Arsenicum

Metals minerals and metallic preparations · A Chymical Dictionary

At a Glance

The word. A broad technical name whose gloss includes metallic flashing and salts.

In the book. Arsaneck supplies a contrasting case: it explicitly identifies sublimed arsenic.

A place to read. The historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 7; facsimile PDF page 335.

Historical Definition

Arsenicum is the flashing of metals, or their salt, or the salt of Saturn; in some places it is called Artanek or Artanech.

Meaning

The historical definition presents several expressions rather than one simple material equation. “Flashing” names an appearance or action; “salt” names a material aspect or product; Saturn introduces a further qualification. All belong to the stated range. Translating the entire entry as one familiar modern arsenic substance would hide that breadth.

The two variant names are said to occur “in some places.” That locative qualification reinforces the importance of the particular source being read. A passage’s metal, operation and description of its salt can distinguish the intended sense more effectively than the headword alone.

Use in the Book

Arsaneck supplies a contrasting case: it explicitly identifies sublimed arsenic. Comparing the entries prevents the nearest-looking name from determining the interpretation without textual support.

Places to Read

Arsaneck. An arsenic preparation distinguished by sublimation.

Sal Mercurii. A salt name locally identified with intoxicating spirit of wine.

Calx Saturni. A Saturn-qualified calx identified as minium.

Historical source: 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 7; facsimile PDF page 335 — Facsimile

Sources. A Chymicall Dictionary (1650), s.v. Arsenicum ; compare Arsaneck, Sal Mercurii, Calx Saturni

See also. Arsaneck; Sal Mercurii; Calx Saturni