The Geographer's Library

Jon Fasman
Item 1: An alembic is the top part of an apparatus used for distilling.
This one is made of sturdy green glass, 36 centimeters tall, 18 centimeters
around at the widest point of its base. The top part of the vessel is narrow
and fluted, and turns sharply to the right; alembics are set over a still to
collect and carry vapors to another vessel. The vessel’s inside bears a crust of
gray material that seems to be a mixture of lead, iron, and antimony, as well as
some organic matter, including canine and human bones. Scorch marks are
visible on the outside bottom, extending 5 centimeters up. No discernible odor.
Date of manufacture: Unknown. Estimates range from 100 b.c. to
a.d. 300.
Manufacturer: Unknown. Considering its age, the workmanship is
exceptionally fine; the apparently simple design belies the thought, care,
labor, and skill that produced such a vessel.
Place of origin: Hellenistic Egypt. “Alembic” comes from the Arabic
ul-anbiq, which comes from the Greek ambix, meaning “cup” or “beaker.”
Last known owner: Woldemar Löwendahl, Danish-Estonian governorgeneral
of Tallinn. The alembic was unearthed during the construction of
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