When it comes to the idea of transmuting metal, it was believed that valuable ores such as gold or silver were perfect, while invaluable metals were imperfect. Alchemists believe that nature strives to make things perfect and it is possible to change said imperfect metals to perfect metals by helping the process along. Thus began the search for a way to create gold by way of alchemy.
Objects as living things
Since everything is connected and made of the same elements, inanimate objects were actually believed to have a soul (Pneuma), or as it’s known now; energy. This idea came about by early alchemists acknowledging that metals come from deep in the ground, or the belly of the Earth. Much like a fetus forms in the womb, metals form in the Earth.
Keep in mind that the presence of a soul does not specifically mean that there is sentience though. The body and soul live together but do not always create life. The body of an object is its physical form and will remain on earth, while the soul escapes the corporeal realm after death or destruction. For example when you burn wood, the body is left behind (ash) and the soul rises from the destruction (smoke).