: a self-feeding digesting furnace that maintained a uniform and durable heat and was used by alchemists.

How does an athanor work?

In alchemy, an athanor is a furnace used to provide a uniform and constant heat for alchemical digestion. ... The athanor was also called Piger Henricus ("Slow Henry"), because it was chiefly used in slower operations, and because when once filled with coals, it keeps burning a long time.

What is the definition of alembic?

1 : an apparatus used in distillation. 2 : something that refines or transmutes as if by distillation philosophy …