During class today, Sophie and I weren't able to work on making our motor because other people were using the materials. Instead, I continued with taking more notes about alchemy. One thing that I thought was really cool was that the Zodiac signs are used as cryptology for one of the processes of making the Magnum Opus. Each sign represents a symbol and a step. For example, Sagittarius represents the incineration part of the process. Something else that really stood out was that many of the metals and elements alchemists used represented something, like gold often times represented perfection. Lastly, I thought it was interesting how there are several different symbols for the same element. It made me wonder how alchemists decided on the design of the symbols. When I was looking up the symbols, I found out that alchemists used Mercury to make red mercuric oxide, which is a powder. This many times represented solid and liquid states, earth and heaven, and life and death. I also found out that the philosopher's wool, otherwise known as nix alba, was created by burning zinc in the air. Also, some alchemists believed that the 7 planetary metals represented and corresponded with vital organs in the human body. The sun is the heart, while the moon is the brain. Then Mercury represents the lungs and Venus is the kidneys. Mars corresponds with the gall bladder and Jupiter is the liver. Lastly, Saturn represents the spleen. Overall, today went well for learning more background about alchemy. Hopefully tomorrow Sophie and I can actually make our motor to test it out.