gems, Arabic mineralogy, al-Akfani, early lapidaries

Steinschneider examines medieval pseudepigraphic literature associated with the occult and esoteric sciences, drawing particularly on Hebrew and Arabic manuscripts and bibliographical sources. He investigates works transmitted under the names of famous ancient authorities and discusses their authorship, titles, manuscript traditions, translations, and relationships between Arabic, Hebrew, and European texts. The subjects include astrology, magic, alchemy, talismans, and related branches of medieval natural and occult philosophy. Of particular relevance to the history of gemstones are references to lapidary and talismanic literature in which stones are assigned medicinal, astrological, magical, or protective properties, often under the supposed authorship of figures such as Aristotle or other classical authorities. The study is valuable for tracing the textual transmission of medieval lapidaries and for distinguishing genuine works from pseudonymous texts that profoundly influenced European and Islamic traditions concerning the occult virtues of precious stones.