of a deep yellow liquor Note that some Metals in this manner may be proceeded withall first a Vitriol may be gotten out of the Metal then a spirit is for her driven from it and joyned in this manner with the Soul dissolved and further digested with spirit of Wine all must enter together into a Medicine as I told of formerly which have their special efficacie The second way to prepare this half aurum potabile which though it be but half an aurum potabile yet in vertue and efficacy is far preferred before the other now spoken of and is done as followeth Take the extracted Solar Soul spoken of above put it into a Viol pour on it the extracted Philosophick Sulphur which is the second principle which is drawn with spirit of Mercury from the Philosophick earth and Mercury or the spirit of Mercury unto an Oleity which now is Sulphur again and must be abstracted gently per modum distillationis Of this Philosophick Sulphur pour on it as much that the Solar Soul may be dissolved let it stand in a gentle Bath let the dissolution be made then pour more of the best spirit of Wine to it digest gently draw these over let nothing stay behinde in the bottom then you have a Medicine which doth not want above two Grains of the right and true â—urum potabile These are the chiefest wayes to make the corporeal aurum potabile this I close and proceed further with a short but true processe how the Silver which is the next to Gold concerning perfection is made potable also this processe must be done in the following manner Take the sky coloured Sulphur or spirit of Lune whicâ— was extracted with distilled Vinegar as I informed you iâ— the Particular of Lune edulcorate it rectifie it with spirit oâ— Wine exsiccate it put it in a Viol pour to it three timeâ— as much of spirit of Mercury which is prepared from thâ— white spirit of Vitriol as I faithfully taught you in thaâ— place lute the glasse firmly set it in putrefaction in the vaporous Bath let all be dissolved and nothing more seen iâ— the bottom then put to it an equal quantity of the besâ— spirit of Wine set it in digestion for half a moneth drivâ—â— all over let nothing stay behinde then you have the true potable Lune which in its efficacie is admirable and dotâ— wonders when it is used A description of the fiery Tartar DIstill of good Wine a spirit of Wine rectifie it with white calcined Tartar let all come over put that which is distilled over into a Viol put four ounces of well sublimed Salarmoniac to one quart of spirit of Wine set a Helmet upon set a great receiver into cold water drive the volatile spirits into gently in Balneo Mariae leave but a little quantity of it behinde Note the Alembic must alwayes be cooled with wet cloaths then the spirits will be dissolved and turn into a liquor Thus is prepared this hot spirit of Wine Of the Salt of Tartar FIrst you must note that the Philosophers Tartar is not the vulgar Tartar wherewith the Lock is opened but it is a Salt which cometh from the root and is the onely mâ—stâ—cal Key for all Metals and is prepared thus make a sharp lixivium of the ashes of Sarments or twigs of the Vine boyl away all its moisture there stayeth behinde a ruddy â—â—tter which must be reverberated for three hours in a flaâ—ing fire stirring it still let it come to a whitenesse which â—â—hite matter must be dissolved in distill'd Rain water let â—â—e feces of it settle filter and coagulate them in a glasse â—â—at the matter in it be dry which dry matter is the Salt of â—artar from which the true spirit is driven Note as I told now of the vertue and qualities of preciâ—â—s stones so there are found also many despicable and â—â—oble stones which are of great vertues and experimenâ—â—lly are known to be of rare qualities which ignorant and â—â—expert men will hardly give credit unto neither can they â—â—nceive of it in their dull reason and understanding the â—ame I will demonstrate with the example of Calx vive â—hich in mens judgement is held of no great value and lieth contemptibly in obscurity however there is a mighty vertue and efficacie in it which appeareth if application be made of it to the most heaviest diseases seing its triumphant and â—â—anscendent efficacie is almost unknown for the generality therefore for the good of such which are inquisitive into natural and supernatural mysteries and to whom I disclose these mysteries in this my book I will for a fare-well discover also this mystery concerning the Calx vive and will shew in the first place how its spirit is driven from it which work indeed requireth an expert Artist who is well inform'd aforehand of its preparation Take uâ—sluk'd Lyme as much as you will beat and grind it on a well-dried stone to an impalpable powder put on it so much of spirit of Wine as the pulverised Calx is able to drink there must not stand any of that spirit upon it apply a Helmet to it lute it well and put a receiver before it abstract the spirit gently from it in Balneo this abstracting must be iterated eight or ten times this spirit of Wine strengthneth the spirit of Calx mightily and is made more fiery hot Take the remaining Calx out of the body grinde it very small put to it a tenth part of Salt of Tartar which is pure not containing any feces As much as this matter weigheth together add as mâ—â— of the additional of Salt of Tartar thereunto namely 〈◊〉 remaining matter from which was extracted the Salt 〈◊〉 Tartar and it must be well exiccated all this must be miâ—â—led together and put in a well coated Retort three pâ—â— of the Retort must be empty take a great receiver or bâ—â— to it very strongly Note the body into which the Râ—â—torts nose is put must have a pipe of a fingers breadâ—h uâ—to which may be applied another body and a quantity 〈◊〉 spirit of Wine in it then give a gentle fire to it at fiâ—â— there comes some of the phlegme which falls into the fâ—â— applied body the phlegme being all come over then iâ—crease the fire there cometh a white spirit to the upper paâ—â— of the body like unto the white spirit of Vitriol whicâ— doth not fall among the phlegme but slideth through thâ— pipe into the other body draweth it self into the spirit 〈◊〉 Wine embracing the same as one fire doth joyn with thâ—â— other Note if the spirit of Calx be not prepared first by the spiâ—it of Wine and drawn off and on as I told then he dotâ—â—ot so but falleth among the phlegme where he is quench'd â—oseth all its efficacie Thus difficult a matter is it toâ—â—â—arch nature throughly reserving many things unto herself â—his spirit being fully entred into the spirit of Wine then â—â—ke off the
