His pharmacology was extensive, listing 760 drugs, including aromatherapy and most natural narcotics.
In alchemy he stood out for his disbelief in transmutation. His statement is clear:
Below is a (very) poor version of two alchemical texts by ibn Sina from Stapleton, et al., Ambix, 1962, p. 41
THE TREATISEOFTHE MOSTEXCELLENTOFTHEMODERNS,AL-SHAYKHAL-RA'is
ABU 'ALI AL-l:IUSAYNIBN 'ABDULLAHIBN SiNAAL-BuKHARI-GOD GIVEPEACE
TO HIS TOMB AND SANCTIFYHIS SOULI-FOR THE IMAMABU 'ABDALLAHALBARAQi-
GOD'S MERCYONHIM!-ON THE SUBLIMEART.
IN the nanle of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate! Vouchsafe Thine aid,
o Gracious One!
May Allah incline you to pious deeds, besto\v on you the Elixir of His
approval, and protect you from being led astray by evil spirits, both in affairs
of the world, and in matters of religion!
You have asked-May you never cease to investigate the truth of things!
-that I should explain to you the truth regarding the Elixir! made from
Yellow Sulphur.· I have therefore answered as one who has your pleasure at
heart, and who is ever zealous to comply with your desires.
I say then that the chief aim of the process is to extract the Red Tincture
from the YellowSulphur by a ctStrongWater". After separating it from that
water, you treat the Tincture in such a way that it shall not becomecorrupt and
burnt. The Residue in a similar manner should be whitened to the highest
degree, so that it may melt without combustion.
Next, you calcine the Gold or the Copper-but preferably Gold-and
(separately) dissolve Reddened Mercury and the Whitened Sulphur.
(Finally) the Tincture will be compoundedwith the dissolved Mercury, and,
after all these dissolved substances are mixed together, coagulation will be
brought about. The product willbe an Elixir, which will impart the properties
of Gold, colouring and conferring density, and which is recovered (unchanged)
\vhen the work is accomplished.
The preliminaries are as follows:-
I
THE PREPARATIOK OF A CERTAIN WATER WHICH IS EMPLOYED IN
THIS ART
You pour on to two parts of Alkali Soda (al-Qily) and one part of unslaked
Lime, ten parts of hot water. After being left to settle for a day and a night,
it (the mixture) is heated until one-third of it has disappeared. After it (the
liquor) has been strained off, al-Qily and Lime in exactly the same proportion
(as before) are thrown into it. This is repeated nine times. Then the water is
thoroughly strained and placed on one side (for future use)2.
II
THE PREPARATION OF A WATER CALLED Zid al-Raghwa
Two parts of unslaked Lime and one part of Yellow Sulphur are digested
with four times their weight of pure water, until the water turns red. This
(water) is (then) poured off and preserved. A fresh supply of water is poured
on to it (i.e. the undissolved residue) and the process repeated until the water
that you add does not becomered. Finally, you mix all these waters and apply
heat until one half (of their volume) has disappeared. The fire must not be
too intense3.
III
THE METHOD OF COAGULATING MERCURY FOR THE RED
It (the Mercury)is placed in a pit in the ground and its surface rubbed with
a piece of wool saturated with oil. Then there is sprinkled over it YelIow
Sulphur and Golden Marqashitha (Pyrites). Next, Tin (ra§a$) or Lead (anuk)
is melted, and after being put aside until it has almost resolidified,it is poured
on to the surface of the Mercury. Notice if the latter has solidified;if not, the
processis repeated as many times as is necessary, until it (the mixture) coagulates
into a Stone4•
IV
THE METHOD (OF CARRYING OUT THE PROCESS) OF Takhniq (CONSTRICTION) WITH
THE COAGULATED MERCURY THAT IS EMPLOYED IN MAKING THE RED
After having been coagulated as explained above, it is well pounded with an
equal quantity of Vitriol (Zilj), and moistened (from time to time) with some
. Zild al-Raghwa until it is tckilled". Then it is sublimed in the Aludel (uthiil).
The sublimate is put back on to the dregs, moistened (again) with Ziid al-
Raghw.'a, and gently heated. It is sublimed (in this way) 6 times and the
7th (time) it is subjected to (the process of) Takhniq in a short-necked phial
(qinnina) by means of which it coagulates like BerylS.
v
THE CALCINATION OF GOLD AND COPPER
Having fused whichever of the two it may be, add Sulphur until calcination
is complete. Then it (the resulting compound) is ground up and moistened
with a solution of Zaj6.
VI
THE DISSOLUTION OF VITRIOL (Ziij) AND OTHER SALTS
The salt having been placed in a jar (kuz), the mouth is closed, and the jar
plunged in a tub (dann) filled with vinegar.
An alternative method is to place it (the salt) in the bladder or intestines of
an ox, and, the end (of this) having been tied, it is thrown into a cauldron
(mirjal) containing boiling water for then the salt will dissolve. A similar'
result follows if it be thrown into vinegar 7•
VII
EXTRACTION OF THE TINCTURE OF SULPHUR
Finely powdered YellowSulphur is placed in a loose rag and hung from the
cover of a large lamp-bowl. It is then covered to a depth of four fingers with
the water first mentioned, after which it (i.e. the closed vessel)is exposed to the
sun, or (buried) in dung.
