An Essay on Jâbir ibn Hayyân

Abstract

The progress of research continually emphasizes the overwhelming importance of the influence of Jâbir ibn Hayyân upon the early development of chemistry. An arresting and enigmatical figure, he pervades the literature of mediaeval alchemy to an extent which, obvious in a superficial way to the merely casual observer, cannot be fully appreciated except by one who is thoroughly familiar with Jâbirian ideas and modes of expression. No other chemist is more frequently quoted — whether with or without acknowledgment — and no other has ever held a like position of authority. What Aristotle was for philosophers, JÂBIR was for chemists, and a full investigation of his life and writings would unquestionably be of the utmost value for the history of chemistry. It is therefore with great satisfaction that I am able to say that M. Paul Geuthner, the well known Orientalist publisher of Paris, has generously undertaken to bear the expense of the publication of a complete edition of JÂBIR’S Arabic works, accompanied by English translations; and that the first fascicule of this edition will probably appear almost simultaneously with these pages.