Descension

Meaning

Descension is a downward operative category paired with calcination and sublimation among separations performed by fire. Its local definition rests on purposes, not a detailed apparatus description.

II.3.31–32 gives two purposes: obtaining vegetable oil without burning it and cleansing fusible bodies before they become fugitive. This downward operation should not be equated with every cosmic or theological descent in the book. It belongs to a classification in which watery distillation and dissolution form a different pair. The passage also qualifies the preceding sublimation discussion according to whether dregs stay behind of themselves; “safest” does not mean one method applies without exception to every subject.

The printed dessention is retained alongside the access spelling descension. The English treats chaux nearby as calx, not necessarily common lime, and supplies no recipe beyond the author's defining purposes.