A Chymical Dictionary

Mercurius à naturâ coagulatus

Metals minerals and metallic preparations · A Chymical Dictionary

At a Glance

The word. Mercury coagulated by Nature is defined broadly as a solid metal.

In the book. Metallum currens, by contrast, is quicksilver, while Mater metallorum names it as the mother of metals.

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

Historical Definition

Mercurius à naturâ coagulatus is a solid metal.

Meaning

The full expression crosses an expectation a reader may bring from ordinary quicksilver. Its equivalent is a solid metal, not merely mercury observed as a familiar running liquid. The qualification by Nature’s coagulation is central to the material state being named.

Use in the Book

Metallum currens, by contrast, is quicksilver, while Mater metallorum names it as the mother of metals. These entries show mercury-language moving between a familiar material-name and an account of metallic constitution or development.

Places to Read

Metallum currens. Quicksilver under the name running metal.

Mater metallorum. Quicksilver named as the mother of metals.

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 à naturâ coagulatus

See also. Metallum currens; Mater metallorum