Alching, or alchemy, is the medieval forerunner of chemistry, combining elements of chemistry, metallurgy, physics, medicine, astrology, mysticism, and art. Alchemists aimed to purify, mature, and perfect certain objects. Today, the term is often used metaphorically.
Historically, alchemy has been practiced in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, India, and China, in both its Eastern and Western forms. In the West, alchemy reached Europe through the writings of Islamic alchemists, who practiced the art from the 8th century onwards. Alchemy declined in the West after the 18th century, though elements of alchemical symbolism and terminology survived in chemistry until the late 19th century.
