Directions: The question below consists of a word, followed by four words or phrases. Choose the word or phrase that is closest in meaning to the given word.

Alchemy

Alchemy historically referred to the medieval practice of attempting to transform base metals into gold and discover a universal elixir. While it was a proto-scientific pursuit, its association with mysterious transformations and seemingly magical processes makes 'magic' the closest synonym among the options. The other options (vary, selflessness, despite) do not relate to alchemy's core meaning of transformation or mystical processes.