While there was a real Nicholas Flamel, a French scribe and notary, living in the 14th century, there's no historical evidence to support the claims of him being an alchemist or discovering the Philosopher's Stone.
Here's a breakdown:
* The Real Nicholas Flamel: Records show he was a prosperous Parisian scribe who owned several properties and was known for his charitable donations. He even wrote a book about his life and experiences as a scribe, but it doesn't mention anything about alchemy.
* The Fictional Nicholas Flamel: The myth of Flamel as an alchemist and possessor of the Philosopher's Stone started spreading centuries after his death. He first appeared in fictional accounts in the 16th century, likely inspired by his documented wealth and charitable deeds, which fueled speculation about his origins and secrets.
* The Philosopher's Stone: The idea of a mythical stone that could turn base metals into gold and grant immortality has been around for centuries. It's more of a concept than a concrete historical object.
So, while a real Nicholas Flamel existed, the stories surrounding his alleged alchemical achievements and the Philosopher's Stone are purely fictional.