Why are all the famous alchemists men?

It's not accurate to say that all famous alchemists were men. While historical records are often biased towards men, there were women who played significant roles in alchemy. However, due to societal norms and restrictions, their contributions were often hidden or minimized.

Here's why we might perceive alchemy as a male-dominated field:

* Historical Bias: Records and accounts of history were primarily written by men, and often focused on male figures. This leaves a gap in our understanding of women's contributions.

* Social Norms: In many historical periods, women were limited in their access to education and scientific inquiry. This made it challenging for them to pursue careers in fields like alchemy.

* Lack of Recognition: Even when women made significant contributions, they were often credited to their male counterparts or simply overlooked.

Here are some notable women in alchemy:

* Maria the Jewess: An early alchemist credited with inventing the bain-marie, a heating device still used in labs today.

* Hypatia of Alexandria: A philosopher and mathematician in the 4th century, known for her knowledge of alchemy and astronomy.

* Isabella Cortese: An Italian alchemist in the 16th century, known for her work on transmutation and the production of gold.

* Mary the Prophetess: An alchemist who is believed to have contributed to the development of alchemy in the early centuries AD.

It's important to acknowledge the contributions of women in alchemy, even if they are not as well-known as their male counterparts. The field was likely more diverse than historical records suggest.