Sovereign Order of the Elder Brethren Rose  Cross

Founded by Pope John XXII of Avignon (France) in 1317

Philippus-Laurentius, Grand Master (1975-)

Alchemists’ Concordance
by Philippus-Laurentius

© May 2013 – Philippe L. De Coster, B.Th., D.D., Gent, Belgium

Foreword
It would be unjust to double, most gentle reader, that of all the arts invented for
the use of life by the reason of man, that of Alchemy is the most noble and
glorious that there is. For all philosophers exclaim, as it were, with one voice, in
many languages, that this art is not only true, but (after the Divine Law by which
our souls are saved) the best and most magnificent gift imposed on man by the
Divinity; and that it should therefore be investigated with all zeal and with the
greatest pains.

But as good wine needs no praise, so neither does this art need a herald; for its
truth is undoubted, and its utility in human life universally acknowledged, and
shown forth, not only in the Art of Medicine, in Pharmacy, and many other
sciences, but especially in the Art of Transmuting Metals, is so clearly and
perspicuously demonstrated, that it in no way requires to be adorned by the
splendour of oratory, or tricked out with the device of language.

I will not enlarge upon the blessing which the elaboration of minerals and metals
has bestowed on our race. I merely point it out, but refrain from discussing it at
length. Different men devote themselves to the study of this science from
different motives. The philosopher is impelled by the love of truth, and the thirst
after wisdom. He delights in knowledge for its own sake. He welcomes every
elegant and copious treatise on the marvels of Nature, to the glory of the
Supreme. This is a sufficiently generous reward for a philosopher. He has it at
his command the most effectual means of becoming rich, if he would only use
them. But he is fired by the love of philosophy, and does not care for the
mocking grandeur of fortune. So thought the Sages of the Saracens, Egyptians,
Arabs, and Persians; for when they were oppressed by tyrants, and violently
driven into exile, they protected and supported themselves by means of their Art,
and, though protected and supported themselves by means of their Art, and,
through their knowledge of the transmutation of metals, they had at their
command, not only sufficient to live upon, but all the comforts and pomp of life,
and thus practically demonstrated that they could obtain all that gold and silver
could give.

Concerning this true transmutation of metals, which is accomplished only by the

Elixer or Stone of the Philosophers, we here propose to speak. This art is set
forth in a series of treatises by different authors, which appeared previous
century by great occultists and alchemists, as Roger Caro with his various
pseudo names as Kamala-Jnana, Ajunta (the Masters Ajunta), and Pierre
Phoebus as 58th and last Imperator of our Order; and, like the present volume,
entitles “Alchemists’ Concordance." But many writers having discussed the
2
subject, and treated it from various points of view (so that one writes more
clearly than the other, and each throws light on the other's meaning), some of
my Rose  Cross brethren, who are adepts in this Art, urged me to add to my
French publications and collections also teaching material in English, and so I
did. I have recently published on Scribd, “Rose  Chronicles (Scroll 1) and
Scoll II is now in preparation, and this publication which I find very important
too. For though the French collection contains the most needed writings on the
subject, yet is i is needed to have publication in English as well to fully secure
the future of the Sovereign Order of the Elder Brethren Rose  Cross, founded
in Avignon by Pope Jon XXII in 1317.

I was most strongly impelled to undertake this task by the consideration, viz.,
that through fraudulent machinations of greedy imposters many false, so-called
chemical treatises have been put forward, in which there is not a single spark of
truth, and that very many have been, and still are being deceived by them.

In the work of the Imperator and Brethren of our Order, ever since its
foundation, in them contains the perfection of the entire most Holy Art of
Alchemy. Our Brethren, even today in the twenty-first history, are following the
Royal Road which Nature prescribes in all her operations. As to the rest, I
heartily bet the friends of this Art to give a kindly reception to the present
Concordance, and when, through the Will of the Supreme, by constant labour,
they have put ashore in the desired haven of philosophy, after the nature of
philosophers to exclude all that are unworthy for the safeguard of our science,
therefore we are Rose  Cross Knights of the Temple.

Philippus-Laurentius,

General Grand Master of O.S.F.A.R  C

3
A

Absorbent Earth

Chalk, marble, and clays. No specific formulas. Generally carbonates,

silicates, and sulfates.
Acesunt
Any substance which is slightly acid, or turning sour.
Acetated Earths, Metals, Etc.
Acetates (C2H3O2¯).
Acetous Acid
Impure Acetic Acid from vinegar.
Acetum
Referring to vinegar, or to a compound made from vinegar, as in "acetum
radicatum."
Acid Air (Priestley)
Hydrogen Chloride (HCl).
Acid of Ants
Formic Acid (HCOOH).
Acid, Nitri Phlogistic
See Nitrous Air.
Acid of Amber
Succine Acid (C4H6O4). Also written HOOCCH2CH2COOH
Acid of Apples
Malic Acid (C4H6O5).
Acid of Arsenic
Arsenic Acid (H3AsO4).
Acid of Barberry
Malic Acid.
Acid of Benzoin
Benzoic Acid (C6H5COOH).
Acid of Borax
Boric Acid (H3BO3).
Acid of Burning Sulphur
Sulfurous Acid (H2SO3).
Acid of Four Spar
Hydrofluoric Acid (mixed usually with silicon fluoride) (HF; SiF4).
Acid of Lemons
Citric Acid (C6H8O7).
4
Acid of Milk
Lactic Acid (C3H6O3).
Acid of Milk-Sugar
Mucic Acid (COOH(CHOH)4COOH).
Acid of Molybdaena
Molybdic Acid (H2MoO4).
Acid of Nitre
Nitric Acid (HNO3).
Acid of Phosphorus
Phosphoric Acid (H3PO4).
Acid of Salt
Hydrochloric Acid (HCl). (Acidum Salis)
Acid of Sea-Salt
Hydrochloric Acid, alone, or in a compound (i.e., the Cl¯ radical).
Acid of Sorrel
Oxalic Acid (COOH COOH).
Acid of Sugar
Oxalic Acid (COOHCOOH). Also written (COOH)2.
Acid of Tamarinds
Tartaric Acid (C4H6O6).
Acid of Tartar
Tartaric Acid.
Acid of Urine
Phosphoric Acid (H3PO4)
Acid of Vinegar
Acetic Acid (CH3COOH).
Acid of Vitriol
Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4)
Acidium Aereum
Carbon Dioxide (CO2).
Acidium Mephiticum
Carbon Dioxide (CO2).
Acidium Pingue
J.F. Meyer's hypothesized "fatty acid."
Acidium Sacchari
Oxalic Acid (COOH COOH).
Acid Vitriolated Tartar
Potassium Hydrogen Sulphate (KHSO4).
Adopters
Small, circular vessels with a necked opening and a spout opposite. They
were connected between the distilling head and the receiver.
Aduration
5
 A union or combination into one.
Ad Siccum
To dryness, as in evaporation to dryness.
Aerated Alkali
Any alkali Carbonate (e.g., K2CO3).
"Aerated" Compounds (Bergman)
Carbonates (CO32¯).
Aerated Lime
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3).
Aerated Water
Water containing dissolved carbon dioxide.
Aer Hepaticus
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S).
Aerial Acid
Carbon Dioxide (CO2). Which forms Carbonic Acid, in aqueous solution
Aerugo (Aeruca) (Rust of Copper)
See Verdigris.
Aer Urinosum
Ammonia (NH3).
Aes cyprium
Cyprian Brass or Copper.
Aethiops Mercuriales
See Athiops Mineralis.
Aethiops Mineralis (Aethiops Mercuriales)
Black Mercuric Sulphide (H2S).
Air Generally, any substance in gaseous state.
Air (Priestley)
A gaseous substance which could not be liquified by cold.
Air, Dephlogisticated
Oxygen (O2).
Air, Fixed
Carbon Dioxide (CO2).
Air, Hepatic
Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S).
Air, Inflammable
Hydrogen (H2).
Air, Marine Acid
Hydrogen Chloride (HCl).
Air, Mephitic
Carbon Dioxide (CO2).
Air, Phlogisticated
Nitrogen (N2).
6
Air, Vital
Oxygen (O2).
Air of Flour Spar
Hydrofluoric Acid, HF, gas (usually with Silicon Fluoride).
Air of Vitriol
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2).
Alaunerde
Alumina (Al2O3).
Alcali Volatil
Ammonium Hydroxide.
Alcohol Sulphuris
Carbon Disulfide, CS2; not an alcohol at all, but a volatile liquid that
contains Sulfur.
Alcohol
Usually spirit of wine (CH3CH2OH) (sometimes any very fine powder).

Alembic
A type of distillation apparatus.
Alembroth, Salt of
A double Chloride of Mercury and Ammonium, Hg2(NH4)2Cl4.H2O; See
Alexipharmic
A remedy or preservative against poison.
Algaroth, Powder of
Antimony Oxychloride, SbOCl, an emetic named after its inventor, a
Vittorio Algarotti.
Alicant Kelp
Crude Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3).
Alizarin
1,2-Dihydroxyanthraquinone, C14H8O4, a red dye long extracted from
Rubia tinctorium (madder), synthetically prepared from Anthracene in the
19th century.
Alizarin , Black
Naphtharazine, 5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, C10H6O4, a black dye.
Alizarin , Blue (Anthracene blue)
A Dihydroxyanthraquinone Quinoline, C17H9O4.
Alizarin , Bordeaux (Brown)
1,2,3-trihydroxyanthraquinone, C14H8O5, a dye derived from
anthraquinone
Alizarin , Red
Alizarin Sodium Sulfonate, NaC14H7O7S, the Sodium Salt of the Sulfonic
Acid of Alizarin; an acid-base indicator that changes from red to yellow
as the pH is raised through 5.5
7
Alizarin , Yellow
Sodium p-Nitraniline Salicylate, C13H10NO5, an acid-base indicator that
changes from yellow to purple as the pH is raised through 11.1
Alk. Min. Vitriol
Sodium Sulphate (Na2SO4).
Alkahest
An alchmeical term invented by Paracelsus to denote a universal solvent.
Alkahest Glauber
See Fixed vegetable alkali (K2CO3)
Alkahest of Reapour
See fixed vegetable alkali (K2CO3)
Alkahest of Van Helmot (Glauber's Alkahest)
concentrated Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3)
Alkalescent
Any substance which is slightly alkaline or turning alkaline

Alkali, Caustic
Hydroxides (OH¯).
Alkali, Common Mineral
Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3 . 10H2O)
Alkali, Concrete Volatile
Ammonium Carbonate (NH4)2CO3)
Alkali, Fossil
Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3)
Alkali, Marine
Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3)
Alkali, Mild
Carbonates (CO32¯)
Alkali, Vegetable, Fixed
Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3)
Alkali, Vegetable, Mild
Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3)
Alkali, Volatile
Ammonia (NH3)
Alkali of Soda
Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3)
Alkali of Tartar
Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3)
Alkali of Wine Lees
Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3)
Alkali Veg. Saltium
Potassium Chloride (KCl)
8
Alkali Veg. Vitriolat
Potassium sulphate (K2SO4)
Alkaline Air (Priestly)
Ammonia gas (NH3)
Alkalized Nitre
See fixed nitre
Allay
Alloy
Allonge
See Adopters
Alterant
Anything which alters of changes the state of another
Aludels
A unit of a mutiple-head, earthenware distilling apparatus. Usually used
for sublimations.

Alum
Potassium Aluminum Sulfate, KAl(SO4)2.12H2O; more recently the term
also includes salts in which Sodium or Ammonium substitute for
Potassium.
Alum
Mixed double salts of Aluminum Sulphate with Potassium, Sodium, or
Ammonium Sulfate. (Potassium salt, when pure, was most commonly
called "Alum."). (Al2(SO4)3 . K2SO4 . 24H2O); (Al2(SO4)3 . (NH4)2SO4 .
24H2O); (Al2(SO4)3 . Na2SO4 . 24H2O).
Alumen
Aluminum Sulphate (Al2(SO4)3.
Alumen Ustum (Burnt Alum)
alum dehydrated by heating
Alumina
Aluminum Hydroxide. (Al(OH)3
Amalgam
Any Mercury alloy
Ammoniacal Nitre
Ammonium Nitrate (NH4NO3)
Ammonium Fixatum (Fixed Ammoniac)
The residue on heating sal ammoniac with lime, i. e., Calcium Chloride
(CuCl2)
Ammonium Nitrosum
Ammonium Nitrate (NH4NO3)

9
Amyl
Derives from amylum, starch. Some terms (amylase, amylose, amylo-
pectin) are still directly related to starch. The following terms come from
starch-derived amyl alcohols.
Amyl
A pentyl radical or substituent, C5H11-.
Amylene
Pentene, C5H10, usually 1-pentene or 2-pentene; isoamylene is one of the
isomers of 2-methyl-2-butene.
Amyl Hydrate
An Amyl (i.e., pentyl) alcohol
Aniline Purple
Mauvein, C27H24N4, the first aniline dye, 1856 (Perkin's mauve).
Animal Alkali
Ammonium Carbonate [(NH4)2CO3]
Anodyne
A medicine or drug which alleviates pain.

Antichlor
Hydrated Sodium Thiosulfate (Na2S2O3)
Antimonial Caustic
Antimony Trichloride (SbCl3)
Antimonium Diaphoreticum
Mixture of Antimony Oxide and Potassium Antimoniate (Sb2O3; KSbO3)
Antimony
Antimony Sulfide (Sb2S3) (pre-18th. century). Pure Antimony was called
"regulus of antimony."
Antimony
From latin "antimonium" used by Constantinius Africanus (c. 1050) to
refer to Stibnite.
Antimony Black
Antimony Trisulfide. Antimony (III) Sulfide, Sb2S3, a grey-black powder.
Antimony Bloom, White
Antimony Trioxide. Antimony (III) oxide, Sb2O3.
Antimony Glance
Antimony Trisulfide. Stibnite, a native Antimony (III) Sulfide.
Antimony Red
Antimony Oxysulfide.
Antimony Vermilion, (Red, Flowers)
Antimony Oxysulfide. Antimony (III) Oxysulfide, Sb2O3.Sb2S3,
containing some SbOS2.

10
Antizeumic
Opposed to fermentation
Apothecary Measures, Dram (Drachm)
Unit of weight equal to 3.888 g.
Apothecary Measures, Fluid Dram (Drachm)
Unit of volume equal to 3.55 mL (60 minims).
Apothecary Measures, Minim
Unit of volume equal to 0.0616 mL
Apothecary Measures, Pound (Libra) Troy
Unit of weight equal to 373.2 g
Apothecary Measures, Scruple
Unit of weight equal to 1.296 g.
Aqua
Literally water (Latin). In addition to terms denoting a condition or source
of water (such as aqua tepida, warm water, or aqua nivialis, water from
snow), some aqua terms denote aqueous solutions.
Aqua Fortis
Concentrated Nitric Acid (HNO3). Literally "strong water".

Aqua Phaganeda or Phagadenica

A mixture of corrosive sublimate and limewater
Aqua Regia
Literally "Water of the King" or "Royal Water". A mixture of Nitric Acid,
HNO3 and Hydrochloric Acid, HCl capable of dissolving the "Royal
Metal" gold. Various proportions were used, depending on the material to
be dissolved. Commonly, more Nitric Acid than Hydrochloric Acid was
employed.
Aqua Secunda
Dilute Nitric Acid , often used for cleaning metals and minerals.
Aqua Tofani
Arsenious Oxide. Extremely poisonous. Used by Paracelsus.
Aqua Vitae
Literally, "Water of Life"; concentrated Aqueous Ethanol, C 2H5OH,
typically prepared by distilling wine [Arnald of Villanova] (Spirit of
Wine)
Ardent Spirit
Ethyl Alcohol obtained after repeated distillations (CH3CH2OH)
Argentum
Latin for Silver hence the symbol Ag; argentum vivum, literally "Living
Silver", is native Mercury [Pliny]
Argillaceous Earth
Clay
11
Arnaudon's Green, (Plessy's Green)
Chromium (III) Phosphate, CrPO4, a green pigment.
Aromatic Oil
Any "oil" with a sweet or exotic odor. Often an essential oil.
Arsenic
Arsenic Trioxide (As2O3)
Arsenic, Red
Arsenic (II) sulfide, As2S2
Arsenic, White
Arsenic (III) oxide, As2O3.
Arsenical Sal Ammoniac
Ammonium Arsenate (NH4)HAsO4.
Ash, Black
Impure Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3).
Ash, Pearl
See Pearl Ash
Ash, Pot
See potash

Ashes of Tin
Stannic Oxide (SnO2)
Assay
A quantitative determination of the metal in an ore or alloy
Astrum Lunare Microcosmicum (Phosphorus, Phospheros, Fosperus)
Elemental Phosphorous (P)
Atom
Does not necessarily correspond to the modern picture of the ultimate
particle of an element. Dalton, for example, meant something more along
the lines of "ultimate particle of a substance"; to him the smallest unit of a
chemical compound was a compound atom (molecule in modern
terminology), while the smallest particle of a chemical element was a
simple atom (now just atom, although several of Dalton's simple atoms
turned out to be molecules of elements, such as O2). (See Molecule)
Atramentum
Ferrous Sulfate (FeSO4)
Attrition
The action of rubbing one body against another; mutual friction.
Auripigmentum
Arsenic trisulfide (As2S3)

12
Aurum
Latin for Gold, hence the symbol Au; aurum fulminans (fulminating
gold): gold hydrazide, AuHNNH2, an olive-green powder that can
explode on concussion
Aurum Fulminans
An explosive gold compound prepared from gold dissoled in "Aqua
Regia" and a solution of Ammonium Carbonate. The exact formula is still
in doubt.
Avolation
Evaporation,escape, act of "flying away."
Azote, Asotic Air
Nitrogen (N2) (Phlogisticated Air; see also Mephitic Air), named because
it did not support respiration and was therefore "lifeless". Azote is still the
French word for this element.
Azure
A blue pigment from cobalt
Azurite
Basic Copper (cubric) Carbonate (2CuCO3 . Cu(OH)2

B
Baker's Salt
Ammonium Carbonate, (NH4)2CO3.
Baking Soda
Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3)
Balloons
Vessels used to receive condensation products in distillation.
Balneum Mariae
The water bath used for heating more delicate materials such as animal
and vegetable matter.
Balsam
Light oily aromatic extracts from trees which cure into resins.
Barilla
Impure soda extracted from soap-wort (impure Sodium Carbonate,
Na2CO3)
Barite, Baryte(s)
Barium Sulfate (BaSO4)
Barium White
Barium Sulfate, BaSO4.
Baryta, Barytes

13
 Barium Oxide (BaO) Used for the earth from which Barium was
eventually isolated, namely Barium Oxide, BaO. [Dalton, Lavoisier,
Ramsay, et al.]. Barytes can also refer to barite, a Barium Sulfate (BaSO4)
mineral also known as heavy spar. Baryta can also refer to Barium
Hydroxide (caustic baryta) or its hydrate. Barytium is an older name for
Barium .
Basis or Base
Any substance "A" which (1) is dissolved by substance "B"; (2) receives
"B" and "fixes" it; (3) forms a compound of "B."
Bath Metal
A 4:1 alloy of Copper and Zinc, respectively.
Bay Salt
Sodium Chloride (NaCl).
Beak
A tube, usually tapered, attached to a vessel to allow the exit of its
contents.
Benzine
Ligroin or Petroleum Ether; sometimes Benzene, C6H6

Berlin Blue
Ferric Ferrocyanide (Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3.
Berlin Green
Ferric Ferricyanide (Fe[Fe(CN)6].
Berthollet's Salt
Potassium Chlorate (KClO3).
Bezoardicum Minerale
See Bezoar Mineral.
Bezoar (Bezoar Stone, Bezoardicum Minerale)
A counter-poison or antidote, especially a stony calculus from an animal's
stomach.
Bezoar Mineral
Antimonic Acid (H3SbO4).
Bismuth Corne
Bismuth Oxychloride (BiOCl).
Bitter Cathartic Salt
Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO4).
Bitter Earth
Magnesium Oxide or Carbonate (MgO; MgCO3).
Bittern
Liquor remaining after salt-boiling; a solution containing Magnesium
salts and bromides from the preparation of salt from sea-water by
evaporation.
14
Bitter Salt
Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4 . 7H2)
Bitter Spar
"Dolomite" -Calcium and Magnesium Carbonate (CaCO3 . MgCO3).
Bitumens
An amorphous grouping of resinous and petroleum products: crude oil,
amber, asphaltum, coal.
Black Ash
Impure Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3) mixed with unburnt Carbon (hence
"black") and incombustible mineral residue.
Black Copper
Copper Sulfide (CuS).
Black Flux
A mixed product from the deflagration of charcoal, metal filings, nitre,
and excess tartar.
Black Jack
See Blend.
Black Lead
Natural graphite of the sort used in pencils.
Black Wad
Manganese Dioxide.
Bleaching Powder
Formed by passing Chlorine Gas (Cl2) over dry Calcium Hydroxide
Ca(OH)2, hence also called Chlorinated. When dry the substance is
mainly Calcium Oxychloride, CaOCl2; after absorbing moisture, it
becomes a mixture of Calcium Chloride, CaCl2 and Calcium
Hypochlorite, Ca(OCl)2.
Blend
A mineral which looks very much like galena (PbS) and thus sometimes
called "false galena." Now known as sphalerite. Primarily Zinc Sulfide
(ZnS).
Blind Head
The top portion of a distilling apparatus which is not equipped with a beak
or spout.
Blue Copperas
Copper Sulfate.
Blue Salts
Nickel Sulfate
Blue Stone
A native crystalline Copper Sulfate, CuSO4.5H2O.
Blue Vitriol or Bluestone
Cupric Sulfate (CuSO4)
15
Bole, or Bolar Earth
Clays which adhere to the tongue when applied dry and which are colored
yellow and red by a ferruginous (Iron Oxide) earth.
Bone Ash
Impure Calcium Carbonate. (CaCO3). Also an impure Calcium Phosphate,
Ca3(PO4)2
Bone Black
Animal charcoal prepared from bones and blood charcoal.
Borax
Sodium Tetraborate (Na2B407 . 10H2O).
Brass
An alloy of Copper and Zinc.
Braustein
Manganese Dioxide (MnO2).
Brevium
An isotope of Protactinium produced in Uranium decay, namely 234Pa
(half-life = 1.6 min) [Fajans 1913] (Yes, Yes, I Know. It doesn't belong in
this section.)

