Alchemy Thesis

Alchemy Thesis

Theophilus Moss

February 25, 2016

Modern Alchemy 1st Term Paper: The Philosopher's Stone



Thesis: In this paper, I will describe the history of the early alchemists' quest for the Philosopher's Stone, their ultimate and inevitable failure, and today's views and misunderstandings of alchemy and the stone as a result of their actions.



"If one simply purified god enough, the result would be the stone" – Unknown



Introduction



Lapis Philosophorum, the elixir of life, the white stone by the river, or drinkable gold – The Philosopher's Stone is a legendary material, purportedly capable of turning cheap metals into gold, curing any illness, and bestowing immortality. The pursuit of its creation was nearly synonymous with alchemy for centuries and it was out of these attempts that modern science was born. How did the stone become an alchemical obsession and why was its creation ultimately abandoned? How has the stone marked the history of alchemy and what does modern society think of both the stone ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...The solid form has been said to be closer to purple, transparent, and glass–like. The 'incomplete' form, however, was white and was used for making silver.



Figure 1: Depictions of solid, crystalline version of Philosopher's Stone



Powers of the Stone

The first great allure of the Philosopher's Stone is the power to change common metals into gold. The secret of infinite wealth would explain why those who sought it shrouded their research in mystery.

The second supreme power of the stone was its ability to cure illness and extend lifespan. "All infirmities might be cured, human life prolonged to its utmost limits, and mankind preserved in health and strength of body and mind, clearness and vigour. All wounds are healed by it without difficulty, and it is the best and surest remedy against poisons" Whether or not it could bestow immortality was debated but this too would have been reason enough on its own to pursue the

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