Alchemy can be said to be the ancient form of chemistry. Meaning that alchemy looked at the transmutation of base metals into that of gold. However, this art was not only limited to chemical transmutation, but also looked into the cure of diseases and prolonged life, ie. the fabled philosophers stone.
In alchemy, the residue after an operation, such as distillation or submilation (the act of changing a substance) is referrred to as Caput Mortuum, this merely means that it is just the leftovers, and whatever is valuable to alchemic studies has been removed.
What are the origins of Alchemy?
The art of alchemy originated in China and Egypt, during these civilisations early centuries. However, in this time, alchemy focused more on the spiritual transformation to a higher being, rather than artifical and chemical life.
In China, Taoist philosophy had close links with alchemy, which was said to be able to transmute such base metals into gold, by the use of a medicine. This gold that was produced was believed to hold healing powers, and powers of immortality. In Egypt however, the mystic art of alchemy was kept secret by the temple priests. In the second century, alchemy became a renowned practice in the academy of alexandria.
Alchemy found its basis in Egyptian artisans works, eastern mysticism and later on the Aristotelian theory of the composition of matter.
What does it entail?
Alchemy is one of the most complex ancient mystical arts in the world to date. As was stated above, alchemy is the transmutation of base metals into gold, however, the more complex aspects are the influences of the heavens and rotation of the stars. In order for the alchemists to transmute the metals effectively, they needed the heavenly bodies (stars, sun, moon) to be in a favourable configuartion.
It would be hard to adequately describe the intricacies’ of alchemy due to its complex scientific nature. The Philosophers stone, the medicine that could turn base metals to gold was also said to act as the Elixir of life, giving prolonged life to those who drank it. Unfortunately, such a theory has never been proven.