Answer:
The goal of the alchemists, who practiced from 400-1400 AD, was to transmute common elements (like lead) into gold. The alchemists used symbols to identify elements, and made many important discoveries which led to the development of the modern science of chemistry.
Explanation:
Alchemists were contracted by the elite for practical purposes related to mining, medical services, and the production of chemicals, medicines, metals, and gemstones. Entrepreneurial opportunities were common for the alchemists of Renaissance Europe.
Alchemy was based on the belief that there are four basic elements in nature: air, fire, water and earth. Alchemy is an ancient practice shrouded in mystery and secrecy. Its practitioners mainly sought to turn lead into gold, a quest that has captured the imaginations of people for thousands of years
The difference between alchemy and modern chemistry is alchemy is based on a mystic, supernatural view of reality, whereas chemistry assumes reality is basically natural. That makes a huge difference, and chemistry would never have gotten very far if it had stuck with the old metaphysics.
Despite these connotations of the mythic and mystical, alchemical practice played an important role in the evolution of modern science to discover the relationship of humans to the cosmos and use that understanding to improve the human spirit. Alchemy was scientific but it was also a spiritual tradition.
