Sylvia Rose
Finding the Philosophers' Egg
Atomic theory first appears in the 5th century BCE. Later examination notes the atom is much like an egg. Atoms have an extremely small,...
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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 33 min read
Leap to Flames: Why Did Empedocles Jump into Mount Etna?
The ancient Greek philosopher Empedocles of Sicily is an important figure in science and metaphysics. Based on Plato's work he...
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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 293 min read
Caput Mortuum: Dead Head Purple Pigment
Caput mortuum (Latin "dead head") is a purple hematite iron oxide pigment, used in oil paints and dyes. Due to cultural significance of...
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Sylvia Rose
Aug 263 min read
Tricky Alchemy: Caput Mortuum Purple
Caput mortuum, Latin for as "dead head" is an ominous name for a valued color. As an iron oxide it's easy to make at home. As a purple...
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Sylvia Rose
Aug 264 min read
Olympiodorus of Thebes & His Parrot
Olympiodorus of Thebes (c. 380 - 425 AD) is a multifaceted figure. A Roman historian from Egypt, poet, philosopher, and diplomat, he...
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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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Sylvia Rose
Aug 73 min read
Ancient Astrology: New Perspectives
As humanity evolves, so does study of astrology. Settlement, and the advent of writing c. 3200 BCE, lead to concise development of...
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Sylvia Rose
Aug 76 min read
Zodiac & Rise of Horoscopic Astrology
The zodiac, a celestial coordinate system divided into twelve signs, has a rich history dating back to the Roman era, where it's heavily...
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Sylvia Rose
Aug 65 min read
Astrology & Astronomy Ancient Origins
Astrology and astronomy give insights into seasonal changes and human nature. In Western tradition, astronomy is based on observance of...
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Sylvia Rose
Aug 66 min read
Ancient Greek Astrology & Astronomy
In the ancient Greek view, creation of astrology is attributed to the legendary sage Hermes Trismegistus. In Hellenic Greek times (323...
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Sylvia Rose
Jul 313 min read
Soul Perspectives: Pythagoras, Socrates, Plato
The concept of a human soul, as well as a world soul or Anima Mundi, is found in many cultures. In Greek philosophy ancient thinkers...
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Sylvia Rose
Jul 314 min read
Aristotle: Intellect & Psyche the Soul
Aristotle (c. 350 BCE) develops the Platonic concept of souls present in living beings, categorizing them based on distinct functions....
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Sylvia Rose
Jul 275 min read
Four Humors & Medical Stagnation
The theory of the four humors dominates medicine for two thousand years. Since the time of the ancient Greeks to the 19th century, humor...
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Sylvia Rose
Jul 236 min read
Hair Loss: 9 Natural Cures of Physician Dioscorides
Hair loss and baldness ( alopecia ) is a fear in ancient times, if hair is a sign of status, youth or virility. First century AD Greek...
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Sylvia Rose
Jul 213 min read
Mystique of Nous: Awareness & Perception
Nous is a concept from classical philosophy, equated to intellect or intelligence, and the area of the human mind necessary for...
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Sylvia Rose
Jul 214 min read
Olympiodorus Younger: the Last Neoplatonist
Olympiodorus the Younger, a prominent figure in late antiquity, is known as the last of the Neoplatonist pagans in Alexandria, Egypt. On...
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Sylvia Rose
Jul 187 min read
Alchemy and the Art of Gold-Making
"Lead is the ancestor of all metals. For gold is not a metal, gold is light. Lead requires only four periods of two hundred years each,...
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Sylvia Rose
Jul 174 min read
Hermeticism & Alchemy in Alexandria
Hermeticism and alchemy fall in love in ancient Alexandria , Egypt. Their relationship begins almost 2000 years ago and still prevails...
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