Kimia is an Ancient Greek word and a feminine given name in Persian language. It means elixir of life, alchemy, or the philosopherâÂÂs stone. In ancient Persian poetry, kimia means "rare" or "unique."
The word is from the Ancient Greek , khÃÂmia, or , khÃÂmeia, 'art of alloying metals', from ÃÂÃÂüñ (khúma, âÂÂfluidâÂÂ), from ÃÂÃÂà(khéà Â, âÂÂI pourâÂÂ).
The ultimate origin of the word is uncertain. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, it may be derived from the greek , which is derived from the ancient Egyptian name of Egypt, khem or khm, khame, or khmi, meaning "blackness", i.e., the rich dark soil of the Nile river valley. Therefore, alchemy can be seen as the "Egyptian art" or the "black art". However, it is also possible that al-këmiyÃÂþ derived from , meaning "cast together".
Alchemy is a philosophical and protoscientific tradition practiced throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia. It aims to purify, mature, and perfect certain objects. Latin words for Chemistry are derived from the Ancient Greek word ÃÂ÷üïñ (kimia.)
The meaning of Kimia, in the Persian literature refers to what is behind the âÂÂmaterialisticâ conception of alchemy, and instead to the secret of the spiritâÂÂs action in nature and the Universe, the macro-cosmos. By acquiring this secular wisdom of action, alchemists aspired to discover their inner (microcosmic) reality, and transmute themselves.
The word appears ubiquitously in Persian literature. Some early usages can be seen in Vis and Ramin and FerdowsiâÂÂs Shahnameh.
Other samples in verse and prose are:
The word Kimia has been frequently used in other Persian poetry, including those of Hafez Shirazi:
and also: