What Is Immortal?

[rycar007]

No: HPFGUIDX 34015

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., Whirdy at a... wrote:
> In the PS, the Philsopher's Stone is described as a legendary 
substance with 
> astonishing powers, including producing "the Elixir of Life, which 
will make 
> the drinker immortal."
> 
> How much do you have to drink and for how long?

I don't know about canon, but most magical texts are purposefully 
vague on the exact properties of the Philosopher's Stone and the 
Elixer of Life, because obtaining them is not the point. Most people 
have the misconception that alchemy is a practice with the goal of 
obtaining wealth and immortality. Indeed, the failings of most 
alchemists stem from this belief. The point of obtaining a 
Philosopher's stone is to know that it works. Alchemy is less a 
science than a philosophy, the process is to learn that everything is 
made of the same stuff, and that anything, even turning lead into 
gold, is possible. Dumbledore's spell is reminicent of this, if you 
want the stone for its own sake, then it's impossible to make it. 

-Rycar