The concept of studying chemistry. Test tubes and reagents on a white background by Marco Verch This image is available under Creative Commons 2.0
Our next scientist was one of the first chemists, Ya'qub b. Ishan al-Kindi. Al-Kindi, as he was commonly referred to, was born in modern-day Iraq in 800AD. Al-Kindi’s research was, “occupied with experiments of considerable elaboration to produce synthetic perfumes.” (Muslim Heritage, 2007) While this in itself was not a huge contribution, al-Kindi was one of the first chemists because he rejected the mystical properties of alchemy. Al-Kindi wished to expose, “…the deceptions and artifices of the adepts of this art[alchemy].” (Dunlop, 1971) The shift away from the mystical properties of alchemy and the cliché of transmutation is an important step in the evolution of chemistry. The separation of religion and science was an important step in the quantification of science. This would allow the removal of bias from the practice with and a focus on experimentation rather than religious doctrine.
References
Muslim Heritage. (2007, May 6). Al-Kindi. Retrieved from Muslim Heritage: https://muslimheritage.com/al-kindi/#ftnref12
Dunlop, D. (1971). Arab Civilisation 800-1500 A.D. In D. Dunlop, Arab Civilisation 800-1500 A.D (p. 223). London: Longman Group Ltd.
Dunlop, D. (1971). Arab Civilisation 800-1500 A.D. In D. Dunlop, Arab Civilisation 800-1500 A.D (p. 223). London: Longman Group Ltd.