The curious distillatory, or, The art of distilling coloured liquors, spirits, oyls, &c. from vegitables, animals, minerals and metals ... containing many experiments ... relating to the production of colours, consistence and heat ... : together with several experiments upon the blood (and its serum) of diseased persons, with divers other collateral experiments / written originally in Latin by Jo. Sigis. Elsholt ; put into English by T.S. ...

CHAP. XVI.

The Conclusion: Containing three sorts of Observations.

SInce we have spoken concerning Co∣lours emerging, and resulting from mixture in the second Chapter: we shall not seem to wander from the matter, if by way of Colophony or conclusion, we produce also by way of Example, the various ef∣fervescencies, and incalescencies of things, to∣gether with their attenuation, and coagula∣tions. These also are Chymical, and afford much light towards the Knowledg of Na∣ture, and of the differences of Acid, and Vrinous Salts. As also it will easily appear from hence, which Saline Spirits will either suffer themselves to be joyned to each o∣ther, or refuse it. Which Doctrine, as it contains under it the foundation of some of the most noble Operations, and is not commonly known to all men: So upon its own account it seems worthy to be an∣nexed to our Distillatory, by way of Man∣tissa, or overplus.

Observations relating to effervescency, and incalescency, or production of heat.

To begin with those things best known: It is well known to the common people, that if Water be sprinkled upon Quick∣Lime, it will excite from it both heat, and smoke: which Operation is by Brick-layers, and Plaisterers called slaking, or extinguish∣ing of Lime.

2. If you moisten with Aqua-fortis, the filings of Iron, Copper, or Tinn, the Glass in which it is done will grow so hot, that you can scarce hold it in your hand, there also ascending at the same time plenty of Fumes.

3. Almost the like effect doth follow, if you poure the Caustick Water upon Quicksilver, Lead, or Marcasite. But as to what relates to the more perfect Metals; Luna, or Silver, doth stronglier resist Aqua-Fortis, than the imperfect Metals are wont to do: but Gold doth plainly elude its force, except Sal Armoniack be added.

4. You may also observe an exagitati∣on, if you pour Aqua Fortis upon Salt of Tartar.

5. Pour Fountain Water upon calcined

Vitriol, whilst it is yet warm, stirring it softly; and you shall perceive it to wax vehemently hot. The same will happen if you pour Water upon any Alcalizate, or fixed Salt whilst it is yet hot.

6. Distil drop by drop of the Spirit of Vitriol, into the Salt, or the Oyl of Tartar prepared per deliquium, and there will be caused a crackling noise: which being fini∣shed there will appear a coagulum which is commonly called Tartarus Vitriolatus.

7. Mix the same acid Spirit of Vitriol, or of Sulphur with the Gall of an Ox (which is fill'd with its own native Vrinous Salt,) and you will presently perceive them to fight. But the ebullition will be much stronger, if you mix Gall with Aqua-fortis: insomuch that a great disturbance will follow it, and a White froath will arise a great height upon it.

8. If the Genuine Red Oyl of Vitriol, and Spirit of Turpentine be mixed together; the Glass doth begin to wax so very hot, that it cannot be touched by naked hands.

9. Neither doth the Spirit of Salt Ni∣tre, or Peter will agree with the butter of Antimony, but these two Liquors being mixed together, are seen rather like Ene∣mies to fight between themselves.

10. I had lately reserved for a use, Spi∣rit of common Salt, and after it was consu∣med, I put into the Glass (perhaps whilst it was yet moist) Spirit of Sal Armo∣niack, tincted with the Flowers of Brass, (which many now a days call the Saphirine Spirit) I observed when I poured it in, immediately the first drop stirred up a Cloud in the Glass, and a Smoakie Vapour did ma∣nifestly exhale from it. A not obscure Argument, that these two Spirits were almost insociable, upon the account of their contrary Salts.

