Alchemy noun, from the Greek khymatos  “poured out.” Used as a scientific term until the 1600s when “chemistry” arose from it, leaving “alchemy” with its more mystical sense

 1) Ancient form of magic/sorcery, combined with chemistry/science

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     Alchemy is an ancient branch of natural philosophy which teaches that all things are made up of the four elements: earth, air, fire & water and that all matter may be broken down and changed to a different form of matterial , aIt was historically practiced in China, India, the Muslim world, and Europe.  In its Western form, alchemy was first referenced in Greco-Roman Egypt texts during the first few centuries AD.

     Alchemists attempted to purify, mature, and perfect certain materials, common aims were the transmutation of "base metals" (e.g., lead) into "noble metals" (primarily gold);  the creation of an elixir of immortality; and the creation of panaceas able to cure any disease.  The concept of creating the philosophers' stone was variously connected with all of these projects.

     Islamic and European alchemists developed a basic set of labor-atory techniques, theories, and terms, some of which are still in use today. They did not abandon the Ancient Greek philosophical idea that everything is composed of four elements, and they tended to guard their work in secrecy, often using code and cryptic symbol- symbolism. In Europe, the 12th-century translations of medieval Islamic works on science gave birth to a flourishing tradition of Latin alchemy. This late medieval tradition of alchemy went on to play a significant role in the development of early modern science (particularly chemistry and medicine).

   Modern discussions of alchemy are generally split into an examination of its exoteric practical applications and its eso-teric spiritual aspects