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Some Experiments Concerning Mercury

Chapter 41: The Operation.
By Herman Boerhaave
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History - Early Modern (c. 1450-1750)Science - Chemistry/Biochemistry

About This Book

The essay presents experimental observations and theoretical reflections on mercury's role in the generation and transformation of metals, outlining alchemical claims that metals develop within mineral matrices and are nurtured by a metallic seed. It explores the idea that a common mercurial substance together with a sulphureous principle yields distinct metals, considers the difficulty of purifying mercury from adhering impurities, and offers practical laboratory guidance such as enclosing reacting matter in glass vessels and applying gentle, sustained heat. It also discusses why alchemical writings appear obscure and emphasizes empirical work and careful purification as the basis for their assertions.

Experiment XIII.

Mercury kept under boiling Water, is not rais’d from the Bottom of the Vessel.

The Operation.

I pour’d a Drachm of Mercury twice distilled into a Glass Urinal, which I fill’d with Rain Water: Then I set the Vessel upon the naked Fire: The Water boil’d strongly for eight Hours, yet so that there still was some Water swimming over the Mercury. The Mercury being afterwards weigh’d, gave a Drachm without any Loss.

Again; I pour’d a Drachm of Mercury into a clean dry Glass Vessel. This I so fitted in a Kettle, that it cou’d not fall aside. I filled the Kettle with Water; I made the Water boil eight Hours. This Vessel was cylindrical, open, two Inches and one half deep, and placed so that the Water cou’d not get in. After this was so done, the Mercury weighed one Drachm without any Loss.

I put pure Mercury into a Glass Vessel, I poured Water upon it; and setting the Still over it, I boil’d it for a long while: No Mercury ascended. I continued boiling, till all the Water being gone out, the Mercury remained dry in the Bottom of the Vessel. However, I did not then increase the Fire; but the Mercury presently ascended to the Sides of the Vessel, and into the Head. The Reason of this appears from what I have written in my chemical Institutions about Water and Fire.