Scrying Pool is insane if you're able to trash away Estates and Coppers and do an action-only deck. That's really the main theme of Alchemy - Actions. Get University to hoard up on actions, get SP to draw them all into your hand, and then get Vineyards in the end game (Herbalist for multiple buys!) to maximize your VP count.
Now, if you're going for a Treasure or alternate VP deck, I would favor Alchemist over Scrying Pool.