transmutation

A Dangerous Power

Transmutation is the permanent magical transformation of matter from kind to another, and is a power relegated only to Alchemy.

Perhaps the most famous example of this is the transformation of lead into gold.

Science

Scientifically speaking, transmutation is a physical transformation of the molecular structure of matter from one form to another. While science has been doing this for quite some times, the magical act of transmutation is very different.

In science, this is done by applying heat, cold, other chemicals, etc to transform matter.

Transmutation is very different, because it does not happen by combining elements together to create a different element or compound.

How it works

Alchemists apply preparations, compuunds, chemicals, potions and filtration processes to something like lead and the end result is would be gold.

But at no tme does any of the things they use mix with or mingle with the lead. They are merely the tools the alchemist uses to affect the transmutation.

Transmutaiton does not include any addition or subtraction to the material - it is a change of the material into something new.

What it isn't

Transmutation, as a concept, is simple, but it is also very specific. What it isn't is just as important as what it is.

Transfiguration

While it can be argued that transfiguration does transmutate matter - such as an animal into a water goblet or a match into a needle, these transformations are not inherently permanent. They can be reversed with magic, sometimes even using specific spells or even something as simple as finite incatatem.

There is no such thing as a permanent transfiguration - with the exception of conjuration, which is literally something from nothing.

Transmutation is permanent.

Potions

Potions is believed to be derived from Alchemy. Others say alchemy is derived from potions. This is immaterial, except that potions are magical mixtures. While this does magically change the nature of the matter in a potion, it is a magical effect created by rote and will to produce a specific result.

And all potions are compounds - things added together to create a new thing of a different nature. Potions are also magical tools, the same as a wand or a spell, because they produce a specific magical effect or effects.

Transmutation is permanent and it does not involve adding or subtracting to the item being transmuted - merely the change of it.

Conjuration

Conjuration is not transmutation.

While most believe conjuration is the transfiguration of air, this is not true. While air can be transfigured, this does not conjure anything - conjuration, true conjuration is the literal use of magic to create a new permanent object.

No state of matter is altered. New matter is created, in direct violation of the Law of Conservation of Energy - which is one of the more significant examples of magic not obeying the laws of physics.