Handcrafted in Portugal, this is the classic copper alembic still used for centuries for making floral waters and essential oils. Only available from Hammacher Schlemmer, it uses the same principles of alchemy developed over 1,200 years ago by Alkindus, renowned as the “father of perfume distillation”. Once its copper cucurbit is filled with water and your preferred fragrant plant leaves (such as lavender, peppermint, or thyme), an oil lamp heats then boils the liquid, producing oil vapor that moves to the condensing pot where it is cooled and converted into a concentrated distillate. Mounted to a walnut base with steel supports and precisely machined valves to control vapor flow. 13" H x 9 3/4" W x 6" D. (3 1/4 lbs.)