Alchemy and Chemistry

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Alchemy and Chemistry

Introduction

The main purpose of this paper is to make an analysis on the alchemy and chemistry.

Alchemy

Alchemy is that art which is used in the preparation of gold and silver. The word Alchemy has been originated from Arabic words. Alchemy has been derived from an Arabic word “al-kimya” which means chemistry. The term alchemy is also known as spagyric art. The main originators who evolved the idea of alchemy are Alexandrian Greeks. They have originated the idea of alchemy in almost early centuries of the Christian era. The idea then conceived by the Arabs, and later on the idea transmitted into Europe (Brock, 2004). Alchemy is a path used by the ancients for the purpose of spiritual purification and transformation.

Chemistry

Chemistry is the science that studies the matter and energy and makes observations about the interactions between the matter and energy. The main focus of chemistry is on the properties of substances, and it focuses on the reactions that incorporate electrons. Chemistry is considered to be the most advanced sciences in the ancient times. Chemistry is that branch of science which is used to make study of structure, properties and composition of matter (Beretta, 2003). Chemistry is the study of the changes in the matter during the chemical reactions. It is also the study of the relation of the matter to the energy. The disciplines of chemistry can be grouped and categorized by the type of material which have either been studies or under study (Nye, 1996).

Evolution of Chemistry from Alchemy to Chemistry

Alchemy is the initial form of the chemical technology. The term alchemy was used for the exploration of the natural substances. The term chemistry has been initiated from the alchemy. It is the modern from of alchemy (Beretta, 2003). Modern chemistry is the evolution of alchemy following the chemical revolution. The chemical revolution is also known as the first chemical revolution. According to chemical revolution the main base of the reformulation of chemistry is the law of conversion of matter. Another base in the conversion of alchemy into chemistry is the theory of combustion of oxygen. Behind the evolution of alchemy to chemistry, the main role is of the French chemist Antoine Lavoisier, who is also known as the father of modern chemistry. In the middle ages, the scientists have discussed the concept of alchemy as chemistry (Knight, 1992). The main bases ...