American Dictionary of the English Language

PHILOS'OPHER, noun [See Philosophy.] A person versed in philosophy, or in the principles of nature and morality; one who devotes of nature and morality; one who devotes himself to the study of physics, or of moral or intellectual science.

1. In a general sense, one who is profoundly versed in any science.

Philosopher's stone, a stone or preparation which the alchimists formerly sought, as the instrument of converting the baser metals into pure gold.