Alchemists attempted to purify, mature, and perfect certain materials. Common aims were chrysopoeia, the transmutation of "base metals" (e.g., lead) into "noble metals" (particularly gold); the creation of an elixir of immortality; and the creation of panaceas able to cure any disease.
Alchemists sought to purify, mature, and perfect specific materials. Their usual aims were chrysopoeia, the conversion of "base metals" (such as lead) into "noble metals" (particularly gold); the making of an elixir of immortality; and the making of panaceas that could heal any disease.