Science 9/13

Moonwort (Botrychium Lunaria): Folklore, Magic and Medicine

Sylvia Rose

Sep 8, 20243 min read

Moonwort (Botrychium Lunaria): Folklore, Magic and Medicine

Botrychium lunaria, lunary or common moonwort has a long history of use in folklore and medicine. It's found in the alchemy of Maria the...

29 views

Sylvia Rose

Sep 8, 20244 min read

Remarkable Islamic Women in History

Remarkable Islamic women influence Islamic history and inspire generations as leaders, orators, innovators, devotees, teachers, mothers...

13 views

House of Wisdom: Medieval Scholarship in Baghdad

Sylvia Rose

Sep 8, 20243 min read

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...

17 views

Almadén Mines: Ancient Mercury Extraction

Sylvia Rose

Sep 8, 20246 min read

Almadén Mines: Ancient Mercury Extraction

The Almadén Mines in central Spain have an infamous past driven by profit and greed. The deadly history of ancient Almadén revolves...

27 views

Avicenna (Ibn Sina) Medieval Islamic Scientist

Sylvia Rose

Sep 7, 20244 min read

Avicenna (Ibn Sina) Medieval Islamic Scientist

Avicenna also known as Ibn Sina, an Islamic visionary whose contributions span various including philosophy, theology, medicine and...

17 views

3 Islamic Alchemists & the House of Wisdom

Sylvia Rose

Sep 7, 20245 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...

7 views

Democritus: Laughing Philosopher Ahead of His Time

Sylvia Rose

Sep 6, 20242 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,...

23 views

Ancient Traders & Buyers: Art of Testing Metals

Sylvia Rose

Sep 6, 20243 min read

Ancient Traders & Buyers: Art of Testing Metals

Testing metals is a precise and varied process in the ancient world. It's a crucial skill in ensuring fair trade and preventing fraud....

19 views

Metal Smelting & Metallurgy in the Ancient World

Sylvia Rose

Sep 6, 20244 min read

Metal Smelting & Metallurgy in the Ancient World

Smelting, the art of extracting metal from its ore through heating and extraction, has been a part of human civilization since c. 6000...

12 views

Sylvia Rose

Sep 6, 20246 min read

Metal & Gemstone Dyeing in Alchemy

In alchemy, science and mysticism intertwine. Among the practical alchemical skills is dyeing of metals and gems. Alchemists from early...

22 views

Sylvia Rose

Sep 5, 20245 min read

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...

28 views

Alchemy in the Renaissance: Quest for Truth

Sylvia Rose

Sep 5, 20246 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...

7 views

How to Make Venetian Red Artisan Pigment

Sylvia Rose

Sep 4, 20245 min read

How to Make Venetian Red Artisan Pigment

Venetian Red, also called Mars Red, is a non-toxic iron oxide pigment used by dyers, painters and craftspersons since the early days of...

12 views

Science of Onion Tears: Demystifying Acids

Sylvia Rose

Sep 3, 20243 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...

18 views

Alchemy Process of Congelation: Freezing, Crystallization

Sylvia Rose

Sep 3, 20245 min read

Alchemy Process of Congelation: Freezing, Crystallization

Congelation is transformation of matter by freezing and crystallization. It's a straightforward process with many nuances. In spiritual...

10 views

Sulfur-Mercury Theory: Alchemical Philosophy

Sylvia Rose

Sep 2, 20243 min read

Sulfur-Mercury Theory: Alchemical Philosophy

The Sulfur-Mercury theory, an ancient cornerstone of alchemical thought, exemplifies the duality inherent in alchemy. The relationship...

11 views

Alchemy Processes Invented by Islamic Alchemists

Sylvia Rose

Sep 2, 20245 min read

Alchemy Processes Invented by Islamic Alchemists

After the 642 AD Islamic conquest of Egypt, the center of alchemy moves to Muslim lands. Medieval Arab alchemists study and expand upon...

12 views

Sylvia Rose

Sep 2, 20245 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...

21 views

Expulsion of Intellectuals Alexandria 145 BCE

Sylvia Rose

Sep 1, 20243 min read

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...

21 views

Equipment Alchemists Need: Essential Tools of the Trade

Sylvia Rose

Sep 1, 20245 min read

Equipment Alchemists Need: Essential Tools of the Trade

Alchemy begins with several elements coming together at a crucial time in Alexandria, Egypt. As an international glass center, the city...

17 views