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Islamic
Alchemy and Invention |
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The origins of Islamic
alchemy came from many parts of the Middle East and Africa such as
Alexandria, Syria and Egypt. Inspired by foreign alchemists, Islam
used other countries' discoveries to fuel their own inventive
aspirations. As result, before trade brought gunpowder to the
Islamic world Arabs were already working with flammable substances
such as naphtha, sulfur and petroleum. Through experimentation in
the 10th to 14th centuries Islamic alchemists became early
forerunners of modern chemistry.
Like Chinese alchemists, Islamic alchemists were in search
for two things, a potion to change base metals into gold and an
elixir to give endless youth. Gunpowder and other flammable
substances were key ingredients in the search for these mixtures.
Although neither mixture was discovered, Islamic alchemists
did |
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stumble upon other substances.
These substances were inventions that related to flammable or
explosive products. Murda Ibn Ali (1193 AD) described the discovery
of a fire resistant paint made from equal parts of powdered pots,
red clay, scales of telline and salt. Ali's records prove that even
though Muslims may not have invented gunpowder they were acquainted
with explosives at an early point. |
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On the left is a foot soldier carrying a
sprinkling club and wearing fireproof clothing. The horse and
mounted person in the center are also wearing fireproof clothing.
The soldier on the right is carrying a naphtha flask and also
wearing fire retardant clothing. |
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