Top definition
Alchemy: the science of understanding, deconstructing, and reconstructing matter. However, it is not an all-powerful art. It is impossible to create something out of nothing. If one wishes to obtain something, something of equal value must be given. This is the law of equivalent exchange; the basis of all alchemy. In accordance to this law, there is a taboo among alchemists. Human transmutation is strictly forbidden. For what could equal the value of a human soul?
by crazy (not weeaboo) anime fan February 14, 2018
May 22 Word of the Day
A moment that is generally agreed to have had a significant influence on pop culture and everyday life. While the term was coined by Rose McGowan in context of the #MeToo movement, and is mostly associated with the K-pop community, the phenomenon is universal and a basic component of how culture works.
Real world events such as social/political movements, the election of a new U.S. President, major catastrophes and disasters, as well as entertainment such as movies, music and TV, can all function as cultural resets. Notable cultural resets in relatively recent memory include:
* The Beatles appearing on the Ed Sullivan show in 1964
* The Watergate scandal of 1974
* The release of Nevermind by Nirvana in 1991
* The September 11, 2001 attacks
* The election and inauguration of Barack Obama in 2009
* The COVID-19 pandemic
Real world events such as social/political movements, the election of a new U.S. President, major catastrophes and disasters, as well as entertainment such as movies, music and TV, can all function as cultural resets. Notable cultural resets in relatively recent memory include:
* The Beatles appearing on the Ed Sullivan show in 1964
* The Watergate scandal of 1974
* The release of Nevermind by Nirvana in 1991
* The September 11, 2001 attacks
* The election and inauguration of Barack Obama in 2009
* The COVID-19 pandemic
"The Nineties politically started with the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989 and the Soviet Union dissolving on December 26, 1991, and ended with both the 2000 Presidential election which saw the victory of George W. Bush and the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 which left people so stupefied that it functioned as something of a cultural reset button." - TV Tropes' article on the 1990s
by Spike from Degrassi February 09, 2021
2
The Hermetic science and art of causing change, both physically and spiritually. The term is also used to describe the spiritual practices of chemists from other ancient cultures, such as ancient Chinese "alchemists." In the old days, there was no division seen between spiritual and physical practices, but for the sake of modern obsession with duality, alchemy can be divided into two types.
Practical alchemy _is_ chemisty, studying and manipulating the properties of matter to get what you want out of the universe.
Spiritual alchemy is what is discussed when "turning base metals into gold" is described. It is a form of mysticism, spiritual self-improvement with analogies to chemical jargon. "Gold" is spiritual perfection, while the lesser "base" metals (such as lead) are impure states of the spirit, unenlightened and full of the problems of mortal life.
Knowledgable alchemists were never trying to make a potion for eternal life or a stone that would transform physical materials into gold.
Practical alchemy _is_ chemisty, studying and manipulating the properties of matter to get what you want out of the universe.
Spiritual alchemy is what is discussed when "turning base metals into gold" is described. It is a form of mysticism, spiritual self-improvement with analogies to chemical jargon. "Gold" is spiritual perfection, while the lesser "base" metals (such as lead) are impure states of the spirit, unenlightened and full of the problems of mortal life.
Knowledgable alchemists were never trying to make a potion for eternal life or a stone that would transform physical materials into gold.
I seek enlightenment through alchemy.
by Adrian August 03, 2005
3
In a nutshell, alchemy was "chemistry" before the periodic table. It was believed that combining the four basic properties (earth, fire, air, and water) in certain ratios could produce iron, gold, booze, and even life itself. Alchemy was no longer practiced after LaVosier's studies and the publishing of the Periodic Table of Elements.
by Matt July 05, 2005
4
A revived belief system rooted in a primitive understanding of chemistry and medicine, given merit by the histories of fantasy fiction and practiced most successfully by tabletop gamers.
Further books on this subject can be found at your local bookstore in the NEW AGE section, somewhere between "The Sagittarian Sorcerer" and "You're a Teen Rune Casting Goddess".
Further books on this subject can be found at your local bookstore in the NEW AGE section, somewhere between "The Sagittarian Sorcerer" and "You're a Teen Rune Casting Goddess".
"Oh yeah! I remember what Don Quixote's magic balsam did to him and poor Sancho Panza. That was pretty funny."
"You've got to roll a 15+ on that d20 to make the +20 HP potion and maybe with the experience points level up to a level 3 alchemist, that'll allow you to make +30 HP potions and you'll only have to roll a 12+ on the d20. If you roll under you'll destroy your potion source materials and suffer -2 HP for letting the reaction blow up in your face."
"You've got to roll a 15+ on that d20 to make the +20 HP potion and maybe with the experience points level up to a level 3 alchemist, that'll allow you to make +30 HP potions and you'll only have to roll a 12+ on the d20. If you roll under you'll destroy your potion source materials and suffer -2 HP for letting the reaction blow up in your face."
by Dagmar Geech March 09, 2005
5
the science of understanding the structure of matter, breaking it down and reconstructing it into something else.
1. he used alchemy to turn lead into gold!
by Misa_Misa October 09, 2007
6
Modern Alchemy is a magical art that aims at the spiritual transformation of the Alchemist.
In ancient times the study of Alchemy led to the founding of the science of chemistry.
Unknown to many people the goal of study of alchemy was not to turn base metals into gold.
By being able to turn base metals into gold the Alchemist was believed to transform him self spiritually, and the gold was sometimes thought to be a metaphor for the Alchemist soul.
And the transformation was thought to take place to magical or paranormal means.
Alchemist wrote there texts in a type of code to keep people only seeking wealth from corupting the science.
Modern Alchemy is an occult science and studied by people serious about the spiritual side of the universe.
In ancient times the study of Alchemy led to the founding of the science of chemistry.
Unknown to many people the goal of study of alchemy was not to turn base metals into gold.
By being able to turn base metals into gold the Alchemist was believed to transform him self spiritually, and the gold was sometimes thought to be a metaphor for the Alchemist soul.
And the transformation was thought to take place to magical or paranormal means.
Alchemist wrote there texts in a type of code to keep people only seeking wealth from corupting the science.
Modern Alchemy is an occult science and studied by people serious about the spiritual side of the universe.
He's into Alchemy.
by Judge dredd7 February 01, 2012