Summary
Alchemists relied on astrology, chiromancy, and clairvoyance as the fundamentals for health and
medicine but were often misquoted as black magicians whose sole mission was the search for ways
to transform base metals into gold. They, however, originated many methods of processing
chemicals that are still relevant today. Alchemical practices and philosophy can be found in all
the worldʼs great traditional medical systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, Spagyric Medicine, etc.
This article will discuss how alchemical and medical ideas and practices changed over time, how
they reflected the experience of individual scientists and practitioners, and the extent to
which they contributed to significant changes in medical science.
Key words
Alchemy - Paracelsus - Plant alchemy - Spagyric tinctures - Spagyric essences
