Scientifics

Harry Potter the Philosopher's Stone
Sophia Manasa

When I first began to research alchemy for this article, I was stunned not only by alchemy’s intricate and arcane history, but by the amount of argument that takes place still over what many consider a dead subject. So let me launch a brief explanation of an extremely hard to understand, dynamic, and oft abused entity.

Alchemy can refer simultaneously to physical alchemy, the “proto-science” of attempting to transmutate base metals into gold and silver while possibly also finding a panacea (cure-all) and creating an elixir of life; to spiritual alchemy, often referred to as Hermetic alchemy, which linked this purification of the physical metal with that of the spiritual soul. Among alchemists were quacks, mystics, respected elders of the community, charlatans, thieves, and intelligent, well-meaning men who were able to discover many chemicals and begin to form some of the foundations of science as we know it. The question of which came first, the physical or the hermetic, is even now under some amount of question, but alchemy was practiced in ancient Egyptian and Asian cultures and lasted at least through the 19th century. There are still those who in fact discuss the merits of hermetic alchemy as a world view, including some who argue against the discussion of the purely physical side as a degradation of alchemy. In fact, people from every background alternately champion and deride hermetic alchemy (so much so, that it was exceedingly difficult to find a strictly historical and at least primarily unbiased account of this subject).

While the transformation of one metal to another is now known by modern science to be physically impossible, alchemists sought to do this by the creation of a “Philosopher’s Stone.” The formation of this stone was broken down into three stages. The first stage, the nigredo or black stage, was achieved by the breaking down of the matter. The alchemist sought to destroy and dissolve the substance down to its “prima materia,” its purest form. The following stage, the albedo or white stage, was the washing or purification of the substance, in which it was said to appear a brilliant white. This was to be the substance’s rebirth. The final stage, rubedo or red, was associated with heat and growth.

Many well-known and respected men throughout history have been tied to alchemy. Although few would call him an alchemist, Aristotle set down principles and expanded upon the use of the four elements that were followed for centuries by later alchemists. Much later, Newton devoted one million words to alchemical writing. Still, other men have tried to use alchemy as a means to cheat others, developing methods of convincing unsuspecting patrons that they had, in fact, been able to change iron or mercury to gold, if they just had more money to continue the experiments. One method was to create a nail with an iron top half and gold bottom half, and then paint the gold-half black. By dipping the painted end in a solution it would appear that they had done it indeed! Another method of cheating the unsuspecting was to fill a hollow rod with gold shavings and then stop the end with wax. When they stirred the warm solution, the wax would melt, spilling the shavings into the cauldron. Thus alchemy has been used, as well as abused, throughout the ages. As a cultural influence throughout the centuries, alchemy has no doubt shaped the arts, as well as the budding sciences, throughout the centuries. It is no surprise that alchemical symbolism has been linked to the works of many great writers (Shakespeare, for example) throughout the centuries.

Rowling has been both accused and celebrated for her series’ ties to alchemy. Tom Granger and Gail Grynbaum are just a few of those who have written on the subject. They believe that Harry Potter books are interwoven with alchemy in all of its forms much more deeply than simply the mention of Nicholas Flamel (an actual alchemist of the Middle Ages, many alleged that his search for the Philosopher’s Stone was successful) and the including of the elusive stone in the title of the first book. They believe that Rowling purposefully planned her books following the alchemical process of the formation of the Philosopher’s Stone mentioned above. Granger also speculates that she names characters specifically after the stages and symbols of alchemy and utilizes strictly alchemical symbols. Although the supporters of these claims must admit that they have never been acknowledged by Rowling herself, they are so interesting that they deserve some discussion on their own merit.

To the alchemists, the formation of the Philosopher’s Stone symbolizes the breaking down of the imperfect to the very core of its being so that it can be re-formed into its ideal body, a trial by fire, if you will, to improve the original. Each year an imperfect Harry is faced with new obstacles that challenge his beliefs and fears and his childish self and turn him into a better man. In fact, Granger goes so far as to point to specific instances in each book, especially the fifth book, where Harry’s beliefs and life are shaken to the core. Throughout the year, his life is turned upside down as his trusted headmaster is at first distant and later replaced by his enemy, his beliefs about his parents are shattered, his school no longer becomes his happy home, his best friend is made prefect over him, the media trashes him weekly, and his godfather is lost. This certainly seems to be a prevalent theme.

