Chem"ist, n. [Shortened from
alchemist; cf. F. chimiste.] A person versed
in chemistry or given to chemical investigation; an analyst; a
maker or seller of chemicals or drugs.
Chem"is*try (k&ebreve;m"&ibreve;s*tr&ybreve;; 277),
n. [From Chemist. See Alchemy.]
1. That branch of science which treats of
the composition of substances, and of the changes which they
undergo in consequence of alterations in the constitution of the
molecules, which depend upon variations of the number, kind, or
mode of arrangement, of the constituent atoms. These atoms are
not assumed to be indivisible, but merely the finest grade of
subdivision hitherto attained. Chemistry deals with the changes
in the composition and constitution of molecules. See
Atom, Molecule.
&fist; Historically, chemistry is an outgrowth of alchemy (or
alchemistry), with which it was anciently identified.
2. An application of chemical theory and
method to the consideration of some particular subject; as, the
chemistry of iron; the chemistry of
indigo.
3. A treatise on chemistry.
&fist; This word and its derivatives were formerly written
with y, and sometimes with i, instead of e, in the
first syllable, chymistry, chymist,
chymical, etc.
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