It was after I had spoken to 2 people that my still began construction. First was Diodoros the Coppersmith. He asked a number of questions regarding what each piece of the still was supposed to do. I tried my best to describe the different parts of the Pot Still, the Pot for boiling, the Swan Neck, where the vapors rise into, the Lyne Arm that transfers the vapor to the Condenser, and the Condensor which cools the vapor to yield distillate. Diodoros was already taking notes on what to modify from my inexpert drawings but insisted I also call in Amphtrios the Alchemist to get an opinion.
Amphitrios was a strange man. An old man whose workshop was several miles outside of Ambracia and who was renowned for the odd smell that clung to his tunic and person, which I figured was a byproduct of the various experiments he undertook in order to discover the secrets of the world. I sent a messenger to invite him to Ambracia and 3 days later, this strange old man in the odd-smelling, blue, tunic arrived at my court.
"You sent for me, Pyrrhus King? Forgive me if I do not kneel, my knees are not what they once were." Said the old man by way of introduction.
"I did, and that is quite alright. I understand you to be a man versed in the various processes and laws of natural philosophy, is that so?" I asked.
"Indeed it is so, though there is always more to learn, oh King." Affirmed Amphitrios.
"I wonder if you might mind taking a look at something I have been working on. I have engaged a local coppersmith to make the thing and he has suggested a few alterations to the plans already. He did, however, mention that you would know better than he what needed to be altered in order to make it work." I explained.
"Another of your miraculous new inventions, King Pyrrhus?" Asked Amphitrios.
That caught me by surprise and the old man chuckled, stroking his whispy, white, beard. "Perhaps you think a notorious hermit like myself would not have heard of your new forging process or dyeworks? I do keep up with news related to my field, and you have been dipping your toes in the field to good effect. I would wager a guess that they even know of those in far off Byzantion by now, though I do not believe anyone could say how they work precisely. " He answered.
"Indeed, I had not considered that I must admit. Indeed I did have an idea for a new invention. A purer form of alcohol that can be used for both drinking, and to clean wounds." I affirmed.
"Well, I shall take a look and see what needs to be done on the condition that you fund my next experiment." Laid out Amphitrios.
"I see. What experiment would this be?" I asked.
"I have heard of your waterwheel-powered forging hammers and your windmill and wondered if similar principles could not be applied to the cutting of timber. A sawmill, if you will." Explained Amphitiros.
"Forgive me, but that does not seem to be your usual method of experimentation." I responded.
"Indeed it is not, but my granddaughter is to be wed in a matter of 3 years to Thion of Corinth, but my son has fallen on hard times and is too poor to afford her dowry. Thion is quite wealthy, you see. Olive oil, I'm told. Building this sawmill, if it works, will go some way toward rectifying that." Shrugged Amphitrios.
"You wish to build the sawmill, prove the concept of mills is widely applicable, then use years of profits for your grandaughter's dowry?" I asked.
"Just so, my king." Nodded Amphitrios.
"Why not ask me to pay the dowry instead? Surely that would be less involved?" I queried.
"I could have asked you to do so, however, this is an investment for my son. I am an old man, my King. An old man whose thoughts turn to his children and his children's children. My study of natural philosophy is 1 thing, but it is not a legacy that will lift my son out of poverty." Replied Amphitrios.
I nodded as he spoke. "Indeed. I understand, Amphitrios. Far be it for me to stand in the way of my subjects bettering themselves. I will grant you your funding to see if milling may be applied to sawing lumber. Let me know if it works out, and I shall be your son's first customer." I intoned.
"Thank you, my King. Now, let me take a look at these plans of yours." Grinned Amphitrios.
The plans were brought forth and after another section of question and answer, Amphitrios made a number of alterations, explaining how they would work better to me as he did. Soon enough, the plans for the copper pot still had reached a workable state and I sent them off to Diodoros along with funds to begin work. In the meantime, I had a runner go to the treasury and bring the first round of funds to Amphitrios. The wooden chest full of drachmae that came up was carried out to the courtyard and placed on a cart being pulled by a sour-looking donkey. Amphitrios clambered up into the driver's seat and bid me farewell.
"1 last thing, Amphitrios. How did you know how to put the still together after only 1 round of explanation? Diodoros took several rounds over several hours." I asked.
"Oh, that is simple enough. It seems to be a more refined version of the device I used to render pitch down into an incendiary some years ago. My Ambix was only a prototype and in any case, could not produce great quantities of anything. You seem to have solved that problem quite handily, my King." Responded Amphitrios.
"You made an incendiary?" I questioned.
"Indeed, though in doing so the stench permeated my workshop. I have never been able to get rid of it and it pervades my clothing even now. That is the price you pay for discovering the secrets of the natural world." Shrugged Amphitrios.
I could only laugh at that and watch as the old man cracked his whip and his donkey cart moved out back toward the countryside. I dearly hoped he would finish his sawmill the right way. It would be a boon for both the economy and the navy to be able to quickly cut lots of timber for shipbuilding and construction. Besides, I wasn't made of stone. I could empathize with his family's situation. Nobody wanted to be poor forever, individuals or families it didn't make any difference. Helping his family would help me and the rest of the kingdom anyway.
"A rising tide lifts all boats." I muttered to myself. Then it was back inside for more reports. The still would be finished by the time I went on campaign after the planting was done. Amphitrios' Sawmill would take until the end of the year.
Both would wind up helping my treasury recover from the expense of the Macedonian War. . .
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AN: Just a short one today detailing the beginning of 2 new ventures, 1 of which doesn't even have the Crown as a partner.
We also get to see how news of certain inventions has spread throughout Greece. The Blast Furnace and Dye Works are known about, though nobody knows exactly how they work. You can bet the blast furnace, at least has had several attempted copies in Pella, Athens, Corinth, and the like.
Next will be a chapter detailing summer 293 until the beginning of the Macedonian War. Then we'll be in another Arc for the war. Stay tuned!