The Art of Distillation

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

The Art of Distillation

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

John French's 1651 treatise, illustrated with woodcuts, stands as a pioneering work on distillation and alchemy. Blending practical recipes with philosophical advocacy, it champions the 'solary art' over academic dogma, promising health, wealth, and the transmutation of metals through nature's mastery.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1651, John French's *The Art of Distillation* stands as a definitive guide to the 'solary art' of alchemy, challenging the empty theories taught in universities and advocating for a return to the principles of Hermes and Paracelsus. French dedicates his work to Tobias Garbrand, asserting that true honor belongs to those who excel in honesty and art rather than high birth. He critiques the prevailing reliance on Galen and Aristotle, arguing that true natural philosophy eclipses these older authorities. The text addresses skepticism regarding the Philosopher's Stone and the Elixir, citing legendary figures like Artefius and Flamel who achieved longevity and built hospitals through alchemical perfection. French warns against charlatans who sell sophisticated oils and salts, promising to expose their cheats in future editions. The core of the book consists of extensive practical instructions for distilling various substances. French details methods for creating spirits from wax, flesh, and animal parts, offering remedies for wounds, ulcers, deafness, and the falling sickness. Recipes include a restorative liquor from calf organs and fox parts, a balsam from bear's fat for gout, and quintessences from snakes and adders to cure diseases and restore youth. The text also provides instructions for making waters from animal dung, such as doves' and horse dung, for treating kidney obstructions and jaundice. French includes preparations for silver, noting that while silver preparations are inferior to gold, they possess unique virtues, such as creating a green tincture or a 'silver tree' growing in a glass. The book concludes with philosophical processes for the Elixir according to Paracelsus and others, involving electrum, eagle stomachs, and tartarized quintessence, aiming to transmute base metals into gold and silver for medical use. Throughout, French emphasizes the need for discretion, the dangers of revealing secrets to the uninitiated, and the ultimate goal of enjoying oneself and preparing for the life to come. He presents the treatise as a rough draft intended to be polished by more expert artists, hoping to dispel the mists of ignorance and deceit that have long eclipsed the Queen of Arts.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/john-french_art-of-distillation.epub

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Categories

• Occult
• Alchemy