New Philosophical Furnaces

...of earthen pipes, so distinct indeed that the spirits Volatile vapors released during the heating process., while still hot (and not yet cooled), are prevented from passing directly from one vessel to another. Instead, being forced through the middle of the connecting pipes, they descend to the bottom of each receiver A vessel designed to collect and condense the vapors produced during distillation.; from there, they ascend again through another pipe into a second receiver, which is equipped with a double lid just like the first. There, descending once more to the cold bottom, they remain cooled and condensed. Three or four of these vessels are sufficient, whereas thirteen or fifteen of the other type would be required, when considering their relative size.

The shape of these Receivers, as well as the manner in which they are joined together, may be seen in the accompanying illustration. The author refers to a technical diagram showing the specialized "U-tube" or manifold connection that forces vapors into contact with the cold surface of the receiver. However, one receiver is usually enough for someone intending to distill only a small amount, especially if the material is not precious. In such a case, at least one curved earthen pipe is joined by one arm to the pipe exiting the furnace, and by the other arm to the Receiver, in such a way that it enters downward into the Receiver, specifically as far as the midpoint. When configured this way, there is no need to seal the mouth of the Receiver; for it does not matter much if a small amount evaporates, provided the material to be distilled is not of great value.

By this method, new spirits and new flowers Substances produced by sublimation, appearing as a fine powder or "bloom" collected in the neck or top of the vessel. can be prepared every single hour using only one furnace and one receiver. This is done with one caution: for every new distillation, the Receiver must be washed with water before it is reattached to the pipe. Once reattached, you may then throw your species The raw chemical ingredients or materials being processed. into the furnace, continuing this until...