L’Opus Magnum
Chaos [kao] n.m (gr. khaos).
In reference to the divine work of creation and the plan of salvation 1. a state of utter confusion or dis within it, the alchemistic process order; a total lack of organi was called the “Great Work”. In it, zation or order any confused, a mysterious chaotic source mate disorderly mass. rial called materia prima, contain ing incompatible opposites and 2. g eomorph. Amas de blocs qui se in violent confl ict, it is gradually constitue dans certains types guided towards a redeemed state de roches (grès, granite) sous of perfect harmony, the healing l’action de l’érosion. “Philosophers Stone” or lapis phi losophorum: First we bring togeth 3. Th e behavior of systems that er, then we putrefy, we break down follow deterministic laws but what has been putrified, we purify appear random and unpredict the divided, we unite the purified able. Chaotic systems very are and harden it. In this way One is sensitive to initial conditions; made from man and woman. small changes in those condi tions can lead to quite different outcomes. (Buchlein vom stein der Weisen,
1778)
Alchemy and Mysticism copyright Taschen “One needs a lot of chaos within to give birth to a dancing star” Friedrich Nietzsche
4. (physics) a dynamical system that is extremely sensitive to its initial conditions. 5. ( Greek mythology) the most ancient of gods; the personi fi cation of the infi nity of space preceding creation of the uni verse. 6. ( mathematics) A dynamical sys tem that has a sensitive depen dence on its initial conditions. 7. (obsolete) a chasm or abyss
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transmutation