Double-Still, Distillation, 1512
This double-still consists of central pipe (tower) containing cooling water, which is continuously replenished by the operators on either side. The double-still allows for two separate distillation operations. After rising to the top, the cooled water is then forced through two snakes or condenser tubes. The green gourd-shaped vessels at top are the receptacles, and the green gourd-shaped vessels at the bottom called "cucurbitas" collect the heated water. The man on the left presumably is the alchemist and is monitoring the temperatures between the receptacles, cucurbita, and condensers. The man on the right may be his assistant or a student. 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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Photo credit: © Photo Researchers / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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