Aqua vitae

Aqua vitae (Latin for "water of life") is a term used in a broad sense to refer to distilled spirits, and in a narrower sense to specific distilled drinks. The term was in wide use during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, although its origin is undoubtedly older. The concept of distilling spirits is believed to have been introduced by Arab alchemists in the Middle Ages.

History

The term "aqua vitae" was typically used to describe the distilled drink that was believed to be a master medicine, an elixir of life. This was a very potent liquor, distilled initially for medicinal purposes. The process of distillation was known in the ancient world but was perfected in the Middle Ages.

The distillation process was used by the alchemists who were more interested in medical elixirs than in transmuting lead into gold. The Arab alchemists, Avicenna in particular, developed the distillation process and used it to distill alcohol. The art of distillation spread to Ireland and Scotland no later than the 15th century, as did the common European practice of distilling "aqua vitae", spirit alcohol, primarily for medicinal purposes.

Uses

The use of the term "aqua vitae" is so widespread that it has given rise to many local variants such as eau-de-vie in France, akvavit in Scandinavia, and usquebaugh in Ireland and Scotland. The term is also used to describe a variety of distilled spirits used in medicine and alchemy.

In addition to its medicinal uses, aqua vitae was also a key component in gunpowder production. The high alcohol content made it an excellent solvent for mixing with other ingredients to create the explosive substance.

Modern Day Aqua Vitae

In modern times, the term "aqua vitae" is still used to describe the very essence of a substance. It is also used in the production of a wide range of spirits including whisky, vodka, and brandy. Despite the evolution of its uses and production methods, the term still carries with it the rich history of alchemy and the quest for the elixir of life.

See Also

• Distillation
• Alcohol
• Elixir of life
• Medieval medicine