Brimstone
(from German Brennstein "burning stone") Sulphur (S).
Bromcresol Green
C21H14Br4O5S, an acid-base indicator that changes from yellow to blue as
the pH is raised through 5
Bromcresol Purple
C21H16Br2O5S, an acid-base indicator that changes from yellow to purple
as the pH is raised through 6
Bromphenol Blue
Tetrabromophenolsulphonphthalein, C19H10Br4O5S, an acid-base indicator
that changes color from yellow to blue as the pH rises through 3.8
Bromphenol Red
Dibromophenolsulphonphthalein, C19H12Br2O5S, an acid-base indicator
that changes color from yellow to red as the pH rises through 6.5
Bromthymol Blue
Dibromothymolsulfonphthalein, C27H38Br2O5S, an acid-base indicator that
changes from yellow to blue as the pH rises through 6.8.
Bronze
An alloy of Copper and Tin.
Brunswick Green
A basic Copper Oxychloride, CuOCl.Cu(OH)2, or a green Copper
Carbonate.

16
Buddling Dish
A flat pan or vat used in washing ores.
Burning Spirit of Saturn
Impure Acetone (CH3COCH3).
Burnt Alum
Exsiccated Alum (AIK (SO4)2. Product of heating Potassium Alum.
Burnt Lime
See Quicklime.
Butter of Antimony
Deliquescent white crystalline Antimony Trichloride (SbCl3). Made by
Basil Valentine by distilling roasted stibnite with corrosive sublimate.
Glauber later prepared it by dissolving stibnite in hot concentrated
Hydrochloric Acid and distilling.
Butter of Arsenic
Arsenic Trichloride (AsCl3); Arsenic III Chloride
Butter of Tin
Hydrated Stannic Chloride, SnCl4.5H2O + 1/2 its weight in water.
Butter of Zinc
Zinc Chloride (ZnCl2) + 1/4 its weight in water.
Butyrum Antimonii
See Butter of Antimony.

Cadet's Fumming Liquid (Cadet's Lequid)

A heavy brown liquid first prepared by the French chemist Louis Claude
Cadet de Gassicort. Cadet's liquid is highly toxic, smells strongly of
garlic, and spontaneously bursts into flame when exposed to air. It is
mainly Cacodyl Oxide, ((CH3)2As)2O, with other Cacodyl compounds
such as Dicacodyl, ((CH3)2As)2). Berzelius coined the name Kakodyl
(later changed to Cacodyl) for the Dimethylarsinyl Radical, (CH3)2As,
from the Greek Kakodes (evil-smelling) and Hyle (matter).
Cadmia (Cadmia Fornacea, Cadmia Fornacum )
A term used for various forms of several substances, including Cobalt.
Minerals containing Carbonates of Zinc and various compounds of Iron,
among other things, were often called cadmia or "calamine." It was also
called Tuttia or Tutty. An older name for the common zinc ore Calamine;
also applied to a sublimed Zinc Oxide and to a Cobalt Ore. (The element
now called Cadmium is often found associated with Zinc.) [Agricola]
17
Calamine
In its purest form, Zinc Carbonate (ZnCO3). Two ores of Zinc were
known by this name: Zinc Carbonate (ZnCO3, also known as Smithsonite)
and Hydrous Zinc Silicate (Zn2SiO4.H2O). They were distinguished by
Smithson in 1802, but the term continued to be applied to both ores. The
Silicate was sometimes distinguished as siliceous or electric calamine.
calamine
Calamy (Calamine)
Zinc Carbonate (ZnCO3), sometimes (Zn2SiO4 . H2O).
Calcareous Earth
Calcium Oxide, CaO
Calcareous Earth, Caustic
Calcium Hydroxide, Ca(OH)2
Calcareous Earth, Mild
Usually chalk (CaCO3). Also possible magnesia and/or alumina and/or
barytes. Also lime.
Calcarium Potentiale
Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3).
Calcic Liver of Sulfur
Calcium Sulfide (CaS).

Calcination
The action of fire on mineral substances in which the reactants (a) often
lose a noticeable amount of weight, (b) acquire
a white color, (c) become friable (easily crumbled or pulverized). Almost
always, a very high heat is employed. Formation of a Calx, i.e., oxidation
of a metal, often by roasting.
Calcined Metals
Oxides.
Calcite
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
Callus
Any hard formation on the surface of a liquid or another solid.
Calomel
Mercurous Chloride (Hg2Cl2) Also known as Mercury (I) Chloride.
Purgative, made by subliming a mixture of Mercuric Chloride and
metallic Mercury, triturated in a mortar. This was heated in a iron pot, a
crust of calomel formed on the lid which was ground to powder and
boiled with water to remove the very poisonous Mercuric Chloride.
Caloric
a postulated Elastic Fluid associated with heat.

18
Calx
Plural Calces. Any powder obtained by strongly heating a substance in
air. Almost always a Metal Oxide (Earth), the result of roasting a metal or
mineral. Sometimes used for a particular calx, namely Lime.
Calx Acetosell
Calcium Oxalate (CaC2O4)
Calx Aerata
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
Calx Citrata
Calcium Citrate (Ca3(C6H5C7)2. 4 H2O).
Calx Molybdaenata
Calcium Molybdate (CaMoO4)
Calx of Antimony
Antimony Trioxide (Sb2O3)
Calx of Gold
Not a true compound, but small discolored pieces of gold formed after
exposure to relatively high heat.
Calx of Stone
Calcium Oxide (CaO).
Calx Plumbi Aerata
See White Lead.
Calx Saccharata
Calcium Oxalate (CaC2O4).
Calx Tartarisata
Calcium Tartrate (CaC4H4O6. 4H2O).
Calx Viva
Quicklime (CaO).
Camphire (Camphora, Canfora, Etc.)
See Camphor.
Camphor
An aromatic extract from the sap of certain trees found in Brazil and the
Far East.
Caput Mortum
Most commonly signifies any solid residue remaining after dry
distillation. Sometimes used for Ferric Oxide (Fe2O3)
Carbolic Acid
Phenol, C6H5OH.
Carbonate of Lime
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3).
Carbonic Acid
Formerly referred to Carbon Dioxide (CO2). (Fixed Air)

19
Carbonic Oxide
Carbon Monoxide (CO).
Carburetted Hydrogen Gas
Methane (CH4)
Caro's Acid
Permonosulfuric acid (i.e., Peroxymonosulfuric acid), H2SO5, first
prepared by Heinrich Caro in 1898.
Cassel Yellow
Lead Oxychloride, PbCl2.2PbO (Mineral Yellow).
Cassiopeium
Auer von Welsbach's name for lutetium, Lu.
Cathartic Salt of Glauber
Sodium Sulphate (Na2SO4).
Cathode Rays
Sometimes Kathode Rays in 19th century English translations: streams
of electrons issuing from the cathode of an evacuated tube. They were
identified as what are now called electrons late in the 19th century.
Hydroxides.
Caustic Alkalis
Hydroxides (-OH¯).
Caustic Baryta
Barium Hydroxide (Ba (OH)2. 8H2O).
Caustic Calcareous Earth
Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2).
Caustic Ley (Caustic Lees, Etc.)
See Caustic Lye.
Caustic Lye
Since "lye" had several meanings, this phrase was often used to refer
specifically to the three strong mineral (NaOH, KOH, and NH4OH) bases
and usually meant Potassium Hydroxide (KOH).
Caustic Ponderous Earth
Hydrated Barium Hydroxide (Ba (OH)2 . 8H2O).
Caustic Marine Alkali
See Caustic Soda. Sodium hydroxide. Made by adding lime to natron.
Caustic Soda
Sodium hydroxide. Made by adding lime to natron.
Caustic Volatile Alkali
Ammonium Hydroxide.
Caustic Wood Alkali
Caustic potash. Potassium Hydroxide. Made by adding lime to potash.
Causticuni antimoniale
Probably Antimony Trichloride (SbCl3)
20
Cawk
Barium Sulphate (BaSO4)
Celsius Scale
Temperature scale devised in the early 18th century by a certain Elvius
from Sweden (1710), a Christian of Lyons (1743), and the botanist
Linnaeus (1740), apparently independently. Temperatures on this scale
are denoted by °C. The normal freezing point of water is 0°C and the
normal boiling point of water is 100°C. The scale was named after Anders
Celsius who proposed a similar scale in 1742, but designating the freezing
point to be 100 and the boiling point to be 0. The scale is sometimes also
called the Centigrade scale.
Cementation
Any process by which a solid is caused to penetrate and combine with
another substance.
Cendres Gravellees
Potassium Carbonate (K2CO2).
Cerusa (Ceruse) (Cerussa) (See white lead)
Cerusse Antimony
White Antimony Trioxide (Sb2O3).
Chalk
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3). Acid of chalk is Carbon Dioxide, CO2
Chalybeate (Water)
Any water which is impregnated or flavored with Iron.
Chalybs cum Sulphure Preparatus
Ferrous Sulfide (FeS).
Chalybs Tartar (Tartarified Iron)
A substance produced by the action of Cream of Tartar on Iron filling.
Probably (FeC4H4O6).
Chamber Crystals
Nitrosyl Sulfate, NO.HSO4, formed in lead chambers of sulfuric acid
manufacture.
Chile Nitre
Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3)
Chile Saltpeter
Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3)
Chrome Green
Mixture of Chromic Oxide, Cr2O3, and Cobalt Oxide.
Chrome Orange
Mixture of chrome yellow and chrome red.
Chrome Red
Basic Lead Chromate, PbCrO4.PbO.
Chrome Yellow (Paris Yellow, Leipzig Yellow)
21
 Lead Chromate, PbCrO4.
Chromic Acid
Chromium Trioxide, Chromium (VI) oxide, CrO3, or its formal hydrate,
H2CrO4
Chymical
Sometimes the modern term alchemical is more accurate than chemical.
Similarly chymist often means alchemist.
Chymists Spirit
Any solution of Ammonia (NH4OH).
Cineres Clavellati
Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3).
Cinnabar or Vermillion
Mercuric Sulfide (HgS).
Cinnabar of Antimony
Mercuric Sulphide (HgS), when produced by heating together Mercuric
Chloride and crude Antimony (Antimony Trisulfide).
Circulation
Cyclic distillation or refluxing.
Citrated Alkalies
Citrates.

Clays
Any stiff but malleable and sticky mineral solid.

Clyssus
Any vapors from the detonation of nitre with other substances which have
been condensed and collected, as in clyssus of Sulphur.
Coagulation
Reducing fluids to solid form.
Coagulum
A precipitate.
Cobalt
Cobalt ore. Pure Cobalt was regulus of cobalt (CoAsS). Named by the
copper miners of the Hartz Mountains after the evil spirits the "kobolds"
which gave a false copper ore.
Cobalt, Black
A native, earthy Cobalt
Cobalt, Blue
A pigment containing Cobalt (II) Oxide, CoO; Zinc Oxide, ZnO; and
chalcedony, an amorphous quartz, SiO2.

22
Cobalt, Green
A green pigment, solid solution of Cobalt (II) and Zinc Oxides, CoO and
ZnO
Cobalt, Red
Erythrite, a native Cobalt Arsenate, Co3(AsO4)2.8H2O
Cobalt, Violet
Cobalt (II) Phosphate, Co3(PO4)2.2H2O, a pigment in oil paints.
Cobalt, Yellow
Cobalt (III) Potassium Nitrite, K3Co(NO2)6.xH2O
Cochineal
A scarlet dye made from the insect Coccus cacti, native to Mexico and
Central America.
Coction
Any process in which heat was applied over a long period. This term
usually implied less strenuous applications of heat than calcination, but it
was used more broadly than decoction.
Cohobation
Repeated distillations, or any cyclic process in which a liquid is vaporized
and condensed as, for example, in refluxing.
Colcothars
Any colorless Sulfates (Vitriols) in which the water of hydration was
removed (-SO4).

Colcothar
Ferric Oxide (Fe2O3), by-product from Sulfuric Acid, H2SO4 manufacture
(Paris red)

Colcothar Vitrioli
Red Oxide of Iron (Fe2O3 . FeO) produced by heating Green Vitriol.
Collature
Filtration through a relatively coarse filter, e.g., a hair sieve, woolen cloth,
etc.
Colophony
A resinous substance from distillation of light oil from turpentine.
Columbium
An older name for Niobium, Nb
Common Ammoniac
Ammonium Chloride (NH4Cl).
Common Caustic
Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) or, less often, Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH).
Common Magnesia
Magnesium Carbonate (MgCO3).
23
Common Mineral Alkali
Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3).
Common Nitre (Saltpeter)
Potassium Nitrate (KNO3).
Common Salt
Sodium Chloride (NaCl).
Concentration
Any process in which the solute/solvent ratio is increased. Less often, this
term was used to describe the separation of
a substance A from a substance B joining it to a third substance, C.
Concreted
Solidified, congealed, coagulated, or (as verb) to unite, combine
physically, as in solidity. Very rarely used for chemical combinations.
Concrete Volatile Alkali
Ammonium Carbonate ((NH4)2CO3).
Congo, Blue, (Diamine Blue, Niagara Blue, Trypan Blue)
C17H12N3O7S2Na2, A blue dye and antimalarial compound.
Congo, Red
C32H22N6O6S2Na2, a red azo dye and acid-base indicator that changes
from blue to red as the pH rises.
Congo Yellow
An orange-yellow dye, C24H18O4N5SNa
Copperas, See Vitriol.
Originally Blue Vitriol. Also Ferrous Sulfate (FeSO4 . 7H2O). Later
sometimes used for the entire class of Vitriols (Sulfates).
Copperas, Blue
Copper Sulfate, CuSO4
Copperas, Green
A native Iron (II) Sulfate, FeSO4.7H2O
Copperas, White
Coppiapite (native Fe4S5O18.H2O)
Copperas, Yellow
Zinc Sulfate, ZnSO4.
Copper Glance
Cuprous Sulphide ore.
Corneous (Horn) Lead
Lead Chloride (PbCl2).
Corning
Any process in which a whole or coarsely ground substance is granulated.
Cornu Cervi
Impure Ammonium Carbonate ((NH4)2CO3).

24
Corpuscle
Generally (and still) a small particle; in the late 19th and early 20th
centuries, a competing name for the electron.
Mercuric Chloride (HgCl2). First mentioned by Geber, who prepared it by
subliming Mercury, Calcined Green Vitriol, Common Salt and Nitre.
Corundum
Aluminum Oxide. (Al2O3)
Coruscate
To give off intermittent flashes of light, to sparkle.
Coupier's Blue
Azodiphenyl, C24H18N2, a blue dye.
Cream of Lime
Fine precipitate of Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) from water.
Cream of Tartar (Tartar)
Potassium Hydrogen Tartrate (KHC4H4O).
Creech
Calcium Sulfate (CaSO4).
Cremor
Any scum gathering at or near top of a liquid. Also, a thickening or
change in color or consistency on top or within a liquid.
Cresol, Purple
m-cresolsulfonphthalein, C21H18O5S, an acid-base indicator that changes
from red to yellow as the pH rises through 2.

Cresol, Red
o-cresolsulfonphthalein, C21H18O5S, an acid-base indicator that changes
from yellow to red as the pH rises through 8.
Creta Alba
Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate Dihydrate) (CaSO4 . 2H2O).
Crocus
Any solid of a saffron or reddish color, as in Crocus of Mars. A yellow or
reddish powdered calx (Oxide)
Crocus of Antimony (Antimonii, Metallorum)
An impure antimony oxysulfide
Crocus of Copper
Cuprous Oxide, Cu2O.
Crocus Martis
Ferric Oxide (Fe2O3).
Crocus of Iron
Ferric Oxide. Also referenced as Iron Sesquioxide or Iron Peroxide.
Crocus of Mars
Ferric Oxide.
25
Crocus Saturni
Red Lead (minium) (Pb3O4).
Crookes Tube
A highly exhausted electrical discharge tube, named for William Crookes,
who experimented with such tubes.
Crude Antimony
Natural Antimony Sulfide (Sb2S3).
Crude Flux
Nitre and tartar mixed in any proportion without detonation.
Crystalline Earths
Any solid which is (1) not attached in acids, (2) friable, (3) hard enough
to strike fire with steel.
Crystallized Alkali
Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3).
Crystallized Verdigris
Cupric Acetate (Cu(C2H3O2)2 . H2O).
Crystallized Volatile Alkali
Ammonium Carbonate (NH4)2CO3.
Crystallization
Any process in which crystals are formed from a liquid. Usually
accomplished through concentrating and/or cooling a solution.
Crystals of Copper
Mostly Copper Acetate (Cu(C2H3O2)2).
Crystals of Silver (Lunar Crystals)
Silver Nitrate, usually as a powder (AgNO3).
Crystals of Venus
Copper Acetate (Cu(C2H3O2)2).
Crystal Violet
Hexamethyl-p-rosaniline hydrochloride, C25H30N3Cl, an acid-base
indicator that changes from green to blue as the pH passes through 1.0.
Cubic Nitre
Crystallized Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3).
Cucurbit
The lower part of an alembic. Shorter, more squat and ovoid than a
matrass.
Cuprite
Red Cuprous Oxide ore.
Cyprian Vitriol
Copper Sulfate (CuSO4).

26
D

Damps

Any dangerous vapours in caves, mines etc.

Decantation
To a separate the supernatant liquid from a solid precipitate by pouring
the liquid off, being careful that all of the solid remains in the vessel.
Decoction
Continuous application of boiling heat to a reaction mixture.
Decompounded
Doubly compounded, or composed of three or more substances.
Decrepitation
Rapid physical decomposition of some crystals when heated.
Characterized by a crackling noise.
Deflagration
To cause a substance to burn rapidly, with flame.
Deliquescence
The property some crystalline substances have of dissolving
spontaneously in liquid absorbed from the air.
Deliquium
Change of salt from a solid to a fluid state by contact with air only.
Demi-Metal
See Semi-Metals
Dephlegmation
To remove water from a solution, usually one of an acid or alcohol. There
is a sense of purifying about the term, as opposed to simple concentration.
Dephlogisticated Acid of Salt
Chlorine (Cl2).
Dephlogisticated Air
Oxygen (O2).
Dephlogisticated Calx of Iron
Ferrous Oxide (Hydroxide) (FeO or Fe(OH)2).
Dephlogisticated Marine Acid
Chlorine (Cl2). (Oxymuriatic Acid).
Depuration
To free from impurities, purify.
Desquamation
The process of removing scaly crusts which form on a surface.
27
Detonation
Any rapid chemical reaction accompanied by noise and often heat and
light, e.g., explosions.
Diaphoretic
Any substance which induces perspiration when administered to a patient.
Diaphoretic Antimony
Mixture of a Antimony Oxide and Potassium Antimonate (Sb 2O3;
KSbO3).
Didymium
A mixture of Praseodymium, Pr, and Neodymium, Nd, believed to be an
element until 1885.
Digestion
The process in which heat is continuously applied to a substance without
boiling it (usually in open vessels).
Digestive Salt
Potassium Chloride (KCl).
Digestive Salt of Sylvius
Potassium Chloride (KCl).
Diminished Nitrous Air (Priestly)
Nitrous Oxide (N2O).
Distillation
A process in which all or some portion of a substance is vaporized and
then condensed and collected.
Distillation Per Ascensum
Distillation with the collecting vessel above the heated vessel.

Distillation Per Decensum

Any distillation where the collecting vessel is below the heated vessel.

Distillation Per Obliquium

Distillation in a retort used for substances of (a) relatively low vapor
pressure and (b) other properties that make distillation difficult, e.g.,
honey.
Distillation with Addition
Adding some substance prior to distillation that will aid the process by (1)
loosening the desired volatile product chemically from its compound; (2)
fixing the product not desired, thus retaining it in the vessel; (3) by adding
a volatile substance desired, thus making the fixed substance volatile
(addition of properties).
Diuretic Salt
Potassium Acetate (KC2H3O2).

