Al-Jildaki

Al-Jildaki was a prominent Islamic alchemist and scholar during the Islamic Golden Age. His full name was Muhammad ibn Yusuf al-Harawi al-Jildaki, and he is often referred to simply as Al-Jildaki. He is known for his extensive works on alchemy and his contributions to the field of chemistry.

Biography

Al-Jildaki was born in the city of Jildak, which is located in present-day Afghanistan. The exact date of his birth is not well-documented, but it is believed that he lived during the 14th century. He traveled extensively throughout the Islamic world, including regions such as Persia, Egypt, and Syria, in pursuit of knowledge and to study under various scholars.

Contributions to Alchemy

Al-Jildaki is best known for his comprehensive works on alchemy, which were influential in both the Islamic world and later in Europe. His most famous work is the Kitab al-Burhan fi asrar 'ilm al-mizan (The Book of Proof on the Secrets of the Science of the Balance), which is a detailed treatise on alchemical processes and the philosopher's stone.

He also wrote the Nihayat al-talab fi sharh kitab al-muktasab (The Ultimate Quest in the Explanation of the Acquired Book), which is a commentary on the works of earlier alchemists, including Jabir ibn Hayyan and Al-Razi. Al-Jildaki's works are characterized by their systematic approach and detailed descriptions of alchemical experiments.

Legacy

Al-Jildaki's contributions to alchemy were significant in preserving and expanding the knowledge of earlier scholars. His works were later translated into Latin and influenced the development of alchemy in medieval Europe. He is considered one of the last great alchemists of the Islamic Golden Age.

See also

• Alchemy
• Islamic Golden Age
• Jabir ibn Hayyan
• Al-Razi
• Philosopher's stone

External links

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