The creation and development of alchemy has been filled with countless stories of philosophical theories, alchemical brilliance, public ridicule and disgrace due to the failure to create a legendary substance known as the Stone Philosopher. As a result, this stone was one of the most persecuted objects in Europe and, throughout history, provided the driving force for alchemy. This sacred art is what paved the way for the very first tools, processes and theories of modern chemistry (Alchemy). Current generations of Americans were most likely introduced to the concept of alchemy in American literature, such as in the works of Shakespeare (Alchemy in Art). Many of these books actually portrayed real characters such as Nicholas Flamel, a real-life alchemist from the 13th and 14th centuries. There are some hidden truths in these alchemical fictions but not much else. Most often they are imaginary worlds in which magicians weave spells. Alchemy, although somewhat misleading, was actually a logical and scientific art vital to the development of modern science. Alchemy wasn't just a fantasy of random events. He had a specific goal. The goal was to produce the Philosopher's Stone. A substance that could transmute base metals into gold. A process known today as chrysopeia. The Philosopher's Stone is not actually a stone in the sense of a singular object that could only be discovered through archaeological expeditions. It was a compound substance that had to be created. Its most common description is a very thick red powder or yellowish waxy substance. Mixing it with molten metal would create gold (Philosopher's Stone). This is what has misled alchemists throughout history. They were constantly searching for a substance that didn't exist. However, they had many reasons for… half of the paper… of “Alchemy and the Road to Modern Chemistry.” Alchemy and the road to modern chemistry. Np, nd Web. 01 April 2014."Alchemy in art and entertainment." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, March 21, 2014. Web. March 25, 2014."Alchemy." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, March 24, 2014. Web. March 25, 2014."Aristotle." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, March 31, 2014. Web. March 31, 2014. “Emerald Tablet.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, March 31, 2014. Web. April 1, 2014."Hellenistic Period." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, March 30, 2014. Web. March 31, 2014."Islamic Golden Age."Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 4 January 2014. Web. 01 April 2014."Paracelsus." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, March 31, 2014. Web. March 31, 2014."Philosopher's Stone." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, March 24, 2014. Web. March 25, 2014. "The Philosopher's Stone." YouTube. YouTube, 12 November 2013. Web. 01 April. 2014.