in metaphysics, an incorporeal being or intelligence; in which sense, God is said to be a spirit, as are angels and the human soul.

SPIRITS, or ANIMAL SPIRITS, in physiology. See Anatomy, p. 253, and Aether.

in chemistry, a name applied to several very different substances. However, in general, it denotes any distilled volatile liquor that is not insipid, as phlegm, or pure water, not inflammable as oil: but under this general idea are comprehended liquors of quite opposite natures, some being acid, and others alkaline; which latter such enemies to the former, that as soon as they are put together, they raise a violent effervescence, and grow hot: and to these may be added a third sort, called vinous or inflammable spirits; which, though very subtile or penetrating, are not manifestly either acid or alkaline. See Chemistry, p. 69, 95, 161, &c.