1 Alchemy

Alchemy is a medieval chemical science with roots in early metallurgy, chemistry, and medicine. It sought to transform base metals into noble metals like gold or silver, and to discover a substance, the philosopher's stone, that could extend life indefinitely. The term "alchemy" comes from the Arabic word al-kīmiyā (الكيمياء), which itself may have derived from the Greek khēmeia (χημεία), possibly meaning "to pour out" or "cast together." In Hebrew, alchemy is known as alkhemya (אלכימיה). Alchemy was practiced in various forms across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, with notable contributions from figures like Jabir ibn Hayyan, Paracelsus, and Isaac Newton. It laid the groundwork for modern chemistry, though it is often associated with mysticism and esotericism due to its blend of scientific inquiry and spiritual aspirations.