Khemeia

Khemeia is a term that appears primarily in discussions of the history and etymology of chemistry and alchemy. In Greek, the word khēmeía (χημεία) refers to the craft or science of changing matter and is the historical root of the modern word chemistry. The concept historically encompassed both practical experimentation and the more speculative aims of turning base metals into gold or discovering transformative substances.

In medieval and early modern Europe, the practice associated with khēmeía was often labeled alchemy, a predecessor to modern chemistry. The Greek term, transmitted through Arabic and Latin into European languages, contributed to the emergence of the scientific discipline of chemistry in the 17th century. As the science specialized, the term khēmeía gradually fell out of common use in favor of chemistry, while the broader cultural and historical discussions of alchemy persisted separately.

In contemporary usage, khemeia is not a standard scientific term. When encountered, it is typically as a transliteration or historical reference rather than as a distinct field. It may be used in linguistic or philological contexts to explain the etymology of chemistry and to trace how the ancient concept evolved into modern science. Some texts may also employ alternative spellings or transliterations in discussions of Greek or early medieval sources.

See also: chemistry, alchemy, etymology of chemistry, Greek language terms for chemical arts.