ALCHEMY

n. A2l’ke2m-i2, From Ar., Al-kimid (probably from xque(a, chemistry, with the article al, the, prefixed; but perhaps from Ar., Alchakim, a philosopher). ‘The form alchymy was made on the theory of the derivation from xvue(a, a melting together (in Byzant.-Gr., also meaning chemistry). [A, 302,311; B, 39, 52, 78.) Fr., alchimie. Ger., Alchemie, Al It, alchimia. ymie. Sp., alquimia. 1. A pretended science, much in vogue in the Middle Ages and down to the end of the 17th century, which had for its object the transmutation of the metals into gold and the discovery of the elixir of life, the panacea, and the philosopher's stone. The researches carried on by the votaries of a. laid the foundation of modern chemistry and formed the basis of much of the medical science of the 17th and 18th centuries. {B.] 2. Analloy. See AL CHYMY.