Flowers of antimony are a purified form of antimony trioxide (Sb2O3). Created through sublimation, they have chemical and medical applications in the alchemy of medieval Europe and beyond.
Flowers of antimony refer to the crystalline form of antimony trioxide, derived through the process of sublimation. Antimony trioxide is heated in a controlled environment. The volatile compounds transition directly from solid to gas and then to solid again as they cool.
The result appears as delicate white crystals. While flowers of antimony have the same formula as antimony trioxide, in medieval Europe they're valued as the purified form in a time people strive to purge impurities from the body through forceful expulsion.
Antimony trioxide is a potent emetic and laxative. Doctors believe illness is caused by an imbalance of humors, or bodily fluids, the accepted science for almost two thousand years, starting with Hippocrates (c. 460 - 375 BCE) and later purveyed by Galen (130 - 210 AD).
Renaissance renegade Paracelsus is one of the few who challenges this system to the point of publicly denouncing the theory and burning Galen's books. Paracelsus insists the symptoms of antimony poisoning are from an outside source, and the illness does not originate in the body.
What Is Antimony?
Antimony is a metalloid with the chemical symbol Sb, derived from the Latin stibium. Stibnite (Sb2S3) is the ore of antimony. It's been known for millennia, often used in cosmetics, medicine, and as an alloy with lead or tin.
Antimony is a poor conductor of heat and electricity, exhibits high melting and boiling points, and can exist in several allotropes, which are different structural forms. Alchemist(s) Basil Valentine is especially known for exploring antimony. The stone valentinite is named for him.
Symptoms of antimony poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, insomnia and dizziness. Inhalation of antimony or its compounds can cause a hole in the septum of the nose, as well as respiratory effects such as wheezing.
Antimony Trioxide
Antimony is stable in air at room temperature. If heated, it oxidizes or reacts with oxygen to produce antimony trioxide, Sb2O3.
Antimony trioxide (Sb2O3) is an inorganic compound of antimony, widely used in various industrial applications. It occurs as a white, odorless powder produced through oxidation of antimony metal.
Process of Sublimation
Sublimation is a physical process through which a solid transitions directly into a vapor without passing through a liquid phase. This phase change occurs under specific conditions of temperature and pressure.
The process of sublimation is used since ancient times. Early alchemists, such as the Alexandrians, use sublimation to purify and isolate elements. They experiment with heat control and different techniques.
Use of Flowers of Antimony
Historically, flowers of antimony are prized for medicinal properties. They're known for purgative, laxative, and emetic effects. This of course is mild poisoning, much like intoxication from wine is alcohol poisoning.
Our friend Paracelsus introduces the concept of healing disease with a small dose of toxin. Along those lines he prescribes small doses of mercury to treat syphilis, a rampant disease in the Renaissance.
In this case, not only does the treatment not work, but people begin smearing mercury all over their bodies and taking mercury baths, even though the toxic effects of mercury are well known in the Middle Ages. Can't win 'em all.
Likewise, while flowers of antimony may be considered to have therapeutic applications, they can also be highly toxic. Symptoms are those of antimony poisoning.
Modern Uses
In modern contexts, flowers of antimony and antimony trioxide have various applications:
Flame Retardants: Used in textiles and plastics to enhance fire resistance.
Pigments: Employed in the production of white pigments for paints and coatings.
Glass Manufacturing: Helps to clarify glass by removing bubbles and defects.
Facts About Antimony, Antimony Trioxide, and Flowers of Antimony
Chemical Properties: Antimony trioxide has a relatively low solubility in water and exhibits amphoteric behavior, reacting with both acids and bases. Antimony also demonstrates semiconducting capabilities, making it useful in electronics and other technologies.
Toxicity: While antimony is essential in some biological processes, excessive exposure can be toxic. The antimony ore stibnite is ground to make the eyeliner kohl by 1600 BCE. Eye disease is especially prevalent in ancient Egypt, where kohl is a desirable cosmetic.
Historical Significance: Antimony has been used for medicinal purposes for over 1,000 years, with texts from ancient China and Europe documenting its applications. Uses include treatment for parasitic worms.
Other Compounds: Aside from antimony trioxide, other notable compounds include antimony pentoxide (Sb2O5) and glass of antimony, each with its unique uses.
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