Pierwiastek diabła – właściwości a symbolika fosforu

Bober, Tomasz

Pierwiastek diabła – właściwości a symbolika fosforu

Abstract

Throughout the ages phosphorus had found multiple uses that made it perceived as devilish. This highly reactive non-metal exists in several allotropes and was first produced in 1699 by Hennig Brand, an alchemist trying to create the sorcerer's stone. Used to produce matches, phosphorus was called eternal flame and light-bringer. Because of its name, phosphorus was linked both to planet Venus and the fallen angel Lucifer; in alchemy, it was identified with symbols connected with fire, and thus with spirituality and higher beings. Its uses are multiple and in many cases - dangerous. During World War II the chemical properties of phosphorus were discovered anew as a chance to produce chemical weapon. Organophosphorus compounds had found use as pesticides, but exposure to them is highly dangerous and seen as inhumane. Red phosphorus is used to produce two drugs, desomorphine and methamphetamine. Both of them are highly addictive and can be produced in homemade laboratories, bearing the risk of contamination and higher toxicity. In literature and mass culture, phosphorus is often magical and used to cause harm, as seen in Doyle’s The Hound of The Baskervilles. It can be also linked to the devil directly - The Order of Phosphorus, a modern luciferian group, refers to the greek god Phosphorus, once again reminding about the original link between phosphorus and Lucifer. The connection between phosphorus and dark powers seems undeniable. From the alchemical beginning, through its many hazardous uses, to the name itself, phosphorus proves to be truly a devilish element.