what is alchemy?

Answer 1

alchemy is a process of melding ideas and transmuting them into the philosphical stone that all are trying to aquire what most people dont realize that in attempting to aquire it one learns more about oneself and the need for such a silly stone is useless because they already posses it it is knowlege

Answer 2

ALCHEMY: The science by aid of which the chemical philosophers of
medieval times attempted to transmute the baser metals into gold or
silver. There is considerable divergence of opinion as to the etymology
of the word, but it would seem to be derived from the Arabic al=the, and
kimya=chemistry, which in turn derives from the late Greek
chemica=chemistry, from chumeia=a mingling, or cheein, `to pour out` or
`mix', Aryan root ghu, to pour, whence the word `gush'. Mr. A. Wallis
Budge in his "Egyptian Magic", however, states that it is possible that
it may be derived from the Egyptian word khemeia, that is to say 'the
preparation of the black ore', or `powder', which was regarded as the
active principle in the transmutation of metals. To this name the Arabs
affixed the article `al', thus giving al-khemeia, or alchemy.

I have more, but there is a limit on characters placed in an answer.

I can say that some sources believe Bronze was the issue of Alchemy experiments.

Answer 3

Alchemy, or alkeamia (Egyptian origin), was originally the study and practice of attempting to turn base metals into gold. In medieval times, and throughout the world, those that would equate to 'scientists' tried to create a reaction whereby a base metal would transmute into a precious metal. The Egyptian way was to use the legendary 'black powder' in order to trigger the reaction, which is 'keamia' and thus where the name comes from.

From the word 'Alchemy' we get the word 'Chemistry' which is where we got our science of turning one substance into another from.

The study of Alchemy then branched out into taking things and making other things from them, or changing the shape of something. (This is something that's been heavily blown out of proportion by the anime Fullmetal Alchemist). It is thought that someone once used a sulphur compound to turn iron pyrites into bronze, though this is unfounded.

Alchemy then became the study of transmuting (changing) something/things of less use into things with more use- much like when we bake a cake or carve a chair from wood. Of course, it would be done without labour, but with chemicals instead. They would try to make finer silks/fabrics from papyrus and etc. Of course the study would lead to our version of chemistry, as the reactions between chemicals soon became more interesting than the reactions of chemicals on other substances!

I wholeheartedly believe that it is possible to turn Lead into Gold. It's merely a case of reversing nuclear fusion. In love and light, Tasha x

Answer 4

Alchemy was one of the early attempts at science. It attempted to blend early spiritual and mystic concepts with the newly discovered sciences, and it's end goal was the discovery/creation of the Philosophers Stone, an object that could apparently change base metals to Gold and produce the Elixir of Life.
It's a fascinating mystical side-branch of science, there's more info here:

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

Answer 5

ALCHEMY , ancient art of obscure origin that sought to transform base metals (e.g., lead) into silver and gold; forerunner of the science of chemistry. Some scholars hold that it was first practiced in early Egypt and others that it arose in China (in the 5th or 3d cent. B.C.) and was carried westward. It consisted chiefly of experiments with metals and other chemical materials. Alchemical apparatus included the alembic (or ambix) for distillation and the kerotakis for sublimation. In its beginnings alchemy was essentially a craft and embraced many kinds of metalwork, including the use of alloys resembling gold and silver. Alexandria is generally considered a center of early alchemy, and the art was influenced by the philosophy of the Hellenistic Greeks; the conversion of base metals into gold (considered the most perfect of metals) was part of a general striving of all things toward perfection. Since the early alchemists were mainly artisans, they tried to conceal the secrets of their work; thus, many of the materials they used were referred to by obscure or astrological names. It is believed that the concept of the philosopher's stone (called also by many other names, including the elixir and the grand magistery) may have originated in Alexandria; this was an imaginary substance thought to be capable of transmuting the less noble metals into gold and also of restoring youth to the aged. Alchemy, strongly tinged with magic, reached the Arabs (perhaps in the 8th cent.) and remained for several centuries under Muslim influence; in the 12th cent. it reached parts of Europe through translations of Arabic writings (the early Greek treatises were not known in Europe in the Middle Ages). Arab alchemy was preserved especially in the works of Jabir, and the earlier Greek alchemy in those of Zosimus and others. The alchemical writings of the Middle Ages continued to be couched in symbolic and cryptic language. The alchemists became obsessed with their quest for the secret of transmutation; some adopted deceptive methods of experimentation, and many gained a livelihood from hopeful patrons. As a result, alchemy fell into disrepute. However, in the searching experimental quests of the alchemists chemistry had its beginnings; indeed, the histories of alchemy and chemistry are closely linked. Transmutation of elements has been accomplished in modern chemistry.-

Answer 6

The goal of alchemy was to find the Philosopher's Stone. This stone was believed to turn all metals into stone as well it was believed that when put in a liquid it would create the elixir of life.

Answer 7

The changing of base elements(Earth, Wind, Fire, Air) into something else. The ultimate achievement being to make gold. Because it was considered the purest element(since it was considered incorruptible(Didn't rust or lose it's properties.))

The main reason for doing this was in hopes of gaining a better understanding of God. By seeing how he worked. If only in some small measure.

Answer 8

From what I understand it was a practice of science, chemistry basically. I think it was based upon four basic elements, salt, sulphur, wanna say mercury and something else. It was a lil metaphysical, you can think of it as the scientific metaphysical art of it's time. It was also practiced for internal spiritual growth, transmuting and purifying by fire internally. The definition of Alchemy is basically transmuting a substance from one thing and making it into something else.

Answer 9

LOTS OF FUN !!!!!


Mostly sums and calculations....


and with alchemy you can take the glow out of a glow worm COOL...

Answer 10

Alchemy was a seudo science pre-The Period of Enlightenment. What most kings would try to have theri alchemists do is to turn more common materials, lead for instance, to gold.