![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/070e2ada-1476-46f5-a0d8-fbd948118c59/9adfd58d-7e73-40c3-b73f-da63043ba213_rw_1920.png?h=b3be1b9d933658761cf4829c64e9d21b)
Alchemy, Chemistry's precursor, aimed to transmute metals into gold via the "Great Work." This later became a metaphor for self-growth. The "Great Work" has three stages: "nigredo," the first, signifies facing one's shadow self and dark personality traits; the second stage, "albedo," symbolizes the alchemist's mental purification, promoting wisdom, compassion, and humility; lastly, "rubedo," denotes transcending limitations, leading to heightened consciousness.