Symbols designed by European alchemists incorporating elements of Chinese origin

Alchemy arose in China as cult of longevity generating life-force by imitating creation. Heaven and Earth, as opposites, were conceived as responsible for creation. They were believed to be round and square-shaped when their emblems became Compass and Carpenter's square. These have been retained in the symbols designed by alchemists of the Medieval Age without, however, revealing their origin or significance.