ALCHEMY Meaning and
Definition
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Alchemy is a philosophical and protoscientific discipline that originated in Hellenistic Egypt during the first century AD and later practiced throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia. Derived from the Arabic word "al-kīmiyā", which means "the art of transformation", alchemy encompasses a wide range of beliefs, practices, and experiments aiming to transform basic substances into more refined and valuable forms. Its ultimate goal was the pursuit of the Philosopher's Stone, a mythical substance believed to have immense power, capable of transmuting base metals into gold and providing eternal life.
In addition to its practical interest in the transmutation of metals, alchemy embraced spiritual and metaphysical aspects. Alchemists believed that the transformation of matter was directly connected to the transformation of the self, seeking personal enlightenment and spiritual purification throughout their experiments. This amalgamation of metaphysics and chemistry contributed to the development of early scientific methods and apparatuses, as alchemists pioneered the use of laboratory equipment and chemical processes.
However, alchemy's significance extends beyond its quest for material and spiritual transformations. It also played a crucial role in the preservation and transmission of ancient knowledge in areas such as medicine, extractions, dyes, and various chemical processes. Although considered a precursor to modern chemistry, alchemy eventually faded away as the scientific method emerged, leading to the birth of modern science. Nevertheless, the legacy of alchemy persists, leaving an enduring impact on the fields of science, philosophy, and metaphysics.
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The professed art of changing the other metals into gold; the art that professed to find a universal remedy and other impossible things.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ALCHEMY
Etymology of ALCHEMY
The word "alchemy" originated from the Arabic term "al-kīmiyā" (الكيمياء), which itself derived from the ancient Greek word "khēmeia" (χημεία). The Greek term referred to a form of chemistry and metallurgy practiced during Hellenistic Egypt, eventually evolving into the Arabic alchemical tradition. The exact origins of the Greek word "khēmeia" are uncertain, but it is believed to be derived from the ancient Egyptian word "khem" or "khame", which referred to the black fertile soil found along the Nile River. Over time, "al-kīmiyā" was adopted into Latin as "alchemy", and the field of study became known by this name throughout Europe.
Similar spelling words for ALCHEMY
- alchemic,
- ELCHEM,
- Eliachim,
- Alchymy,
- alchemize,
- oltchim,
- allochem,
- Elishama,
- Al-hakim,
- walsham,
- alchemical,
- alchemise,
- alchemist,
- aylsham,
- ilushuma,
- elsham,
- aleichem.
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