Literary notes about Sublimate (AI summary)
In literature, “sublimate” is employed both in its literal chemical sense and as a metaphor for transformation. Many texts detail the physical process where a substance changes its state—often forming a visible, crystalline deposit in cooling conditions, as seen when mercury transitions into a “white sublimate” [1, 2, 3]. At the same time, the term is appropriated in metaphorical contexts to describe the conversion of internal emotions or abstract ideas into tangible outcomes. For example, one narrative portrays a character who channels inner turmoil into decisive action, effectively “sublimating” his conflict [4]. This dual usage highlights the term’s versatility, merging the precise language of chemistry with broader, symbolic representations of change and purification.
- The chloride collects as a sublimate, of a peach or violet colour, in the cool part of the tube.
— from Cooley's Cyclopædia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I by Richard Vine Tuson - Heated in a reduction-tube Melts, boils, is volatilized, and forms a white crystalline sublimate.
— from Aids to Forensic Medicine and Toxicology by W. G. Aitchison (William George Aitchison ) Robertson - This sublimate is yellow while hot, but changes to white when cold.
— from A System of Instruction in the Practical Use of the Blowpipe Being A Graduated Course Of Analysis For The Use Of Students And All Those Engaged In The Examination Of Metallic Combinations by Anonymous - Kennon strode furiously down the dusty road toward Station One trying to sublimate his inner conflict into action.
— from The Lani People by Jesse F. Bone
