From Wiki-P —
The techniques and methods first used to produce essential oils
was first mentioned by Ibn al-Baitar (1188–1248), an Andalusian
physician, pharmacist and chemist.
Answer: An Alembic, is a distiller. The word "Alembic" comes from
the ancient Greek word "Ambix" or "Amvix" which means "cup".
Subsequently. The word became "Al ambiq" which is Arabic for
"still" and eventually Latinized from Spanish Arabic to "Alembic"
Question: What is the Alembic used for?
Answer: The original design for the Alembic is credited to Maria the
Jewess also known as Miriam the Prophetess. Maria was an
Alchemist living in Alexandria, Egypt. Working with a group of
Jewish Alchemists, Maria designed many pieces of equipment
which were needed for the distillation and separation of various
materials. Among Maria's inventions is the reflux condenser, the
kerotakis and the tribikos which became necessary for
condensation. Here name is immortalized in the name for the
double boiler, another of Maria's creations, the "Bain Marie".
Early alchemists used this apparatus for distilling minerals and
plants. The current design for the Alembic arrived in Europe along
with the Arab invaders. It was then that a more mundane use for
the Alembic was discovered, distilling alcohol from wine and fermented grapes.
The Alembic became the apparatus of choice for distilling Eau de
Vie for brandy and later for distilling grains for whisky.
The Alembic distiller has been rediscovered by Herbalists and
Aromatherapists. The Alembic is well suited for distilling Hydrosols
and Essential Oils from various plants. The Alembic "pot still" can
be used for the hydrodistillation of plants. Hydrodistillation is when
the plant material is free floating in water inside the "pot". Water
and steam distillation can be accomplished using a rotating
column Alembic distiller. The column separates the plant material
from the water below, allowing only steam to pass through the
plant material.
You can buy them in various designs OTC.
Google — Steam distillation essential oils, Alembric.
djh
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Trivia - Violet oil is extracted by Enfleurage a most
curious method, someday I'll look into its history.
