Elixir - Definition and Overview

Elixir, by Yousuf Karsh, 1938

Elixir has several meanings:

• In alchemy, an elixir was a substance believed to be able to change base metals into gold. See also: Philosopher's_stone

• Elixir vitae (elixir of life) was given to a potion that could preserve or prolong life.

• In medicine, an elixir is a liquid containing some sort of medicinal drug together with syrup, glycerine or alcohol to mask the unpleasant taste. See: tincture

• An elixir can also be anything that purports to be a sovereign remedy (that is, a remedy that can cure virtually everything). See: Universal panacea

• Gaetano Donizetti's most successful comic opera was The Elixir of Love (L'Elisir d'Amore).

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