Another method is to place under it a lamp with a small flame so that the
liquid may not boil and the Sulphur bum. With either method the red colour
passes out into the water; but it (the mixture) should be shaken several times
each day. After the red water is drained off, fresh water is poured on to the
Sulphur (and the process repeated), until it no longer turns red. Then all these
waters are mixed together and distilled in a narrow alembic, when the Tincture
will (finally)remain in the cucurbit (qar'a) close to the anbiq8. If any trace of
redness remains in the water (that passes over), the distillation is repeated until
the tincture has been completely separated.
VIII
THE MANIPULATION OF THE TINCTURE
It is repeatedly digested as slowly as possible with cooling water9, such as
the juice of unripe grapes or the Water of Sorrel (tz.ummad), or Barley Water,
until, if the Tincture be thrown on to Silver, it turns yellow or slightly black1o,
and it will slough away, leaving the Silver white.
IX
THE TREATMENT OF THE DREGS
The Sulphur is whitened by digestion first in the above-mentioned Water,
viz the Sharp Water. There is poured over it seven times its quantity in the
fire of a lamp, and it is shaken over it for three hours till the water turns black.
The water is then thrown away and the process repeated until it (the residue)
has become exceedingly white. Next you digest it in the cooling waters9,
shaking it every three hours until it becomes white without any admixture of
blackness. It will then be non-combustible and will melt (to a) white (liquid
when placed) on a (metal) sheet which is heated by fire. Each time that its
coction is renewed, the residue must first be dried and pounded.
x
THE PROCESS OF DISSOLUTION
..~ tub (dann) is taken of the capacity of 30 dawraqsll, and two-thirds of it
filled with strong Vinegar. The calx, or whatever has to be dissolved, is placed
in a linen bag suspended from the iron cover of the tub above a lamp bowl,
which is also suspended from the cover, with a hand's breadth between the bag
and the bowl and about two fingers' breadth between the bowl and the Vinegar.
The joint is then luted and the tub is buried in a mixture of animal dung and
pigeons' excrement kneaded together with the Water of Carrots. Hot water is
poured over it twice a day until the substance is dissolved and falls in drops from
the bag into the lamp-bow112.
XI
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCESS OF COAGULATION
The substance (in Solution) that has to be coagulated is placed in a phial
(qinnina) which is closed with Clay of Wisdom13 and buried in a hole of suitable
dimensions that has been dug for it. After the earth has been levelled by stamping
it down with the foot, about two basketfuls of dry dung are thrown on top
of the earth and stamped level. Then a moderate fire is lit in the dung so that
the contents of the phial are subjected to coction. This is continued until
Coagulation occurs.
Alternatively, the substance is placed in a lamp-bowl and suspended over a
lighted lamp until coagulation is complete14. Care should be taken that the
heat of the lamp does not become so intense that ebullition occurs.
XII
How THE WORK IS FINISHED
The calx is dissolved, after having been cerated with the Water of Sal-
Ammoniac. Similarly, the Mercury which was sublimed by Constriction15 is
also dissolved, as well as the whitened dregs, each separately.
Next the Tincture is mixed with the dissolved Mercury and buried in dung
for a month and a half. Then it is removed, and, after being mixed with equal
amounts of the other solutions, it is again buried in dung for some time, until
union is complete.
Finally the mixture is coagulated. If these dissolved substances are filtered
before being combined, the greater will be the potency of the Elixir for the
Work. This is the Elixir prepared from Sulphur.
* * *
IN THE NAME OF GOD, THE MERCIFpL, THE COMPASSIONATE! THIS IS A
TREATISE ON THE OCCULT WISDOM, WRITTEN BY THE SHAYKH ABU 'ALI SINAI
-GOD'S MERCY ON HIM!-FOR THE SHAYKH A.BU L-IJASAN SAHL IBN MUl:fAMMAD
AL-SAHLI
He (Ibn Sina) said: A discussion having taken place between the Shaykh
and myself on a certain subject which he knows, he asked me to record my
views in a treatise which might keep them fresh in his memory, and to guide
him to the Art by the path which I myself had reached after deep study and
meditation.
I
ON THE GENERAL SUBJECT OF THIS ART
It was my wont-May God preserve"the Shaykh!-to make a careful study
of Natural Philosophy; and one of the things that I investigated was the
hypothesis of the alchemists. The majority of learned and erudite men being
opposed to the views of these people and declaring their hypotheses to be without
foundation, as a philosopher I had no alternative but to investigate the
arguments of both parties, so I examined the writings of most of those who lay
claim to this art. I found these writings devoid of the logical reasoning that
is the basis.of every science, while the greater part of their contents was most
like to nonsense2•
On the other hand, when I consulted the works of their opponents, I found
nothing but a feeble refutation, supported by such puerile reasoning that no
science could be disproved thereby.
After thinking the matter over for a long time by myself, I said "If this
thing is possible,what makes it so? And if it is a thing that cannot be, why is
this the case?" Now I knew that if it were possible for us to impart the colour
of Gold to Silver, and of Silver to Copper we should require a red Tincture,
capable of imparting redness, and a white Tincture, capable of imparting
whiteness. We also know that the mingling of Tinctures with hard stone-like
bodies is out of the question unless the latter be first softened and converted
into the fluid state. This softening and conversion into the fluid state is manifestly
impossible so long as they do not melt, while, if they do melt, not every
red or white Tincture will enable us to attain our object.
