Archaeological dig at Tycho Brahe’s island lab reveals some of his alchemical secrets
By 
Julia Robinson2024-07-26T08:30:00
Analysis of what appears to be laboratory vessels shows elements Danish astronomer was working with
Analysis of glass and ceramic shards retrieved from an archaeological excavation in Sweden, could reveal new insights into alchemical experiments carried out by the Renaissance astronomer, Tycho Brahe. The researchers found traces of nine chemical elements on the inner and outer surfaces of the fragments including copper, gold, zinc and tungsten.
Brahe, who lived between 1546–1601, is well-known as an astronomer, but he also had a less well-documented interest in alchemy. In 1576 the Danish King Frederik II offered Brahe the island of Ven as a lifelong fief, saying he wanted to support Brahe’s work. Brahe accepted and between 1576 and 1580 he erected Uraniborg, a unique combination of palace, observatory and alchemical laboratory.