CHAP. VIII.
Of the Remedies for Accidents, when they happen.
Notwithstanding the best of Rules, and the strictest Observation, it is impossible entirely to prevent Accidents, and therefore it is of no less Importance to point out the Remedies on those Occasions.
The most essential, are Courage and Presence of Mind; Fear only increasing the Misfortune.
1. If the Fire be too violent it must be covered, but not so as totally to prevent its Action, as by that Means the Process of the Distillation would be interrupted, and render it more difficult and less perfect.
2. When the Ingredients burn, which you will soon discover by the Smell, the Fire must be immediately put out, in order to prevent the whole Charge of the Still being entirely spoiled, which would otherwise inevitably be the Consequence.
3. If the Spirits should catch fire, the first care is to unlute immediately the Receiver, and stop both the End of the Beak and Mouth of the Receiver with wet Clothes.
The Fire must then be put out, and if the Flame issued through the Luting, the Joints must be closed with a wet Cloth, which, together with Water, should never be wanting in a Distil-house.
4. If the Alembic be of Earth, and the Contents burn at the Bottom, the Fire must immediately be put out, the Alembic removed, and Water thrown upon it, till the Danger is over; and, for farther Security, covered with a wet Cloth.
5. If after all your Care in closing the Junctures to prevent Transpiration, you perceive any thing amiss, while the Spirits are ascending, apply Clay, or any other Composition, in order to stop the Aperture, and have always a wet Cloth ready to stifle the Flame, if the Spirits should take fire.
6. If the Heat detaches the Lute, or it becomes moist, immediately apply another, having always ready what is necessary for performing it. Should the Transpiration be so violent, that you cannot immediately apply a fresh Lute, clap a wet Cloth round the Joint, and keep it on firm and tight, till the Spirits have taken their Course. But if notwithstanding all your Efforts the Transpiration should increase, so that you fear a Conflagration, remove the Receiver as soon as possible from the Fire, and afterwards your Alembic, if portable; but if otherwise, put out the Fire immediately.