Note 22 — ALCHYMY[22].

The word Alchymy seems to be compounded of the Arabic augmentative particle al, and the Latin Kemia or Greek χημια, chemistry. This etymology, however, is objected to by some, who deny the Arabians any share in the composition of the word; urging that alchemia occurs in an author who wrote before the Europeans had any commerce with the Arabians, or the Arabians any learning, i. e. before the time of Mahomet.