Persian treatise on medical and alchemical gemstones
Khawas al-Jawahir [The properties of gemstones].
8vo (160 x 255 mm). 12 ff. Persian manuscript on paper. Later full red culf ruled in blind, medallions stamped in blind.
€ 3,500.00
A treatise on the properties of popular gemstones, including diamonds, rubies, emeralds, aqeeq (a stone of particular importance to Islam), and several others, attributed to a famous Muslim physician in the Mughal court, Hakim Muhammad Sharifi (1722-1807). The author details the physical attributes of each gem, then goes on to describe their spiritual properties and how each affect health and mood, can work to cure disease, and how one might use gemstones in alchemy. Works on the properties of gemstones were quite popular across the Muslim world as an offshoot of both science and folk medicine; their use in alchemy, the precursor to modern chemistry, was popular. Here, gemstones can guard against miscarriage, prevent internal pain, bad luck, or a fearful disposition.
Light wear, a handful of subtle repairs; in good condition.
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