Trans`mu*ta"tion (?), n. [F.
transmutation, L. transmutatio. See Transmute.]
1. The act of transmuting, or the state of being
transmuted; as, the transmutation of metals.
2. (Geom.) 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. [R.]
3. (Biol.) The change of one species into
another, which is assumed to take place in any development theory of life;
transformism. Bacon.
Transmutation of metals (Alchem.), the
conversion of base metals into gold or silver, a process often attempted by
the alchemists. See Alchemy, and Philosopher's stone, under
Philosopher.
Trans`mu*ta"tion (?), n. [F.
transmutation, L. transmutatio. See Transmute.]
1. The act of transmuting, or the state of being
transmuted; as, the transmutation of metals.
2. (Geom.) 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. [R.]
3. (Biol.) The change of one species into
another, which is assumed to take place in any development theory of life;
transformism. Bacon.
Transmutation of metals (Alchem.), the
conversion of base metals into gold or silver, a process often attempted by
the alchemists. See Alchemy, and Philosopher's stone, under
Philosopher.
