Transmutation

To try to understand the subtle effect of specific substances, we must become conversant with the concept of transmutation. It refers to the transformation of one element into another. A radioactive element is constantly transmuting until it becomes a stable element, for example, lead. Science distinguishes between three kinds of nuclear changes: fission, fusion and transmutation. In the course of a transmutation a radioactive element disintegrates through regular emission of particles. Every element can be made radioactive by bombarding it with alpha particles or neutrons until it changes into a radioactive isotope.

In alchemy, the concept of transmutation is identical with very transformation of elements.

In classical alchemistic texts we find the word projection. The transformation is done according to an alchemical method by throwing upon it—that is, “projecting”—a specific active principle. Since the transmuted matter changes color, classical alchemy also speaks of “tingeing”.

Elements are homogeneous systems of a constant, non-variable combination that cannot be divided by chemical means.  In alchemy, the concept of elements is totally different and resembles a state, since alchemy does not recognize stability in the matter found in the realms of nature. In nature, nothing but change is stable, and nature represents a constantly occurring alchemy.

Alchemists used extremely subtle energies, such as those of the human organism and many alchemical processes proceed with infinite slowness, years and even decades.

The possibility of transmutation is now a scientifically proven fact and in no way a creation of fancy. The dispute centers on the means, not on the fact.