A simple way of converting an ordinary still into use with steam is shown in Fig. 4. For the helmet of the still _A_ is substituted a cylindrical vessel, _B_, with an opening in the bottom. The materials to be distilled are brought into _B_, and rest upon a wire bottom to prevent particles from falling into _A_. From the upper portion of _B_ a pipe, _R_, leads to the condenser. As may be seen from the illustration, the still _A_ serves only for the generation of steam. The latter, in passing through _B_, heats the contents and absorbs the liberated oil, the combined vapors passing into the condenser. [Illustration: FIG. 4.] This simple modification of the ordinary still affords some advantage, the principal being the avoidance of the condensation of a large quantity of water. This in itself would not amount to much, but it has to be taken into consideration that, though volatile oils are only very sparingly soluble in water, they are nevertheless soluble in it to such a degree as to impart to it their characteristic odor and taste. Such aromatized water can be utilized in the manufacture of liqueurs and perfumery, but to the manufacturer who restricts himself to the production of volatile oils alone, this represents a loss, and it is therefore necessary for him to condense as little water as possible. And this object can only be attained by the use of direct steam. A simple apparatus for the purpose is shown in Fig. 5. The still _b_, provided with a helmet, rests free upon a suitable support. To prevent cooling, it is surrounded with a wooden jacket, _M_. The material to be extracted rests upon a perforated bottom, beneath which enters the pipe _HD_, which conducts the steam from the boiler. For the more uniform distribution of the steam, it is recommended to let this pipe end in a perforated coil. The water condensed in the apparatus itself is discharged through the short pipe _H_, placed in the lowest part of the still. [Illustration: FIG. 5.]