Mercurius Crystallinus

Metals minerals and metallic preparations · A Chymical Dictionary

At a Glance

The word. A repeatedly sublimed mercurial preparation characterised by crystal-like clarity.

In the book. Kimit elevatum combines sublimation with whiteness; Mercurius Corallinus combines another treatment with redness.

A place to read. The historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 33; facsimile PDF page 361.

Historical Definition

Mercurius Crystallinus is mercury brought by repeated sublimations to a clarity like crystal.

Meaning

Both repetition and appearance are specified. The clarity is acquired through repeated sublimations, not supplied merely by calling a starting material crystal. The comparison tells the reader what quality the name marks.

Use in the Book

Kimit elevatum combines sublimation with whiteness; Mercurius Corallinus combines another treatment with redness. Their differing qualifications show the value of reading the entire prepared name rather than looking only for mercury as a common ingredient.

Places to Read

Kimit elevatum. A cinnabar preparation identified by whiteness and sublimation.

Mercurius Corallinus. A mercurial preparation identified through a coral-red result.

Historical source: 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 33; facsimile PDF page 361 — Facsimile

Sources. A Chymical Dictionary 1650, 1650 dictionary, facsimile PDF page 361, Mercurius Crystallinus

See also. Kimit elevatum; Mercurius Corallinus