Islamic Alchemy

Islamic alchemy was a medieval scientific and philosophical tradition developed in the Islamic world, blending spiritual practices with early chemistry. It aimed to transform and purify substances, often seeking to create the philosopher's stone—believed to convert base metals into gold and grant immortality. Alchemists also explored spiritual growth, considering these transformations symbolic of personal and divine perfection. Their work laid foundational principles for modern chemistry, emphasizing experimentation and skepticism. This tradition integrated religious, philosophical, and scientific ideas, reflecting a holistic worldview that sought understanding of the material and spiritual universe.