The intersections between the mystic discipline of alchemy and the contemporary realm of data science present a compelling subject for exploration. Both fields, albeit from disparate epochs, exhibit a shared endeavor in transformation: alchemy in its historical quest to transmute base metals into noble forms, and data science in its systematic processing of raw information into actionable insights. This paper examines the structural parallels and philosophical underpinnings of these domains.
The role of the alchemist, traditionally characterized as one of empirical experimentation, can be seen as analogous to that of the data scientist. Both practitioners employ a mixture of theoretical knowledge and practical application to achieve specified outcomes. In alchemy, the objective was often esoteric and metaphysical; in data science, the goals are typically pragmatic and utilitarian.
Alchemical processes were documented in cryptic texts, filled with symbolisms and metaphors that obscured their meanings from the uninitiated. Similarly, data science now uses complex algorithms and models, often perceived as ‘black boxes’ by those unfamiliar with their internal mechanics. The hermetic philosophy underlying alchemy resonates with the data-driven paradigms that shape modern decision-making processes.