While historical alchemists engaged in laboratory experiments, modern practitioners often focus on spiritual alchemy, using the symbolism and stages of alchemy to guide personal and spiritual transformation.
Laboratory Alchemy:
Equipment: Traditional alchemical apparatus includes crucibles, retorts, alembics, furnaces, and various glassware for heating, distilling, and purifying substances.
Materials: Alchemists work with a variety of substances, including metals, minerals, salts, and plant materials.
Processes: Common processes include calcination (heating), distillation (separating liquids by boiling and condensation), sublimation (transitioning from solid to gas), and coagulation (solidifying substances).