28
Division
Any process in which mixtures are separated into their homogeneous
components by mechanical means.
Docimacy
Assaying
Dram, Drachm
Dry Way
Term used for all operations that are conducted without adding a liquid
medium. Reactions done through fusion, however, are still regarded in the
dry way.
Dulcification
Any process in which a caustic substance is rendered less corrosive.
Dutch Oil (Dutch Liquid, Oil of the Dutch Chemists)
Ethylene Chloride, C2H4Cl2, first prepared by the action of Chlorine on
Ethylene (hence Olefiant Gas) in 1794 by four Dutch chemists: Johann
Rudolph Deimann, Adrien Paets van Troostwyck, Anthoni
Lauwerenburgh and Nicolas Bondt.
Dutch White
Mixture of one part of White Lead to three of Barium Sulphate, (BaSO4).

Earth
Usually a Carbonate, Oxide or Hydroxide. Earths were originally
classified by physical properties as absorbent, crystalline, and dry, insipid,
not inflammable, fusible solids which often recovered their original
texture after fusion. A Metal Oxide (Calx).]
Earth, Calcareous, Caustic
Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2).
Earth, Mild Calcareous
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3).
Earth, Mild Magnesian
Magnesium Carbonate (MgCO3)
Earth, Silicous
Silica (SiO2)
Earth Rhubarb
Calcium Oxalate (CaC2O4)
Earthy Salts
Compound of acids and earths.
29
Eau Forte
(Strong Water) Usually concentrated Nitric Acid (HNO3), sometimes (1)
spirit of wine (Ethanol, CH3CH2OH), (2) Caustic Soda solution.
Ebullition
The agitating, bubbling action of a liquid that is undergoing rapid, active
boiling.
Edulcorated Quicksilver
Mercurous Chloride (Hg2Cl2)
Edulcoration
The washing of a solid (often a precipitate) with water to free it from
soluble impurities such as salts and acids. Because of the latter, there are
overtones of sweetening, purification, and softening with this term.
Elaeosaccharum
A mixture of an oil and sugar. Used to make oils soluble in water, wines,
spirits, etc.
Elastic Fluid
Usually a descriptive term for gas (Air); however, certain elastic fluids
were postulated that correspond to no actual material. A gas is an "elastic
fluid," elastic in that it is compressible in a reversible way and fluid in that
it flows.
Electuaries
Medicinals in the form of a paste or conserve.
Elixation
The action of boiling or stewing.
Elutriation
Separation and purification of a mixture of granular solids with water by (a)
decanting, (b) straining, or (c) washing.
Emanation
A radioactive gas (Radon) produced in the decay of other radioactive
elements. Specifically, Thorium Emanation (also Thoron) is 220Rn (half
life = 55 s) produced from the decay of Thorium; Radium Emanation is
222
Rn (half life = 3.8 d) produced from the decay of Radium; Actinium
Emanation (also Actinon) is 219Rn (half life = 4 s).
Emetic
Any substance that induces vomiting.
Emetic Powder
Potassium Antimonyl Tartrate (KSbC4H4O7 . (1/2) H2O)
Emplastrum Simplex
Impure Lead Oleate (Pb(C18H33O2)2)
Empyreumatic
Tasting or smelling or burnt organic matter.

30
Empyreumatic Oils
Liquid oils that (a) are acid, (b) are soluble, (c) do not retain the taste and
odor of the substance from which they are obtained, (d) have a taste
and/or odor of burnt organic matter.
Enfiladid Ballon
A spherical vessel with opposed, necked openings.
English Laxative Salt
Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4)
English Salt
See Bitter Salt
Ens Martis
A mixture probably consisting of Iron Chlorides and Ammonium
Chloride. Used as a medicine.
Ens Veneris
A mixture probably consisting of Copper Chlorides and Ammonium
Chloride. Used as a medicine.
Epsom Salts
Magnesium Sulfate, MgSO4.7H2O; See Bitter Salt.
Essay
See Assay
Essence
Any essential oil.
Essential Oil
Any oil that smells the same as the vegetable from which it was obtained
and has a low boiling point (below that of water)
Essential Oil of Turpentine
The most volatile portion of turpentine.
Etain de Glace
Bismuth (Bi)

Ether
In the 18th century, Alykyl Chlorides and Nitrates often were confused
with true ethers, such as Ethyl Ether (CH3CH2-O-CH2CH3).
Ether, Chemistry
Originally the name of a volatile compound resulting from the action of
an acid on alcohol. The current meaning is an organic compound whose
formula is ROR', where R and R' are alkyl or aryl groups; especially
Diethyl Ether, C2H5OC2H5. Some ethers in the older sense include: Acetic
Ether, (Ethyl Acetate, C2H5O2C2H3); Muratic Ether, (Ethyl Chloride,
C2H5C); Nitric Ether, (Ethyl Nitrate, C2H5NO3. Also referred to as

31
 Aether Nitri Nitrous Ether, (Ethyl Nitrite, C2H5NO2. Also referred to as
Spirit of Nitre); Sulfuric Ether, (Diethyl Ether, C2H5OC2H5
Ether, Physics (Aether, Luminiferous Ether)
A hypothetical Elastic Fluid postulated to support the transmission of
light.
Ether of Benzoin
Ehtyl Benzoate (C9H10O2)
Ether of Nitre
Mainly Ethyl Nitrite (C2H5NO2)
Ether of Vinegar
Ethyl Acetate (C4H10O2)
Ether of Vitriol
Ethyl Ether (C4H10O)
Ethiops Mineral, Aethiops Mineral
Mostly black Mercury (I) Sulfide (Hg2S).
Ethyl, Aethyle
The hydrocarbon radical C2H5-.
Ethyl Gas, Ethyl Gasoline
Leaded gasoline, i.e., gasoline including Tetraethyllead, (C2H5)4Pb, as an
additive.
Ethyl Red
According to Hackh's dictionary, C23H23N2, a Quinoline dye and acid-base
indicator that changes from colorless to red as the pH rises through 5.4;
current chemical catalogs say C17H19N3O2.
Euchlorine
Name given by Humphry Davy to a bright green gas he believed to be a
compound of Chlorine and Oxygen; in fact, it seems to have been mixture
of Chlorine Dioxide and Chlorine.
Evaporation
Any process in which the liquid portion of a solution or mixture is
vaporized, often with the help of heat.
Everitt's Salt
Potassium Ferrous Ferrocyanide, K2Fe[Fe(CN)6]
Exalt
To make more spiritous, volatile, or generally more active; activate.
Exsiccate
To dry; remove moisture.
Exhalation
When parts of substances are separated by heat from the solid and fly off
into the air. Used as a tool to obtain fixed parts as well as volatile parts.
This includes calcination, distillation, etc.

32
Expression
To separate a component from organic matter or any other solids or
semisolids by squeezing the material in a press. A mechanical rather than
chemical means of separation.
Extemporaneous Alkali
See white flux.
Extraction
To separate one substance from others by using solvents.
Extract of Lead
Impure Lead Acetate (Pb(C2H3O2)2).
Extract of Mars
Solid Ferrous Tartrate (FeC4H4O6).
Extravasation
The escape of an organic fluid (e.g., blood, sap) from its proper vessels
into surrounding tissues.

Fahrenheit Scale
The temperature scale devised in 1717 by D. G. Fahrenheit and denoted
by °F. The normal freezing point of water is 32°F and the normal boiling
point of water is 212°F.
Faints
The second identifiable, thin, and light liquid fraction from distillation.
Fearce
To pulverize or mascerate.
Febrifugal Salt
Potassium Sulphate (K2SO4).
Febrifugal Salt of Sylvius
Potassium Chloride (KCl).
Ferment
A substance actually fermenting, inclined to ferment, or used to cause
fermentation, e.g., yeast.
Ferro Prussiate
Potassium Ferricyanide.
Ferrum
Latin for Iron, hence the symbol Fe
33
Fetid Oil
Any oil substance that was empyreumatic, i.e., had the odor of burned
animal matter.
Filtration
To separate a liquid from a particulate solid by passing the liquid through
a porous material, e.g., cloth or paper.
Finery Cinder
Iron Oxide (Fe3O4).
Fire Air (Scheele)
Oxygen (O2).
Fixed Air
Carbon Dioxide (CO2). [aer fixus Scheele]
Fixed Alkali (Soda)
Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3).
Fixed Alkali Salt
Solid Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3).
Fixed Ammoniac (Fixed Sal Ammoniac)
Calcium Chloride (CaCl2).
Fixed Nitrate
Usually Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3); sometime Potassium Sulfate
(K2SO4).
Fixed Sulphur of Antimony
Oxides of Antimony, probably primarily the Trioxide (Sb 2O3) which
forms when Antimony Ore (Sb2S3) is heated in air. Antimony Calx.
Fixed Vegetable Alkali
Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3).
Fixity
The degree of solidity of a substance as measured by the ability of that
substance to resist the action of fire. The opposite of volatility.
Flores
See Flowers.
Flores ac Vitrum Antimony
Probably Antimony Trioxide (Sb2O3) with small amounts of Antimony
Trisulfide (Sb2S3).
Flores Antim
See Flowers of Antimony.
Flores Benzoini
Benzoic Acid (C6H5COOH).
Flores Martiales (Ens Veneris)
Impure Ammonium Chloride (NH4Cl). Also includes iron filing used in
the reaction, with possibly some Chlorides of Iron. Also Ferriammonium
Chloride, NH4FeCl4.
34
Flores Martis
Anhydrous Ferric chloride.

Flores Sulfurous
See Flowers of Sulfur.
Flores Viridis Aeris
Crystallized Cupric Acetate (Cu(C2H3O2)2).
Flores Zinc
See Flowers of Zinc.
Flowers (Flores)
Any solid, often an Oxide, product of sublimation. Usually a powder.
Flowers of Antimony
Antimony Trioxide (Sb2O3). Also referrenced as Antimony Oxysulfide,
Sb2O3.Sb2S3 (also called Antimony Red);
Flowers of Arsenic (White Arsenic)
Arsenious Oxide (As2O3). Also called Pompholix.
Flowers of Benjamin
See Flowers of Benzoin.
Flowers of Benzoin
Benzoic Acid (C6H5COOH).
Flowers of Phosphorus
Volatile Oxides of Phosphorous (P2O3; P2O5).
Flowers of Sulfur
Sublimed and condensed sulfur vapors (S). Light yellow crystalline
powder, made by distilling sulphur.
Flowers of Tin
Tin Oxide, SnO2 (Pompholix)
Flowers of Zinc
Volatile Zinc Oxide (ZnO). Also called Pompholix .
Fluor (as adjective)
Flowing, an adjective indicating that the substance cannot be made solid,
e.g., flour volatile alkali,; or, in referring to a mineral, a solid that is easily
fusible.
Fluor Acid Air
Silicon Fluoride (SiF4).
Fluorspar (Fluor Spar, Fluor)
Calcium Fluoride (CaF2). Fluor was originally applied to readily fusible
minerals, particularly those containing Fluorine, espeically Fluorite
(Calcium Fluoride, CaF2). Fluorspar for CaF2 dates to the late 18th
century; Fluorite to the 1860s.
Focus of a Furnace
That part of a furnace where the fuel is actually burned.
35
Foliated Earth of Tartar
Potassium Acetate (KC2H2O2).

Fossil
Any mineral substance.
Fossil Alkali
Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3).
Fossil Cadmia
A Cobalt mineral, probably Cobaltite (CoAsS).
Fossil Oil
Clear, distilled crude oil.
Frigorific
Having property of producing cold.
Focus
A substance which can act as a (usually opaque) surface coloring agent.
Fulginosity
Soot or any black deposit from flames of oily substances.
Fulminate
A compound containing the CNO- ion, named because such compounds
are explosive (from Latin, fulminare, to strike with lightning.
Fulminating Gold
Made by adding Ammonia to the Auric Hydroxide formed by
precipitation by potash from metallic Gold dissolved in Aqua Regis.
Highly explosive when dry.
Fulminating Silver
Silver Nitride, very explosive when dry. Made by dissolving Silver Oxide
in Ammonia.
Fulmination
Any very rapid reaction which produces heat, light, and noise; e.g.,
explosions.
Fuming Liquor of Boyle
Ammonium Polysulfide ((NH4)2Sy).
Fuming Liquor of Libavious
Stannic Chloride solution (SnCl4).

Funiculus
An invisible membrane postulated to hold up a column of mercury in the
Torricellian experiment [Linus].
Fusion
The changing a solid body to a liquid by the action of fire.

36
G

Galena
Lead sulfide (PbS). Plumbic sulphide. Chief ore of lead. The slag
remaining after refining lead.
Galley
A type of furnace in which several vessels are heated side by side
simultaneously.
Galls
Parasitic growths, commonly found on oaks, which, when dried, ground,
and dissolved were useful indicators for iron.
Gentle Calx of Lead
Lead Nitrate (Pb(NO3)2.
German Ash
Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3).
German Potash
Probably a mixture of Potassium Carbonate and Oxide.
German Vitriol
An ore with both Copper and Ferrous sulfates (CuSO4, FeSO4).
Galacial Oil of Antimony (Butter of Antimony)
Antimony Trichloride (SbCl3).
Glacial
Glass-like, crystallized. This usage persists in terms such as glacial Acetic
Acid and glacial Phosphoric Acid.
Glance
A mineral with a glassy appearance.
Glance, Antimony
Glance, Bismuth
Bismuthinite, Bi2S3
Glance, Iron
Hematite, Fe2S3
Glance, Nickel
A native arsenic sulfide, Ni2AsS.
Glance, Silver (See Silver Glance)
Glance, Tellurium
Nagyagite, a lead sulfotelluride that also contains gold and antimony.

37
Glass of a Substance
The fused form of the substance, especially if semitransparent.

Glass of Antimony
Antimony Oxysulfate (Sb2O2SO4). Prepared by fusion of Antimony
Sulfide, Antimony, and an Oxide of Antimony. Impure Antimony
Tetroxide, obtained by roasting Stibnite. Used as a yellow pigment for
glass and porcelain.
Glass of Borax
Fused borax.
Glass of Lead
Any fused lead compound (especially ceruse, minium, or litharge).
Glauber's Alkahest (Alkahest of Van Helmont)
Concentrated Potassium Carbonate solution (K2CO3(aq)).
Glauber's Sal Ammoniac
Ammonium Sulphate (NH4)2SO4).
Glauber's Salt (Sal Mirabilis)
("sal mirabile" - wonderful salt) Sodium Sulphate (Na2SO4.10H2O).
Named for Johann Glauber who prepared it.
Glauber's Spirit of Nitre
Fuming Mitric Acid (HNO3).
Globuli Martiales
Iron powder boiled in Cream of Tartar solution. Presumably contains
some Ferrous Tartrate (FeC4H4O6). A pharmaceutical preparation of Iron.
Glucinum (Glucinum)
Beryllium (Be).
Golden Spirit of Sulphur
Ammonium Sulphide ((NH4)2S).
Grain
Unit of mass. The English grain was equal to 1/7000 the mass of a pound
avoirdupois, or 0.0648 grams; the French grain was 1/9216 of a Livre or
about 0.0531 grams. For late 18th. century French system, see Livre.
Grain Alcohol
Ethanol or Ethyl Alcohol.
Grain Vitriol
Ferrous Sulfate.
Graves
The residue left after extracting oils from animal fat by means of heat and
moderate pressure.
Gravid
Heavy or dense.
Green Salt
38
 Uranium (IV) fluoride, UF4.
Green Vitriol (Vitriol of Mars)
Ferrous Sulfate (FeSO4).
Gros
Unit of mass in late 18th. century France; see Livre.
Grume(s) (Grumous)
(1) Viscous, clotty; (2) heap(s), clusters.
Guaic (Guyac, Guacium)
A tropical wood sometimes used for the resinous extract of that wood.
Gum
Resinous or musiloginous extracts from plants, shrubs, or trees.
Gum Acacia
Like gum arabic, but thought to be distinguishable from it; the dried
resinous exudation of certain varieties of the acacia tree.
Gum Arabic
The dried exudation of certain varieties of the acacia tree.
Gum Benzoin
The dried resin of the tree Styrax benzoin.
Gum Dragon
See Gum Tragacanth.
Gum Lac
Dark-red resionous incrustation produced in certain trees by the insect
Carteria lacca. When refined by certain processes it beomes "shell-lac" or
"shellac."
Gum Tragacanth (Gum Dragon)
Dried gummy exhudation of the tree Astragalus gummifer and related
speices.
Gypseous Earths
Used for both gypsum or the "earth" contained in it , i.e., Calcium Oxide.
Sometimes the Oxide was confused with Carbonate as the "earth" of
gypsum.
Gypseous Substances
Solid substances which (a) are not soluble in acids, (b) are not hard
enough to strike fire from steel, (c) when mixed with water may form a
paste which hardens into a solid, and (d) becomes powdery when exposed
to fire.
Gypsum
Calcium Sulfate Dihydrate (CaSO4 . 2H2O).

39
H

Halitus
Matter in a very subtile form, as a "vapor" or "exhalation." Like these, a
"halitus" was often hypothesized if a phenomenon was ascribed to
material causes, but no material could be detected by known means.
Hard Oil
Boiled Linseed Oil.
Hartshorn (Hart's Horn)
Ideally, the horn of the male European red deer, but the horns of other
deer species were acceptable substitutes.
Hartshorn Calcined to Whiteness
Hartshorn subjected to heat over a long period and developing into a
white substance.
Hartshorn Prepared Philosophically
Much like hart's horn calcined to whiteness, but usually with less heat and
for a longer period.
Head
The upper part of a distillation apparatus. Also, the bulb or other
enlargement at the end of a tube.
Heavy Carburetted Hydrogen
Ethylene (C2H4).
Heavy Earth
Barium Oxide (BaO). Also Barium Hydroxide and Barium Carbonate.
Heavy Inflammable Air
Used at various times for (a) Carbon Monoxide (CO), (b) water gas (a
mixture of H2 and CO), or (c) Methane (CH4).
Heavy Spar
Barium Sulfate (BaSO4).
Hellebore
A plant of the genus Helleborus. Usually Helleborus niger, the so-called
"Christmas rose." The poisonous extract was used in dilute preparations
as a medicinal in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Hemlock
The vulgar name for the poisonous plant Conium maculatum and/or its
extract.
Henna
The plant Lawsonia inermis. The dried and powdered shoots and leaves
were used as a dye or, with suitable medium, a cosmetic.
40
Hepar (Hepars)
This Latin word for liver referred to reddish-brown (i.e., liver-colored)
metal Sulfides (-S2¯).
Hepar Antimonii
Antimony Trisulfide (Sb2S3).
Hepar Calcis
Calcium Sulfide (CaS).
Hepar Sulphuris (Liver of Sulphur)
Produced by heating Potassium Carbonate with sulphur. Not a true
compound, it was a metastable mixture of Potassium Polysulfides and
Sulfate (K2S, K2S2, K2S3, K2S4, K2S5, K2SO4). Hepar Sulphuris was
synonym either for potassa sulphurata (a mixture of various compounds
of Potassium and Sulfur made by fusing Potassium Carbonate and Sulfur)
or, in homeopathic contexts, for Calcium Sulfide, CaS.
Hepatic Air
Hydrogen Sulfide gas (H2S).
Hessian Crucible
A type of crucible made in Hesse, Germany, of a mixture of native clay
and fine sand. Such crucibles were noted for being able to withstand
sudden changes in temperature.
Homberg's (Sedative) Salt
Boric Acid (H3BO3 (ortho); H2B4O7 (tetra)).
Homoiomereia, Doctrine of (Homogeneity)
The parts of a body are in all respects similar to the whole. According to
Democritus and the atomic school, after a certain number of sub-
divisions, the drop would be divided into a number of parts each of which
is incapable of further sub-division. We should thus, in imagination,
arrive at the atom, which, as its name literally signifies, cannot be cut in
two. This is the atomic doctrine of Democritus, Epicurus, and Lucretius.
According to Anaxagoras, on the other hand, the parts into which the drop
is divided, are in all respects similar to the whole drop, the mere size of a
body counting for nothing as regards the nature of its substance. Hence if
the whole drop is divisible, so are its parts down to the minutest sub-
divisions, and that without end.
Anaxagoras did not assert this of the parts of organised bodies such as
men and animals, but he maintained that those inorganic substances which
appear to us homogeneous are really so, and that the universal experience
of mankind testifies that every material body, without exception, is
divisible. The doctrine of atoms and that of homogeneity are thus in direct
contradiction.
Horn (Corneous) Lead
Lead Chloride (PbCl2).
41
Horn Mercury
Chloride of Mercury (HgCl2; Hg2Cl2).
Horn Silver (Luna Cornea)
Fused Silver Chloride (AgCl). Argentum Cornu, a glass like ore of Silver
Chloride.
Horn Tin
Stannous Chloride (SnCl2).
Hungarian Vitriol
Usually Ferrous Sulfate (FeSO4) but also used for Copper Sulfate
(CuSO4).
Hydrargyrum
Latin for Mercury, hence the symbol Hg
Hydromel
Mixture of honey and water, usually in equal proportions. Ferments into
"mead."
Iceland Spar (Calcite)
A particular crystal form of Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3).
Icy Butter
Antimony Chloride (SbCl3).
Igneous Fluid
a postulated Elastic Fluid sometimes used synonymously with Caloric
(matter of heat), sometimes with Phlogiston (matter of fire), and
sometimes as a substance with the postulated properties of both.
Illinium
Another name proposed for promethium, element 61.
Imbibition
To soak or saturate with a liquid.
Infernal Stone
An Alkali Hydroxide (NaOH, KOH). [Not to be confused with the French
term pierre infernale.]
Inflammable Air
Usually Hydrogen (H2), though the usage is not constant among Priestley,
Watt, Lavoisier, or Berthollet. Sometimes Carbon Monoxide (CO).
Inflammable Air from Metals
Hydrogen (H2).
Infusion
The extraction of chemical substances by soaking them in a solvent,
usually water. Sometimes boiling water was poured on a mixture of
substances and then allowed to cool in order to aid the extraction; but if
the heat were used, the temperature could not exceed that of boiling water.
Insolation
Digestion in which the heat was supplied by the sun rather than a furnace.
42
Inspissate
To thicken or condense.
Intermediate Salt of the Ley of Blood
Potassium Ferrocyanide (K4Fe(CH)6).
Intermediate Salts
Usually normal salts; occasionally acid salts.
Intermedium
Any reagent or reactant believed to be necessary for a reaction but which
does not always appear on the product.
Intumescence
The process of swelling up.
Ionium
An isotope of thorium produced in uranium decay, namely 230Th (half-life
= 80 kyr).
Ipecacuanha
A preparation from the root of the South American plant Cephaelis
Ipecacuanha.
Iron Ochre
A mixture of silica, clay, and various Oxides of Iron. In red ochre the
Oxide is simple Fe2O3; in yellow ochre it is Fe2O3.H2O.
Iron Vitriol
Ferrous Sulphate (FeSO4).
Isinglass
In the first half of the 18th. century a gelatinous substance extracted from
the air-bladders of certain fish. Later, a synonym for sheet mica.
Ivory-Black
A black pigment prepared by the calcination of ivory in a closed vessel.

