* Historical: "The alchemist, with his bubbling cauldron and strange concoctions, was rumored to have the power to turn lead into gold."
* Figurative: "The chef was a true alchemist in the kitchen, transforming simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces."
* Metaphorical: "The artist, with her brush and palette, was an alchemist of color, creating vibrant and evocative worlds on canvas."
* Literal: "The alchemist, a scholar of ancient texts and esoteric practices, spent his life searching for the philosopher's stone."
The best way to use "alchemist" depends on the context and the desired meaning.