The Alchemist: Act 1, Scene 3 Summary & Analysis

Subtle enters with Abel Drugger. Subtle asks Drugger if he sells tobacco, and Drugger confirms he does. “Free of the Grocers,” he adds. Subtle asks what business Drugger has with him, and Drugger explains that he is in need of Subtle’s “necromancy” to help him with his shop. Drugger’s business is new, and he wants to know where he should place doors and shelves. He would also like to hear his horoscope as well, Drugger says. Face enters and is happy to see Drugger. Drugger is honest, Face says, and he always has the best tobacco. Drugger’s tobacco smells like roses, and he is “no goldsmith.”

Subtle says that Drugger is indeed a lucky man, and he is sure to be wealthy and popular. By next spring, Subtle says, Drugger is sure to be appointed sheriff of London. Drugger’s “fortune,” however, says he will go a different route. Face asks Subtle how he knows all this, and Subtle explains that his knowledge of “metoposcopy” tells him as much. Face can’t see it, Subtle says, but Drugger has a star upon his forehead and spots on his teeth. His pinky fingernail, too, is telling. Subtle asks Drugger if he was born on a Wednesday, and Drugger confirms he was. It is just as Subtle suspected, he says. Drugger will be a very successful merchant.

Subtle tells Drugger that the door of his new shop should face south, and the broadside of the building should face west. Subtle says Drugger should also place a magnet under the threshold of his door to attract customers, and he concludes by saying he thinks Drugger has a good chance of coming into possession of the philosopher’s stone. Drugger is obviously excited and gives Subtle a handful of coins. As Drugger leaves, he hands Face his almanac and asks if Subtle can mark his unlucky days, so he will know not to do business then. Face takes the almanac and agrees. Drugger thanks them both and exits. Face turns to Subtle. It is his job to bring people like Drugger in, Face says, and Subtle still doesn’t see that Face deserves more money.