But isn’t growing through tough times an important premise everywhere? How many books and blockbusters would this encompass? Are all of the works based on the fundamentals of alchemy? Learning and growing through our worst ordeals is hopefully part of the human experience. In fact, Aristotle, who is said to have contributed greatly to the ideas of purification in hermetic alchemy, also contributed the idea of katharsis to the Greek tragedy. The kartharsis is when we cleanse our emotions by watching the trials of those in the tragedy and experience pity and fear for them. It does seem like a simple moral theme has a lot of pressure to encompass the entire alchemical ideal. So maybe one would need a bit more evidence to support these claims.

Characters representing the alchemical stages certainly would seem to support this theory. And Rowling has done her part to include a host of symbolic names in her works. Is it possible that the nigredo stage (black), albedo stage (white), and rubedo stage (red) have corresponding characters? These colorful names certainly do seem to have parallels in the pages of Harry’s story. Sirius Black, Albus Dumbledore, and Rubeus Hagrid come to mind. Does the death of Sirius have something to do with the death of Harry’s imperfect self, and Dumbledore’s with his purification? I hate to think of the ramifications for Hagrid! There are other names found in the Hogwarts roll book and Harry’s family tree that are important to alchemy. James Potter, Harry’s father, could possibly have been named for St. James, the saint of alchemy to be more precise. And the albedo stage of the alchemical process happens to be symbolized by not only the lily (Harry’s mother’s name), but also the moon (which could symbolize Harry’s school friend Luna, who had an important role to Harry after the death of Black). Finally the name Hermione comes from Hermes, which is not only the name of the founder of Hermetic alchemy, Hermes Trismegistus, but also the Greek counterpart to the Roman god Mercury. Mercury, a very important metal in alchemy, was known as quick silver, and was one of two agents to which the Philosopher’s Stone was subjected. The other, alchemical sulfur, was symbolized by Mars. To John Granger, mercury is the cool, collected, female Hermione and sulfur is the hot, rough, male Ron acting on and shaping the metaphorical Philosopher’s Stone, Harry.

While I have certainly enjoyed researching name meanings in Rowling’s works, color symbolism is ubiquitous and widespread. These characters certainly match the symbolism and traditions established for the color they embody, not just its alchemical equivalent. James is a common enough name to refer to a number of kings or saints (although it comes from Jacob and means “supplanter,” in case you are curious). A number of women in Rowling’s books are named for flowers. The lily is often used to represent purity and innocence, things that Harry’s mother embodied as she was killed as an innocent while saving her son. (The petunia is not an alchemical symbol.) And as for Luna, Looney Lovegood just sounds too good to pass up. Finally, while the path from Hermione to quicksilver is certainly an entertaining one, when asked why she chose the name “Hermione” for her character, Rowling responded that she chose it because it was the kind of name she thought Hermione’s parents would choose.

Finally, the supporters of an alchemical Harry Potter believe that alchemical symbols are spread throughout these works of fiction. But the moon, the sun, flowers, planets, all of these are very common symbols world wide. Thus for the alchemist, “Mars is bright tonight,” might have a very mysterious meaning indeed. But to followers of western culture and magic, it means that there’s a war looming! It might mean that to alchemists, too. But I believe that is my point. Symbolism is widespread. Everyone drew from Aristotle’s teachings. Alchemy had a definite effect on culture throughout the ages, and culture had a definite effect on alchemy. Learning to grow through life’s trials makes a good moral lesson and a great story. Red is warm, bright, passionate. The lily is white and delicate. And while some authors have certainly went as far as to structure entire series of fiction on real life ideals and events, they generally provide a hint or a full blown statement so that we can take the work in context with the ideology that they support. Alchemy would certainly have an effect on a work about magic. It is a mysterious and magical part of our history, but until J.K. Rowling issues a statement about these books’ deep alchemical meaning, I’m going to expect a war when Mars is bright, instead of a sulfur bath.

