Geber

Geber is the Latinized name of Jabir ibn Hayyan, an influential Islamic alchemist and chemist who lived during the 8th and 9th centuries. He is commonly placed in the period around 721–816 CE, with his activities associated with the early Islamic Golden Age in regions that are part of modern Iran and Iraq. Geber is regarded as a foundational figure in the history of chemistry and alchemy, particularly for his emphasis on experimentation and the practical manipulation of substances.

Geber and his school are credited with developing and documenting laboratory techniques that later shaped the practice of chemistry. Works attributed to Geber describe methods such as distillation, crystallization, filtration, and sublimation, as well as the preparation and use of acids, salts, and other chemical substances. The so-called Jabirian corpus, a large collection of texts attributed to him and his followers, covers technical procedures, apparatus, and theories of alchemy, though the precise authorship of many items remains debated among scholars.

Geber’s influence on science stems from the transmission and interpretation of his writings in the medieval world. Latin translations of his works in the 12th century helped introduce systematic experimental methods to European alchemy and early chemistry. Modern assessments emphasize both the geopolitical and intellectual context of his contributions and the uncertainties surrounding authorship, noting that Geber may represent a historical individual as well as a broader, collaborative tradition. Regardless, his writings played a significant role in connecting Islamic scientific traditions with later developments in Western chemistry.