Alchemy vs. Magic — What's the Difference?

The process of transforming something common into something special.

The art of producing supernatural effects.

A medieval science aimed at the transmutation of metals.

Power or influence that seems mysterious.

A seemingly magical process of transformation or creation.

An exceptional skill or talent.

An ancient practice intertwining mysticism and proto-science.

The power of apparently influencing events by using mysterious or supernatural forces

The quest for the philosopher's stone and the elixir of life.

Having or apparently having supernatural powers

Alchemy (from Arabic: al-kīmiyā; from Ancient Greek: khumeía) is an ancient branch of natural philosophy, a philosophical and protoscientific tradition that was historically practiced in China, India, the Muslim world, and Europe. In its Western form, alchemy is first attested in a number of pseudepigraphical texts written in Greco-Roman Egypt during the first few centuries CE.Alchemists attempted to purify, mature, and perfect certain materials.

Wonderful; exciting

The medieval forerunner of chemistry, concerned with the transmutation of matter, in particular with attempts to convert base metals into gold or find a universal elixir

Move, change, or create by or as if by magic

A medieval chemical philosophy having as its asserted aims the transmutation of base metals into gold, the discovery of the panacea, and the preparation of the elixir of longevity.

The art or practice of using charms, spells, or rituals to attempt to produce supernatural effects or control events in nature.

A seemingly magical power or process of transmuting

The charms, spells, and rituals so used.

(uncountable) The premodern and early modern study of physical changes, particularly in Europe, Arabia, and China and chiefly in pursuit of an elixir of immortality, a universal panacea, and/or a philosopher's stone able to transmute base metals into gold, eventually developing into chemistry.

The exercise of sleight of hand or conjuring, as in making something seem to disappear, for entertainment.

(countable) The causing of any sort of mysterious sudden transmutation.

A mysterious quality of enchantment

Any elaborate transformation process or algorithm.

Of, relating to, or invoking the supernatural

An imaginary art which aimed to transmute the baser metals into gold, to find the panacea, or universal remedy for diseases, etc. It led the way to modern chemistry.

Possessing distinctive qualities that produce unaccountable or baffling effects.

A mixed metal composed mainly of brass, formerly used for various utensils; hence, a trumpet.

To produce, alter, or cause by or as if by magic

Miraculous power of transmuting something common into something precious.

To cause to disappear by or as if by magic. Used with away

A pseudoscientific forerunner of chemistry in medieval times

The application of rituals or actions, especially those based on occult knowledge, to subdue or manipulate natural or supernatural beings and forces in order to have some benefit from them.

The way two individuals relate to each other;

A specific ritual or procedure associated with such magic; a spell.

The supernatural forces which are drawn on in such a ritual.

Something producing successful and remarkable results, especially when not fully understood; an enchanting quality; exceptional skill.

Complicated or esoteric code that is not expected to be generally understood.

A conjuring trick or illusion performed to give the appearance of supernatural phenomena or powers.

The art or practice of performing conjuring tricks and illusions.

Having supernatural talents, properties or qualities attributed to magic.

Producing extraordinary results, as though through the use of magic.

Pertaining to conjuring tricks or illusions performed for entertainment etc.

(colloquial) Great; excellent.

(physics) Describing the number of nucleons in a particularly stable isotopic nucleus; 2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, 126, and 184.

(programming) Being a literal number or string value with no meaning or context, not defined as a constant or variable

(transitive) To produce, transform (something), (as if) by magic.

A comprehensive name for all of the pretended arts which claim to produce effects by the assistance of supernatural beings, or departed spirits, or by a mastery of secret forces in nature attained by a study of occult science, including enchantment, conjuration, witchcraft, sorcery, necromancy, incantation, etc.

The art of creating illusions which appear to the observer to be inexplicable except by some supernatural influence; it includes simple sleight of hand (legerdemain) as well as more elaborate stage magic, using special devices constructed to produce mystifying effects; as, the magic of David Copperfield. It is practised as an entertainment, by magicians who do not pretend to have supernatural powers.

Pertaining to the hidden wisdom supposed to be possessed by the Magi; relating to the occult powers of nature, and the producing of effects by their agency.

Performed by, or proceeding from, occult and superhuman agencies; done by, or seemingly done by, enchantment or sorcery; as, a magical spell.

Any art that invokes supernatural powers

An illusory feat; considered magical by naive observers

Possessing or using or characteristic of or appropriate to supernatural powers;

Rituals, spells, or charms believed to harness supernatural powers.

Anything that enchants or fascinates.

Yes, in medieval times, Alchemy was considered a precursor to modern chemistry.

Magicians, wizards, and witches are common practitioners of Magic.

No, while transmutation is a key goal, Alchemy also delves into spiritual enlightenment and the quest for the elixir of life.

While Alchemy's goal was gold production, no verified methods from Alchemy have been known to genuinely produce gold.

No, Magic can be used for both benevolent and malevolent purposes.

Alchemy primarily aims at transmuting base metals into gold and discovering the elixir of life.

In many cultures and traditions, Magic is seen as a craft that can be learned, while in others, it's innate or gifted.

No, Alchemy had roots in the Hellenistic period, and it was also practiced in the Islamic world.

Yes, many historical figures, like Isaac Newton, dabbled in Alchemy.

No, forms of Magic are found in cultures worldwide, each with its own unique practices and beliefs.

Magic is believed to harness supernatural powers, whereas illusion is a trick or deception of the senses.

While Alchemy didn't achieve its mystical goals, it laid groundwork for modern chemistry.

In folklore and literature, yes, but in reality, there aren't accredited institutions teaching Magic.

Different cultures and traditions have their own sets of rules and guidelines for practicing Magic.

While both delve into the mystical and the unknown, Alchemy is more process-oriented, and Magic is broader in its scope and practice.