Many think it to be but a small matter to make the spirit of Tartar; for they suppose, that if they do but only put Tartar into a retort, and apply a receiver, and by a strong fire force over a water, they have obtained their desire: and they do not observe, that in stead of a pleasant subtle spirit, they get but a stinking vinegar or phlegm; the pleasant spirit being gone. Which some careful operators perceiving, they caused great receivers to be made, supposing by that means to get the spirit. Now when they after the distillation was done, weighed their spirits together with the remainder, they found, that they had suffered great loss, wherefore they supposed it to be an impossible thing, to get all the spirits, and to lose none, and indeed it is hardly possible to be done otherwise by a retort: for although you apply a great receiver to a small retort, and that there be also but a little Tartar in it, and the joynts being well luted, so that nothing can pass through, and though you make also the fire never so gentle, hoping to get the spirit by that way, yet for all that you cannot avoid danger and loss. For at last the retort beginning to be red hot, and the black oyl going, then and but then the subtlest spirits will come forth, which either steal through the joynts, or else do break the retort or receiver, because they come in abundance and with great force, and do not settle easily: wherefore I will set down my way of making this most profitable, and excellent spirit. _The preparation and use of the spirit of Tartar._