A history of alchemy

"Alchemy has a very long history. It is said to have originated in the ancient Egyptian city of Alexandria, influenced by the philosophies of Greece's Aristotle. The original goal was to change an element's properties, and was a dream of those seeking to change "base metals" into gold. For a long time those dreamers refined their research, and alchemy developed into a large institute in Arabia. To this day, no one has successfully been able to create gold or silver in this way. But alchemy has remained relevant for so long because the research led to other discoveries, like medicine or smelting. It was in the 12th century that alchemy arrived in Western Europe. It all started when a translator named Robert of Ketton translated an Arabian book of alchemy by Morienus Romanus into Latin. The rulers of Britain became extremely interested in the "new" study of alchemy. Of course, the main reason for this was greed due to the possible creation of gold. These enthusiasts had another goal. What do you think that was?" Victoria asks.

"I don't know." I say.

"They sought an immortality elixir. The Philosopher's stone is said to create perfect matter, and generate a new spirit. This Philosopher's Stone is said to be able to make people immortal. Alchemy spread like wildfire in Britain, and its practice changed with the times. The Scientific Method was added to the archaic, superstitious way of thinking. We can create matter with new properties, but it has to be created from something else. In this regard, a handful of people see alchemy as a branch of chemistry. All right, then. So, how exactly did the work of Septima Pretorius influence the world of alchemy? What she did was take the ancient, secret, mystic techniques of alchemy and implement them as what we now call modern alchemy. She extracted truth from the mysticism, which was seen as unscientific, and merged it with modern scientific logic. As a result many different kinds of chemicals and matter were brought into the world. Apparently, alchemists holding her way of thought even started to revisit the old texts regarding the Philosopher's Stone. In Britain, under the rule of King Victor, the study of alchemy became one of the nation's major research fields." Victoria pauses and looks over at me.

Noticing her gaze, I bring my mind back to the present from the world of alchemy and look back at her. "What's the matter, Victoria?"

"Here is what I think, Caleb. The philosopher's Stone cannot be a naturally occurring mineral." Victoria says. "From all appearances, the Philosopher's Stone you carry was created by artificial means. Perhaps that gem was created by Septima using alchemy."

"The Philosopher's Stone?" I unconsciously raise my hand to my chest. "Then, do you think that Pretorius created it, and implanted it in me?"

"I don't know, exactly."

"You said this gem acts as my heart. Then maybe Pretorius placed this inside me out of love. So that I could live?"

"I can't really say at this point."

"But if my heart is indeed a Philosopher's Stone, I could live forever?"

"No, alchemy runs on a principal of equivalent exchange. A Philosopher's Stone may seem to circumvent that, but in reality, I believe it runs on its own equivalent exchange. You may live much longer that normal people but there is a limit to how much it will increase your lifespan."

"Victoria? Why do you look so sad?"

"I'm not sad." Victoria smiles, but I can't help but feel that there is still melancholy behind it.

Half the day goes by. Before we know it, it is sunset.

Victoria suggests we head back, and I agree. We stand up and begin walking back.

"Thank you, Victoria. That was lovely." I say.

"You're welcome. I had fun too, thanks to you." Victoria says.

"It's a relief to hear that."

"Shall we go? Oh, and let's keep it a secret that we didn't do any training today."

"Right. It's just between us." We make this agreement just as we reach the mansion.