Alchemy Theory

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The term was used by the alchemist Johannes von Rupescissa in the 14th century, who believed that ethanol—a substance newly discovered at the time—was an imperishable and life-giving “fifth essence” or quintessence

The distillation process for the extraction of aqua ardens was known before Rupescissa (14th century) in the West from Marcus Graecus' Liber Ignium (dated 13th century).
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The discovery of ethanol may date to the 10th century (or long before that You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.) : Al-Razi (Rhazes) then Ibn Sina (Avicenna).  Jabir Ibn Hayyan (Geber) already knew the alambic in the 8th century.