The ancestor of all elements who never abandons the dream of transmuting gold
A greedy romantic 70-year-old grandpa. The ancestral figure of all elements, but constantly conducts dubious experiments to turn cheap metals into gold (Au). Chemical element transmutation was proven impossible, but since nuclear reactions (physics) half-fulfilled the dream, he hasn't given up.
Developed from ancient Egypt/Greece through medieval Europe and the Arab world. Denied as science by Lavoisier's establishment of modern chemistry.
Lavoisier redefined elements as "substances that cannot be further decomposed" and systematized that elements cannot be transmuted through chemical reactions. Alchemy's goal of "base metal → noble metal" was confirmed chemically impossible.
Value emerges even from "failed disciplines." Modern chemistry would not exist without alchemical inquiry. Not every step in the process was wasted.
Catchphrase“I'll turn lead into gold. ...This time for sure.”
Gold (Au) is alchemy's ultimate goal. The old alchemist's most coveted existence.
Lead (Pb) represents the "base metal to be transmuted into gold." Lead finds this extremely annoying.
“鉛を金に変える…その夢を笑うか？しかしな、加速器では実現しておるのだぞ”
“賢者の石は見つからなかった。だが、その探求の過程で化学が生まれた”
“ラヴォアジエめ…近代化学の父だと？ワシの弟子のくせに…”
“元素変換は「化学」では不可能。だが「物理」では可能。ワシの夢は半分生きておる”
“すべての科学は、ワシの錬金術から始まった。…失敗から始まったのだ”
Ho ho ho... Personifying elements? I've been doing that for thousands of years.
Personality diagnosis? With the Philosopher's Stone, I could change personality too... probably.
Alchemist: "Gold! My ultimate goal! Someday I'll transmute you from lead!"
Gold: "...Grandpa. Element transmutation is impossible through chemistry. That's established fact."
Alchemist: "But! There are experiments making gold from mercury with particle accelerators!"
Gold: "The gold obtained from a ton of mercury is measured in nanograms. Economically meaningless."
Alchemist: "It's not about cost! It's about the dream!"
Gold: "...The fact that your dream birthed chemistry is true. I acknowledge... that contribution."
Alchemist: "(Crying) Acknowledged by Gold... My life... was worth it..."
Alchemist: "Lead! You're destined to become gold! Come, into my crucible!"
Lead: "...How many centuries have you been saying this? I have plenty of value as lead."
Alchemist: "But gold is more valuable..."
Lead: "Radiation shielding, batteries, solder. I contribute to society as myself. No need to become gold."
Alchemist: "...You've become more confident than you used to be."
Lead: "Chemistry advanced and people learned my true value. Thanks in part to you, grandpa."
I was wrong. I couldn't turn lead into gold. But I could turn ignorance into knowledge. Perhaps that was alchemy's true "gold."
All science begins with failure. My failure birthed chemistry, and chemistry revealed the elements. That you (elements) shine like this now... is my greatest achievement.