* A medieval chemical philosophy: This aspect deals with the transformation of base metals into gold and the creation of a universal elixir.
* A spiritual and mystical practice: This aspect focuses on personal and spiritual transformation.
Therefore, the "best" antonym depends on the specific context you're considering. Here are some possibilities:
For the chemical philosophy aspect:
* Modern Chemistry: This is a direct contrast to alchemy, as it relies on scientific observation and experimentation.
* Empirical Science: This emphasizes a reliance on observable evidence and systematic study.
* Rationalism: This emphasizes reason and logic as opposed to mystical speculation.
For the spiritual and mystical aspect:
* Rationality: This emphasizes logic and reason over intuition and spiritual exploration.
* Materialism: This emphasizes the physical world over the spiritual realm.
* Cynicism: This rejects mystical ideas and spiritual pursuits.
Ultimately, the best antonym for "alchemy" will depend on the specific meaning you wish to convey.