<human>:  Why is it called a homunculus?
<bot>: The term homunculus is Latin for “little man”. The homunculus is a mythical being that was created by an alchemist in the Middle Ages. The homunculus is said to be a tiny, humanlike being that is made from the philosopher’s stone, a legendary substance that is said to be capable of turning base metals into gold. The homunculus is said to be the size of a child’s fist, and is used to perform alchemical experiments.