From the book
A Chymical Dictionary
Gerhard Dorn and John French · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordA broad technical name whose gloss includes metallic flashing and salts.
- In the bookArsaneck supplies a contrasting case: it explicitly identifies sublimed arsenic.
- A place to readThe historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 7; facsimile PDF page 335.
Historical definition
Arsenicum is the flashing of metals, or their salt, or the salt of Saturn; in some places it is called Artanek or Artanech.
Meaning
The historical definition presents several expressions rather than one simple material equation. “Flashing” names an appearance or action; “salt” names a material aspect or product; Saturn introduces a further qualification. All belong to the stated range. Translating the entire entry as one familiar modern arsenic substance would hide that breadth.
The two variant names are said to occur “in some places.” That locative qualification reinforces the importance of the particular source being read. A passage’s metal, operation and description of its salt can distinguish the intended sense more effectively than the headword alone.
Use in the book
Arsaneck supplies a contrasting case: it explicitly identifies sublimed arsenic. Comparing the entries prevents the nearest-looking name from determining the interpretation without textual support.
Places to read
- ArsenicumRead the complete historical definition and its commentary.
- ArsaneckAn arsenic preparation distinguished by sublimation.
- Sal MercuriiA salt name locally identified with intoxicating spirit of wine.
- Calx SaturniA Saturn-qualified calx identified as minium.
Source note
Historical source. 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 7; facsimile PDF page 335 — Facsimile
Sources. A Chymicall Dictionary (1650), s.v. Arsenicum ; compare Arsaneck, Sal Mercurii, Calx Saturni