The kerotakis (Greek: κυροτακίς) is an ancient alchemical apparatus of multiple purposes, primarily heating substances and collecting vapors. It's based on a practice of artists, who mix pigments with wax and put the palette above a brazier to keep the wax soft.
What is a Kerotakis?
The name kerotakis comes from Greek kerí or wax. Mary the Jewess (Maria Prophetissa) is credited with its invention in alchemy. A type of brazier with an airtight chamber inside, it typically has a copper lid.
Topped with an upside down cup it enables collection of vapors made by reactions. Allowing alchemists to condense vapors, the kerotakis helps isolate substances. The kerotakis can also be used to melt or soften metals to change their properties, form alloys or apply metal dyes.
The kerotakis becomes a vital tool among alchemists. Its ability to conduct and retain heat enables practitioners to refine metals. Maria (Mary the Jewess) is wise about metal work and creating alloys. She teaches her knowledge to her students in Alexandria.
Several alchemical apparatus inventions are credited to her. In the case of the kerotakis she would have adapted this from the brazier used by the Greek artists. The basic color palette of the Greek scribes and painters is black, white, yellow and red, significant in alchemy.
These four colors create a visual metaphor for the process of attaining the Great Work or Magnum Opus.
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