Alchemy

Alchemy was the early analysis of substances which has in modern times developed into chemistry. This medieval forerunner of chemistry was aimed chiefly at the discovery of the philosopher's stone, of a universal solvent, and of the elixir of life. It was based on the supposed transformation of matter.

It has been defined to be "an art without art, which has its beginning in falsehood, its middle in toil, and its end in poverty." The word, thus, is figuratively used for a process producing paradoxical results. The process itself has no rationale.

Nearby pages
Alcian blue, Alcibiades, Alcid, Alcides, Alcinous, Alcira