Extraordinary Popular Delusions Vol 3 | Page 6

was, as he informs us, to
expose the false pretences of the many ignorant pretenders to the
science who abounded in his day.] But the life of Geber, though spent
in the pursuit of this vain chimera, was not altogether useless. He
stumbled upon discoveries which he did not seek, and science is
indebted to him for the first mention of corrosive sublimate, the red
oxide of mercury, nitric acid, and the nitrate of silver. [Article, Geber,
"Biographie Universelle."]
For more than two hundred years after the death of Geber, the Arabian
philosophers devoted themselves to the study of alchymy, joining with
it that of astrology. Of these the most celebrated was
ALFARABI.
Alfarabi flourished at the commencement of the tenth century, and
enjoyed the reputation of being one of the most learned men of his age.
He spent his life in travelling from country to country, that he might
gather the opinions of philosophers upon the great secrets of nature. No
danger dismayed him; no toil wearied him of the pursuit. Many
sovereigns endeavoured to retain him at their courts; but he refused to
rest until he had discovered the great object of his life -- the art of
preserving it for centuries, and of making gold as much as he needed.
This wandering mode of life at last proved fatal to him. He had been on
a visit to Mecca, not so much for religious as for philosophical
purposes, when, returning through Syria, he stopped at the court of the
Sultan Seifeddoulet, who was renowned as the patron of learning. He
presented himself in his travelling attire, in the presence of that

monarch and his courtiers; and, without invitation, coolly sat himself
down upon the sofa, beside the Prince. The courtiers and wise men
were indignant; and the Sultan, who did not know the intruder, was at
first inclined to follow their example. He turned to one of his officers,
and ordered him to eject the presumptuous stranger from the room; but
Alfarabi, without moving, dared them to lay hands upon him; and,
turning himself calmly to the prince, remarked, that he did not know
who was his guest, or he would treat him with honour, not with
violence. The Sultan, instead of being still further incensed, as many
potentates would have been, admired his coolness; and, requesting him
to sit still closer to him on the sofa, entered into a long conversation
with him upon science and divine philosophy. All the court were
charmed with the stranger. Questions for discussion were propounded,
on all of which he showed superior knowledge. He convinced every
one that ventured to dispute with him; and spoke so eloquently upon
the science of alchymy, that he was at once recognised as only second
to the great Geber himself. One of the doctors present inquired whether
a man who knew so many sciences was acquainted with music?
A1farabi made no reply, but merely requested that a lute should be
brought him. The lute was brought; and he played such ravishing and
tender melodies, that all the court were melted into tears. He then
changed his theme, and played airs so sprightly, that he set the grave
philosophers, Sultan and all, dancing as fast as their legs could carry
them. He then sobered them again by a mournful strain, and made them
sob and sigh as if broken-hearted. The Sultan, highly delighted with his
powers, entreated him to stay, offering him every inducement that
wealth, power, and dignity could supply; but the alchymist resolutely
refused, it being decreed, he said, that he should never repose till he
had discovered the philosopher's stone. He set out accordingly the same
evening, and was murdered by some thieves in the deserts of Syria. His
biographers give no further particulars of his life beyond mentioning,
that he wrote several valuable treatises on his art, all of which, however,
have been lost. His death happened in the year 954.
AVICENNA.
Avicenna, whose real name was Ebn Cinna, another great alchymist,
was born at Bokhara, in 980. His reputation as a physician and a man
skilled in all sciences was so great, that the Sultan Magdal Douleth

resolved to try his powers in the great science of government. He was
accordingly made Grand Vizier of that Prince, and ruled the state with
some advantage: but, in a science still more difficult, he failed
completely. He could not rule his own passions, but gave himself up to
wine and women, and led a life of shameless debauchery. Amid the
multifarious pursuits of business and pleasure, he nevertheless found
time to write seven treatises upon the philosopher's stone, which were
for many ages looked upon as of great value by pretenders to the art. It
is rare that an eminent physician, as Avicenna appears