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Because they believed they could eventually make gold, and lets face it, who wouldn't want to be able to make gold out of extremely common metals like lead or copper?

I think they were fooled by combining molten zinc and copper, because this produces brass, which can look very similar to gold to the naked eye.

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Q: Why did ancient alchemists attempt to transmute metals?
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Where did the philosopher's stone come from?

The Philosophers Stone is legendary for its ability to turn base metals into gold. Alchemists tried for generations to make one without success. Nicholas Flamel (1330-1480) was believed to have found it and achieved immortality.


How do you create gold in alchemy?

you cannot create gold in alchemy it is just a myth.Answer:Alchemy was the forerunner of the modern science of chemistry. The Alchemists put most of their attention into figuring out two tasks - living forever and turning common metals into gold.Both these tasks could be accomplished by (in their opinion) finding the Philosopher's Stone. Failing that they tried all manner of chants and spells featuring rare cstly and disgusting animal parts and poisons.


What is the Master Work in The Alchemist?

The Master Work is what all alchemists aspire to attain: turning lead or simpler metals into gold. The solid compound they create is known as the philosopher's stone, which can turn the metal into gold with only a sliver of it. Another bi-product of the master work is a liquid know was the elixir of life, which when drunk will cause the user to never fall ill and live possibly forever. The process is know to involve sulphur, and the philosopher's stone is yellow, showing a link between the two.


Metals with the letters ron in them?

IRON


What has the author Harry D Churchill written?

Harry D. Churchill has written: 'Physical testing of metals and interpretation of test results' -- subject(s): Metals, Testing

Related questions

What was the goal of alchemists in Europe?

to transmute base metals into gold.


Why did scientist failure to make gold?

Early chemists and alchemists were using chemical energy to try to transmute (change) other metals to gold. There is far too little energy in chemical reactions to do this.


Why did the alchemist failed in their attempt to make gold?

Alchemists could not make gold out of other metals because gold is an element.


Medieval scientist who attempted to change worthless metals into gold?

Alchemists. Alchemists.


What was it that alchemists were searching for?

Most alchemists were generally searching for an object called the Philosophers' Stone. It was reputed to be able to transmute (Change) one element in to another. Usually common metals, such as iron and lead in to what was called "noble metals", such as gold and silver. They were also searching for the elixir of longevity, which was a supposed panacea. Able to cure any ailment, it made whoever consumed it virtually immortal.


Why were alchemists interested in mercury?

Alchemists believed that mercury could be transformed into other metals,including gold.


Define a Alchemist?

An alchemist is one who believes that you can "transmute" metals into other things.


Medieval scientists who attempted to change worhless metals into gold?

Alchemists


Why did the alchemists try to change other metals into gold?

To make money


How did the scientist differ from the alchemists?

Alchemists tried to make GOLD from base metals. Scientists know that theoretically Gold can only be made by altering the number of protons in an atom. Alchemists did NOT know about protons etc., .


Islamic scientists who tried to turn ordinary metals into gold?

The scientist were called Alchemists.


Why did alchemists think they could turn other metals into gold?

I dont know people