Elena Morgana

Research Topic

The ‘liquor Alkahest’ and the pursuit of purification in early eighteenth-century chymistry

Supervisor: Rob Iliffe

My research explores the historical evolution of the 'liquor Alkahest,' a substance believed to be a universal solvent, that captivated the imaginations of natural philosophers and alchemists in the late 17th century. I will research how it transformed into a theoretical concept that extended into the realms of natural philosophy, evolving from a simple medical substance to a loaded symbol of purification, exploring the rich allegorical layers that have been woven into its history. I will investigate the extent to which this duality of practical and spiritual connotations challenges the established notions of alchemical and medical ingredients. As I unravel its metaphorical and metaphysical significance, I aim to shed light on the role of Alkahest and its enduring legacy within the context of 17th-century British chymistry and natural philosophy.

Please feel free to contact me for more information on my research, advice, or collaboration!