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An '''alembic''' is an [[alchemy|alchemical]] [[still]] consisting of two [[retort]]s connected by a tube. Technically, the alembic is only the upper part (the ''capital'' or ''still-head''), but the word was often used to refer to the entire [[distillation]] apparatus. |
An '''alembic''' is an [[alchemy|alchemical]] [[still]] consisting of two [[retort]]s connected by a tube. Technically, the alembic is only the upper part (the ''capital'' or ''still-head''), but the word was often used to refer to the entire [[distillation]] apparatus. |
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The word, as most alchemical terminology, comes from the [[Arabic language|Arabic]]: ''al-ambiq''. The alembic was invented circa 800 AD by the [[alchemy|alchemist]] [[Jabir ibn Hayyan]]. It was an important innovation, which made easy and systematic the process of distillation. |
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The word, as most alchemical terminology, comes from the [[Arabic language|Arabic]]: ''al-ambiq'', "still;" ultimately from the [[Greek language|Greek]] ''ambix'', "cup." |
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The alembic was developed circa 800 AD by [[Iran|Iranian]]-born [[alchemy|alchemist]] [[Jabir ibn Hayyan]]. |
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See also: [[distilled beverage]] for history and background. |
See also: [[distilled beverage]] for history and background. |
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Revision as of 09:46, 4 April 2006
An alembic is an alchemical still consisting of two retorts connected by a tube. Technically, the alembic is only the upper part (the capital or still-head), but the word was often used to refer to the entire distillation apparatus.
The word "alembic" has taken on a metaphorical meaning - anything that refines or transmutes, as if by distillation - as in "the alembic of creative thought."
The word, as most alchemical terminology, comes from the Arabic: al-ambiq, "still;" ultimately from the Greek ambix, "cup."
The alembic was developed circa 800 AD by Iranian-born alchemist Jabir ibn Hayyan.
See also: distilled beverage for history and background.
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