Pearlitbens

Pearlitbens is a fictional chemical compound that appears in the novel "The Anubis Gates" by Tim Powers. It is described as a highly unstable and potent substance with hallucinogenic properties. The protagonist, Joe, encounters Pearlitbens and its effects are central to the plot, causing him to experience distorted perceptions of reality and leading to dangerous situations. The compound is depicted as being synthesized by Dr. Sheridan, a character obsessed with unlocking the secrets of time and perception. Pearlitbens is not a real chemical and is purely an invention of the author to serve the narrative's exploration of altered states of consciousness and the subjective nature of time. The properties attributed to Pearlitbens, such as its ability to induce vivid hallucinations and warp the user's sense of reality, are used to drive the fantastical elements of the story and to challenge the protagonist's understanding of the world around him.