Much is said and written regarding alchemy all across the world, in what could be called a renaissance of alchemical studies. However, relatively little is done in terms of actual alchemical laboratory work. The aim of the project described herein was to show how crucial the development of technical alchemical practice was along the centuries, in the discovery of an immense number of substances, processes and operations, which were of paramount importance in the establishment of modern chemistry. Alchemy is often derided in many circles. On the contrary, for two thousand years it constituted the basis of humankind’s understanding of the material world and the changes undergone by compounds and materials. Here we present an experimental reconstitution of several alchemical discoveries of great importance, using old descriptions followed by modern characterizations. The results were often startling and demonstrated how ancient wisdom bore fruit in different ways, even in the absence of our present-day means of analysis.

RESUMO Há anos, o estresse vem sendo reconhecido como importante influenciador no desempenho profissional, acadêmico e na saúde das pessoas. Muitas vezes, o período que antecede o ingresso na universidade é reconhecido como um momento causador de ansiedade, estresse e até depressão. As causas relacionadas a tal desconforto nesse período são diversas, como, por exemplo, a pressão para o sucesso no exame, a interferência familiar e a concorrência. Além disso, o curso de Medicina é visto como um dos mais difíceis e trabalhosos, pois exige dedicação, esforço, sacrifício e resistência física e emocional dos alunos. Tendo em vista os fatores estressores na vida estudantil, este trabalho buscou avaliar a presença de sintomas de estresse entre pré-vestibulandos e acadêmicos de Medicina na cidade de Montes Claros (MG) por meio da aplicação de formulários que investigam fatores sociodemográficos e as fases do estresse (Inventário de Sintomas de Estresse para Adultos de Lipp). Mediante análise estatística, verificou-se que estudantes de pré-vestibular do sexo feminino (p<0,001) e aqueles com mais de três anos de curso (p= 0,012) e com presença de cefaleia (p=0.010) apresentaram-se em fases avançadas do estresse. Nos estudantes do curso médico, apenas a associação significativa entre presença de transtornos de humor e níveis de exaustão foi observada (p=0,023). Índices de resistência e exaustão significativamente maiores nos estudantes do pré-vestibular foram observados quando comparados aos dos acadêmicos de Medicina (p<0,001). É prudente, portanto, questionar a adequação de um sistema competitivo e estressante ao qual o jovem tem que se submeter pelo simples desejo de estudar. Ressalta-se-se, então, a necessidade de o jovem ter a habilidade de lidar com o estresse e a ansiedade, elemento fundamental para o sucesso no vestibular de Medicina. Além disso, verifica-se a necessidade de acompanhamento psicológico dos estudantes de Medicina e de cursos preparatórios a fim de evitar a instalação de comorbidades estressoras que afetem o desempenho escolar e profissional.

ABSTRACT For years stress has been recognized as a major influence on professional and academic performance and on people’s health. The period leading up to university admission is commonly recognized as a time that causes anxiety, stress and even depression. The causes related to such discomfort in this period are diverse, such as the pressure for success in the exam, family interference and competition. Besides, the medical course is seen as one of the most difficult and laborious because it requires dedication, effort, sacrifice and physical and emotional endurance of the students. Taking into consideration the stressors in student life, this research aimed to evaluate the presence of symptoms of stress among pre-school students and medical students in the city of Montes Claros (MG), by means of questionnaire forms investigating socio demographic factors and phases of stress (Inventory of Symptoms of Stress for Adults of Lipp). It was found from the statistical analysis that female pre-university students (p<0.001), and those with more than three years of study(p=0.012) and presenting headaches (p=0.010) displayed advanced stages of stress. Among the medical students, significant association was only observed between the presence of mood disorders and stress levels (p=0.023). Significantly higher resistance and depletion rates among pre-university students were detected when compared to medical students(p<0.001). It is prudent, therefore, to question the appropriateness of a competitive and stressful system to which young people is submitted for the simple aim of studying. It is necessary to emphasize the need for the young person to have the ability to deal with stress and anxiety, a fundamental element for success in the medical exam. There is, therefore, the need for psychological counseling of medical and preparatory course students in order to prevent the installation of stressing comorbidities that affect school and work performance.