Hidden element traced in remains of Renaissance astronomer Tycho Brahe's secret alchemy lab

While Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe is best known for his celestial discoveries made in the 16th century, he was also an alchemist who brewed secret medicines for elite clients. Brahe’s alchemical work in his laboratory located beneath his castle residence and observatory called Uraniborg has been a historical enigma. Researchers analyzed glass and pottery shards recovered from the site and found new clues about Brahe’s alchemical work. The shards contained elements like nickel, copper, zinc, tin, mercury, gold, lead, and tungsten - an element not known during Brahe’s time. The presence of tungsten in Brahe’s laboratory raises questions about how he came into contact with it. The results of the analysis are of interest to historians and archaeologists. Brahe’s alchemy lab was part of his scientific research center, where he focused on making medicines rather than gold. The lab contained 16 furnaces and a spiral staircase leading to Brahe’s living room. The new findings provide more questions than answers about Brahe’s alchemy work, highlighting the connections he believed existed between heavenly bodies, earthly substances, and the body’s organs. Brahe, along with other scientists like Isaac Newton, engaged in alchemy as part of their scientific pursuits. Brahe’s scientific achievements paved the way for future scientists and changed the way people understand the world and its place in the universe.