The quest for aqua vitae [electronic resource] : the history and chemistry of alcohol from antiquity to the Middle Ages / Seth C. Rasmussen.

The quest for aqua vitae [electronic resource] : the history and chemistry of alcohol from antiquity to the Middle Ages / Seth C. Rasmussen.

9783319063027 electronic book
3319063022 electronic book
9783319063010

Cham : Springer, 2014.

English

1 online resource (viii, 111 pages) : illustrations (some color).

10.1007/978-3-319-06302-7 doi

TP593

641.2/1

Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is one of the most ubiquitous chemical compounds in the history of the chemical sciences. The generation of alcohol via fermentation is also one of the oldest forms of chemical technology, with the production of fermented beverages such as mead, beer, and wine predating the smelting of metals. By the 12th century, the ability to isolate alcohol from wine had moved this chemical species from a simple component of alcoholic beverages to both a new medicine and a powerful new solvent. Of course, this also began the long tradition of production of liqueurs and strong spirits for consumption. The use of alcohol as a fuel, however, did not occur until significantly later periods. This volume presents a general overview of the early history and chemistry of alcohol production and isolation, as well as a discussion of its early uses in both the chemical arts and medicine.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Access limited to authorized users.

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (SpringerLink, viewed May 2, 2014).

SpringerBriefs in molecular science. History of chemistry, 2191-5407

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