Transmutation /(?)/

Trans·mu·ta·tion

Transmutation

n.
  1. The act of transmuting, or the state of being transmuted; as, the transmutation of metals.
  2. The change or reduction of one figure or body into another of the same area or solidity, but of a different form, as of a triangle into a square. (Geom.) [R.]
  3. The change of one species into another, which is assumed to take place in any development theory of life; transformism. (Biol.)

Phrases & Compounds
Transmutation of metals
the conversion of base metals into gold or silver, a process often attempted by the alchemists. See Alchemy, and Philosopher's stone, under Philosopher.