Home > LECTURES & LITERATURE > Natural and Secret Things: The Alchemical Work of Pseudo-Democritus in Its Greek and Syriac Tradition

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Natural and Secret Things: The Alchemical Work of Pseudo-Democritus in Its Greek and Syriac Tradition

Presented by Chemical Heritage Foundation at Chemical Heritage Foundation

April 27, 2010

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The treatise ascribed by Byzantine manuscripts to Democritus is the oldest alchemical work known in the Western world. The reconstruction of this treatise allows us to understand the origin of Greek alchemy and its relationship to ancient craftsmanship (both Egyptian and Persian). In addition, by studying this writing—which was translated into Syriac and Arabic languages—you can follow the first steps taken by the Middle Eastern culture toward assimilating the heritage of Greek scientific knowledge. Matteo Martelli’s early research focused on Greek alchemy, with particular regard to its beginnings, and was preparation for his Ph.D. dissertation in Greek philology. In addition, during a research stay in Paris, at Unité Propre de Recherche du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, he widened the scope of his inquiry to include the Syriac tradition. He is now completing the critical edition of the alchemical writings by Pseudo-Democritus, with an Italian translation and commentary.