We only deliver in this Place, the first Elements of each of these Operations, which will be farther illustrated in the Sequel, when we treat more particularly of these Subjects.
CHAP. XIII.
Of what is procured by Distillation.
By Distillation are procured Spirit, Essence, simple Waters and Phlegm.
Spirits are very difficult to be defined. I consider them as the most subtil and volatile Parts of a Body.
All Bodies without Exception have Spirits more or less.
These Parts are an ignited Substance, and consequently by their own Nature disposed to a violent Motion.
These volatile Particles are more or less disposed to separate themselves, as the Bodies are more or less porous, or abound with a greater or lesser Quantity of Oil.
By the Term Essence, we understand the oleaginous Parts of a Body. An essential Oil is found in all Bodies, being one of their constituent Principles. I have observed in all my Distillations, Spirit of Wine excepted, a soft unctuous Substance floating on the Phlegm; and this Substance is Oil, which we call Essence; and this is what we endeavour to extract.
Simple Waters are those distilled from Plants, Flowers, &c. without the Help of Water, Brandy, or Spirit of Wine. These Waters are commonly odoriferous, containing the Odour of the Body from whence it is extracted, and even exceeds in Smell the Body itself.
Phlegm is the aqueous Particles of Bodies; but whether an active or passive Principle, we shall leave to the Decision of Chemists.