Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Disambiguation

If you're here looking for the first Harry Potter book, go here. If you're here looking for the first Harry Potter movie, go here.

Philosopher, Sorcerer... What's the Diff?

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was released in the UK and Europe as Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, J.K. Rowling's original title.

The decision seems to subtly denigrate (possibly with good reason)the American reading public. It implies that the phrase 'philosopher's stone' is unfamiliar to most Americans - probably a good bet. It also reflects a supposition that the word 'sorcerer' scores higher on some scale of absolute interest than the word 'philosopher'. This is also probably quite true. Philosophers have a reputation for being boring, speaking in incomprehensible jargon, and in general being drab. Sorcerers, on the other hand, do magic.

Philosophers Weren't Always So Boring

Back in the day (the Dark Ages day), anyone of scholarly occupation was considered a 'philosopher', which literally meant 'one who loves wisdom'. As recently as the Nineteenth Century, physics as known as Natural Philosophy, or the 'wisdom of nature'.

So What's the Philosopher's Stone?

Back when chemistry was alchemy, the ultimate quest was the search for the secrets of transmutation, or how to turn one element into another element. While the seekers were motivated by love of wisdom, there is no doubt that some financial motive existed; the 'Philosopher Stone' was thought to be a substance that would allow lead to turn into gold.

Perhaps more significantly, it was also thought that if one had such a stone, one could make an exilir that would indefinitely prolong life. Such a Fountain of Youth would not only benefit the alchemist physically, but would make him powerful beyond competition, since he would be able to offer or withhold the secret of eternal life to whomever he wished.

Alchemy Made Fascinating

If you're interested in the subject of Alchemy, try Paul Coelho's novel, The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream. John Fasman's The Geographer's Library is another fascinating read.