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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1990 (DOST Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Quinta Essencia, n. [med. L. quinta essentia (a1200). Cf. Quintessence.]

1. (The) quintessence, the substance. b. The process of making quintessence; also, appar., the equipment and materials employed in this.

c. Appar., the nickname of the alchemist John Damian.For many further examples, see the Indexes to Treas. Acc. II, III, IV. 1502–3 Treas. Acc. II 362.
For xxv½ pund of quik silver quhilk ȝeid to Strivelin to mak quinta essencia thare 1507 Ib. IV 79. 1513 Ib. 411.
To Robert Maklellane that makis the quinta essencia in the castell of Strivelingb. 1505–6 Treas. Acc. III 183.
For aqua vite to the quinta essencia 1507 Ib. IV 76.
For ane pan in Strivelin for the quinta essencia and potingary thare Ib. 77.
To the boy that kepis the quinta essencia 1512 Ib. 398.
To the king himself thre ducattis of wecht to put in to the quinta essenciac. 1502–3 Treas. Acc. II 357.
Be the kingis command, to quinta essencia xlij s. Ib. 359.
For v pund quyksilver for the furnes of quinta essencia xx s. 1503 Ib. 393. 1505–6 Ib. III 46.
The remanent of tua unce [of gold] … deliverit to quinta essencia and maid in olye 1507–8 Ib. IV 96.

2. transf. The celestial region, regarded as being composed of the quintessence. 1549 Compl. 47/24.
The nyxt part of the varld is callit the regione celest quhilk philosophours callis quinta essentia vitht in the concauite of the quhilk is closit the regione elementar