Question

What is the universal solvent?​

Answer 1

Answer:

Water is capable of dissolving a variety of different substances, which is why it is such a good solvent. And, water is called the "universal solvent" because it dissolves more substances than any other liquid. This is important to every living thing on earth.

Answer 2

Answer:

Alkahest is a hypothetical "universal solvent": able to dissolve every other substance, including gold. The famous alchemist Philippus Paracelsus described alkahest in the 1500s. Because of its perceived invaluable medicinal qualities, alchemists of the time were concerned with its plausibility and existence.