The Basics of Alchemy

[Red Charge]

The Basics of Alchemy


Alchemy is the science of using etheric properties in substances, whether alone or in tandem with each other, to create reactions, alter properties, or achieve effects otherwise only available through magical means.

Alchemy is a very volatile science and one of the major paths of magical studies, carrying the same weight as enchantment and studied worldwide. Alchemy covers everything from advanced metallurgy and medicine to even subjects such as cider making, farming and genetics.

How does Alchemy work?


As you know, ether exists all around us, in the planet, in the stars, in the air... Life evolved around ether and just like some life is more magical than others, some substances and plants are more magical than others, or have magic that works in a particular way. The science of alchemy strives to use these magical properties that are inherently contained in some substances, or naturally evolved by some plants or animals, either by themselves or in harmony with each other, in order to benefit society.

For example, some metals have inherent magical properties that make them harder than others, or capable of holding more molded ether than others, despite their chemical make up being similar or weaker, making them invaluable. Some others, conduct etheric energy much better and can be used as conductors in magical apparatus. Some plants have magic that encourages regeneration in organic cells, while others may be able to cause magical euphoria when consumed, thus preventing animals from having territorial fights where they grow and destroying them. Others may contain magical poison, which cannot be cured by traditional medicine and may require a magical solution to cure.

Just like we recognize the effects and harmony of natural elements forming together into molecules, we also recognize etheric compatibility and magical properties working together to make alchemical substances.

Fields of Research


Alchemical Extraction:


The science of identifying and utilizing magical properties in singular substances, or the extraction of such substance from another. This field encompasses:
Alchemical Metallurgy: The science and technology of magical properties in metals.
Herbalism: As opposed to Herbology, which is the science exploring the natural properties of plants, Herbalism is the science of exploring the magical properties of plants.
Geo-Alchemy: The science and technology of magical properties in minerals.
Aerodynamic and Aerostatic Alchemy: The science of studying the magical properties of gasses.

The studies of Alchemical Extraction cover a wide variety of fields that overlap the precise sciences of the natural world. The ability to extract magical properties from solids, liquids and gasses allow alchemists to isolate a property they require and study it and its effects. This field has led to countless advances in fields such as forensics, medicine and construction.

Alchemical Transmutation:


The science of converting one substance into another substance.
Just like one can rearrange the atoms in a molecule to turn one thing into another, so can an alchemist change the magical properties of a substance, which in turn forces its atoms to conform to its new structure. With transmutation and sufficient energy, one can potentially change any one magical substance to any other. Transmutation science has allowed for many advances in synthesizing new magical materials for use in everything from laboratories to household appliances.

Alchemical Deconstruction:


The Science of deconstructing magical substances and compounds into their basic magical building blocks. Deconstruction is not to be confused with Alchemical Extraction, where a specific property is extracted from a substance, instead, deconstruction breaks down the magical properties into the most basic parts that make it possible. By breaking down alchemical substances into their building blocks, our understanding of such properties and how to replicate them has grown greatly. Using deconstruction, alchemists have been able to synthesize many properties that can naturally be found in magical substances and reproduce it and even improve it in laboratory conditions.

Alchemical Concoction:


The science of combining alchemical substances to create a magical compound to produce a desired effect. This is perhaps the most 'famous' field in Alchemy, as every city and town has a local alchemist. Alchemists, unlike pharmacists, use magical concoctions to create desired effects, be it cure an illness, elevate one's mood, or even remove rust from one's armor, the science of Alchemic Concoction has been a part of most household since the days of yore. There are several kinds of alchemical concoctions which we will learn to know:

Short Term Concoctions:


Potions: Any and all concoctions that are consumed orally, potions are possibly some of the most common forms of alchemy you can find. They cover all short-term effects that can be brewed using alchemy. They are relatively easy to concoct and formulas for them are found widely all over the world.

Poultices: Any and all concoctions that are placed or rubbed over one's skin and provide a temporary effect or relief. These, like potions are very common and cover all short-term effects. They are relatively easy to concoct and formulas for them are found widely all over the world.

Injection: Any and all concoctions that are injected into the blood stream and provide a short term effect, relief, or vaccination against magical effects or maladies. These concoctions are usually only used by medicinal alchemists and are not as easy to concoct, they are made only by professional alchemists and formulas for them are not easy to come by.

Long Lasting Concoctions:


Decoction: Any and all concoctions that are consumed orally and provide any long lasting effect to the consumer. They are not recommended to beginner or hobby alchemists and require uncommon ingredients and time to concoct. Formulas for decoctions are not common and can only be found in specialty shops or libraries.

Ointment: Any and all concoctions that are placed or rubbed over one's skin and provide any long lasting effect to the consumer. They are not recommended to beginner or hobby alchemists and require uncommon ingredients and time to concoct. Formulas for ointments are not common and can only be found in specialty shops or libraries.

Infusion: Ointment: Any and all concoctions and all concoctions that are injected into the blood stream and provide any long lasting effect, relief, or vaccination against magical effects or maladies. They are difficult to make and require uncommon ingredients and time to concoct. Formulas for infusions are not common and can only be found in specialty shops or libraries.

Permanent Effect Concoctions:


Mutagens: Any and all concoctions that permanently mutates the consumer. These concoctions are very difficult to produce and require very rare and potent ingredients. Only the most skilled alchemists should attempt to create a mutagen. Formulas for them are very rare.

Transfusions: Any and all concoctions that permanently alter or replace the consumer's blood. These are considered universal taboos and are chiefly used in necromancy, though it has been used for other purposes such as infusing dragon blood into a pony, as seen during the Blood Wars. If there are any formulas of this nature found in Equestria they are either guarded by the Princesses or by the undead. The Princesses urge all citizens to never look for them.

Other Concoctions:


Explosives
Magical explosives, can have a wide variety of effects and are not limited to just explosions. Magical explosives can be used to release magical hallucinogens, create magical barriers, unleash a force expulsion and many others. The most skilled alchemists can even use them to create temporal or gravitational anomalies.

Poisons
Magical poisons, unlike natural poisons, cannot be cured with traditional medicine, as they do not poison the body, but rather the ether. While the symptoms can be treated, anyone afflicted with a magical poison will never be well until a magical antidote or remedy is administered. Also unlike natural poison, magical poison never loses its potency.
In the past, Equiterians have used this practice with their elite Praetorian Guard, with their blades coated with lethal magical poison. One slash from a blade coated with the substance and their foes would be felled instantly. Two such swords have recently been uncovered and the poison is being studied in Canterlot's Mages Circle.


There are many other concoctions that are made every day, whether magical cement, or uplifting tea, most ponies encounter alchemic concoctions on a daily basis. So it's important to remember and respect those who study this important science.