Origin of Distillation
This technological advancement of the Middle Ages led to the production of highly concentrated alcoholic beverages.
Distillation
The distillation process was first known in these three ancient civilizations
Egypt, Greece, and Persia
Distillation works by separating substances based on differences in this property
Boiling point
In Southern Europe, this common beverage became the main ingredient for distillation
The scientific principles of distillation were later applied to these three industries
chemistry, medicine, and the perfume industry
The name "aqua vitae" translates to this in English
Water of life
One early use of distillation was for creating this type of scented product
perfumes or essences
Alcohol boils at this temperature in degrees Celsius.
78.5°C
Alcohol was historically used in medicine because it had these two properties
antiseptic and disinfectant
The mass production of alcohol led to increased government regulation, particularly through this.
taxation
These two processes are essential in the production of spirits
fermentation and distillation
This ambitious goal of alchemists involved producing a mythical substance for eternal life.
Elixir of Life
The earliest distillation setup consisted of two of these connected by a tube
vessels
During the Black Death, people used this juniper-based alcoholic drink as a supposed cure
medical juniper
Distillation remains essential for the production of these three modern alcoholic beverages
whiskey, brandy, and vodka
Alchemists called distilled alcohol "spirits" because they believed this was being extracted.
essence or spirit of the original liquid
These two Arab chemists improved cooling techniques for alcohol condensation.
Al-Kindi and Abulcasis Al-Zahrawi
This modern distillation device evolved from early designs and is still in use today
pot
Medical juniper was commonly used to treat diseases of these three organs
stomach, kidneys, and liver
One major negative consequence of alcohol production was the rise of this illegal underground trade
black market
Initially, distilled alcohol was primarily used for this purpose rather than as a beverage.
Medicine
The distillation technology spread to Europe in the 12th century through universities in these two cities
Salerno and Montpellier
The boiling point of water in degrees Celsius.
100°C
In 1500, this German physician claimed distilled alcohol could treat various ailments.
Hieronymus
The phrase "the water of life became the water of death" refers to these negative consequences.
Public health issues and crime