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 Saturnian sweetness linked with Altey and ceruse.
- In the bookAltey plumbi is the sweet matter of lead, and Butyrum Saturni is explicitly referred to Altey and the sweetness of lead.
- A place to readThe historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 20; facsimile PDF page 348.
Historical definition
Dulcedo Saturni is Altey, or ceruse.
Meaning
The entry gives two identifications under a sweetness name. It does not explain whether Altey and ceruse have precisely the same scope in every author. The Saturnian qualifier connects the term with the dictionary’s lead vocabulary, rather than with sweetness as an ordinary taste alone.
Use in the book
Altey plumbi is the sweet matter of lead, and Butyrum Saturni is explicitly referred to Altey and the sweetness of lead. These closely linked definitions help follow a historical passage’s naming relationships. None gives the composition or preparation required to identify every substance described as sweet lead.
Places to read
- Dulcedo SaturniRead the complete historical definition and its commentary.
- Altey plumbiA lead preparation characterized as sweet.
- Butyrum SaturniA “butter of Saturn” name referring back to the sweet matter of lead.
Source note
Historical source. 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 20; facsimile PDF page 348 — Facsimile