AQUA, a term frequently met with in the writings of physicians, chemists, &c. for certain medicines, or menstrua, in a liquid form, distinguished from each other by peculiar epithets, as Aqua Alexiteria, Aqua Aluminosa, Aqua Mirabilis, &c. for which see PHARMACY, no 501, &c.
Aqua Extincta, or Extinguished Water, is aqua fortis into which some river-water has been poured, in order to qualify it, and render it less corrosive. Its use is to get the silver from the aqua fortis that served to part gold from it.
Aqua Fortis, a name given by artists to nitrous acid of a certain strength, from its dissolving power *.
Aqua Marina, a name by which the jewellers call the beryl, on account of its sea-green colour †.
Aqua Regia, an acid corrosive spirit, so called because it serves as a menstruum to dissolve gold, commonly esteemed the king of metals *.
Aqua Secunda, is aqua fortis which has lost part of its dissolving quality, after being used in the parting of metals.
Aqua Vita, is commonly understood of what is otherwise
therwise called brandy, or spirit of wine, either simple, or prepared with aromatics. Some, however, distinguish between them; appropriating the term brandy to what is drawn from wine, or the grape; and aqua vite to that drawn after the same manner, from malt, &c.