Physica et mystica

Physica et mystica is an alchemical treatise that was highly regarded by Greek alchemists. The Arabs, however, placed greater importance on the Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistos. The Emerald Tablet is a brief, theoretical, and astrological text that begins with the famous line, "That which is above is like to that which is below, and that which is below is like to that which is above."1

While the exact origins of Physica et mystica are as obscure as those of Arabic alchemy, it is believed to have influenced later alchemical thought. The Book of the Secret of Creation, which contains the Emerald Tablet, is thought to represent much earlier writings.1

The practice of alchemy, including the pursuit of making gold, continued through the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance. Even prominent figures like Sir Isaac Newton experimented with alchemy. By the 18th century, alchemy began to shift towards more spiritual and mystical aims, with practitioners seeking deeper philosophical and cosmic understanding rather than literal gold-making.2