The Identity, Life and Works of the Alchemist Ibn Arfaʿ Raʾs (Identidad, vida y obra del alquimista Ibn Arfaʿ Raʾs)

by Juliane Müller, Regula Forster

2020, Al-Qanṭara 


"bstract: Ibn Arfaʿ Raʾs is the author of a famous collection of alchemical poems entitled Shudhūr al-dhahab (The Splinters of Gold). In addition to Shudhūr al-dhahab, he authored several other works, including a commentary on Shudhūr, which is discussed here at some length for the first time, and strophic poetry on alchemy. The attribution of other works to him seems to be incorrect, and this applies especially to two works on magic. This contribution focusses on our findings on the identity of Ibn Arfaʿ Raʾs and on his life, challenging the identification of the alchemist Ibn Arfaʿ Raʾs with a Mālikī religious scholar known as Ibn al-Naqirāt. Based both on manuscripts and on bio-bibliographical literature, we argue that from an early period, two different people, both from sixth/twelfth century Morocco, have been fused into one. Considering all sources, we also suggest that Ibn Arfaʿ Raʾs might have left the Islamic west and have written at least some of his works in the east, more specifically in Egypt, thereby explaining the broad reception of Shudhūr al-dhahab throughout the Islamic world, particularly in the Mashriq."

https://www.academia.edu/45106702/The_Id...Ra%CA%BEs_

On Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/alchemy-...082650501/

Discover 4 places tagged “alchemy” in Czechia.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-d...ia/alchemy

"Step into a world where forgotten manuscripts, hidden laboratories, and centuries-old dreams converge in a story that feels eerily close to our own late-night thoughts. This documentary explores the quiet, secretive history of alchemy—not as a myth or superstition, but as a long human attempt to understand transformation, time, and the hidden structure of reality...Across ten immersive chapters, we follow a solitary medieval alchemist through plagues, omens, forbidden knowledge, and the hope that the world could be remade. From ancient Egypt and Greece to secret monastic chambers, court intrigue, collapsing kingdoms, and modern theories of simulations and world resets, this narrative reveals a truth that spans eras: the Great Work never truly ended."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKQEy4MXuw8

"Tracing the Origins of Li Shizhen’s Theory “The Brain Is the Abode of the Original Spirit”—Focusing on Daoist Inner Alchemy Practices in the Tang and Song Dynasties."

https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/16/12/1476

"During the Medieval and Renaissance periods, patrons commissioned chapels as a conspicuous yet pious method of displaying their wealth and social status. One example is Enrico Scrovegni’s Arena Chapel in Padua, painted by Giotto. However, others preferred the religious altarpiece, either painted or sculpted. Altarpieces such as the Portinari and the Frari triptychs reflected well on the bankers and businessmen who commissioned them. In later centuries, though, the art of triptych evolved. What was a grand gesture in Renaissance society provided an alternative avenue of expression for contemporary artists."

Discusses, inter alia, Bosch's 'Garden of Earthly Delights'.

https://www.thecollector.com/history-triptych/

"This episode explores the foundations of spiritual alchemy, the inner process of transforming heaviness into wisdom, and aligning oneself with a higher purpose. We explore the classic alchemical stages, their translation into personal growth, and the ways modern practitioners utilize these teachings for healing and self-transformation. We also share our own experiences with shadow work, energetic shifts, and the small daily practices that help turn inner chaos into clarity."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8isYDDWN8aQ

Avicennian Natural Philosophy and the Alchemical Theory of al-Ṭughrāʾī in Ḥaqāʾiq al-istishhād

By Takatomo INOUE

"This thesis aims at clarifying how alchemists and non-alchemists studied and discussed alchemy in medieval Islam. In order to attain this objective, we first review and reinterpret the accomplishments of Muslim and pre-Islamic alchemists, as well as multiple types of classification of alchemy by nonalchemist authors. Also, we examine in detail non-alchemists' theoretical discussions of alchemy, which had a large influence on the development of alchemy in medieval Islam, as well as discussions by alchemists. Finally, in order to clarify both stances, we investigate al-Ṭughrāʾī's Ḥaqāʾiq al-istishhād, which compares alchemists' theoretical foundation concerning alchemical theories with that of nonalchemists."

https://www.academia.edu/144916919/Avice...shh%C4%81d

"Unicorns, with their spiral horns and shimmering manes, defy biological norms, making their anatomy a blend of equine and fantastical elements. To estimate their nail count accurately, one must first understand the mythical structure that governs their form. Unlike horses, whose hooves are a single toe encased in keratin, unicorns are often depicted with cloven or multi-toed limbs in medieval bestiaries. This divergence suggests a hoof structure closer to deer or goats, which could imply an even number of nails per limb. However, artistic interpretations vary, with some portraying unicorns as having a single, unbroken hoof like a horse. This inconsistency highlights the need to anchor estimates in both mythical tradition and biological plausibility."

https://nailicy.com/article/how-many-nai...ect-answer

"In the new book, Saeris has been crowned Queen of the Blood Court, but she needs Fisher's help to save the realm."

https://people.com/brimstone-callie-hart...e-11849684

https://ursummary.com/brimstone-summary-...llie-hart/