Alchemy was best known for trying to turn lead into gold, but it also made important contributions to modern science. Learn about the study of alchemy and its history in this presentation.

1. AlchemyAlchemy
Proto-science and the beginnings ofProto-science and the beginnings of
precious metal refiningprecious metal refining
Manhattan Gold & Silver | 45 W 47th Street | New York, NY 10036 | 212-398-1454

2. What is Alchemy?What is Alchemy?
• The study of alchemy was an ancient form of scientific
study that is no longer practiced.
– Although it is no longer around, alchemy can be considered
the “grandfather” of other modern sciences.
• Alchemy actually had a number of goals and purposes
but attempts at transforming lead into gold are the
most remembered by far.
– This facet of the study made great contributions to
metallurgy and metal refiningmetal refining.
2013 © Manhattan Gold & Silver2013 © Manhattan Gold & Silver
www.mgsrefining.com | 212-398-1454www.mgsrefining.com | 212-398-1454

3. 2013 © Manhattan Gold & Silver2013 © Manhattan Gold & Silver
www.mgsrefining.com | 212-398-1454www.mgsrefining.com | 212-398-1454
ChrysopoeiaChrysopoeia
• Chrysopoeia = the transmutation of other elements
into gold.
– Chrysopoeia was a central goal for many alchemists.
• A common misconception is that alchemists only
tried to find solutions for chrysopoeia. In reality, this
was only one area of study for alchemists.

4. 2013 © Manhattan Gold & Silver2013 © Manhattan Gold & Silver
www.mgsrefining.com | 212-398-1454www.mgsrefining.com | 212-398-1454
The Study of MatterThe Study of Matter
• The true goal of alchemy was to create perfection in
all materials and elements.
• To those ends, alchemists devoted their time to
studying and understanding everything they could
about matter.
• The master alchemist would be able to create any
matter he desired – such as creating gold from lead.

5. 2013 © Manhattan Gold & Silver2013 © Manhattan Gold & Silver
www.mgsrefining.com | 212-398-1454www.mgsrefining.com | 212-398-1454
Alchemy and Modern ScienceAlchemy and Modern Science
• Since the study of matter was central to alchemy, it
made major contributions to other sciences:
– Medicine
– Chemistry
– Metallurgy
• It’s thanks to those early studies that we can
manipulate metal with the efficiency we do today.
– This includes adjusting gold puritygold purity, electroplating, and
more metal refining techniques.

6. 2013 © Manhattan Gold & Silver2013 © Manhattan Gold & Silver
www.mgsrefining.com | 212-398-1454www.mgsrefining.com | 212-398-1454
Chrysopoeia TodayChrysopoeia Today
• Old alchemists would be proud to know that it is
technically possible to turn lead atoms into gold.
• During either artificial transmutation (using a particle
accelerator) or nuclear transmutation (using a
nuclear reactor), gold can be synthesized for a few
seconds before breaking down.
• Perhaps in the near future, scientists will fulfill the
dreams of the ancient alchemists by demonstrating a
total mastery over matter.

7. About MGSAbout MGS
Manhattan Gold & Silver | 45 W 47th Street | New York, NY 10036 | 212-398-1454
• Manhattan Gold & Silver (MGS) is a precious metals refiner that has been
based in Manhattan’s historic Diamond District since 1985. We are a B2B
company that buys and recycles precious metal scraps that accumulate in
other businesses.
• We serve:
– Jewelers
– Pawnbrokers
– Dentists
– The industrial sector
– Antique dealers
– Machinists
– And more!
• MGS also offers charts, calculators, and other online tools for our
customers to use.
– Try our Precious Metals Prices app, which lets you monitor the real-time precious metals
market situation from anywhere, right from your iPhone, iPad or Android device.

8. Recycle your PreciousRecycle your Precious
Metals for ProfitMetals for Profit
• MGS accepts gold, silver, platinum and palladium.
• Payouts are based on the London Fixing.
• Up to 99% payout (among the highest in the US)
– Up to 98.5% for gold brought in for hand testing.
• Not in NYC? Ship us your precious metals using our
Ship & Sell service which offers:
– Same day wired payment (once lot is received)
– Discounted and insured shipping
– Payout calculator
Manhattan Gold & Silver | 45 W 47th Street | New York, NY 10036 | 212-398-1454

9. Connect with MGSConnect with MGS
• For amazing facts, history and news, read our
gold and precious metals blog.
• Join the conversation about precious metals on the MGS page on
Facebook.
• Follow gold, silver and other precious metal trends at the MGS
Twitter account.
• Circle MGS on Google+ to hear our latest updates.
• If you do business with us, connect with us on the MGS LinkedIn
page.
• To see precious metal melting and refinement in action, visit the
MGS YouTube channel.
Manhattan Gold & Silver | 45 W 47th Street | New York, NY 10036 | 212-398-1454

10. Connect with MGSConnect with MGS
• For amazing facts, history and news, read our
gold and precious metals blog.
• Join the conversation about precious metals on the MGS page on
Facebook.
• Follow gold, silver and other precious metal trends at the MGS
Twitter account.
• Circle MGS on Google+ to hear our latest updates.
• If you do business with us, connect with us on the MGS LinkedIn
page.
• To see precious metal melting and refinement in action, visit the
MGS YouTube channel.
Manhattan Gold & Silver | 45 W 47th Street | New York, NY 10036 | 212-398-1454