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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...

Sylvia Rose
Sep 11, 20244 min read
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Mary the Jewess: Gold-Making & the Philosophers' Stone
Mary the Jewess appears on the scene in vibrant Alexandria on the sparkling Mediterranean in c. first century AD. Educated, well-spoken,...

Sylvia Rose
Sep 11, 20246 min read
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Secrets of Mystical Alchemy: Unlocking the Unknown
Mystical alchemy, steeped in ancient wisdom and enigmatic practices, has long captivated truth seekers. Drawn into this absorbing...

Sylvia Rose
Sep 10, 20243 min read
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Aisha bint Abi Bakr: Medieval Islamic Scholar
Aisha bint Abi Bakr (c. 613 – 678 AD) is a medieval Islamic woman, a royal daughter, and the wife of the Prophet Muhammed. One of the...

Sylvia Rose
Sep 9, 20244 min read
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Isabella Cortese: Renaissance Writer, Alchemist, Entrepreneur
Lady Isabella Cortese is born in the 16th century into a wealthy family in Italy. In Venice, she transcends conventional norms to shine...

Sylvia Rose
Sep 9, 20246 min read
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Secrets of Renaissance Herbal Recipes
Renaissance herbal recipes focus on health and medicine, but can also include dyeing, coloring and pigment making. Botanical knowledge...

Sylvia Rose
Sep 9, 20245 min read
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House of Wisdom: Medieval Scholarship in Baghdad
The House of Wisdom in ancient and medieval Baghdad attracts scholars, philosophers, scientists, historians, writers and travelers, all...

Sylvia Rose
Sep 8, 20243 min read
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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...

Sylvia Rose
Sep 7, 20245 min read
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Zosimos of Panopolis: Father of Alchemy
Zosimos of Panopolis (c. 300 AD) is a pivotal figure in the history of alchemy . Born in Panopolis, ancient Egypt, Zosimos lives in the...

Sylvia Rose
Sep 5, 20245 min read
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Expulsion of Intellectuals Alexandria 145 BCE
Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great, is one of the intellectual capitals of the ancient world. It boasts the famous Library of...

Sylvia Rose
Sep 1, 20243 min read
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Goethite: The Other Iron-Rich Mineral
Goethite is common but like hematite a remarkable iron oxide mineral. In geology and mineralogy, goethite has piqued the interest of...

Sylvia Rose
Sep 1, 20243 min read
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Famous Women of Ancient Rome
Women are second class citizens in ancient Rome, but a few bright stars shine through this mutable civilization. Renowned for art,...

Sylvia Rose
Aug 28, 20244 min read
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Status & Rights of Women in Imperial Rome
The status and rights of women in ancient Rome are complex and evolve significantly over time. This societal structure is influenced by...

Sylvia Rose
Aug 28, 20244 min read
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Venice Italy: Jewel of the Renaissance
Venice during the Renaissance emerges as a vibrant center of art, culture and commerce, influencing the broader European scope. The...

Sylvia Rose
Aug 27, 20244 min read
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Bernard Trevisan: Legends of Alchemy
Bernard Trevisan is a prototypical figure in alchemy, constructed by various alchemical writers of the medieval and Renaissance eras in...

Sylvia Rose
Aug 23, 20244 min read
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Medieval France: Peasants, Knights & Urbanites
Medieval France sees many changes in the turmoil of war, plague, mad royals and the birth of the Inquisition. A precisely defined social...

Sylvia Rose
Aug 22, 20248 min read
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Christine de Pizan: Medieval Writings
Christine de Pizan or Pisan (Cristina da Pizzano) c.1364 - 1430 is an Italian-born French court writer during the reign of King Charles...

Sylvia Rose
Aug 22, 20245 min read
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Elixir Vitae: Giambattista della Porta
In the European alchemical tradition, the elixir vitae or elixir of life is associated with the philosopher's stone. Legend has it...

Sylvia Rose
Aug 19, 20246 min read
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George Ripley: Alchemist of Augustine
George Ripley (c. 1415 -1490) is an English Augustinian Canon, author and alchemist. One of England's most famous alchemy practitioners,...

Sylvia Rose
Aug 18, 20245 min read
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Cosimo de' Medici & the Italian Renaissance
Cosimo di Giovanni de' Medici, also known as Cosimo the Elder, is a leading figure in the rise of Florence as the Italian Renaissance...

Sylvia Rose
Aug 16, 20244 min read
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