In any of the followingcases the Tincture will be useless:-
(a) If it undergoes combustion on fire and is thus spoilt: or
(b) If, although it does not bum, it volatilizes and escapes,owingto its inability
to remain on fire: or
(c) If, though it neither bums nor escapes, it possessesno power of penetration
or admixture: or
(d) If, though it possesses powers of penetration and admixture, it does not
remain in permanent union, but in some way or other separates out: or
(e) If, though it does not separate, it fails to prevent Silver from being affected
by these substances-like Sulphur and the other things by vlhich Gold is
purified from Silver:L-which leave Gold unaffected, but burn Silver.
Similarly, if it does not make Copper unaffected by those substances, such
as Lead, Tin and other things, \\thich leave Silver unaffected4 but alter
Copper.
Under these circumstances we require some Tincture
(a) which is capable of imparting either a yellow or white colour;
(b) which can mix with metals (ajsad)5 in a state of fusion;
(c). which shall not be consumedwhen it comesinto contact with sharp burning
things;
(d) which does not (afterwards) separate out and depart, even though substances
that induce combustion separate the (constituent) parts of the
bodies (ajsam)6.
I therefore consideredwhether among simple medicinesthere is any medicine
which possesses a combination of all these virtues, but found no single one
having these effectsamong the drugs and medicines that have comedown to us,
except indeed for the stories of the existence of a plant? with these characteristics
and of a Red Sulphur8-other than that found in Farghana-and a
White Arsenic (zarnikh), both possessing these properties. I incline to the
opinion that all these are mere descriptions, and that nothing corresponding
to them has ever fallen into the hands of any man of understanding.
We have, therefore, to discoversomemeans of making this medicine for ourselves.
The objects of our quest are:
(a) a tincture that will not be damaged by fire;
(b) a substance (jawhar) that will enter into combination with fused (metals);
(c) a substance that will give rise to homogeneity;
(d) a substance that willboth facilitate coagulation9 and remain stable over fire.
We must also discover the method of mixing these things in such a way that
a single essence is produced which cannot be decomposedby fire. Then it (i.e.
this complex medicine) will colour by virtue of the tincture that is in it; it \\;11
combine by virtue of that essence in it which possessesthe power of combination;
it will induce homogeneity by virtue of that essence in it which possesses
this property; and it will remain stable by virtue of the essenceof stability that
is in it.
If we could accomplish these four things our object would be attained.
II
ON THE QUEST FOR THIS TINCTURE
As regards the White Tincture, we see that J\iercurylOwhitens, while in
addition to its whitening power we see that it clings to metals and penetrates
into them. For example when Copper is made into thin plates and Mercury is
vigorously rubbed on it for some time, after digestion with the Mercury in
Vinegar and other medicines, whiteness will soon penetrate to such an extent
into the interior of the Copper that both its exterior and interior, its visible and
its inward part, will become as white as Silver. One can thus imagine that if
it were to undergo still further treatment with Mercury, the effect and action
of the latter would be even greater. However, we find that Mercury flees
from fire, and refuses to enter into combination, nor will it ever be conjoined
with all the things with which we may desire to mix it. It possesses,however,
one virtue, viz that it does not suffer the least damage from fire, but simply
passes off in the state of vapour. Hence we are spared the trouble of removing
any combustible property from it. We are furthermore aware that if Mercury
be treated in such a way as to bring about its combination with fused substances,
it will remain in them with its natural whiteness unaffected. We therefore see
that the first process that is necessary is to desiccate it and remove its watery
property, thus reducing it to the state of ashes or fragments. It is then pounded,
so that when we wish to pound it with any substance, or mix it with any
substance, it will no longer be alive11 and will be capable of absorbing liquids
that are added to it; for we may have occasion to use these (processes)when
conducting the necessary operations for combination and admixture.
The method of drying it is to digest it over fire in such a way that its fluid
particles are separated from it, and its dry particles remain. It is not, however,
possible for the fluid portion to evaporate and the dry to be precipitated, seeing
that the nature of the whole, or of the greater part of it12, is to fly, especially as
we are required to mix it with medicines which we are not able to separate from
it and which, in the event of its volatilizing, will volatilize with it. The (correct)
method is therefore to sublime both the moist and the dry portions, until the
moist part volatilizes and the dry is confined in a (suitable) receptacle.l3 We
repeat this several times until there is no possibility of the Mercury's coming to
life again14, and until, if there is any portion of it that is capable of being burnt
(such as Lead or Tin), combustion will occur at the bottom of the instrument,
while that portion of it that is devoid of the essence of aqueous humidity and
that cannot be burnt, will be separated from it and will volatilize either as a
dry white powder without the least power of combustion, or as a white mass
similarly devoid of all power of being burnt.
