Philosopher's stone
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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 "r
The Alchemist Discovering Phosphorus, by Joseph Wright of Derby (1771)
Philosopher's stone as pictured in Atalanta Fugiens, Emblem XXI
This is an illustration of the "First Key of Basil Valentine", an emblem associated with the "Great Work" in obtaining the Philosopher's stone (see also, The Twelve Keys of Basil Valentine).
Elixir of life
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The elixir of life, also known as elixir of immortality, is a potion that supposedly grants the drinker eternal life and/or eternal youth. This elixir was also said to cure all diseases. Alchemists in
Philosopher's stone
…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. For many centuries, it was the most sought-after goal in alchemy. The philosopher's stone was the…
The mythological White Hare from Chinese mythology, brewing the elixir of life on the Moon
Xu Fu's first expedition to the Mount of the immortals. By Utagawa Kuniyoshi.
Mohini, the female form of Vishnu, holding the pot of amrita, which she distributes amongst all the devas, leaving the asuras without it. Darasuram, Tamil Nadu, India
Dell' elixir vitae, 1624