Surprising element found in Tycho Brahe's alchemy lab confounds scientists
Researchers discovered unexpected elements, including tungsten, in Tycho Brahe's alchemy lab remnants in Sweden. This raises questions about his materials and alchemical practices, suggesting further analysis is needed.
Read original article
Researchers have made a surprising discovery in the remnants of Tycho Brahe's alchemy lab, located beneath his castle Uraniborg on the island of Ven, Sweden. While Brahe is primarily known for his astronomical contributions in the 16th century, he also engaged in alchemy, creating secret medicines for elite clients. A recent analysis of glass and pottery shards from the site revealed unexpected concentrations of elements such as nickel, copper, zinc, tin, mercury, gold, and lead. Most notably, the presence of tungsten, an element unknown during Brahe's time, has puzzled scientists. Tungsten was first identified in the late 18th century, long after Brahe's death in 1601.
The researchers, led by Kaare Lund Rasmussen from the University of Southern Denmark, speculate that tungsten may have entered Brahe's lab through mineral processing or possibly from knowledge of its existence shared by contemporaries. The findings raise questions about the materials Brahe used and the extent of his alchemical practices. Brahe's lab was equipped with specialized furnaces and was a hub for scientific inquiry, attracting students from across Europe. His alchemical pursuits were primarily focused on medicinal recipes, particularly for treating diseases prevalent at the time. The study highlights the complexity of Brahe's work and the potential for further discoveries as researchers plan to analyze more samples from the site.
Related
The Life Of Lithium
Lithium's cosmic origins, discrepancy in universal amounts, historical discovery in the 18th century, medical uses for gout and urinary stones, and multifaceted nature are explored, highlighting its significance in various fields.
A Scientist's Quest to Decode Vermeer's True Colours
A heritage scientist at Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, Frederik Vanmeert, decodes Vermeer's colors using advanced techniques, revealing hidden details and lead white pigment use in "Girl with a Pearl Earring," enhancing understanding of Vermeer's artistry.
Physicists may now have a way to make element 120
Physicists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory synthesized livermorium by colliding titanium and plutonium atoms, paving the way for creating element 120. This breakthrough enhances understanding of nuclear stability and exotic element formation.
New Superheavy Element Synthesis Could Soon Add a New Row to the Periodic Table
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory advanced the synthesis of superheavy elements, particularly element 120, using titanium 50, potentially leading to the discovery of the "island of stability" in nuclear physics.
Shipwreck Full of Champagne Found in Baltic Sea
Polish divers discovered a 19th-century shipwreck in the Baltic Sea, containing Champagne, mineral water, and porcelain. The cargo may have been intended for royalty, with further explorations planned.
3 commentsRelated
The Life Of Lithium
Lithium's cosmic origins, discrepancy in universal amounts, historical discovery in the 18th century, medical uses for gout and urinary stones, and multifaceted nature are explored, highlighting its significance in various fields.
A Scientist's Quest to Decode Vermeer's True Colours
A heritage scientist at Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, Frederik Vanmeert, decodes Vermeer's colors using advanced techniques, revealing hidden details and lead white pigment use in "Girl with a Pearl Earring," enhancing understanding of Vermeer's artistry.
Physicists may now have a way to make element 120
Physicists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory synthesized livermorium by colliding titanium and plutonium atoms, paving the way for creating element 120. This breakthrough enhances understanding of nuclear stability and exotic element formation.
New Superheavy Element Synthesis Could Soon Add a New Row to the Periodic Table
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory advanced the synthesis of superheavy elements, particularly element 120, using titanium 50, potentially leading to the discovery of the "island of stability" in nuclear physics.
Shipwreck Full of Champagne Found in Baltic Sea
Polish divers discovered a 19th-century shipwreck in the Baltic Sea, containing Champagne, mineral water, and porcelain. The cargo may have been intended for royalty, with further explorations planned.