A Chymical Dictionary

Aqua solvens

Salts solvents and liquid preparations · A Chymical Dictionary

At a Glance

The word. A direct identification of a dissolving water as distilled vinegar.

A place to read. The historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 5; facsimile PDF page 333.

Historical Definition

Aqua solvens is distilled vinegar.

Meaning

This is a useful anchor among the more elaborate Aqua and Acetum expressions. It supplies a named starting material and a prepared state without an additional philosophical genealogy. Yet it is still a short identification rather than a complete instruction: it does not specify the vinegar, apparatus or treatment of the collected portions.

Compare Acetum radicale, which adds root and matrix language, and Acetum Philosophorum, which describes a mercurial water. Their common association with dissolution does not erase these differences. When reading an author, choose the sense supported by the complete term and its stated preparation.

Places to Read

Acetum radicale. A dissolving water described through the root and matrix of vinegar.

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

Aqua corrodens. A liquid category defined by corrosive action, including vinegar.

Historical source: 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 5; facsimile PDF page 333 — Facsimile

Sources. A Chymicall Dictionary (1650), s.v. Aqua solvens ; compare Acetum radicale, Acetum Philosophorum, Aqua corrodens

See also. Acetum radicale; Acetum Philosophorum; Aqua corrodens