Which kitchen appliance (also used in the cosmetic industry) has been attributed to a biblical figure who dabbled in early protoscientific practice?

zbeckabee

A bain-marie (also called a double boiler) is a device used in industry (phamaceutical, cosmetics, conserves, etc.), chemical laboratories, and in cooking to heat materials gradually to a fixed temperature. The term bain-marie originates from alchemy, where some practitioners needed to give their materials prolonged periods of gentle heating, in an attempt to mimic the supposed natural processes whereby precious metals germinated in the earth. It was said to be an invention of Mary the Jewess, an ancient alchemist and traditionally supposed to have been Miriam, a sister of Moses. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bain_Marie Dec 06 06, 9:36 PM

peasypod

Yes, indeed, zbee. Dec 07 06, 3:41 PM