How was alchemy discovered?

Alchemy originated in ancient civilizations, particularly in Egypt and China, around 300 BCE to 300 CE, as a combination of philosophical, spiritual, and proto-scientific practices. It was influenced by earlier traditions, including Greek philosophy and Egyptian Metallurgy, aiming to transform base metals into gold and discover the elixir of life. Over time, alchemy evolved, incorporating elements of mysticism and experimentation, leading to the development of early chemistry. Its legacy persists in modern scientific methods and the quest for knowledge about matter and transformation.