alembroth
(əˈlɛmbrɒθ)
[A word of the Alchemists, of unknown origin.]
An old name for the double chloride of mercury and ammonium, 2(NH4Cl.HgCl) + H2O, formerly believed to be a universal solvent.
| 1471 Ripley Compl. Alch. in Ashm. 1652, 190 Sal Alkaly, sal Alembroke, sal Attinckarr. 1726 Bailey Alembroth, Alembor, the philosophers salt, the key of art. 1753 Chambers Cycl. Supp., Alembroth is represented as partaking of the nature of halonitrum and alum. The word is said to be of Chaldee origin, and its natural meaning to be the key of art. 1879 Syd. Soc. Lex. s.v., The preparation Sal alembroth, also called salt of wisdom. |