\Ve therefore stand in need of an instrument of volatilization. For this
purpose we take a long pot (qidr) with a rounded bottom and place the lesser
part of the pot in the fire so that the greater part projects above the brazier
(kanun)15 that has been prepared for it. We fit on to its top a round disc
(#abaq) from which sufficient of the centre has been removed for the top of the
pot to pass into it, and over this disc we fit a rounded c:over (mikabba)l6 in
order that the fumes of the Mercury that rise up may be retained therein. In
the centre of thel? cover there is also a hole through which passes a properly
fashioned stick, which can be taken out whenever we think that the fumes have
ceased to be evolved. We can thus see whether they have really stopped or
whether they are still rising up.
When therefore we wish to sublime Mercury, we first kill it with the aid of
suitable substances18 so that it may be in fit state for trituration, and then
bruise it with things that are absorbent19 and desiccating, such as Salt, Vitriol,
Lime20, and the like.
In the event of our desiring that the admixture with these things should be
very intimate we heat it over a gentle fire. The Mercury (after being killed)
is bruised 21. 22 and placed in an earthenware pot. After luting the pot with
Clay of Wisdom23, it is dried, and then placed in the furnace (tannur) 24. When
this roasting is complete, the mercury is bruised with the burning, absorbent,
desiccating substances 25, and thrown for sublimation into the pot which is
called the Uthiil. We sublime it in this pot several times, remixing it after
each sublimation or giving it back to the same residue. This is done several
times until the Mercury dies and becomes white, a result which may be attained
after seven sublimations, though under certain conditions we may have to wait
until the twelfth, which is the limit26• Sometimes, at the end, we place it in a
phial (qinnina) 27, carefully luted with Clay of Wisdom, and seal up the neck
after the moisture has been withdrawn in the way that we shall afterwards
describe28. Then we sublime the medicine in such a way that it rises up and is
confined in the neck29, sometimes like Tin (ra§tl§), sometimes like Crystal, and
sometimes like Rock-salt, according to the substance from which it is being
sublimed30.
These things have been tested both by experiments and by verified analogies
in accordance with (our) previous knowledge. The object throughout is the
drying up and desiccation of the Mercury. Having done this we obtain a
tincturing and penetrating virtue, a Tincture indeed of unsurpassed power and
penetration, so much so that its colour differs in no respect from that of pure
Silver, nay more, its colour is deeper and its whiteness more vivid. This is a
thing that was known to us even before experiment1 by long, intense and subtle
cogitation.
Thus we obtain the \Vhite Tincture, free from those things that are not
required.
Passing on to deal with the Red Tincture1 we do not find any natural
substance which at once imparts a red colour; we actually find that all things
which penetrate into Silver and other metals and impart a colour to them, have
a tendency to tum them black. In the case of Sulphur1 when a small quantity
of it is passed over Silver3! we see that it turns it yellow, but if it remains in
contact with the Silver, the Silver is blackened. The !citter happens if the
Sulphur be added in large quantity; while if it be thrown on to the Silver at the
time of fusion1 it burns and destroys it. We know from well-ascertained
principles that ·in the case of anything that turns black on being burnt, the
change (of colours) that it passes through from whiteness (to blackness) is not
through greenness1 but through yellownessand redness.32
Thus smoke, when it is dissolved in water, which is turned, will render the
water not green but red 33. From this we conclude that it is possible for us to
extract by somesubtle process from the things that tum Silver black a Tincture
that can tum it yellow. We also know that when a thing that possesses combustive
power is heated, the first thing that separates from it is the fiery virtue
that is in it, as this is lighter and nlore liable to evaporate and pass away than
the virtues of the other constituent elements34• Accordingly we strive by
suitable means to separate the fiery virtue35 from Sulphur and Arsenic Sulphide,
or from any of the oils, or from anything that blackens Silver. Sulphur, howe,
- er, is the best of the minerals for this purpose.
We find that the best method of effectingthis is to cook the Sulphur in Sharp
\Vater over a gentle fire in such a way that the fiery virtue in it is quickened
and removed without any of the essenceof the Sulphur being burnt, or any of its
oiliness passing away. We do this in order that the tincture alone may be
extracted for subsequent treatment in the proper way, and in order that the
Sulphur itself may be purified by the method that we shall mention afterward36•
Vvecannot do this with the requisite gentleness37 except by cooking it in a
double vessel without the water's being allowed to boil, or in dung, or in the
sun, or on hot ashes; and the greater the gentleness (of the process) the further
will the Sulphur be from damage. Moreover, it is not every water that can
quicken the Tincture and remove it, but the water should have some sharpness
in it, although if one confines oneself to pure water it will suffi.ce~ The water,
however, that has sharpness in it is preferable. We shall state subsequently
how this water ought to be made according to the method that we have dis-
covered by reasoning and experiment38. We cook the Sulphur repeatedly
\vith the water, and as the water becomesred weremove it and renew the water
until absolutely none of the Tincture remains. 'Whenthis is the case we mix
the waters together and distil them by kindling a fire under them until the
Tincture that is in the water has all volatilized. If the product be red, then we
have performed our task with gentleness and skill, but if it be black we have
burnt it during the process of coction39•
If the product be red, we take it and continue to cookit in coldwaters, such
as distilled vinegar and the whey made from skimmed milk that has turned sour
-from which, mixed with barley flour, sour beer40 is made-or in the acid
extract of citron, and similar things41• We do this time after time, until its
fieriness is conquered and its power weakened. In this' way its blackening
property is diminished to such an extent that only a power of conferring
yellownessremains, inasmuch as it no longer possessesthe power of combustion
and only a little of the blackening virtue remains in it, namely that which turns
things yellow. This coloration, however, is not fast and permanent, since it
disappears when heat is applied.
