From the book
A Chymical Dictionary
Gerhard Dorn and John French · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordAn operation defined through subtilisation.
- In the bookElevation has essentially the same short explanation.
- A place to readThe historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 21; facsimile PDF page 349.
Historical definition
Exaltatio is the subtilising of a thing.
Meaning
The definition describes a change in a subject’s condition while leaving the subject open. It gives no apparatus, material or number of treatments. “Subtilising” is retained because replacing it with a particular physical operation would narrow the source without evidence.
Use in the book
Elevation has essentially the same short explanation. Sublimatio instead describes dry matter forced upward by heat. These related terms help a reader recognise a family of operational language while preserving the more specific features stated under a particular heading.
Places to read
- ExaltatioRead the complete historical definition and its commentary.
- ElevationAn operation defined as subtilising a subject.
- SublimatioAn operation defined by the upward movement of heated dry matter.
Source note
Historical source. 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 21; facsimile PDF page 349 — Facsimile