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Notes The Alte Sententiam is Ravenclaw's running newspaper. Alte Sententiam means 'Higher Thoughts' and its current co-editors-in-chief are Chloe Fairchilde and Cassandra Lobiesk. Articles Malicious Spoilerism Dark Wizards Can't Swim Luna's Expeditions Scientifics To Run or Not to Run Alchemy and Harry Potter Past that Created the Present Reviews Wicked: Wickedly Popular! Puzzles Broomsticks Incantations Info FAQ Staff The Roost HOL	Scientifics *Harry Potter the* Philosopher's Stone** Sophia Manasa When I first began to research alchemy for this article, I was stunned not only by alchemy’s intricate and arcane history, but by the amount of argument that takes place still over what many consider a dead subject. So let me launch a brief explanation of an extremely hard to understand, dynamic, and oft abused entity. Alchemy can refer simultaneously to physical alchemy, the “proto-science” of attempting to transmutate base metals into gold and silver while possibly also finding a panacea (cure-all) and creating an elixir of life; to spiritual alchemy, often referred to as Hermetic alchemy, which linked this purification of the physical metal with that of the spiritual soul. Among alchemists were quacks, mystics, respected elders of the community, charlatans, thieves, and intelligent, well-meaning men who were able to discover many chemicals and begin to form some of the foundations of science as we know it. The question of which came first, the physical or the hermetic, is even now under some amount of question, but alchemy was practiced in ancient Egyptian and Asian cultures and lasted at least through the 19th century. There are still those who in fact discuss the merits of hermetic alchemy as a world view, including some who argue against the discussion of the purely physical side as a degradation of alchemy. In fact, people from every background alternately champion and deride hermetic alchemy (so much so, that it was exceedingly difficult to find a strictly historical and at least primarily unbiased account of this subject). While the transformation of one metal to another is now known by modern science to be physically impossible, alchemists sought to do this by the creation of a “Philosopher’s Stone.” The formation of this stone was broken down into three stages. The first stage, the nigredo or black stage, was achieved by the breaking down of the matter. The alchemist sought to destroy and dissolve the substance down to its “prima materia,” its purest form. The following stage, the albedo or white stage, was the washing or purification of the substance, in which it was said to appear a brilliant white. This was to be the substance’s rebirth. The final stage, rubedo or red, was associated with heat and growth. Many well-known and respected men throughout history have been tied to alchemy. Although few would call him an alchemist, Aristotle set down principles and expanded upon the use of the four elements that were followed for centuries by later alchemists. Much later, Newton devoted one million words to alchemical writing. Still, other men have tried to use alchemy as a means to cheat others, developing methods of convincing unsuspecting patrons that they had, in fact, been able to change iron or mercury to gold, if they just had more money to continue the experiments. One method was to create a nail with an iron top half and gold bottom half, and then paint the gold-half black. By dipping the painted end in a solution it would appear that they had done it indeed! Another method of cheating the unsuspecting was to fill a hollow rod with gold shavings and then stop the end with wax. When they stirred the warm solution, the wax would melt, spilling the shavings into the cauldron. Thus alchemy has been used, as well as abused, throughout the ages. As a cultural influence throughout the centuries, alchemy has no doubt shaped the arts, as well as the budding sciences, throughout the centuries. It is no surprise that alchemical symbolism has been linked to the works of many great writers (Shakespeare, for example) throughout the centuries. Rowling has been both accused and celebrated for her series’ ties to alchemy. Tom Granger and Gail Grynbaum are just a few of those who have written on the subject. They believe that Harry Potter books are interwoven with alchemy in all of its forms much more deeply than simply the mention of Nicholas Flamel (an actual alchemist of the Middle Ages, many alleged that his search for the Philosopher’s Stone was successful) and the including of the elusive stone in the title of the first book. They believe that Rowling purposefully planned her books following the alchemical process of the formation of the Philosopher’s Stone mentioned above. Granger also speculates that she names characters specifically after the stages and symbols of alchemy and utilizes strictly alchemical symbols. Although the supporters of these claims must admit that they have never been acknowledged by Rowling herself, they are so interesting that they deserve some discussion on their own merit. To the alchemists, the formation of the Philosopher’s Stone symbolizes the breaking down of the imperfect to the very core of its being so that it can be re-formed into its ideal body, a trial by fire, if you will, to improve the original. Each year an