A Chymical Dictionary

Warnus

Salts solvents and liquid preparations · A Chymical Dictionary

At a Glance

The word. A name referred to philosophical vinegar.

In the book. Acetum Philosophorum describes a mercurial water also called Virgin’s Milk, in which metals are said to dissolve.

A place to read. The historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 47; facsimile PDF page 375.

Historical Definition

Warnus is the vinegar of philosophers.

Meaning

The qualification of philosophers is central to the gloss. It directs the reader toward the dictionary’s philosophical solvent vocabulary rather than establishing identity with every ordinary vinegar.

Use in the Book

Acetum Philosophorum describes a mercurial water also called Virgin’s Milk, in which metals are said to dissolve. That fuller entry supplies the appropriate route for understanding the present synonym.

Places to Read

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

Xisinum. An unqualified vinegar name.

Historical source: 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 47; facsimile PDF page 375 — Facsimile

Sources. A Chymicall Dictionary (1650), s.v. Warnus; 1650 facsimile PDF p. 375; compare Acetum Philosophorum, Xisinum

See also. Acetum Philosophorum; Xisinum