Paper #1: Chemistry Origins

The question of when modern chemistry and medicine started is a curious one.  There could be a wide variety of dates associated with this, including the first vaccine, Newton's theories on motion, and the start of alchemy.  During the Renaissance great advances were made.  This is where many of today's techniques in chemistry and many of our principles have come from.  Why did these advances come about though?

Completed on 18 August, 2008:

1. Critical Thinking: Approved, 17 May, 2008
2. Divination 1: Approved, 23 January, 2008
3. General Bardic Studies 1: Approved, 23 December, 2007
4. History of NeoPaganism and Druidry: Approved, 13 January, 2007