Archaeologists find 'elixir of immortality' in ancient Chinese tomb

Archaeologists in China recently confirmed that they found a bronze vessel that contains the elixir of immortality reports the Daily Mail.

The golden liquid was discovered in a roughly two thousand year old Western Han dynasty tomb in Hunan province. Originally thought to be wine, later scientific analysis revealed it is primarily made of potassium nitrate and Alunite two of the main elixir ingredients mentioned in an ancient Taoist texts.

While the liquid is described as being associated with endless life it does not appear that drinking it would have resulted in that outcome .

Gizmodo notes how Alunite is fairly benign but potassium nitrate in high doses is associated with certain health risks ranging from eye and skin irritation to kidney failure and even death.

It's been suggested that the elixir may have been intended for burial purposes only.