- “Theoretically, it could give the bearer the power of transformation."
"Gold. The power of alchemy.” - — Gaius and Merlin about the Mage Stone[src]
Alchemy is a branch of both science and magic dedicated to the power of transformation; converting one form of matter into another. Its most common aim is to turn base metals such as lead into gold.
History
Edwin Muirden used alchemy equipment to conduct magical and scientific experiments. He brought much of this equipment with him when he returned to Camelot (A Remedy to Cure All Ills).
After the Curse of the Unicorn turned Camelot's water supply to sand, Merlin attempted to use his magic to transform the sand back into water. Unfortunately, his spell proved ineffective (The Labyrinth of Gedref).
Tauren wielded the power of the Mage Stone to turn lead into pure gold. He hired Tom the blacksmith to melt a lump of lead and pour it into a mould. Tauren then held the Mage Stone over the lead and incanted a spell. The Stone began to glow and the lead transformed into gold before their eyes (To Kill the King).
Known Spells
- Used by Merlin in an attempt to transform sand into water (The Labyrinth of Gedref):
- "Greot gecuman leccan. Gecuman gedrye waeter."
- Used by Tauren in combination with the Mage Stone to transform lead into gold (To Kill the King):
- "Ferian aet gylden. Ic bugan peos. Ferian aet gylden."
Appearances
- Series 1
- A Remedy to Cure All Ills (Mentioned only)
- The Labyrinth of Gedref
- To Kill the King
Trivia
- According to Gaius, to change the very nature of one thing to another has defeated all who have tried, but with the aid of magic such as the Mage Stone's it could be possible (To Kill the King).
Historicity
Alchemy is an ancient branch of natural philosophy and the medieval forerunner of chemistry, based on the supposed transformation of matter.
Common aims include chrysopoeia, the transmutation of "base metals" such as lead into "noble metals" such as gold; the creation of an elixir of immortality; and the creation of a cure for any disease. The creation of the Philosophers' Stone was variously connected with each of these projects.
Gallery
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To view the Alchemy gallery, click here.
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