Week 7--Electrochemistry and Alchemy

Semiconductor: Silicon

In Group XIV of the periodic table
Symbol: Si, Atomic Number: 14

Has 4 valence electrons in its outermost shell which gives it the ability to gain or lose electrons equally at the same time, readily either donating or sharing its four outer electrons, allowing for many forms of chemical bonding.

As a semiconductor, it has electrical conductivity between that of a conductor, such as copper, and an insulator, such as glass, and is fundamental to modern electronics.

Over 90% of the Earth's crust is composed of silicate minerals, making silicon the 2nd most abundant element in the Earth's crust after oxygen.

It is used commercially in clays, cements, mortars and stucco, ceramics, soda-glass, and in semiconductor electronics.  With its wide use in most computers, modern technology is quite dependent on silicon.

Alchemy--science, magic, art...

It seems that alchemy is a combination of all three.  As a precursor to the modern science of chemistry, alchemy and chemistry both referred to the same discipline of synthesizing and transmuting matter.  During the 18th century, alchemy became more associated with transforming base metals into gold and with finding the golden elixir of longevity and immortality. With the advent of the occultists in the 19th century and Carl Jung in the 20th century, alchemy became more defined in spiritual and esoteric terms.  Originally seen as a combination of art and science, over time alchemy has become separated from the more materialistic based science of chemistry and is currently associated more with esoteric metaphysical and spiritual practices.

Chinese medicine can be viewed through the lens of alchemy with its blend of chemistry and science and its practice as an art. It is based on technical knowledge of point energetics and point location in addition to Western science knowledge of organ systems and the chemistry of herbs.  The beauty of this medicine, however, connects with each practitioner's refinement of it as his and her own art form.

While several practitioners can come up with the same diagnosis and effective treatment, no two treatments will be the same.  The practitioner's being and inherent qi is transmuted through the acupuncture needles and in each doctor's prescription and combination of herbs.  Also, the actual combination of herbs is its own alchemical formula with certain herbs enhancing the medicine's efficacy or offsetting possible side effects.

Science and art blend in the practice of this ancient medicine, keeping it relevant in modern day practice. It continually evolves, as do the conditions it aims to treat. As for magic, that depends on the eye of the beholder. Magic to some is just part of the natural world to others that can't necessarily be seen with the human eye and assessed through the brain. The placebo effect has been scientifically documented as a real phenomenon.  Magic or the influence of a shift in energy affecting neural pathways and cellular metabolism?  I don't know, but results matter and mystery has an alluring appeal, which continues to foster my curiosity and search for knowledge.