As the method of performing the operation by the cold still is the
very same, whatever plant or flower is used, the following instance
of procuring a water from rosemary, will be abundantly sufficient
to instruct the young practitioner in the manner of conducting the
process in all cases whatever.
Take rosemary, fresh gathered in its perfection, with the morning dew
upon it, and lay it lightly and unbruised upon the plate or bottom
of the still; cover the plate with its conical head, and apply a
glass receiver to the nose of it. Make a small fire of charcoal under
the plate, continuing it as long as any liquor comes over into the
receiver.
When nothing more comes over, take off the still head, and remove the
plant, putting fresh in its stead, and proceed as before; continue
to repeat the operation successively, till a sufficient quantity of
water is procured. Let this distilled water be kept at rest in clean
bottles, close stopped, for some days in a cool place; by this means
it will become limpid, and powerfully impregnated with the taste and
smell of the plant.