Case file · High strangeness
Nicolas Flamel makes gold
A book published in 1612 claimed that the Paris scrivener Nicolas Flamel transmuted mercury into gold on 25 April 1382 using the Philosopher's Stone.
1382 CE · 48.86, 2.35 · status: legend
The account
The real Flamel was a wealthy scribe and benefactor; his house on rue de Montmorency still stands. Legends say he never died.
The sceptical view
The alchemical works attributed to him are 17th-century forgeries; his fortune came from business and property.