In 1261, alchemy was gaining prominence in Europe as scholars sought to understand the nature of matter and the possibility of transmutation. This blend of science and mysticism was particularly influential in centers of learning like Paris and Bologna, where alchemical texts were studied and debated. The pursuit of alchemical knowledge contributed to the broader intellectual currents of the time, merging science with philosophy and spirituality.

Alchemy's themes of transformation and the quest for knowledge found their way into poetry, inspiring poets to explore metaphysical concepts and the nature of existence. This influence is evident in the works of later poets like John Donne, who incorporated alchemical imagery to reflect on the complexities of life and the human soul.