Rod if it be a Saturnal oar the Rod leapeth the more more than the condition of the body of Saturn is For this Rod doth not stirre the body but that which is the most in that body namely the mercury of the body for it yields good store of it and may put on easily another garment and be a mercury of metals and so forth If in that place be Tin and Wismuth the rod applied leapeth not so quick but more slowly than it doth where Saturn is where a copper or iron oar is there that rod moveth more slowly yet But this must be observed that there is no breathing about metals unlesse they be under ground for when they are there then are they in their works whither they be increasing or decreasing they cannot be without breathing then Thus much of these Rods. CHAP. XXIX Of resting vapours or of their sediments MIne-works meet with many natural obstructions as all other worldly things are subject unto For all â—hings sublunary are in subjection unto corruptiblenesse â—he same happeneth also unto metals they suffer by their â—old and hot fires that they quite evaporate and expire â—s when their vapours and fumes grow ponderous cannot â—apour away upward where such vapours are Miners â—annot brook under ground In a Cellar where new wine or new beer is on workâ—g that vapour suffers no candle to burn by reason of the â—onderous Kho or fume which cannot so soon enter the ground unlesse these fumes be extenuated in their pondeâ—osity This faln matter lieth on close is like warm meal I call it Caries which differs from an Ostiocollum for that â—s in the Rocks naturally and dissolves at last into a fire This doth not so and keeps still a dry powder and is heaâ—ier than Mine-ashes which are light and dissolve into â—alts which this meal doth not but abideth a constant â—ediment which is like an unwholsome stinking vapour choaking the oars turning them to a rottennesse being obâ—tructed in their driving above and below These fumes are caused when there are hard rocks to which fire must be applied which causeth ill fumes which being weakened in its rising lie down in a place grow ponderous and increase for evil and poisonous things will soon gather to an heap It is seen in gold being dissolved in water let it stand a while and the impure minerals separate from the essence of gold and settle to the bottome Excrements of metal are soon brought to that posture for being brought to a glowing by a small heat they cast such a malignant fume which choak men immediately CHAP. XXX Of weather salt halitus Melusus THe Malignant breathing as it is generally so called is a pestilent salt which indangereth not only the Miners but hurts the oars also for it allayeth or maketh the breathings fall which are in the oar being thereby obstructed in their natural working The manner of the setling of these breathings are worthy to be noted It may be compared unto an Eclipse though the beams which ascendeth keepeth its course yet the breathing stayeth it and will not let it goe about that place being in that stay and condition its Ferch and seed parteth at last through its sides or walls it suffers fluid oars to come in thence is the original of such fluid oars of which there are severall sorts But this is to be noted That weather is called a weather because it is not of such clear air as it is above ground with us still carrieth something with it which is grosser hurtful unto man more than the air above with us for men are not commanded to dwell and live under ground but if any ones imployment lieth that way he must be contented to do so commit his condition to God almighty because he must indure and suck in ill fumes and get Mine-diseases This subterranean air growing ponderous by reason of the fume and water-stone which stop and corrupt the cross passage then is it called a Weather-salt this is apparenâ— when a burning candle is brought in these ponderous fumes do quench it like water at last they choak the men also Therefore when that is seen and felt let Miners come out again for they can do no good there CHAP. XXXI Of Cos metallicus or stone-salt THe air being of one piece of pure earth at last turneth to a stone There are severall sorts of stones as â—ere are several bodies in the earth though all of them are â—ut an earth The longer the matter lieth the harder and â—tter it will be Such stones cannot be stirr'd or heav'd â—lesse by fire which seizeth on the earth and consumes 〈◊〉 and turns it to a terrene firmament as scales are in fishâ—s and bones in beasts These also the Lord will have in â—is good time with fire This moved the Ancients to â—onsume their carcases with fire though flesh soon comes â—o rottennesse under ground yet the bones do not conâ—ume so soon the fire consumes them being turned to earth-â—shes This salt is hurtful unto metals taking from them their working without it they cannot continue in their life but â—ust expire and die because nothing can penetrate