instant_kitchen

crafting a
philosopher’s stone
The elusive philosopher’s stone has had many different interpretations
amongst various cultures. Commonly though,
they are oft perceived as an effective method of prolonging
human life or allowing for the creation of gold and silver when combined
with lesser metals. For centuries however, alchemists were at a loss when
challenged with synthesizing the stone. Over time certain parameters
were established that offered some guidance in accomplishing this
impossible task. Known by the 16th century as the Magnum
Opus (the great work), these guidelines were separated into
three core stages:
I. Nigredo (The Blackening)
Necessitates the cleansing and
breakdown of alchemical materials
into its most basic form
II. Albedo (The Whitening)
Removal of corrupt elements to cleanse and
purify materials. Often cycling back and forth
with Nigredo until perfect purity is achieved.
III. Rubedo (The Redenning)
Opposing materials coalesce and manifest as a success.
Alchemists theorized the stone would appear as a dry, red powder, and had
experimented thoroughly with the classical elements of earth, air, water,
and fire to create it. Varying accounts also exist of the legend’s legitimacy.
14th century scribe Nicolas Flamel was famously credited posthumously
with achieving immortality through the stone, while 17th century Henning
Brand discovered the first periodic element phosphorus in an attempt to
synthesize the same thing by boiling-down urine. Although the existence of
this alchemical legend has been thoroughly debunked by modern chemistry,
its legend continues to enchant wonder.
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