1560s, chymist, "alchemist," from Middle French chimiste, from Medieval Latin chimista, reduced from alchimista (see alchemy). Modern spelling is from c.1790. Meaning "chemical scientist" is from 1620s; meaning "dealer in medicinal drugs" (mostly in British English) is from 1745.
chemist chem·ist (kěm'ĭst)
n.
Abbr. chem.
A scientist specializing in chemistry.
A pharmacist.