Lexic.us

Definition of Philosopher's stone

1. Noun. Hypothetical substance that the alchemists believed to be capable of changing base metals into gold.

Definition of Philosopher's stone

1. Noun. (alchemy) A substance able to turn base metals into gold or silver, usually by means of the application and distillation of another substance, usually mercury; also sometimes claimed to give immortality. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Medical Definition of Philosopher's stone

1. A stone sought by the alchemists of the Middle Ages which was supposedly able to transmute base metals into gold, to make precious stone's, and to cure all ills, and thus confer longevity; it was also believed to be a universal solvent. (05 Mar 2000)

Philosopher's Stone Pictures

Click the following link to bring up a new window with an automated collection of images related to the term: Philosopher's Stone Images

Lexicographical Neighbors of Philosopher's Stone

Literary usage of Philosopher's stone

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Development of Modern Europe: An Introduction to the Study of Current by James Harvey Robinson, Charles Austin Beard (1907)
"Although no one discovered the philosopher,s stone, the patient search for it brought to ... The old hopes of finding the philosopher,s stone had, however, ..."

2. Familiar Letters on Chemistry: In Its Relations to Physiology, Dietetics by Justus Liebig (1859)
"When the idea that the philosopher-s stone was a universal medicine had been once developed, men were led, in the most natural way, to the use of chemical ..."

3. Curiosities of Literature by Isaac Disraeli (1859)
"... should live or die, about eleven of the clock, told me in syllables the true matter of the philosopher s stone, which he bequeathed to me as a legacy. ..."

4. How Nature Cures: Comprising a New System of Hygiene; Also the Natural Food by Emmet Densmore (1892)
"In reference to which Liebig asks: ' Is that knowledge not the philosopher s stone, which promises to disclose to us the laws of life, and which must ..."

5. The token and Atlantic souvenir: a Christmas and New Year's present by Samuel Griswold Goodrich (1834)
"It's these that make the plenty and the happiness of the Evelyns, and their philosopher s stone is a CONTENTED MIND.' ERRATA. Page 269. eighth line from ..."

Other Resources Relating to: Philosopher's stone