Alkahest

"Alcahest" redirects here. For , see Alcahest (video game).

Alkahest (or alcahest) is a hypothetical universal solvent, having the power to dissolve every other substance, including gold. It was much sought after by alchemists for its invaluable medicinal qualities. The name is believed to have been invented by Paracelsus (1493–1541), who modelled it on similar words taken from Arabic, such as ‘alkali’. Paracelsus' own recipe was based on caustic lime, alcohol, and carbonate of potash.

In modern times, water is sometimes called the universal solvent as well, because it can dissolve more substances than any other known solvent.

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