Alchemy

Alchemy is an ancient branch of natural philosophy, a philosophical and protoscientific tradition.

Alchemists attempt to purify, mature, and perfect certain materials. Common aims are chrysopoeia, the transmutation of metals; the creation of an elixir of immortality; the creation of panaceas able to cure any disease; and the development of an alkahest, a universal solvent. The perfection of the human body and soul was thought to permit or result from the alchemical magnum opus and the achievement of gnosis. The creation of a philosopher's stone has variously connected all of these projects.

Modern discussions of alchemy are generally split into an examination of its exoteric practical applications and its esoteric spiritual aspects. The former is pursued by historians of the physical sciences, primarily wizards and artificers, who examine the subject in terms of chemistry, medicine, and magical properties. The latter interests historians of the spirit, clerics and druids. The subject has also made an ongoing impact on literature and the arts. Despite this split, which has existed since the field's origin, numerous sources have stressed an integration of esoteric and exoteric approaches to alchemy as far back as -650 CE.