11. To this place belongs the Observa∣tion of Regnerus de Graff. in his Book de Suc∣co Pancreatico, pag. 60. which he lays down to this sence: We took, says he, Oyl of Tartar per deliquium and we poured it into Cows Milk, after which we added a small quantity of Spi∣rit of Vitriol, and presently there arose an ef∣fervescence, and that of longer continuance, than if Milk had not been added. Which differency seems to depend upon the viscidity of the Milk: this effervescence will not proceed so well, if you put the Spirit of Vitriol into the Milk before you put in the Oyl of Tartar, (to wit,) because of its aptness to be coagulated by the Acid.

Observations of Attenuation, and of Coagulation.

1. We call Attenuation, when a solid and Gross Body, is rendred thin and fluid: but the contrary to this is called to inspissat, thicken, or coagulate, when such things which of themselves are fluid, and thin, ac∣quire firmness and subsistence, and are thickned, either by the means of Coagulation, or Gla∣ciescency, (that is, freezed or made Ice) or else altogether Lapidificated, or turned into Stone; which Physical, or natural af∣fections above all others are most fre∣quently known not only in the Apotheca∣ries Shops, but also in other Mechanical Arts: wherefore the whole Spagirical Art is by many believed to receive its name from dissolving and congregating, or com∣pacting together, for which reason these two qualities (in our opinion) justly de∣serve a peculiar consideration.

2. When the Apothecary prepares De∣coctions, or Infusions, and the Cook makes fresh Broth, by pouring on of Liquids: gross and dense bodies are attenuated, and their nobler parts extracted. There is the like reason in Iuleps, or emulsions, and

the rest of Medicines in a Liquid form.

3. Thus we see the bodies of all dry Salts, are melted and attenuated, by ef∣fusing watry Liquors upon them: From whence those Solutions called the simple ones, of which sort for Example is that of Vitriol dissolved into Fountain Water, which being mixed with the infusion of Galls produceth Ink, of which mention is made above in chap. 2.

4. Relating to this purpose are all the corrosive Solutions made by Caustick Waters, upon the solid compage of Metals. For Gold by its smallest parts doth swim in A∣qua Regia, so that, that which if left to it self stops the sharpest sight from looking into, it presently changeth its Species, and Texture, and appears diaphanous, or trans∣parent.

5. Nor is it less to be wondred at, that the same Gold, and the rest of the Metals will suffer themselves to be so attenuated by the Fire, (by as it were a certain cor∣rosion) that they will flow like Waves of Water: which fusion truly, unless the thing were so common as it is, would hardly be believed by such as were ignorant of it.

6. Alablaster, and Gypsum, or Plaister of Paris, may be burned as they do Lime∣stone, as is commonly known; and it is par∣ticularly asserted by Anselmus Boetius, lib. 2. de Lapid & Gemm. cap. 269. But whe∣ther or no the following Experiment be much noted, I know not, (and therefore will set it down) Cast into a vessel of Brass, or Iron with a Flat botom, Ala∣blaster, or in stead of it Plaister of Paris, (very finely grown'd, and sifted) some pounds weight: Apply Fire to it by degrees, even to the utmost height. And you shall see this Stony Powder to put on the form of a Liquor, and to boyl like Waves, sending up White Vapours, resembling Smoak; moreover if you then stir it with a Stick, you will not find it to resist the motion of your hand, like Sand, but to yeild like Liquor: which thing truly doth produce no small delight, to the curious Spectator, as Mr. Boyl doth witness of himself, in his History of Fluidity, Sect. 18. where he ad∣deth more notes, and cautions upon this thing.

7. It is also a 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, of a species of attenuation, by which Salt of Tartar is dis∣solved into a Liquor per deliquium: And amongst Natures works, it is an Illustrious

Attenuation, by which the thickest Ice of Rivers in the Spring time is dissolved by the heat of the Sun.

8. But that we may also come to the Phaenomena or appearances of Coagulation, amongst those which are best known is that of making Bread, whilst the Bakers by mixing Water with Flower or Meal coagulate it into a Mass, to make Bread out of. The like, but more compounded work, is that of the Confectioner, who mix∣eth together Butter, Sugar, Egs, and di∣vers other ingredients.

