A Chymical Dictionary

Zinck

Metals minerals and metallic preparations · A Chymical Dictionary

At a Glance

The word. A metallic material explained through marcasite and immature metals.

In the book. The number four is retained without supplying the names of the other three metals.

A place to read. The historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 48; facsimile PDF page 376.

Historical Definition

Zinck is a metallic marcasite and a certain natural mixture of four immature metals, of which copper is most apparent.

Meaning

The definition gives an early modern account of constitution. The material is called a metallic marcasite and a natural mixture of four immature metals. Copper is said to be the most apparent. Immature belongs to the compiler’s explanation of metallic development, while apparent describes what is most evident in the mixture.

Use in the Book

The number four is retained without supplying the names of the other three metals. The entry does not enumerate them. Its theoretical explanation should remain distinguishable from the mere identification of a modern element by a similar spelling.

Zuitter is another headword referred to marcasite. That connection locates the broader historical mineral category, although the present entry adds a particular metallic composition and developmental account. Reading the two together shows how the dictionary can combine a short class name with a longer natural-philosophical explanation.

Places to Read

Zuitter. Two forms referred to the historical category marcasite.

Regulus. The purified metallic or mineral portion after separation.

In This Edition

The spelling Zinck is retained, with Zinc available as an editorial search form. This finding aid does not replace the definition with a present-day account of pure zinc or certify the historical four-metal theory. The article explains what this witness actually says.

Historical source: 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 48; facsimile PDF page 376 — Facsimile

Sources. A Chymicall Dictionary (1650), s.v. Zinck; 1650 facsimile PDF p. 376; compare Zuitter, Regulus

See also. Zuitter; Regulus