ALCALIZATION, or Alkalization, Alcalizatio, in Chemistry, the Act of impregnating a Liquor with an alkaline Salt. See ALKALY.This is done either to make it a better Dissolvent, for some particular Purposes; or to load the Phlegm, so as it may not rise in Distillation, whereby the spirituous Parts may go over more pure. See DISSOLUTION, DISTILLATION, SPIRIT, &c.
ALKALY, Alkali, or Alkathy, in Chemistry, a Name originally given, by the Arabians, to a Salt extracted from the Ashes of a Plant called Kali; and by us Glass-wort because used in the making of Glass. See KALI, and GRASS.
Afterwards, the Term Alkaly became a common Name for the lixivious Salts of all Plants; that is, for such Salts as are drawn by Lotion from their Ashes. See LIXIVIOUS and ASHES. And hence, again, in regard the original Alkaly was found to ferment with Acids; the Name has since become common to all volatile Salts, and all terrestrial Substances which have that Effect. See ACID.
Afterwards, the Term Alkaly became a common Name for the lixivious Salts of all Plants; that is, for such Salts as are drawn by Lotion from their Ashes. See LIXIVIOUS and ASHES. And hence, again, in regard the original Alkaly was found to ferment with Acids; the Name has since become common to all volatile Salts, and all terrestrial Substances which have that Effect. See ACID.
ALGAROT, or Algaroth, in the Arabian Chemistry, a Powder prepared of Butter of Antimony; being in reality no more than the Regulus of that Mineral, dissolved in Acids, and separated again by means of several Lotions with lukewarm Water, which imbibes those Acids. See REGULUS.This is also called Mercurius Vitae, or simply Emetic Powder.—It purges violently both upwards and downwards. See ANTIMONY.
ALCOHOL, or rather Alkool, in Chemistry, an Arabic Term, chiefly understood of the purest Spirit of Wine, raised or rectified by repeated Distillations to its utmost Subtility, and Perfection; so that if Fire be set thereto, it burns wholly away, without leaving the least Phlegm or Feces behind. See SPIRIT, DISTILLATION, RECTIFICATION, &c.