it The difference betwixt the stone-salt and the stone-meal is this â—he salt heaveth it self when the stone groweth to a hardnesse which formerly hath been a pretious stone and the air could penetrate it but now it begins to turn into a horn-stone when this meal comes to the highth of its age it turneth to a dust Here is it requisite to relate the difference betwixt the nether and upper stone which partly is obstructive and partly a furtherance to the Mine-work they may increase under ground but in the Afterwork no stone is good because they have no nutriment and therefore must perish and be famished for want of food CHAP. XXXII Of the subterranean pooles THere is a most heavy case which befalls clefts passages and structures called water-pools under ground For it is a truth undeniable that clefts passages under ground have their waters both the day-water and the night-water if once opened then are they made passable which prove the utter ruine of Mine-works Therefore my counsell is not to make passages navigable to come to the oars It is just as if one would dig a mans heart out of his body and he would begin to dig at the pulse and so along all the way to the heart would it not be an horrid butchery There is a neerer path to the well what needs to make far fetches about There is a twofold water under ground the day-water and the ground-water the day-water is not hurtful unto the structures but rather helpful soaking away many things and takes away many times from the stages the ground-water Let the ground-water be kept out as much as possible may be for it doth hurt if it cannot passe away neither let it spring from below out of its Catharacts Keepe out the fire also for both are hurtful to metals
and to all things in the world if they play the masters CHAP. XXXIII â—f Aurum metallicum of the metalline gold or of the Metalline-bed THere is another fatnesse under ground where metals 〈◊〉 grow neither is it the hull of the seed nor the stone â—um Petroleum or Naphta but is like unto an Uredo or â—ne-soap It differs much from soap soap doth not â—n because it containeth a hidden Sulphur not a comâ—stible one but an incombustible one this is the reason â—y it doth not burn in a flame neither doth it seize on aâ— other thing but onely on the pure metal if that should â—t continue with it the metal could not come neither inâ— ascension nor descension it consumeth first of all in the â—etal even as grease doth in the animals This fatnesse is â—t far from the oar when it is predominant it consumeth â—e metal quite and evaporateth Oil is of that vertue put on the top of a drink be it what it will it keeps in 〈◊〉 strength and coolnesse this fatnesse shuts up the oars â—dy that no breathing can passe Fatnesse hath a great â—finity with iron and is one of its next kinde of the â—hich great volumes could be written In the County of Schwartzburg at Wackersberg there is â—ore of such fatnesse looks like quick silver and swimeth â—nd tinctureth red like Bole this colour it took hold on â—nd it may be extracted from it some call it a Mercurial â—ody or a Tin-glasse Lead-glasse Wismuth or Antimony 〈◊〉 seizeth on all those and when this fatnesse doth â—ot turn to a fatnesse of such metals where the seed â—s predominant then it turnes to a volatility and to a great Robber This fatnesse is a greasie earth glitâ—ering like a salve of a red and browne glowing as if it were Quick-silver or beaten Talk or glasse strow into In the Rocks of Bohemia and Transsylvania there great store of it at Goslar and at Slackenwald even as quiâ— silver or lead oars are many of them are found here aâ— there CHAP. XXXIV Of Metalline streames VVHen Ferch and seed must part from their work 〈◊〉 reason of the sediments be they what they wiâ— and expire not naturally then the oars turn to stones whiâ— Miners call Fluxes though they know not from whenâ— they come nothing can be made out of them they are fâ—sible or fluid when melted in fire but nothing can 〈◊〉 brought into them because they are not porous or no 〈◊〉 can get into which maketh them more noble It is strangâ— in Nature if any good thing be driven out of the body will not return thither for if life be gone from man thâ— body receiveth it no more but these are things possible 〈◊〉 God alone My intent is not here to write of miraculoâ— things but onely of things natural I wave the former 〈◊〉 is to be admired that the body of dead metals is so faiâ— whereas other bodies which are dead consume away 〈◊〉 nothing metals also come into a corruption but in a lonâ— time their death is like any glass keeps its colour especiallâ— if it was of a Marcasite hence are learned the colours oâ— Marcasites for green blue white fluxes are found therein as metalline flowers have been which are generated 〈◊〉 three bodies CHAP. XXXV Of Creta Chalk or stone meal VVEE see in this our air that no fume or wind ascendeth in vain it dissolveth again into one thing â—â—other thither resort many meteors the like meteors â—h the earth under ground For the fume which ascendâ— from the fire-halation of the oar or of the metal and â—ords the stone meal Creta wherever it falls or lighteth grindeth more and increaseth abundantly having a danâ—rous salt whereby it hurts those places where metals 〈◊〉 especially when they are in their ascension hindering â—eir colour It is apparent in the slat at Mansfield where â—ieth betwixt the spoaks of the ores and can hardly be â—tten from thence it robbeth and consumeth Folium and â—olium The stone-meal maketh a Kuff with stone-marâ—w turning it to a kind of marble called the Potstone or â—â—lit a double stone and is dark and very firm it striketh â—e being for the most part of fire Hither belong the â—alks but intending to make mention them in