advanced development of inks

Ingredients

saltpeter

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

The text notes that in the 11th century (426/1035), specifically in the work of Abu l-Hakim Muhammad b. 'Abdalmalik al-Kati, there was a focus on practical chemical applications rather than theory, leading to 'quite advanced development of inks' (p. 10). The widespread use of saltpeter is mentioned in the same context of practical alchemical advancements (p. 10).

Evidence

"The work done by the following generations consists of relatively modest contributions in which the progress achieved was not so much in the realm of theory but in practical application, such as, e.g., the widespread use of saltpeter or the quite advanced development of inks. Thus H. E. Stapleton and R. F. Azo found in the small treatise by Abu l-Hakim Muhammad b. ‘Abdalmalik al-Kati (written 426/1035) chemical procedures, as one would find again only 700 years later"

Remarks

The author indicates that while theoretical progress slowed after the 9th century, practical chemistry flourished in areas like ink making and the use of saltpeter. The specific chemical procedures mentioned in the context of al-Kati are compared to much later discoveries by J. Black and Lavoisier (p. 10).