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Document Details :

Title: From Culinary Recipe to Pharmalogical Secret for a Successful Wedding Night
Subtitle: the Scientific Background of Two Images Related to Fruit in the Xamse of Nezāmi Ganjavi
Author(s): VAN RUYMBEKE, Christine
Journal: Persica
Volume: 17    Date: 2001   
Pages: 127-135
DOI: 10.2143/PERS.17.0.504

Abstract :
Despite its somewhat provocative title and context, the present short article, — which I humbly and gratefully dedicate to Professor de Bruijn, whose considerable and rigorous work is a rich fount and an example for all students in Persian poetry — is very seriously concerned with unravelling the possible scientific origin of two images in Nezāmi’s Xamse.
The production of this XIIth century poet, as is the case for that of his contemporaries like Xāqāni, is recognised as knitted throughout with scientific allusions. However, no precise testimony of his acquisition of knowledge exists, though the poet does give intimations of his interest for scientific pursuits, as in this verse, where he maintains that he won’t fall asleep of a night if he has not first forced open the door of a new science:

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