Alchemist

A medieval student of that form of magick or science known as alchemy. The alchemists believed in a connection between the refinement of metals and the refinement of the mind or soul. Hence, it is difficult, when reading their works, to determine whether they are actually talking about chemical processes being carried out in a laboratory, or in magickal rituals.

Alchemy may be fairly considered the ancestor to chemistry, just as ancient astrology was to astronomy. Alchemy, however, is also an ancestor of a good deal of Enlightenment-era and modern mysticism, including Hermeticism and Rosicrucianism.

Al"che*mist (#), n. [Cf. OF. alquemiste, F. alchimiste.]

One who practices alchemy.

You are alchemist; make gold. Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.