The study of knowledge itself, the nature of what is known and knowable, is an important part of the alchemical tradition. Some hold that the concept of transforming lead to gold is a metaphor for the development of mind. While alchemists do literally transform lead to gold so as to make money, many also pursue loftier goals through meditation and self-awareness.
Elementary Enlightenment
At 2nd level, your mindfulness allows you to focus all your attention on a certain subject, for good or ill. You can, as a bonus action, enter an enlightened state to gain an advantage on all checks and saving throws made with one of your mental ability scores (Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma), as well as resistance to psychic damage. However, this focus comes at a cost: you suffer disadvantage on all checks and saving throws made with a different mental ability score (Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma). You choose the ability scores which are affected by this feature each time you enter the state.
You remain in this enlightened state for 1 minute, unless you choose to end it early as an action. Once you use this feature, you must finish a short or long rest before you can use it again.
Discoveries of Illumination
At 6th and 10th levels, your studies of the science of illumination reveal secrets of the mind. You can also select one of these discoveries instead of a regular discovery at any appropriate alchemist level.
Additional Perceptions. When in your enlightened state, you gain advantage with all checks and saving throws made with two of your mental ability scores. You can use this to cancel out the drawback of Enlightened State.
Master of Minds. Add dominate person to your alchemist spell list.
Psychic Gifts. Add detect thoughts to your alchemist spell list.
Quick Study. When in your enlightened state, as an action you can gain proficiency with any tool for the duration of your enlightened state.
Dawning Omniscience
Your long climb towards universal knowledge is not over, but you have achieved such a height that the true summit is now visible to you. At the 14th level, while in your enlightened state you gain temporary proficiency in all skills associated with your enlightened ability score, as well as proficiency with all saving throws (including those in which you have disadvantage) and immunity to being charmed.