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Some Experiments Concerning Mercury

Chapter 42: Experiment XIV.
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 XIV.

Mercury may be chang’d by Art so as that it shall ascend from the Bottom of the Vessel, by the Heat of Vinegar, before it boils up.

The Operation.

Having made a Mass of a Pound and a half of Mercury, with half a Pound of Lead (the Chemists call such a Mass an Amalgama) I shook it in a Glass Vessel. There was produced a very black Powder. This I put into a Glass Cucurbite 14 Inches high; I pour’d pure distill’d Wine-Vinegar over it. By a gentle Distillation I took away the Phlegm. I then increased the Heat a little, but so that the Liquor did not boil. The Mercury ascended into the Head, together with the Phlegm, and thence into the Receiver. The same I tried and experienced other Ways. It is a Circumstance worthy a Chemist’s Speculation; but I shall say no more of it here. By much the like Artifice, I have seen Quicksilver made so volatile, that it was rais’d in my Digestory-Furnace with a less Degree of Heat, than that of a Man in Health, and ascended to the Sides of the Vessel. Do you think the Mercury was then purer? It was mix’d with Metal, and very dry. But perhaps I may some other time relate some very laborious Experiments which I have made for several Years, in examining Mercury and Metals, if I find that such Things are likely to meet with the Approbation of the Learned.