The Law of Equivalent Exchange: What is Alchemy

Alphonse Elric once said “Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's first law of Equivalent Exchange."

The study of alchemy, a medieval forerunner of chemistry concerned with the transmutation of matter, dates back to ancient and Hellenistic Egypt but what exactly is Alchemy, where did the concept of Homunculi originate, and was it really possible to create a soul?

Throughout this guide we'll deep dive into Alchemy, as a concept, a study, and the myths surrounding it.

What is Alchemy?

Although there may be many different definitions, across different branches, divisions and sources, Alchemy, as defined by Britannica, is

Originally posted by https://www.britannica.com/topic/alchemy:

a form of speculative thought that, among other aims, tried to transform base metals such as lead or copper into silver or gold and to discover a cure for disease and a way of extending life.

More simply, Alchemy was born from medieval, and to some degree human, desire for wealth, health, and immortality.

Born from the 12th Century European aspect of thought, though its origins dating back to Ancient Egypt, Alchemy corresponded with Astrology, another ancient study of man, life, and the universe as stems from mans innate desire to understand the universe and exploit that to their benefit. Despite how different these intellectual pursuits may seem that are, in fact, very similar. To again quote Britannicas article, they state:

Originally posted by https://www.britannica.com/topic/alchemy:

" ... both have always been pursued in the belief that the processes human beings witness in heaven and on earth manifest the will of the Creator and, if correctly understood, will yield the key to the Creator’s intentions."

Although Alchemy, and it's psuedo-sibling Astrology, have had apparent universal exposure across millennia, the evidence of such is lacking in almost every cultural or societal landscape. Middle American Aztecs and Mayans lack almost any evidence of Alchemaic practise, Indian evidence is insubstantial, and the Ancient Islamic, Greek and Chinese is minutely better.

Despite this, words similar to that of the European-Arabic derivative, exist across every socio-cultural historical context.

Interestingly, according to my aforementioned source, ancient greek, chinese and indians referred to what Western cultures called Alchemy as 'The Art'.

What is Alchemy? (Practise)

Before I continue I'd like to clarify, and reiterate, two points:

1. The physical act of transmutation, often considered pop cultures interpretation of Alchemy, isn't possible. At least, to the global scientific communities interpretation, the idea of transmuting a soul, or even turning lower grade material into higher grade, isn't plausible through incantations, transmutation circles and such.
   
2. If you so choose to attempt the transmutation of a soul, for better or for worse, practise safety over all. As effective scepticism is, I, for one, always keep an open mind to things like this; In the event that ♥♥♥♥ goes sideways I'd like to make it clear that I am, in no way, shape, or form, responsible for whatever happens.

With that in mind, lets get to it! Remember guys, don't forget to have fun.

The ingredients are as follows: (PLEASE FOLLOW EXACTLY)
note: all measurements are converted into the same value
eg. 1kg == 1kg, 500g == 0.5kg // 1L == 1L, 500mL == 0.5L
note: * == 1 // Other Elements x 15, Human Soul x 1

Ingredient	Amount
Water	35L
Carbon	20kg
Ammonia	4L
Lime	1.5kg
Phosphorous	0.8kg
Salt	0.25kg
Saltpeter	0.1kg
Sulfur	0.08kg
Fluorine	0.0075kg
Iron	0.005kg
Silicon	0.003kg
Traces of Other Elements	*15
A Human Soul	*1

Now to clarify why I specified, and will continue to reiterate, that I am not liable for anything that happens to anyone, or anybody, who attempts this process.

Originally posted by https://www.dtc-wsuv.org/qtran18/recipe/:

"The soul must exist in the human world in order for the transmutation to work. THIS RECIPE WILL NOT WORK IF NEITHER THE BODY NOR SOUL EXIST."

What is Alchemy? (Practise: Instructions)

Below are the step-by-step instructions on how to perform a human transmutation.

For the third time now I'd like to reiterate, this is purely for entertainment / education. I do not condone any actual, physical, act of human transmutation. I, the guide author, am not liable for any legal action that occurs due to someone who read this guide performing an actual legitimate attempt at human transmutation and the transmutation of a soul. In saying that, if you do happen to somehow, someway, by god's grace succeed in performing it, well good job.

Anyway, with that out of the way, we shall proceed:

Step 1 - Obtain Ingredients

This step is extremely straight forward; obtain your ingredients. Actual cost, supply, and whether or not you can obtain them will fluctuate depending on country, laws, and other such factors. Good luck in obtaining all of it.

