Yes, 'course, thank you. Too lazy to google this morning. Basically, many alchemist were scam artists who would "produce" a few ounces of gold using conjurers tricks and promise untold fortunes, if the victim (often a nobleman) would advance them some dough for supplies. Often the supplies were only available abroad; the alchemist was depart for Milano or Cyprus on a "buying trip" with the Doge's dough and never be seen or heard from again.