The Art of Distillation

The Art of Distillation John French provides a comprehensive guide to the distillation process focusing on its applications in both medicine and chemistry. The book covers various aspects of distillation including the equipment and techniques involved as well as the extraction of essential oils perfumes and medicinal substances. The main topics covered in The Art of Distillation include: Distillation Techniques: The book offers detailed instructions on the process of distillation explaining the apparatus required and the steps involved in separating and purifying substances through heating and condensation. Medicinal Uses: John French emphasizes the importance of distillation in medicine describing how to distill various herbs and plants to extract their medicinal properties. The book explores the preparation of distilled waters oils and tinctures used for therapeutic purposes. Chemical Applications: Besides medicinal uses the book also delves into the chemical applications of distillation. French explains how distillation can be employed to extract and purify chemical substances essential oils and aromatic compounds. Alchemical Aspects: While primarily focused on practical distillation The Art of Distillation contains elements of alchemical symbolism and philosophy reflecting the alchemical interests of the author and the intellectual climate of the time.