Nicolas Flamel, the Alchemist Who Never Died
A Paris scribe who died in 1418 was later said to have found the philosopher's stone, and with it, eternal life. People claimed to have met him centuries later.
What was reported
Nicolas Flamel was a real scribe and bookseller in medieval Paris who became wealthy and gave generously to churches and hospitals. His house, built in 1407, still stands on Rue de Montmorency and is one of the oldest in Paris.
In the 1600s, a book appeared, said to be by him, describing how he had decoded a mysterious book and achieved the alchemist's dream: the philosopher's stone, which turned metal into gold and gave eternal life. Treasure seekers dug at his house, and travellers claimed to have met him and his wife alive, centuries after their deaths.
Explanations offered
Historians say the alchemy book was written long after his death, and his wealth probably came from his business and his wife's property. The legend grew because his name was attached to it. He now appears in fiction, including the Harry Potter books.
- When
- Died in 1418, according to records
- Where
- Rue de Montmorency, Paris, France
- Witnesses
- Writers and treasure-hunters since the 1600s
- Status
- Legend
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.
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