The Muslims ( 600-1600 A.D ) made a rich contribution to the
knowledge in chemistry. They spread like shinning stars on the horizon of the
world of science . (“Effectiveness of Educational Technology in Teaching ...”)
They rendered effective and invaluable services in the field of chemistry .
This period of the Muslims scientists from 600-1600 AD in the history of
chemistry is generally known as the period of the Alchemists . This period
created many talented and genius scientists who observed the matter and
conducted experiments to test the truth of their observation . (“CHEMISTRY”)
The major aims of the alchemist were to change base metals into gold and to
find out a method to prolong human life . Though , their efforts for the
achievement of the same goals remained ineffective and failed to produce the
desired results but they did succeed in introducing laboratory methods , which
are still used in many chemical processes in modern chemistry . The Muslim
scientists discovered arsenic , antimony and bismuth . They made a large number
of chemical compounds and instruments for measurements and observations . They
made and used the instruments for laboratory work such as furnace , beakers ,
funnels , crucible , scale for weighing and retorts for distillation etc.
During this period , countless experiments were successfully conducted and many
new chemical processes were discovered . Distillation , sublimation , filtration
, fermentation and calcinations were introduced to prepare various kinds of
acids , alcohols and medicines . (“Effectiveness of Educational Technology in
Teaching ...”) This period of practical chemistry is rightly called the period
of the Muslim scientists on account of their innumerable scientific
achievements They presented chemistry as a purely experimental science . The
names and achievements of some of the renowned Alchemists are given as under.
Jabir Ibn - e - Hayyan ( 721-803 AD ):
He is generally known as the father of the science of chemistry. He was probably the first chemist who had an equipped chemical laboratory. He knew fully about numerous chemical procedures. For example, he described the method of production of White Lead Jabir invented chemical and experimental procedures for the preparation of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid . He developed the methods of fractional distillation . He also developed methods for the extraction of metals.
Muhammad Ibn - e - Zikriya Al - Razi ( 864-930 AD ):
Al -
Razi was not only an Al - Chemist but also a successful physician and
philosopher He was a skilfull surgeon and was the pioneer of using opium as an
anesthetic . He was the originator of dividing the substances into living and
non - living organisms . He also prepared alcohol by means of fermentation .
His method of the division of substances still exists . His books were taught
in Europe for centuries.
Al - Beruni ( 937-1048 AD )
He
had a sound knowledge of chemistry. Chemical procedures and chemical
combinations . He determined the densities of various substances . Al - Beruni
also made rich contributions in the fields of mathematics , physics ,
metaphysics , history and geography.
Ibne Seena ( 980-1037 AD)
Ali
Seena is known as the Aristotle of the Muslim world. He is famous for his
contribution in the field of medicine .mathematics, astronomy, medicinal
chemistry and philosophy. He is probably the first scientist who rejected the
idea that metals could be changed into gold .His books were taught for
centuries in the educational institutions in Europe.
Medicinal period (1600-1700 AD)
Experimental
science greatly flourished during the era of practical chemistry. Most of the scientist invented chemical
compounds and discovered many medicines.
In this period, the theoretical and experimental procedures were
considered as essential for each other and the scientists of this period tried
to unite them together.
Phlogiston Period (1700-1777 AD)
In
this period, efforts were made to know about combustion. Stahl, the German scientist, presented a
theory about burning in 1702. According to his theory, a combustible matter is
emitted during burning. This assumed
matter was called as Phlogiston in Greek.
Stahl's theory prevailed for a period of 75 years but combustion was not
fully understood in the light of this theory.
It was in practice for a longer period but failed due to the reason that
the chemists did not know about the exact weighing of the matter.
