Abstract
The discovery of nitric acid in Europe around 1300 is analyzed within the framework of sources found recently, according to which it could have happened independently in India and Arabic Word. It cannot be ruled out that this discovery took place earlier than in Europe in either of the named regions.
Chemical processes occurring during preparation of nitric acid indicate why the existence of two different nitric acids had been supposed until the 18th century. The use of this acid in alchemy for the alleged transmutation of metals, and in assaying is analyzed in detail.