The following is from The Alchemical Works of Gerber, published by Samuel Weiser, York Beach, Maine, 1994. My
copy being 315 of 999. Original Text in black, my comments in red.
Commentary
The Alchemical Works of Geber
Of the Sum of Perfection, Or of the Perfect Magistery
Chapter XIII
"Of Distillation and its Causes, and of the Three Kinds of the same, viz, by Alembeck, by a Descensory, and by
Filter."
Therefore, following Our Purpose, 'tis convenient We should speak of Distillation, with its Causes; Distillation is an
Elevation of aqueous Vapours in their Vessel. And Distillation is diversified. For some Distillations are by Fire, and
some are without Fire. Those made by Fire are of two kinds; one, which is by Elevation into the Alembeck; and the
other by Chymical Descensory, by mediation of which the Oyl of Vegetables is extracted.
Our Purpose = Lesser opus, lesser work
Aqueous Vapours see notes on "Water of Life," aqua vitae, aqua regia, etc.
Oyl of Vegetables = essential oils, see notes on volatile Sulphur
The Cause why Distillation was invented, and the general Cause of the Invention of every Distillation, is the
Purification of Liquid Matter from its turbulent Feces, and Conservation from Putrefaction. For We see a Thing
Distilled (by what kind soever of Distillation) to be rendred more Pure, and to be better preserved from
Putrefication. But the special Cause of that Distillation, which is made by ascent into the Alembeck, is the desire of
acquiring Water Pure without Earth. The Experience of which is , that We see Water so Distilled, to have no
Feculency. The Cause of the Invention of Pure Water, was the Imbibition of Spirits, and of clean Medicines. As for
Example, When We need Imbition, We must have pure Water, which leaves no Feces after its Resolution; by which
Feculency, Our Medicines and cleansed Spirits might be infected and corrupted. But the Cause of that Invention,
which is made by Descent, was the Extraction of Oyl pure in its Nature; because Ascent, Oyl cannot be had in its
Combustible Nature. And such an Inquisition also was, that the Colour which is permixed with its Substance, might
be had; for this may be helpful in the Case. But Distillation, which is made by Filter, is performed without Fire; and
the Cause of its Invention was Clearness of the Water only.
Water = water of life
Oyl = essential oil, the essence was viewed by European and Persian physicians as that component which was the
hidden (occult) principle that made the material work, either as a medicinal or as the active agent.
Imbibition is defined as the displacement of one fluid by another immiscible fluid. This process is controlled and
affected by a variety of factors.
Imbibition of water increases the volume of the imbibant which results in imbibitional pressure. This pressure can be
of tremendous magnitude. This fact can be demonstrated by the splitting of rocks by inserting dry wooden stalks in
the crevices of rocks and soaking them in water, a technique used by early Egyptians to cleave stone blocks.[1][2]
References
1. ^ "Building With Stone". http://www.reshafim.org.il/ad/egypt/building/building_in_stone.htm.
2. ^ "The Pyramid Puzzle - Deccan Herald". http://www.deccanherald.
com/deccanherald/jan62006/sesame144058200615.asp.
Now We will show you the Methods of Distillations, with their Causes. Therefore of that which is made by Ascent,
there is a twofold Way or Method. For one is performed in an Earthen Pan full of Ashes; but the other with Water in
its Vessel, with Hay or Wool, orderly disposed, that the Curcurbit, or Distillatory Alembeck, may not be broken before
the Work be brought to Perfection. That which is made by Ashes, is performed with a greater, stronger, and more
acute Fire; but what is made by Water, with a mild and equal Fire. For Water admits not the Acuity of Ignition, as
Ashes doth. Therefore, by that Distillation, which is made in Ashes, Colours, and the more gross Parts of the Earth,
are want to be elevated; but by that which is made in Water, the Parts more subtile, and without Colour, and more
approaching to the Nature of simple Wateriness, are usually elevated. Therefore more subtile Separation is made
by Distillation in Water, than by Distilling in Ashes. This he knows to be true, who when he had Distilled Oyl by
Ashes, received his Oyl scarcely altered into the Recipent’s; but willing to separate the Parts thereof, was by
necessity forced to Distill it by Water. And then by reiterating that Labour, he separated the Oyl into its Elemental
Parts; so that from a most red Oyl, he extracted a most white and most serene Water, the whole Redness thereof
remaining in the Bottom of the Vessel.