Jalap
A powder from the dried roots of the Mexican plant Exogonium purga.
Used as a purgative.
James' Powder
A powder prepared by Dr. Robert James (1703-1776) that was used to
reduce fevers.
Japanning
The coating of an object with a very dark varnish. The original varnish
came from Japan, but substitutes were later found.
43
Jeweler's Etchant
3g. Silver Nitrate + 3g. Nitric Acid + 3g. Mercurous Nitrate + 100cc
water.
Jove (of Jove)
Tin, or some compound or alloy of Tin.
Jupiter
In astrological and alchemical thought, the seven heavenly bodies known
to the ancients were associated with Seven Metals also known in
antiquity. Jupiter was associated with Tin.

Kali
The plant Salsola kali or glasswort from which, oddly enough, "mineral"
alkali (Sodium Carbonate) was extracted by calcination. Also sometimes
used for crude Sodium Carbonate.
Kalium
Latin (and German) for Potassium, hence the symbol K.
Kaolin
A fine, white clay used in the manufacture of porcelain.
Kelp
Impure Soda (Na2CO3) from seaweed. In Britain, the term was sometimes
used for crude Sodium Carbonate from any source. Also ashes of seaweed
from which Carbonates or Iodine were extracted.
Kelvin Scale
An Absolute Temperature Scale (i.e., one in which absolute zero is
assigned the value zero) named after William Thomson, first (and last)
Baron Kelvin of Largs, who first proposed an absolute temperature scale.
One Kelvin (denoted simply K or sometimes in older sources °K) is the
same size as a Celsius degree, so the normal freezing point of water is
273.15 K and the normal boiling point is 373.15 K.
Kermes Mineral
A natural mixture of Antimony Oxide or a mixture obtained in the
laboratory by the actions of Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3) on Antimony
Sulphide.
Killed Spirits
Zinc Chloride.

44
King's Yellow
A mixture of orpiment with white Arsenic. Also a native yellow Arsenic
(III) Sulfide, As2S3 (Yellow Arsenic).
Kurrol's Salt
A Potassium pPhosphate, (KPO3)4, with ion-exchange properties.

L
Lac (Laque)
A relatively thick solution of a colorant or coating.
Lac Sulphuris
See milk or Sulphur.
Lapis
Latin for stone; also an alchemical term for non-volatile solids.
Lapis Calaminarus (Calamine)
Mineral form of Zinc Carbonate (ZnCO3)
Lapis Causticus
Fused Sodium or Potassium Hydroxide, NaOH, KOH.
Lapis Haematites
Hematite (Fe2O3)
Lapis Imperialis
Silver Nitrate, AgNO3.
Lapis Infernalis
Fixed vegetable alkali, I., Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3)
Lapis Lunaris
Fused Silver Nitrate, AgNO3.
Lapis Philosophorum
A mixture of fused Alum, Vitriol, Bolus, Cerussa, Camphor, Vinegar.
Lapis Ponderous
Calcium Tungstate (CaWO4)
Lapis Septicus
Potassium Hydroxide (KOH)
Lapis Serpentin
A mineral chiefly characterized by the presence of hydrous Magnesium
Silicate (Mg3Si2O5(OH)4)
Laque
See Lac.
Laudanum
Any medicinal preparation with opium as a primary ingredient.

45
Laughing Gas
Nitrous Oxide, N2O.
Lead Black
Graphite, an allotrope of Carbon.
Lead Fume
Lead Oxide obtained from the flues at lead smelters.
Lead-Glance
Lead sulphide (PbS)
Lead, Red
Lead Oxide, Pb3O4 (Minium, Paris Red).
Lead White
Basic Lead Carbonate, 2PbCO3.Pb(OH)2 (Ceruse).
Ley of (Ox-) Blood
The lixiviate from the residue produced by igniting blood with potashes.
Ley of Soapboilers
Potassium Hydroxide (KOH)
Libavius, Fuming Liquor of (Spiritus Fumans Libavii)
Tin Tetrachloride, SnCl4, which fumes because it is hydrolyzed by
moisture in the air to Stannic Oxide. First prepared at the beginning of the
17th. century by the German chemist Andreas Libavius. When mixed
with one-third of its weight of water, it forms a hydrate formerly called
Butter of Tin.
Libra (Pound) Troy
See Apothecary Measures.
Light Carburetted Hydrogen
Marsh gas or methane (CH4)
Light Inflammable Air
Hydrogen (H2)
Ligne
Unit of length in late 18th. century France.
Lignum Nephriticum
Two distinct woods were known as lignium nephriticum: (1) the small
Mexican tree or shrub Eysenhardtia polystacha and the large Philippine
tree Pterocarpus indica. In the 16th., 17th., and early 18th. centuries,
cups, powders, and dried extracts of this wood were thought to have a
great medicinal powers. The infusion was flourescent.
Lignum Vitae
"Tree of Life" The wood , and sometimes the resin, of several
semitropical trees, but most often referring to Guaiacum.
Limation
Filing on a metal piece to reduce it to filings. Sometimes used for simply
polishing an object.
46
Lime
Calcium Oxide (CaO). (Burnt Lime, Calcareous Earth, Quicklime)
Lime, Carbonate of
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3).
Lime, Chlorinated
See Bleaching Powder
Lime, Milk of
A suspension of calcium hydroxide.
Lime, Quick
Calcium Oxide (CaO)
Lime, Slaked
A caustic substance Calcium Hydroxide, Ca(OH)2, produced by heating
limestone. (Hydrated Lime, Caustic Calcareous Earth).
Limestone
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
Lime Water
A solution of Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) Also a saturated aqueous
solution of Calcium hHydroxide Ca(OH)2 (Liquor Calcis)
Liquescent (Salts)
See Deliquescence.
Liquor Fumans Boyle (Spiritus Fumans Boyle)
Ammonium Polysulphide ((NH4)S2; (NH4)2S5).
Liquor Fumans Libavh (Fuming Liquor of Libavius)
Stannic Chloride (SnCl4).
Liquor of Flints
See Liquor Silicum.
Liquor Hoffman
A mixture of Ethanol and Ether.
Liquor of Liravius
See smoking spirit of Libavius.
Liquor Silicum (Liquor of Flints)
A solution of Potassium Silicate (K2 SiO3). Sometimes Used for other
soluble Silcates.
Litharge
Yellow Lead (II) Oxide (PbO); Reddish-Yellow crystalline form of Lead
Monoxide, formed by fusing and powdering massicot.
Lithomarge
Soft, claylike substances, such as kaolin.

47
Litmus
A blue pigment, extracted from certain lichens. It is acid sensitive, turning
red in the presence of an acid. The red form turns blue again when a base
is added.
Liver of Antimony
Fused Antimony Sulfide (Sb2S3). Usually produced from the detonation of
equal parts of crude Antimony and Potassium Nitrate.
Liver of Arsenic
Fused mixture of Potassium Carbonate and (white) Arsenic. May have
contained some Potassium Arsenate.
Liver of Sulphur (Hepar Sulphuris)
Produced by heating Potassium Carbonate with Sulphur. Not a true
compund, it is a metastable mixture of Potassium Polysulfides and
Sulfate. (K2S, K2S2, K2S3, K2S4, K2S5, K2SO4). Complex of Polysulphides
of Potassium, made by fusing Potash and Sulphur. (melted Potassium
Carbonate + Sulfur).
Livre
Unit of mass in the late 18th. century France: 1 livre (Paris pound) = 16
onces; 1 once (Paris ounce) = 8 gros; 1 gros = 72 grains. In modern units,
the livre is equivalent to 489 grams or about 1.08 pounds in the "English"
system still commonly used in the United States.
Lixivial Salts
Salts prepared by lixiviations.
Lixiviate of Mars
Possibly a tincture of Iron, of which there were many different
preparations. Typically, these were solutions of salts of Iron to which
rectified spirit of wine (Ethanol, (CH3CH2OH) was added .
Lixiviation
Separation of soluble from unsoluble solid substances by soaking the
mixture of solids and removing the resulting solution which contained the
soluble material.
Lixivium
A solution produced by lixiviation. Sometimes used as a general synonym
for "Solution"
Lixivium of Tartar
A solution of Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3)
Load
Any ore.
Logwood
The American tree Haematoxylon campechionum, used in dying. It
produces dark shades: blacks, blues, and dark grays.
48
Lucillite
A variety of limestones.
Lunar Cornea
Fused Silver Chloride (AgCl). The soft colourless tough mass of Silver
Chloride, made by heating Horn Silver until it forms a dark yellow liquid
and then cooling. Described by Oswald Croll in 1608.
Lunar Caustic
Fused Silver Nitrate (AgNO3).
Lunar Crystals
Finely divided parts of Silver Nitrate (AgNO3). In preparing these crystals
great care was taken to use only the purest Silver and Nitric Acid
possible.
Lunar Nitre
Silver Nitrate (AgNO3).
Lye
Potassium Hydroxide solution, KOH.

Mageration
The softening and weakening of a solid sample, even to the point of
partial decomposition, by soaking it in a liquid.
Magisterium Tartari Vitriolati
Probably Potassium Sulfate (K2SO4).
Magistery of (any substance)
A precipitate of any substance, i.e., a pure form of the substance which
has been separated by precipitation.
Magistery of Bismuth
Basic Bismuth Nitrate (BiNO3 . H2O); sometimes the Oxide (BiO) or even
the Oxychloride (BiOCl).
Magistery of Coral
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3).
Magistery of Sulfur
Precipitated milk of Sulphur (S).
Magistry
Any substance prepared from the basic elements of the substance without
impurities. A magistry was supposed to be closer to the ideal for a
substance than was usual for real chemical preparations.
49
Magnesia
Magnesium Carbonate (MgCO3). [Modern Magnesia = Magnesium Oxide
(MgO)]. Some chemists called Magnesium (Mg) by the name Magnesia.

Magnesia Aerata
Magnesium Carbonate (MgCO3).
Magnesia Alba
Magnesium Carbonate (MgCO3). Literally "white magnesia" was a
hydrated Magnesium Carbonate, also known as mild Magnesian Earth.
4MgCO3.Mg(OH)2.5H2O was Magnesia Alba Levis, and
. .
MgCO3 Mg(OH)2 4H2O was Magnesia Alba Ponderosa.
Magnesia Nigra
Natural Manganese Dioxide (MnO2). Literally "Black Magnesia" was the
mineral pyrolusite, sometimes also called simply Magnesia or
Manganese. Eventually Manganese became the name of the metal present
in the mineral.
Magnesia Salita
Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2).
Magnium
Sir Humphry Davy's name for Magnesium (Mg), the metal obtained from
Magnesia Alba, proposed to avoid confusion with the metal found in
Magnesia Nigra.
Magnus Salt
Tetrammineplatinum Tetrachloroplatinate, Pt(NH3)4PtCl4, named after
Heinrich Gustav Magnus.
Malachite, Green
Pulverized Malachite, a basic Copper Carbonate mineral, (CuCO3 .
Cu(OH)2), used as a pigment; or a green Triphenylmethane dye,
C23H25N2Cl, also known as Victoria Green or Benzal Green, an acid-base
indicator that changes from yellow to blue-green as the pH is raised
through 1
Malic Acid
An acid extracted from apples and various other fruits. Pure Malic Acid is
C4H6O5.
Malt
Barley or other suitable grains after a preparation for brewing or distilling
that usually included soaking, germination, and drying.
Manganese
Manganese Dioxide (MnO2). Manganese as we know it was called Reglus
of Manganese.
Manganese, Black
50
 See Magnesia Nigra.
Manganese, Green
Barium Manganate, BaMnO4.

Manganese, Red
Rhodonite, MnSiO3, a Manganese Silicate mineral, or Rhodochrosite, a
Manganese Carbonate mineral, MnCO3.
Manna Mercurii
Mercurous Chloride (Hg2Cl2).
Marble
A hard, crystalline, mineral form of Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3).
Marcasita Plumbea
Antimony (Sb).
Marcasites
Minerals similar in appearance or properties to Iron Pyrites (FeS 2). Later,
a general term for Pyrites. Sometimes the term was used for Sulfides of
Arsenic (As2S2, As2S3, As2S5). Mineral form of Iron Disulphide. Oxidises
in moist air to Green Vitriol.
Marchpane
See Marzipan.
Marignac Salt
Potassium Tin (II) Sulfate, K2Sn(SO4)2, named for Jean de Marignac, who
is best known for atomic weight measurements.
Marine Acid
Hydrochloric Acid solution (HCl). (Spirit of Salt)
Marine Acid Air
Gaseous Hydrogen Chloride (HCl).
Marine Alkali
Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3).
Mariott's Law
Better known today as Boyle's Law, that the product of pressure and
volume of a gas is constant; named for Edme Mariotte, who discovered it
independently some time after Boyle. (P1V1 = P2V2)
Marl (Marle)
A loose soil of clays and Calcium Carbonate (CuCO3).
Mars (of Mars)
In astrological and alchemical thought, the seven heavenly bodies known
to the ancients were associated with Seven Metals also known in
antiquity. Mars was associated with Iron.
Marsh Gas
Methane (CH4).
51
Martial Balls
A mixture of Iron fillings (Fe) and Cream of Tartar (KHC4H4O6).
Martial Ethiops
Hydrated Ferrosoferric Oxide (Fe3O4 . xH2O).

Martial Extract
Concentrated tincture of mars. A concentrated solution, the chief
component of which may have been Ferrous Hydroxide (Fe(OH)2).
Martius Yellow
Yhe Calcium Salt of Naphthalene Yellow.

Marzipan
A confection of pounded almonds, sugar, and other ingredients.
Massicot
Yellow powder form of Lead Monoxide. PbO. Lead (II) Oxide, PbO.
Masurium, (Ma)
Another name proposed for technetium, element 43.
Matrass
A vessel with a round bottom and long, slender neck. Used as part of
several common types of distillation apparatus.
Menstruum
A solvent.
Mephitic (as adjective)
Noxious; poisonous or pestilential.
Mephitic Acid
Carbonic Acid (H2CO3).
Mephitic Air
Carbonic Acid (CO2).
Mercurius Calcinatus Per Se
Mercuric Oxide (HgO), prepared by the Calcination of Mercury. The
substance known as Precipitated Mercury Per Se or Red Precipitate] is the
same substance; however, because of its different preparation (by mixing
Mercury with Nitric Acid, evaporating, and heating the residual Mercuric
Nitrate), the identity was not at first realized.
Merc. Calcin. Nitrat
Mercuric Nitrate (Hg(NO3)2).
Mercurius Corrosivus
Mercuric Chloride HgCl2.
Mercuric Corrosivus Ruber
Mercuric Oxide (HgO).
Mercurius Dulcis (Calomel, Mercurious Sublimatus Dulcus, Mild Mercury)
Mercurous Chloride (Hg2Cl2).
52
Mercurius Praecipitatus Per Se
Red Mercuric Oxide (HgO). Described by Geber.
Mercurius Praecipitatus Ruber
Mercuric Oxide (HgO).

Mercurius Solubilis Hahnemanni

Mercuric Oxide (Hg2O).
Mercurius Sublimatus Dulcis (Calomel, Mercurius Dulcis, Mild Mercury)
Mercurous Chloride (Hg2Cl2).
Mercurius Sublimatus Rubeus non Corrosivas
Mercuric Oxide (HgO).

Mercurius Vitae
Mixture of Antimony Oxychloride and Antimony Oxides (Sb2O3; Sb2O4,
Sb2O5, SbOCl). In some contexts the term may mean just Antimony
Oxychloride (SbOCl).
Mercurius Vitae Antimonii
Mixture of Antimony Oxychloride and Antimony Oxide (Sb2O3; Sb2O5,
SbOCl).
Mercury
In astrological and alchemical thought, the seven heavenly bodies known
to the ancients were associated with Seven Metals also known in
antiquity. Mercury was associated with Mercury (Quicksilver,
hydrargyrum).
Mercury of Life
See Mercurius Vitae.
Mesothorium
There were two Mesothoriums produced in Thorium decay. Mesothorium
I is an isotope of Radium, namely 228Ra (half-life = 5.8 y); Mesothorium
II is an isotope of Actinium, namely 228Ac (half-life = 6 hr). See Table of
Isotopes.
Metallic Salt
Compound of a metal and an acid.
Metanil Yellow
The Sodium salt of 4'-Analine Azobenzenesulfonic Acid,
C12H10N3O3SNa, an acid-base indicator that changes from red to yellow as
the pH is raised through 1.8.
Methyl, Green
C25H30N3Cl, a Triphyenylmethane dye and acid-base indicator that
changes from yellow through blue-green to colorless as the pH is raised.
Methyl, Orange
53
 Sodium p-Dimethylaminobenzenesulfonate, C14H14O3N3SNa, an acid-
base indicator that changes from red to yellow as the pH is raised through
3.8.

Methyl, Red
o-Dimethylaminoazobenzenecarboxylic Acid, C15H15O2N3, an acid-base
indicator that changes from yellow to reddish purple as the pH is raised
through 4.5.
Methylene Blue
C16H18N3SCl.3H2O, a thiazine dye and redox indicator.

Miasma (Miasmata)
A noxious or infectious subtle material (e.g., a vapor or exhalation)
thought to be from decaying organic matter. Sometimes used for any
unseen poisonous or infectious substance.
Mica
A mixed mineral form composed mostly of Aluminum Silicate but with
silicates of other metals. Several complicated minerals are variously, and
in combination, referred to as mica; e.g., biotite K(Mg,
Fe)3AlFeSi3O10(OH, F)2.
Microcosmic Salt
An acid Sodium Ammonium Phosphate (NaNH4HPO4 . 4H2O), found in
blood and natural waters.
Mild Alkali
Alkalies which produce effervescence with acids; i.e., Carbonates (-
CO32¯)
Mild Calcareous Earth
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3).
Mild Magnesian Earth
Magnesium Carbonate (MgCO3).
Mild Mercury
Mercurous Chloride (Hg2Cl2).
Mild Vegetable Alkali
Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3).
Milk
Mineral "milks" or magmas are aqueous suspensions.
Milk of Barium
An aqueous suspension of Barium Hydroxide, Ba(OH)2.
Milk of Bismuth
An aqueous suspension of basic Bismuth Nitrates, Bi(OH) 2NO3 and/or
BiOH(NO3)2.