By this method we obtain the Tincture; .but we further need to compound
it ,vith something humid in order to facilitate its commingling with whatever
we wish to mix it with. For this we find reddened Mercury to be the most
suitable thing, especially for the conferring of lustre and brilliancy, since it is
capable of imparting a red colour like that of Mercury Sulphide (zunjujr)42, and
can be so manipulated that it does not bum. For reddened Mercury, that is,
zunjujr, if cerated and dissolved with what we shall afterwards mention43,
becomes a red liquid which will itself possess the property of colouring. How
much more so, if we place in it a Tincture with which it naturally and intimately
associates as is the case with zunjujr, except that the former zunjujr is combustible
while the latter, which has been reddened, is incombustible. What has
guided us to this is the preparation of (artificial) zunjujr and our knowledge of
how intimately Sulphur and Mercury unite together and how both of them
assume a red colour when conjoined. We therefore compound and bruise this
Tincture with this (reddened) Mercury in equal quantities-or a lesser quantity
ofthe Tincture may be used-and webury them in dung until they are thoroughly
commingled. The dissolved Mercury need not necessarily be reddened, since
it becomesred when it is combinedwith the Tincture, as (happens) in the making
of zunjujr, though it is better and preferable for it to be reddened, if possible.
Thus we have both the Albifacient and Rubifacient Tinctures, and this is the
most illustrious of the Five and of the Four Pillars (of the Art)44.
III
ON THE ELEMENTS THAT ENTER INTO COMBINATION WITH FUSED
SUBSTANCES
As for the Second Pillar, which is the element that combines with fused
substances, it must necessarily be a white or red element which can itself fuse.
After a searching investigation we have not found anything which, when cast
on to a fused mass, clings to it, mixes with it, and permeates it, without in any
way damaging it, except the mineral Sulphur, and also Arsenic Sulphide. 45
.Both of these, however, flee from fire and refuse to remain on it except for the
very short while that they take to evaporate, after which they at once disappear.
We did indeed find in them the power to cling to bodies, but we did not find
a means to consolidate them, so that they might associate and yet their property
of combustion be destroyed.
We found that combustion was due to the conversion into fire of that which
evaporates quickly, while we found the cause of clinging to be the affinity of
minerals for that which in nature approximates to them.
We studied the principles of nature and found that the cause of fusion was
the presence of a liquid humidity, mixed with the earthy dry particles in such a
way that when fire resolved them, the humidity flowed amongst them. The
intimacy of the union is so great that no actual separation can occur.
[We found the cause of evaporation to be the presence of a feeble humidity
in a body] which may rise up from it and pass away. 46
In addition, we find that the cause of combustion is the existence of a matured
humidity in a body, mixed with a dryness, which, by the accidental heat that it
acquires, gives it the virtue of resembling fire, changing the particles of the body
into the substance of fire either before or during evaporation. It will thus
separate as pure fire, the residue being the ashes, which is the portion of the
body that is burnt. This (phenomenon) occurs when the humidity has become
vapour, and has undergone the change and thus it becomes a flaming mass.47
The accidental and essential causes of this phenomenon lie outside the scope of
this treatise, but experience bears witness to one thing, namely that humidity
alone does not burn, for, as soon as heat comes in contact with it, it volatilizes
without burning.
On the other hand, if the humidity be mingled with something, it is in its
nature to evaporate, so as to leave the dry part in the state of ashes, whereby
the thing will burn. An example is the case of liquified bodies which neither
burn nor turn into ashes.48 If the humidity remains mingled, it will be matured
in the dry, becoming viscous and turning into oil, after which it will blaze up
and burn away. Combustionwill alsooccur if it doesnot becomeoil but simply
unites intimately with the dry. Even in this case,however, it ,villnot be without
a little oiliness, and 'wetherefore need to remove from the body this combustive
unctuous power and completely to annihilate its oiliness, in such a way
that there will remain in it a humidity which can become fluid and which can
cling to other bodies. The method (of doing this) we shall mention below.
"Vehave adopted as the most likely hypothesis that the humidity in such
bodies must be intimately combined with some dryness, so that when fire
excites it to evaporation, and the dryness and residue are predominant, the
humidity will permeate the residue, fusing or becoming soft in the same way as
Glass does. If, however, it is the humidity that is dominant, the dryness will
be enriched and will itself be evaporated in such a way that the vapour will
tunl into smoke. By experimenting with volatilization in order to ascertain
how the vapour changes into smoke, we came to know that the aqueous CODstituent49
of bodies is intimately united with dryness, and in addition that it
cannot be separated in a pure state inasmuch as the dryness also diminishes
during volatilization50. So we regard it as proved that a body will not be
spoilt by evaporation, that it will not totally diminish and that its humidity is
mixed with dryness. Moreover, if we make the fire gentle, we destroy the
combustive property of a body while its power of clinging is not destroyed.
