Question

In which time period did alchemists attempt to change less valuable metals into gold? 8000 BC – 1000 BC 1000 BC – 450 BC 300 BC – 1400 AD 1774 – 1794 AD Time period 1 Time period 2 Time period 3 Time period 4

Answer 1

Time Period 3 (300 BC to 1400 AD)

The alchemists were in pursuit of 2 ideals. First, alchemy came about from the belief that cheap metals can be transmuted to gold using the legendary substance Philosopher's Stone for the conversion. These views were greatly influenced by Aristotle. Thus, from 300 BC to 1400 AD, alchemists worked to make the conversion of cheap metals to gold a reality. However, it never succeeded. 

After this, the second ideal that the alchemists were in pursuit of was the concoction of an elixir of life to enable people to live longer and cure all ailments. This took place in the 1500s up to the end of the 1600s. Just like the pursuit of the first ideal, efforts to succeed in the second one all led to failure.