Gold and Silver
Gold and silver are important images in the play, as they serve as the motivation for most characters who seek out the help of the Alchemist. Alchemy purported to be able to turn other substances into gold and silver, and Subtle (as the Alchemist) dedicates his farcical act to descriptions of gold, silver, and other precious metals that bait his greedy victims into giving him money.
Alchemy
Subtle also spends a good deal of his time describing his alchemical process. In elaborate detail, he explains the steps to turning base metals and other substances into valuable ones. To his victims, this seems a complicated and highly intellectual science. To the audience, of course, it is clear that what Subtle describes is complete nonsense.
Mammon's Luxury
When Mammon seeks the help of the Alchemist, he delivers a lengthy speech about how his life will be changed once he is exceptionally wealthy. He describes a house full of stuffed linens and deep baths for soaking, painting a portrait of luxury that will of course never come to fruition.
The Philosopher's Stone
The Philosopher's Stone inspires a number of characters to seek the help of the Alchemist, as they believe the stone has the power to turn base metals into gold and to give one access to the Fountain of Youth. Notably, the stone never actually appears in the play (because it of course does not exist) but it is an important image that stirs competition and jealousy among characters like Mammon and the Anabaptists.
