Alchemy

Alchemy was a medieval practice that combined elements of philosophy, mysticism, and proto-science. Alchemists sought to transform base metals into noble metals like gold, aiming to discover the "Philosopher's Stone," a substance believed to grant immortality and ultimate wisdom. They made advances in laboratory techniques and chemistry, often using symbolism and spiritual concepts to explain their processes. Though rooted in magic and superstition, alchemy laid groundwork for modern chemistry by encouraging experimentation and the quest for understanding nature’s secrets, ultimately pushing the boundaries of scientific inquiry.