الزرنيخ الأحمر والأصفر (Red and Yellow Arsenic)
Iraq
8th Century
Source: Jabir ibn Hayyan. Kitab al-Khawas al-Kabir. Manuscript Collection, Article 63-69.
Recipe Details
Ingredients
الزرنيخ (Arsenic)
Preparation Steps
Jabir describes Arsenic (Zarnikh) as one of the five 'Spirits' (p. 2). It is categorized into red and yellow varieties. The 'Mizan' (Balance) is applied to determine its proportion in the transformation of 'bodies' (p. 3). The text notes that red and yellow arsenic are essential for the production of elixirs due to their ability to volatilize and impart color (p. 2-3).
Original Recipe Text
Jabir describes Arsenic (Zarnikh) as one of the five 'Spirits' (p. 2). It is categorized into red and yellow varieties. The 'Mizan' (Balance) is applied to determine its proportion in the transformation of 'bodies' (p. 3). The text notes that red and yellow arsenic are essential for the production of elixirs due to their ability to volatilize and impart color (p. 2-3).
Evidence
"وأما الزرنيخات فمنها الأحمر والأصفر"
Remarks
The treatise emphasizes that these pigments are not merely colors but contain specific 'natures' (Tabi'a) that must be balanced. Jabir distinguishes between 'native' and 'extracted' versions of these minerals (p. 3).
Scientific Analysis
Chemical CompositionAs2S2 / As2S3
Analytical Techniques
Visual Observation
Mizan (Alchemical Balance)
Tas'id (Sublimation)
Certainty Level
Confirmed
Instrumentally Verified
Not Verified
Metadata
Material Type
pigment
ColorYellow
RegionIraq
Approx. Year750
Source Information
AuthorJabir ibn Hayyan. Kitab al-Khawas al-Kabir. Manuscript Collection, Article 63-69.
CollectionMentioned as a primary 'Spirit' (Ruh) in alchemical practice.
Language
N/A
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