

So, say someone in the _Fullmetal Alchemist_ world lost both of their arms.

Could they still preform alchemy with their automail arms? Is there a way to
adjust the automail so you can use alchemy?


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fullmetal-alchemist-series
If you had two automail arms, could you still use alchemy?


**Yes, they could... sort of.**

As Scar mentions in episode 5, the only requirement is for the person to
produce a circle. Izumi states that this is what lets the transmutation energy
flow (or "power", depending on your sub/dub). Most alchemists draw
transmutation circles, but those who have seen beyond the Gate of Truth
instead create their own circle with their body.

[!["So you transmute by placing your hands together and forming a
circle."](https://i.stack.imgur.com/poetAm.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/poetA.jpg)

> **Izumi:** A basis of a transmutation circle is the power of the circle. The
> circle displays the circulation of power, and by sketching the construction
> symbol in it, it becomes possible to activate its power. This is also a
> circulation of power. It's best to experience it for yourself. Now... Review
> it until lunch is ready!
>
> **Alphonse:** Okay, so... The circle displays the circulation of power, and
> by sketching the construction symbol in it, it becomes possible to activate
> its power. But you were transmuting by just slapping your palms together,
> weren't you, Master? Do you not need to sketch the construction symbols?
>
> **Izumi:** I am like a construction symbol.

[!["I am like a construction
symbol."](https://i.stack.imgur.com/9hTgXm.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/9hTgX.jpg)

Ed is able to do his through clapping his regular hand with his metal hand (or
gloved hand) because the flesh pushing against the metal creates a circular
seal for the energy flow.

Al is able to do this because both his "hands" are gloved, so the fabric can
compress together enough to create the same kind of circular seal as above.

So, **as long as the two metal arms could compress together in a circular
pattern** , the user could create the required energy flow, and would be able
to use alchemy (as long as they had been through the Gate).


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