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Sino-Indian roots of "chemeia" and "chumeia" in Greek for alchemy.

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: The sino-indian origin of chemeia and chumeia as synonyms in grek, signifying alchemy
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:

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Author:

S. Mahdihassan


Ancient Science of Life:

(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)

Full text available for: The sino-indian origin of chemeia and chumeia as synonyms in grek, signifying alchemy

Year: 1984

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

This article explores the origins and evolution of alchemy, particularly focusing on the terminologies "chemeia" and "chumeia," which reference alchemical practices in Greek and are connected to traditional practices in China and India. The author, S. Mahdihassan, posits that alchemy was initially centered around the search for longevity and life-enhancing remedies using various substances, notably those with red coloration that symbolized life and vitality. The discussion unfolds through a historical narrative that traces back how early humans sought longevity through natural drugs derived from plants and minerals.

The Concept of Red Gold

One of the central ideas discussed is the significance of "red gold" in the development of alchemy. Red gold, referred to as "Chin-Yeh" in Chinese, symbolizes the ideal drug of longevity, as its red color is associatively linked to blood, which was perceived as the essence of life or the soul. The text elaborates on how the initial alchemical practices involved synthesizing red gold from gold combined with herbal extracts believed to enhance life and vitality. The transition from viewing red gold as the substance of longevity to a misconception that alchemy was solely about making gold itself exemplifies the evolution of the discipline and its practices over time.

Conclusion

The article ultimately advocates for understanding alchemy in its historical context as a quest for longevity and rejuvenation rather than a mere process of transmuting base metals into gold. The duality inherent in the terms "chemeia" and "chumeia," representing both a drug and an art, underscores the complexity of early alchemical thought. Although modern interpretations may have narrowed the focus to the creation of gold, the original practices and beliefs surrounding alchemy were deeply intertwined with the concepts of health, vitality, and the quest for eternal life. Thus, alchemy as a cult of longevity involved a rich tapestry of substances and philosophies rooted in ancient traditions from different cultures.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What are the origins of the terms 'chemeia' and 'chumeia'?

'Chemeia' is derived from Chinese origins concerning longevity and herbal juice, while 'chumeia' comes from Indian concepts of rejuvenation, both signifying alchemy.

How did early cultures perceive drugs for longevity?

Cultures like the Chinese and Aryans believed in substances like Ephedra and peach that were red, associating redness with vitality and longevity as it represented the essence of life.

What was the significance of red gold in early alchemy?

Red gold was considered ideal due to its color, believed to contain soul-concentrate properties, and was initially viewed as a remedy to enhance longevity.

How did the terminology of alchemy evolve over time?

As cultural exchanges occurred, terms like 'Kimiya' turned into 'chemeia' through Arabic and Coptic influences, representing both the substance and the art of alchemy, which later became associated with gold-making.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Sino-Indian roots of "chemeia" and "chumeia" in Greek for alchemy.�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Drug:
Drug refers to a substance taken for medicinal purposes, often believed to confer vitality or longevity. In the context of the text, drugs like Ephedra and red-gold are presented as ancient remedies that served not only as healing agents but also as components in al chemical processes aimed at improving human life and prolonging existence.

2) Substance:
Substance describes a particular matter or form of material, with distinct properties. In the alchemical context, substances such as gold and herbal extracts are central to the processes of transformation described. They serve as the basis for concocting elixirs or remedies essential for achieving desired outcomes like longevity or rejuvenation.

3) Blood:
Blood symbolizes life and vitality in various cultural contexts. In the text, it represents the soul's essence and is linked to the idea that redness equates to life force, thereby forming a basis for understanding why red-colored drugs are favored for achieving longevity. The belief connects the physiology of blood to alchemical practices.

4) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana, RasÄyana, RÄsÄyana):
Rasayana is a concept in Indian medicine referring to rejuvenation and longevity therapies. The term encapsulates practices and substances believed to enhance vitality and extend life. In the text, it is directly compared to Chumeia, emphasizing its role as a transformative medicinal art inherently linked to alchemical traditions.

5) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of healing through remedies and therapeutic processes. In the text, it ties into alchemical practices that seek to synthesize substances for health benefits, using herbal and mineral compositions believed to enhance the human condition. The narrative places high importance on ancient medicinal wisdom.

6) Cina (CÄ«na, CÄ«nÄ, Ciṉa, CiṉÄ�, CīṉÄ�, CinÄ):
China is depicted as a significant source of early alchemical knowledge and practices, with cultural elements like the god of longevity and herbal traditions shaping the understanding of alchemy. The text elaborates on how substances like peach and red-gold emerged from Chinese tradition, influencing subsequent beliefs in longevity.

7) Soma (SomÄ):
Soma refers to an ancient medicinal concoction found in Indo-Iranian culture, symbolizing vitality and health. The text highlights its role as an anti-fatigue tonic used by early Aryans and its evolutionary association with alchemical practices, thus representing a bridge between cultural traditions and medicinal arts in achieving rejuvenation.

