Salt Alchemy
Salt Alchemy, or just Alchemy, is a scientific system of belief in practice popular in the modern day Rotating Magnate. It has, in part, been incorporated into the Tradition of Science.
Beliefs
Though Salt Alchemy originates through various animistic beliefs, the modern theory holds the universe to be composed of ten fundamental essences (Al Khidhaab: Gauharun).
| Name | Essence | Complement | Astrology | Numerology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quartz (Al Kautiz) | Brittleness | Tungsten | Earth | 1 |
| Sulphur (Al Gibrid) | Flammability | Phlogiston | Sun | 7 |
| Oil of Vitriol (Al Khaamidh) | Acidity | Quicklime | Venus | 5 |
| Aether (Al Aviir) | Voluminosity | Albedo | Firmament | 8 |
| Mercury (Al Ziibaq) | Conductivity | Gold | Mercury | 4 |
| Gold (Al Dhaabab) | Plasticity | Mercury | Jupiter | 6 |
| Albedo (Al Bidu) | Reflectivity | Aether | Stars | 2 |
| Quicklime (Al Marra) | Alkalinity | Vitriol | Moon | 5 |
| Phlogiston (Dukhaanun) | Gaseousness | Sulpher | Saturn | 3 |
| Tungsten (Al Tanaghtins) | Hardness | Quartz | Mars | 9 |
These essences come together to form compounds referred to as salts (Al Khidhaab: Milh), in salts, both the composition and arrangement are important. Salts that make up the natural world are usually very complicated. It is said that there is some mysterious "Life Salt" (Al Khidhaab: Al Sugai), composition and arrangement unknown, which seperates the living from the dead.
Practice
Alchemic beliefs about the nature of reality are common throughout The Rotating Magnate, but there are no associated religions or practices; it is seen as common knowledge. Sometimes it appears within medicine, as doctors will attempt to balance the different essences (or humours) in a patient's body. This art is called Biochemy (Al Khidhaab: Hayaah Kimiyaa'). Similar thoughts govern the preparation of food, and this art is called Gastrochemy (Al Khidhaab: Gastir Kimiyaa')
Magic
Practicioners of Salt Alchemy, known as Alchemists, will create artificial salts to produce certain intended reactions. To the untrained eye, this can appear as magic.