(a) What is alchemy ?

(b) What kind of experiments did Alchemists do?

(c) What is the main difference between alchemy and chemistry ?

(a) The word "Alchemy" has its origin in a Greek word 'Khemeia' which means "art of transmuting metals". It was partly based on experimentations and partly on spiritual discipline.

(b) Alchemists were successful to some extent in developing processes to extract metals and make alloys. They were the first to isolate zinc and phosphorous. Alchemy has also contributed to an incredible number of future uses of chemicals, metals, ink, paints, cosmetics, medicines, porcelain, etc.

(c) Alchemy was both scientific and spiritual practice that aimed to turn metals into gold. In contrast, chemistry is based on experiments and observations.