Alchemists aimed to transform base metals into pure gold, categorizing substances by their perceived worth.
C. G. Jung's take is more psychological: alchemists realized they needed personal change to affect materials' change. Like turning 'base' metals into gold, they too sought redemption.
Alchemical work, as per this view, mirrors the psyche's evolution: from depression (nigredo) to restructuring values, seeking unity in opposites (coniunctio), reaching new consciousness and psychic change. It's like alchemy reflects the human journey.
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