The lodestone in the Greek, roman and Arab scientific heritage till the end of the mamluk Era (41- 923 AH/ 662-1517 AD): A cultural historical study

Abstract

This research sheds light on the history of lodestone (magnetite) through a comprehensive historical and civilizational study of the achievements of the Greek, Romans and the Arabs in the study and utilization of lodestone till the era of the Mamluk state. It provides a brief overview of the lodestone stone in earlier civilizations, tracing the evolution of knowledge about its physical properties, philosophical significance, and diverse applications. The study chronicles the earliest instances of human observation of the magnet since antiquity, as well as the myths associated with its discovery. It then transitions to Greek civilization, where Thales of Miletus is identified as the first to explain the magnet's attraction to iron. The study then reviews the views of Plato and Aristotle, and documents the first systematic description of the magnet. Following the same sequence, the study then notes that the Roman thought, that inherited the Greek knowledge, infused it with a mythical and poetic character, as exemplified by the works of Pliny the Elder and Lucretius. Finally the study analyzes the significant role played by Arab and Muslim scholars in this field which is the central focus of the study. It elucidates the multiplicity of Arabic terms used to designate the lodestone, as well as the divergence in theories regarding its origin: ranging from those who attribute it to a predominance of dryness and heat to those who explain it through the chemical theory of sulfur and mercury as seen in the works of Dāwūd al-Antāki and al-Irāqi an approach considered more advanced.