Water Bath Distillation – placing the boiling flask (curcurbit) into a water bath to more evenly distribute the heat
against the boiling flask, increase the surface contact with the distillation process, and will keep the temperature in
non- pressurized systems at or below 100C (the boiling point of water). This prevents “flash over” of materials from
the boiling flask into the Alembic and the receiving flask.
Ash Distillation – placing the boiling flask into a pan of hot ash and still burning coals would increase the
temperature of the system as now there is the potential of direct fire coming into contact with the distillation. While
this is a faster form the “notes” of the resulting distillate may have a “burned” effect, being less subtle in flavor and
aroma.
Sand Bath Distillation – placing the boiling flask into a bank of heated sand allows for a more evenly distributed
heat, like the Water Bath, and allows for a higher temperature, like the Ash banking method.
Therefore by this Magistery, We must necessarily come to determine Separation from all the Elements, of every
Vegetable Thing, and of that which from the Vegetable proceeds to a Being, and of every like Thing: but by that,
which is made by Descent, We may attain the Oyl of every Thing determinately, viz. of all Vegetables, and o f their
Like: and by that, which is made by Filter, We acquire the Clearness of every Liquorous Thing. Yet all these Things
are known, even to Men knowing little or nothing; but if any Man knoweth them not, he knows nothing of this
Magistery. Therefore let him practice in the Exercise and he will find out.
Magistery, a name given to almost every precipitate obtained by solution, as opposed to calx, which is procured
wholly by calcination : it is chiefly employed to denote such precipitates as are used in medicine ; for instance, the
magistery of bismuth, coral, crabs-eyes, etc.
Magistery of Bismuth is a fine powder, prepared by dissolving bismuth in nitrous acid, and pouring on it a large
quantity of pure water, which precipitates the magistery to the bottom of the vessel. It is chiefly employed as a
cosmetic by the gay and giddy, on account of the superior beauty and dazzling whiteness which it imparts ; but it is
very pernicious to health, and eventually injures the skin.—See Bismuth.
Magistery of Coral, crabs-eyes, pearl, shells, chalk, and other absorbent matters, is prepared by dissolving any of
these substances in the nitrous acid ; when they must be precipitated by fixed alkali, and repeatedly washed fa pure
water, till the latter is per-feclly tasteless.
Magistery of Lead is the calx of that metal, dissolved in aqua-fortis, and precipitated with filtred saltwater, by which
means the powder acquires a beautiful white colour. It is softened by repeated ablutions, and then mixed with
pomatums for improving the skin and complexion of the face.—Like all other preparations of lead, this magistery is a
slow poison, and will therefore never be used by those who have the least regard for their health.
http://chestofbooks.com/reference/The-Domestic-Encyclopaedia-Vol3/Magistery.html
The Disposition of that which is made by Ashes, is, that a strong Earthen-Pan be taken and fitted to the Furnace,
like to the aforesaid Furnace of Sublimation, with the same Distance from the Sides of the Furnace, and with like
Vent-holes; upon the Bottom of which Pan sifted Ashes must be put to the thickness of one Finger, and upon the
Ashes the Vessel of Distillation set, and covered round about with the same, almost as high as to the Neck of the
Alembeck. This being done, put in the Matter, which you intend shall be Distilled. Lastly, Cover the Vessel with its
Alembeck, the Neck of which must inclose the Neck of the inferior Curcurbit, even up to the curved Channel of the
Alembeck, least what is to be Distilled should fly away; and lute the Alembeck firmly with its Curcurbit, and give Fire
to it, until it begin to Distill. But the Alembeck and its Curcurbit, must be both of Glass. And the Fire must be
increased according to the Exingency of the Distillation, until it be found, by urging the Fire, that all which should be
Distilled is Distilled off.
Earthen-Pan – a hard fired clay vessel, made to fit the opening of the furnace which will accommodate the
“Curcurbit.” The Earthen-Pan will hold the ashes against the glass flask and act to hold heat without damaging the
boiling flask.
The Alembeck is “luted” to the Curcurbit using moist clay, or linen rag impregnated with clay and moistened, to
prevent loss of the “essence” or “spirit” of the Matter (distillate), the ground glass joint was not invented at this
point.
Exingency – the decisive point, the temperature at which the required action (distillation) occurs would vary based
upon the boiling point of the distillate, temperatures at the time would be unknown.
