fandomhigh | Basics of Alchemy - Period 5

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]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"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."

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

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