The speaker's journey into alchemy began in high school and continues with teaching and studying alchemy.

• Began studying alchemy in high school, translating 15th-century alchemical texts.
• Maintains a collection of alchemy notebooks since the age of 15.
• Interest in alchemy has shifted towards how it shaped medicine and pharmacology.

Alchemy's role in the development of medicine following the Paracelsian Revolution.

• The intersection of alchemy, medicine, and early pharmacology is explored.
• The speaker plans to recreate a 17th-century alchemical medicine.

Setting up the alchemical experiment in the kitchen with historical equipment and methods.

• The process will involve recreating a spagyric cure for melancholy.
• The intention is to follow authentic historical practices without risking health.

Researching historical texts and alchemical works to understand the mindset of alchemical doctors.

• Alchemy influenced medicine starting from the 14th century onwards.
• Alchemists believed in extracting quintessences from substances through distillation.

Paracelsus combined herbal remedies with alchemy to improve their healing properties.

• Paracelsus argued for extracting spiritual properties of herbs and minerals to enhance their healing effects.
• This technique paved the way for modern medicine and pharmacology.

Selecting beneficial herbs based on historical herbal guides and alchemical texts.

• Herbs like Heather tips, Rosemary, and sweet Gale were chosen for their historical benefits.
• Avoiding the use of toxic substances like Mercury and antimony.

Utilizing reproduction glass alambic and performing the distillation process.

• A reproduction 17th-century glass olympic is used for distillation.
• The process is slow and requires careful temperature control.

Evaluating the results of the alchemical distillation and tasting the medicinal product.

• The distillate has a distinct and strong herbal aroma.
• The taste is astringent, medicinal, and similar to gin, but not for casual drinking.

Reflecting on the successful recreation of a 17th-century alchemical medicine.

• The experiment recreated a typical mid-17th-century spagyric medicine.
• The speaker does not recommend replicating the experiment at home.