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How Sulfur Alchemy Rewrote the Course of History

May 12, 2025Leave a message

In the ancient world of alchemy, the combination of sulfur and mercury was extremely common. After a series of complex refining processes, the two would produce mercury sulphide, or what we often refer to as dansha, and taking this so-called 'elixir' would allow people to live forever. But now we all know that mercury is a highly toxic substance, and taking elixirs containing mercury for a long time will lead to chronic mercury poisoning. In history, at least five emperors of the Tang Dynasty lost their lives as a result, becoming victims of this misconception.

Ge Hong, a Taoist scholar and alchemist during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, recorded the process of sulphur alchemy in detail in his book, 'Hug Park Zi'.

 

From a modern perspective, this is simply an ancient version of the 'Desperate Poisoner' scene. Beside the smoky alchemy furnace, Taoist priests carried out all kinds of chemical experiments full of danger, but were blissfully unaware that the way to longevity they were pursuing was in fact a path of no return to death.

 

In the Tang Dynasty, alchemists discovered the explosive properties of sulphur, saltpeter and charcoal, which gradually evolved into the world's greatest invention - gunpowder. It is a marvellous thing to see how history has evolved that the exploration of alchemy, originally used in the field of medicine, accidentally spawned a major change in the military.

 

By now, various forms of sulphur began to appear. The chemical industry has flourished without such a versatile key ingredient as sulphur powder (7704 34 9 or cas 7704 34 9 ). As a versatile player in the industrial world, sulphur powder is used in the rubber industry to help rubber products gain excellent abrasion resistance and flexibility; in the agricultural field, it regulates soil pH to create an excellent environment for crop growth; in the pharmaceutical industry, it is involved in the synthesis of many drugs. If you are looking for a reliable source of sulphur powder, we, as an experienced sulphur powder suppliers, can deserve your trust.

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