What is alcehmy?

Alchemy is a philosophical and protoscientific practice that aimed to transform base metals into noble ones, to discover a universal panacea (the philosopher's stone), and to find the means for eternal youth and immortality. Emerging in Europe during the Middle Ages, it was strongly influenced by Greek philosophy, Egyptian mythology, and Islamic science. Its practitioners believed that all matter is composed of four basic elements (air, water, fire, and earth) and three essential principles (mercury, sulfur, and salt), which can be manipulated through precise techniques and rituals to achieve transmutation. Alchemy also had a spiritual dimension, seeking to unite the microcosm (the human soul) with the macrocosm (the universe). Although alchemy did not achieve its stated goals, it laid the groundwork for the development of modern chemistry. Many famous scientists, such as Isaac Newton and Robert Boyle, were also alchemists and used alchemical methods in their research.