The lives of the adepts in alchemystical philosophy

ALFARABI.

The middle of the tenth century was made famous by Alfarabi. He was one of those celebrated men who bring honor to the sciences. Alfarabi possessed a universal genius. He mastered all sciences with equal ease. He did not limit himself to meditations on the Coran Quran. Instead, he explored the most useful and interesting sciences. He was considered the greatest philosopher of his time.

His meeting with Sifah Doulet Sayf al-Dawla, the Sultan of Syria, shows his character and unique talents. Alfarabi was returning from a pilgrimage to Mecca the holiest city in Islam. While passing through Syria, he encountered the Sultan. The Sultan was surrounded by learned men who were discussing the sciences.

Alfarabi entered the hall where they were gathered. He did not sit down until the Emperor invited him to be seated. At that moment, the philosopher showed surprising boldness. He went and sat upon the end of the Sultan’s sopha sofa or raised platform. The prince was surprised by this daring act. He called an officer and commanded him to remove the intruder. He spoke in a language that was not commonly known. Alfarabi heard him and replied in the same tongue. He said, "O Signior Lord! He who acts so hastily is likely to repent." The prince was astonished by the reply and the energy of Alfarabi's manner. He wished to know more about him. He started a debate among his philosophers. Alfarabi argued with such eloquence and spirit that he silenced all the doctors. Then the Sultan ordered music to entertain the assembly. When the musicians entered, the philosopher accompanied them on a lute. He played with such skill that he won the admiration of everyone. The Sultan realized he was a musician and asked for more. Alfarabi took a piece of his own composition from his pocket. It was an allegro a brisk and lively musical piece. He sang and played with such spirit that the company was filled with joy and laughter. To show the range of his talents, he changed to a different piece. He played so tenderly that the assembly was moved to tears. Finally, he changed to another rhythm and put the entire company to sleep.

The Sultan was struck by the merit of Alfarabi. He tried to convince the philosopher to stay with him, but Alfarabi refused. He set out on his travels again, but his end was tragic. He was attacked by robbers in the woods of Syria. Despite his courage, he was killed in the year 954. His many works on all the sciences are kept in the library of Leyden. His writings on the hermetic science alchemy cause him to be regarded as one of the greatest men in the history of the Islamic world.

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MORIEN.

Morien was a Roman. We are told that his works were originally written in Arabic. He lived and likely died under Arabic rule. If his story is true, it shows that the Arabians continued to practice alchemy in Egypt while they ruled there.

The history of Morien is simple and natural, but very interesting. This philosopher was born in Rome. He studied there under the care of his parents. He led a peaceful life and performed all his Christian duties. He heard of Adfar, a famous Arabian philosopher in Alexandria. After seeing some of Adfar's writings, Morien wanted to understand their meaning. Driven by the passion of youth, he left his home and traveled to Alexandria. He searched until he found the house of the philosopher. He shared his name, country, and religion. Both men were satisfied with each other. Adfar was happy to find a student he could trust. Morien was happy to have a master who promised to show him the source of all treasures. Because of his student's gentle nature, Adfar concealed nothing from him.

Adfar possessed immense treasures and great knowledge of secret philosophy, but he eventually died. Morien performed the funeral duties for his master. He then left Alexandria. He did not return to Rome. Instead, he went to Jerusalem. He stayed there long enough to buy a quiet home near the city. He wanted to finish his life as a Christian in peace. He lived in this hermitage with a student whom he planned to teach.

In his retreat, the philosopher heard about the Soldan Sultan of Egypt named Kalid. Kalid was a wise and curious prince who served the Caliph. A book by Adfar had come into his possession. He searched his entire territory for someone who could explain it. As often happens, many people came forward. These people did not actually know the work. They only wanted to take the money the prince offered to those who promised success.

Morien was pained to hear how Kalid was being deceived. He left his retreat and went to Egypt. He wanted to convert the Sultan to Christianity and explain Adfar’s book. Based on Morien’s promises, the Sultan gave him a house. Morien stayed there until he...