Monday, November 17, 2008

Why Metaphysics and Alchemy?

Metaphysics is supposed to answer the question "What is the nature of reality?" through the investigation into what types of things there are in the world and what relations these things bear to one another.

To me the nature of reality is...we all need to eat! More important is the need to explore the ingredients (common or obscure), the techniques (simple to advanced), and how the two relate to one another to appease the hunger in a pleasing manner.

Alchemy refers to both an early form of the investigation of nature and an early philosophical and spiritual discipline, both combining elements of chemistry, metallurgy, physics, medicine, astrology, semiotics, mysticism, spiritualism, and art all as parts of one greater force. The best known goals of the alchemists were the transmutation of common metals into gold or silver, and the creation of "the elixir of life."

As a simple example of transmutation and how it relates to food: how do you make two pieces of bread and some cheese (in this case the common metal) better? Hmmmmm, we transform it to "Silver" by placing the cheese between the two slices of bread, but to transform it into "Gold" we smear the outer layers of the bread with softened butter and apply heat until golden brown and delicious.

So, that being said, there will be recipes, experiments, and descriptions of the daily grind in a professional kitchen or two (more on that later).

1 comment:

Nana The Nana said...

OK then, very deep for me, I better read your post in the am when my brain is not to tired out from the day!