Distilled Water is the condensed product obtained by the distillation of water. All natural waters, even rain-water, contain certain saline matters (common salt, &c.) in a state of solution, from which they can only be completely freed by the process of distillation. The characteristics of distilled water are, that it possesses a mawkish, insipid taste, without odour or colour, and when evaporated to dryness in a vessel, it ought to leave no residue. Unless very specially prepared, it is sure to contain traces of free ammonia, and, when this is the case, it is liable to form a green vegetable growth in any bottle containing it. The other properties of distilled water will be noticed under WATER.
Distilled Waters is the name for what is obtained by distilling water along with the parts of plants containing essential oils. Rose-water and lavender-water are familiar examples.