Cortex Maris

Salts solvents and liquid preparations · A Chymical Dictionary

At a Glance

The word. An alternative name for philosophical vinegar.

In the book. Warnus is likewise identified as the Vinegar of the Philosophers.

A place to read. The historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 18; facsimile PDF page 346.

Historical Definition

Cortex Maris is the Vinegar of the Philosophers.

Meaning

The definition directs the reader to a named philosophical liquid. It does not identify an ordinary plant bark or state a separate composition under Cortex Maris. The historical wording should be followed before trying to infer a material from the apparent literal sense of the headword.

Use in the Book

Warnus is likewise identified as the Vinegar of the Philosophers. Acetum Philosophorum describes a mercurial water also called Virgin’s Milk. These linked names establish a vocabulary of philosophical solvents, while the dictionary leaves their particular preparations to the authors being read.

Places to Read

Acetum Philosophorum. A philosophical solvent described as a mercurial water and Virgin’s Milk.

Warnus. A name referred to philosophical vinegar.

Historical source: 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 18; facsimile PDF page 346 — Facsimile

Sources. A Chymicall Dictionary 1650, s.v. Cortex Maris

See also. Acetum Philosophorum; Warnus