Glass of antimony

Glass of antimony, vitrum antimonii, is a yellow to red, translucent glass created from a preparation of antimony, though historically used as an emetic, the glass was a subject of much interest from alchemists due to its unusual properties. It was created using crude antimony, ground and calcined by a vehement fire, in an earthen crucible, until it no longer fumed, indicating that its sulfur was evaporated. The remaining substance (antimony trioxide) was then vitrified in a wind furnace, and stirred with an iron rod, upon which it became translucent and displayed a ruddy and shining yellow-red color.[1][2]

It has been considered the strongest emetic of any preparation of antimony. Yet, if dissolved in spirit of urine, it ceased to be either emetic or cathartic.[3]

See also

References
  1. Anyonymus (1838). "Werner's Bereitung des Vitrum antimonii im Großen". 67 (CXVIII): 446–448. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  2. Valentine, Basil. The Triumphal Chariot of Antimony: With the Commentary of Theodore Kerkringus. Holmes Pub Group Llc. pp. 93, 94, 95, 96.
  3. Boyle, Robert (1725). The Philosophical Works of the Honourable Robert Boyle: Abridged ..., Volume 3. W. and J. Innys. pp. 569, 570.


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