How did alchemy develop?

Answer 1

Alchemy is often defined as a pseudo-scientific predecessor to chemistry that sought to transmute base metals into gold, produce an elixir to prolong life indefinitely, produce a panacea or universal remedy, and produce an 'alkhest' or universal solvent. Alchemy is actually about all possible transmutations (changes of state and form) of all matter.

The practice of alchemy appears to be quite ancient. The Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese, and early Arab community all engaged in alchemical investigations, and some exchange of information between these groups seems to have occurred as well.

Answer 2

Alchemy originated in ancient Egypt and Greece, blending elements of philosophy, mysticism, and empirical experimentation. It later spread to the Islamic world, where it flourished during the medieval period, before eventually influencing European alchemy in the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Alchemy transitioned into modern chemistry as experimental methods improved and mystical elements were gradually discarded.