Transmutation of lead into gold isn't just theoretically possible - it has been achieved! There are reports that Glenn Seaborg, 1951 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, succeeded in transmuting a minute quantity of lead (possibly en route from bismuth, in 1980) into gold.
The practice of attempting to turn lead into gold is known as alchemy. It was pursued by alchemists in medieval times in the belief that it was achievable through a process called transmutation. One famous alchemist who sought to achieve this was the Swiss physician and alchemist, Paracelsus.
Alchemists in the Middle Ages and Renaissance attempted to transform base metals like lead into gold through a process called transmutation. Their efforts were fueled by the belief that achieving this transformation would lead to great wealth and wisdom. However, these attempts were unsuccessful as gold cannot be created from other elements using alchemical methods.
Many ancient scientists tried to achieve that. One of the supreme quests of alchemy is to transmute lead into gold. Lead (atomic number 82) and gold (atomic number 79) are defined as elements by the number of protons they possess. Changing the element requires changing the atomic (proton) number. The number of protons cannot be altered by any chemical means. However, physics may be used to add or remove protons and thereby change one element into another. Because lead is stable, forcing it to release three protons requires a vast input of energy, such that the cost of transmuting it greatly surpasses the value of the resulting gold. Transmutation of lead into gold isn't just theoretically possible - it has been achieved! There are reports that Glenn Seaborg, 1951 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, succeeded in transmuting a minute quantity of lead (possibly en route from bismuth, in 1980) into gold. There is an earlier report (1972) in which Soviet physicists at a nuclear research facility near Lake Baikal in Siberia accidentally discovered a reaction for turning lead into gold when they found the lead shielding of an experimental reactor had changed to gold.
Lead and gold are both elements. That is, they are already in their simplest form. It is not possible to convert one to the other by any chemical means. Alchemist used to try to do this. But lead has been converted into gold in the physics lab by nuclear means. The results are radioactive, but it was done on a small scale as an exercise to realize the long-sought alchemists' dream. But only that. It's not a safe and cost effective way to obtain gold.
Transmutation of glass into diamonds isn't just theoretically possible. Rob's transmutation was complete when he grew a tail and started barking like a dog.
The alchemist tried to change lead into gold. He studied years to become an alchemist.
They tried to turn lead into gold, and to create the philosopher's stone.
The practice of attempting to turn lead into gold is known as alchemy. It was pursued by alchemists in medieval times in the belief that it was achievable through a process called transmutation. One famous alchemist who sought to achieve this was the Swiss physician and alchemist, Paracelsus.
alchemist
No, Santiago does not turn lead into gold in "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. Santiago is a shepherd on a journey to find his Personal Legend, not an alchemist.
turn stuff into goldAlchemists tried to make gold from other non-gold metals, lead in particular. These tries turned out to teach us a lot about chemistry.
Alchemists in the Middle Ages and Renaissance attempted to transform base metals like lead into gold through a process called transmutation. Their efforts were fueled by the belief that achieving this transformation would lead to great wealth and wisdom. However, these attempts were unsuccessful as gold cannot be created from other elements using alchemical methods.
The alchemist typically works alone or in secret, so the process of turning lead into gold is not often observed by others. It is a closely guarded secret known only to a select few.
They were trying to convert lead into gold, and to create the philosopher's stone.
Copper (lead etc.) into gold.
Turning lead into gold, and creating the philosopher's stone.
The Englishman in "The Alchemist" was unable to transform lead to gold because of his lack of understanding of the personal transformation and spiritual growth required to achieve the alchemical goal. He was focused solely on the physical result, overlooking the importance of inner development.