Poor James Price (1752-1783) was born in the wrong era. The English chemist practiced alchemy, the science of transforming boring base metals into shiny silver and gold. Alchemy had been a respected art/science blend in Europe since the Middle Ages, but by the late eighteenth century the popularity of The Scientific Method was starting to cause trouble for would-be alchemists. Science had rules now, thanks to The Enlightenment, and there was less and less room for flamboyant claims that couldn't be backed up by hard data. The clash of the ages proved to be too much pressure for alchemist James Price. He committed suicide by drinking prussic acid at the start of the demonstration that was supposed to confirm his alchemy process was legit and could pass scientific muster. Presumably, it was not legit.
When European alchemy started, that was not so important to people. In Medieval times, alchemy was a true cross-disciplinary pursuit. It combined philosophy, science, religion, and a good bit of showmanship. There were several different goals pursued by alchemists. Turning other metals into gold and finding the fountain of youth were two of the most popular, for obvious reasons.
Before his tragic death, Price held a series of experiments open to the public where he exhibited his power to turn metals like borax and mercury into gold and silver. His secret ingredient was a mysterious powder mixture he called "the powder of production." At first, Price convinced scientists, lawyers, members of the clergy and other authorities of his prowess - and got great press. Some of the gold he made during his demonstrations was even given to King George III!
Unfortunately, Price's success was short-lived. Fellow scientists from The Fellows of the Royal Society insisted that he perform his alchemy experiment again for their witnesses; they argued that the scientific society's reputation was at stake. Price stalled. He protested that the proof they demanded would damage his health, reputation, and cost more money in materials than the precious metals he could produce. But the Royal Society wouldn't budge, and Price finally agreed to submit his alchemy process to scientific scrutiny. When the would-be inspectors showed up for Price's demonstration, he drank home-made prussic acid poison and fell down dead. Alchemy has never been the same since.
When European alchemy started, that was not so important to people. In Medieval times, alchemy was a true cross-disciplinary pursuit. It combined philosophy, science, religion, and a good bit of showmanship. There were several different goals pursued by alchemists. Turning other metals into gold and finding the fountain of youth were two of the most popular, for obvious reasons.
Before his tragic death, Price held a series of experiments open to the public where he exhibited his power to turn metals like borax and mercury into gold and silver. His secret ingredient was a mysterious powder mixture he called "the powder of production." At first, Price convinced scientists, lawyers, members of the clergy and other authorities of his prowess - and got great press. Some of the gold he made during his demonstrations was even given to King George III!
Unfortunately, Price's success was short-lived. Fellow scientists from The Fellows of the Royal Society insisted that he perform his alchemy experiment again for their witnesses; they argued that the scientific society's reputation was at stake. Price stalled. He protested that the proof they demanded would damage his health, reputation, and cost more money in materials than the precious metals he could produce. But the Royal Society wouldn't budge, and Price finally agreed to submit his alchemy process to scientific scrutiny. When the would-be inspectors showed up for Price's demonstration, he drank home-made prussic acid poison and fell down dead. Alchemy has never been the same since.
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