? Obs. Forms: 6–7 alcum-, alchumistrie, 7 alcum-, alchym-, 8– alchemistry. [f. ALCHEMIST + -RY. Cf. chemist-ry, sophist-ry, rogue-ry, etc.] The art or practice of the alchemists; alchemic art, alchemy.
1393. Gower, Conf., III. 134. The bokes of alcemetry, Planemetry and eke also.
1553–87. Foxe, A. & M. (1596), 1246/2. You commanded Multiplication and Alcumistrie to be practised, to abuse the kings coine.
1609. N. Breton, Poste w. Pack. Touching Alchymistry I heare much but believe little.
1611. Cotgr., Alquemie, Alchumie, Alchumistrie.
1791. Bergman, Chem. Ess., III. 134. A person who has no faith in the changes of alchemistry.
1817. Drake, Shaks. & Times, II. 154. Alchemistry was one of the foolish pursuits of the day.