54
Milk of Lime
An aqueous suspension of Calcium Hydroxide (suspension) (Ca(OH)2).
Milk of Magnesia
An aqueous suspension of Magnesium Hydroxide, Mg(OH)2, especially a
7% suspension used as an antacid. See Magnesia.
Milk of Sulphur (lac sulphuris)
Finely divided white colloidal Sulfur (S) in solution. Usually the product
of the reaction between a soluble sulfide and an oxidizing acid. Geber
made this by adding an acid to thion hudor.
Millon's Base
(HOHg)2NH2OH, formed from a solution of Mercuric Oxide in
Ammonium Chloride; named for A. N. E. Millon.
Minderer's Spirit
A solution of Ammonium Acetate (NH4C2H3O2).
Mineral Alkali
Hydrated Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3).
Mineral Anodyne of Hoffman (Liquor of Hoffman)
A mixture of Ethanol and Ether (C2H5OH), (CH3CH2OCH2CH3).
Mineral Crystal (Sal Prunella)
Potassium Nitrate with a small admixture of Potassium Sulfate (HNO 3;
K2SO4).
Mineral, Dye
An inorganic pigment.
Mineral Blue
A blue Copper or Tungsten ore, or a mixture of Ferriferrocyanide,
Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3, with Calcium or Barium Sulfate, BaSO4.
Mineral Green
Copper (II) Carbonate, CuCO3.
Mineral Purple
A reddish Iron Oxide pigment
Mineral White
A natural hydrated Calcium Sulfate
Mineral Yellow, Cassel Yellow
Lead Oxychloride, PbCl2.2PbO.
Minim
See Apothecary Measures.
Minium (Red Lead, Paris Red)
Scarlet crystalline powder Lead Tetroxide (Pb3O4). Triplumbic Tetroxide.
Formed by roasting litharge in air.. Minium once referred to Cinnabar
(Mercuric Sulfide, HgS) as well, but now is used only for its cheif
adulterant, red Lead Oxide.

55
Mixt
A chemical union of two or more true "elements" or "principles." Later,
any substance which could be resolved into constituent parts only by
chemical means. Although the term has greater philosophical
complexities, it was roughly equivalent to our term "compound," but the
latter is not to be considered a synonym.
Mixtura Salina
Saline mixture prepared by saturating Potassium Carbonate with lemon
juice and adding syrup of black currants, julep.
Mofette
An exhalation or vapor of a mephitic (noxious or poisonous) gas.

Mohr's Salt
Ferrous Ammonium Sulfate (FeSO4((NH4)2SO4 . 6H2O), named for Karl
Friedrich Mohr.
Molecule
Does not necessarily correspond to the modern conception of two or more
atoms chemically bound together. Avogrado, for example, meant
something like "ultimate particle of a substance"; his elementary molecule
corresponds to a modern atom and his composite molecule to a modern
molecule. (See Atom.).
Molybdaena
Native Molybdenum Sulfide (MoS2).
Monsel Salt
An Iron Sub-Sulfate, Fe4(SO4)5O.
Monthier Blue
A blue pigment, FeNH4[Fe(CN)6].
Moon (Luna)
In astrological and alchemical thought, the seven heavenly bodies known
to the ancients were associated with Seven Metals also known in
antiquity. The moon was associated with Silver (argentum).
Mordant
Any substance which fixes or holds a colorant in the material to be dyed.
Mortify
To change or destroy the normal, external form or appearance of a
substance.
Mosaic Gold
Golden-yellow glistening scales of crystalline Stannic Sulfide (SnS2),
made by heating a mixture of Tin filings, Sulphur and Sal Ammoniac. Tin
(IV) Sulfide, SnS2, a pigment.
Mucilagenous Matter
Any semisolid material that was soft, moist, and viscous.
56
Mundic (Mundick)
Iron Pyrites (FeS2). Sometimes used for other pyrites or as a general term
for pyrites.
Muriates
Chlorides (-Cl¯).

Muriate of Mercury
Mercuric Chloride.
Muriatic Acid (Acidum Salis)
Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) (Muriatic Gas is gaseous HCl.
Muriatic Ether
Probably impure Ethyl Chloride (CH3CH2Cl).

Mustard Gas
Di(chloroethyl)sulfide, (ClCH2CH2)2S, used as a chemical weapon in
World War I.

Naples Yellow or Cassel Yellow

Lead Antimoniate (Pb3(SbO4)2). Also: An Oxychloride of Lead, made by
heating litharge with Sal Ammoniac.
Naptha
Any highly inflammable, volatile, naturally occurring mixture of
hydrocarbons. Also could be obtained as the "lightest" fraction in the
distillation of asphalts, bitumens, and petroleum.
Napthalene Yellow
Dinitro-1-naphthol, C10H5(NO2)2OH.
Naples Yellow
Lead Antimoniate, Pb3(SbO4)2, used as a yellow pigment.
Natrium
Latin for Sodium, hence the symbol Na.
Natron (Natrum)
Sodium Sesquicarbonate, a naturally occurring combination of Sodium
Carbonate (Na2CO3) and Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3) in the ratio 1:1
(Na2CO3 . NaHCO3 . 2H2O).
Neutral Arsenical Salt of Macquer
Potassium Dihydrogen Arsenate (KH2AsO4).

57
Neutral Red
Dimethyldiaminotoluphenazine Hydrochloride, also known as Toluylene
Red; an acid-base indicator that changes from blue to magenta as the pH
is raised through 7.5 and then to orange-yellow as pH is raised through 8.
Neutral Salts
Salts resulting from the reaction of an acid and a base (hydroxide) but
having no characteristics of either acid or base.
Nickel
Named by the copper miners of Westphalia the 'kupfer-nickel' or false
copper.
Nihil Album (sometimes just Nihil)
Flowers of Zinc, Zinc Oxide (ZnO).

Nile Blue
C20H19ON3, an analine dye and acid-base indicator that changes from
yellow through blue to magenta as the pH is raised.
Niton
The element Radon, Rn, or one of its isotopes, 222Rn (half life = 3.8 d).
Nitrated Earths, Metals, etc.
Nitrates (-NO3).
Nitre (Common Nitre or Niter)
Potassium Nitrate (KNO3). (Sampeter). Black gunpowder was made from
Nitre, Charcoal, and Sulfur.
Nitre, Chile
Sodium Nitrate, NaNO3.
Nitre, Mercurial
Mercuric Nitrate, Hg(NO3)2
Nitre, Norwegian
Calcium Nitrate, Ca(NO3)2.
Nitre, Rough
Magnesium Chloride, MgCl2.
Nitre, Spirt of
See Spirit.
Nitre Fixed by Tartar
A mixture of nitre and tartar left after reaction between the two.
Nitre with an earthy base
Usually Calcium Nitrate (Ca(NO3)2).
Nitreum (Bergman)
Nitrous Acid (HNO2).
Nitric Acid
Nitric Acid HNO3, formerly referred to Nitrogen Dioxide, NO2 or
Nitrogen Pentoxide, N2O5
58
Nitro-Aerial Spirit
The hypothetical subtle substance which was though by some to be
responsible for the ability to nitre to support combustion and to be a key
component of detonations
Nitrous Acid
Nitrous Acid (HNO2), formerly referred to Nitric Acid, HNO3 (Aqua
Fortis,Spirit of Nitre) or Nitrous Acid, HNO2, or a mixture of these acids;
or one or more of the Nitrogen Oxides N2O3, NO2, N2O4, N2O5 .
Nitrous Acid Vapor (Priestly)
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2).
Nitrous Air (Priestly)
Nitric Oxide (NO)

Nitrous Ether
Ethyl Nitrite (CH3CH2NO2).
Nitrous Gas
Specifically Nitric Oxide (NO) (Nitrous Air) or a mixture of Nitrogen
Oxides such as that produced by the action of Nitric Acid on a metal in
the presence of air
Nitrum Aegypticum
Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3).
Nitrum Antimoniatum
Product containg Potassium Nitrate, Nitrite, and Antimonate.
Nitrum Commun
See commom Nitre
Nitrum Cubic
See Cubic Nitre
Nitrum Fixatum (Nitrum Fixum, Fixed Nitre)
An ofter impure preparation of Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3).
Nitrum Flammans
Ammonium Nitrate (NH4NO3). Made by Glauber.
Nitrum Regeneratum
Potassium Nitrate (KNO3).
Nitrum Saturni
Lead Nitrate (Pb(NO3)2).
Nitrum Stibnatum
Probably Anitmony Nitrate (2Sb2O3.N205).
Nitrum Sulphure Purgatum
Mixture of Potassium Nitrate (KNO3) and Potassium Sulfate (K2SO4).
Nitrum Vitriolatum
Mixture of Potassium Nitrate (KNO3) and Potassium Bisulfate (KHSO4).

59
Non Metals
A term used by William Cullen and his students for the following group
of substances; Zinc (Zn), Anitmony (Sb), Bismuth (Bi). Arsenic (As),
Platinum (Pt), Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni).
Nordhausen Acid (Oleum)
Fuming Sulfuric Acid. (H2SO4), i.e. a solution of Sulfur Trioxide, SO3, in
concentrated (about 98%) Sulfuric Acid.

Ochre (Ocher)

A class of mineral solids which, in powdered form, were commonly used

as pigments. Their colors varied from yellow to brown, including reddish
hues. Chemically, the ocheres are Iron Oxides, or mixtures of Iron
Oxides, in varying states of hydration. For example red ochre is primarily
Fe2O3. Silicates, Carbonates, Sulfates, etc. also were commonly present
with these Oxides.
Ochre, Antimony
Stibiconite, an Antimony mineral, Sb2O3(OH)2.
Ochre, Bismuth
Bismite, Bi2O3.3H2O.
Ochre, Brown
Bogore or Bog Iron Ore, 2Fe2O3.3H2O.
Ochre, Molybdic
Molybdite, yellow Molybdenum (VI) Oxide, MoO3.
Ochre, Nickel (Nickel Bloom)
Annabergite, Ni3As2O2.8H2O, a green mineral.
Ochre, Plumbic
Brown Lead (IV) Oxide, PbO2.
Ochre, Red
Hematite, Fe2O3.
Ochre, Telluric
Yellow Tellurium (IV) Oxide, TeO2.
Ochre, Tungstic
Yellow Tungsten (VI) Oxide, WO3.
Ochre, Yellow
A mixture of powdered Iron Oxide and clay.

60
Ochroite
Cerium Oxide (CeO2).
Offa Helmonth
Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3).
Oil
Any relatively insoluble, inflammable, somewhat viscous liquid.
Oil Gas
Mixture of Methane, Carbon Monoxide, and Butlylene (CH4, CO, C4H8).
Oil of Ants
Furfural, C5H4O2.
Oil of Apples
n-Pentyl Pentanoate, C5H9CO2C5H11 (amyl valerate). Today it belongs to
a group known as Esters.
Oil of Arsenic
Arsenic Trichloride (AsCl3)
Oil of Banana (Oil of Pear)
n-Pentyl Acetate, CH3CO2C5H11.
Oil of Chalk
Calcium Chloride solution (CaCl2).
Oil of Cloves
An oily substance extracted from the buds and flower stalks of the clove
tree Caryophyllus aromaticus. Used as medicinal.
Oil of Cognac (Enanthic Ether)
Ethyl Hexyl Ether, C6H13OC2H5.
Oil of Dippel
The insoluble, viscous fraction from decomposed animal matter that has
gone through repeated distillations.
Oil of Garlic
Allyl Sulfide, (C3H5)2S
Oil of Glonoin
Nitrogylcerin, C3H5N3O9.
Oil of Hartshorn
A crude animal oil obtained from the destructive distillation of bones
Oil of Lime
A solution of Calcium Chloride (CaCl2).
Oil of Mars
Deliquescent Anydrous Ferric Chloride.
Oil of Mirbane
Nitrobenzene, C6H5NO2.
Oil of Mustard
Allyl Isothiocyanate, C3H5NCS.
Oil of Pear (Oil of Banana)
61
 n-Pentyl Acetate, CH3CO2C5H11.
Oil of Pineapple
Ethyl Butyrate, C3H7COOC2H5.
Oil of Rue
The oil extracted from evergreens of the genus Ruta. Used as Medicinal
Oil Sulphur
Concentrated sulfuric acid. Sometimes the term was used for Alkaline
Sulphide of Ammonia (NH4)2S).
Oil of Tartar
Concentrated Potassium Carbonate solution (K2CO3).
Oil of Tartar per Deliquium
Potassuim Carbonate, which is hydroscopic, dissolved in the water which
its extracts from the air.
Oil of Venus
Concentrated solution of Copper Nitrate (Cu(NO3)2.
Oil of Vitriol (Oil of Sulfur, Per Campanum)
Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4). Made by distilling Green Vitriol. Vitriolic Acid
Oil of Wine
A hypothetical component of Alcohol thought to give it its odor and
inflammability
Olea Terebinthine
Terpentine
Olefiant Gas
Ethylene (C2H2). Also referenced as Ethene, C2H4
Oleum
Latin for oil. Also, fuming Sulfuric Acid (Nordhausen Acid).
Oleum Dulce
See Oil of Wine
Oleum Suphuris per Campanum
Sufuric Acid (H2SO4) prepared by burning Sulfur under a bell jar and later
concentrating and purifying the product by heating to drive off water and
sulfur dioxide.
Oleum Succini
Concentrated Succinic Acid( HOOCCH2CH2COOH).
Oleum Tartar per Demiquium
See Oil of Tartar per Deliquium
Oleum Vitriol
Oil of Vitriol
Orpiment, Red (Realgar, Red Arsenic)
Arsenic (II) Sulfide, As2S2.
Orpiment, Yellow (Auri-Pigmentum, Yellow Arsenic, King's Yellow)

62
 Yellow ore of Arsenic. Arsenic Trisulfide (As2S3), Arsenic (III) Sulfide,
As2S3.
Ounce
Unit of mass in late 18th. century France; see Livre.
Oxycarburetted Hydrogen
Water gas mixture or Hydrogen (H2), Carbon Monoxide, (CO), and
Carbon Dioxide (CO2).
Oxymuriatic Acid (Oxygenated Muriatic Acid)
Chlorine (Cl2). (Dephlogisticated Marine Acid); named on the belief that
it was a compound of Oxygen and HCl (Muriatic Acid).

Panacea
Potassium Sulfate (K2SO4).
Pan-Stone
Calcium Sulfate (CuSO4).
Paris Blue
Ferric Ferrocyanide, Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3.
Paris Green
Copper (II) Acetoarsenite, Cu(C2H3O2)2.3Cu(AsO2)2.
Paris, Plaster of
Hemihydrated Calcium Sulfate, 2CaSO4.H2O.
Paris Red
Colcothar or Minium
Paris Yellow (Leipzig Yellow)
Chrome Yellow.
Parting
The operation by which Gold and Silver are separated from each other.
Patent Yellow
Lead Oxychloride, PbO.PbCl2.
Pearl Ash
The whitest impure calcined Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3) extracted
from calcined plants. In a sense pearl ash is purified potash.
Pearl White
Basic Nitrate of Bismuth, Bismuth Oxychloride [BiOCl], used by Lemery
as a cosmetic.

63
Pelican
A special distillation apparatus. The condensing head had two curved
tubes emerging on opposite sides. These tubes led down and entered the
lower section or body of the vessel; thus, the condensed liquid ran back to
the heated section where it was revaporized, giving a cyclic action. The
pelican was especially effective for reactions that took place in the vapor
phase.
Péligot's Salt
Potassium Chlorochromate, KCrO3Cl, named for Eugène Péligot.

Pellicle
Any thin saline crust that forms on a solution.
Per Campanum
Any process carried out under a solution.

Per Deliquium
A hygroscopic salt was said to "run per deliquium" when it changed from
solid to liquid by extracting water from the air.
Perkin's Mauve (Violet)
See Aniline Purple
Perlate Salt
Sodim Phosphate (Na3PO4).
Perspiration
Spontaneous evaporation or (less often) vaporization through heating.
Also used to indicate condensation of moisture on a relatively cool body.
Perspirative
A medcinal which promoted perspiration.
Petrolia
Liquid bitumens.
Petunise
A white mineral solid used in the manufacture of porcelain.
Pewter
An alloy of Tin. Originally with up to one-fifth Lead, but later Bismuth
and Copper were substituted for lead.
Phenol Red
Phenolsulfonphthalein, C19H14O5S, an acid-base indicator that changes
from yellow to red as the pH passes through 8.
Philosopher's Wool or nix alba (white snow)
Zinc Oxide (ZnO). Made by burning Zinc in air. Called Zinc White and
used as a pigment.
Philosophical Flowers of Vitriol
Boric Acid (H3BO3).
64
Philosophical Foliated Earth
Potassium Acetate (KC2H3O2).
Philosophical Mercury
An alchemical term signifying the property-bearing principle of chemical
activity.
Philosophical Sal Ammoniac
Ammonium Sulfate ((NH4)2SO4).
Philosphical Spirit of Nitre
Nitric Acid prepared by distilling saltpeter with Oil of Vitriol (HNO3).
Philosophical Spirit of Tartar
Potassium Hydrogen Tartrate (KHC4H4O6) distilled with wine.
Philosophical Spirit of Vitriol
Hydrochloric Acid (HCl).
Philosophical Spirit of Wine.
Spirit of wine (Alcohol) concentrated by freezing (CH2CH3OH).
Philosophical Water (Aqua Regia)
A solution of Hydrochloric and Nitric Acids, usually in ratios from 2:1 to
4:1 (HCl to HNO3).
Phlegm
A general term for any aqueous fraction of a distillation.
Phlogisticated Acid of Nitre
Nitrous Acid (HNO2).
Phlogisticated Acid of Vitriol
Sulphurous Acid (H2SO3).
Phlogisticated Air
Nitrogen (N2).
Phlogisticated Alkali
Potassium Ferrocyanide (K4Fe(CN)6 . 3H2O).
Phlogisticated Calx of Iron
Ferrous Oxide (FeO).
Phlogisticated Earth of Molybdaena
The solid reduction of Molybdic Acid.
Phlogisticated Manganese
Manganous Carbonate (MnCO3).
Phlogisticated Nitre
Impure Potassium Nitrite (KNO2).
Phlogisticated Nitrous Acid
Nitrous Acid (HNO2).
Phlogisticated Vitriolic Acid
Sulfurous Acid (H2SO3).
Phlogiston

65
 A hypothetical substance originally used to account for the property of
inflammability. It later was made to carry many more properties and
formed a central point for the theoretical beliefs of a central point for the
theoretical beliefs of a number of 18th. century chemists. Also referenced
as a hypothetical Elastic Fluid which was seen as a metalizing and
combustible principle. Metals were seen as the result of combining calces
with phlogiston; smelting expelled the phlogiston. In combustion,
phlogiston leaves the combustible body to combine with air or saturate
air.

Phlogiston Elasticum
Hydrogen (H2).
Phosphorated Iron
Ferric Phosphate (FePO4).
Phosphorated Mercury
Mercuric Phosphate (Hg3(PO4)2).
Phosphorated Vegetable Alkali
Potassium Phosphate (K3PO4).
Phosphorous
Sometimes used for any phosphorescent substance.
Phosphorous of Baldwin
Calcium Nitrate (Ca(NO3)2).
Phosphorous of Homberg
Calcium Chloride (CaCl2).
Phosphorous of Urine
As the name implies, a form of Phosphorous (P) extracted from urine.
Phosphuretted Hydrogen
phosphine, PH3
Pied
A Unit of length in late 18th. century France: 1 pied (Paris foot) = 12
pouces; 1 pouce (Paris inch) = 12 lignes. In modern units, the pied is
equivalent to 0.325 meters or about 1.07 feet in the "English" system still
commonly used in the United States.
Pierre Infernale
Fused Silver Nitrate, AgNO3.[Not to be confused with "Infernal Stone."]
Pinch Beck
A gold colored alloy of about five parts Cooper (Cu) to one part Zinc
(Zn).
Pinguious (Pinguinous)
Fatty, oily

66
Pinte
A volume unit in late 18th. century France, equal to 2.01508 English
pints, 58.145 cubic inches, or 0.953 liters.
Plaster
Any semisolid plastic mixture that could be applied to a a surface and
then spontaneously cured or hardened. One of the oldest plasters is a
mixture of Slaked Lime (Ca(OH)2), sand, and hair. The term also was
used to refer to impure Lead Oleate (Pb(C18H33O2)2).
Plaster of Paris
Calcium Sulfate Monohydrate ((CaSO4)2 . H2O).

Platina
Platinum (Pt.), or sometimes the usually impure form of Platinum found
in nature that is alloyed with other exotic metals.
Plessy's Green (Arnaudon's Green)
Chromium (III) Phosphate, CrPO4, a green pigment.
Plimmer's Salt
Sodium Antimony Tartrate, Na(SbO)C4H4O6.

Plumbago
A lead ore, including Lead Oxide or Lead Sulfide (Galena); or Graphite
an allotrope of Carbon (C)
Plumbum
Latin for lead, hence the symbol Pb.
Plumbum Album
Basic Lead Carbonate (2PbCO3 . Pb(OH)2). Sometimes the term was
applied to basic Lead Acetate (Pb(C2H3O2) . Pb(OH)2 . H2O).
Plumbum Cinereum
Bismuth (Bi).
Plumbum Corneum (Horn Lead)
Lead Chloride (PbCl2).
Plumbum Stridens
Tin (Sn)
Pneumatic
Pertaining to subtle, rarified, or vaporous substances such as air. In
modern terms, gaseous.
Pneumatic Trough
An apparatus developed over the 18th. century from John Mayow (1641-
1679) through Stephen Hales (1677-1761) to Antoine Lavoisier (1743-
1794). The trough was any large pan or vat in which inverted bottles full
of water could be supported. Glass tubes conducted the gases from the

67
 vessels in which they were generated outside the trough to the inverted
bottle in the trough, where the gases were trapped and held.
Point of Saturation
The instant when the exact proportions of the two "saline principles" ( one
from an acid, the other from a base) unite to form a perfectly neutral salt.
Pomphlix
Flowers of Zinc (ZnO).
Pompholix
Crude Zinc Oxide, ZnO (Flowers of Zinc).
Ponderous Spar
Barium Sulfate (BaSO4).

