in a world where all is gold, a stone philosopher it turns shine to dull, soft to hard, precious to practical useable, so gold spades and forks can dig earth, nibs write imagination, forges make nails that do not bend, staple roofs, soles to leather, the starved amongst riches can eat again with cutlery that does not melt in the mouth.
powder for drying wounds, philosopher’s stone. Shortens life.