A Chymical Dictionary

Butyrum Saturni

Metals minerals and metallic preparations · A Chymical Dictionary

At a Glance

The word. A “butter of Saturn” name referring back to the sweet matter of lead.

A place to read. The historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 11; facsimile PDF page 339.

Historical Definition

Butyrum Saturni is what is called Altey above: the sweetness of lead.

Meaning

The dictionary itself supplies the cross-reference. Its purpose is to connect an unfamiliar figurative name with the material description already given under Altey plumbi. The butter expression should therefore be interpreted through that stated connection before importing an ordinary dairy meaning.

Anima Saturni supplies another name in the same sweet-lead family. The group shows how one preparation can be approached through a texture-like image, a philosophical name or a quality. The brief equations do not, however, establish a single complete recipe or a unique modern compound for every historical use.

Places to Read

Altey plumbi. A lead preparation characterized as sweet.

Anima Saturni. The “soul of Saturn” identified with lead’s sweetness.

Dulcedo Saturni. A Saturnian sweetness linked with Altey and ceruse.

Historical source: 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 11; facsimile PDF page 339 — Facsimile

Sources. A Chymicall Dictionary (1650), s.v. Butyrum Saturni ; compare Altey plumbi, Anima Saturni, Dulcedo Saturni

See also. Altey plumbi; Anima Saturni; Dulcedo Saturni