Sylvia Rose
Avicenna (Ibn Sina) Medieval Islamic Scientist
Avicenna also known as Ibn Sina, an Islamic visionary whose contributions span various including philosophy, theology, medicine and...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 75 min read
3 Islamic Alchemists & the House of Wisdom
Islamic alchemists and practitioners bridge the gap between the once-vibrant Alexandrian tradition and the friars of alchemy in medieval...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 62 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,...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 63 min read
Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Ancient Uses & Medicine
A vibrant golden spice, turmeric captivates kingdoms, heals the sick and rules the routes of the spice trade. The humble root has a long...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 52 min read
Bolus of Mendes: Healer Philosopher of Egypt
Bolos of Mendes (Bolus of Mendes) is a Neo-Pythagorean writer of the Nile Delta in the 3rd century BCE. He publishes several works under...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 54 min read
Bolus (Bole) of Mendes: Ancient Egyptian Medicine
Mendes is an important city of ancient Egypt, in the Nile Delta. The bolus of Mendes or Mendesian bole refers to a medical preparation...
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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 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 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 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 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 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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Sylvia Rose
Aug 304 min read
Hematite: Iron Oxide Red Earth Pigment
"Hematite" comes from the ancient Greek for blood. The stone creates red dust when cut and polished. The red color isn't always visible...
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Sylvia Rose
Aug 285 min read
Asphodel: Ancient Dye & Medicine Plants
Among the showy flowering plants, perennial Asphodelus is an elegant and adaptable beauty. A genus of the Asphodelaceae or aloe family,...
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Sylvia Rose
Aug 265 min read
Ancient Roman Baths & Bathing
Bathing is an important part of ancient Roman culture. Structures such as the Baths of Diocletian or Thermae Diocletiani in Rome are a...
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Sylvia Rose
Aug 246 min read
Herbal Remedies in Medieval Alchemy
Herbal remedies are ubiquitous in medieval alchemy, a practice combining elements of science, spirituality, and mysticism. Recipes are...
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Sylvia Rose
Aug 245 min read
4 Infused Wines of Ancient Medicine
Myrtle, Rose, Scammory and Flowers of Brass are four infused wines used medicinally in the ancient world. Infused wine in medicine often...
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Sylvia Rose
Aug 235 min read
Medieval Alchemy: Jean de Roquetaillade
Jean de Roquetaillade (1310 - 1370 AD) or John of Rupescissa is a prominent figure in medieval France. A fiery Franciscan friar,...
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Sylvia Rose
Aug 214 min read
Urine in Medieval Alchemy & Medicine
In the medieval world, urine is a surprisingly versatile body fluid with a wide range of applications beyond the obvious disposal...
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Sylvia Rose
Aug 216 min read
Phosphorus, Uroscopy & Power of Pee
Urine has medical and practical applications though history. Renaissance alchemist Hennig Brand discovers phosphorus by boiling his...
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