Of Veſſels fit for Diſtillation.
VEſſels for Diſtillation are of various matter, and form. For they may be either of lead, which I altogether diſapprove of, for that they turn the Liquors into a white and milky ſubſtance, beſide the malignity they give to them; or they may be of Copper, Iron, or Tin, which are better then the former; or of Jug-metall, or Potters-metall glazed, or Glaſs, which are the beſt of all, where they may be uſed without fear of breaking or melting. Some make them of ſilver, but they are very chargeable.
They that are able and willing may have the benefit of them.
Of Lutes, for coating of glaſſes, and for Cloſures, as alſo
ſeverall wayes of ſtopping Glaſſes.
He beſt Lute is made thus, viz. Take of Loame and ſand tempered with ſalt water (which keeps it from cleaving) to theſe adde the Caput Mortuum of Vitriall, or Aqua fortis, and ſcaling of Iron, and temper them well together, and this ſerveth to coat Retorts or any Glaſs veſſels that muſt endure a moſt ſtrong fire, and will never fail if well made. Some add Flax, beaten Glaſs, and Pots and flint, &c.
Take unſlaked Lime, and Linſeed Oil, mix them well together and make thereof a Lute which will be ſo hard that no ſpirit will peirce it, and this ſerves for the cloſure of Glaſſes.
Or,
Take Loam and the white of an Egge, mixe them into a Paſt, and ſpread it on a cloth. This alſo is a good cloſure.
Or,
Moiſten an Oxe Bladder in the white of an Egge beaten to water, or in defect of a Bladder, uſe Paper, and bind them round where the Veſſels are joined together, one over another two or three times.
Or,
If the ſpirits in the Glaſs be exeecding corroſive, then uſe the Caput mortuum of Aqua fortis, Linſeed Oil, and chalk mixed together.
