Zosimos of Panopolis

This work delves into the foundational aspects of alchemy, exploring its historical roots and philosophical implications. The author, originating from Panopolis in Roman Egypt around 300 AD, is credited with producing some of the earliest known texts on the subject, referred to as “Cheirokmeta,” which translates to “things made by hand.” These writings not only survive in their original Greek but also exist in various translations, including Arabic and Syriac. Significant discoveries have been made regarding Arabic translations of these texts, notably found within a manuscript titled Keys of Mercy and Secrets of Wisdom. However, these translations are often incomplete and lack verbatim accuracy. Historical records indicate that earlier versions were attributed to different names due to transliteration inconsistencies. Notably, numerous manuscripts have been identified across several libraries worldwide, indicating a rich tradition of alchemical thought within the Arabic-speaking world. The essence of alchemy is presented as a dual study—one that encompasses both external transformations of materials and internal processes of spiritual purification. The text asserts that knowledge was imparted by fallen angels who taught metallurgy to women, linking this narrative to broader mythological themes found in other ancient texts.

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