Equipment from the ‘Casa de destilar Aguas' (Escorial)

[Paul Ferguson]

"Here is an image of the reconstructions we have made of some of the alchemical instruments that were used in the ‘Casa de destilar Aguas’ at the Monastery Palace of El Escorial. They were funded by Philip II, with advice from Cardinal Granvelle, who brought in technicians from Naples and the Netherlands to carry out the work. Other technicians, such as Richard Stanihurst, were also present, training the local master distillers. Full details can be found at: JOSÉ RODRÍGUEZ GUERRERO, (2024-2026), «El Uso y Experiençia de las Mediçinas (1593), un desconocido vademécum de Richard Stanihurst para la administración de sus fármacos en la Corte de Madrid», Azogue, 10, 2024-2026, pp. 578-617pp. 578-617.Available in: https://revistaazogue.com/numero-10/ "

Acknowledgements to José Rodríguez Guerrero

   

[Paul Ferguson]

According to witnesses, the diameter of this distillation tower could barely be spanned by three men standing in a circle with their arms outstretched. Its construction cost 600 gold ducats, equivalent to around 320,000 euros today (274,000 GBP). Between 12 and 15 workers were employed at any one time in the building known as the ‘house for distilling waters’ for a period of 15 years. All manner of chemical remedies were produced there for the royal household and for sale to the public.