The Complete Distiller / Containing, I. The method of performing the various processes of distillation, with descriptions of the several instruments: the whole doctrine of fermentation: the manner of drawing spirits from malt, raisins, molasses, sugar, &c. and of rectifying them: with instructions for imitating, to the greatest perfection, both the colour and flavour of French brandies. II. The manner of distilling all kinds of simple waters from plants, flowers, &c. III. The method of making all the compound waters and rich cordials so largely imported from France and Italy; as likewise all those now made in Great Britain. To which are added, accurate descriptions of the several drugs, plants, flowers, fruits, &c. used by distillers, and instructions for chusing the best of each kind...

The introductory text to Part II appears to have been erroneously headed Chapter I. It has no subtitle and is not listed in the Contents. To avoid the confusion of duplicated Chapter numbers, this heading has been removed.
The cover was prepared by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.
CONTAINING,
To which are added,
Accurate Descriptions of the several Drugs, Plants, Flowers, Fruits, &c. used by Distillers, and Instructions for chusing the best of each Kind.
The Whole delivered in the plainest manner, for the Use both of Distillers and Private Families .
By A. COOPER , DISTILLER.
LONDON :
Printed for P. Vaillant in the Strand ; and R. Griffiths in Pater-Noster-Row . M.DCC.LVII.
My principal Intention being to render this Treatise useful to all, I have endeavoured to deliver every thing in the plainest and most intelligible Manner. Beauty of Stile is not, indeed, to be expected in a Work of this Nature; and therefore if Perspicuity be not wanting, I presume the Reader will forgive me, if he meets with some Passages that might have been delivered in a more elegant Manner. I have also, for the same Reason, avoided, as much as possible, Terms of Art, and given all the Recipes in Words at length.
Distillation, tho’ long practised, has not been carried to the Degree of Perfection that might reasonably have been expected. Nor will this appear surprising, if it be considered, that the Generality of Distillers proceed in the same beaten Tract, without hardly suspecting their Art capable of Improvements; or giving themselves any Trouble to enquire into the Rationale of the several Processes they daily perform. They imagine, that the Theory of Distillation is very abstruse, and above the Reach of common Capacities; or, at least, that it requires a long and very assiduous Study to comprehend it; and, therefore, content themselves with repeating the Processes, without the least Variation. This Opinion, however ridiculous it may appear to those not acquainted with the present Practice of Distillers, has, I am satisfied, been the principal Cause why Distillation has not been carried to the Height it would otherwise have been. I have therefore endeavoured in the following Treatise to destroy this idle Opinion, and shew the Distiller how he may proceed on rational Principles, and direct his Enquiries in such a manner as cannot fail of leading him to such Discoveries in his Profession, as will be attended with Advantage both to himself and his Country.