When we considered how to destroy its property of combustion, \\'e saw
that there were various methods of effecting this51. One is to roast the body
with combustive and absorbant substances, and then to volatilize it, for at the
time of volatilization that portion of it that is combustible will necessarily be
burnt away while that which does not bum will pass off unaffected52• If,
perchance, anything combustible remains in the body, \ve repeat the process
of volatilization. The final product should be white, free from all trace of
combustibility and, when thrown on to Silver, should not bum or damage it.
It had further become known to us by natural analogies, ,vhich it would be
tedious to mention, that this treatment (ofa body) willnot deprive its substance
of the property of permeating and clinging; for this permeation and clinging are
caused by a humidity which unites with substances53., As for the humidity
by which combustion is brought about, it bums and spoilsthe essentialhumidity
of a substance \vhen it comes in contact with it. This combustive humidity,
however, we have already got rid of (i.e. by the process of volatilization). In
addition, this process also sets free much of the superfluous combustible
humidity, while the hUlnidity that is combined with the dryness remains owing
to its being a solid humidity. This is also why the product melts into an oil
when placed over fire.
When we had realized this and put it to the test, we found (a) that the
substance (when thus purified) possesses the power of cliI!gingand (b) that it
whitens whatever is not white, provided that it sinks into the fused mass and is
not separated from it. This will be the case if the two unite together, or if we
close the head of the crucible54 so that the substance cannot find a \vay of
escape. The fact that every white substance that mixes with others causes
whitening we knew, indeed, by analogy, and have proved by experiment.
Moreover,wehave found that the white product above mentioned also possesses
the power of clinging. Hence we have obtained the thing that we desired.
We may even dispense ,vith the volatilization of the substance, but in that
case we must cook it in oil or water, in such a way that the fierinessis set free
from it, and much of the foreign humidity that is in excess of the dryness is
evaporated. Someportion, however,ofthe essentialhumidity in the dryness will
remain, and cannot be separated from it. When this begins to move in the
substance, it will cause it to fuse and quickly collect as a homogeneousmass in
the oil or 'water in which we are cooking it.
Having become acquainted with this' method, we found that Sulphur is
suitable and applicable both for the Red and the White, although it is better
for the Red; and we found by experiment that Arsenic Sulphide is particularly
adapted for the production of the White, although each is suitable for either55•
Furthermore, we may subject the substance that is for the Red to another
process. This is to redden it by means of those things that are reddened by
Fire, viz. the Waters of Vitriol56 so that it may become a colouring agent for
the Yellow.
The final result is that (the Tincture) for the White, having realized its
allotted task, willgive rise to Whiteness, whilethat for the Red having (similarly)
realized its allotted task, will give rise to Redness.
IV
ON THE SUBSTANCE THAT PRODUCES HOMOGENEITY
This is a solid humidity which fire cannot dissociate. From this we obtain
a subtle oilinesswhich is sufficient.
V
ON THE FIXED SUBSTANCE
Having pondered over and searched for the fixed substance, we found that
everything that does not flee from fire contains the fixed substance. These
are either bodies that fuse or bodies that do not fuse, and all of them have been
found of use to US57, but those that fuse are more convenient and better.
However, so long as they remain as bodies,with their essences united, nothing
can combine with them, while if their parts are made sma1l58 something can
combine with them. We can bum and calcine them, but if it be possible to
calcine them without burning them59 we should do so, until they become
reduced .to such fine powder that it is almost impossible to divide them any
further 60. A specific form61 is thus lost to them, for, as Aristotle has shown in
his al-Santit al-rabi' i (epucnx~ &Xp6!XGL~), subdivision destroys specificform62.
If, therefore, substances are thus subdivided, it will be possible for us to employ
them in realizing our object63•
For these reasons we decided that for Silver a calx that is made either from
Silver or Tin64 should be used, the former being preferable; and for Gold, a
calx either from Gold-which is preferable-or from Copper65• (It is said that
Lapis Lazuli produces a better calx than Copper66.) We can also prepare a
calx for Silver from white Isjidaj67 w~ich thus becomes a whitening agent, and
a calx for Gold from a red powder like zunjujr6 8. .
VI
ON THE }IETHOD OF COMPOUNDING
Now that we have obtained for the White a tincture, an oil, and a calx, all
possessing the property of whitening, and for the Red a tincture, an oil, and a
calx, all possessing the property of reddening, it is necessary for us (to consider
how) to compound and solidify them into a single essential substance inasmuch
as their combination and admixture are not readily accomplished. We have
noticed in our experiments that when fluids, after combining and coming into
intimate admixture with one another, are desiccated and solidified, they adhere
to each other to such an extent that if that which flies prevails over the fixed,
the latter will fly with it, while if it does not prevail it will remain fixed in
company with the fixed. We have also seen that many things dissolve and
then coagulate without their virtue's being affected, among these being Salammoniac
and Vitriol69• In addition we learn from many principles of physical
science that those fhings70 of which the original substance is earth and water,
can dissolve and flo\v, while we know from other laws that the dissolution of
the Elixirs referred to will not at all prevent them from exercising their evident
original functions, indeed they will retain· intact as much of their virtue as we
may require. ...t\nalogyand experiment confirms us in these beliefs. 'Ve
decided therefore (upon dissolution)71and then coagulation, so that the essences
of the fundamental substances72 (from which the Elixir is formed) may unite
and become a single substance, which will have the power of colouring, permeating,
and conferring homogeneity, and will be stable and permanent over
fire. Moreover, we concluded that if we were to employ trituration, and the
constant addition of solvent waters that possess the power of commingling
and combining, that process would serve a a substitute for solution. We
tested this with several substances, and found that our experiments were sometimes
successful and sometimes not, the latter being either on account of the
weakness of the instruments, or because ,ve fell short of perfection in our \\~ork.
