Episode 3: Medieval Alchemists - When "Science" Was Just Expensive Ways to Poison Yourself

Medieval alchemists spent centuries trying to turn lead into gold and achieve immortality—goals that were completely impossible with their understanding of chemistry. Instead, they accidentally invented modern chemistry while poisoning themselves with toxic experiments, creating explosive compounds, and running elaborate cons on gullible nobles. From Arabic scholars to Isaac Newton, these "scientists" laid the groundwork for real chemistry through spectacular, consistent failure at their actual objectives.