious practices of Tycho Brahe and his contributions to both alchemy and science.


SOURCES

University of Southern Denmark

Rasmussen, K.L., Grinder-Hansen, P. Chemical analysis of fragments of glass and ceramic ware from Tycho Brahe’s laboratory at Uraniborg on the island of Ven (Sweden). Herit Sci 12, 228 (2024). doi.org/10.1186/s40494-024-01301-6


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