Retorts and Balloons, Distillation, 1512

Retorts and Balloons, Distillation, 1512

Various retorts and balloons used in distillation processes to receive separated and/or purified materials. On the left from top to bottom, a pelican, a retort with two arms; a double ampulla; an alembic, a receiver with two bulbs; and a crucibulum. On the right, a cucurbita, with a closed alembic; a pelican with tubes; an aquila (eagle), a double circulating vessel; and a tritorium funnel. Brunschwig's Liber de arte distillandi simplicia et composita (Little Book of Distillation) was one of the earliest books ever written concerning the subjects of chemistry and pharmacology. Printed in Strasbourg in 1512, it is a practical manual on chemical, alchemical, and distillation devices and techniques used to manufacture drug therapies. It includes instructions on how to distill aqua vitae, potable gold, artificial and natural balsams and how to use distillates to treat illnesses in surgical cases. The last of the 16th century herbals, this book is widely regarded to be an important link between the Middle Ages and modern times. Hieronymus Brunschwig (1450 - 1512), was a German physician, surgeon, chemist, and pharmacologist. He was notable for his early work on chemical techniques, as well as his methods of treatment of gunshot wounds. He died in 1512 at the age of 61 or 62.

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2700 x 4052 px | 31.3 MB

22.9 x 34.3 cm | 9.0 x 13.5 in (300 dpi)