philosopher's stone
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The philosopher's stone is a legendary substance that alchemists throughout history believed could transform ordinary metals into gold and grant immortality. It has become a symbol of the ultimate goal of alchemy and continues to capture the imagination in literature, popular culture, and discussions of human ambition.
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The Alchemist Discovering Phosphorus, by Joseph Wright of Derby (1771)
The philosopher's stone is a mythic alchemical substance capable of turning base metals such as lead and mercury into gold or silver; it was also known as "the tincture" and "the powder" as well as "red lion" for gold and "white lion" for silver. Alchemists additionally believed that it could be used to make an elixir of life which made possible rejuvenation and immortality.