Poster Print : Woodcut of a still used to make medicinal spirits
Poster Prints from Science Photo Library
Woodcut of a still used to make medicinal spirits
Medicinal distillation. Medieval apothecary using bellows on the furnace of a still used to make medicinal spirits. Flasks containing wine were placed in the opening above the furnace. Alcohol, being more volatile than water, would evaporate first and be collected in a flask (at right). Medieval texts claimed that alcohol should be distilled at least seven times before it could be used as medicine. Alcoholic spirits were known as Aqua Vitae (" water of life" ). They were thought to be materialised life-force because, as an antisep- tic, they cured infected wounds. Spirits were widely used in medicines and ointments for a variety of illnesses. Image taken from a 1512 book
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6419961
© SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
16th Century Alcohol Alternative Medicine Apothecary Bellows Distillation Apparatus Historical Image 16th Cent
18x24 inch Poster Print
Step back in time with our captivating selection of poster prints from the Media Storehouse. This particular piece showcases a woodcut image from Science Photo Library, depicting a medieval apothecary in the act of distilling medicinal spirits. Witness the intricate process unfold as the apothecary skillfully applies bellows to the furnace, heating the flasks filled with wine above. Add an air of history and intrigue to any room with this exquisite, large-format print. Perfect for home offices, laboratories, or study spaces, this poster is a must-have for those with an appreciation for the rich history of medicine and scientific discovery.
Poster prints are budget friendly enlarged prints in standard poster paper sizes. Printed on 150 gsm Matte Paper for a natural feel and supplied rolled in a tube. Great for framing and should last many years. To clean wipe with a microfiber, non-abrasive cloth or napkin. Our Archival Quality Photo Prints and Fine Art Paper Prints are printed on higher quality paper and the choice of which largely depends on your budget.
Poster prints are budget friendly enlarged prints in standard poster paper sizes (A0, A1, A2, A3 etc). Whilst poster paper is sometimes thinner and less durable than our other paper types, they are still ok for framing and should last many years. Our Archival Quality Photo Prints and Fine Art Paper Prints are printed on higher quality paper and the choice of which largely depends on your budget.
Estimated Product Size is 46.3cm x 61.6cm (18.2" x 24.3")
These are individually made so all sizes are approximate
Artwork printed orientated as per the preview above, with portrait (vertical) orientation to match the source image.
EDITORS COMMENTS
This woodcut print from the 16th century offers a glimpse into the world of medieval apothecaries and their intricate process of distilling medicinal spirits. In this image, we witness an apothecary diligently tending to a still, using bellows to stoke the furnace beneath it. The purpose of this apparatus was to extract alcohol from flasks containing wine placed above the furnace. Medieval texts emphasized that alcohol used for medicinal purposes should undergo at least seven rounds of distillation before it could be deemed suitable for consumption. These alcoholic spirits were known as Aqua Vitae or "water of life". Believed to embody the essence of life itself, they possessed remarkable healing properties and were widely employed in medicines and ointments for various ailments. The significance of this ancient practice lies in its ability to harness alcohol's volatile nature; being more prone to evaporation than water, alcohol would vaporize first and collect in a flask adjacent to the still. This potent elixir served as an antiseptic capable of curing infected wounds, making it highly sought after by physicians and healers alike. As we explore this historical image taken from a 1512 book, we are transported back in time when alternative medicine played a central role in healthcare practices. It serves as a testament not only to our ancestors' ingenuity but also their unwavering belief in harnessing nature's elements for curative purposes.
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