How and why does matter change? How can one suitably alter matter? These questions occupy the work of the alchemists in their laboratories.

Modern chemistry seems to determine a limit to the target of the alchemists: chemical transformations are not seen as "Transmutation" or a process of metamorphosis any more, but as changes of the compounds of 92 unchangeable elements.

In Einstein's time it is shown how atoms and therefore the elements are changeable as well, and that even new elements can be created.

The ancient dream of the alchemists seems to be practicable again.