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Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum) Art, Food & Medicine
Gum arabic, also known as acacia gum, is a natural substance derived from sap of Acacia trees, especially Acacia senegal . This sticky,...

Sylvia Rose
Oct 15, 20244 min read
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Secrets of Xanthan Gum for Artists & Chefs
Xanthan Gum, a versatile ingredient with various applications, is a growing trend in multiple industries. In art and food it's valued as...

Sylvia Rose
Oct 15, 20244 min read
22 views


Elemental Carbon (C) Science & Secrets
Carbon is the ubiquitous element. Art, beauty, science and health pivot around the life force of carbon. Here's the nature of carbon, its...

Sylvia Rose
Oct 15, 20245 min read
15 views


Soot & Lampblack: Beauty, Art and Medicine
Soot is as old as fire. A dark, powder formed by incomplete burning of organic matter, it's used for centuries due to its easy...

Sylvia Rose
Oct 14, 20246 min read
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Flowers of Sulfur (Brimstone): Creation & Uses
Flowers of sulfur, often termed flowers of brimstone, are crumbly pale yellow powders popular with chemists, botanists, and artisans....

Sylvia Rose
Oct 13, 20243 min read
109 views


Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) Caustic Potash
Potassium Hydroxide, also known as caustic potash, has a history dating back to ancient times. A versatile chemical compound, it's used...

Sylvia Rose
Oct 13, 20244 min read
14 views


Rot & Decay: Process of Organic Putrefaction
Decay is a fundamental aspect of life cycles. An essential and complex process in the natural world, decay involves breakdown of organic...

Sylvia Rose
Oct 13, 20245 min read
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Fermentation & Rot: Comparing Processes
Fermentation and rot are natural processes. While they may seem synonymous, a closer look reveals the differences between the two....

Sylvia Rose
Oct 13, 20245 min read
11 views


Tycho Brahe: Golden Renaissance Astronomer
Tycho Brahe (1546 - 1601) is a Danish Renaissance astronomer and polymath. His observatory Uraniborg is a center of intellect and...

Sylvia Rose
Oct 12, 20247 min read
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Women Brewers: Brewing History of Europe
Women have a significant role in brewing through history. Before brewing is industrialized, it's a domestic activity seen as providing...

Sylvia Rose
Oct 11, 20246 min read
52 views


Eight Dye Plants & Natural Dyes in History
From vibrant reds extracted from roots to the deep blues synthesized from leaves, plants have abundant natural dyes and also health...

Sylvia Rose
Oct 11, 20246 min read
44 views


5 Syphilis Treatments of European History
Syphilis is a complex disease, leading to unusual and alternative treatments in history. A sexually transmitted disease, syphilis is...

Sylvia Rose
Oct 10, 20244 min read
23 views


Seven Deadly Diseases of the Renaissance
Some graphics may be disturbing. Disease in the European Renaissance takes a grave toll. Ancient killers include smallpox, malaria,...

Sylvia Rose
Oct 10, 20248 min read
46 views


Nitric Acid: Aqua Fortis the Acid Queen
Nitric acid, called the Queen of Acids or aqua fortis (strong water) is a vital chemical compound with significant importance in fields...

Sylvia Rose
Oct 7, 20244 min read
35 views


Niter (Saltpeter): Science of Alchemy
Niter or saltpeter (KNO3) is the mineral form of potassium nitrate. A soft substance easy to grind, it creates colorless to white...

Sylvia Rose
Oct 6, 20243 min read
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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...

Sylvia Rose
Oct 5, 20244 min read
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Mother of Vinegar & Microbial Life in a Bottle
Mother of vinegar ( Mycoderma aceti ), is a fascinating compound of life, with a range of health benefits and versatile uses. The Mother...

Sylvia Rose
Oct 5, 20244 min read
40 views


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...

Sylvia Rose
Oct 5, 20244 min read
12 views


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...

Sylvia Rose
Oct 4, 20244 min read
18 views


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....

Sylvia Rose
Oct 4, 20245 min read
18 views
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