Finding Alchemy
The search for just the right symbols to engrave on our line of flasks has been absolutely fascinating. Alchemical symbols feel like a cross between hieroglyphs (some of them clearly sport Egyptian roots) and kanji. Some are redundant, some are excessively complex and others are bizarre, but they've got an undeniable, ancient, occult beauty to them.
The sexiest, curviest designs seem to be reserved for the most valuable or the most dangerous compounds. Gold and silver get the greatest variety of symbols while nickel, cobalt and aluminum get one representation each. Some alchemists came up with their own unique logograms while others borrowed from an existing symbology. Not all of them made it to modern-day, but a handful of gems did. See for yourself: here.
You'll almost definitely recognize the zodiac signs that survived, and the familiar prescription Rx for "take", but the symbol for "ginger" is nearly unknown. That's a pity, seeing as it's got a rhythm that all those zodiacs wish they had. If you're wondering why astrology's in your ancient chemistry, well that's because alchemy was one two-parts philosophy and one-part protoscience; meditations and spirituality went hand-in-hand with labwork. The transmutation of metals wasn't just about making low-value lead into high-value gold; it was about reaching a higher level of purity. By learning to purify metals, one could learn how to purify the self and perhaps then attain eternal life. A body free from corruption could never die, right? Right? Hmm.
I wonder what'll happen when we inscribe our flasks with these ancient symbols...
More than likely, they'll look cool.