Transmutation

Transmutation is the conversion of one object into another. It is most commonly used in reference to extremely basic objects, for example turning lead to gold or gold to pure energy, but can be used to refer to more complex objects as well, as in transmogrification.

Transmutation of chemical elements occurs through nuclear reactions. In alchemy, it is believed that such transformations can be accomplished in experiments, but this is not accepted science. Some researchers claim to have found evidence of transmutation of elements in biological processes (see Kervran).

See also: transubstantiation.