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WHAT IS AN ATHANOR?
In alchemy, an athanor (Arabic: التنور, at-tannūr) is a furnace used to provide a uniform and constant heat for alchemical digestion. Etymologically, it descends from a number of Arabic texts of the period of the Califate which use the term "al-tannoor" in talismanic alchemy. It is said that the athanor contains the Eternal, Secret and Philosophical Fire. It was also called Piger Henricus or 'Slow Henry', because it was chiefly used in slower operations, and because when once filled with coals, it keeps burning a long time. For this reason the Greeks referred to it as 'giving no trouble', as it did not need to be continually attended. It was finally called the Philosophical furnace, Furnace of Arcana, or popularly, the Tower furnace. The word athanor is commonly used to denote moral and philosophical alchemy. |
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WHAT IS A CABINET DE CURIOSITÉS?
Cabinets of Curiosities or 'Wonder-Rooms' first appeared in the mid-16th Century and remained popular right up the late 18th Century. Regarded as a microcosm or theatre of the world as well as a theatre of memory, they are the precursors to modern museums. The objects in a Cabinet of Curiosities fall into four categories:
- naturalia (objects from nature),
- artificialia (artificial objects created or modified by humans such as antiques, works of art),
- exotica (exotic objects, plants or animals collected from distant places)
- scientifica (such as scientific instruments, testaments of man's ability to dominate nature).
Cabinets of Curiosities or 'Wonder-Rooms' first appeared in the mid-16th Century and remained popular right up the late 18th Century. Regarded as a microcosm or theatre of the world as well as a theatre of memory, they are the precursors to modern museums. The objects in a Cabinet of Curiosities fall into four categories:
- naturalia (objects from nature),
- artificialia (artificial objects created or modified by humans such as antiques, works of art),
- exotica (exotic objects, plants or animals collected from distant places)
- scientifica (such as scientific instruments, testaments of man's ability to dominate nature).
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We are always looking for odd and curious items to collect and display. Have you antique, vintage, weird and original stuffs you do not want anymore? We would be happy to meet them. Donations are also very welcomed.