The Philosophers' Stone or lapis philosophorum is a miraculous legendary substance. It holds secrets to an elixir of life, a cure for all disease and the magic of turning base metals like lead into precious ones like gold. It makes worthless stones into gems of fine luster.
In truth, it's an unattainable ideal yet a passionate object of quest. In legend, the stone makes the rounds since ancient Greece, mentioned by Democritus in the 5th century BCE. Mary the Jewess in c. 100 AD and Zosimos of Panopolis c. 300 AD refer to it.
As translated from Islamic alchemist Jabir ibn Hayyan in the 9th century it's simply called Lapis (the Stone) or noster lapis (our stone). Terms such as lapis philosophicus and lapis polisophicalis appear by 1130 AD.
Albertus Magnus (1205 - 1282) calls it lapis quen philosophi laudant ubique (the stone which the philosophers everywhere laud). Like Avicenna, Magnus is not a believer in the transmutation of metals.
The term lapis philosophorum appears in the works of Raymund Lully (1234 - 1315) and also in writings of Arnoldus de Villa Nova (1240 - 1314).
Mention of a "philosophers' stone" or lapis philosophorum emerges from Middle English poetry at the end of the 14th century. The Confessio Amantis refers to the "parfit Elixir Of thilke philosphres Ston".
Also during the late 14th century appears the first recorded the goal of alchemy:
"The philosophers stoon, Elixir clept, we sechen."
(The philosophers' stone, Elixir named, we seek).
The stone isn't necessarily a rock or crystal. It can be a powder, liquid, oil, vapor, tincture, pill, tea or all of the above. The Philosophers' Stone enjoys its height of popularity in the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Even the 18th century brings Elixir of Life claims.
In Zosimos' writings the mention of a mystical stone appears as discussions between Aristotle and his teacher Plato. Greek philosopher Democritus is quoted as saying,
" ... The stone is not formed until it has gathered all the colors that exist in the universe, and until it has been colored with all the simple and complex colors."
As for Zosimos, he is credited with the riddle of a
“... stone which isn't a stone, this precious thing which has no value, this polymorphous thing, which has no form, this unknown thing which is known to all.”
Historical Context
The concept of the philosophers' stone combines elements of chemistry, philosophy, and mysticism. Everything in the universe is connected. Through understanding these connections, practitioners can transcend earthly limitations.
The philosophers' stone is the apex of this transformation, perhaps for wealth, perhaps enlightenment. Fundamentally the stone is a metaphor for the Great Work or Magnum Opus of the alchemist. The philosophers' stone may be equated with the prima materia.
In such a capacity it's known by many names, including the Angel of Violet Light, Scottish Gem, Spittle of the Moon and Urine. Alchemy builds a complex and secretive language around the creation or attainment of this extraordinary marvel.
Symbolism and Interpretation
At least by the middle of the 16th century, the Stone is associated with the color red. Anna Maria Zieglerin creates a red oil she claims is the Elixir of Life. Red is blood, life, passion, fire. It's linked to the rubedo stage of alchemical color phase therapy.
The philosophers' stone finds its way into the world of spiritual alchemy, promoted by psychoanalyst Carl Jung. In spirituality its symbolic significance persists. The philosopher’s stone can be interpreted as a metaphor for personal transformation and self-actualization.
Just as alchemists let no challenge faze them, individuals today strive to turn their experiences, challenges and even failures into opportunities for growth and enlightenment. Philosophically, the stone also represents the journey toward self-discovery.
Some esoteric traditions view it as a symbol of inner work required for spiritual enlightenment. This journey involves shedding ego, confronting inner demons, and ultimately achieving a state of balance and harmony. There are many facets to the philosopher's stone.
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