A Chymical Dictionary

Volatile

Qualities powers and relations · A Chymical Dictionary

At a Glance

The word. A general upward-moving or upward-carried condition of light matter.

In the book. Sublimatio describes a more particular operation: dry matter is forced upward by the heat of fire.

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

Historical Definition

Volatile is, in general, any light matter that is carried upward.

Meaning

The words in general establish breadth. The term can characterize different materials through lightness and upward movement. It is not restricted by this definition to one named liquid, metal or spirit.

Use in the Book

Sublimatio describes a more particular operation: dry matter is forced upward by the heat of fire. Volatile supplies a broader characteristic, while sublimation supplies material and cause within an operation. Their connection should preserve that difference.

Volans, the neighboring headword, is directly equated with quicksilver. A familiar-looking word family can therefore contain a general property and a specific material name. The gloss, rather than the resemblance alone, tells the reader which role is active.

Places to Read

Sublimatio. An operation defined by the upward movement of heated dry matter.

Volans. Two names directly equated with quicksilver.

In This Edition

The historical direction of movement is retained. A modern technical measure of volatility may be useful in another kind of reference work, but it would not replace what this witness defines. Read the complete sentence to establish what rises, what remains and what is being compared.

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

Sources. A Chymicall Dictionary (1650), s.v. Volatile; 1650 facsimile PDF p. 375; compare Sublimatio, Volans

See also. Sublimatio; Volans