Alchemy is the word that indicates a mystical science known as Ancient or Middle Age chemistry, whose main objective was to transmutation of one element into another.
One of the main goals of alchemy was to turn non-precious metals into gold, such as lead into gold. Thus, several efforts were made to create the philosophical stone, which would have the ability to transform metals into gold.
Another of alchemy's goals was the creation of elixir of life or immortality, which would give immortality or prolonged life to whoever drank it.
Alchemy was a very old practice that combined mystical sciences with various areas of knowledge, such as Physics, Chemistry, medicine, Art, Metallurgy, Geometry and Philosophy.
Although the various efforts and their goals were never achieved, the alchemists were responsible for various discoveries and inventions (such as the bain-marie technique to slowly heat up solutions and the creation of porcelain).
In the seventeenth century Robert Boyle denied several alchemist assumptions and laid the first foundations of the science now known as chemistry, along with Avogadro and John Dalton.
The word alchemy comes from Arabic al-kimiya, which is related to the concept of chemistry.
Origin and History of Alchemy
Several authors claim that alchemy had its origins in Egypt, and was used in perfecting embalming techniques and in various experiments with metals.
However, other authors claim that China was the cradle of alchemy, with legends telling of its use in 4500 BC. Ç.
In the fourth century, alchemy was banned by the Roman Emperor Constantine. Later, around 950, alchemy was introduced in the West by the Arabs, specifically to Spain, reaching its maximum strength between the 14th and 16th centuries.
modern alchemy
The expression modern alchemy indicates the attempt to transform one material into another, using the advances in science and technology achieved today.
An example of this is the work of scientists who developed a method capable of turning cement into metal.
mental alchemy
As the word alchemy is related to the theme of transformation, many people use the term mental alchemy to indicate a set of methods of transforming negative thoughts into positive thoughts, through mental transmutation.