Overview

Alchemy was the precursor to the science of chemistry; it incorporated many elements of magic and religion. Originating in the Middle East, it first appeared in Europe after the Moorish conquest of Spain. A key focus of alchemy was the search for methods to transform one substance to another—especially turning other metals into gold. Alchemists believed gold to be the key to long life, and perhaps even immortality. Alchemy continued to be practiced until about 1700, when it was gradually replaced by a less mystical and more practical approach to science.

Background

Thousands of years ago, early civilizations (in Egypt and China, for example) were already familiar with several chemical processes, including the fermentation of wine and the extraction of metals from ore. However, the knowledge of the craftsmen plying these processes was limited and strictly practical...