Question

CAERCISE Al Short Answer Questions: 1. What was the goal of alchemists? Name any two techniques developed by them.
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Answer 1

Answer:

The alchemists were a varied group of scholars and charlatans whose goal was two-fold: to create the Philosopher’s Stone (which caused the transmutation of lead into gold) and the discovery of the Elixir of Life   The origin of the term “ alchemy ” is uncertain.  There are roots to Greek, Arabic, and ancient Egyptian words.  Three major streams of alchemy are known – Chinese, Indian, and European, with all three streams having some factors in common.  We will not focus on the philosophical or religious aspects of alchemy, but will look briefly at the techniques developed in the European stream that ultimately influenced the development of the science of chemistry.