Emily Dickinson Lexicon

philosopher, n. [Late ME < L. < Gk φιλος, loving + υοφύς, wise.] (webplay: advantages, God, gold, knowledge, mind, school, science, Philosopher's stone, wisdom).

1. Wise person; knowledgeable one; educated person; professor.
2. Serious student; deep thinker; one who ponders; person who contemplates; somber scholar; solemn seer.
3. Alchemist; one who seeks a method for converting the baser metals into gold; scientist who believes in the existence of a “philosopher's stone” which will turn metals into gold.
4. Person aware of the laws of gravity, e.g. Isaac Newton.