Alchemy...it is the science that is governed by the principle of understanding a material, its degradation and to rebuild it into another form. It is the most advanced science in the academic world. However, alchemy is governed by the theory of "Equivalent Exchange" – to obtain anything, something of equal value must be lost.
Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's first law of Equivalent Exchange.
Fullmetal Alchemist
