What is the general understanding of alchemy?

Answer 1

Alchemy is generally understood to be the chemical science that predated chemistry. In the modern era, it is generally assessed to be a primitive science centered around men obsessed with a dream of turning lead in to gold. However, alchemy was actually quite similar to chemistry in a number of aspects; and many of the greatest minds in history were alchemists. Isaac newton, considered to be the father of physics, and Robert Boyle, considered to be the father of chemistry were two prominent alchemists.

Alchemy itself is often described as a combination of chemistry and philosophy. To elaborate, they used observation, logical deduction and experimentation in an attempt to understand the world around them. Though they weren't always right, they did lay the foundation for future scientists.

Alchemy, like its modern counterpart focused a good deal on the separation and combining of chemicals; which they termed "transmutation". However, they didn't understand the distinction between molecules and atoms as we now do, so they weren't aware that you can't change the structure of an atom as you can with a molecule. Because of this, they believed they could also transmute base materials, such as lead, iron and Mercury in to "noble" metals, such as gold, silver and platinum. A number of alchemists became obsessed with this idea, as it was a quick way to get rich if it could be achieved; and because of this, alchemy became associated with that goal. The substance by which they believed they could turn common metals in to noble ones was known as the Philosophers' Stone. Transmutation on an atomic level has been proven possible, but aside from radioactive decay experienced by elements such as uranium, it takes too much energy for transmuting gold to be a viable source of wealth.

Alchemists were also medicine men. Many doctors of the era were alchemists. In fact, you can thank the alchemist Paracelsus for a number of modern medicines. He was one of the first scientists to suggest therapy using different chemicals. Though his prescribed cures weren't always helpful, he did lay the foundation for the medicine we use today. Many alchemists, including Paracelsus were searching for a "panacea", or "cure all", which they called the Elixir of Longevity. Because it could cure any ailment, it could make the user virtually immortal; thus the name.

To surmise, alchemy was a very imaginative science. Though many of its theories were wrong in comparison to modern knowledge, it did lay the foundation for modern chemistry and medicine.