alchemy

Where does the word "alchemy" come from? It comes from Arabic al-kimiya, passing through Medieval Latin and Old French before entering English (medieval).

Alchemy’s story begins in Arabic: al-kimiya meant “the art of transformation.” The medieval science of transforming matter. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Medieval Latin as alchimia. Latin translators in Toledo, such as Robert of Chester in 1144, brought Arabic works on alchemy to Europe. From there it passed into Old French as alkemie by medieval. Carried the study of transmutation into French. It reached English by medieval as alchemy. Settled as the English name for the pseudo-science. Today, alchemy means a medieval forerunner of chemistry, concerned with transforming base metals into gold.

1. Stage 1 · Arabic · medieval al-kimiya "the art of transformation", the medieval science of transforming matter.
2. Stage 2 · Medieval Latin · medieval alchimia "alchemy", Latin translators in Toledo, such as Robert of Chester in 1144, brought Arabic works on alchemy to Europe.
3. Stage 3 · Old French · medieval alkemie "alchemy", carried the study of transmutation into French.
4. Stage 4 · English · medieval alchemy "the medieval forerunner of chemistry", settled as the English name for the pseudo-science.