Butter of antimony In modern terms, antimony trichloride. Blas A Helmontian term, defined in the front matter of the Opuscula as 'a power of motion, whether alterative motion or local motion.' In Van Helmont'sĬosmos, Blas is a force that causes motion and change. The name is occasionally transferredĪnalogically to other medicinal substances, such as Bezoardicum minerale (mineral bezoar, a precipitate of antimony pentoxide produced by the action of aqua fortis onīutter of antimony). Bezoar A quasi-legendary stone with universal curative properties found in Salt of tartar the salt (largely potassium carbonate) absorbs waterįrom the spirit of wine (dilute ethanol) and dissolves itself into a Balsamus Samech A Paracelsian medicament prepared by digesting spirit of wine with Balsamus fuliginis Literally, 'balsam of soot,' an arsenic-based salve for wounds. Aurum horizontale A Helmontian term, defined in the front matter of the Opuscula medica inaudtia as a substance that 'is gold in weight, but not yet sufficiently yellow' cf. Arsenic In early modern usage, the term arsenic refers to what we call white arsenic or arsenic trioxide. ' Argyropoeia The transmutation of base metals into silver. Arcanum, arcana A secret literally, 'something locked in a chest. Aqua vitae Literally, 'water of life' generally distilled alcohol. In aqua fortis, and today by mixing a three-to-one ratio of Usually prepared in the early modern period by dissolving sal ammoniac Aqua regia Literally, 'royal water,' an acid capable of dissolving gold, The aqua fortis of commerce was composed primarily of nitric acid. Aqua fortis Literally, 'strong water,' an acid generally prepared in Newton'sĭay by distilling saltpeter with oil of vitriol or with vitriol itself. Ambergris (or 'ambergreece') A fragrant secretion of the sperm whale, used in perfumes. These further into their primordial water. Alkahest A solvent described by Van Helmont that is supposedly able toĭivide all substances into their component ingredients and then reduce

In preference to a retort for distilling volatile materials. Gutter and beak to channel the condensed vapors into a receiver. Alembic A distillation head comprising a dome to collect the vapors risingįrom a boiling substance (generally held in an attached curcubit) and a Adept A highly experienced chymist, often specifically one who has successfully prepared grand arcana like the philosophers' stone.

Alchemistry wiki