Alchemy (deriving from al-kimia, Arabic for "art of transformation") was most likely the very first science. An alchemist's role was to find how their deities functioned. Many alchemists spent a lot of time mixing random elements and chemicals, which is often a dangerous task.

Primary goals of alchemy:
-Immortality
-Medicine
-Turning lead and other common metals into lustrous metals such as gold
-Post classical European alchemy often looked for the Philosopher's Stone, which could supposedly turn lead into gold and produce the Elixir of Life. In popular culture, the Philosopher's Stone was an important component of the Harry Potter series of books and movies.

Alchemy was practiced in societies such as Mesopotamia, Persia, Ancient Egypt, India, China, Hellenistic Europe, Muslim civilizations, and post classical Europe.

Images

Indian alchemy


Hellenistic alchemy



The picture above is most likely equipment used for the purpose of distillation.

Egyptian alchemy



This drawing demonstrates the belief of spontaneous growth if something were to be poured into the earth.

Chinese alchemy



Wei Po-yang, often considered to be "the father of Chinese alchemy."

Islamic alchemy



Post classical European alchemy



A painting by Joseph Wright in 1771.