Jabir ibn Hayyan
Father of chemistry, pioneered experimental methods
Quotes by Jabir ibn Hayyan
The work begins with the blackening, and ends with the whitening.
Study the books of the ancients, but do not trust them implicitly.
The vessel must be sealed perfectly, lest the spirit escape.
The search for the philosopher's stone is the search for the divine within matter.
All things are composed of the four elements, mixed in due proportion.
The science of weights and measures is the foundation of all chemical work.
Perfection is achieved through seven stages.
The wise man learns from the mistakes of others; the fool must make his own.
The fire must be gentle and continuous, like the heat of the sun.
Gold is the perfection of metals.
The body must be purified before it can receive the spirit.
The work is both a science and an art.
The three principles are body, soul, and spirit.
The seeker must have a pure heart and a patient mind.
The solution and coagulation are the two main operations.
Nature is the best guide.
The secret is in the water that does not wet the hands.
The true alchemist transforms himself as he transforms matter.
The quantity is as important as the quality.
The fixed and the volatile must be united.