Alchemy, Late Antiquity
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 23659846 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Tonio Sebastian Richter (Leipzig University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2018 |
| Pages | 1-3 |
| Publication date | 2018-12-31 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | CHAPTER |
| Venue | The Encyclopedia of Ancient History (SOURCE_BOOK) |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1002/9781444338386.wbeah30529 |
| OpenAlex | W4233388619 |
| ISBN | 9781444338386 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 8 |
Late Antiquity saw the first blossom of an endeavor which, drawing upon techniques such as dyework, metallurgy, gold work, glass, painting, or pharmacopoeia, and integrating such knowledge with Greek traditions of natural philosophy and contemporary religious thought, led to the emergence of a new science. Its early adherents enquired into the nature of matter, its qualities, and their changeability, sought to replicate natural processes, and attempted to create imitations of precious materials such as purple, gems, silver, and gold. Their approach was twofold: theoretical modeling and experimental work. The newborn science, called θεῖα or ἱερὰ τέχνη theia / hiera tekhnê (“divine / sacred art”) or χυμεῖα chymeia (“art of melting”) by contemporaries, would enjoy a rich history of appropriation and advancement first in the Byzantine and Islamic world and eventually in the Latin west.
Alchemy · Appropriation · Archaeology · Art · Art history · Epistemology · Islam · Literature · Natural Philosophy · Painting · Visual arts · Ancient Egypt and Archaeology · Archaeology and Historical Studies · Historical, Religious, and Philosophical Studies · History · Philosophy
| Highly cited | No |
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