ARTWORK
Alchemy derives from the philosophical tradition originating in Alexandria, around 300AD. now known as Hermeticism. Hermetic philosopy was influenced through the ages by Greek, Jewish, Gnostic and Persian thought.
Alchemy has a physical focus, concerned with the transformation of material substances, with many contributions made to chemistry, medicine, distillation, metal-working, glass-making, etc.
Alchemy's esoteric goal was the transformation of the soul. Successful purification of the soul was a requirement for the completion of the the Great Work- creation of the mysterious catalytic substance known as the Philosopher's Stone.
The alchemists developed a fabulous and enormously complex system of visual representations of substances and processes to conceal their work. These emblems and hieroglyphs convey vast amounts of knowledge.