Grand Arcanum

The Grand Arcanum is a 2003 anime exclusive method to make a Philosopher's Stone. The method itself calls for 10,000 souls and the concept generally originated from the Ishvalans. It was used by Scar to make a Philosopher's Stone out of Liore late in the series.

Origin
It would appear that the outcasted Ishvalan was either the creator of or only known person knowledgable of the Grand Arcanum. He first taught Scar's brother how to make it when he was researching alchemy, and later taught Scar himself.

Use
The Grand Arcanum is used by drawing a very large Transmutation Circle around an area (similar to the Nationwide Transmutation Circle from the manga). When activated, the Grand Arcanum will take the souls of everyone inside the circle and turn them into a Philosopher's Stone. It also requires that the user tatoo their body with special texts and designs, effectively making them a living Philosopher's Stone by drawing all the souls into their own body.