'alkahestic' originates from the concept of 'alkahest,' a term coined by Paracelsus, a Swiss physician and alchemist, where 'alkahest' was believed to be a universal solvent.

'alkahest' was introduced in the 16th century by Paracelsus and has since been used in alchemical texts to describe a substance capable of dissolving any other substance.

Initially, it meant a universal solvent in alchemy, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.