Cases where Dung, Husks of Grapes, and Lime, are to be used.
These Substances are rarely used except in Digestions; and therefore of no great Use to Distillers, they using only hot Ashes, or a Fire well covered for that Purpose.
If Dung be used it must be of the hottest kind, viz. that of the Horse or Sheep, and the Quantity proportioned to the Heat intended. The Lime must be quick; and if the Heat required be moderate, Lime which has lain some time in the Air must be used. The same is to be observed with regard to the Husks of Grapes. But in whatever manner these are used, the Digestions must be performed in a close covered Vessel.
CHAP. XII.
Of Bodies proper for Distillation.
This Chapter alone might make a Volume, were we to make a particular Enumeration of all its Parts; but, as we have already observed, we shall confine ourselves to the Distillation of simple and compound Waters, &c.
If we acquit ourselves to the Satisfaction of the Public, we shall enjoy the Pleasure of having treated of one Part entirely new; and, indeed, the only one that has been overlooked.
The Bodies proper for Distillation, are Flowers, Fruits, Seeds, Spices and aromatic Plants.
By Distillation and Digestion, we extract the Colour and Smell of Flowers in simple Waters and Essences.
We extract from Fruits, at least from some, Colour, Taste, &c.
From aromatic Plants, the Distiller draws Spirits, Essences, simple and compound Waters.