The Alchemical/Chemical Image of Miners: A Preliminary Study

Authors

  • Reno Stagni PUC-SP, São Paulo
  • Maria Helena Roxo Beltran PUC-SP, São Paulo

Abstract

A recurrent image in Renaissance alchemical imagery, miners digging for embryo-minerals appear in countless treatises as well as in compendia on the applications of “chemistry” into medicine, either as manuscripts or as printed books. However, this same image would be presented also in Renaissance treatises on mining and metallurgy, aiming to disclose the secrets of both arts. The present paper analyzes some of these images that circulated in Europe between the 15th and 17th centuries, aiming at pointing out to iconographic transformations related to the symbolism of miners‟ work.

Author Biographies

Reno Stagni, PUC-SP, São Paulo

Mestre e Doutorando do Programa de Estudos Pós-Graduados em História da Ciência, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo, Brasil.

Maria Helena Roxo Beltran, PUC-SP, São Paulo

Coordenadora e professora do Programa de Estudos Pós-Graduados em História da Ciência, pesquisadora do Centro Simão Mathias de Estudos em História da Ciência, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo, Brasil.

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Issue

Vol. 5 (2008)

Section

Original Articles

License

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode