alchemical
Relating to transmutation
Alchemical describes things relating to alchemy, the medieval forerunner of chemistry that sought to transform base metals into gold and discover an elixir of immortality.
The word now often carries a sense of mysterious or magical transformation: The alchemical process of turning raw ingredients into a perfect soufflé.
In figurative use, alchemical suggests any profound change that seems to transcend ordinary explanation.
Airtight, impervious condition
- philosopher's stoneLegendary substance enabling transmutation
- magnum opusCreator's supreme achievement
- elixirMythical healing draught
- potionEnchanted liquid mixture
tincture · alembic · puffer · calcination · sublimation · coagulation · dissolution · fermentation
Complete change of form
- nigredoAlchemical decay phase
- albedoSurface reflection coefficient
- lead to goldAlchemical base-to-noble conversion
- base metalsNon-precious metallic elements
quintessence · conjunction · separation · purification · multiplication · projection · ouroboros · rebirth
Liquid metallic element
- sulfurYellow combustible element
- saltSodium chloride compound
- four elementsClassical natural categories
- aetherHypothetical light-wave medium
sun · moon · dragon · phoenix · serpent · king · queen · hermaphrodite
Accessible to few
- occultConcealed from view
- arcaneUnderstood by few
- hermeticImpenetrably closed off
- gnosticRelating to mystical insight
kabbalistic · metaphysical · supernatural · spiritual · initiation · illumination · divine · sacred
Historical term for science
- vitalismNon-physical life principle
- correspondenceExchanged written communication
- macrocosmUniverse as totality
- microcosmMiniature representation of larger whole
world soul · pneuma · astral · celestial · terrestrial · sympathies
hermeticism
Airtight, impervious condition
- philosopher's stoneLegendary substance enabling transmutation
- magnum opusCreator's supreme achievement
- elixirMythical healing draught
potion · tincture · alembic · puffer · calcination · sublimation · coagulation · dissolution · fermentation · arcanum
transmutation
Complete change of form
- nigredoAlchemical decay phase
- albedoSurface reflection coefficient
- lead to goldAlchemical base-to-noble conversion
base metals · quintessence · conjunction · separation · purification · multiplication · projection · ouroboros · rebirth · refinement
mercury
Liquid metallic element
- sulfurYellow combustible element
- saltSodium chloride compound
- four elementsClassical natural categories
aether · sun · moon · dragon · phoenix · serpent · king · queen · hermaphrodite · pelican
esoteric
Accessible to few
gnostic · kabbalistic · metaphysical · supernatural · spiritual · initiation · illumination · divine · sacred · mystery
natural philosophy
Historical term for science
- vitalismNon-physical life principle
- correspondenceExchanged written communication
- macrocosmUniverse as totality
microcosm · world soul · pneuma · astral · celestial · terrestrial · sympathies
- fantasy aestheticsethereal, mystical, enchanted, whimsical, high fantasy
alchemicalscientific
Of or using research methods
empirical · chemical · evidence-based · rational · analytical
alchemicalmundane
Commonplace, lacking excitement
ordinary · mechanical · prosaic · natural · industrial
alchemicalsecular
Nonreligious, worldly
exoteric · modern · transparent · public · demystified