9. But there is hardly extant a more domestick, or familiar Example, than the coagulation of Milk, whether it be perfor∣med by Calves, or Lambs Runnit, or by juice of Limons, or by sowre Herbs, Spirit of Vitriol, or other acid Salt: by which means the fluid substance of the Milk sepa∣rates it self from the whey, and suddenly joyns together into a cheesy Mass.

10. In the Canary Islands they thicken, (by boyling) the fluid juice of Canes and Reeds into innumerably useful, and most sweet Sugar: And on the con∣trary, in the Island of Succotra, they make Aloes of the juice of a Plant, which is so exceeding bitter that it is become a nick∣name,

for other bitter things: [You will have a large account of coagulations of this nature in the Philosophical Essay of Petrification, written by the Translator of this Treatise, and printed Anno 1672.] Nay without Art, or Labour, Water is converted into Stone in divers dens. And to omit other Countrys, the Cave called Baumanus's Cave, not far from the Mountain Bructer in the great Forest of Hircinia in Germany, in which not only Waters are turned into stony Icicles, but also there is found a wonderful company of the Bones of Animals, but from what Original, or how they came there, is yet uncertain.

Eleventhly. But as to what concerns Minerals. If you mix the best Vrinous Spirit of Sal Armoniack equal parts, with the most dephlegm'd Spirit of Wine, they will set, or fall to the bottom of the Glass in the manner of Icy flakes, or rather like Snow. For whilst the Acrimony of the Armoniack Spirit is blunted and mitigated▪ by the sweetness of the Spirit of Wine, the crisped, and sharp pointed Particles of the Salt falling to the bottom, and others falling still upon them, they represent the form of Snow.

Twelfthly, If Spirit of common Salt be mixed with the Acid Spirit of Sal Armo∣niack, (not with the Salt Urinous one) then at first the mixture will grow hot, and presently it will be troubled, and thick, and at length it will begin to conjoyn to∣gether plainly in the form of Butter.

Thirteenthly, If there be mixed together equal parts of highly rectified Spirit of Wine, and exquisitely dephlegm'd Spirit of Vrine, they will coagulate (by agitating them) in a quarter of an hours time: first, into the form of Snow, and a little after, into a solid Mass. But unless both the Spirits be freed from all Phlegm, this business will want success: As Mr. Boyl doth prudently admonish in his History of Fluidity and Firmness, Part 2. Sect. 32.

Fourteenthly, Beat the white of an Egg, even to thinness, then mix with it half as much of the best Spirit of Salt: and you shall see this mixture will coagulate, even in a few Minutes of an hour by agitating it.

Fifteenthly, Many have attempted di∣••••••s ways to coagulate the most Fluid Body of Quicksilver Io. 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 Part 1. Pag. 35. proposeth his way. And that I may omit others, Thomas 〈◊〉〈◊〉

now hath propounded his, Cent. 1. Num. 79. But the most exquifite, and no less certain way, is by the vapour of Lead; if you make a hole with a Stick in melted Lead, being removed from the Fire, and beginning to cool, then sprinkle some Ashes into the Hole, and nimbly pour in the Quicksilver: and so the Vapour ascen∣ding from the Lead will congeal it, al∣though there are not wanting those which doubt of this coagulation. But the Translator of this Treatise hath experimented it to be true.

Sixteenthly, 'Tis a more difficult opera∣tion which I make use of to procure a yel∣low coagulated Mercury: for I take of Quicksilver one ounce, of rust of Brass, and common Salt, of each an ounce and a half, Wine, Vinegar a pound or pint: boyl them in an Iron frying-Pan the space of an hour or two, continually stirring them with an Iron Spatula; till at length the Mercury co∣agulate into an Amalgame, which after∣wards wash several times from the Salt▪ and then form it into little Balls, the big∣ness of Pease. These little Balls being ex∣posed to a temperate Air, after a few hours, will harden of then own accord: But if you have a mind also to induce a colour upon this coagulated Mercury, then

take of Turmerick roots fourteen Drams, and of prepar'd Tutia one ounce, and mixing them together, make with the Balls Stra∣tum super Stratum, that is, one row of the Powders, and another of the Balls, and so do till you have filled up a Cruci∣ble, which lute well, that nothing may expire. Let it stand at first in a gentle fire, that the matter may dry: afterwards for an hour or more, apply a strong fire to it; then take it off, and after it is cold, melt it as they use to do Metals, and pour it into an Ingot, and you will have a Mass very much resembling Rhenish Gold, of which may be made Rings, Bracelets and Medals. If there be any body that will not allow this Mass any longer to partici∣pate of the Quicksilver, I will not contest with him; because others which are ac∣quainted with that Planet, will not be induced easily to believe, that it can free∣ly endure a vehement fire for an hour to∣gether.

