An example of metaphor used in proto-scientific thinking:
"The spirit of wine is called aqua ardens because of its burning virtue, and menstruum because it nourishes the stone just as mentrual blood nourishes an infant within the womb. It is also called coelum, or 'heaven', because it is infused with celestial virtues."
Jennifer M. Rampling (2020) The Experimental Fire. Inventing English Alchemy, 1300-1700. The University of Chicago Press.
Rampling is here commenting on writings of 16th Century alchemist and physician William Blomfild (or Bloomfield).
The term 'mentsruum' was commonly used by alchemists for a solvent used in their laboratory work. Spirit of wine was obtained by distilling wine – to give a concentrated solution of ethanol. Strong alcoholic drinks do indeed 'burn' the tissues when imbibed.
