Most traditional Chinese methods of health preservation,
including qigong, martial arts and traditional Chinese medicine,
have links with Taoism. Ancient Chinese Taoists were enthusiastic
alchemists, who attempted to produce immortality pills by smelting
minerals such as aluminum and mercury. The experiments in alchemy,
though irrational from a modern viewpoint, greatly promoted
advances in science and technology in ancient China, including the
production of gunpowder and ancient chemistry.
(China.org.cn April 20, 2007)
