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Sylvia Rose
4 days ago9 min read
Feudalism & the German Peasants' War
Feudalism is a structured system of land ownership and governance in which the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. It includes a...
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Sylvia Rose
Dec 15, 20245 min read
Sublimation & the Aludel: Medieval Alchemy
Sublimation is a process of refinement, purification or extraction of specific elements. The aludel, a unique alchemical apparatus, is...
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Sylvia Rose
Dec 5, 20246 min read
Andreas Libavius: Science & Controversy of Alchemy
Andreas Libavius (c. 1550-1616) is one of the most influential figures of Renaissance alchemy, active in the Elizabethan era. His book...
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Sylvia Rose
Nov 27, 20246 min read
Zaffre: Vintage Cobalt Blue Glass & Artists' Pigment
Zaffre (zaffer) is a vibrant deep blue pigment developed by alchemists, major pigment creators, by c. 1550 AD. Characterized by brilliant...
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Sylvia Rose
Nov 25, 20244 min read
Flowers of Antimony: Pure Medieval Purgative
Flowers of antimony are a purified form of antimony trioxide (Sb2O3). Created through sublimation, they have chemical and medical...
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Sylvia Rose
Nov 25, 20245 min read
Ammonium Carbonate: Sal Volatile Smelling Salts
Ammonium carbonate [NH4]2CO3 is the main ingredient in Victorian smelling salts. Also called baker's ammonia, sal volatile , salt of...
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Sylvia Rose
Nov 24, 20244 min read
Glass of Antimony: Renaissance Purgatives
Glass of antimony , or vitrum antimonii , gives warm yellow or red hues. As Sb2O3, its use in alchemy is largely medicinal, one of many...
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Sylvia Rose
Nov 24, 20246 min read
Faust: Fact & Fiction German Renaissance
Johann Georg Faust or Doctor Faustus is an alchemist, physician and magician, a cryptic figure of the German Renaissance. Perceived by...
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Sylvia Rose
Nov 22, 20245 min read
German Peasants' War: Rebellion of Despair
The German Peasants' War (1524-5) is short, bloody and violent, and changes the course of history in Europe. Up to 400,000 peasants rise...
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Sylvia Rose
Nov 19, 20246 min read
Galen: Medical Methods of Ancient Physicians
Galen of Pergamon (c. 129 - 216 AD) is well known in the history of medicine. His extensive writings and theories prevail for over 2000...
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Sylvia Rose
Nov 18, 20247 min read
Mercury II Oxide: Red & White of Alchemy
In practical alchemy, mercury II oxide (HgO) is often called the "Red Precipitate," with its compound Mercuric Amidochloride (Hg(NH2)Cl),...
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Sylvia Rose
Nov 16, 20245 min read
Raising Rotifers for Biology, Microscopy & Baby Fish Food
Rotifers are fascinating microorganisms, crucial to aquatic ecosystems. Enthusiasts and researchers can raise rotifers at home for...
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Sylvia Rose
Nov 16, 20247 min read
Nine Years War 1688-1697 France vs. Europe
The Nine Years War, also known as the War of the League of Augsburg, is a key conflict in European history. Fierce battles erupt,...
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Sylvia Rose
Nov 15, 20245 min read
Liver of Sulfur: Alchemy, Metal & Medicine
Liver of Sulfur is a unique compound of alchemy, metallurgy and medicine. Also known as hepar sulfuris or sulfurated potash, Liver of...
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Sylvia Rose
Nov 12, 20244 min read
Diana's Tree: Silver Crystals of Lunar Caustic
Diana's Tree ( Arbor Diana or Dianae ) is one of the most intriguing creations of alchemy. Its delicate branches of crystallized silver...
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Sylvia Rose
Nov 2, 20245 min read
Metal Salts: Ancient History to Modern DIY
Metal salts are compounds created from metals and acids. In history and today they enjoy uses in beauty, natural health, chemical...
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Sylvia Rose
Nov 1, 20245 min read
Silverpoint Drawing: Art of the Renaissance
Silverpoint is a drawing medium with distinct artistic potential. This delicate and precise medium has a rich history, unique properties,...
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Sylvia Rose
Nov 1, 20245 min read
Sanguine: Red Chalk of Renaissance Masters
Sanguine is a rich, reddish-brown chalk beloved by Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo. Creating flesh-like tones in the human form...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 31, 20243 min read
Mosaic Gold: Alchemy of a Forgotten Art
Mosaic gold is also known to alchemists as aurum musivum or aurum mosaicum due to its mottled formation. Forgotten in the data fields...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 30, 20246 min read
Science of Alchemy: Alchemical Innovations
Alchemy these days is often seen only as a mystical practice purveying the clic hé of turning base metals into gold. Alchemy is in fact...
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