another place I wave them here however they so are such a meal and differ from others herein because inclineth more to a cold fire wherein it melteth like â—ow as the others do and dissolveth sooner into water â—an into meal and this turnes sooner to meal than to waâ—r if it be of lesse matter than it hath of the stone-â—arrow then it affords a fair ice or crystal called Vitrum â—lexandrinum or Mary's Ice which cannot be mastred in â—ot fires but it melteth in cold fires is very hurtful unto â—etals insomuch that by reason of it Mine-works fall to â—ine as it happened at Stolberg CHAP. XXXVI Of Spiro or of the Blast THe Spiro or blast in an instrument which bringeth 〈◊〉 right the weather or obstructed air otherwise all wouâ— turn to stone where it is and would be at a stand there the lower fire should enter instead of the air and exicâ—teth though it doth not kindle if a piece be beaten off 〈◊〉 it then it appeareth so and this piece which flieth thus 〈◊〉 side giveth to understand how it maketh the stone hoâ— Nature frameth the oar and metal but jewels and precioâ— stones are from another off-spring out of sweet waters In this instrument there dwell together fire air whicâ— take their power and matter from the malignant weatheâ— where they consume all ponderous matters through firâ— inlightening the remaining matter it hath Make that Spiro or blast into a ball of copper of an heads bignesse sâ—der it bright and light let no air get into it leave a smaâ— hole where a needle may enter attracting the water whicâ— purposely must be made and set for it there must be had pan of coals at hand which must be kindled and the baâ— laid into it turning the little hole toward the coal-fire anâ— it will blow the fire forcibly which being done it groweth hot and maketh the water boil in the ball which fumeth and carrieth it forth with a great fiercenesse blowinâ— on the coals strongly and thus it maintaineth the fire by breathing strongly in the manner of a pair of bellowes driven from without hereby several good things are effected and the condition of this ball is that it sheweth what may be done above ground with the like no use can be madâ— of it behinde that place because Nature herself hath sucâ— a blast for her fire CHAP. XXXVII Of Pulfa or of the Break-stuff or brittle matter THis salt is ingendred usually by a malignant fume which the Mine-fire should have And when the â—nes be very hard then there must be made a fire of wood â—here the fume draweth to the stone-fire and groweth â—ick and if the fumes of Succinum and of other things are
their chests turning to arsenick and such poisonous fumes and seeds and do hurt every way as wofull experience evidenceth CHAP. IV. Of the metaline shop Officina metalorum ALl natural works have their special convenient places in which they work where there is any such place or shop in which some glorious and precious thing is made and sometimes though the instrument be very horrid and monstrous and its matter unknowne yet they are extant in that officine First touching the glory and praise of this officine it is likned to a Church in which the seed and the Ferch are married to the body therein they eate rest and work thither they carry all faire and pleasant materials under ground wherewith they are clad and they have another kind of fire water aire and earth for the things that are accomplished and perfected therein the same can hardly be parted again no not with the help of the neather aire if so be that it must be parted asunder then see and make tryal of it on the mercurie of metalls Again the things made so hard and fixt cannot be parted as may be seen by gold how firm and fixt is it in the fire the cause whereof is the subterranean heat and cold which it imparteth unto metals and makes them firm thereby for it is a stony firmament of the earth and giving to metals their stony power it groweth hollow and spongie full of pores which at last are fill'd up with metals even as Bees do fill their hives with hony and in the end 〈◊〉 parts and is carryed away in the slick or Scobes For the Earth-stone is not consumed under ground because it is a sediment not suffering any thing to come in or out Hence â—s that difference betwixt the Earth-stone and the terrestial-firmamental stone which is one of the mineral-works Let no man gainsay that a stone should have together both heat and cold at once to afford the one now and then to hide the other for when it worketh the highest metals it hideth its heat and when it worketh upon inferior metals then it hideth its coldnesse and so it helpeth every way this is its tract and instrument heat and cold of the subterranean firâ— stone The moderne Chimists which are ignorants not knowing Nature aright and do not take notice of her wayes use strange instruments and then they make or cause to be made all manner of vessels according as every one of them hath a fancy to but in natures wayes they know little shee regardeth not the variety of formes and instead of theâ—e she takes a fit and lasting instrument which holdeth in the work and every form followes or accompanies the seeds precedencie The folly and ignorance of workmen is aggravated in that because they despise the knowledge of minerals The instrument she useth hereunto I should make mention of it here but wave it at this time and will do it in another place where you may seek for and take notice of it Those which think themselves to be the wisest doe say that it is a vanitie to observe mathematically the stars above and to order any work after seasoâ—able dayes and houres it is something said but not so well grounded But this is most certaine that if you work according to common course otherwise than we do following onely your own fancies then is