Sylvia Rose
Glycerin (Glycerol): Darling of Cosmetics, Health & Science
Glycerin, also known as glycerol or glycerine, is a simple polyol compound with the chemical formula C3H8O3. This colorless, odorless,...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 303 min read
Alchemy of Perfumes: Scents, Cologne, Rose Water
Perfumes are prized in ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, India and China. The word “perfume” comes from Latin per fumum ,...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 226 min read
White Lead Toxic Beauty, Art, Ancient Production
White lead, lead(II) carbonate or PbCO₃, has a long history in art, paint and industry. It's a primary source of white for artists and in...
15 views
Sylvia Rose
Sep 225 min read
Antimony (Stibnite, Kohl) Ancient Metal of Science & Beauty
Antimony (stibnite, Sb) is one of the elements known by the ancients, a primary source of black powder kajal or kohl. With its silvery...
23 views
Sylvia Rose
Sep 204 min read
Earth of Chios: Ancient Alchemy, Cosmetics, & Medicine
Earth of Chios is a white to gray powdery mineral soil or fine grained clay found on the Greek island of Chios. Earth of Chios or Chian...
13 views
Sylvia Rose
Jul 274 min read
Caterina Sforza: Renaissance Alchemy
Caterina Sforza (1463-1509) is a remarkable figure of the Italian Renaissance, leading a colorful and controversial life. Alchemy is...
47 views
Sylvia Rose
Apr 154 min read
Alum: Tanning, Dye & Beauty Salts
Alum is an ingredient in processes such as dyeing fabric, tanning hides and water purification. Alum is ubiquitous in ancient and...
32 views
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