alchemists
Medieval metal transformers
Alchemists were medieval and early modern practitioners who sought to transform base metals into gold, discover the elixir of life, and unlock the secrets of matter.
The term now applies to anyone who transforms things mysteriously or magically: The chef is an alchemist, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
In fantasy settings, alchemists brew potions and craft magical substances.
Legendary substance enabling transmutation
- elixir of lifeLegendary immortality concoction
- magnum opusCreator's supreme achievement
- transmutationComplete change of form
- calcinationThermal decomposition via heat
sublimation · distillation · dissolution · coagulation · conjunction · fermentation · projection · quintessence
Airtight, impervious condition
- occultConcealed from view
- arcaneUnderstood by few
- kabbalahJewish mystical tradition
- gnosticismPrivileging inner revelation
secret doctrine · hidden knowledge · initiation · ancient wisdom · theurgy · sacred geometry · symbology · arcana
Study of drug actions
- metallurgyScience of extracting metals
- distillationPurification via vaporization
- laboratory equipmentTools for scientific work
- scientific methodStructured process for investigation
experimentation · Isaac Newton · Carl Jung · psychology · individuation · spiritual transformation · immortality · elixir
Alchemical base-to-noble conversion
- base metalsNon-precious metallic elements
- noble metalsChemically inert metallic elements
- cinnabarRed mercuric sulfide ore
- mercuryLiquid metallic element
sulfur · salt · tincture · projection · universal solvent · transformation · purification · refinement
Practice of dark magic
- wizardryPractice of casting spells
- charlatanFaker claiming false expertise
- patronageSupporter's financial backing
- secrecyPractice of hiding information
persecution · guild · apothecary · monastery · scriptorium · illuminated manuscript · feudal · royal court
philosopher's stone
Legendary substance enabling transmutation
- elixir of lifeLegendary immortality concoction
- magnum opusCreator's supreme achievement
- transmutationComplete change of form
calcination · sublimation · distillation · dissolution · coagulation · conjunction · fermentation · projection · quintessence · tincture
hermeticism
Airtight, impervious condition
gnosticism · secret doctrine · hidden knowledge · initiation · ancient wisdom · theurgy · sacred geometry · symbology · arcana · Hermes Trismegistus
pharmacology
Study of drug actions
- metallurgyScience of extracting metals
- distillationPurification via vaporization
- laboratory equipmentTools for scientific work
scientific method · experimentation · Isaac Newton · Carl Jung · psychology · individuation · spiritual transformation · immortality · elixir · panacea
lead to gold
Alchemical base-to-noble conversion
- base metalsNon-precious metallic elements
- noble metalsChemically inert metallic elements
- cinnabarRed mercuric sulfide ore
mercury · sulfur · salt · tincture · projection · universal solvent · transformation · purification · refinement · metals
sorcery
Practice of dark magic
- wizardryPractice of casting spells
- charlatanFaker claiming false expertise
- patronageSupporter's financial backing
secrecy · persecution · guild · apothecary · monastery · scriptorium · illuminated manuscript · feudal · royal court
- occultistswitches, wizards, sorcerers, sorceresses, warlocks
- transmutersconverters, changers, transformers, alterers, mutators
- fantasy/medievalknights, dragons, castles, swords, quests
- creatorsartist, author, composer, designer, inventor
- historical figureshistorical figures, leaders, Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, Joan of Arc
- expertsexperts, expert, specialist, masters, specialists
alchemistschemists
Scientists studying substances
empiricists · physicists · rationalists · skeptics · positivists
alchemistspreservationists
Advocates for protecting historical sites
conservators · archivists · museum curators · curators · analysts