Islamic civilization

As for al-Razi (d. 925 CE), he described the processes for preparing sulfuric acid (oil of vitriol) and alcohol. He stated that the former is extracted by distilling iron sulfide, and the latter by distilling fermented pulp or sugary substances. Europeans adopted the idea of ​​classifying chemical substances into mineral, plant, and animal origins from al-Razi’s writings. One of al-Razi’s most famous books on chemistry is “The Secret of Secrets,” in which he relied on experimentation and observation.

– Studies in the History of Arab Islamic Civilization (p. 118)