Pot Ash (Potash)

Crude or purified Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3). or crude Sodium
Carbonate Na2CO3 leached from the ashes of plant material; or Potassium
Hydroxide, KOH, or even Potassium Oxide, K2O.
Pouce
Unit of length in late 18th. century France.

Powder of Algaroth
A white powder of Antimonious Oxychloride (SbOCl), made by
precipitation when a solution of Butter of Antimony in spirit of salt is
poured into water.
Praecipitate Per Se
Mercuric Oxide (HgO).
Praecipitatus Albus
Mercurous Chloride (Hg2Cl2).
Praecipitatus Vigonis
Mercuric Oxide (HgO).
Precipitant
A substance serving as intermediary to separate two other substances
from each other.
Precipitate, Black
Hg2O.Hg2NH2NO3, also known as Hahnemann's mercury, a black powder
used as an antisyphilitic.
Precipitate, Red
See Mercurius Calcinatus Per Se.
Precipitate, White (Sal Sapientiae, Sal Alembroth )
HgNH2Cl; an insoluble white powder used in medicine as an antiparasitic.
Precipitate, Yellow
Yellow Mercury (II) Oxide, HgO.
Precipitate of Sulfur
68
 Precipitated Milk of Sulfur (S).
Precipitation
The phenomenon in which a solid is formed within a solution and falls to
the bottom of the vessel in which the solution was contained.
Primus Metal
See Prince Rupert's Metal
Prince Rupert's Metal (Bath Metal, Primus Metal, Princes Metal)
A Brass metal alloy in which the ratios of Copper (Cu) to Zinc (Zn) are
approximately 4 to 1.
Prince's Metal
See Prince Rupert's Metal

Principle
One of the simplest forms of matter, from which other substances are
formed through combinations with other principles or other combinations
of principles. Although there are similarities to the modern term
"element", the two are not truly synonymous.

Proximate Principles
Components obtained through the chemical analysis which themselves are
compounds but presumed to be simpler than the original substance.
Prussian Blue
Ferric Ferrocyanide (Fe4[Fe(Cn)6]3). Complex salts used in inks and dyes
resulting from the oxidation of the white precipitate of a solution of Iron
(II) Sulfate, FeSO4, and Potassium Ferrocyanide, K4Fe(CN)6.
Prussian Acid, or Prussic Acid
Hydrocyanic Acid (HCN).
Prussiate
A Cyanide, CN-, Ferricyanide, Fe(CN)63-, or Ferrocyanide, Fe(CN)64-.
Prussiate, Red
Potassium Ferricyanide, K3Fe(CN)6.
Prussiate, Yellow
Potassium Ferrocyanide, K4Fe(CN)6.3H2O.
Pulvis Algarothi
Antimonious Oxychloride (SbOCl).
Pulvis Fulminans
An explosive mixture made from Potassium Nitrate, Potasium Carbonate,
and sulfur.
Pumice
A light porous stone of mixed Silicates.
Pure Clay
Alumina. Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3).
69
Pure Ponderous Earth
Baryta. Barium Oxide. (BaO)
Purfication
Any process in which one substance is rendered free, or relatively free, of
other substance. Common methods included distillation, crystallization,
and precipitation.
Purple of Cassius
Made by Andreas Cassius in 1685 by precipitating a mixture of Gold,
Stannous and Stannic Chlorides, with alkali. Used for colouring glass.
Purple Crystals
Potassium Permanganate.

Pyrites
Mineral form of Iron Disulphide. Stable in air.Originally, any mineral
which could strike sparks from steel. The term was often used to reference
Iron Pyrites (FeS2). Originally any "fire-stone" from which sparks could
be struck; eventually an Iron Sulfide or Iron-Copper Sulfide.
Pyroligneous Acid
Crude Acetic Acid distillate from wood (HC2H3O2). Containing Acetic
Acid (CH3COOH), Methanol (CH3OH), and Acetone (CH3COCH3).
Pyroligneous Spirit
Methyl Alcohol (CH3OH).

Quadrangular Nitre
Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3).
Quartation
The process of combining Gold (Au) and Silver (Ag) in the ratio 1:3.
When the combination is dissolved in Nitric Acid, the Silver is dissolved
and the Gold is separated, free from impurities.
Quartz
A mineral whose primary component is Silicon Dioxide (SiO2). Its color
and other aspects of its appearance depended on the impurities present.
Quicklime
Calcium Oxide (CaO).
Quicksilver
Mercury (Hg). Liquid Mercury metal.

70
Quicksilver Calcined Per Se
Mercuric Oxide (HgO).
Quintessence
A mixture of an essential oil and alcohol.
Quintessence of Lead
Acetone (CH3COCH3).

R
Rabel's Water
The liquid obtained by macerating poppy flowers in a mixture of
Sulphuric Acid and alcohol for some days and then filtering.
Racemic Acid
An optically inactive form of Tartaric Acid consisting of equal quantities
of optical isomers. Racemic originally referred to the origin of the acid
(grapes), but now (in chemistry) refers to an optically inactive mixture of
optically active isomers.
Ramous
(1) Individual (fundamental) particles of viscous or rigid bodies; (2)
branching or filiment-like parts of a liquid mixture.

Rankine Scale
Absolute Temperature Scale (i.e., one in which absolute zero is assigned
the value zero) named after the 19th. century Scottish engineer William
Rankine and denoted by °R. One Rankine degree is the same size as a
Fahrenheit degree, so absolute zero (-460°F) is 0°R, the normal freezing
point of water (32°F) is 492°R and the normal boiling point (212°F) is
672°R.
Realgar (Red Orpiment, Red Arsenic, Ruby Arsenic, Ruby Sulfur)
Red or of Arsenic, Arsenic Disulfide (As2S2). A native red or orange
Arsenic (II) Sulfide, As2S2.
Réaumur Scale
Temperature scale devised in 1731 by R. A. F. Réaumur and denoted by
°R. The normal freezing point of water is 0°R and the normal boiling
point of water is 80°R.
Receiver
The vessel attached to the condensing part of a distillation apparatus in
order to receive the condensed products from the distillation.
Recrement
Solid waste or refuse from a chemical operation, e.g., scoria.
71
Rectification
The purifying or refining of a substance by one or (usually) more
distillations.
Red Arsenic (Realgar)
Native Arsenic Disulphide (As2S2).
Red Bole
A red clay that contained Silicates of Iron and Aluminum. Used as a red
pigment and as a base for gilding.
Red Flowers of Antimony
Probably Antimony Sulfide (Sb2S5).
Red Ochre
A mineral solid approximately 95 percent red Iron Oxide (Fe 2O3). An old
and important pigment.

Red Precipitate
See Red Precipitate of Mercury.
Red Precipitate of Mercury
Impure Mercuric Oxide (HgO).
Red Prussiate of Potash
Potassium Ferricyanide.
Red Saunders (Red Sanders)
The wood from the tree Pterocarpus santalinus, commonly called red
sandlewood. Used in dyeing.

Reduction
The returning of a substance to a previous or original condition; e.g., the
restoring of a metal to the metallic state from its Oxide.
Refractory Earths
Mineral substances that do not fuse under the action of fire.
Refrigoratory
A vessel at the top or head of some stills that is surrounded by or filled
with cold water to condense any vapors in tubes or vessels within it.
Regenerated Marine Salt
Potassium Chloride (KCl).
Regenerated Sea Salt
Potassium Chloride (KCl).
Regenerated Tartar
Potassium Acetate (KC2H3O2). In this form, the compound was made
from distilled vinegar and salt of tartar.
Reguline Caustic
Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3).

72
Regulus
The pure form of a metal, e.g., regulus of Antimony. A metal was
formerly called the regulus of the ore from which it was reduced;
"Regulus" (without further specification) meant Regulus of Antimony
(i.e., antimony in modern nomenclature).
Reinecke's Acid
Ttetrathiocyanodiammonochromic Acid, HCr(NH3)2(SCN)4.
Reinecke's Salt
An Ammonium Salt of Reinecke's acid, NH4[Cr(NH3)2(SCN)4].H2O.
Resin of Copper
Cuprous Chloride. Made by Robert Boyle in 1664 by heating Copper with
corrosive sublimate.
Retort
A vessel with a long tubular neck bent down at the point where it joins the
body of the vessel. Especially suited for the distillation of substances
under low heat. Used by chemists and alchemists for distillation and the
like.

Reverberatory Furnace
A furnace constructed so that a sample placed within it is heated from
above as well as from the fire beneath it. For example, the furnace may
have a top which reflects heat on the sample from the fire below it.
Revivification
The restoration of a metal to the metallic state from one of its compounds.
Similar to, but broader in scope, than "reduction."

Risigallum
See Rock Alum.
Rochelle Salt (Seignette Salt)
Potassium Sodium Tartrate (KNaC4H4O6 . 4H2O), named for the French
seaport La Rochelle, where the compound was prepared; also known as
Seignette's salt, after the apothecary who first prepared it.
Rock Alum
Usually larger crystals or formations of Potassium Aluminum Sulfate
(KAl(SO4)2 . 12H2O). Alum of this quality often was imported from Italy.
Rock-Crystal
Pure, colorless, transparent, crystalline quartz occurring naturally in large
prismatic crystals. Silicon Dioxide (SiO2).
Rog
Concentrated native vegetable acid. From the usual preparations, it would
be primarily Citric Acid (C6H8O7).

73
Roman Vitriol
Copper Sulfate (CuSO4). In Britain this terms was sometimes used for
Ferrous Sulfate (FeSO4).
Röntgen Rays
X-rays, named after their discoverer, Wilhelm Röntgen.
Rouge, Crocus, Colcothar
Red varieties of Ferric Oxide are formed by burning Green Vitriol in air.
Ruby
Red Corundum, Al2O3.
Ruby, Blend
Red Sphalerite, Zinc Sulfide, ZnS
Ruby, Copper
Cuprite, Copper (I) Oxide, Cu2O.
Russian Pot Ash
Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3).

Rust of Copper
See Verdigris.
Sacchareted Lime
Calcium Oxalate (CaC2O4).
Saccharum Saturni
Lead Acetate (Pb(C2H3O2)2). (Sugar of Lead)
Saffron
A range of orange-yellow colors. The color called saffron comes from the
dye of the same name, which is an extract of the plant Crocus sativus.
Saffron of Gold.
See Aurum Fulminans.

Saffron of Iron.
See Saffron of Mars.
Saffron of Mars
Any yellowish Iron compound, e.g., hydrated Ferroso Ferric Oxide (Fe3O4
.
xH2O) or Ferric Sulfide (Fe2S3).
Saffron of Metal
A mixture of Antimony Sulfide (Sb2S3), Nitre (KNO3), and Antimony
Sulfate (Sb2(SO4)3).
Sal Absinthi (Salt of Wormwood)
Mostly Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3).
Sal Acetosella
See Sorrel Salt
Sal Aeratus (Saleratus)
Literally aerated salt, Potassium Hydrogen Carbonate, KHCO3.
74
Sal Albus
Borax (Sodium Tetraborate) (Na2B4O7 . 10H2O).
Sal Alembroth
A mixture of equal parts of corrosive sublimate (Mercuric Chloride,
HgCl2) and Sal Ammoniac (NH4Cl). Used as a flux for metals.
Sal Alkali Vitriolatum
Potassium Sulfate (K2SO4).
Sal Alkanus Vegetablis
Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3).
Sal Amarum
Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO4).
Sal Ammoniac (Sal Armoniac, Sal Armoniack)
Ammonium Chloride (NH4Cl). Sometimes used for other ammonium
salts. Described by Geber.
Sal Ammoniacum Fixum
Calcium Chloride (CaCl2)
Sal Ammoniacum Volatilis
A term variously used for any salt solution that gave off the odor of
Ammonia. When referring to solid salts the term meant Ammonium
Carbonate ((NH4)2CO3).
Sal Anglicum (Epsom Salt)
Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO4).
Sal Catharticum
Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO4).
Sal Catharticum Amarum
Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO4).
Sal Catholicum
Potassium Sulfate (K2SO4).
Sal Commune (Sal Fossile, Sal Marinum
Common salt, i.e., Sodium Chloride, NaCl
Sal de Duobus
Potassium Sulfate (K2SO4).
Sal de Seignette (Sal de Soinette)
See Seignetteís Salt.
Sal Digestiv
Potassium Chloride (KCl).
Sal di Modena
Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO4).
Sal Diureticus
Potassium Acetate (KC2H3O2).
Sal Duplicatum
Potassium Sulphate (K2SO4).
75
Sal Enixum
Potassium Sulfate (K2SO4). Also referenced as Potassium Hydrogen
Sulfate (KHSO4).
Sal Epsom (Epsom Salt)
Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO4).
Sal Gemme (Sal Gem)
Sodium Chloride (NaCl).
Sal Gentianae
Mostly Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3).
Sal Glauber (Glauberís salt, Sal Mirabilis)
Sodium Sulfate (Na2SO4).
Sal Guaiaci ex Ligno
Mostly Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3).
Saline Bodies (Cullen)
Substances which are (a) sapid, (b) miscible with water, and (c)
nonflammable.
Salited Earths, Metals, etc.
Chlorides (Cl¯).
Sal Juniperi
Mostly Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3).
Sal Kali (Sodium Carbonate)
Soda (Na2CO3).
Sal Marinus
Sea Salt; mostly Sodium Chloride (NaCl).
Sal Marinus Fontan
Sodium Chloride (NaCl) as found in or near landlocked bodies of water.
Sal Marinus Regeneratus
Potassium Chloride (KCl).
Sal Martis
Ferrous Sulfate (FeSO4).
Sal Medium (Sal Salsum) (Sales Medii)
Any neutral salt that would not precipitate solutions made with acid or
alkaline salts and would not change the color of Syrup of Violets.
Salmiac
See Salt Ammoniac.
Sal Mirabile (Glauber's salt)
Sodium Sulphate (Na2SO4).
Sal Nitriforme Inflammable
Probably Ammonium Nitrate ((NH4)NO3).
Sal Nitrii (Sal Nitri, Sal Nitrum)
Potassium Nitrate (KNO3).
Sal Perlatum
76
 Sodium Phosphate (Na2PO4).
Sal Polychrestrum
Potassium Sulphate (K2SO4).
Sal Polychrestrum Anglorum (Sal Polychrestrum Glaseri)
Potassium Sulphate (K2SO4).
Sal Polychrestrum de Rochelle
See Sal Polychrestrum de Seignette.
Sal Polychrestrum de Seignette
Potassium Sodium Tartrate (NaKC4H4O6).
Sal Polychrestrum e Nitro et Sulphure
Potassium Sulfate (K2SO4).
Sal Polychrestrum Glaseri
Potassium Sulfate (K2SO4).
Sal Prunellae
A mixutre of Potassium Nitrate and Potassium Sulfate (KNO3; K2SO4).
Sal Rupellensis (Rochelle Salt)
Hydrated Potassium Sodium Tartrate (KNaC4H4O6 . 4H2O).
Sal Salsam
Any neutral combination of anacid with alkali. (see also Neutral Salts, Sal
Medium, or Salts.)
Sal Sapientiae
Potassium Sulfate (K2SO4). Also referenced as Mercury (II) Ammonium
Chloride, HgNH2Cl; literally, "salt of the wise".
Sal Saturni
Lead Acetate (PbC2H3O2).
Sal Sedivatus (Sedative Salt)
Boric acid, (H3BO3).
Sal Sennerti
Potassium Acetate (KC2H3O2).
Sal Soda (Salt Soda, Soda)
Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3).
Sal Succini (Salt of Amber)
Succinic Acid (HO2CCH2CH2CO2H).
Salt
In the 16th and 17th centuries this term denoted a group of solid soluble,
nonflammable substances with characteristic tastes. In the 18th century
salts gradually became to be thought of in terms of process, as, for
example, the product of the reaction between acids and bases, acids and
other salts, or between two salts, etc. Some chemists regarded acids and
bases themselves as salts or at least some saline substances. In general,
salts were increasingly recognized as the largest and most important class
of substances as the eighteenth century progressed.
77
Sal Tartari
Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3). It usually was produced by strongly
heating tartar.
Salt Ash
Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2).
Salt of Amber
Succinic Acid (C4H6O4).
Salt of Art
See Salt Alembroth.
Salt of Benzoin
Benzoic Acid (C6H5COOH).
Salt of Centaury
Solid residues obtained from the calcination of any of the plant species of
the genus Centaurea.
Salt of Chalk
Calcium Acetate (Ca(C2H3O2)2).
Salt of Colcothar
Probably impure Ferric Hydroxide(Fe(OH)3).
Salt of Coral
Calcium Acetate (Ca(C2H3O2)2).
Salt of Crab's Eye
Calcium Acetate (Ca(C2H3O2)2).
Salt of England
Ammonium Carbonate ((NH4)2CO3).
Salt of Epsom
See Epsom Salt.
Salt of Gall-Nuts
Tannic Acid (C76H52O46).
Salt of Glass
A mixture of the various salts found in raw materials used in glassmaking.
These included Fixed Alkali (Potassium Carbonate, K2CO3); Common
Salt (Sodium Chloride, NaCl); Glauber's Salt (Sodium Sulfate, Na2SO4);
Vitriolate Tartar (Potassium Sulfate, K2SO4); etc.
Salt of Hartshorn
Ammonium Carbonate ((NH4)2CO3).
Salt of Human Blood
A mixture if ammonium salts, including Ammonium Hydroxide
(NH4OH), and various organic solids.
Salt of Lead (Sugar of Lead) (Sal Saturn)
Lead Acetate (Pb(C2H3O2)2).
Salt of Lemon, (Salts of Sorrel)
Potassium Acid Oxalate, 5% solution.: See Sorrel Salt.
78
Salt of Lime
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) precipitated from limewater (Calcium
Hydroxide solution, Ca(OH)2) by a Carbonate compound.
Salt of Mars
Most often used for Ferrous Sulfate (FeSO4). Occasionally used as a
general term for any Iron salt and as a specific name for Ferrous Acetate
(Fe(C2H3O2)2).
Salt of Milk
Probably Calcium Lactate (Ca(C3H5O3)2).
Salt of Oxbone
Impure Ammonium Salts from bone extracts of cattle (NH4OH).
Salt of Science
See Salt Alembroth.
Salt of Sedlitz
See Sedlitz Salt. (Sometimes sedlitz salt was confused with Glauber's
salt.)
Salt of Soda
See Soda.
Salt of Sorrel
Acid Potassium Oxylate (KHC2O4).
Salt of Steel
Loosely applied to various Iron salts. Most commonly applied to Martial
Vitriol. (Ferrous Sulfate; FeSO4).
Salt of Sulphur
Impure Potassium Sulfate (K2SO4).
Salt of Sylvius (Febrifugal Salt of Sylvius)
Potassium Chloride (KCl).
Salt of Tachenius
Impure Potassium and Sodium Carbonates (K2CO3, Na2CO3) obtained
from the incomplete combustion of plant products. These salts contained
organic impurities.
Salt of Tartar
Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3).
Salt of Tin
Tin (II) Chloride, SnCl2.
Salt of Urine
Impure Ammonium Salts extracted from urine.
Salt of Vinegar
Impure Potassium Sulfate, K2SO4. Probably mixed with acetates and
citrates.
Salt of Vitriol
Zinc Sulfate.
79
Salt of Wisdom
See Salt Alembroth.
Salt of Wormwood
Mostly Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3)
Saltpeter (Saltpetre)
Potassium Nitrate, KNO3 (Nitre).
Sal Volatile, Spirt of Hartshorn
Volatile alkali. Ammonium Carbonate (NH4)2CO3 made from distilling
bones, horns, etc.
Sal Vitrioli
Ferrous Sulfate (FeSO4).
Sal Volatile Fixatum
Ammonium Sulfate ((NH4)2SO4).
Sal Volatile Oleosi
Any solid extracted from animals or vegetable matter containing
Ammonium Salts, e.g., salts of hartshorn, etc.
Sandarach
(1) See Realgar; (2) a resin from the tree Callitris quadrivalvis.
Sadniver (Glass Gall)
A solution containing a mixture of salts found on the surface of glass after
vitrification.
Saphire
See Sapphire.
Sapid
To have a decided, yet pleasant taste.
Saponaceous
To be soapy, slippery, sometimes foaming.
Sapphire
A clear blue gem material which is like ruby, a crystalline form of
Alumina. ( Al2O3
Sarcocolla
A gum resin imported form the Middle East.
Sarsparilla
The roots of plants of the family Smilaceae from which gummy and
resious extracts are obtained.
Sassafras
A term applied both to the reee Sassafras officinale and to its bark when
dried and prepared.
Saturation
The action by which a "perfect" union between an acid and an alkali is
accomplished. Its product is a neutral salt.

