what is a philosopher's stone?

Answer 1

the quest for the final answer...of course, you could go with the metal into gold, its exlixir for youth and the holy grail idea too.

Answer 2

Originally the Philosopher's Stone was believed to be the chemical that changed base metals into silver or gold, often it was termed the Power of Projection.

It was first mentioned by Zosimos the Theban (c. 250-300) in the third century. Throughout the generations the Philosopher's Stone has taken on an immense range of powers; not only has it been called the secret of life and health, but also possessing spiritual significance. The notion of its spiritual qualities expanded until in the thirteenth century a program evolved that led the alchemist through a strict devotional ritual and purification. After completing this ceremony he was thought worthy to perform his activities.

Eventually the Philosopher's Stone was thought to signify the force behind the evolution of life and the universal binding power which unites minds and souls in a human oneness.

Finally, it represented the purity and sanctity of the highest realm of pure thought and altruistic existence.

Answer 3

A philosophers stone is a mythical rock that can turn inexpensive metals to gold and turn the user younger, though the drinking of an elixer.
Many alchemists tried their whole lives to create such a stone, often using poisonous metals and driving them crazy or even killing them.
It is also very popular in fictional stories. The most famous of these is Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone. A list is availible on the site below.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosopher's_stone

http://www.quackgrass.com/stone.html

http://www.crystalinks.com/philosopherstone.html

Answer 4

Quite true what the others said about it.
The Philosophers Stone became known mainly through the alchemists of the Middle Ages. They engaged in alchemy, which goes back to the ancient Egyptians, from whom the Arabs received it. From them is derived the word, elixir, which means "Philosophers Stone". Alchemy also included the art of making gold.
According to the Alchemists , the Philosophers Stone was a magic stone, containing the substance of all things. It was said to transmute base metals into gold, but it was also held to be a means of prolonging life.
Some additional information can be found in the Revelation of John. In the second chapter, it is said." To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name is written, which now man knoweth saving he that receiveth it."
The Hidden Manna is the Heavenly Bread, the Word of God. THe White Stone points to the Laws of God, through which Creation has come into being. The White Stone is used here figuratively for the recognition of God.

Answer 5

All these expressions come from the direct experience of the very highly developed humans. These people try to express their inner experiences (which are inexpressible) and the people who hear these things start thinking in terms of "material" things... and thus we end up with all this confusion.

The ONLY way to know the Philosopher's stone is by direct experience, and the only way to open up to that experience is to undergo a transformation. And all the change starts with the expression of Socrates... "Know Thyself." Over time that brings the living water, the philosopher's stone and the eternal life bathed in the golden aura.

The most basic aspect of this process is explained in here...

Answer 6

The philosopher's stone is a legendary substance, supposedly capable of turning inexpensive metals into gold; it was also sometimes believed to be a means of making people younger (Elixir of life). For a long time it was the "holy grail" of Western alchemy.

Answer 7

a dark red stone used by alchemists to be able to "transmute" any metal into gold, it would allow unlimited power and would allow the user to defy the laws of chemistry and physics, among other things.

it is supposed to be created using a mythical element called carmot thought to no longer exist, it is also thought in order to create a philosophers stone from carmot human sacrifices ("souls") would be needed. the dark red color coming from the blood.

Answer 8

I think it's a stone believed by Alchemist to turn base metals into Gold amongst things.

Answer 9

Its to do with Alchemy and turning one thing into another. Especially the idea of turning lead into gold.

Lead being cheap and easy to get hold of and turning it into something valuable.

Interestedly enough, the make up of lead and gold is VERY similar and scientists HAVE managed to do it. Problem was they needed a particle accelerator and a small nuclear explosion so it was not very profitable.

Answer 10

In the American edition it was called the Sorcerer's Stone. Oh, wait. This isn't a HP question? Never mind.

Answer 11

Not *the* Eliza Dushku? She's right, anyway; at least, it's the object of that quest: a substance whose touch would perfect mundane things: turn ordinary metal into gold, make humans immortal, etc.

There's a page about it on Wikipedia.