ANSWERS: 3
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They didn't. There was no scientific theory of chemistry, and certainly no atomic theory. They noted that metals would sometimes mysteriously change state when heated or combined with other metals or various substances, and figured that -- somehow -- gold could be formed from the right combinations of base metals. We know now that they were wasting their time. That's why alchemy is not a science -- it's just a quaint historical curiosity.
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They most likely didn't. They simply chose a common metal that was easy to work with that had limited uses.. being too soft like gold. Similiar but yet opposites in beauty and allure. A natural choice.
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I think they were making the best guess they could based on the similar weight and softness of the metals.
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