Alchemy was a spiritual endeavor; it was not simply about making gold. The inner pursuit of spiritual wholeness and the highest form of spiritual growth and development was also a focus.

In these times, gold was said to contain the perfect balance of fire, air, water, and earth. Seen as the most superior element, being able to create gold was viewed as magical.

You can see how this quest was not something easily abandoned but pursued the world over from Asia to Africa and Europe.