Summary:
- Alchemy was a combination of philosophy and science that had both practical and mystical aspects.
- In many ways, the alchemists sought to achieve perfection, through such actions as the pursuit of the philosopher’s stone and the elixir of life.
- Alchemists laid the groundwork for many chemical processes, such as the refining of ores, the production of gunpowder, the manufacture of glass and ceramics, leather tanning, and inks, dyes, and paints.