Step 2 - Drawing the Human Transmutation Circle

This step is arguably the most important. The actual construction of the human transmutation circle must be perfect. Therefore, for your ease of mind, I have provided an illustration of such below.

As you can see within the illustration, there are plenty of minute details you must pay attention to, such as the writing around the edge, symbolism etc.

Take your time when drawing it; you do not want to mess it up.

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Step 3 - Place the Ingredients in the Centre of the Circle

Again, luckily for all of you, the next step is extremely simple.

Place all of your ingredients in the centre of the circle.

That's it.

Step 4 - Spiritual Organic Breakdown

Here is where things get a little complicated.

In order to begin the process, you must use the flow of natural energy to break down the physical structure and properties of the ingredients into a state that is more malleable in shape into its new form.

This is not a process you can explain; plainly put some people will be capable of performing the act and others will not. Not everyone is capable of tapping into the aforementioned flow of natural energy and therefore not everyone is capable of human transmutation.

Step 5 - Maintain the Flow

Once you've managed to access, and gain control, of the natural flow of energy, continue the restructuring of your malleable materials into a new shape.

MASSIVE WARNING: THE GATE OF TRUTH, THE THING THAT MAKES THIS ACT ALL POSSIBLE, WILL OPEN DUE TO THE TRANSMUTATIONS REBOUND. YOU WILL NEED TO BE PREPARED WITH A MAJOR SACRIFICE. ITS VERY CLEAR THAT YOU CANNOT GAIN WITHOUT LOSS, YOU CANNOT CONSTRUCT WITHOUT CONSTRUCTING, AND YOU CANNOT MAKE SOMETHING FROM NOTHING

Step 6 - Realignment of Body, Mind, and Soul

Hopefully, up until this point, everything has gone ahead without a problem.

Once the body has been transmuted, connect the body and the human soul through the mind until all three elements of the human body become one.

Step 7 - Success

Again, as I just said before, hopefully everything has gone right. If it has, congratulations! You can go celebrate without whoever, or whatever, you just made.

Alchemy in Pop Culture - Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood

It would be extremely cruel not to include fictions greatest depiction of transmutation, alchemy, and what single-handedly revived popular cultures appreciation of the mysteries surrounding it. So below, if you choose to read it, I'll be giving you a brief rundown on one of the greatest animes of all time: Full Metal Alchemist BrotherHood. I could not recommend any anime more highly than this; one that I, and many others, consider a masterpiece.

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Ranked #1 on MyAnimeList[myanimelist.net], Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows the lives of Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers who, after the tragic passing of their mother, attempt to perform alchemy to bring her back. What comes next illustrates the dangers of Alchemy and Human Transmutation as their life quickly deteriorates and brings an unprecedented level of personal tragedy.

MyAnimeList summarises this existential torture best:

Originally posted by https://myanimelist.net/anime/5114/Fullmetal_Alchemist__Brotherhood?q=full%20metal%20alche&cat=anime:

"Ignoring the alchemical principle banning human transmutation, the boys attempted to bring their recently deceased mother back to life. Instead, they suffered brutal personal loss: Alphonse's body disintegrated while Edward lost a leg and then sacrificed an arm to keep Alphonse's soul in the physical realm by binding it to a hulking suit of armor."

With years of training, guided and assisted by their neighbours Rockbell and Winry, the brothers set off on a quest to acquire the Philosophers Stone, a fabled item capable of ignoring the restraints forced upon Alchemists by the Law of Equivalent Exchange and embroil themselves in a conspiracy that threatens the fate of the world.

With 64 episodes, and a total rating of 9.11 / 10 across 1.9 million voters (1,939,000), FMAB boasts a one-of-a-kind experience unlike any other. The greatest anime of all time and, without hyperbole, one of the most influential pieces of fiction ever made.

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There is no anime greater than this.
Come along for the journey; you will not regret it.
"Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood is amazing, I love every minute, the characters are great all of them receive a nice development, the voice acting is amazing too both dub and sub are great, animation and the choreography are awesome.
This is perfect series for anime and mainstream fans, just watch." - imdb

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Thanks for Reading + Other Guides I've done

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I hope you enjoyed the read! It's always nice for me to get the opportunity to deep dive into various rabbit holes and pump out stuff like this.

If you happened to enjoy my guide, and it's left field approach, I have a few more like it below! Feel free to check them out if you please and don't forget to stay safe out there.

Love,
rat

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My Other Guides

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2646213242
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2869056218
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2537767805

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