Glass distillation equipment from an early modern alchemical laboratory was analyzed for its technology of manufacture and potential origin. Chemical data show that the assemblage can be divided into sodium-rich, clear distillation vessels made with glass from Venice or its European imitation, and potassium-rich dark brown non-specialized forms produced within the technological tradition of forest glass typical for central and north-western Europe. These results complete our understanding of the supply of technical apparatus at one of the most well-preserved alchemical laboratories and highlight an early awareness of the need of high quality instruments to guarantee the successful outcome of specialized chemical operations. This study demonstrates the potential of scientific archaeology to inform the historical research around the practice of early chemistry and the potential of such an approach to inform our understanding of the development of modern science.

Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English)

1433-7851

10.1002/anie.201712523