Observations upon Blood, and its Serum.

How much the Blood within is altered, by attenuating, or coagulating it, by means of Mineral Spirits injected into the Veins

of Brutes, hath long since been declared by us, in Clysmatica Nova, cap. 5.

But, moreover, we have tryed many things upon Humane blood whilst it was yet warm, and newly drawn out of the Veins by Phlebotomy: observing that by instilling those Mineral Spirits, the Blood hath undergone various mutations: of which kind are Ebullitions, (or boyling, and bubling,) Attenuation, (or becomming thinner,) grumescence, curdling or coagula∣tion, and the exaltation or heightning of its colour, or the obscuration, darkning or hiding of it, and many the like varia∣tions. But before Humane blood, let out by opening a Vein, do lose its heat, and begin to thicken, there useth to swim upon it a Liquor, heretofore taken for Bile, or Choler, now esteemed its Serum, or Whey. Certainly it is not so bitter that it can deserve the name of Gall, or Choler: neither is it so thin that it alto∣gether deserves to be called Whey, or Se∣rum. If it be taken up gently in a Silver Spoon, and without the mixture of the bloody substance, if it be held a little while over warm Embers or Coals, it will be coagulated like to the white of an Egg boyl'd, both as to its substance and colour,

and is also almost like it in taste. As to what concerns its colour, I have taken no∣tice of this difference; that in many it is perfectly white, in others it is palish, in others it tendeth towards yellowness: which variety may depend either from the temperament, or from the healthy, and infirm state of the Body, or from those things which are received into the Body, (for it appeareth that some portion of the Chyle is not changed altogether into Blood.)

If you put in of the aforesaid Mineral Spirits by drops upon this Chylous Serum put into several Vessels, there will also appear various Phaenomena, which will be useful for a careful Physician to take no∣tice of. In these kind of examinations, our very much honour'd Collegiate, that excellent man Dr. Godfredus Leisnerus, when he was living, did lately take much pains, who himself writ these following Observations, and a little before he yielded to Fate, communicated them to me to be divulged in this place.

Observation 1.

Mr. N. N. by birth of Clive, of thirty

years of age, he was Scorbutick, had red Spots, and Pustils in his Face, a heaviness and weariness in his Ioints, and a numness, a flushing in his Face after drinking strong Wine, or strong Beer, or the Swalbasher Spaw Water, and was obnoxious to bleed∣ing Gums, and the like; after having ta∣ke Pills upon the 28 day of Iuly, 1671. He was let Blood in the left Arm, and had about seven Ounces taken from him, in three Porringers. The Blood was very hot in its flowing forth: the day before he had drank Wine largely, after which he was cold, his Blood had much Serum, and the grumous and curdled parts were very red, and would easily be divided by a Twig; in the bottom it was of a bright Bay colour, the Serum poured off, was of the colour of Lee, like Vrine of a Citron colour tending to red: It was divided into twelve Dishes, and the Liquors being mixed with it, things appeared thus.

First, With Spirit of Nitre dropt on it, it presently coagulated into a substance like cheese, from the top to the bottom of the Liquor, in that space the Spirit was dropt into: This Curd was white on the top, but towards the bottom yellow like Sul∣phur, the rest of the Serum swimming about

it was clear, but dropping in Spirit of Nitre it also became of a Cheesy substance; some of the Liquor which remained, poured out clear like water, upon inclining of the Vessel.

Secondly, The sweet Spirit of Nitre be∣ing drop'd on, made no alteration; but after a short time, the upper half of the Liquor grew altogether clear, but the lower half was a little troubled, yet so, that there could scarce any difference be dis∣cerned but by curious Chymical eyes.

