Earlier quoted context omitted.
I recently encountered this video about an interesting possible reaction that could have been done by alchemists that might explain where the idea of turning lead to gold came from (in particular, wanting gold as an end product is no surprise, but why lead specifically as the source?): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzsdORUPk48 It doesn't quite use period materials, for safety and convenience reasons, but I was sati…
I now worry that coming up with a cure for all cancers is a magical belief.
Don't worry: there's no requirement for one single cure-all.