@farmerman,
The philosopher’s stone was believed by many Alchemists of the past, including Omar Khayyam, to be the concealed stone with seven facets, the mystic seed of transcendental life, which should invade, tinge, and wholly transmute, the imperfect self into spiritual gold.
“The Mighty Alchemist that in a thrice, life’s leaden metal into Gold transmute". Omar Khayyam.
Others believed that it had the power to change base metals into Gold.
Which of those two beliefs do you believe, was the inspiration that drove Newton to his life long search for the secret of the stone?