Dulcedo Saturni

Metals minerals and metallic preparations · A Chymical Dictionary

At a Glance

The word. A Saturnian sweetness linked with Altey and ceruse.

In the book. Altey plumbi is the sweet matter of lead, and Butyrum Saturni is explicitly referred to Altey and the sweetness of lead.

A place to read. The historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 20; facsimile PDF page 348.

Historical Definition

Dulcedo Saturni is Altey, or ceruse.

Meaning

The entry gives two identifications under a sweetness name. It does not explain whether Altey and ceruse have precisely the same scope in every author. The Saturnian qualifier connects the term with the dictionary’s lead vocabulary, rather than with sweetness as an ordinary taste alone.

Use in the Book

Altey plumbi is the sweet matter of lead, and Butyrum Saturni is explicitly referred to Altey and the sweetness of lead. These closely linked definitions help follow a historical passage’s naming relationships. None gives the composition or preparation required to identify every substance described as sweet lead.

Places to Read

Altey plumbi. A lead preparation characterized as sweet.

Butyrum Saturni. A “butter of Saturn” name referring back to the sweet matter of lead.

Historical source: 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 20; facsimile PDF page 348 — Facsimile

Sources. A Chymicall Dictionary 1650, s.v. Dulcedo Saturni

See also. Altey plumbi; Butyrum Saturni