Alchemy In the second decade of the twenty-first century, alchemy is not only about the transformation of metals, but a shift in awareness from the physical world to the nonphysical world. Throughout its history, alchemy has demonstrated dual purposes. First, alchemy has evolved the use and understanding of chemical substances, which essentially led to modern chemistry. Second, alchemy has also always been associated with spiritual beliefs. Alchemy was practiced in Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Persia, India, Japan, Korea and China, in Classical Greece and Rome, in the Muslim civilizations, and then in Europe up to the 19th century in a complex network of schools and philosophical systems spanning at least 2,500 years. In the history of science, alchemy refers to both an early form of the investigation of nature and an early philosophical and spiritual discipline, both combining elements of chemistry, metallurgy, physics, medicine, astrology, semiotics, mysticism, spiritualism, and art all as parts of one greater force. Alchemy is an ancient path of spiritual purification and transformation – the expansion of consciousness and the development of insight and intuition. Alchemy is shrouded in mystery and believes in non-physical powers that can change consciousness and understanding, and that can connect the human soul to the Divine. Alchemy is part of the traditions of both Eastern and Western cultures. In the East, it dates to ancient Egypt; Egyptian alchemists used their art to make mixtures, dyes, perfumes and cosmetic jewelry, and to embalm the dead. The early Arabs made significant contributions to alchemy, such as by emphasizing the mysticism of numbers (quantities and lengths of time for processes). The Arabs also gave us the term 'alchemy', from the Arabic term 'alchimia', which loosely translated means 'the Egyptian art'. During medieval and Renaissance times, alchemy spread through the Western world and functioned in two ways. First, alchemists sought to find a physical/chemical process to convert base materials such as lead into gold. The other purpose of working with chemicals for alchemists was to discover a cure for disease as a method of extending life, known as the Elixer of Life or the philosopher’s stone. The second function of the practice of alchemy was to work towards the purification of the spiritual human soul, by eliminating the "base" material of selfishness and achieving the “gold” of enlightenment. By Renaissance times, many alchemists believed that the spiritual purification was necessary in order to achieve the transformations of metals.
The alchemists relied heavily upon their dreams, inspirations, and visions for guidance in perfecting their art. In order to protect their secrets, they recorded diaries filled with mysterious symbols rather than text. These symbols remain today as sacred and emblematic of the deeper meaning of life and spirituality. Alchemy also represents an attempt to discover and understand the relationship between humans and the universe. Astrology, the study of the cosmos, influences part of alchemist philosophy in attempting to understand man’s relationship with the stars, the Heavens and the Creator. "Transmutation" is the key word characterizing alchemy, and it may be understood in several ways: in changes of chemical properties, in physiological changes such as going from being ill to being healthy, in changes from old age to youth, or even in changes from an earthly existence to a supernatural existence. All changes, transformations, and transfigurations of alchemy are always presented as being positive. Alchemy aimed to master the greatest of human desires: wealth, spirituality and immortality. Alchemy was not the only practice that sought to achieve these goals. Religion and medicine had long been attempting to accomplish these desires before alchemy came to be. Many myths and folklore tell stories of various cultures working to achieve wealth, spiritual enlightenment, and immortality. The possibility of chemical gold making was not conclusively disproved by scientific evidence until the 19th century. It is clear why alchemy was doomed to fail: it was based on a misunderstanding of basic chemistry and physics. Despite the impossibility of the main premise of alchemy, this scientific and spiritual practice is responsible for many scientific and chemical discoveries. Other aspects of alchemist philosophy, especially the human need to have a greater understanding of our own spiritual soul, can still be seen in modern stories, popular culture, and religions.