The first people to experiment with science were the Egyptians and Babylonians, who applied their skills in a practical manner, without considering the theory of the processes involved. Although they made many innovations, such as the refinement of metal ores and in the applications of dyes, little real science had been done. For instance, Egyptian alchemists once attempted to make gold by painting the surface of lead with egg yolk, so that it appeared yellow. In spite of this, the word alchemy is derived from the Greek for "The Egyptian Art".