8) Water:
Water is often considered a vital element in various medicinal and alchemical processes, symbolizing purification and life. In the discussion, 'divine water' hints at its potential to convey life-giving properties, acting as a solvent or medium to facilitate transformations essential in alchemical practices aimed at longevity.

9) Science (Scientific):
Scientific relates to structured methodologies of inquiry and empirical approaches to understanding natural phenomena. The text integrates this notion into alchemy by illustrating how systematic principles underlie ancient practices aimed at transforming substances, revealing the scientific thought that echoes within what is often considered mystical or esoteric knowledge.

10) Bhasma (Bhasman):
Bhasma refers to a form of calcined metal used in Ayurvedic medicine, believed to possess potent healing properties. The text mentions Bhasmas as a legacy of ancient alchemy—the transition from base metals to therapeutic metals exemplifying the transformation inherent in alchemical practices that continue to influence modern medicinal formulations.

11) Milk:
Milk is often associated with nourishment and life in many cultures. In the alchemical context, it serves as a medium that combines with other substances, metaphorically representing purity and the nurturing aspects of life. The text suggests a synergy of milk with other elements to enhance health and longevity.

12) Discussion:
Discussion indicates an exchange of ideas and analysis, crucial for developing understanding. In the context of the article, it signifies a structured approach to unraveling the complex history of alchemy, allowing for the critical examination of its principles, substances, and traditions while revealing essential connections to medicinal practices.

13) Makara (MakÄra, MÄkara, MÄkÄra):
Makara denotes a mythological creature in Indian tradition that symbolizes fertility and perseverance. In the alchemical context, Makaradhvaja (associated with Makara) refers to an advanced alchemical preparation, embodying principles of longevity and rebirth. This signifies the synthesis of mythology and science within traditional practices aimed at achieving health.

14) Caraka (CÄraka, CÄrÄka):
Caraka refers to a revered figure in Ayurvedic medicine, often attributed to foundational texts that compile medicinal knowledge. In the text, Caraka’s acknowledgment of Soma illustrates the continuity of medicinal wisdom and the cultural importance of herbal drugs, situating ancient practices within the broader context of alchemical healing traditions.

15) Rasa (RasÄ, Rasha):
Rasa translates to 'juice' or 'essence,' typically referring to the therapeutic element in herbal formulations. In the analysis, Rasa is essential for understanding the relationship between substances used in alchemy and their medicinal properties. It highlights the perceived link between physical substances and their transformative effects on health.

16) Fish:
Fish is often a symbol of fertility and abundance in various cultures. In the text, it represents the dual nature of the Makara, which is associated with fertility. This connection serves to illustrate how alchemical practices encompass a wide range of natural elements believed to promote longevity and vitality.

17) Terminalia chebula:
Terminalia chebula, commonly known as Haritaki, is a medicinal plant esteemed in traditional medicine for its various health benefits. The text mentions it as a key herbal component in the process of creating red gold, illustrating the significance of natural ingredients in the alchemical transformations central to promoting wellness.

18) Food supply:
Food supply highlights the fundamental need for sustenance in human survival, reflecting the early contexts of medicine and longevity. The text emphasizes how resource scarcity led to the evolution of medicinal practices, with alchemy becoming a response to enhance longevity through available natural substances found within limited food supplies.

19) Human life:
Human life encompasses the biological and philosophical aspects of existence, particularly concerning health and longevity. In the context of alchemy, the ultimate goal is to enhance and prolong human life, tying together various practices and beliefs that seek to understand and manipulate the forces of nature to extend vitality.

20) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transform signifies the act of changing something into a different state or form. In alchemical philosophy, transforming base metals into gold and concocting longevity drugs represents the broader themes of renewal and rejuvenation, which permeate the practices discussed and directly reflect the quest for improving human life.

21) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulate denotes the process of gathering or amassing substances or knowledge over time. In this context, it reflects the ongoing search for wisdom in alchemical practices, where the synthesis of various components—be it minerals, herbs, or knowledge—culminates in creating effective drugs and understanding broader medicinal principles.

22) Knowledge:
Knowledge represents understanding and awareness curated through experience, learning, and inquiry. The text emphasizes that the evolution of alchemical practices is deeply rooted in the knowledge preserved and transmitted through cultures, highlighting how ancient wisdom informs modern medical and alchemical understanding and practices.

23) Svarna (Svarṇa, Svarṇ�):
Svarna is a Sanskrit word meaning 'gold', which is often linked with purity and the highest material value. In the alchemical context, it serves as a goal for practitioners who sought to create not merely gold but gold imbued with medicinal properties, reiterating the symbolic connection between wealth and health.

24) Curd:
Curd, or fermented milk, symbolizes transformation and nourishment in many cultures. In Ayurveda, it signifies the process of deriving beneficial substances from natural origins. Within the text, curd is used metaphorically to describe the transformation of basic ingredients into more potent substances, paralleling alchemical practices aimed at health.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Sino-Indian roots of "chemeia" and "chumeia" in Greek for alchemy.�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Rasayana, Synthetic drug, Herbal juice.

Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.

Makaradhvaja, Soma juice, Blood red.

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