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 name referred to philosophical vinegar.
- In the bookAcetum Philosophorum describes a mercurial water also called Virgin’s Milk, in which metals are said to dissolve.
- A place to readThe historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 47; facsimile PDF page 375.
Historical definition
Warnus is the vinegar of philosophers.
Meaning
The qualification of philosophers is central to the gloss. It directs the reader toward the dictionary’s philosophical solvent vocabulary rather than establishing identity with every ordinary vinegar.
Use in the book
Acetum Philosophorum describes a mercurial water also called Virgin’s Milk, in which metals are said to dissolve. That fuller entry supplies the appropriate route for understanding the present synonym.
Places to read
- WarnusRead the complete historical definition and its commentary.
- Acetum PhilosophorumA philosophical solvent described as a mercurial water and Virgin’s Milk.
- XisinumAn unqualified vinegar name.
Source note
Historical source. 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 47; facsimile PDF page 375 — Facsimile