The Hermetic science and art of causing change, both physically and spiritually. The term is also used to describe the spiritual practices of chemists from other ancient cultures, such as ancient Chinese "alchemists." In the old days, there was no division seen between spiritual and physical practices, but for the sake of modern obsession with duality, alchemy can be divided into two types.

Practical alchemy _is_ chemisty, studying and manipulating the properties of matter to get what you want out of the universe.

Spiritual alchemy is what is discussed when "turning base metals into gold" is described. It is a form of mysticism, spiritual self-improvement with analogies to chemical jargon. "Gold" is spiritual perfection, while the lesser "base" metals (such as lead) are impure states of the spirit, unenlightened and full of the problems of mortal life.

Knowledgable alchemists were never trying to make a potion for eternal life or a stone that would transform physical materials into gold.

In a nutshell, alchemy was "chemistry" before the periodic table. It was believed that combining the four basic properties (earth, fire, air, and water) in certain ratios could produce iron, gold, booze, and even life itself. Alchemy was no longer practiced after LaVosier's studies and the publishing of the Periodic Table of Elements.

A revived belief system rooted in a primitive understanding of chemistry and medicine, given merit by the histories of fantasy fiction and practiced most successfully by tabletop gamers.

Further books on this subject can be found at your local bookstore in the NEW AGE section, somewhere between "The Sagittarian Sorcerer" and "You're a Teen Rune Casting Goddess".

the science of understanding the structure of matter, breaking it down and reconstructing it into something else.

Modern Alchemy is a magical art that aims at the spiritual transformation of the Alchemist.
In ancient times the study of Alchemy led to the founding of the science of chemistry.
Unknown to many people the goal of study of alchemy was not to turn base metals into gold.
By being able to turn base metals into gold the Alchemist was believed to transform him self spiritually, and the gold was sometimes thought to be a metaphor for the Alchemist soul.
And the transformation was thought to take place to magical or paranormal means.
Alchemist wrote there texts in a type of code to keep people only seeking wealth from corupting the science.
Modern Alchemy is an occult science and studied by people serious about the spiritual side of the universe.

Alchemy is a science preformed by Alchemists. It is the art of changing one substance to another. It's taking the molecules of a substance apart, rearranging them, and putting them back in a new form creating a new substance. "Equivalent Exchange" is a rule in Alchemy. As in you cant create a sheet of metal from a branch. Using ingredients with arrays, a symbol used in alchemy, can create a substance with the ingredients.

Alchemy: the science of understanding, deconstructing, and reconstructing matter. However, it is not an all-powerful art. It is impossible to create something out of nothing. If one wishes to obtain something, something of equal value must be given. This is the law of equivalent exchange; the basis of all alchemy. In accordance to this law, there is a taboo among alchemists. Human transmutation is strictly forbidden. For what could equal the value of a human soul?

a "science" that was believed to turn lead into gold that was used before the creation of the scientific method in which if you don't know what that is fuckin look it up but thats not important the most common thing said about alchamists is that they were charlatans and crackpots but some of them were were famous scientists or scolars like isaac newton and robert boyle if you dont them yet again fuckin look it up now on with what i was saying there are 3 main goals to alchemy they are 1. The transmutation of metals into gold and silver 2. An elixir that will prolong life indefinitely 3. The transmutation of human life
yeah pretty much they wanted to make a philosephers stone so they could be youthful forever which i dont know why i mean when i thing youth i think being trapped in a happy flowery hell with maito gai and rock lee from naruto *gags*

Slang for turning useless or old objects into money via pawning or other such methods

*as stated here a primitive form of chemistry this is the true definition of alchemy