New Philosophical Furnaces

PHILOSOPHICAL FURNACES###

It should be observed, however, that one intending to distill spirit of salt original: "spiritum salis"; historically known as "acid of salt," this is what we now call hydrochloric acid. in this manner must choose glass recipients The vessels used to collect the condensed vapors during distillation., because the hot spirit, due to its extreme subtlety, penetrates through earthen ones. Furthermore, this spirit is most pleasant in its taste. In the absence of glass ones, however, I will also provide another method where earthen vessels may be used.

Mix with the salt some vitriol Sulfate minerals, such as iron or copper sulfate. or alum Potassium aluminum sulfate., grinding them together very well in a mortar (for the better they are ground, the more spirit they yield). Afterward, cast the mixture into the fire with an iron spoon—only as much, certainly, as is sufficient to cover the coals—and then the spirits will exit with great force into the recipients, where, having condensed, they drip into a small bowl and from there into another container. And if you know how to operate correctly, the spirit will flow continuously like water through a pipe the thickness of a quill original: "calami"; referring to a reed or large feather used for writing, indicating the diameter of the tube.; and you will easily be able to produce one pound of spirit in any given hour.

The reason that you obtain more spirit by this method than the other is this: the mixed vitriol and alum cause the salt to melt suddenly, which prevents it from falling through the coals to the lower part of the furnace; instead, sticking to the coals, almost all the salt is converted into spirit. The reddish caput mortuum Latin for "dead head"; the solid residue remaining in the furnace after all volatile "spirits" have been driven off. easily descends through the grate with the ashes; it cannot be distilled further, but by leaching it yields a fixed white salt, which is useful for a metallic flux A substance used to promote the melting of metals or minerals.. This residue, when dissolved in hot water, also serves as a clyster An enema, a common 17th-century medical treatment. against worms, which it kills, and it also purges the intestines.

You might object that the spirit produced in this manner...