Cambridge Encyclopedia :: Cambridge Encyclopedia Vol. 61

putrefaction

The anaerobic decomposition of protein-rich organic matter by bacteria. It results in the formation of methane and other foul-smelling gaseous products.

Putrefaction is the decomposition of animal proteins, especially by anaerobic microorganisms.

In alchemy, putrefaction is the same as fermentation, basically meaning to allow the substance to rot or decompose, sometimes with a small sample of the desired original pure material to act as a "seed".

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