Thirdly, Spirit of Salt did presently pervade the Liquor, not only in that place where it was drop'd in, but through the whole circumference of the Liquor, and about the bottom precipitated a white co∣agulum, but not stiff.

Fourthly, The sweet Spirit of Salt did trouble the Liquor a little, but in a short time there was a separation made like the cream of Milk, which swam at the top.

Fifthly, Spirit of Vitriol, did precipitate a White Curd equally from all parts to the bottom, almost Analogous to the curd made with the sweet Spirit of Salt, but thinner.

Sixthly, Aqua-fortis did altogether a∣gree with the Spirit of Nitre, both in the whiteness of the Curd, its yellowish bottom,

and the clearness of the Liquor which was left uncoagulated.

Seventhly, Spirit of Sulphur, converted the whole Liquor into a white coagulum, or Curd, except a few drops which were left.

Eightly, The Clyssus (or the Sulphureous acid Spirit of Antimony) being dropped in, precipitated to the bottom of the Li∣quor a Curd, which was on one side White, and Cheesy, and on the other side transpa∣rent, and like a Ielly.

Ninthly, Arcanum Nitri (that is the So∣lution of the Salt of the caput Mortuum of Aqua-fortis, or its red Earth left in the bot∣tom of the Retort) dropped in, at the be∣ginning it did presently fall to the bot∣tom of the Liquor in which it was put: nor would it be mixed with it, so that it might be very well discerned from it, but after an hour or two, the Liquor was of an bigher Colour, and there settled in the bot∣tom of the Vessel a troubled Sediment, which upon slightly shaking of the Glass united again with the Liquor.

Tenthly, The Salt Spirit of Sal Armo∣niack did introduce no alteration at all in the Liquor, neither in its Colour, nor in its consistence.

Eleventhly, The fixed Liquor of Nitre, did thicken and trouble this Liquor, and precipitated to the bottom a certain Sal∣tish Curd, the Liquor which swam at the top was very clear.

Observation 2.

A Young man who was descended of consumptive Parents, and was himself con∣sumptive, (with much coughing casting out both Blood, and Matter;) a Vein being ope∣ned there was taken from him about eight Ounces of Blood. The grumous Blood was of a florid Colour, Thin, and had much Serum, which being poured out into little dishes, it brought off with it from the top of the Blood a little redness, this subsided and fell to the bottom in a days time.

1. Spirit of Nitre, And

2. Sweet Spirit of Nitre, both produced the same effects, as in the former Obser∣vation.

3. Spirit of Salt did the same, but with this difference, that the Coagulum was more Phlegmatick on the top of it, and as it were a Ielley.

4. The Sweet Spirit of Salt, did the same as in the former Observation, but the Cream was thicker.

5. Spirit of Vitriol, And

6. Aqua-fortis, did the same as in the former Observation.

7. Spirit of Sulphur made a Coagulum like Spirit of Salt, but a little thinner, and more like Ielley.

8. The Clyssus made a white and thick Curd.

9. Arcanum Nitri. And

10. The Salt Spirit of Sal Armo∣niack. And

11. The Liquor of fixed Nitre, did the same as in the former Observation.

12. Spirit of Verdigrece, at the first drop∣ping into the Glass did make the clear Li∣quor to look Milky, and afterwards did make no further change.

Observation 3.

Mr. N. N. Splenetick, and Scorbutick, afflicted with a Vertigo, or Giddiness, and a straitness in his Breast, upon the 27th day of Iuly, Anno 1672, was let blood, the Blood was good, and had much tincted

Serum, into which the following things were dropped.

1. Aqua-fortis, from which there was a cheesy and white concretion, the Serum which swam at the top was pale; this Co∣agulum was not dissolved, by dropping into it Spirit of Sal Armoniack.

2. By the Clyssus there was made a white Curd, which fell to the bottom, but was less tenacious, or tough.

3. Spirit of Nitre, made a Coagulum like Aqua-fortis in all things, and when more Spirit was put in, the Serum was al∣most all coagulated.

