Alchemy
Origin
While it is not known when alchemy originated, historians agree that alchemistic ideas and practices flourished in the ancient world within several cultural traditions, as evidenced by manuscripts dating from the early centuries of the Christian era. The term "alchemy" has remained mysterious; scholars have identified "al" as an Arabic article, and proposed various etymologies for the word "chem," but a clear explanation of the term is still lacking.
Additional topics
Science EncyclopediaScience & Philosophy: Adrenoceptor (adrenoreceptor; adrenergic receptor) to AmbientAlchemy - Origin, Alchemy In China, Arabic Alchemy, Alchemy In The Western World