Phambi komnyaka we-1600, abantu baafunda ngezinto ukuze bakwazi ukuqonda okokuba zenziwa njani okanye zenzeka njani izinto ezinjengokujika i-lead ibe yigolide, kodwa akuzange kude kubekho mntu ukwaziyo ukukwenza oko. Kwaza ke ngoko kwabizwa ngokuba yi-alchemy. Nangona kunjalo, Ii-Alchemists (abantu abenza i-alchemy) bafumanisa okokuba kukho izinto ezibalulekileyo. Ezo zinto yi-Sulphuric acid kune ne-nitric acid izinto ezimbini abathi bazibhaqa. Zazimbalwa kakhulu ii-elements ezazisaziwa. Ezinye zazo zii-mercury, isilivere, igolide, ne-carbon.