Alembic (Arab, al, the, and Gr. a cup), one of the oldest forms of vessels used for distillation, and the type of all later kinds of apparatus for the same purpose. It consists of a vessel in the form of a flask with wide neck, on which is fitted a head connected with a downward running tube, the whole so arranged that all vapors condensed against the inside of the head run through a surrounding gutter to the tube and so into a receiver. Our engraving represents a glass alembic on a stand, heated by a spirit lamp, and connected with the receiver, which is supported on a separate stand. Notwithstanding this apparatus is at present little used in its original shape, and is superseded by the retort, it must be confessed that it has its advantages, and was especially adapted for the class of researches with which the alchemists occupied themselves. These advantages are that the head can be separated from the body, which is very convenient for the introduction of solid or semi-fluid substances, and also for cleaning out after the operation. In some manufacturing processes alembics are still employed, as in that of hydrocyanic acid.

In France they are still more employed than elsewhere; but it must not be forgotten that the French call nearly all kinds of distilling arrangements alembics, so that many of their so-called alembics are very different from the apparatus here described.