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Having in the two preceding Chapters laid down the best Methods of Brewing and Fermentation, we shall now proceed to the Method of Distillation.

And in order to lead our Readers methodically through the Path which lies before them, we shall begin with explaining the Principles of Distillation; or, the Method of extracting the spirituous Parts of Bodies.

To extract the Spirits is to cause such an Action by Heat, as to cause them to ascend in Vapour from the Bodies which detain them.

If this Heat be natural to Bodies, so that the Separation be made without any adventitious Means, it is called Fermentation, which we have already explained.

If it be produced by Fire, or other heating Power, in which the Alembic is placed, it is called Digestion, or Distillation: Digestion, if the Heat only prepares the Materials for the Distillation of their Spirits; and Distillation, where the Action is of sufficient Efficacy to cause them to ascend in Vapour, and distil.

This Heat is that which puts the insensible Parts of a Body, whatever it be, into Motion, divides them, and causes a Passage for the Spirits inclosed herein, by disengaging them from the Phlegm and the earthy Particles by which they are inclosed.

Distillation considered in this Light, is not unworthy the Attention and Countenance of the Learned. This Art is of infinite Extent; whatever the whole Earth produces, Flowers, Fruits, Seeds, Spices, aromatic and vulnerary Plants, odoriferous Drugs, &c. are its Objects, and come under its Cognizance; but we generally confine it to Liquids of Taste and Smell; and to the simple and spirituous Waters of aromatic and vulnerary Plants. With regard to its Utility, we shall omit saying any thing here, as we shall give sufficient Proofs of it in the Sequel.