From the book
Heinrich Khunrath’s Magnesia Catholica Philosophorum
Heinrich Khunrath · Diotimos Editions · 2026
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At a Glance
- The wordAqua fortis occurs adjectivally in the description of supposed metallic solutions that leave coloured marks on wood or skin.
- In KhunrathKhunrath compares those marks with the effects of corrosive salt-like preparations.
- In this editionThe supplied modern note gives a modern chemical identification, but this entry needs only the historical corrosive name and its argumentative role.
- A reading distinctionThe mention of human skin describes a stain used in criticism.
Meaning
Aqua fortis occurs adjectivally in the description of supposed metallic solutions that leave coloured marks on wood or skin. Its immediate function is evidential in the distinction between staining and transmutation.
Use in the book
Khunrath compares those marks with the effects of corrosive salt-like preparations. The visible tinge falls short of the claimed force of a silver- or gold-making salt. No formulation or safe use of the corrosive is provided.
Places to read
- 1599 p. 126The aqua-fortis adjective appears in the staining comparison.
Translation in this edition
The supplied modern note gives a modern chemical identification, but this entry needs only the historical corrosive name and its argumentative role.
Source note
The mention of human skin describes a stain used in criticism. It must not become an instruction to test a corrosive on the body.