Alchemy

Alchemy is a branch of sorcery and an ancient science concerned with the study of the composition, structure, and magical properties of the four basic elements, as well as the transmutation of substances; it is thus intimately connected with potion-making, chemistry, and transformation magic. Alchemy also concerns philosophy; one interpretation of alchemical literature, which is known to be dominated by mystical and metaphysical speculation, where that the study of alchemy is symbolic of a spiritual journey, leading the alchemist from ignorance to enlightenment. While non-magical individuals for the most part largely dismiss it as an outdated forerunner of modern chemistry, there are still witches who actively study and practice alchemy.

History
Alchemy has been a field of study since antiquity. As time went on, the lack of common words for chemical concepts and processes, as well as the need for secrecy, led alchemists to borrow terms and symbols of biblical and pagan mythology, astrology, kabbalah, and other esoteric fields. This marked a progress in alchemical research, as it allowed the exchange of ideas between alchemists. However, this also ended up making the plainest chemical recipe read like an abstruse magic incantation, probably difficulting the learning and spreading of alchemy as a science.

Dzou Yen, widely considered one of the fathers of Chinese scientific thought, was an alchemist in the 4th century BC during the final years of the Zhou Dynasty.

The best known goals of alchemists are the transformation of common metals into gold or silver, the creation of a remedy to cure all diseases and prolong life indefinitely, and the discovery of a universal solvent. Two of the three primary alchemical goals were achieved by Frenech alchemist Nicolas Flamel sometime around the 13th or 14th centuries with his creation of the Sorcerer's Stone and, consequently, the Elixir of Life. Flamel went on to live to the 1990s and to six centuries old, til the destruction of the Stone by him and his alchemical partner Albus Dumbledore.

African witches have always been particularly skilled in alchemy and astronomy. Some scholars, like Kennilworthy Whisp, believe that Quidditch was introduced in Africa by European witches travelling there in search of alchemical and astronomical information.

Known Alchemists

 * Albus Dumbledore
 * Draco Malfoy
 * Dzou Yen
 * Golpalott
 * Libatius Borage
 * Nicolas Flamel
 * Paracelsus