youâ— labour in vaine There is a difference to be made betwixt the upper stars and the metallin stars which shine and have their influence into the bodies Touching the stars above they in their light and motion have a singular inâ—â—uence and the stars below have their influence also upon their metals thus each heaven hath its peculiar course and instrument where the stars situation may be apprehended An opacum corpus stellatum compact astrall bodie differs in its condition from a corpus lucidum if you intend to learn here something then you must be industrious and grudge no paines it would require a huge volume if I should describe particularly the whole â—ircumference of subterranean Mine-works it would not â—uffice to nominate the things only but must demonstrate also that all that which I attribute to them to be true I say 〈◊〉 would aske a great deale of writing to dispose the brains of misconceited men to a belief what should I say of such materials on whom I could not impose fitting names though I kâ—ew them for who is that man which hath done learning 〈◊〉 our Schoole Here I must needs speak as belonging properly to this place that no volume in this world can be written in which could be set down all and every particular manual as Laborators sometimes might aske therefore an Artist having given him some hints of things must endeavour to order his work and manage the same juâ—iciously must put his hands to the work and get knowledge by his own practice I direct such men in their work to Natures process under ground let them search there and take an honest Myner along to shew him her instruments and matters for prating lying and ignorance availeth here nothing Every one wisheth â—o get riches but the means â—or the getting of them are not respondent if I were the best â—imner could set forth in colours the form of any instrument then men would understand it it would help in this case they would see it and feele it with their hands and undertake the work if all were set down I know what how much ought to be put in a book I put things fitting in and did it faithfully CHAP V. Of Egression and Ingression of Metals THe work of metals evidenceth a perpetual going in and coming out for hereby the Egression is understood not only the Egression of the whole work that in some place a whole metaline tract comes into decay when it wants food to be nourished any further hath devoured all its bodies but also a partial egression for still the one seeketh he other and follows at the heel This we see by the mercury of metals being poured forth it is scattered into thousands of little quick corns all of them return to their body in the same condition is volatile Lubricum the Ferch also goeth forth in small bits at last it joyneth in a body somewhere even as Bees met together it receiveth no more than it hath need the overplus swarmeth to another Myne-officine which parting and distributing affords many and several Mine-works according to the disposition of the officine and nourishment and according as it is infringed in its work in the egression the Ferch and the seed go on in their volatilitie if they had wings that Volatile is so thin that it can hardly be discerned yet is it foliated like a heap of atoms thus subtilly it flyeth away the Ferch must still have its seed the seed its body and that its thin atoms My meaning is not that its egression is from or out of the earth into
the ayre to fly about there and then to come into ground again which is not so nor can it be because its natural work is not in the ayre unlesse men bring it forth purposely then is it of another condition of that egression I do not speak here because it is done by day but this goeth through the earth Which stands in the furnace not apprehensive or visible to us and runs through clefts and passages For if the earth giveth way to the ingression and egression even as the water doth to fishes and the ayre to birds as long as metals come to their stone-firmament which stone firmamet differs from the earth-firmament when it meets with that it goeth about looking out for another passage like as water that floweth about a stone and not through it yet it stayeth in its own stone and receiveth strength of it turnes there to a body and as it goeth in its egression from one metaline firmament or stone-firmament to another if thorow eaten or soaked be it at what distance it will and atracteth the Lubicrum even as a bird draws its feet up to its body in its flight for if they touch any where then they loose somewhat of the body and the Lubricum in its ingression suffers it to come again to a strength of operation for when both are joyned then the metal increaseth and attracteth its food in a wonderfull way and nourisheth it selfe and it is to be admired that in this ingression when that Lubricum comes more and more to its officine how it increaseth and strengtheneth it selfe so long that at last the work is made firme in the officine This strengthening can not be learned to be any other than the metaline mercurie doth make it for in the first place it turns it there into a liquidum where afterward it receiveth all doth coagulate and congele according as the bodyes are either masculine or foeminine at last it is brought to a solid fixed body of Sol. This ingression makes that subterranean place â—oble and fruitfull and is singular when it hath an ascending oar in work that ayre is very wholsome and if the ayre above with melting be not infected with arsenick fumes then it affords a saluber ayre to dwell in This is a manuduction unto the whole after-work how the same ought to be proceeded in that the ore may stand and not awaken but turne to its streame and still abide in its bodies companie it is loath to make an