The Works of Geber (1678)

bic, and extract its whole moisture, which is of great value in this Art. The residues remaining at the bottom may be dissolved upon a porphyry stone in some damp place, or in water, which may then be extracted and so kept clean.

Cleansing of Jamenous Alum.

Jamenous Alum is prepared like the former; but in this Art it is of greater virtue efficacy or power. There are yet many other alums found, all of which are prepared and cleansed as is said above.

Cleansing of Atraments.

First, concerning black atrament a black vitriol or ink-like substance, which is cleansed thus: First, it must be dissolved in clean vinegar, afterward distilled and solidified. Or let it be first distilled by an alembic, and all its moisture extracted. The residues calcined in this distillation must be dissolved upon a porphyry, or dissolved in their own water, and then solidified. Or that water (if the artist so wills) may be kept.

Cleansing of Copperas.

Copperas or vitriol is cleansed like black atrament; yet black atrament has greater earthiness than the green. There are various atraments, and they are found in various colors, all of which are cleansed as the aforementioned.