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The term transmutation dates back to alchemy.Alchemists pursued the philosopher's stone, capable of chrysopoeia – the transformation of base metals into gold. [3] While alchemists often understood chrysopoeia as a metaphor for a mystical or religious process, some practitioners adopted a literal interpretation and tried to make gold through physical experimentation.
Alchemical symbols were used to denote chemical elements and compounds, as well as alchemical apparatus and processes, until the 18th century. Although notation was partly standardized, style and symbol varied between alchemists.
One goal of alchemy, the transmutation of base substances into gold, is now known to be impossible by means of traditional chemistry, but possible by other physical means. Although not financially worthwhile, gold was synthesized in particle accelerators as early as 1941.
For many centuries, it was the most sought-after goal in alchemy. The philosopher's stone was the central symbol of the mystical terminology of alchemy, symbolizing perfection at its finest, divine illumination, and heavenly bliss. Efforts to discover the philosopher's stone were known as the Magnum Opus ("Great Work"). [3]
Glauber's salt – sodium sulfate.Na 2 SO 4; Sal alembroth – salt composed of chlorides of ammonium and mercury.; Sal ammoniac – ammonium chloride.; Sal petrae (Med. Latin: "stone salt")/salt of petra/saltpetre/nitrate of potash – potassium nitrate, KNO 3, typically mined from covered dungheaps.
The word 'alchemy' itself derives from the Arabic word al-kīmiyāʾ (الكيمياء), wherein al-is the definite article 'the'. The ultimate origin of the word is uncertain, [ 1 ] but the Arabic term kīmiyāʾ ( كيمياء ) is likely derived from either the Ancient Greek word khēmeia ( χημεία ) or the similar khēmia ( χημία ).
Dimensional transmutation, a physical mechanism providing a linkage between a dimensionless parameter and a dimensionful parameter; Nuclear transmutation, the conversion of a chemical element or isotope into another chemical element or isotope
Nicolas Guibert (c. 1547 – c. 1620) was a Franco-German physician and alchemist who later became a fierce critic of alchemy, opposing ideas on transmutation in his major work Alchymia ratione et experientia ita demum viriliter impugnata (1603) which prompted a debate. He has been called the "Copernicus of chemistry". [1]