The Disposition of the second Intention of Distillation which is made by Water, is like to this, in the Vessel and
Alembeck: yet it differs in this, viz. That in this, must be taken an Iron or Brass-Pan, and that fitted to the Furnace,
as is said. Afterwards, upon the Bottom of the Pan, within must be laid a Bed of Hay, or Wooll, or other such like
Matter, to the thickness of three Fingers, that the Curcurbit may not be broken; and with the same Hay, or like
Things, the Curcurbit must be covered round about, almost as high as to the Neck of the Alembeck; and upon them
many small Sprigs, or Sticks spread, and upon the Sticks, weighty Stones laid, which with their weight may depress
the Hay, or other like Matter, with the Curcurbit and Alembeck, and firmly and steddily hold them depressed upon
the Bottom of the Pan, that they be not moved, or raised by the Water; and that stirring be the Cause of breaking
the Glass, and Destruction of the Matter to be Distilled. Afterwards, upon the Hay and Sticks depressed with the
Stones, pour Water until the Pan be full. This being done, put Fire under and Distil, until all be Distilled off.
Distillation by water bath (“made by Water”) where the curcubit (boiling flask) is submersed in a pan of water. The
“Hay, or Wooll” is used to prevent the fragile glass from being broken hitting the pan during the boiling. The
curcurbit is held down by sticks and stones to keep it from floating in the water bath while the Alembic or still head is
held down upon the boiling flask by the stone as well. I have used both poly fill (used to fill pillows, quilts and craft
projects) in the past but recently switched to bamboo fiber which is more natural and MAY more closely mimic “Hay,
or Wooll.”
The Disposition of that, which is made by Descent, is, that a Glass Descensory be made, with its Cover, and that put
in which is to be Distilled, and then the Cover luted on; and Fire made upon the Top, or over it: for its Distillation
descends.
The application of heat from fire from above is sort of a “Dutch Oven” effect as heat radiates spherically from the
source.
The Disposition of that, which is made by Filter, is, that the Liquor to be Distilled be put into a Stone Choncha, and
the wider part of the Filter put into the said Liquor, even to the Bottom of the Concha, but the narrower part of it
hang out over the Orifice of said Vessel. And under that end of the Filter must be set another Vessel for receiving
the Distillation. Therefore, when the Filter begins to Distill, which ceasing, the Liquor to be Distilled succeeds.
Which Liquor if it not be as yet serene, it must so often be put into the Concha again, and re-distilled, until it be
Distilled most serene.
But all these Operations, which are easie, need not great Probation; therefore I am willing to pass over in Silence.
This is the Description of all the Vessels of every Distillation, her now completed by Us.
copy being 315 of 999. Original Text in black, my comments in red.
Commentary
The Alchemical Works of Geber
Of the Sum of Perfection, Or of the Perfect Magistery
Chapter XIII
"Of Distillation and its Causes, and of the Three Kinds of the same, viz, by Alembeck, by a Descensory, and by
Filter."
Therefore, following Our Purpose, 'tis convenient We should speak of Distillation, with its Causes; Distillation is an
Elevation of aqueous Vapours in their Vessel. And Distillation is diversified. For some Distillations are by Fire, and
some are without Fire. Those made by Fire are of two kinds; one, which is by Elevation into the Alembeck; and the
other by Chymical Descensory, by mediation of which the Oyl of Vegetables is extracted.
Our Purpose = Lesser opus, lesser work
Aqueous Vapours see notes on "Water of Life," aqua vitae, aqua regia, etc.
Oyl of Vegetables = essential oils, see notes on volatile Sulphur
The Cause why Distillation was invented, and the general Cause of the Invention of every Distillation, is the
Purification of Liquid Matter from its turbulent Feces, and Conservation from Putrefaction. For We see a Thing
Distilled (by what kind soever of Distillation) to be rendred more Pure, and to be better preserved from
Putrefication. But the special Cause of that Distillation, which is made by ascent into the Alembeck, is the desire of
acquiring Water Pure without Earth. The Experience of which is , that We see Water so Distilled, to have no
Feculency. The Cause of the Invention of Pure Water, was the Imbibition of Spirits, and of clean Medicines. As for
Example, When We need Imbition, We must have pure Water, which leaves no Feces after its Resolution; by which
Feculency, Our Medicines and cleansed Spirits might be infected and corrupted. But the Cause of that Invention,
which is made by Descent, was the Extraction of Oyl pure in its Nature; because Ascent, Oyl cannot be had in its
Combustible Nature. And such an Inquisition also was, that the Colour which is permixed with its Substance, might
be had; for this may be helpful in the Case. But Distillation, which is made by Filter, is performed without Fire; and
the Cause of its Invention was Clearness of the Water only.
Water = water of life
Oyl = essential oil, the essence was viewed by European and Persian physicians as that component which was the
hidden (occult) principle that made the material work, either as a medicinal or as the active agent.
