Ancient Arabic Distillation apparatus
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Ancient Arabic Distillation apparatus
Illustration of a steam distillation plant for distilling rosewater after a 13th century drawing.Steam distillation reduces the boiling point of compounds allowing evaporation at a lower temperature reducing the decomposition of many organic compounds due to higher temperatures. A hemispherical vessel containing rose petals and water rests on a fire. Vapour collects and is cooled in vessels on each side of a central column. These feed into external alembics. The distilled rosewater passes into external flasks. Rose water was used for medicinal purposes and as a perfume.In the 9th century al Kindi listed formuli for more than 100 perfumes.Around the 10th century Avicenna (Ibn Sina) described the distillation of rose oil from rose petals. In his " The Canon of Medicine" he described apparatus from Persia and the Middle East used to extract herbal oils
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6321283
© Sheila Terry
Ancient Avicenna Distillation Ibn Sina Perfumes Rosewater
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases an ancient Arabic distillation apparatus, providing a glimpse into the rich history of Arab science and medicine. Illustrated based on a 13th-century drawing, this steam distillation plant was used to extract rosewater, a versatile substance with both medicinal and perfumery purposes. The apparatus consists of a hemispherical vessel containing rose petals and water, resting atop a fire. As heat is applied, vapors rise and collect within vessels on either side of a central column. These vapors are then channeled into external alembics for further purification. Finally, the distilled rosewater flows into external flasks ready for use. Steam distillation played a crucial role in this process by reducing the boiling point of compounds present in the rose petals. By evaporating at lower temperatures, it minimized decomposition that would occur under higher heat levels. The significance of such advancements in distillation cannot be overstated. In his renowned work "The Canon of Medicine". Avicenna (Ibn Sina) described similar apparatuses from Persia and the Middle East used to extract herbal oils like rose oil from flowers. This image transports us back to the golden age of Arab science when scholars like al Kindi listed formulas for over 100 perfumes as early as the 9th century. It serves as a testament to their ingenuity and contributions to our understanding of chemistry and natural remedies during that era.
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