What was the Philosopher's Stone?

A substance, for numbers of years eagerly sought for, which was to
convert metals, such as lead, copper, &c. into gold. This unknown
substance was called the Philosopher's Stone, probably on account of
the number of learned men who engaged in the search after it.

[Illustration: UNITED STATES SIGNAL STATION, PIKE'S PEAK, COLORADO.]


Was this search successful?

No; but the delusion lasted several centuries, notwithstanding the
failures, losses, and disappointments of those engaged in it. Indeed,
so severe and ruinous were these, in many instances, that laws were
passed to forbid the study. In Germany, many of the alchemists who had
the unfortunate reputation of possessing this wonderful stone were
imprisoned and furnished with apparatus till they should purchase
their liberty by making an ounce of gold.

_Delusion_, an error arising from false views.

_Apparatus_, a complete set of instruments or tools, by
which anything is made, or any operation performed.


Was any gold ever produced by this method?

Not a particle; the story of a stone having the property of converting