Imbibition is defined as the displacement of one fluid by another immiscible fluid. This process is controlled and
affected by a variety of factors.
Imbibition of water increases the volume of the imbibant which results in imbibitional pressure. This pressure can be
of tremendous magnitude. This fact can be demonstrated by the splitting of rocks by inserting dry wooden stalks in
the crevices of rocks and soaking them in water, a technique used by early Egyptians to cleave stone blocks.[1][2]
References
1. ^ "Building With Stone". http://www.reshafim.org.il/ad/egypt/building/building_in_stone.htm.
2. ^ "The Pyramid Puzzle - Deccan Herald". http://www.deccanherald.
com/deccanherald/jan62006/sesame144058200615.asp.
Now We will show you the Methods of Distillations, with their Causes. Therefore of that which is made by Ascent,
there is a twofold Way or Method. For one is performed in an Earthen Pan full of Ashes; but the other with Water in
its Vessel, with Hay or Wool, orderly disposed, that the Curcurbit, or Distillatory Alembeck, may not be broken before
the Work be brought to Perfection. That which is made by Ashes, is performed with a greater, stronger, and more
acute Fire; but what is made by Water, with a mild and equal Fire. For Water admits not the Acuity of Ignition, as
Ashes doth. Therefore, by that Distillation, which is made in Ashes, Colours, and the more gross Parts of the Earth,
are want to be elevated; but by that which is made in Water, the Parts more subtile, and without Colour, and more
approaching to the Nature of simple Wateriness, are usually elevated. Therefore more subtile Separation is made
by Distillation in Water, than by Distilling in Ashes. This he knows to be true, who when he had Distilled Oyl by
Ashes, received his Oyl scarcely altered into the Recipent’s; but willing to separate the Parts thereof, was by
necessity forced to Distill it by Water. And then by reiterating that Labour, he separated the Oyl into its Elemental
Parts; so that from a most red Oyl, he extracted a most white and most serene Water, the whole Redness thereof
remaining in the Bottom of the Vessel.
Water Bath Distillation – placing the boiling flask (curcurbit) into a water bath to more evenly distribute the heat
against the boiling flask, increase the surface contact with the distillation process, and will keep the temperature in
non- pressurized systems at or below 100C (the boiling point of water). This prevents “flash over” of materials from
the boiling flask into the Alembic and the receiving flask.
Ash Distillation – placing the boiling flask into a pan of hot ash and still burning coals would increase the
temperature of the system as now there is the potential of direct fire coming into contact with the distillation. While
this is a faster form the “notes” of the resulting distillate may have a “burned” effect, being less subtle in flavor and
aroma.
Sand Bath Distillation – placing the boiling flask into a bank of heated sand allows for a more evenly distributed
heat, like the Water Bath, and allows for a higher temperature, like the Ash banking method.
Therefore by this Magistery, We must necessarily come to determine Separation from all the Elements, of every
Vegetable Thing, and of that which from the Vegetable proceeds to a Being, and of every like Thing: but by that,
which is made by Descent, We may attain the Oyl of every Thing determinately, viz. of all Vegetables, and o f their
Like: and by that, which is made by Filter, We acquire the Clearness of every Liquorous Thing. Yet all these Things
are known, even to Men knowing little or nothing; but if any Man knoweth them not, he knows nothing of this
Magistery. Therefore let him practice in the Exercise and he will find out.
Magistery, a name given to almost every precipitate obtained by solution, as opposed to calx, which is procured
wholly by calcination : it is chiefly employed to denote such precipitates as are used in medicine ; for instance, the
magistery of bismuth, coral, crabs-eyes, etc.
Magistery of Bismuth is a fine powder, prepared by dissolving bismuth in nitrous acid, and pouring on it a large
quantity of pure water, which precipitates the magistery to the bottom of the vessel. It is chiefly employed as a
cosmetic by the gay and giddy, on account of the superior beauty and dazzling whiteness which it imparts ; but it is
very pernicious to health, and eventually injures the skin.—See Bismuth.
Magistery of Coral, crabs-eyes, pearl, shells, chalk, and other absorbent matters, is prepared by dissolving any of
these substances in the nitrous acid ; when they must be precipitated by fixed alkali, and repeatedly washed fa pure
water, till the latter is per-feclly tasteless.