egression if once it made a true ingression and setled it selfe to the work for it resteth not in its place neither doth it rest in its whole â—ract but worketh continually and is well seen what its fixing or flight is and where it setteth to a fluid body or earth-salt which it stirres and rouleth so long yea it panteth and moveth in it so longe till it gets a liquid body then turns it to a terrene body is still brought on to a further height and hardnesse and that is the right coagulating congealing liquidating and fixing of mercurie which if â—one accordingly then it affords something CHAP. VI. Of the dissolution and reduction of metals It is apparent that natural heat is the cause of the fluidness of metals dissolution because the seed of metals in it selfe is very hot and the fluide matter of metals is hoâ— also as being oliginous and its heat increaseth when iâ— comes to its officine or shop because that also being hoâ— encreaseth the heat the more hence it is why it is hot iâ— the work and hath need of it for at first it would bring no more into its body unlesse it were soluble and soft iâ— bringeth nothing into it unlesse it be passed through these three heats and fixed by them then examine it and adde another fluid thing to it which did not passe through the three heats see whether the metal will receive it or noâ— Secondly they must be dissolved that they may be cleansed the condition of liquid things is to produce to the outside things fitting the work it hath in hand This solution iâ— distinct from other artificial dissolutions where the body is only melted as by the Melter when he seperateth the excrements from it for nâ—aure doth not melt the earth as men do buâ— as corne groweth above ground so she leaveth corne and husks together there is a great difference betwixt our melting and the dissolving of Nature if we could observe that distinction in our dissolutions and meltings we should not be at so great losses and dammages as we are I must needs mention about aurum potabile how men do busie themselves about it as many heads as many wayes they chuse to the making of it Some take that whâ—ch is not yet separated from the metal containing yet the cinders oâ— excrements or worse things They take corrosive waters acetum aquavitae and the like pray tell me what doth Nature take when she is about the dissolving of a congealed water She takes none of these things only maketh use of â—heat You must do â—he â—â—kâ— if you will take a metalline â—ody which Nature hath perfected and through melting â—nd fining is come to us if you will dissolve and reduce it 〈◊〉 its first matter then rouâ—e the Ferch thus you may make â—y metalline body potable being made pure and superâ—e then its excrements are gone made not with additiâ—nals of corrosive things the fluxing of such matters rather â—ake the metals harder if a body shall be fixed we fix 〈◊〉 from whithout which Nature doth not for she fixeth the â—ed then the flour setteth and turns to such a fixation â—hat the dissolving above ground cannot master it A waâ—er which congealeth hath at first a little crust going on 〈◊〉 it till it be quite congealed but here it congealeth from â—ithin to the outside hence you may guesse at that gloriâ—us foundation of projection on mercurie of the body maâ—ing a natural stratum super stratum thus are the metals â—yned according to which the artificial work is ordered â—e have a hint given how mercurie of metalls is clipt and â—layed and its lubicrum is catched Conceive not of this â—xation to be as when iron is hardened to steele and then â—duced to a softnesse as Tin is of this is called only a â—ose hardnesse which keeps the body in a malleablenesse â—â—d keeps it so close together that the fire above ground â—nnot hurt it all hardnesse above ground may be mollified 〈◊〉 fire but not the other because it holdeth all fiery tryals â—herefore as the hardnesse made above ground hardneth â—odies in the water so on the other side the water which 〈◊〉 in metalline bodyes must be taken out then it congeaâ—th The subterranean ayre hardneth the earth earth â—emaineth earth and turns not to stone and the same â—eeps the water from running together or congealing â—eeping it from turning to pearls and pretious stones and â—ch may be made of that water To
â—ut if heat get the upper hand then the metal groweth â—igher and higher and more lively This is the difference â—etwixt the heat of fires which is called Vredines the â—ehicle of that heat is the instrument or matter which afâ—ordeth the place of it For Uredines are the cause of someâ—hing but fire destroyeth it and the uredines may be withâ—ut the fire and above the fire The most ancient Philosoâ—hers call it coelestes infernales vires for it is apparent in â—old that fire cannot prevail against it but onely against â—he flux of it and cannot consume it and the Mercury canâ—ot hurt neither only he bringeth hardnesse unto it which 〈◊〉 good but to what purpose for he is not turned to any â—lver both these breathings upper and nether in and â—ut breathing comes all to one and is not onely its quality â—o shew and make known the metal and oar but passeth â—hrough the earth also to keep them from turning into â—ones to stay and keep them porous one upon another â—nd to make them pure for it purgeth the earth as the soâ—r breathing above doth the air and as the same breathing â—bove bringeth and causeth winde mist rain hoar frost â—ow even so the subterranean breathing causeth vapours â—mes breaths saps minerals soaps c. and bringeth forth â—old out of their seed He that understandeth these neâ—her upper and other meteors he may make all manner of â—uick After-works For Art treadeth into the foot-steps â—f Nature CHAP. XVII Of corruscation or of