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Distillation of Oil of Vitriol (sulphuric acid or H2S04), 1651
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Distillation of Oil of Vitriol (sulphuric acid or H2S04), 1651
Distillation of Oil of Vitriol (sulphuric acid or H2S04), 1651. An iron retort with cover, detail at C, D, is placed in a furnace and connected to a receiver at A. At B the operator is removing the lid of a pot with tongs and inserting ingredients with a ladle. This process entailed prolonged heating. At E is a pot placed directly on the fire rather than in a furnace. From A Description of New Philosophical Furnaces by Johann Rudolph Glauber. First English edition, translated by John French (1616?-1657). (London, 1651)
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Media ID 14865712
© Oxford Science Archive / Heritage-Images
Acid Chemical Chemical Industry Chemicals Chemistry Distillation Furnace John French Manufacturing Oil Of Vitriol Oxford Science Archive Retort Sulphuric Acid Vessel Chemical Reaction
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in the history of chemistry and industry. Taken from Johann Rudolph Glauber's book, "A Description of New Philosophical Furnaces" published in 1651, it showcases the distillation process of Oil of Vitriol, also known as sulphuric acid. In the image, we see an iron retort with a cover placed inside a furnace and connected to a receiver. The operator stands at point B, carefully removing the lid of a pot using tongs while adding ingredients with a ladle. This meticulous procedure required prolonged heating to extract the desired chemical compound. Notably, there is another pot placed directly on fire at point E instead of being inside a furnace like the main apparatus. This variation highlights different methods employed during this era for distillation processes. The scene portrays men engaged in scientific exploration and industrial production. It serves as evidence of advancements made during the seventeenth century in both chemistry and manufacturing techniques. This monochrome woodcut offers us insight into early chemical reactions that laid the foundation for modern-day chemical industries. It reminds us of how far we have come since then while honoring pioneers like Johann Rudolph Glauber and John French who contributed significantly to this field through their research and publications.
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