从自然静观到技艺操控 炼金术汞硫理论对矿物观念的重塑

From Natural Contemplation to Technical Manipulation The reshaping of idea of minerals concept by the Alchemical Mercury-Sulfur Theory

汞硫理论被认为源自散发物理论。但散发物理论只是对矿物成因的自然哲学解释,汞硫理论却隐含技艺操控自然的预设,构成炼金术实践的理论基础。通过阐发汞硫理论,9—13世纪发展出对炼金术实践的多种批判或辩护思路。其中伊本·西那强调自然与技艺的鸿沟,对炼金术提出根本质疑,保罗则以物质主义的矿物成因阐释,悬置了理智无法企及的自然原则,捍卫了技艺的正当性。经由炼金术观念的洗礼,矿物从自然之物转变为被技艺操控的物质对象。但保罗的微粒炼金术未能直接导向现代矿物观念,后者的形成还有待一种在自然哲学、炼金术物质理论和基督教神学之间的调和。

Mercury-sulfur theory is believed to originate from the theory of exhalation.But the emission theory is only a natural philosophical explanation for mineral genesis,while the Mercury-sulfur theory implies a presupposition of manipulating nature with artificial arts,forming the theoretical basis for alchemical practice.Elaborating on this theory,various criticisms and defences of alchemy emerged from the 9th to 13th centuries.Ibn-Sināemphasized the gap between nature and art,raising fundamental questions about alchemy.In contrast,Paul of Taranto interpreted mineral genesis from a materialistic perspective,suspending natural principles beyond the reach of reason and defending the legitimacy of artificial arts.Through the influence of alchemical concepts,minerals had been transformed from natural entities into material objects that artifice could manipulate.However,Paul’s corpuscular alchemy did not directly lead to modern mineral concepts.The formation of the latter requires a reconciliation between natural philosophy,alchemical matter theory,and Christian theology.