Talk:alchemy
Add topicLatest comment: 2 years ago by LlywelynII in topic Pseudy
Pseudy
[edit]Alchemy 1: The Psuedoscience of changing objects from one element to another; i.e. changing lead into gold.
- I don't know why you posted the first definition as a comment but I don't think "pseudoscience" is the best word. Alchemist's lack of knowledge of elemental science placed them in a state of disposition of achieving their goal. The equation used is this; e=a,w=f,e=m,a=g,w=l,f=c. I think. Randy6767 22:29, 19 January 2007 (UTC)
- Alchemy is the pseudoscience par excellence. It's literally the reason the word pseudoscience was coined. You don't need to use it to cover the defs, but it's 100% the hypernym of the word. — LlywelynII 14:20, 14 April 2022 (UTC)
Obsolete
[edit]Regarding the first definition I don't think "obsolete" should be used for cases like this. Sure, the "science" of alchemy is obsolete, but not the word as such. The glossary says: "No longer in use, and no longer likely to be understood", neither of which applies; the word is still used for these ancient experimenters and it's understood. Jiiimbooh (talk) 16:06, 19 June 2012 (UTC)
Done Removed. Equinox ◑ 04:10, 22 July 2016 (UTC)
Missing figurative sense?
[edit]Interesting usage here for interpersonal compatibility, where it would normally be "chemistry". Equinox ◑ 04:10, 22 July 2016 (UTC)
- 2004, David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas
- You fancy yourself a larky buck, but there's alchemy between Jocasta and I you cannot begin to fathom. She'll fall out of love with you the moment you threaten us.