What is the difference between a chemist and an alchemist?

Answer 1

Alchemy today would not be considered a science as chemistry is today but it had elements of science along with elements of mysticism and belief in magic with a preoccupation with things like turning base metals into precious metals. The alchemist practiced alchemy and the chemist practices chemistry.

Answer 2

Chemist 1. (a) (british) - a dealer in medicinal drugs, usually also selling other medical goods and toiletries. (b) an authorized dispenser of medicines.
2. a person practising or trained in chemistry

Alchemy 1.the medieval foreunner of chemistry, esp. seeking to turn base metals into gold or silver.
2. a miraculous transformation or the means of acheiving a miraculous transformation.
(An Alchemist is somebody who practises Alchemy)

basically, A Chemist is the modern evolution of an Alchemist, as Chemistry is the modern forerunner of Alchemy.

Alchemists used to use magical or pseudo-scientific methods, although they were instrumental in developing scientific method.
I hope this helps

Answer 3

It's similar to the difference between astronomer and astrologer. The former bases his work on the scientific method and the latter on pseudoscience.

Answer 4

alchemists use witchy bubbling brews and have bushy eyes brows and glowing beakers and tests tubes in sub terranean cellars...

Chemists wear white coats...and safety googles ...but no hats

Answer 5

alchem -y/ists are historically earlier in the development of the sciences. they provided (or atleast tried) cures, magical potions, explosives, etc.

chemist -s/ry is a branch of science, whereas alchemy was a multitude of unrecognized branches of science.

alchemists main objective: turning dirt to gold. :\

Answer 6

It's very similar to the difference between astronomer and astrologer.