Alchemy

What is alchemy? This is an answer to the question and a brief introduction to alchemy.

Alchemy has been practised in many countries, with a history stretching back over 2500 years. Here is an abbreviated timeline or history of alchemy.

Paracelsus identified three primes (tria prima) of alchemy.

See the alchemical symbols for the chemical elements.

In alchemy there were seven planetary metals that were ruled by corresponding celestial bodies.

Dalton used specific alchemy and chemistry symbols for his research in the 19th century. These are his symbols for the elements and common chemical compounds.

Alchemy may be considered as the precursor to the modern science of chemistry. This image gallery displays some of the images and pictures associated with alchemy and the history of chemistry.

Learn about transmutation, the holy grail of alchemy. Can one chemical be changed into another? Is it worth the effort?

See the symbols of the elements and learn how alchemists used them.