The search throughout history for a chemical process that would turn Base Metals into gold.
Probably the most commonly known association of Alchemy is as an occult science which sought to transmute base metals into gold, create the "Elixir of Life", and create the Philosopher's Stone. The purification and transformation of physical substances were (are) also seen symbolically as spiritual transformations.
is commonly presented as a magical art, related to chemistry, which produces magic potions. is, more generally, a type of power which produces magical effects from the "natural" properties of objects. A physical object is often imbued with these effects for later use. A person does not typically need to have magical ability to use Alchemy or the items created with Alchemy. See Also: Magic, Technology.
Alchemy is an early protoscientific practice combining elements of chemistry, physics, astrology, art, semiotics, metallurgy, medicine, mysticism, and religion. There were three main goals many alchemists sought for. The most renowned goal of alchemy is the transmutation of any metal into either gold or silver.Also they tried to create universal panacea, a remedy that would cure all diseases and prolong life indefinitely. The philosopher's stone was the key in these goals.
An ancient " psuedo-science" commonly recalled for experiments to transmute base metals into gold, the formulation of a universal cure to remedy all known diseases, the indefinite extension of life through chemical and magical means, and the production of artificial life forms in a laboratory setting. Richly illustrated in symbolism and steeped in arcane traditions, the practice of alchemy eventually led to the formation of accepted sciences such as chemistry. Today, sometimes regarded as a symbolic philosophy for the evolution of the human spirit from 'base man' to 'enlightened man' through the use of alchemical symbolism and imagery.
The chemistry of the Middle Ages, the chief aim of which was to change the baser elements into gold.
An ancient art and precursor to modern chemistry where alchemists devoted their time and energy in efforts to find the means of prolonging life. Much of their interest could be described as having a desire to transmute substances into higher quality substances. Alchemists discovered how to transmute base metals such as lead and tin into gold and silver.
is the practice of transmutation of base metals into precious metals (e.g., gold or silver) with the aid of an esoteric substance called the "philosopher's stone".
The precursor of chemistry; a science where the goal was to change cheaper and more available metals (such as lead) into gold.
Chemistry in ancient times.
A branch of High Magick developed in the Middle Ages which sought to magickally and/or chemically turn lead into gold.
Changing one thing into another, such as turning a base metal into gold.
a pseudoscientific forerunner of chemistry in medieval times
the way two individuals relate to each other; "their chemistry was wrong from the beginning -- they hated each other"; "a mysterious alchemy brought them together"
in Taoist practice, a set of procedures and principles meant to prolong human life. In Taoism, there were two types of alchemy: Outer Alchemy consisted of the chemical production of elixirs that were meant to be swallowed; Inner Alchemy, however, relied on symbolic meditation to achieve the same end.
A form of chemistry centering around attempts to convert metals to gold and to find a cure for all diseases. Alchemy peaked during the middle ages and fell out of use in the 19th century as advances were made in the fields of physics, chemistry, and biology.
Several of the great Greek philosophers considered all matter to be composed of four basic " elements", fire, air, earth and water, and that all materials were had these components mixed in different proportions. If this theory was true, then it was believed that all substances could be converted ( transmuted) into each other by varying the proportions of the mixture. This tansmutation theory was the basis of Alchemy from approx. 300 B.C. to 1500 A.D., after which it slowly gave way to the more scientific concepts of chemistry from the 17th century onwards. The alchemists represented their " element" by a variety of symbols (see below), some of which were based on astrological signs They were mainly concerned with trying to turn base metals into gold and looking for the elixir of life although they also developed medicinal drugs, developed couterfeiting techniques and the debasement of precious metals.
A medieval chemical idea whose goal was to change base metals into gold.
The medieval forerunner of chemistry, concerned particularly with attempts to convert common metals into gold or to find a universal elixir.
An ancient technique whereby a Practitioner (often called a "Wizard" or "Sorcerer") combined elements and performed a process to transform base metals into gold. The term is often applied to psychological and spiritual transformation. (See FAQ sheet for more elaboration in regards to the work of The Reconnections).
A "speculative" chemical system originating in China. It includes the conversion (transmutation) of reactive metals to gold and the discovery of the philosopher's stone. It also provides single cures to diseases and a way to prolong life indefinitely.
The science of changing the base elements into gold or silver with the aid of a mysterious psychic substance.
The process of transforming literal or figurative lead into gold.
Practised by John Dee and Edward Kelley in the hope of finding the Philosopher's Stone - a substance that could turn base metals into gold. In the 16th century, alchemy was big business, but the practice was first documented in 3rd-century BC Egypt. Alchemy has also been seen by philosophers as a spiritually symbolic process of purification rather than a physical one. (Plus: explore Channel 4's Spellbinder website.)
The practice of transmuting base metals into precious metals.
An ancient science of transformation, the precursor of modern chemistry, known primarily for attempts to turn base metals into gold. Medieval alchemists viewed alchemy as a path to personal transformation, and the Tarot may have been one of the tools used to attain that end.
The forerunner of modern chemistry. Its chief aims were the transmuting of baser metals into gold, and the discovery of an elixir of life.
A medieval science concerned with making gold, finding the ‘elixir of life' and producing life from the non-living.
n. Chemistry of the middle ages, characterized by the pursuit of changing base metals to gold.
The application of various methods to produce the mystical Stone of the Philosophers and accomplish the Great Work; these methods tend to work on several planes of existence in simultaneous parallel
medieval form a chemistry thought to transmute metals such as lead and copper into gold
The chemistry from prehistory until the 17th century, in which laboratory experiments were combined with intuitive, pictorial, partly religious experiences about nature and man. Many symbols which we recognize today as contents of the unconscious were project onto matter, onto the prima materia. The alchemist sought the "secret of God" in the primary material and, in doing so, developed methods and process which resemble those of modern depth psychology.
In the history of science, alchemy (Arabic: الكيمياء) refers to both an early form of the investigation of nature and an early philosophical and spiritual discipline, both combining elements of chemistry, metallurgy, physics, medicine, astrology, semiotics, mysticism, spiritualism, and art all as parts of one greater force. Alchemy has been practiced in Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Persia, India, and China, in Classical Greece and Rome, in Muslim civilization, and then in Europe up to the 19th century—in a complex network of schools and philosophical systems spanning at least 2500 years.
In the anime/manga series Fullmetal Alchemist, alchemy is a technique used to transform one material into another (referred to as a transmutation). For most alchemists, performing a transmutation requires the use of a transmutation circle. In addition, all transmutations, except for those performed with the aid of the Philosopher's Stone, are subject to the Law of Equivalent Exchange.