In order to obtain something, there must be something of equal value. It is the law of conservation in alchemy. Back then, we believed that it was the truth of the world. Fullmetal Alchemist Season 1 Episode 32 Alphonse Elric life equilibrium mutual help
But alchemy is a science, so it must follow the natural laws: to create, something of equal value must be lost. This is the principle of Equivalent Exchange. Fullmetal Alchemist Season 1 Episode 2 Alphonse Elric alchemy
— What's this? — What? — This car. This stupid car. Where's the Cadillac? The Caddy. Where's the Caddy? — The what? — The Cadillac we used to have. The Bluesmobile. — I traded it. — You traded the Bluesmobile for this? — No, for a microphone. — A microphone? Okay, I can see that. The Blues Brothers Jake Blues Elwood J. Blues Funny Quotes