Etymology Dictionary

ALCHEMY,  the science of transmutation of metals.  (F.,—Arab.,—Gk.)   Chaucer has alkamistre, an alchemist; C. T. Group G, 1204.   The usual M.E. forms of the word are alkenamye and alconomy; P. Plowman, A. xi. 157; Gower, C. A. ii. 89.—O.F. alchemie, arquemie; see arquemie in Roquefort.—Arabic al-kímíá; in Freytag, iv. 75 b; a word which is from no Arabic root, but simply composed of the Arabic def. article al, prefixed to the late Greek χημεία, given by Suidas (eleventh century).—Late Gk. χημεία, chemistry, a late form of χυμεία, a mingling.—Gk. χέειν, to pour (root χυ); cognate with fundere.—✔GHU, to pour out; Curtius, i. 252; Fick, i. 585.   See Chemist.