The Origin of Alchemy (ft. The Alchemist)

Alchemy is generally seen as an archaic proto-science based on superstition that is of little interest to the modern chemist. In truth, chemistry owes much to alchemy, which covers philosophical traditions and chemical history spanning several millennia in the Middle East, China, India and Europe. The Royal Art has played a significant role in the development of modern chemistry, medicine and psychology. But what or where is its ANCIENT ORIGIN? Has the evidence for its inception been uncovered? And if so, does it finally give an answer to its Metaphysical attribute?