adhalation or to breathing or glittering MIners seeing this breathing ascend by night like 〈◊〉 flame they count that only a breathing and none else which per se is not a true breathing but only a corruscatioâ— for it burneth away the excrements not wholly only sucâ— things that are naught and poisonous purgeth the air from the same stink for where should the cuticle of the seed get out if it should not be carried forth partly by this flame of fire and partly by the water For this stink weakeneth the oar mightily especially it spoils its colour whereas iâ— may easily be burned or washed away before it groweth to such a stink be it in fossils or liquours This breathing oâ— glistering strengtheneth the cenders it toucheth them noâ— in a way of heat but in a way of fire and is not an upboiling but a burning unto Seeing this stuff which this corruscation seizeth on is found often in a place where no metals are therefore is iâ— very deceitful however commonly and for the most part oâ— a metalline breath For note the metal never affords or casteth any flame neither doth it consume in burning buâ— flieth away and vanisheth you cannot know which way iâ— is gone therefore these exuviae spermatis or husks of the seed is a greater infection and plainer evidence that there is an oar at hand because it maketh many glorious thingâ— apparant which the fire seizeth on it must not quite be melted from its outgoing is a signe that it doth no good by the metals neither can it stay with it unless it stick close Here you may observe again that fire doth not good to metals but a warmth which doth not come from fire as a natural heat is in man without fire for where are the coals which nature useth for oars yet is it hot where is there any better blast to make things congeal A cold without a frost is another matter as it appeareth in Pearls I call it Vredines as a warmth without an heat yea this heat and frost causeth a food unto fire it cannot indure it any where about it therefore if you bring a metal into its heat and cold then you have already a ground for the Afterwork you have little learning or skill if you do not know so much CHAP. XVIII Of Folium Spolium or of the Schimmer and Glimmer THe second or other thing which apparently shews and distinguisheth metals is the colour The condition of colour is this that they are not so discernable by reason of their darknesse in which they naturally are they are elevated and brought to a Folium or are exalted through a Folium as an obscure and untransparent folium doth the same in a lucidum translucidum corpus the same must a transparent folium do in a thick body as metals are an opacum corpus shining like the moon with a borrowed light into the body and the folium giveth it forth out of that body Such a folium or glitter may be made artificially but nature sheweth that it may be had from a Volatile though it be true that that Volatile may not be had unlesse in its seed and bodie yet it is soon extant with the body for he that knoweth not the condition of the folium he can neither in the flux nor congelation bring any oar or metal into its true tincture the condition of this Folium is that it is as thin as any leaf in the world can be of these leaves is composed a metalline body Counterfeit Chymists busie themselves very much with their Stratums Superstratums but here is it naturally thinner than beaten gold and this is called opaca perspicuita an in brought leaf not gilded in or silvered Here lieth a curious skill for tinging with this leaf if brought into the Glimmer one knowledge is the cause of another and as it is seen in a glowing and glittering splendour that there is no exuviae spermatis or hull of the seed at hand neither may it be known in any folium or spolium by its speculum's or night lights to prepare that leaf and spolium which soon doth losen and free it self and this is the chiefest thing for it goeth off with the worst poison and comes on also and must settle and rest CHAP. XIX Of fuliginous vapours and ashes TOuching the white soot of metals which is a precious garment to silver if onely brought into Mercuries wonderful to behold that the corruption of metals and of the first bodies should afford the highest and the uppermost turn to be the lowermost where these soots are found surely there is metal at hand also but fair and more natural is hardly seen than there is in Styria where they make good steel of it In Wallachia it breaketh or is found neer silver and this is the surest thing in the metalline work as well in the Natural as in the Afterwork which seemeth most incredible unto the people and again that which is most uncertain proveth to be most certain the reason of it is because they know and understand it not better Miners have in their clefts and passages things hanging and lying in which great matters might be had and found but require great toil and is a dangerous work by reason of â—heir poison Though the Halation and breathing goeth â—long yet it carrieth many things with it which hardly â—ay be gotten from it neither doth it quit the pain and expences Miners call
