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.
© Webster 1913. | 
