Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood: Alchemy System Plot Holes Analysis

FMA:B establishes alchemy rules: equivalent exchange, transmutation circles, human transmutation taboo, and Philosopher's Stones powered by human souls. Notable plot holes in this system: 1. Stone creation paradox: If Philosopher's Stones convert human souls to energy, the reverse should theoretically work under the principle of equivalent exchange — but this is never addressed. 2. Medical alchemy + soul binding gap: Both medical alchemy (healing tissue) and soul binding (attaching souls to objects) are demonstrated separately. Combining them for limb regeneration seems like a natural extension but is treated as prohibited — this feels arbitrary rather than naturally impossible within the established rules. 3. Edward's permanent automail: Given the established capabilities of medical alchemy, Ed's continued use of automail prosthetics seems like a choice the story makes rather than a limitation the magic system demands. 4. Father's finale: Father's soul-harvesting transmutation circle did not require the eclipse (only Hohenheim's counter-circle did). Father could have simply reactivated his plan rather than engaging in direct combat.