The alchemy of elixirs goes back to early mankind, when plants with known healing properties are combined, boiled or mashed. The mortar...

Mary the Jewess appears on the scene in vibrant Alexandria on the sparkling Mediterranean in c. first century AD. Educated, well-spoken,...

Mystical alchemy, steeped in ancient wisdom and enigmatic practices, has long captivated truth seekers. Drawn into this absorbing...

The House of Wisdom in ancient and medieval Baghdad attracts scholars, philosophers, scientists, historians, writers and travelers, all...

Islamic alchemists and practitioners bridge the gap between the once-vibrant Alexandrian tradition and the friars of alchemy in medieval...

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

A vibrant golden spice, turmeric captivates kingdoms, heals the sick and rules the routes of the spice trade. The humble root has a long...

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

In alchemy, science and mysticism intertwine. Among the practical alchemical skills is dyeing of metals and gems. Alchemists from early...

Mendes is an important city of ancient Egypt, in the Nile Delta. The bolus of Mendes or Mendesian bole refers to a medical preparation...

Zosimos of Panopolis (c. 300 AD) is a pivotal figure in the history of alchemy . Born in Panopolis, ancient Egypt, Zosimos lives in the...

Alchemy surges to the forefront of many intellectually-driven cultures. From the Golden Age in Alexandria to Islamic mysticism and thence...

The Renaissance (c. 1350 - 1750) fosters the growth of alchemy through patronage and practice. A convergence of science, philosophy, and...

Venetian Red, also called Mars Red, is a non-toxic iron oxide pigment used by dyers, painters and craftspersons since the early days of...

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

Powerful Medici, Borgia, Sforza, Gonzaga and Este families rise to prominence in the Renaissance. Behind the vast artistic innovations...

Congelation is transformation of matter by freezing and crystallization. It's a straightforward process with many nuances. In spiritual...

The Philosophers' Stone or lapis philosophorum is a miraculous legendary substance. It holds secrets to an elixir of life, a cure for...

After the 642 AD Islamic conquest of Egypt, the center of alchemy moves to Muslim lands. Medieval Arab alchemists study and expand upon...

Salt is important from ancient to Renaissance alchemy, and still used today in alchemical projects, dyeing, cuisine and medicine. In...