imperfect Harry is faced with new obstacles that challenge his beliefs and fears and his childish self and turn him into a better man. In fact, Granger goes so far as to point to specific instances in each book, especially the fifth book, where Harry’s beliefs and life are shaken to the core. Throughout the year, his life is turned upside down as his trusted headmaster is at first distant and later replaced by his enemy, his beliefs about his parents are shattered, his school no longer becomes his happy home, his best friend is made prefect over him, the media trashes him weekly, and his godfather is lost. This certainly seems to be a prevalent theme. But isn’t growing through tough times an important premise everywhere? How many books and blockbusters would this encompass? Are all of the works based on the fundamentals of alchemy? Learning and growing through our worst ordeals is hopefully part of the human experience. In fact, Aristotle, who is said to have contributed greatly to the ideas of purification in hermetic alchemy, also contributed the idea of katharsis to the Greek tragedy. The kartharsis is when we cleanse our emotions by watching the trials of those in the tragedy and experience pity and fear for them. It does seem like a simple moral theme has a lot of pressure to encompass the entire alchemical ideal. So maybe one would need a bit more evidence to support these claims. Characters representing the alchemical stages certainly would seem to support this theory. And Rowling has done her part to include a host of symbolic names in her works. Is it possible that the nigredo stage (black), albedo stage (white), and rubedo stage (red) have corresponding characters? These colorful names certainly do seem to have parallels in the pages of Harry’s story. Sirius Black, Albus Dumbledore, and Rubeus Hagrid come to mind. Does the death of Sirius have something to do with the death of Harry’s imperfect self, and Dumbledore’s with his purification? I hate to think of the ramifications for Hagrid! There are other names found in the Hogwarts roll book and Harry’s family tree that are important to alchemy. James Potter, Harry’s father, could possibly have been named for St. James, the saint of alchemy to be more precise. And the albedo stage of the alchemical process happens to be symbolized by not only the lily (Harry’s mother’s name), but also the moon (which could symbolize Harry’s school friend Luna, who had an important role to Harry after the death of Black). Finally the name Hermione comes from Hermes, which is not only the name of the founder of Hermetic alchemy, Hermes Trismegistus, but also the Greek counterpart to the Roman god Mercury. Mercury, a very important metal in alchemy, was known as quick silver, and was one of two agents to which the Philosopher’s Stone was subjected. The other, alchemical sulfur, was symbolized by Mars. To John Granger, mercury is the cool, collected, female Hermione and sulfur is the hot, rough, male Ron acting on and shaping the metaphorical Philosopher’s Stone, Harry. While I have certainly enjoyed researching name meanings in Rowling’s works, color symbolism is ubiquitous and widespread. These characters certainly match the symbolism and traditions established for the color they embody, not just its alchemical equivalent. James is a common enough name to refer to a number of kings or saints (although it comes from Jacob and means “supplanter,” in case you are curious). A number of women in Rowling’s books are named for flowers. The lily is often used to represent purity and innocence, things that Harry’s mother embodied as she was killed as an innocent while saving her son. (The petunia is not an alchemical symbol.) And as for Luna, Looney Lovegood just sounds too good to pass up. Finally, while the path from Hermione to quicksilver is certainly an entertaining one, when asked why she chose the name “Hermione” for her character, Rowling responded that she chose it because it was the kind of name she thought Hermione’s parents would choose. Finally, the supporters of an alchemical Harry Potter believe that alchemical symbols are spread throughout these works of fiction. But the moon, the sun, flowers, planets, all of these are very common symbols world wide. Thus for the alchemist, “Mars is bright tonight,” might have a very mysterious meaning indeed. But to followers of western culture and magic, it means that there’s a war looming! It might mean that to alchemists, too. But I believe that is my point. Symbolism is widespread. Everyone drew from Aristotle’s teachings. Alchemy had a definite effect on culture throughout the ages, and culture had a definite effect on alchemy. Learning to grow through life’s trials makes a good moral lesson and a great story. Red is warm, bright, passionate. The lily is white and delicate. And while some authors have certainly went as far as to structure entire series of fiction on real life ideals and events, they generally provide a hint or a full blown statement so that we can take the work in context with the ideology that they support. Alchemy would certainly have an effect on a work about magic. It is a mysterious and magical part of our history, but until J.K. Rowling issues a statement about these books’ deep alchemical meaning, I’m going to expect a war when Mars is bright, instead of a sulfur bath. [ Return to Top ]