Vitriol
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Vitriol is a term that originated in the late 12th century, likely derived from the glassy luster of crystalline salts. Historically, it referred to sulfates of heavy metals, with specific names for different types such as blue vitriol (copper sulfate) and green vitriol (iron sulfate).
Encyclopedia article (1928–1936)
VITRIOL, Vitriolum, kuporos, a term that appeared in the late 12th century and whose origin is probably due to the glassy luster possessed by crystalline salts. The characteristic of "Vitriolum" was its origin from metals, and Paracelsus has a long discussion on this subject, in which he states that alum is the true salt, while copper sulfate, containing metallic substance, is not a salt but a "Vitriolum." In 1728, Geoffroy reported that substances called V. most often contain sulfuric acid in their composition and belong to the class of salts; since then, the term "kuporos" began to be used to designate sulfuric acid salts, and gradually salts of heavy metals ceased to be distinguished as a special group. At the present time, the name V. has not been preserved as a special group of chemical substances, but is used as synonyms for the following salts: Argentum nitricum crystallisatum - V. Lanae; Cuprum alumina-tum - V. camphoratum; Cuprum sulfuricum crystallisatum - V. coeruleum, V. Cupri; Ferrum sulfuricum crystallisatum - V. Martis, V. viride; Zincum sulfuricum crystallisatum - V. album, V. Zinci.
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“Vitriol.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/vitriol/