Between al-Rāzī and the Pseudo-Rāzī: Classifying Matter and Composing an Alchemical Handbook

Abstract

This contribution focuses on two Arabic alchemical treatises that circulated under the name of the 10th century philosopher, physician, and alchemist Muḥammad ibn Zakarīya al-Rāzī: the genuine Book of Secrets (Kitāb al-Asrār) and the spurious Book on Alums and Salts. The two treatises are discussed in the context of al-Rāzī’s genuine and spurious production and of their reception among Western scholars. By examining the contents and structural features of these two treatises, this work seeks to shed light on the relationship between perceived authority, structure, and laboratory practice in medieval alchemy.

Keywords

• Alchemy
• Medieval Science
• Early Chemistry
• Transmission of Knowledge
• Muḥammad ibn Zakarīya al-Rāzī