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Basics of Alchemy - Period 5 - Monday, 10/06

She was quite pleased to see her class this morning, considering, and as they filed in, they might notice more lab equipment up on the tables, as well as a handout.

"Today, we will be working with Gold, the noblest element in alchemical study. No doubt, upon hearing the word 'alchemy', you thought of 'making gold', but as you will hopefully learn as the semester progresses, such a search is far more of a spiritual and mental concern for the modern alchemist than a physical one.

"Gold, obviously, is the element of the Sun. It does not tarnish and is said to be able to withstand the hottest fires. The metal can be beaten out so thinly that it has hardly any solidity left, at which point it appears as gold by reflected light but green by transmitted light. Colloidal gold solutions, in dilutions of parts per 100 million, produce a wide variety of colors. From metallic gold one can obtain, so to speak, any color under the sun: In gold we see the brilliance of the sun, but other rich colors are also seen in its colloidal solutions, ranging from greenish-blue, through reddish, violet-blue to pure rose – from the gold of a noonday sun to the radiant colors of sunset.

"The Latin word for gold, aurum (thus, the chemical symbol Au), derives from the Greek word Aurora - the golden goddess of the dawn. By astrology, the Sun is said to be an expression of one's true being and Gold, by extension, is said to be a tool towards true expression. It is often used as a heart remedy, as well as a treatment for depression or suicidal tendencies. It is also recommended for those attempting to rid themselves of a dependency on opium or other recreational pharmaceuticals.

"Today, we'll be doing a bit of discussion, and following that, we'll be making colloidal gold."

[ocd ~~coming~~ up!][also, thank you Mr. Kollerstrom]

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Sunny!

Andrew Wells

Seregil i Korit

Hyuuga Hinata

Sam Winchester

Tony Foster

Harry Dresden

Savannah Levine

Ronan Nolan

She's actually lecturing today!

This class, she mused, always had so many notes. Nonetheless, she carefully wrote out even more notes to add to what she'd already done this semester.

Tony took lots of notes, while doodling in the margins and wondering if he needed to take dance lessons before the weekend.

Harry was taking notes. He could show them to Bob later, see what he had to say.

Actually, Harry was pretty sure he knew what Bob had to say about gold. Which was that he should have it, even though he had no material needs. Romance novels didn't count, of course.

Savannah was taking notes as she listened to the teacher.

"I'd just like to know if any of you know or have any other associations with gold, that you can think of. Also, what you think of the associations and uses I've mentioned here. There are others, but I tried to keep away from cultural associations if possible since we're all from so many different places."

[tag, crosstag, go for it!]

"P-Power," Hinata offered. "G-Gold is the c-colour of m-money, and m-money translates to p-power in a l-lot of situations."

She nodded her head to Hinata, pleased with the answer.

"Very good. Gold is the financial 'heart' of most systems, even if they use paper money or coins of other metals. The gold standard is something which many countries use to measure wealth.

"And the gold crown of a king. Power. Very good, yes."

That got a pleased smile. "P-Power, and extravagance. G-Gold embroidery, and d-decorations can b-be used to m-make an i-impression, not only of p-power but to inspire a-awe, or intimidation. B-both even."

"So awe, then, or intimidation," she said, obviously thinking it over as she spoke.

"Do you think that's a result of the gold or a reaction to a certain application of it?"

"Both," she ventured. "B-Because the application of i-it matters--or y-you get tacky, r-rather than impressive. B-But it's also the p-presence of it, in and o-of itself."

"I think it makes sense to call gold a tool towards true expression," Sam said. "If you have enough gold, you can express yourself however you'd like."

"But gold can also hold a man back, trap him as easily as it can free him."

She grinned.

"Your point is valid, though. It's said that a gold-tipped quill will express the will and the meaning of it's owners thoughts and desires better than one made of steel."

Her grin went a little crooked.

"Of course, a man who can afford one might be more willing to speak his mind, as you say."

"The instructions," she said as she handed out some sheets, "are on this sheet (http://www.box.net/shared/0tsz20qq35). And you have all the supplies necessary, including some small pieces of gold. Team up in twos or threes, please, for the work since I had somewhat limited supplies.

"If you have any trouble, please feel free to ask me questions or see if the assistants can help you."

She smiled at them all.

"If you would like me to look over your work at the end of class, or if you'd like to know uses for the resultant draft for possible use, feel free to bring them by to me after class. And don't forget to bring your jars next week. I hope you've tended to them."

Edited 2008-10-06 15:22 (UTC)

Andrew checked over all the supplies while waiting for a partner.

Tony smiled at Andrew. "Want to team up again?"

Andrew hoped this experiment didn't involve anything volatile as he was sure his attention would be lacking with Tony as his partner. "My colloidal gold station is your colloidal gold station," he replied.

Tony picked up a battery and a bit of wire. "What's the idea of this experiment?" he asked, keeping his voice low so the teacher wouldn't realize his ignorance.

"Well, we're making colloidal gold. It, um, looks pretty and... stuff." He laughed, not really sure what they were doing either.

"Basically, we just follow these directions." He pushed the sheet towards Tony.

Tony grinned. "You totally don't know either, do you?"

"I... may not have been paying close attention during the lecture," he whispered, leaning in close to Tony. "I was distracted."

"Really?" Tony whispered back. "What could distract you from a subject as fascinating as colloidal gold?"

Andrew started gathering together the things they would need first. "Oh, I don't know, but it might rhyme with bony," he said.

Tony's cheeks turned pink. "Yeah? You know, at least one of us is going to have to pay attention in class if we want to pass."

Andrew looked around. "Maybe we can snag some notes from someone else," he suggested. "I bet I could talk Seregil into lending a helping hand."

"That's not a bad idea," Tony said. "Is he good with this stuff?"

"I don't think there's much Seregil isn't good at," Andrew commented. "I was giving him computer lessons. He picked up on everything really quickly."

"Cool," Tony said. "I think we could use the help."

"Want me to ask him? I mean, are we being serious here?" He really wasn't sure. "Because I'll ask him."

"If you think he'd help," Tony said. "I'm no good at this stuff."

Andrew shrugged. "I'm pretty good at it... when I'm not distracted. I could just force myself to pay attention, take good notes, and like, um, tutor you."

Tony grinned. "I like that idea."

"I mean, you are taking me to the dance. It's the least I could do," he commented.

"So, can you pass me those those gold ingots?"

Tony passed over the gold and rested his cheek on one hand as he watched Andrew work. "It's not like taking you to the dance is a hardship," he said.

When they ping in!

Sam was there, organizing his notes.

Savannah was cheerful as she took notes and listened to the class around her

Was at the head of the class, sitting at her desk, watching her students. That goes for 'during class' as well as after it, if anyone needed to speak to her.

Dear Boss, Monday Morning Meetings are the Devil.

Dear Students, thank you for your patience.

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Basics of Alchemy - Period 5 - Monday, 10/06

Sign In - Basics of Alchemy - Class Six

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Listen to the Lecture / Chat Amongst Yourselves

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Discussion

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Making Colloidal Gold

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TAs

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Abby Irene

OOC