The ultimate intention of alchemy is a process known as great works. This process entails unique, even magical transformation, the refinement of materials, the joining of opposites, and the abolishment of impurities. The result of the transformation varies from person to person. Someone may go through changes and the balancing, and sometimes even altering the universal outcome.
Much like a book, there is a beginning, middle, and end. The end goal is for the fulfillment of purpose. It has been said that in alchemy, the pursuit of the goal is as, if not more important than the goal itself.
Alchemy was practiced during a period of time when the science of chemistry begins to invade human space. Alchemy started in Egypt. The main goal of alchemy was to transmute base metals into gold. The second main goal was to attain the Philosophers Stone.
The hopes were that this stone would bring a perfect and neverending life. Alchemists loved gold because they revered it as the perfect stone. This is why they wanted to transform all metals into gold so that all elements would be perfect. In the end, if all metals were gold, it would help cure diseases and help lead a life that never ends.