Can alchemy be described as a protoscience? Do ancient texts with obscure formulas and procedures describe mystic rituals and allegoric visions? Or do they record instructions to carry out real ...

Alchemy is an ancient practice shrouded in mystery and secrecy. Its practitioners mainly sought to turn lead into gold, a quest that has captured the imaginations of people for thousands of years.

ONE of the early Chinese texts on alchemy is the Ts'an T'ung Ch'i of Wei Po Yang, who has been called the father of Chinese alchemy. His treatise has been regarded as the earliest work in the Chinese ...