'alchemize' originates from 'alchemy', which comes from the Arabic word 'al-kīmiyā', where 'al-' meant 'the' and 'kīmiyā' referred to the ancient practice of chemistry.

'al-kīmiyā' transformed into the Old French word 'alquimie', and eventually became the modern English word 'alchemy', from which 'alchemize' is derived.

Initially, it meant 'to practice alchemy', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to transform something in a mysterious way'.