what is alcamy?

Answer 1

Alchemy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alchemy

Answer 2

Alchemy? I am pretty sure it exists in the same vein as Astrology and Palm Reading. It's not really science - but was a popular belief a long time ago.

Wikipedia states:

"In the history of science, alchemy 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. 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."

"Today, alchemy refers to a basic three step process: Analysis, [understanding the structure and properties of the thing that is about to be transmutated], Deconstruction/Decomposion [breaking down the substance into it rudimentery properties], and Reconstruction/Recomposion [rebuilding it in a different form, or with different properties]. The discipline is of interest mainly to historians of science and philosophy, and for its mystic, esoteric, and artistic aspects. Nevertheless, alchemy was one of the main precursors of modern sciences, and many substances and processes of ancient alchemy continue to be the mainstay of modern chemical and metallurgical industries."

Also it is used in computer games a lot. Generally refers to the creation of something from ingredients that do not contain that substance. For example the oft used example of making lead into gold - which has so far proved impossible at least as far as Alchemy is concerned. Or in games, you can create potions from ingredients to cure, cast spells etc etc... the idea of calling it Alchemy derives from the same idea.

Look up the page in Wikipedia for lots of juicy information.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alchemy

Answer 3

First of all the word is "Alchemy" the proper definition is-an early, unscientific form of chemistry that sought to change base metals into gold and discover a life-prolonging elixir, a universal cure for disease, and a universal solvent alkahest (a hypothetical universal solvent sought by alchemists.)

Answer 4

Back in the Middle Ages, there were alchemists who thought that it would be a neat trick if they could turn something relatively worthless--like iron or lead, for example--into something valuable, like gold or silver. Needless to say, they never really got anywhere with the whole thing and wasted their lives trying to do something that couldn't be done.

Answer 5

Alchemy usually refers to an early form of art that uses different metals and transforms them into gold. It can also be used in many different aspects. Below are two good sources where you can find information.

Answer 6

Alchemy was rudimentary chemistry. It basically is chemistry mixed with magic and the like. It dealt with changing one substance into another. One of the main goals was figuring out how to change lead into gold.

Answer 7

alchemy was the belief that other metals could be somehow processed into gold.

Answer 8

It is spelled A-L-C-H-E-M-Y and it is medival chemistry. Use wikipedia like those other guys to get the rest