The History of Chemistry between AraS sources and the Orientalist Ullman (A comparative study)

Abstract

  The classical alchemists revealed their insight in theoretical treatises، allegorical stories، and myths. To protect themselves against accusations from extremists or rivals، they used pseudonyms and made use of symbolic expressions. All this made their writings obscure and difficult to understand. It was therefore natural for the "Enlightenment" to see the history of chemistry as part of the "history of human folly." Indeed، in the first edition of the Encyclopedia of Islam، A. Wiedemann made the important observation that "it is inconceivable that intelligent beings could have written such things." Only theology and psychology paved the way for a meaningful and justified interpretation of ancient alchemy.