DiotimosReading Desk

Crucible and cupel

catinum; capella; testa

The ore-separation account first uses an earthen vessel or crucible for collecting a regulus, then a cupel for further treatment of the metallic body.

From the book

Nine Books on the Nature of Things

Attributed to Paracelsus · Diotimos Editions · 2026

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Meaning

The ore-separation account first uses an earthen vessel or crucible for collecting a regulus, then a cupel for further treatment of the metallic body. Book Nine associates the test or cupel with a purification flash. These are distinct local apparatus roles; translating every vessel as a generic pot would obscure the staged account of collecting, refining, and judging metal.

Places to read

  1. Book 8 · Separation · Passage 17Latin“in capella”