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 uniform liquor defined by the absence of offending material.
- In the bookLiquor Mercurii is described as the seat of healing power; Liquor salis as a preservative balm.
- A place to readThe historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 32; facsimile PDF page 360.
Historical definition
Materia saphirea is a homogeneous liquor in which there is no harmful matter.
Meaning
Homogeneity and freedom from harmful matter are the two stated qualities. The entry does not identify the liquid through an ingredient list, a gemstone, or a method of preparation. Its sapphire-like name should not displace the definition actually given.
Use in the book
Liquor Mercurii is described as the seat of healing power; Liquor salis as a preservative balm. These different expressions show how a liquor can be classified through a property or function rather than through its physical source alone.
Places to read
- Materia saphireaRead the complete historical definition and its commentary.
- Liquor MercuriiA mercurial liquor defined as the seat of healing power.
- Liquor salisA saline liquor understood through its preservative action.
Source note
Historical source. 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 32; facsimile PDF page 360 — Facsimile
Sources. A Chymical Dictionary 1650, 1650 dictionary, facsimile PDF page 360, Materia saphirea