alchemy

In the Greek it is where the etymological origin of the term alchemy is found. Specifically, we can determine that it is found in the word chemia, which can be defined as "liquid mixture". It was from the aforementioned word that it was started to later create alchemy as such that was established by the Arabs who were the ones who created the term alkimya.

Alchemy is often referred to as a proto-science.

Origin of alchemy

The alchemy is an esoteric belief that is linked to the transmutation of matter. The practices and experiences of alchemy were key in the original development of the chemistry, while the alchemists looked for the philosopher's stone to transform any metal into gold.

Alchemy is considered as a proto-science or a philosophical discipline that includes notions of chemistry, physical, astrology, metallurgy, spiritualism and art. Alchemy schools were very popular for a few 2,500 years, in regions such as Mesopotamia, the Ancient Egypt, China, India, the Ancient Greece and the Roman empire.

"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

The mystery and magic that surround alchemy and the search for that stone have led to the development of a large number of works in art that revolve around them. Thus, for example, we find the literary work of Paulo Coelho entitled "The Alchemist." It is a work where we are approached about the life of a young Spanish shepherd, named Santiago, who leaves his land to live a thousand and one adventures in order to achieve his chimera.

In this way, with this narrative, what the famous Brazilian writer does is raise the idea that we must fight to achieve dreams, that destiny acts so that we can make them come true and that, sometimes, we do not realize everything. that we have until we lose it.

The alchemists sought the elixir of life.

Likewise, there are other works, literary and cinematographic, that also deal with the subject at hand. This would be the case of the first film in the literary saga about a young wizard created by JKRowling: "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." A production where we are told how the protagonist's rival, Voldemort, is looking for the mythical philosopher's stone to increase its power since it has extraordinary properties.

The philosopher's stone and the elixir in alchemy

Despite its various forms and currents, alchemy is currently closely associated with the search for a process that allows transforming any element into gold and the ability to achieve eternal life.

The alchemists believed that red philosopher's stone was capable of transmuting ignoble metals into gold, while white philosopher's stone it could transform base metals into silver.

The philosopher's stone is also linked to life elixir, a substance that would allow to cure all diseases and make eternal life possible. Despite the non-existence of this potion, many alchemists, such as Paracelsus, made important discoveries in pharmaceuticals.

It should be noted that, in theory, it is not impossible to convert lead to gold. To achieve this, it would be necessary to extract three of the 82 protons from a lead atom and obtain a gold atom (of 79 protons). However, in practice, energy projections make this transmutation impossible.