Old Percy had quite a background himself. He was the cousin of Gregorovitch, one of the three great wandmakers, and had a wealth of knowledge passed down through his family.
As a young man, Old Percy, already well versed in alchemy, had chosen not to make wands. At the time, the fundamental theories of physics and chemistry were developing at their most vigorous pace.
So Old Percy had gone to the Muggle world and stayed there for a long time. He had even worked alongside scientific giants such as Albert Einstein, gaining a profound understanding of science.
That was why Old Percy's alchemical creations always had a touch of science fiction about them.
And the information that had allowed Grindelwald to obtain the Elder Wand from Gregorovitch had come from Old Percy.
Grindelwald had promised to help him become a second Nicolas Flamel and create a Philosopher's Stone. Thus, Old Percy had officially become the chief alchemist of Grindelwald's Army.
Shawn had also taken a liking to this blunt, straightforward master alchemist. He was a researcher through and through.
That weekend, in the Room of Requirement.
Shawn sat upright, watching Old Percy through the two-way mirror as he conducted alchemical experiments and explained some of the principles of alchemy.
According to documented History of Magic, European alchemy had originated several centuries before the common era as a shared offshoot of Panhellenic culture, including its magical civilization.
It had later passed into the hands of the Arabs, who developed it further before it spread back to Europe.
Quite apart from the many accomplished alchemists among wizards, there had been plenty of formidable alchemists among ordinary people as well.
Scientific achievements such as chemistry and the periodic table could all be considered offshoots of alchemy.
Newton had once been obsessed with alchemy