The idea of "alchemy" in The Alchemist works as a metaphor comparing the changes people undergo as they pursue their "Personal Legends" to the change in which normal metals become gold. In the Englishman's words, alchemists, those who practice alchemy, dedicated their lives to purifying metals in hopes of turning them into gold. He states that in the process, "they discovered that the purification of the metals had led to a purification of themselves" (Coelho). In the same way other metals can transform into gold, people transform as they seek their "Personal Legends". In achieving their destinies, the Alchemist explains that people gain newfound knowledge on their journey, and they are "severely tested" (Coelho) on the lessons they have learned