Ancient Origins:
The origins of Western alchemy can be traced back to Hellenistic Egypt,
in particular to the city of Alexandria. One of the most important
characters in the mythology of alchemy is Hermes Trismegistus (Hermes
the Thrice-Great). The name of this figure is derived from the Egyptian
god of wisdom, Thoth and his Greek counterpart, Hermes. The Hermetica,
which is said to be written by Hermes Trismegistus, is generally
regarded as the basis of Western alchemical philosophy and practice. In
addition, Hermes Trismegistus is also believed to be the author of the
Emerald Tablet. The Emerald Tablet is said to be a tablet of emerald or
green stone inscribed with the secrets of the universe. The source of
the original Emerald Tablet is unclear, hence it is surrounded by
legends. The most common legend claims that the tablet was found in a
caved tomb under the statue of Hermes in Tyana, clutched in the hands of
the corpse of Hermes Trismegistus himself. Another legend suggests that
it was the third son of Adam and Eve, Seth, who originally wrote it.
Others believed that the tablet was once held within the Ark of the
Covenant. Some even claim that the original source of the Emerald Tablet
is none other than the fabled city of Atlantis.
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