An alchemist is a person who practices alchemy, an ancient form of chemistry and philosophy that aimed to transform base metals into noble metals like gold, create the philosopher's stone, and discover the elixir of life, which grants immortality. Alchemists sought to understand the nature of materials, with the belief that they could manipulate and change substances at a fundamental level. They combined elements of mysticism, spirituality, and science, contributing to the early development of modern chemistry.
The word alchemist originates from the Arabic word "al-kīmiyā," which means "the art of transforming." It was later adapted through Latin and Medieval Latin before entering the English language. The prefix "al-" is a definite article in Arabic, while "kīmiyā" is derived from the Greek "khēmia," which refers to the art of transmuting metals.