[Two Turkish manuscripts on gems (jauhar) and the treatment by means of gems].

Abstract

Literary works of the genre called cevâhir-nâme or cevher-nâme are written in order to give information on how gems (cevher-jauhar) are formed, where they are found, their estimated values, how to distinguish them from the imitations, what their particular colours are and on their uses and harmful effects. These literary works are sometimes titled in accordance with the genre they belong to and sometimes they are given different titles. The literary works dealing with the subject of cevher are mostly written in prose and only a few of them are in verse. The Turkish versions of cevâhir-nâme texts started to be written in the 15th century. These texts, covering the earlier knowledge of medicine, give information on gems and perfumes; how they effect human health; and the way they should be used in medical treatment. Therefore, these texts should be discussed in relation with their place in the history of Turkish science. Two cevâhir-nâmes, which were translated into Turkish by Mustafâ bin Seydî and Za'îfî in the 15th and 16th centuries are still available. The translations by Mustafâ bin Seydî and Za'îfî, did not only convey the classical and medieval knowledge on cevhers to the contemporary readers, but they also confirm the fact that this information was a part of the Ottoman social life.