The Late Antique synthesis
Zosimos of Panopolis
One of the earliest alchemical authors whose substantial writings survive, and the first to turn metallurgical transformation into a drama of dismemberment, sacrifice and regeneration.
- Dates
- flourished c. 300 CE
- Dating
- known by activity
The life
An Egyptian or Greco-Egyptian alchemist active around the turn of the fourth century.
Place in the tradition
Alchemy as a spiritual discipline rather than a craft begins to be legible here.
a note on the record
History and later legend
His birth and death are both unknown; only a floruit can be given. Only portions of his writings survive.
the written record
Principal works
-
c. 300
Cheirokmeta
Surviving in portions only. It combines practical chemical procedures with visionary, mythic and spiritual interpretations of transformation.