All things were believed to be made of four elements, fire, water, air and earth, and gold was the perfect combination of the four. ... Since the alchemist had seen air and wood turn into fire, and water to air they believed that any change in physical state is possible. ... Democritus claimed to have produced gold and wrote how in one of his books, but most believe he made brass which has a similar color. ...

• Word Count: 1307
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School