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CHAP. XXI. How to make Ovens to Distill Aqua Fort.
[Section. 1] EVERY one useth to prepare the Ovens to the distilling of Aqua Fort. according to his pleasure: But there is one Form much better, and more profitable than the other (as I have seen and used many my self▪ for I finde, That the Ovens called Athanors, which, as in the following Sculpture is [Section. 2] * 1.1properly delineated, are the best to be used to distil Aqua fort. and they are to be formed thus, Make a Steeple in square or round four Els high, and below in it lay an Iron Grate, under vvhich must be a Wind-hole, according to the demonstration in the next Sculpture: and then make again on both sides of the steeple, in the same wideness, according to the height of the Juggs or Glass-bottles round or square Ovens, in which the Glas∣ses or Juggs may stand: Put also below in the steeple or tower, Iron-Grates, so that it may have wind-holes below: in such By-Ovens must be left holes from the Tower, that the heat (as you shall hear) may come out of it, and if they are about a large span wide, and four fingers and a span high, then are they wide and high enough: only observe, That when you do set up the high Tower, you do not make it two thick near to the holes, but rather narrower▪ that the fire or heat may go the better into the By-Ovens, then cause to such holes, through which the heat doth pass, fit Instruments of Potters-work, with which you may govern the fire as you please.