As for the essential causes, they are many, and some of them cannot be
comprehended.
Hence we have relied on these two processes73 (i.e. Dissolution and Coagulation),
whereby the making of the Elixir will be brought to completion by the
praise and help of God, and the desired object will be attained. The fundamental
constituents for the White are therefore sublimated Mercury, sublimated
Sulphur74, sublimated or whitened Arsenic Sulphide, and I sftdaj, or some other
thing, all in combination with one another. This is the Perfect Elixir for the
White. For the Yellow, Tincture of Sulphur, sublimated Sulphur, sublimated
Mercury, and good Calx (are necessary). It is best that all of them should be
reddening agents, compounded together, to form the Perfect Elixir for the
Red.
VII
ON THE OBTAINING OF AN ELIXIR FROM THINGS OTHER THAN
MINERALS
Know that it is possible to prepare Elixir from Hair, Eggs, Blood, and many
of the parts of animals, and this is the reason why we devised experiments to
see whether animal substances affect molten bodies in the same way (as inorganic
substances do) and whether they cling to them. We found that in
bulk they have no effect, but that their smoke clings to bodies in such a way that
it is able (for example) to impart a yellow colour to Silver. Similarly when
heated Silver is brought in contact with them it acquires a colour. We conclude
from this that animal substances possess the power of tingeing and clinging,
while we know that the waters of Hair, Blood, and all cooked salty substances
coagulate. We also know that if we wish to separate their tincture and power
of clinging, it is not possible except by fire and volatilization (as this is the only
method) by which nothing of the tincture is lost75• Moreover, we are aware
that the first thing that distils from these animal substances is water, and then
oil76 because the latter is more resistent to fire. We therefore distil them
over a gentle fire in a cucurbit and alembic. After the water had distilled, the
oil begins to pass over, and (the process of) distillation is carried on until both
have been removed, and nothing but the dregs remain. The latter are repeatedly
heated in the fire76, until they are converted into a calx which is pernlanent
over fire.
Furthermore, we know that the tincture is in the oil, so we coagulate77 the
oil, and extract its tincture by subjecting it to gentle coction in nothing but its
own water, seeing that its water is sharp, and salty, and in addition coagulates
into Sal-ammoniac. Then we take the (coagulated) oil, and cook it in water of
moderate sharpness, until the water has purified and whitened it,·and removed
its combustible property. 78 In this way it acquires the property of fusing79
whileits powerof combustion is destroyed. Asfor the calx, wehave (already so)
purified it that it has become a very fine white powder.
We find the water of these substances corresponds to Mercury among the
minerals, their oil corresponds to Sulphur· or Arsenic Sulphide among the
minerals, and their calx to the calces among the minerals.80 The Elixir that is
formed from these (three) is equal to the Elixir made from the minerals-nay, it
is even better, more noble and more powerful.
VIII
ON THE PROCESSES
In the case of Mercury,you take it and solidifyit with the Vapour of Sulphur
and Tin8!, if it be for the \Vhite, and with the \Tapour of Lead if it be for the
Red82• The method of doing this is to place the Mercury in a pit83 and
sprinkle on it, for the White, ashes, or Silvery Marqashithii; while for the Red,
Golden Marqashithii, or Sulphur, or White Ashes84 must be used. You then
pour on to its surface fused Tin or Lead85 in such a way that no admixture
occurs. This is done several times until the Mercury solidifiesinto a stone.
An alternative method is to place the Mercury in a piece of rag and after
making a depression with the pestle of the mortar in the semi-solid Tin, to
put the Mercury in this hole. We repeat this several times until the Mercury
solidifies86.
In the event of our not wishing to solidify it87, we triturate the Mercury
with mustard, previously triturated with water, until it dies in the mixture.
The Mercury after this treatment is mixed with Salt and Vitriol and volatilized
from these substances several times. If it be for the Red, after subjecting
it seven times to the processes of assation (tashwiya) and volatilization (ta$'id),
we give it to drink of the Red Water of Sulphur88, and finally volatilize it in
such a \vay that it coagulates in the neck of the phial89 • Each sublimation
(t(l$'id), as well as the process of Takhniq90, must be preceded by distillation
(taq/ir). Mark this well.
ARSENIC SULPHIDE AND SULPHUR
Arsenic Sulphide and Sulphur must be well triturated with filings of iron,
and after being subjected to coction in Vinegar they are left to dry. Then
they are roasted and sublimed with Salt, Vitriol, talq, Quicklime91, and calx of
bones92• If the substance be (finally)subjected to the process of Takhniq with
Vitriol93 and Copper Oxide94, either separately 01 together, it will coagulate
like Salt or Crystal. Sublimation is repeated several times until they acquire
(the power of) melting and becoming mobile.
