Sylvia Rose
Prague: Bohemians of the Renaissance
Prague is an epicenter of medieval and Renaissance Bohemian culture, art and architecture. Capital of today's Czech Republic, Prague has...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 91 min read
Experiments With Rust: Going 4 the Gold
Experimenting with rust. Mmm rust. Amazing how many colors it gives out. I'm trying for an earthy gold and a couple other tones. On the...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 96 min read
Catholic Inquisitions: Chronology & Overview
The Catholic Inquisition is an institution in Christianity from the 12th to 19th century. Its purpose is to identify and eliminate heresy...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 84 min read
Protestant Reformation of Renaissance Europe
The Protestant Reformation is one of the most significant movements in Western history. It transforms not just the Christian Church but...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 84 min read
Rise & Fall of the Habsburg Dynasty Europe
The Habsburg Dynasty in history is one of Europe’s most powerful and influential royal families. From origins in the Swiss canton of...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 77 min read
Art of Egg Tempera: Paint Like the Old Masters
Egg tempera painting is beloved for its luminous quality and durability. This method uses egg yolk as a binding agent for pigments, and...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 62 min read
Kerotakis: Ancient Alchemical Equipment
The kerotakis (Greek: κυροτακίς) is an ancient alchemical apparatus of multiple purposes, primarily heating substances and collecting...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 54 min read
Michael Sendivogius: Adventures in Alchemy
Michael Sendivogius (1566 - 1636) is a Polish savant of alchemy, medicine and chemistry. He designs mines and furnaces, travels widely...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 54 min read
Vinegar Eels: Life Cycle & Survival in Vinegar
Vinegar eels ( Turbovecula aceti ) are a vital link in the complexity of microscopic life forms. These tiny creatures are only 1-2 mm...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 44 min read
Sophie Brahe Writer, Alchemist & Astronomer
Sophie Brahe (1556 - 1643) is born into a noble Danish family. Sister of astronomer Tycho Brahe, Sophie is destined for greatness. She...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 45 min read
Valerian: Natural Health & Essential Oils
Valerian ( Valeriana officinalis ) is known for its calming properties. It's a prominent plant in natural health and herbal medicine....
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 43 min read
Fermentation: Yeast & the Active Microworld
Fermentation is among the oldest of alchemical processes. It's used intentionally by c. 8000 BCE to create honey mead, a blend of...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 35 min read
Ethyl Alcohol: Science of Solvents & Booze
Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is the primary ingredient in alcoholic beverages. A clear, colorless liquid, it has a chemical formula of...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 36 min read
Cleopatra the Divine & the Book of Comarius
Cleopatra the alchemist is active in Alexandria, Egypt c. 300 AD. She may be contemporary to Zosimos , who mentions her in his writings....
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 22 min read
Red & White Tartar: Wine Salts of Alchemy
Red and white tartar are ingredients used by ancients and yet today. Alchemists have great interest in salts, waters, spirits and...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 15 min read
Chemistry of Rust: Minerals & Pigment Colors
Rust, the reddish-brown coating that forms on iron or steel due to exposure to oxygen and moisture is a fascinating display of chemistry....
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 305 min read
Chalcedony Gems: Secrets of Silicon Dioxide
Silicon dioxide (SiO₂), or silica, holds fascinating secrets within its molecular structure. It's one of the most abundant minerals found...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 305 min read
Carbuncle: Red Stone of Magic & Medicine
Carbuncle has many meanings. Today it most often describes a deep red almandine garnet gemstone cut with a smooth, convex face or...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 294 min read
Hydrogen Peroxide: Chemistry, Production, Risks
Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂) is one of the most versatile chemicals today due to powerful oxidizing properties and a wide range of...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 293 min read
Natural Iron Oxide Pigments: Extraction, Types & Colors
Iron oxides create beautiful pigments in colors from warm yellow and orange to deep reds, brown, black and even green. Besides industry...
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