European History 5/15

Diplosis: Gold Doubling & Multiplication in Alchemy

Sylvia Rose

Sep 14, 20244 min read

Diplosis: Gold Doubling & Multiplication in Alchemy

Displosis is the ancient practice of doubling gold. It's considered to be a skill of alchemists and early metal workers as well. If done...

24 views

Sylvia Rose

Sep 13, 20247 min read

Divine Water: Sulfuric Acid in Alchemy

Divine Water, oil of vitriol or sulfuric acid, scientifically denoted H₂SO₄, is commonly used in alchemy experiments. A mineral acid, it...

54 views

Living Metals & Genders in Ancient Alchemy

Sylvia Rose

Sep 12, 20245 min read

Living Metals & Genders in Ancient Alchemy

The Alexandrian alchemists, as philosophers of nature steeped in Greco-Egyptian thinking, define the properties of metals as living...

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Eirenaeus Philalethes: Alchemy & Death in Renaissance London

Sylvia Rose

Sep 11, 20244 min read

Eirenaeus Philalethes: Alchemy & Death in Renaissance London

Eirenaeus Philalethes is a pseudonym of London alchemist George Starkey (1628 - 1665). It turns out he needs one. Financially he...

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Moonwort (Botrychium Lunaria): Folklore, Magic and Medicine

Sylvia Rose

Sep 8, 20243 min read

Moonwort (Botrychium Lunaria): Folklore, Magic and Medicine

Botrychium lunaria, lunary or common moonwort has a long history of use in folklore and medicine. It's found in the alchemy of Maria the...

29 views

Almadén Mines: Ancient Mercury Extraction

Sylvia Rose

Sep 8, 20246 min read

Almadén Mines: Ancient Mercury Extraction

The Almadén Mines in central Spain have an infamous past driven by profit and greed. The deadly history of ancient Almadén revolves...

27 views

Democritus: Laughing Philosopher Ahead of His Time

Sylvia Rose

Sep 6, 20242 min read

Democritus: Laughing Philosopher Ahead of His Time

In ancient philosophical thought, Democritus is a visionary whose ideas continue to illuminate minds. Born in 460 BCE in Abdera, Greece,...

23 views

Metal Smelting & Metallurgy in the Ancient World

Sylvia Rose

Sep 6, 20244 min read

Metal Smelting & Metallurgy in the Ancient World

Smelting, the art of extracting metal from its ore through heating and extraction, has been a part of human civilization since c. 6000...

12 views

Sylvia Rose

Sep 6, 20246 min read

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 5, 20244 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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Alchemy in the Renaissance: Quest for Truth

Sylvia Rose

Sep 5, 20246 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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How to Make Venetian Red Artisan Pigment

Sylvia Rose

Sep 4, 20245 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...

12 views

Sylvia Rose

Sep 4, 20245 min read

Lucrezia Borgia: Exploring the Enigma

Lucrezia Borgia is an enigmatic figure of the Italian Renaissance (c. 1350 - 1550 AD). This period sees revival of art, culture and...

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Titans of the Renaissance: Powerful Italian Families

Sylvia Rose

Sep 3, 20244 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...

17 views

Science of Onion Tears: Demystifying Acids

Sylvia Rose

Sep 3, 20243 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...

18 views

Leap to Flames: Why Did Empedocles Jump into Mount Etna?

Sylvia Rose

Sep 3, 20243 min read

Leap to Flames: Why Did Empedocles Jump into Mount Etna?

The ancient Greek philosopher Empedocles of Sicily is an important figure in science and metaphysics. Based on Plato's work he...

21 views

Alchemy Process of Congelation: Freezing, Crystallization

Sylvia Rose

Sep 3, 20245 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...

10 views

Alchemy: Philosophers' Stone History & Lore

Sylvia Rose

Sep 2, 20244 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...

55 views

Sylvia Rose

Sep 2, 20245 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...

21 views

Equipment Alchemists Need: Essential Tools of the Trade

Sylvia Rose

Sep 1, 20245 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...

17 views