80
Saturn (of Saturn)
Used in referring to Lead or to compounds containing Lead. In
astrological and alchemical thought, the seven heavenly bodies known to
the ancients were associated with Seven Metal also known in antiquity.
Saturn was associated with lead (plumbum).
Saunders
See Red Saunders.
Scammony
A gummy, resinous juice from the root of the plant Convolvulvus
scammonia.
Scheele's Green
Cupric Hydrogen Arsenite (CuHAsO3). An Acidic Copper (II) Arsenite,
CuHAsO3.
Schlippe's Salt
Sodium Sulfantimonate, Na3SbS4.9H2O, named for Carl Friedrich von
Schlippe.

Schorl
A black mineral. Now known as a variety of tourmaline.

Schšllkopf's Acid
Apparently, Schšllkopf had three. 1-Naphthol-4,8-Disulfonic acid, 1-
Naphthylamine-4,8-Disulfonic Acid, and 1-Naphthylamine-8-Sulfonic
acid. (See Structures)
Schwartz Blei Weiss (Black White-Lead)
Plumago (graphite) (CN).
Scordium
The plant Teucrium scordium from which gummy and resious extracts are
obtained. It has an odor of garlic.
Scoria
The undesirable solid residues or slag which remain after a metal has been
separated from an ore.
Scorification
Any process which produces scoria or slag. Sometimes used for processes
which yield metal or semimetals. Scorifiation usually involved the
addition of other substances to the ore, then heating.
Scruple
See Apothecary Measures.
Secret Fixed Sulphur of the Philosophers
Calcined residue when Sulphur is distilled with linseed oil.
Secret Sal Ammoniac (Glauber's Secret Sal Ammoniac)
81
 Ammonium Sulfate ((NH4)2SO4)).
Sedative Salt
Usually Boric Acid, but sometimes Sodium Tetraborate (Na2B4O7).
Sedative Spar
Calcium Borate (CaB4O7).
Sedlitz Salt (Epsom Salt)
Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4).
Seignette's Salt (Rochelle Salt)
Sodium
Potassium Tartrate, (NaKC4H4O6).
Selenite
The various minerals forms of Calcium Sulphate (CaSO4).
Selenitic Spar
Any mineral assigned to the family of "spars" that could be calcined like
gypsum (CaSO4 . 2H2O).

Semi-Metals
Substances which have the properties characteristic of metals except for
ductility and which sublime. Different chemists had different lists, but
most included Antimony (Sb), Arsenic (As); Bismuth (Bi), Cobalt (Co),
and Zinc (Zn). Some included Mercury (Hg) and, later in the century,
Nickel (Ni).
Sena (Senna)
Several similar plants of the genus Cassia from the leaves of which
gummy and resinous extracts were obtained.
Senegal
A gum extract from the root of the North American species Polygala
senega.
Senna
See Sena.

Separating-Glass
A vessel narrow at the top, then bellying out in the center, and narrowing
again to a hollow tube or stem. Shaped somewhat like the modern
separatory funnel and often used for similiar purposes.
Serpentine
A steatite, usually green.
Seven Planets, Seven Metals
In astrological and alchemical thought, the seven heavenly bodies known
to the ancients were associated with seven metals also known in antiquity.
The associations were:
82
 Sun (Sol) Gold (aurum)
Mercury Mercury (quicksilver, hydrargyrum)
Venus Copper (cuprum)
Moon (Luna) Silver (argentum)
Mars Iron (ferrum)
Jupiter Tin (stannum)
Saturn Lead (plumbum)
Shoot
When crystals appeared, especially suddenly in a saturated solution, they
were said to "shoot".
Siderum
Iron Phosphide (Fe3P).
Silex
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2).
Silicious Earth (Silcia)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2).
Silver Black
Stephanite, a native Silver Antimony Sulfide, 5Ag2S.Sb2S/
Silver Fulminating
Silver Nitride, Ag3N, an explosive solid; distinct from Silver Fulminate,
Ag2C2N2O2, which is also explosive.
Silver Glance
Argentite, Silver Sulfide, Ag2S. (See Glance .).
Silver, Horn (Argentum Cornu)
A native Silver Chloride, AgC.
Silver Ruby
Proustite, Ag3AsS3.
Similor
A Copper-Zinc alloy with a color approximating that of real Gold.

Slaked Lime
Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2).
Smalt
A blue, glassy substance used as a pigment. The blue comes from
Cobaltous Oxide (CuO). Smalt also contains silica (SiO2).
Smelting
The process opf extracting a metal from its ore.
Smoking Spirit of Libavius
Primarily Stannous Chloride (SnCl2) but with chlorides of mercury mixed
in.
83
Smoking Spirit of Nitre
Concentrated Nitric Acid (HNO3).
Snow of Antimony
See Flowers of Antimony.
Soap
In general, any chemical combination of acids, bases, or salts with oils
that exhibit detergent action. Common soap was the product of sodium
hydroxide with an oil or fat.
Soap of Glass
Manganese Dioxide (MnO2) in its role of agent to remove color bodies
from glass while the glass is molten.
Soap-Rock
See Steatites.
Soapstone
See Steatite
Soda (Washing Soda)
Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3).
Soda Ash
Sodium Carbonate formed by burning plants growing on the sea shore.
Soda, Baking
Sodium hydrogen carbonate, NaHCO3
Soda Baryllia (Spanish)
Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3)
Soda, Caustic
Sodium Hydroxide, NaOH..
Soda Hispanica (Washing Soda)
Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3)
Solder
Any fusible metal alloy used for joining two pieces of metal. Most types
were alloys of Tin and Lead.
Soluble Tartar
Normal Potassium Tartrate. Probably (K2C4H4O6)
Solution
Any liquid in which one component called the "solute" is dispersed in a
second component called the "solvent."
Solvend ( Cullen)
Solute
Soot
Carbon and Hydrocarbon deposits from incomplete combustion of fuels.
Sorrel
Various plants of the genus Rumex from which an acid salt (Acid
Potassium Acetate) was extracted.
84
Sorrel Salt (Sal Acetosella, Salt of Lemon)
Potassium Hydrogen Oxalate, KHC2O4.
Spanish Earth
Vitriols (mixture) (CuSO4; FeSO4).
Spanish Green
Basic Copper Carbonate (2CuCO3 . Cu(OH) 2).
Spanish White
Bismuth Oxychloride (BiOCl) or Bismuth Oxynitrate) (BiONO3).
Spar
A class of compounds characterized by a crystalline form that features
shiny reflective plate surfaces.
Spath (Spat) Stone
A naturally occurring mineral solid containing mostly Calcium Sulfate
(CaSO4).
Spathic Iron Ore
Ferrous Carbonate (FeCO3)
Specificum Purgans Paracelsi
Potassium Sulfate (K2SO4)
Spencer's Acid
3g. Silver Nitrate + 3g. Nitric Acid + 3g. Mercurous Nitrate + 100cc of
water.
Spermaceti
The white fatty substance obtained from the head of the sperm whale.
Used in pharmaceuticals and candles.
Sphacelated
Gangerenous
Spikenard
The aromatic extract from the Indian plant Nardostachys jalamansi. The
term was also used for the plant itself.
Spirit (Spiritus)
(1) Any liquor, essence or extract obtained from another substance by
distillation; (2) later, any subtle substance dissolved in another substance.
The concept gradually veered toward what we now call the gaseous state.
If not specified, spirits refer to alcohol (ethanol).
Sp. Ammon. Cum Calce Viva
Ammonium Carbonate ((NH4)2CO3).
Spirit Ammon. Sal. Vol.
Mostly Ammonium Carbonate ((NH4)2CO3).
Spirit of Alum
Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4) obtained from the destructive distillation of Alum
(KAl(SO4)2 . 12H2O).

85
Spirit of Hartshorn
Strong solution of Ammonia (Ammonium Hydroxide (NH4OH))
produced by the distillation of Hartshorn (NH4O4). Also referenced as
Ammonia, NH3, or its aqueous solution (formerly prepared from animal
horns or hooves).
Spirit of Libavius
Stannic Cholride (SnCl4).
Spirit of Mindererus
Ammonium Acetate solution (NH4(C2H3O2).
Spirit of Nitre
Nitric Acid, HNO3 (Aqua Fortis, Nitrous Acid) or Ethyl Nitrite, C2H5NO2,
also known as the sweet spirit of nitre or Nitrous Ether. See Nitre.
Spirit of Salt (Spiritus Salis)
Hydrochloric Acid, HCl (Marine Acid, Muriatic Acid).
Spirit of Vitriol (Spiritus Vitrioli)
Spirit of Wine (Spiritus Vini)
Concentrated Aqueous Ethanol or Ethyl Alcohol, C2H5OH, typically
prepared by distilling wine.
Spirit of Wood (Pyroligneous, Pyroxylic, Colonial, Columbian)
Methanol (CH3OH).
Spiritus Aceti
The Acetic Acid (HC2H3O2) obtained from distilling any fermented
material which produces this acid, e.g., vinegar.
Spiritus Beguini
Ammonium Polysulfide (fuming liquor of Boyle) ( (NH4)2S).
Spiritus CC
Ammonium Carbonate ( (NH4)2CO3).
Spiritus Fumans
Stannic Chloride, discovered by Libavius in 1605, through distilling tin
with corrosive sublimate.
Spiritus Nitri Coagulatus
Potassium Nitrate (KNO3).

Spiritus Nitri Dulcis (Sweet spirit of Nitre)

Ethyl Nitrite (C2H5NO2).
Spiritus Sal Ammoniacum
See Spirit of Sal Ammoniac.
Spiritus Salis (Spirit of Salt)
Hydrochloric Acid, HCl
Spiritus Salis Ammoniaci Cum Sale Alkali Parata
Ammonium Carbonate ((NH4)2CO3).
Spiritus Salis Coagulatus
86
 Potassium Chloride (KCl).
Spiritus Sulphuris
See Spirit of Vitriol or Spirit of Sulphur
Spiritus Sulphuris Volatilus Beguinii
Ammonium Polysulphide ((NH4)2S).
Spiritus Veneris
Sulphuric Acid (H2SO4).
Spiritus Vitrioli
See Spirit of Vitriol. See Vitriolic Acid.
Spiritus Vitrioli Coagulatus
Potassium Sulfate (K2SO4).
Sp. Mind.
See Spirit of mindererus
Spout
Any hollow projection from a vessel that is used to direct the liquid flow
while pouring. This term was most commonly applied to the spout on an
alembic.

Spuma Lupi
The mineral from which Tungsten was extracted.
Stagnant Gas (Marsh Gas)
Methane (CH4).
Stamping
Crushing of ores.
Stannum Anglici
Tin (Sn) from England.
Stannum Glaciale
Bismuth (Bi)
Starkey's Soap
Saponaceous substance from the reaction between Potassium Carbonate
and essential Oil of Turpentine.
Steatite
A mineral substance composed mostly of various forms of Magnesium
Silicate, e.g., (Mg3Si4O11 . H2O).
Steel
Regarded as a form of Iron which (a) contained a larger portion of the
inflammable principle and (b) had fewer chemical impurities.
Stibiated Tarter
Potassium Antimonyl Tartrate (KSbC4H4O7).
Stibium
Antimony Sulfide (Sb2S3).

87
Stibnite
Antimony Trisulphide. Grey mineral ore of Antimony.
Stick Laque
See Lac.
Stinking Sulphureous Air
Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S).
Stone of Bologna
A variety of Barium Sulfate (BaSO4) that became phosphorescent when
calcined.
Spirit of Niter "Besiardique"
Nitric Acid added to "Butter of Antimony" and the mixture distilled to get
a liquor which holds the "Regulus of Antimony" in solution.
Spirit of Nitre
Dilute Nitric Acid (HNO3).
Spirit of Ammoniac
Ammonia (NH3), or Ammonium Hydroxide solution (NH4OH).
Spirit of Salt
Hydrochloric Acid (HCl).

Spirit of Saturn
Impure Acetone made from Lead Acetate (CH3COCH3).
Spirit of Sea-Salt
Hydrochloric Acid (HCl).

Spirit of Sulfer
Mixture of Sulfuric and Sulfurous Acids (H2SO4; H2SO3).
Spirit of Tatar
Potassium Hydrogen Tartrate (KHC4H4O6). Product of the dry distillation
of crude tartar.
Spirit of Urine
Ammonium Carbonate ((NH4)2CO3). Derived from an impure solution of
ammonia obtained by the distillation of urine.
Spirit of Venus
Concentrated and relatively pure Acetic Acid (HC2H3O2).
Spirit of Verdigris
Acetic Acid (HC2H3O2).
Spirit of Vinegar
Impure Acetic Acid obtained by distilling Vinegar (HC2H3O2).
Spirit of Vitriol
Dilute Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4) and/ or Sulfurous Acid (H2SO3).
Strontia
Strontium Oxide (SrO).
88
Sublimate
Solid or concrete products of sublimation. Not powder.
Sublimation
A property possessed by some substances enabling their going directly
from the solid to the gaseous state without passing through the liquid
phase.
Subsatnia Ferrea Vitrioli
Ferric Oxide (Fe2O3).
Succinum
Amber.
Sudorific
Any medicinal substance which promoted, or was believed to promote,
sweating.
Sugar of (A Subtance)
Usually signifying an Acetate (C2H3O2).
Sugar of Lead (Saccharum Saturni)
Lead Acetate (Pb(C2H3O2)2.3H2O). Made by dissolving Lead Oxide in
vinegar.

Sulphovinic Acid
Ethyl Hydrogen Sulfate, C2H5HSO4, the product of the reaction of
Sulfuric Acid, H2SO4 with Ethyl Alcohol, CH3CH2OH.
Sulphur
(a) As a "principle," in the 17th. and early 18th. centuries the substantive
causes of the properties of inflammablility, color, and odor; (b) in the
doctrined of phlogiston, a compound composed of vitriolic (Sulfuric)
Acid and the inflammable principle, "phlogiston."
Sulphur Album Fixum
Potassium Nitrate (KNO3).
Sulphurated Iron
Ferrous Sulphide (FeS).
Sulphur Minerale
Solid mineral Sulphur (S).
Sulphur Of Antimony (Golden Sulphur of Antimony)
The orange Sulfide of Antimony, usually a mixture of the Trisulfide
(Sb2S3) with some of the Pentasulfide (Sb2S5).
Sulphureous Salt of Stahl
Impure Potassium Sulfite (K2SO3).
Sulphureous Acid
Sulfurous Acid (H2SO4).
Sulphurets
Sulfides (S).
89
Sulphuretted
Combined with or impregnated with Sulfur (S).
Sulphuretted Hydrogen
Hydrogen Sulfide, H2S
Sulphureum (Bergman)
Sulfurous Acid (H2SO3).
Sulphuric Acid
H2SO4, Formerly meant Sulfur Trioxide, SO3.
Sulphurous Acid (Pre-Lavoisier)
(H2SO3). Also referenced as Sulphurous Gas, Formerly meant Sulfur
Dioxide, SO2
Sulphur Vivum
Naturally occurring Sulphur (S).
Sun (Sol)
In astrological and alchemical thought, the seven heavenly bodies known
to the ancients were associated with Seven Metals also known in
antiquity. The sun was associated with Gold (aurum).
Superolefiant Gas (Dalton)
Butylene (C4H8).
Swedish Acid
Hydrofluoric Acid (HF).
Sweetened Spirit of Salt
Ethyl Chloride (C2H5Cl).
Sweet Mercury (Mercureous Dulis)
Mercurous Chloride (Hg2Cl2).
Sweet Principle from oils and fats
Glycerol (HOCH2CHOHCH2OH).
Sweet Salt
Sodium Chlorite, NaClO2. (An explosive, white, mildly hygroscopic,
water-soluble powder; decomposes at 175O C; used as an analytical
reagent and oxidizing agent.
Sweet Sublimate
Mercurous Chloride (Hg2Cl2).
Sympathetic Ink
Any solution that is colorless but becomes dark (and thus visible) by
heating, by addition of other chemicals, etc.
Syrup of Violets
A water extract of the petals of violets.
Syrupus Violatum
See Syrup of Violets.

90
T

Tabasheer (Tabachir)
A white powder formed at the joints of bamboo shoots. Imported from the
Orient and used as a medicinal.
Talc
A mixture of Magnesium Metasilicilate (Mg3H2(SiO4)3) with Magnesium
Silicate (Mg3Si4O11 . H2O).
Talky Earths
(a) fibrous earths; (b) earths that suffer no change from the action of acids
or fire; (c) earths that do not become viscid or hard when made into
aqueous paste, e.g., asbestos.
Tannin
Any astringent vegetable substance that can react with animal hyde and
convert it to leather. The most common tannin was tannic acid extracted
from oak-galls.

Tar
The dense, black, inflammable liquid or semisolid obtained from the
distillation of various woods or coal. A complex mixture of hydrocarbons
and organic compounds.
Tartar
Potassium Hydrogen Tartrate (K4HC4H4O6).

Tartarated Alkali of Tartar

Potassium Tartrate (K2C4H4O6).
Tartar Emetic (Stibiated Tartar)
potassium Antimonyl Tartrate (KSbC4H4O7), also written as
KSbOC4H4O6.1/2H2O.
Tartarified Iron
see Chalybs Tartar.
Tartarified Tincture of Iron
Ferrous Tartrate solution (FeC4H4O6).
Tartarin
A term occasionally used for Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3).
Tartarized Tartar
Potassium Tartrate (K2C4H4O6).

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Tartarized Tincture of Mars
Not a true Alcohol solution, this medicinal was dubbed a tincture largely
because of its deep color. Probably Iron Tartrate (FeC4H4O6).
Tartar, Cream of (Cremor Tartari)
Potassium Hydrogen Tartrate (K4HC4H4O6) purified into small white
crystals.
Tartar of Wine
Potassium Hydrogen Tartrate, KHC4H4O6 .
Tartar, Oil of
A saturated solution of potassium Carbonate, K2CO3
Tartar, Salt of
Solid Potassium Carbonate, K2CO3.
Tartarum Regeneratum (Regenerated Tartar)
Potassium Acetate (KC2H3O3) for the most part, but also used for assorted
potassium salts. Not very well defined.
Tartarum Solubus (Soluble Salt of Tartar)
Potassium Tartrate (K2C4H4O6).
Tartarum Tartisatum
Potassium Tartrate (K2C4H4O6).
Tartarum Vitriolatum (Vitriolated Tartar, Vitriolate of Tarter, Vitriolated
Tarter, Sal de Duobus)
Potassium Sulfate (K2SO4).
Tartarus Citratus
Potassium Citrate (K3C6H5O7 . H2O).
Tartarus Nitratus
Potassium Nitrate (KNO3.
Tartarus Tartarisatus
Potassium Tartrate (K2C4H4O6).

Tartarus Vitriolatus
Potassium Sulfate (K2SO4).
Tartre Stybie (Tartar Emetic)
Potassium Antimonyl Tartrate (KSbC4H4O7).
Tar Water
A solution of the water-soluble components of tar. Mostly alcohols and
polar organic materials.
Tectum Argenti
Bismuth (Bi).
Terebinth
The resin from the terebinth tree Pistacia terebinthuis.

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Terebinthaceous
Impregnated with turpentine, having turpentine as a component, or just
similar to turpentine.
Terebinthine
The refined portion or the "spirit" of the resin from the terebinth and other
trees having similar resins. Very similar to what we now call turpentine.
Terra
Earth
Terra Anglica Rubra
Ferric Oxide (Fe2O3).
Terra Foliata Nitri
Potassium Acetate (KC2H3O2).
Terra Foliata Tartari
See Regenerated Tartar.
Terra Foliata Tartari Crystallisabilis
Sodium Acetate (NaC2H3O2).
Terra Foliata Secretissima
Solid Potassium Acetate (KC2H3O2)2.
Terra Francisca
Assorted Sulfates (e.g., FeSO4, CuSO4)
Terra Molybdaenea
Molybdic Acid (H2MoO4(H2).
Terra Ponderosa
Barium Sulfate (BaSO4). Also referenced as ("heavy earth"), Barium
Oxide, BaO.
Terra Ponderosa Acetate
Barium Acetate (Ba(C2H3O2)2).
Terra Ponderosa Aerata (Aerated Heavy Earth)
Barium Carbonate (BaCO3).

Terra Ponderosa Molybdaenata

Barium Molybdate (BaMoO4).
Terra Foliee Animale
Ammonium Acetate (NH4C2H3O2).
Terra Foliee Crystallisee
Sodium Acetate (NaC2H3O2).
Test
A large cupel used for refining substantial quantities of Gold and Silver
by means of Lead.
Testaceous Earths
Mineral solids that came from or were chemically similar to shells. Thus,
"testaceous powders" were prepared from shells.
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Testing
The operation of refining Gold and Silver by means of Lead.
Thénard's Blue
Blue Cobalt Aluminate, Co(AlO2)2, named for Louis-Jacques Thénard.
Theriac
A general term for an antidote for the poison of a venomous snake.
Thion Hudor
Zosimus refers to this as the 'divine water' or "the bile of the serpent". A
deep reddish-yellow liquid made by boiling flowers of sulphur with
slaked lime.
Thorium
See Table Isotopes
Thorium A
An isotope of polonium produced in thorium decay, namely 216Po (half-
life = 0.15 s).
Thorium C
The names of two radioisotopes, both produced in Thorium decay,
included Thorium C. Simple Thorium C was an isotope of Bismuth,
namely 212Bi (half-life = 61 min); Thorium C' was an isotope of
Polonium, namely 212Po (half-life = 0.3 µs)
Thorium D
An Isotope of Thallium produced in Thorium decay, namely 208Tl (half-
life = 3 min).
Thorium X
An isotope of Radium produced in Thorium decay, namely 224Ra (half-life
= 3.6 d).
Thymol Blue
Thymolsulphonphthalein, C27H30O5S, an acid-base indicator that changes
from pink to yellow as the pH is raised through 2.2 and then to blue as the
pH is raised through 8.8.
Tincal (Tinkal)
Crude borax imported from India.
Tinct. Tartari
Solution of Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) in Alcohol.
Tinctura Antimonii
See Tincture of Antimony.
Tincture
A solution in which Ethanol (CH3CH2OH) is the primary solvent. The
term was applied most often to colored solutions.
Tincture of Antimony
A medicinal prepared from Antimony metal and Liver of Sulphur
(Potassium Polysulfides).
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Tincture of Coral
Crude Acetone (CH3COCH3).

