Alchemy is an ancient philosophical and protoscientific practice that aimed to transform base metals into noble metals such as gold and silver, and to discover a universal panacea, a cure for all diseases and a way to extend human life. It also encompassed the pursuit of spiritual transformation and the attainment of wisdom and enlightenment.

Alchemy has a long history dating back to ancient civilizations in Egypt, China, India, and Greece, and it was practiced in Europe during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. However, by the 18th century, alchemy had largely fallen out of favor as a scientific pursuit, and it was superseded by the rise of modern chemistry.

There are several reasons why alchemy is no longer accepted as a legitimate scientific practice:

Lack of empirical evidence: Alchemy was based on mystical and spiritual beliefs rather than empirical observation and experimentation. Alchemists believed in the existence of a hidden, invisible world of essences and forces that governed the behavior of matter, and they sought to tap into these forces to create transmutations and elixirs. However, they lacked the tools and methods to observe and measure these phenomena, and their claims were often based on hearsay and speculation.

Failure to produce reliable results: Despite centuries of experimentation and research, alchemists were never able to consistently produce gold or a universal panacea. While there were occasional reports of successful transmutations, these were often the result of fraud or misinterpretation, and they could not be replicated by other alchemists. As a result, alchemy was seen as a pseudoscientific pursuit that promised much but delivered little.

Incompatibility with modern scientific knowledge: Alchemy was based on a worldview that was incompatible with modern scientific knowledge. Alchemists believed in the existence of a hierarchy of elements and principles, with gold and silver representing the highest and purest forms of matter. However, modern chemistry has shown that all elements are composed of atoms, which are identical in structure and behavior regardless of their origin or history. Furthermore, alchemy relied on mystical and spiritual concepts such as the philosopher’s stone and the four elements, which have no place in modern scientific theory.

Association with occult and mystical practices: Alchemy was often associated with occult and mystical practices such as astrology, divination, and magic. This association led many scientists and intellectuals to dismiss alchemy as a superstitious and unscientific pursuit, and it contributed to the marginalization of alchemists and their ideas.

In conclusion, alchemy is no longer accepted as a legitimate scientific practice because it was based on mystical and spiritual beliefs rather than empirical observation and experimentation, it failed to produce reliable results, it was incompatible with modern scientific knowledge, and it was associated with occult and mystical practices. However, alchemy has left a lasting legacy in the history of science and culture, and it continues to inspire artists, writers, and philosophers to this day.