The correct spelling of the alcoholic drink commonly referred to as "brandy" is "spiritus vini gallici (Br.)". This Latin term is often shortened to "brandy" and is pronounced as /ˈsprɪtəs ˈvɪni ɡəˈlɪsi/ using IPA phonetic transcription. The term "spiritus vini" literally means "spirit of wine," while "gallici" refers to the drink's French origin. The spelling of this word is important to ensure proper communication, particularly in industries such as hospitality and culinary arts.
Spiritus vini gallici (Br.) is a Latin term used in British medicine and pharmacology. It refers to an alcoholic preparation derived from wine, specifically French wine, and commonly known as French brandy or spirit of wine in English.
This term is often encountered in the context of historical and traditional medical practices, particularly in relation to the preparation of medicinal tinctures or as a solvent for various substances. Spiritus vini gallici (Br.) is essentially an alcohol solution that has been produced through the distillation of fermented grape juice, resulting in a purified and concentrated form of the wine's alcohol content.
In the past, this preparation was frequently employed in the compounding of medicines for its purported medicinal properties. However, it should be noted that its use as a constituent or base in medical formulations has significantly diminished over time, as advancements in pharmacology and the availability of more standardized and controlled substances have led to the development of alternative preparations.
Spiritus vini gallici (Br.) may also carry certain cultural connotations, evoking the image of French brandy as a luxurious, high-quality spirit often associated with refinement and sophisticated tastes. Consequently, it may sometimes be used in a more figurative sense to denote a sense of elegance or the indulgence in life's pleasures.
Spirit of French wine, brandy, an alcoholic liquid distilled from wine; employed as a stimulant in doses of 3 1/2-2 (15.0-60.0).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.