Mercury, named after the god of intelligence, is one of the most important metals to alchemy. The liquid metal is the epitome of alchemy and the shine was said to be attributed to trapped divine light. Since it is a liquid, it is believed to be the life metal. Liquid as a symbol of life is a widely known concept (e.g., blood, water, and sperm) giving weight to the theory. Mercury’s importance is also shown by the fact that it combines opposites. It is a metal but also liquid. It is a liquid but does not wet. This idea of combining opposites is very important to alchemy, the masculine and feminine coming together, to reach divinity and create perfection (the hermaphrodite).