Magistery of Lead is the calx of that metal, dissolved in aqua-fortis, and precipitated with filtred saltwater, by which
means the powder acquires a beautiful white colour. It is softened by repeated ablutions, and then mixed with
pomatums for improving the skin and complexion of the face.—Like all other preparations of lead, this magistery is a
slow poison, and will therefore never be used by those who have the least regard for their health.
http://chestofbooks.com/reference/The-Domestic-Encyclopaedia-Vol3/Magistery.html
The Disposition of that which is made by Ashes, is, that a strong Earthen-Pan be taken and fitted to the Furnace,
like to the aforesaid Furnace of Sublimation, with the same Distance from the Sides of the Furnace, and with like
Vent-holes; upon the Bottom of which Pan sifted Ashes must be put to the thickness of one Finger, and upon the
Ashes the Vessel of Distillation set, and covered round about with the same, almost as high as to the Neck of the
Alembeck. This being done, put in the Matter, which you intend shall be Distilled. Lastly, Cover the Vessel with its
Alembeck, the Neck of which must inclose the Neck of the inferior Curcurbit, even up to the curved Channel of the
Alembeck, least what is to be Distilled should fly away; and lute the Alembeck firmly with its Curcurbit, and give Fire
to it, until it begin to Distill. But the Alembeck and its Curcurbit, must be both of Glass. And the Fire must be
increased according to the Exingency of the Distillation, until it be found, by urging the Fire, that all which should be
Distilled is Distilled off.
Earthen-Pan – a hard fired clay vessel, made to fit the opening of the furnace which will accommodate the
“Curcurbit.” The Earthen-Pan will hold the ashes against the glass flask and act to hold heat without damaging the
boiling flask.
The Alembeck is “luted” to the Curcurbit using moist clay, or linen rag impregnated with clay and moistened, to
prevent loss of the “essence” or “spirit” of the Matter (distillate), the ground glass joint was not invented at this
point.
Exingency – the decisive point, the temperature at which the required action (distillation) occurs would vary based
upon the boiling point of the distillate, temperatures at the time would be unknown.
The Disposition of the second Intention of Distillation which is made by Water, is like to this, in the Vessel and
Alembeck: yet it differs in this, viz. That in this, must be taken an Iron or Brass-Pan, and that fitted to the Furnace,
as is said. Afterwards, upon the Bottom of the Pan, within must be laid a Bed of Hay, or Wooll, or other such like
Matter, to the thickness of three Fingers, that the Curcurbit may not be broken; and with the same Hay, or like
Things, the Curcurbit must be covered round about, almost as high as to the Neck of the Alembeck; and upon them
many small Sprigs, or Sticks spread, and upon the Sticks, weighty Stones laid, which with their weight may depress
the Hay, or other like Matter, with the Curcurbit and Alembeck, and firmly and steddily hold them depressed upon
the Bottom of the Pan, that they be not moved, or raised by the Water; and that stirring be the Cause of breaking
the Glass, and Destruction of the Matter to be Distilled. Afterwards, upon the Hay and Sticks depressed with the
Stones, pour Water until the Pan be full. This being done, put Fire under and Distil, until all be Distilled off.
Distillation by water bath (“made by Water”) where the curcubit (boiling flask) is submersed in a pan of water. The
“Hay, or Wooll” is used to prevent the fragile glass from being broken hitting the pan during the boiling. The
curcurbit is held down by sticks and stones to keep it from floating in the water bath while the Alembic or still head is
held down upon the boiling flask by the stone as well. I have used both poly fill (used to fill pillows, quilts and craft
projects) in the past but recently switched to bamboo fiber which is more natural and MAY more closely mimic “Hay,
or Wooll.”
The Disposition of that, which is made by Descent, is, that a Glass Descensory be made, with its Cover, and that put
in which is to be Distilled, and then the Cover luted on; and Fire made upon the Top, or over it: for its Distillation
descends.
The application of heat from fire from above is sort of a “Dutch Oven” effect as heat radiates spherically from the
source.
The Disposition of that, which is made by Filter, is, that the Liquor to be Distilled be put into a Stone Choncha, and
the wider part of the Filter put into the said Liquor, even to the Bottom of the Concha, but the narrower part of it
hang out over the Orifice of said Vessel. And under that end of the Filter must be set another Vessel for receiving
the Distillation. Therefore, when the Filter begins to Distill, which ceasing, the Liquor to be Distilled succeeds.
Which Liquor if it not be as yet serene, it must so often be put into the Concha again, and re-distilled, until it be
Distilled most serene.
But all these Operations, which are easie, need not great Probation; therefore I am willing to pass over in Silence.
This is the Description of all the Vessels of every Distillation, her now completed by Us.
| THL Fiachra Bonesetter Some Commentary Upon The Alchemical Works of Gerber |
