Continuous cooling distiller

"Way to obtain a clear distillation. Make sure that the water flows encircling the alembic completely."

The alembic is a tool used for distilling. Different chemical elements are evaporated and then condensed in order to be separated and purified. In Leonardo's time it is already in use for the preparation of perfumes, medicines and alcoholic drinks. This version is characterised by a very broad condensing surface, kept at a regular temperature thanks to an external tank filled with cold water. The distillate evaporates in the alembic, then condenses uniformly and constantly on its internal surface to finally leak out from the spout.
Codex Atlanticus, sheet 989
1485-90