Tincture of Mars
A general term for various medicinal preparations involving Iron Salts.
Common components included Ferrous Hydroxide Fe(OH) 2 and mixed
Tartrates and Oxides.
Tincture of Mars of Mynsight
An Alcohol solution in which the solute is primarily Ferric Chloride
(FeCl3).
Tin-Glass
Bismuth (Bi).
Tinging
When one substance tinges or slightly colors another.
Tin Salt
Hydrated Stannous Chloride.
Torrefaction
Roasting of ores in the hope of removing impurities.
Tourmaline (Tourmalin, Ash-Stone)
A mineral solid consisting of various forms of silicoborate, including the
black mineral "Schorl."
Tournsole
See Turnsol.
Triplesalts
Salts which seemed to have three components rather than the usual two,
e.g., Alum (KAl (SO4)2 . 12H2O).
Tripoli (Infusoria Earth, Rotten-Stone)
A finely divided mineral solid used for polishing. Obtained from the
shells of diatoms.

Tritorium
A vessel used for the separation of immisicible liquids. It was often
shaped somewhat like two modern separatory funnels cut near their tops
and fused together. Basically the same as a separating glass.
Trituration
Mechanical breakdown or division of solid substances through grinding;
e.g., with mortar and pestle, in a mill, etc.
Triture
See Trituration.
Trona
Naturally occurring Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3). It usually had some
Bicarbonate (NaHCO3.2H2O) in it as well.
95
Tubulated Retort
A retort which had a sealable opening in the top to allow addition or
removal of material without changing the position of the retort.

Tung Spat
See Heavy Spar.
Tunsgten (Scheelite)
Native Calcium Tungstate (CaWO4)
Turmaric
A powder made from the root of the imported East Indian plant Curcuna
Longa.
Turbull's Blue
Ferroferricyanide, Fe3[Fe(CN)6]2, also known as insoluble Prussian blue.
Turners Yellow
Yellow Lead Oxychloride (PbCl2 . 3PbO).
Turnsol
The bluish purple substance from the plant lichen Crozophora tinctoria.
Used as an indicator. Synonymous with litmus.
Turpentine
A resinous liquid extracted from various trees. Originally the extract of
the terebinith tree Distacia terebinthus.

Turpeth Mineral (Turbeth Mineral)

A hydrolysed form of Basic Mercuric Sulphate (HgSO4 . 2HgO). Yellow
crystalline powder, described by Basil Valentine.
Tutenag (Chinese Copper)
A term occasionally applied to Zinc (Zn). Also used for a white metal
alloy (Chinese copper) which consisted primarily of Copper (Cu), Zinc
(Zn), and Nickel (Ni). Used to alloy Silver in coins and jewelry items.
Tutia
See Tutty.
Tyrian Purple
6,6'-Dibromoindigotin, C16H8N2O2Br2, an important dye of the ancient
Mediterranean.
Tutty
Zinc Oxide (ZnO).

96
U

Uliginous
Any water, oozing matter like that in a swamp.
Ulmin
A mucilagenous substance from the inner bark of the elm.
Ultramarine
A blue pigment made from the gem mineral Lapis Lazuli. The relative
composition of ultramarine is not fixed, but the largest component is a
Sodium Aluminum Silicate combined with Sulphur.
Umber
A mineral solid which exists in a range of brown hues. Chemically, umber
is mostly a mixture of Hydrous Ferric Oxide (Fe2O . xH2O) and
Manganese Dioxide (MnO2). It was believed by many in the 18th. century
to be a fossil wood originally found in Umbria near Spoleto in Italy.
Unctuous
Oily; i.e., viscous, adherent and lubricating.
Unctuous Oils
Oils that have little or no taste or odor but are relatively "oily"; i.e., are
viscous, adherent, and lubricating.
Uranium
SeeTable of Isotopes.
Uranium I
The most abundant isotope of Uranium, 238U.
Uranium II
An isotope of Uranium produced in Uranium decay, namely 234U (half-life
= 2.5x105 y).
Uranium X
There were two Uranium X produced in Uranium decay. Uranium X1
(simply Uranium X before the discovery of Uranium X2) was an isotope
of Thorium, namely 234Th (half-life = 24 d); Uranium X2 was an isotope
of Protactinium 234Pa.

Uranium Yellow
Sodium Uranate, Na2UO4, a pigment used in glass and ceramics.
Urinou Salts
Usually any Ammonium Salt. Somethimes any of the Alkali Carbonates.
Ustulation

97
 The loss of volatile components of a substance without loss of texture or
body. Cf. Calcination.

Vague Acid of Mines

An aeriform fluid which was probably largely Sulphur Dioxide (SO2).
Vapour
Rather loosely applied to any aeriform substance or phase. Perhaps the
best 18th. century definition was any aeriform substance that could be
liquefied by cold.
Vapour of Arsenic
Aresenious Oxide (As2O3)
Varnish
A resin in solution. "Spirit" varnishes were resins dissolved in turpentine
or alcohol. "Oil" varnishes were resins dissolved in linseed and/or other
oils.
Vegetable Acid
Any acidic substance extracted from whole or fermented vegetable matter.
Thus, the term was applied to Acetic (CH3COOH), Citric (C6H8O7), and
Tartaric (C4H6O6) Acids, etc.
Vegetable Acid, Fermentative
Primarily Acetic Acid from Vinegar (HC2H3O2).
Vegetative Acid, Native
Citric Acid (C6H8O7)
Vegetable Alkali, Caustic
Potassium Hydroxide, KOH.
Vegetable Alkali
Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3). Sometimes specified as mild vegetable
alkali or fixed vegetable alkali.
Vegetable Ammoniacal Salt
Solid Ammonium Acetate (NH4C2H3O2)
Vegetable Salt
See Tartarified Tartar or Soluble Tartar.
Venetian White
Mixture of equal parts of White Lead (Pb(CO3)2 . Pb(OH)2) and Barium
Sulphate (BaSO4).
Venus (of Venus)

98
 Usually suggested either Copper or a compound of Copper. Sometimes it
simply indicated an Acetate (C2H3O2¯). In astrological and alchemical
thought, the seven heavenly bodies known to the ancients were associated
with Seven Metals also known in antiquity. Venus was associated with
Copper (cuprum).
Verdigris (Verdigrise)
A basic Copper Acetate (Cu(C2H3O2)2 . 2Cu(OH)2). Long used as a green
pigment. Also Cupric Carbonate.
Verdigris, Blue
Copper (II) Acetate, Cu(C2H3O2)2.H2O.
Verditer (Blue Verditer; Blue Bice)
A blue pigment made from a basic Copper Carbonate (2CuCO3 .
Cu(OH)2) which is chemically the same as azurite.
Vermillion (Cinnabar)
The red pigment made from Cinnabar (Mercuric Sulfide, HgS or Mercury
(II) Sulfide, HgS). See Cinnabar.
A preparation of carbon from the twigs and wood of vines. Used as a
black pigment.
Vinegar of Lead
Primarily Lead Acetate (Pb(C2H3O2)2).
Virginium (Vi, Vm)
A name proposed for element 87 (Francium) in a report of detection of the
element whose validity was ultimately not recognized.
rgy. The law of conservation of energy was originally phrased in terms of
vis viva.
Vital Air
Oxygen (O2)

Vitamin (Vitamine)
Sometimes vitamine, from "vital amine" [Funk]): an organic substance
essential in small quantities to the normal health of an animal. Vitamins
must typically be supplied to the animal through diet.
Vitamin A
Retinol, C20H30O, a fat-soluble vitamin derived from carotenes.
Vitamin B
A group of water-soluble, heat labile compounds that typically serve as
co-enzymes. They include many examples that contain amine groups (as
in "vital amine").
Vitamin B1
Thiamin (or Thiamine), C12H17N4OSCl.

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Vitamin B2
Riboflavin (or Riboflavine), C17H20N4O6.
Vitamin B3
Niacin (or Nicotinic Acid), C6H5NO2.
Vitamin B6
Pyridoxin (or Pyridoxine), C8H11NO3.
Vitamin B12
Cyanocobalamin (or Cyanocobalamine), C63H90CoN14O14P.
Vitamin Bc
Folic Acid, C19H19N7O6.
Vitamin C
Ascorbic Acid, C6H8O6, a water-soluble vitamin found in many fruits and
green vegetables.
Vitamin D
This fat-soluble vitamin consists of steroid derivatives including
Ergocalciferol, C28H44O, and Cholecalciferol, C27H44O.
Vitamin E
This vitamin occurs in four naturally occuring forms, called -, -, -, and
-tocopherol. The  form, C29H50O2, has the greatest activity; the - and
- forms have one fewer methyl group, and the - form two fewer.
Vitiated Air
Air from which Oxygen (O2) has been removed, therefore mainly
Nitrogen (N2).
Vitresant (Vitrifiable)
Any solid that could be made into "glass".
Vitrifiable Earths (Vitreous Earths)
Mineral substances which fuse under the action of fire.

Vitrification
The chemical part of the process of making glass or of any high-
temperature process which produced a glass-like substance.
Vitriol
Used mainly for Ferrous Sulfate (FeSO4), but a generic term for Sulfates.
As with many old terms, the usage varied; e.g., some used the term for
Mitrates of Silver and Copper.
Vitriol, Blue (Roman Vitriol)
Copper Sulfate (CuSO4.5H2O).
Vitriol, Green
Ferrous Sulfate or Iron (II) Sulfate, FeSO4.7H2O.
Vitriol, Red (Rose)

100
 Cobalt (II) Sulfate, CoSO4.7H2O.
Vitriol, White (Salt of Vitriol)
Zinc Sulfate, ZnSO4.7H2O.
Vitriol (or Vitriolic) Acid
Sulphuric Acid (H2SO4)
Vitriolated Earths, Metals, etc.
Sulphates.
Vitriolated Ether
Diethyl Ether (C4H10O) or (CH3CH2OCH2CH3)
Vitriolated Tartar
Potassium Sulfate (K2SO4)
Vitriolic Acid (Oil of Sulfur, Oil of vitriol, Spirit of Vitriol, Spiritus Vitrioli)
Sulfuric Acid, H2SO4 also known as Oil of Sulfur and Oil of Vitriol and
Spirit of Vitriol (Spiritus Vitrioli)
Vitriolic Acid Air
Sulfur Dioxide, SO2, Sometimes Vitriolic Acid; also known as Sulphurous
Acid or Sulphurous Gas.
Vitriolic Ether
Diethyl Ether (C4H10O) or (CH3CH2OCH2CH3)
Vitriol of Goslar (White Vitriol)
Zinc Sulfate (ZnSO4)
Vitriol of Jove
Stannous Sulfate (SnSO4)
Vitriol of Jupiter
Stannous Acetate (Sn(C2H3O2)2)
Vitriol of Mars (Green Vitriol)
Ferrous Sulfate (FeSO4)
Vitriol of Quick Silver
Mercuric Nitrate (Hg(NO3)2)

Vitriol of Saturn
Lead Acetate (Pb(C2H3O2))
Vitriol of Silver
Occasionally, early in the 18th. century, Silver Nitrate (AgNO3). As the
century progressed, the term was more reasonably applied to Silver
Sulfate (Ag2SO4)
Vitriol of Venus
Cupric Sulfate (CuSO4)
Vitriolum Album
See White Vitriol.
Vitriolum Ammonium
Ammonium Sulfate ((NH4)2SO4)
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Vitriolum Anglicum
Ferrous Sulfate (FeSO4)
Vitriolum Veneris cum Alkali Fixo Praecipitatum
Basic Copper Acetate (Cu(C2H3O2)2 . CuO . 6 H2O)
Vitrium Antimonii (Glass of Antimony)
Fused Antimony Oxide (Sb2O3)
Vivifying Spirit
A hypothetical principle in the air which, according to some early 18th.
century chemists, was the active agent in combustion and respiration.
Volatile
An adjective usually used to indicate not only that a substance naturally
gave off some aeriform component (as indicated by an odor) but also that
it decomposed easily and gave off one or more aeriform components to
the air on heating.

Volatile Acid of Nitre

Nitrous Acid (HNO2)
Volatile Acid of Sulfur (Phlogisticated Vitriolic Acid)
Sulfurous Acid (H2SO3)
Volatile Alkali
A term most commonly used for solutions of Aqueous Ammonia, NH 3;
e.g., Ammonium Hydroxide, NH4OH.
Volatile Alkali, Concrete
Ammonium Carbonate (NH4)2CO3.
Volatile Liver of Sulfur
Volatile product from heating Sulfur (S) with Quicklime (Calcium Oxide,
CaO) and Ammonium Chloride (NH4Cl).
Volatile Sal Ammoniac
Ammonium Hydroxide (NH4OH) solution.
Volatile Salt
Ammonium Carbonate ((NH4)2CO3)
Volatile Salt of Amber
See Salt of Amber
Volatile Salt of Hartshorn
Ammonium Carbonate (NH4CO3)
Volatile Spirit of Sal Ammoniac
Ammonium Hydroxide (NH4OH) obtained from Quicklime (Calcium
Oxide, CaO) and Sal Ammoniac (Ammonium Chloride, NH4Cl).
Volatile Spirit of Sulfur
The aeriform product from burning sulfur; mostly Sulfur Dioxide (SO2).

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Volatile Vitriol of Venus
Copper Acetate Cu(C2H3O2)2

W
Wash

Any fermented mixture which, after distillation, would produce distilled

spirits (Ethanol CH3CH2OH, with impurities).
Water gas
Mixture of Hydrogen (H2) and Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Water glass (Soluble Glass)
A hydrated Sodium Silicate, Na2Si4O9.xH2O, either an amorphous solid or
in thick aqueous solution, used as a binder or adhesive.
Water of Minderus
A solution of Ammonium Acetate (NH4C2H3O2).
Water of Rabel
A solution of Ethyl Ether (CH3CH2OCH2CH3) in Ethanol (CH3CH2OH)
Wax
A term referring to beeswax only, as the Hydrocarbon waxes were not
available in the18th. century.
Whey
The liquid which remains after milk is curdled, usually in the process of
cheese-making
White Arsenic
Arsenious Oxide (As2O3) Made from Arsenical soot from the roasting
ovens, purified by sublimation.
White Calx of Antimony
Mixture of Antimony Oxide (Sb2O3) and Potassium Oxide (K2O).
White Copper
An alloy of Arsenic (As), Copper (Cu), and Zinc (Zn).
White Copperas
Zinc Sulphate (ZnSO4)
White Lead
Basic Lead Carbonate (Pb(CO3)2 . Pb (OH)2). Used as a pigment.
White Manganese
Manganous Carbonate (MnCO3)
White Precipitated Mercury (Precipitate of Sublimate of Mercury)
Mercurammonium Chloride (HgNH2Cl)

White Vitriol

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 Zinc Sulphate (ZnSO4) Described by Basil Valentine. Made by lixiviating
roasted zinc blende (Zinc Sulphide).
Wind Furnace
A reverberating furnace.
Wine
Often used more broadly by 18th. century chemists to include any potable
liquid which had become "spiritous" through fermentation; e.g., beer,
cider, and mead.
Wismuth
Bismuth.
Witherite
Barium Carbonate (BaCO3).
Woad
A blue dye prepared from the leaves of the plant Isatis tinctoria.
Wolfram
A name of Germanic origin originally applied to a native Iron Manganese
Tungstate and later to the element Tungsten, hence the symbol W. Also
referenced as a mineral substance Spumi lupi that was under investigation
in the 18th century.
Wood Ash or Potash
Potassum Carbonate (K2CO3). Made from the ashes of burnt wood.
Worm
A long, coiled tube, usually of copper, attached to the head of a
distillation apparatus for the purpose of increasing condensation. A worm
commonly was used in distilling spirits.
Wormwood
The plant Artemisia absinthium, the leaves of which were used to make an
extract by distillation. Used as a medicinal.
Wort
An infusion of grain, usually malt, which was fermented to produce beer.
Woulfe Bottle
A bottle with two or more necked orifices that was used in distillation.

Xylenol Blue
1,4-Dimethyl-5-Hydroxybenzenesulfonphthalein, an acid-base indicator
that changes from red to yellow as the pH is raised through 2 and then to
blue as the pH is raised through 8.8.
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Y

Yellow
A yellow coloring agent produced by treating indigo with dilute nitric
acid. This substance proved to be unstable and seldom was used as dye.
Yellow Aqua Fortis
Concentrated Nitric Acid (HNO3).
Yellow Arsenic
Arsenious Sulphide (As2S3).
Yellow Ochre
Hydrated Ferric Oxide (Fe2O3 . H2O).
Yttria
A mixture of rare earth elements from the mineral Gadolinite. Primarily
the Trioxide of Yttrium (Y2O3).

Zaffre (Saffre)
A gray or reddish powder composed mostly of Cobalt Oxide (CaO). Also
known to be impure Cobalt Arsenate, left after roasting cobalt ore.
Zeolites
A group of mineral solids which are various hydrated silicates, primarily
of Aluminum, Calcium, Potassium, and Sodium. Although not really
related, they share the property of swelling and "boiling" under the heat of
the blowpipe.
Zinc (Zinco, Zinetum)
Regarded in the 18th. century as a semi-metal because of its relative
brittleness.

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 Table of Isotopes – What is it?

Information about the Periodic Table of the Isotopes

I get a lot of questions from students, teachers, and other people asking about
isotopes. The following information will help you understand the Periodic Table
of the Isotopes. I hope that you will find this information helpful.

Elements: Each element has a fixed number of positively charged protons in its
nucleus and an equal number of electrons orbiting the nucleus. For example,
hydrogen (H) has one proton and one electron, but lead (Pb) has 82 protons and
82 electrons. There are about 115 known elements of which 82 are naturally
abundant.

Isotopes: The nucleus contains both protons and neutrons. An element has a
fixed number of protons but may exist with various numbers of neutrons. The
sum of the protons and neutrons is the mass number. For example, helium exists
as 3He(2 protons and one neutron) or as 4He (2 protons and 2 neutrons). The
two forms of helium are called isotopes of helium. Isotopes of an element have
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the same chemical properties but different weights. Some elements have many
isomers. Tin (Sn) has about 38 known isotopes.

Half-life: The half-life of an isotope is the amount of time it takes for half of the
atoms to decay into a more stable form. Naturally abundant isotopes exist
around us because their half-lives are longer than the age of the earth. Uranium
238 (238U) has a half-life of 4.5 billion years so it is naturally abundant. Most
isotopes have short half-lives and must be produced in the laboratory to study or
use. For example, cobalt 60 (60Co) has a half-life of 5.3 years and is made in a
reactor. 60Co is used for radiation therapy of cancer patients. Over 3500
isotopes are known, and most are merely laboratory curiosities.

Isomers: In some cases more than one form of an isotope can exist. These
different forms of the isotope have the same number of protons and neutrons but
different half-lives. They are different because the protons and neutrons can
arrange themselves in different ways. There is an isomer of 60Co with a half-life
of 10 minutes.

Decay Modes: Isotopes try to decay to more stable isotopes. They may do this
by beta decay emitting an electron and converting a neutron to a proton (B-
decay), emitting a positron (anti-electron) and converting a proton to a neutron
(B+ decay), or capturing an atomic electron and converting a proton to a neutron
(electron capture decay). Beta decay also emits a nearly invisible neutrino. Some
isomers decay by emitting a gamma-ray (high energy photon or light). Other
isotopes decay by alpha decay, emitting an alpha particle which is really a 4He
nucleus. Heavy elements occasionally decay by spontaneous fission, dividing in
half. An isotope can decay in several possible ways often emitting gamma-rays
as loses energy.

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 Seven Planets, Seven Metals
In astrological and alchemical thought, the seven heavenly bodies known to the
ancients were associated with seven metals also known in antiquity. The
associations were:

Sun (Sol) Gold (aurum)

Mercury Mercury (quicksilver, hydrargyrum)
Venus Copper (cuprum)
Moon (Luna) Silver (argentum)
Mars Iron (ferrum)
Jupiter Tin (stannum)
Saturn Lead (plumbum)

© May 2013 – Philippe L. De Coster, B.Th., D.D., Gent, Belgium

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