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

Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Place: 6th Floor Conference Room, Chemical Heritage Foundation

Information: 215-873-8289 or bbl@chemheritage.org

Free and open to the public.

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—we 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.