Collection of Alchemical Manuscripts

31. The Second Separation.

original: "Separatio Secunda"

An alchemical illustration shows a round-bottomed glass flask, called a bolthead or cucurbit, containing layered substances. At the top of the liquid, a bird dives head-first toward a dark, blue-grey surface. Below this dark layer is a vibrant band of yellow and orange flames. Beneath the flames sits a horizontal layer of reddish-gold substance. At the base of the flask are several grey, billowing, cloud-like forms. Above the flask, the text 31. The Second Separation is inscribed on a decorative scroll entwined with stylized clouds. The entire illustration is framed by a faint hand-drawn border.

The Second Separation: The further process of refining and isolating components from a chemical mixture after the initial division.
original: "Separatio Secunda"

Alchemical Flask: A glass vessel designed to withstand heat, used for observing the changes in the material during the work.

Sublimation: The process where a solid substance is heated until it becomes a vapor and then collects again as a solid. In alchemy, this often represents the "spiritualization" of the body.
Sublimation: the transition of a substance from a solid to a gas phase without passing through an intermediate liquid phase.

Distillation: A laboratory technique used to separate components of a liquid mixture through evaporation and condensation.

Bird: A common symbol for volatile spirits or vapors. The diving bird represents the "fixation" of the spirit, as it descends back into the heavy, material layers of the work.

Flames: These represent the external heat of the furnace. They catalyze the chemical reaction and drive the separation of the pure from the impure.