their proposed interpretations will be considered and evaluated in
detail.
Part two is, however, regarded to be the central guide book or
manual, and contains elaborate discussions of some twenty precious
and semi-precious stones and gems, and about twenty-four metals and
other mineral substances including shells, glassware, and ceramics. "
Beruni introduces his outstanding work on gemstones and mineralogy K. al-Jamahir fi Ma'rifat al-Jawahir, by saying: "My desideratum is
to explore and enumerate the precious, semi-precious stones and minerals found in nature (as well as shells, and man-made and refurbished
glasses and ceramics), and other metals and currencies acquired and
stored in treasurehouses. In them I consider these gem depositories
valuable ornaments representing spiritual virtues in deeds and good
character adorned with aesthetic as well as monetary usefulness."
Thus, in the prelude, the author enters the topic tactfully, purposefully and judiciously. The first chapter is elaborated in fifteen 'I'arawihs
(singular tarwihah, a selah-like pause for meditative, devotional prayers
coupled with contemplative, deliberate notations). These profound
cultural ramifications, inspirations and admonitions, together with
thought-provoking notations and concepts have deep meaning, insights
and ideals that can be reflected in suggestions such as under:
1. Did the author present transient ideas or revolutionary thinking
with or without aims behind them? Did he intend to convey eternal
concepts and views, not only for making a better living here and now,
or was he moreover anticipating and planning for something greater
for the life-to-come as well?
2. In conceiving these impressions was the author indeed revolting
against social and political corruptions all around him, in a community
that tolerated prejudices, selfish ambitions, and improper motives and
practices? Did he also stand for truth, walking in the light of immortality and perfection in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation?
3. Does the author not bring new forms of social order and reformation with the vision of a triumphing faith, true religion and morality?
Or was he aiming at the ethical and environmental behaviours, to heal
many chronic ills in a society dominated by greed, self-conceit and
ignorance?
4. Does the author not explain fully the intricate relations and virtues
connected with the collecting, assembling and processing of natural
minerals and gemstones, their storage and evaluating the aesthetic,
ornamental and monetary values of such commodities. In a complex
society with all its economic, cultural and scientific aspirations, the
author, one imagines, did envision such ideals and conceived of them as
a thread that ties together scattered pearls linked into one charming,
