Another batch of fresh-faced students has flooded into the lab, their heads full of mush and eyes full of naive wonder. They always think alchemy is about magic and miracles. No, child. A miracle is just the name the lazy give to 'a law not yet understood.' True alchemy is asking matter itself five precise questions and then compelling it to answer. The first question is usually: 'When reduced to your purest state, what are you, truly?' Today, someone gave the foolish answer 'aether.' He need not return tomorrow.