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 repeatedly sublimed mercurial preparation characterised by crystal-like clarity.
- In the bookKimit elevatum combines sublimation with whiteness; Mercurius Corallinus combines another treatment with redness.
- A place to readThe historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 33; facsimile PDF page 361.
Historical definition
Mercurius Crystallinus is mercury brought by repeated sublimations to a clarity like crystal.
Meaning
Both repetition and appearance are specified. The clarity is acquired through repeated sublimations, not supplied merely by calling a starting material crystal. The comparison tells the reader what quality the name marks.
Use in the book
Kimit elevatum combines sublimation with whiteness; Mercurius Corallinus combines another treatment with redness. Their differing qualifications show the value of reading the entire prepared name rather than looking only for mercury as a common ingredient.
Places to read
- Mercurius CrystallinusRead the complete historical definition and its commentary.
- Kimit elevatumA cinnabar preparation identified by whiteness and sublimation.
- Mercurius CorallinusA mercurial preparation identified through a coral-red result.
Source note
Historical source. 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 33; facsimile PDF page 361 — Facsimile
Sources. A Chymical Dictionary 1650, 1650 dictionary, facsimile PDF page 361, Mercurius Crystallinus