The
elixir of life, also known as
elixir of immortality and sometimes equated with the
philosopher's stone, is a mythical
potion that, when drunk from a certain cup at a certain time, supposedly grants the drinker
eternal life and/or
eternal youth. This
elixir was also said to be able to create life. Related to the myths of
Thoth and
Hermes Trismegistus, both of whom in various tales are said to have drunk "the white drops" (liquid gold) and thus achieved immortality, it is mentioned in one of the
Nag Hammadi texts.
Alchemists in various ages and cultures sought the means of formulating the elixir.