European alchemy enjoyed many significant advances, which built on the ideas of Arabic alchemists.  Amongst Roger Bacon’s (1214-1292) work was his suggestion that the development of science would be in the direction of furthering mathematical techniques.  This was largely overlooked at the time, but would later be of critical importance over the next few centuries.

During this period, alchemy in Europe was branching into two distinct lines – the more philosophical and mystical area and revival of interest in transmutation, as practiced by many Spanish chemists of the time, and a more theory based science, which led to the discovery of many new compounds, as practiced by several important German and English chemists of that era.

17th century chemistry

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