The Complete Distiller / Containing, I. The method of performing the various processes of distillation, with descriptions of the several instruments: the whole doctrine of fermentation: the manner of drawing spirits from malt, raisins, molasses, sugar, &c. and of rectifying them: with instructions for imitating, to the greatest perfection, both the colour and flavour of French brandies. II. The manner of distilling all kinds of simple waters from plants, flowers, &c. III. The method of making all the compound waters and rich cordials so largely imported from France and Italy; as likewise all those now made in Great Britain. To which are added, accurate descriptions of the several drugs, plants, flowers, fruits, &c. used by distillers, and instructions for chusing the best of each kind...

The Seed from whence this Water takes its Name, is called by Botanists Cardamomum Minus, or the lesser Cardamom; to distinguish it from the Cardamomum Majus, or Grains of Paradise.

The lesser Cardamom is a small short Fruit, or membranaceous Capsule, of a trigonal Form, about a third of an Inch long, and swelling out thick about the Middle; beginning small and narrow from the Stalk, and terminating in a small, but obtuse Point at the End. It is striated all over very deeply with longitudinal Furrows, and consists of a thin but very tough Membrane, of a fibrous Texture, and palebrown Colour, with a faint Cast of red. When the Fruit is thoroughly ripe, this Membrane opens at the three Edges all the way, and shews that it is internally divided by three thin Membranes into three Cells, in each of which is an Arrangement of Seeds, separately lodged in two Series. The Seeds are of an irregular angular Figure, rough, and of a dusky brown Colour on the Surface, with a Mixture of yellowish and reddish, and of white Colour within. They have not much Smell, unless first bruised, when they are much like Camphire under the Nose. They are of an acrid, aromatic and fiery hot Taste. They should be chosen sound, close shut on all Sides, and full of Seeds, of a good Smell, and of an acrid aromatic Taste.

Recipe for ten Gallons of Cardamom Seed Water.

Take of the lesser Cardamom Seeds husked two Pounds and a Half, of clean Proof Spirit ten Gallons and a Half, and of Water one Gallon; draw off ten Gallons by a gentle Heat. You may either dulcify it or not with fine Sugar at pleasure.

This Water is Carminative, assists Digestion, and good to strengthen the Head and Stomach.