Sylvia Rose
Metal & Gemstone Dyeing in Alchemy
In alchemy, science and mysticism intertwine. Among the practical alchemical skills is dyeing of metals and gems. Alchemists from early...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 54 min read
Baphomet, the Goat of Mendes in History
Baphomet is a unity of opposites. The mysterious figure emerges from the mythology, esotericism, and dramatic history of medieval Europe....
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 55 min read
Zosimos of Panopolis: Father of Alchemy
Zosimos of Panopolis (c. 300 AD) is a pivotal figure in the history of alchemy . Born in Panopolis, ancient Egypt, Zosimos lives in the...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 56 min read
Alchemy in the Renaissance: Quest for Truth
Alchemy surges to the forefront of many intellectually-driven cultures. From the Golden Age in Alexandria to Islamic mysticism and thence...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 45 min read
Alchemy in the European Renaissance
The Renaissance (c. 1350 - 1750) fosters the growth of alchemy through patronage and practice. A convergence of science, philosophy, and...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 45 min read
How to Make Venetian Red Artisan Pigment
Venetian Red, also called Mars Red, is a non-toxic iron oxide pigment used by dyers, painters and craftspersons since the early days of...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 34 min read
Titans of the Renaissance: Powerful Italian Families
Powerful Medici, Borgia, Sforza, Gonzaga and Este families rise to prominence in the Renaissance. Behind the vast artistic innovations...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 33 min read
Science of Onion Tears: Demystifying Acids
What exactly causes onions to make a person cry? The answer involves a combination of chemistry and enzymes. The trigger behind the tears...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 35 min read
Alchemy Process of Congelation: Freezing, Crystallization
Congelation is transformation of matter by freezing and crystallization. It's a straightforward process with many nuances. In spiritual...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 23 min read
Sulfur-Mercury Theory: Alchemical Philosophy
The Sulfur-Mercury theory, an ancient cornerstone of alchemical thought, exemplifies the duality inherent in alchemy. The relationship...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 24 min read
Alchemy: Philosophers' Stone History & Lore
The Philosophers' Stone or lapis philosophorum is a miraculous legendary substance. It holds secrets to an elixir of life, a cure for...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 25 min read
Alchemy Processes Invented by Islamic Alchemists
After the 642 AD Islamic conquest of Egypt, the center of alchemy moves to Muslim lands. Medieval Arab alchemists study and expand upon...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 25 min read
Salt in Alchemy: Alchemical Uses & Lore
Salt is important from ancient to Renaissance alchemy, and still used today in alchemical projects, dyeing, cuisine and medicine. In...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 15 min read
Equipment Alchemists Need: Essential Tools of the Trade
Alchemy begins with several elements coming together at a crucial time in Alexandria, Egypt. As an international glass center, the city...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 13 min read
Goethite: The Other Iron-Rich Mineral
Goethite is common but like hematite a remarkable iron oxide mineral. In geology and mineralogy, goethite has piqued the interest of...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 13 min read
Knowing the Three Primary Oxides of Iron
Iron is abundant in Earth's crust and one of the seven metals of antiquity . Essential for life, iron can form various oxides and change...
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Sylvia Rose
Aug 313 min read
How Sulfuric Acid is Made (*Corrosive*)
Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is one of the most important chemicals in the world, with many uses from battery production to fertilizer...
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Sylvia Rose
Aug 314 min read
How to Make Copperas Red: Simply Science
Copperas, iron(II) sulfate or green ferrous sulfate, is a versatile compound in various applications, from agriculture to water...
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Sylvia Rose
Aug 315 min read
Natural Purple Dyes: Ancient & Medieval
Dyers, coloring professionals, metal workers and gemologists seek vibrant colors and tones since early civilization. The first use of...
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Sylvia Rose
Aug 303 min read
Ancient Greek Discovery & Use of Mercury
The ancient Greeks are celebrated for their contributions to various fields such as philosophy, mathematics, and medicine. Among their...
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