In Dragon Magazine #280 it was wrote:
Alchemy is special because it doesn't require the ability to cast arcane or divine spells--anyone can learn and use the Alchemy skill the exploit the fantastic properties of certain objects: plants, minerals, and creature parts, for example. That makes alchemy useful to all classes.
Among the most ridiculous and pointless rule changes that came about in 3.5 was limiting the Alchemy skill to spell casters only. What with Wizards, Sorcerers and Clerics at 2 skill points per level no real spell caster class could afford to spare the points for it short of Bards.
Please, please, don't let this retarded rule be kept in Pathfinder. I hope to someday be able to legally by R.A.W. play my favorite rogue character, a max-ranked master of Alchemical mischief and surprise.