OIL OF HAIR, ETC.
This is coagulated by a moderate heat applied continuously until it thickens.
After the removal of its tincture the oil is heated in a solution of Mild Alkali95
until its blackness is extracted and it becomes white.
THE CORRECT METHOD OF CALCINING "BODIES"
Sometimes the metal is burnt by means of burning substances such as Salt,
Sal-ammoniac, and Sulphur, in order that it may become fit for trituration.
Sometimes it is turned into Zinjiir by means of Sal-ammoniac96; while a third
way is to amalgamate it97 with Mercury, which is then volatilized from it several
times until the metal remains in the form of a white powder.
[If it be for the White]98 it is given to drink of the decanted water of salt,
and after trituration 99,the substance is placed in a furnace (attun). From this
it is not removed, until it becomes a thing that cannot be further dividedlOO•
In the case of a substance that is required for the Yellow, it is given to drink
of a solution of the Vitriols, either separately or together, or the Redness of
Suiphur101 etc.; or the Oil of EggsI02. It is then roasted continuously until it
becomes red, and is converted into a powder that cannot be further divided.
DISSOL UTION
The easiest way of carrying out the process of Dissolution that we have
observed is to change the nature of substancesl03 (by converting them) into
those things which are of themselvesl04 capable of dissolving, such as the Salts
and the Vitriols. Wehave also seen that the strongest of these is Sal-ammoniac.
We therefore dissolve it, and proceed to water and triturate the substance
(with the solution), afte~ards subjecting it to the processof coction by means of
heat, until the whole coagulates into Sal-ammoniac. The method of doing
this is to pour over the substance sufficient of the dissolved Sal-ammoniac to
moisten it, and then to place it in hot air, or in the sun, until it dries. Afterwards
it is placed in a dishl05 and fused over a gentle fire. When it begins to
emit fumes we remove it and after trituration (with a fresh quantity of the salammoniac
solution) we repeat the fusion. We do this ten times; and then we
repeat the addition of water and trituration from the very beginning until the
substance is cerated, that is, it melts on a piece of heated iron, and dissolves
in water without leaving any residuel06. This result is obtained after from
10 to 30 additions of water, the higher number being necessary only if we wish
to effect the compounding by means of trituration and the addition of water
(alone).
It is best for the Elixir of the Red that the dissolved Sal-ammoniac should
have been previously given to drink of the Water of Vitriol, sublimed until it is
red, and then (again) liquefiedlo7•
In the case of animals, their efficacyresidesin their oils, although their waters
are also helpful as means whereby ceration is accomplished.lOS
When ceration is complete they109 are dissolved in whichever way we may
desire, either by placing them in a phial, the mouth of which is closed, and
carefully burying them in dung which is continuously renewed; or by suspending
them in a jar of Vinegar110; or by any other means, such as burying in damp
earth, or hanging them in wells, or they may be dissolved in the Blind Cucurbit
by means of the vapour of Sharp Waters111. The latter are waters in which
qily and quicklime112 have been repeatedly warmed until the liquid burns a
feather immersed in it, or waters into which Sal-ammoniac has been thrown113.
If our desire is for the Red, Sulphur and the Vitriols are added. If we
follow this path, dissolution is effected in from 40 days to 3 months.
When dissolution is complete, we mix (all) the waters and bury them in the
ground until combination has occurred. Then we place them in a pot (qidr)114
and bury them continuously in hot cinders, until they are thickened,115 dried,
and coagulated. This is the Elixir116.
An alternative method is to agitate them with Sharp Waters. Combination
is thus brought about, each substance dissolving in the others. Then the
mixture is heated to drynessl!? This process is repeated 30 times, .more or
less, until either no evaporation at all occurs, or the "'hole mixture evaporates
without leaving any ashes.
If the whole of the mixture evaporates, know that you have been right in
the compounding, but \vrong as regards the weight of the calx. In this case
you should correct the proportion by the addition of a little more calx, which
will prevent the whole from evaporating. This 'will also increase the tincturing
and clinging power (of the Elixir), unless indeed too much has been added.
And God is our Guide!
IX
Ho\v THE WORK IS FINISHED
This Elixir colours by virtue of its Tincture, penetrates by virtue of its Oil,
and remains fixed by virtue of its Calx. The Oil is the agent which unites the
Tincture, which is very subtle, and the Calx, which is very gross. The \Vater
of Mercury serves as the medium for the Tincture. When the Oil, \vhich
confers stability on the Calx that has been coloured by the Tincture, begins to
penetrate, they both (i.e. the Tincture and Calx) v{ill penetrate \vith it. And
because the Calx remains in a state of fixity, they both (i.e. the Tincture and
Oil) will remain fixed with it on account of the intimacy of the union (that
exists between them).
}\mong the elements, the analogue of the Tincture is Fire, the analogue of the
Oil is Air; .the analogue of the Mercury is Water, and the analogue of the Calx
is Earth. The vVhite is formed from three (of these) things, fire being excludedl!
8, the Yellow fronl all four. And God knows best what is right!