4. Sweet Spirit of Nitre, made no alte∣ration at all.

5. Spirit of Salt did equally precipitate a white Curd to the bottom, like a Ielly, and of a pale Yellow Colour at the top, leaving a Liquor that was somewhat paler above it.

6. Spirit of Vitriol, did absolutely the same thing, excepting that the Liquor which swam at the top, did remain some∣what more tincted.

7. Spirit of Verdigrece made no change at all.

8. The Spirit of Sulphur made the same Coagulum with Spirit of Vitriol.

9. Polemanus's double Spirit, did the same

with Spirit of Salt, excepting that the Co∣agulum was a little thicker, and less white.

10. Arcanum Nitri, made a troubled bottom, but the Glass with the Liquor be∣ing shook it was exactly mixed again, and no alteration appeared. Into this mix∣ture there being dropped one or two drops of Aqua-fortis, it produced a milkie curd after the usual manner.

11. The Liquor of fixed Nitre also made a troubled bottom, and shaking the glass it was exactly mixed again, but dropping in Aqua-fortis there was an ebul∣lition made, and much Spume, or Forth raised of a Sulphureous colour, but never∣theless nothing was precipitated.

12. Spirit of Sal Armoniack prepared with the Bloodstone, did not thicken the Liquor, but only a little heighten the Co∣lour, a drop or two of Aqua-fortis being added to this, presently made a milky curd: but a greater quantity of Spirit of Sal Armoniack being poured upon it, it was again dissolved with small bubbles, and instead of the Coagulum there remain∣ed as it were a little thin transparent Phlegm.

Observation 4.

These were instituted not in the Serum, but in the clotted blood it self. To wit Mr. N. N. after he had spit blood for some years, fell into a spitting of Matter, with an inordinate or irregular Feaver, after exhibiting of Medicines, and chiefly of Adstringents, the thirtieth day of May he fell into a large Haemoptisis, or spitting of blood, he having been afflicted before it with a weightiness, and weariness of his Joynts: upon the first of August this Symp∣tom was urgent again, and he cast up much florid blood▪ which was easily coagulated. The 2d day of August after Midnight, his spitting of blood was very urgent, only he perceived his blood which he threw up to be hotter whilst it was in his mouth: it was neither putrid matter, nor Salt as heretofore. I commanded to take about four ounces of Blood, by opening a Vein in the Right Arm. The Blood which was let out was taken in two Silver Dishes, and appeared black even whilst it was flowing forth: it had little Serum, scarce two drams, and that of a Yellow Colour. The clotted blood had a florid red circle about it, the

middle part was like the skin of a Jelly. To this blood, being well dryed with spongy Brown Paper, these following things were applyed.

1. One drop of Spirit of Nitre, did presently and sooner than in the twinkling of an Eye, impress a white spot upon it, and that not superficially, but sufficiently deep, and very white.

2. The Sweet Spirit of Nitre, made no change at all.

3. Spirit of Salt, did more slowly make a spot, and that less white, and less deep. The red Circle of the blood it self, and the circumference of the drop, were both black.

4. Sweet Spirit of Salt, at the first did nothing, but after it had stood sometime upon the Liquor it did a little dissolve the outward skin of the Blood, and made a hole in it, and rendred the blood under it, (in which it was contained) of a livid flesh Colour, spotted like Marble.

5. Spirit of Vitriol did slowly make a spot a little whitish.

6. Aqua-fortis did swiftly and imme∣diately (with some Fume) make a spot altogether agreeable with that of Spirit of Nitre.

7. Spirit of Sulphur, made a Spot like that of Spirit of Vitriol.

8. The Clyssus produced a white spot.

9. Spirit of Verdigrece as to its effect a∣greed with the Sweet Spirit of Salt.

10. Arcanum Nitri stood upon the Blood in its own circumference, after∣wards it made a yellowish spot, and ren∣dred the skin of the Blood thinner, so that it might easily be divided by a twig.

11. Spirit of Sal Armoniack made no change, or spot.

12. The Liquor of Fixed Nitre ren∣dred the Blood much Redder and transpa∣rent.

FINIS.