Alchemists were early scientists and philosophers who sought to transform base metals into precious ones, like gold. They believed in the possibility of creating a universal elixir that could grant immortality or cure diseases. Their work combined elements of chemistry, mysticism, and spirituality, often using symbols and secret codes to communicate their ideas. Although alchemy is often seen as a precursor to modern chemistry, it also included aspects of philosophy and metaphysics. Notable figures in alchemy include Hermes Trismegistus, who is often associated with wisdom, and Paracelsus, who contributed to the understanding of medicine and the human body.