Alchemy was the ancient practice of seeking by chemical means to change base metals of little value into gold. Isaac Newton was known to have been an alchemist. The author grew up in a medical family in the north of Queensland and became interested in the problems of fair skins in strong sunlight. After 35 years of a surgical career he became a sculptor and artist, studying human values as they affect man's role in the world and beyond. The problems of human society today require a fresh approach as we re-examine the way we relate to each other and to the world of life and matter.