Literary notes about Elixir (AI summary)
In literature, the term "elixir" is deployed in a fascinating duality that blends both literal and metaphorical dimensions. Authors invoke it as a tangible substance promising rejuvenation or healing—as seen with its depiction as a remedy or potion in contexts of real bodily restoration ([1], [2], [3])—while simultaneously elevating it to a symbol of timeless vitality and spiritual transcendence ([4], [5], [6]). At times, it functions as an emblem for the yearning for eternal youth or the ultimate life force, effectively bridging material science and mysticism ([7], [8], [9]). Elsewhere, "elixir" is used more poetically to represent an intangible, nourishing essence that enlivens the soul and emotions ([10], [11], [12]). This layered use of the word underscores literature’s ability to transform a simple "medicine" into a metaphor for life’s deepest desires and mysteries.
- Water is the elixir of both body and mind; witness the persons who are teetotallers.
— from The Philosophy Which Shows the Physiology of Mesmerism and Explains the Phenomenon of Clairvoyance by T. H. Pasley - "Take but a cup of this elixir, my lord," answered the druggist.
— from Mary of Burgundy; or, The Revolt of Ghent by G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford) James - I have read of an elixir a few drops of which would make an old man young.
— from Miser Farebrother: A Novel (vol. 2 of 3) by B. L. (Benjamin Leopold) Farjeon - " "In one sense it is," replied Aylmer; "or, rather, the elixir of immortality.
— from Mosses from an old manse by Nathaniel Hawthorne - The elixir of life was the food of the gods that conferred eternal life upon them.
— from The Evolution of the Dragon by Smith, Grafton Elliot, Sir - The modern masters promise very little; they know that metals cannot be transmuted, and that the elixir of life is a chimera.
— from Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley - He could not have made it all by the sale of his elixir vitæ in Germany, though no doubt some portion of it was derived from that source.
— from Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds by Charles Mackay - He first carried on his imposture in Germany, where he made considerable sums by selling an elixir to arrest the progress of old age.
— from Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds by Charles Mackay - He had constant applications from rich old women for an elixir to make them young again, and it would appear gained large sums in this manner.
— from Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds by Charles Mackay - How trill her tears, th' elixir of my senses!
— from Elizabethan Sonnet Cycles: Phillis - Licia by Thomas Lodge - I have drained the cup of poverty to the dregs, and I languished for the elixir of wealth.
— from The Golden Calf by M. E. (Mary Elizabeth) Braddon - He lands her charms; her beauty’s glow Wins from the spoiler Time new rays; Bright looks reply, approving so Beauty’s elixir vitæ, praise.
— from The Angel in the House by Coventry Patmore
