Geber, also known as Jabir or Jabir ibn-Hayyan, was an Arab alchemist (see alchemy) whose works were studied by the English philosopher Roger Bacon. The identification of Geber with Jabir is uncertain, but Geber is known to have performed scientific experiments as well as attempting to convert mercury into gold. He felt that a transmutation of baser metals into nobler ones was possible. He prepared nitric acid and distilled vinegar (to obtain ethanoic acid).