matter as hath beeâ— mentioned before The strength you perceived of the stricking rod if therâ— be an aerial halation at hand you see how that rod quaketh for the inferiout ascendeth and toucheth and the superiouâ— descendeth and toucheth likewise which rouzeth as it weâ— the Ferch or life and seed of the metal The like appeaâ— â—eth in the clouds how they move to and fro before any snow or other weather comes and before the vapours be digested which ascended the same processe have the halations subterranean before they can mingle with the superiour halations they must be pluck'd off emalged if any of them ascend yet higher they dissolve either into â—ain or congeal into snow dew and hoar-frost before they part asunder CHAP. XXVII Of the falling rod or of the nether rod. THat there is a peculiar and vehement moving quality and power in the breathing and halation upward and â—ownward which may not be stayed by any opposition the â—ame is apparent in all the vegetables of the world Rain â—nd great thick mists may keep from us the solar shine but nothing can stay this breathing because it strikes directly thorow but if it proveth weak in its fertility it is the fault of the mild air a shot out of a gun if it is to goe a great way through the air is cooled This is the reason why the â—olar beames have not that operation under ground as they have above it and hence also it is that the metalline matter â—s not so fertile however they do what they can descend â—o the metal where they rouze a fire and preserve the same Thus the Sun-beams must effect all in a magnificent and glorious manner not onely above to preserve with its luâ—tre the lights of all the stars but by day also to impart unâ—o the world and men the day light By these beames it â—asts into the earth a dispersed fire which is advantageous â—o the preservation of subterranean things they thrust â—ogether homogeneal things and bring metals to a compactnesse that they may be had pure above ground they â—elie and lean on them from hence hath the rod its original For at some certain time you see the Sun draw water as the vulgar speech is so the beams have that quality they comfort metals by stricking downward There is used a stricking rod above at its twist is left a part of the stick of three thumbs length at the off-cutting take out the pith put super-fine Sol into the halation which goeth in pulls the rod in where the oar is The reason of it is because the nether breathing of the air is there and goeth against draweth this breathing carrieth it down and the metal within the rod is pull'd downward as if it would joyn the same with the rest of that body Thus the breathings and halations are copulated the beam must conceive on the earth in which it is to operate it bringeth no rain to the earth but the vapours of the earth which rise the same make or cause the rain snow and hoar-frost bring the same to the earth imbibing the same therewith the same operation it hath on the subterranean vapours caused by the breathing of the metals within in their ascension it makes them heavy so that they are able to fall unto Sol helping the same in its fertile work Having accomplished its fertility of the work then such metalline rain falls also on the metal maketh it ponderous moveth its Ferch in the Lubricum and draweth the rod down also more vehemently than it doth to the stricking rod which toucheth not the metal but meerly the breathing which is not yet nobilitated through or by the halation This breathing might very well be called a fruitful rain which thus comfortably refresheth them it is not a running rain but onely a breathing which by the deep glittering Sol is made noble Iâ— is not sufficiently expressed when ignorant simple Miners usually say that the Sun in her influences worketh gold not telling the manner of it as I made mention of buâ— now themselves may goe yet to School and learn theiâ— lesson better CHAP. XXVIII Of the superiour Rod. AS the Planets have not their fixed and certain volution in the firmament for the which they are called erâ—atick stars the lesser remain in their fixed stations the metalline bodies are of the same quality for they do not â—tick close unto bodies but rise and fall for that reason I compare them to the various motions of the stars above â—heir body is rolling and voluble led and tinged by the Ferch and seed which is for the most part of the Suns condition Planets with the Sun are of a special agreement in â—notu lumine and their body may be said to be Lubricum Volatile This Rod is appropriated unto planets which hang their bodies to the seeds as long as the great breathing of Sol holds still and suffers himself to be obscured and he must suffer in giving his lustre to the earth by rain mist and snow so long till he breaks thorow them So the bodies also are corruptible in this upper fire more than the lower in their work Therefore such a rod must be applied which I call an upper rod that the opposite breathing of the reflecting metalline beams which were received of the Sun and strengthened again may be returned from the bottome to the Systeria be it as high as it will This Turco or Rod is a twisted tender branch of a Hazel which from that twist on the bulk is hollow three fingers length for its pith must be out of it and the mercury of metals must be put in the weight of three barley corns or grains this Rod stirreth the halation from below upward this is the condition of this Rod whereby is known that that metal is of an infirm body wanting the influence of â—pper planets being defective of the Solar heat and not of that below and is the cause why Mercuries-lubricum iâ— the rod is stirred making it rebound intimating that it is unfit for his work and that another body is fitter The planets with their influence work more on imperfect metals than on perfect ones For the Sun doth not put a garment on mercury of the body but a certain constellation doth it the rest joyning in the work and are found next to it except Sol and Luna these meddle not with this Rod. Though these also are planets and belong to a perfect breathing and have their particular rod as others have theirs which press toward their several work they are fitted for not aiming at the works matter which maketh its principle as the mercury of metals There must be had a sufficient instruction for to know it It is thus a metal is known before it casts any crust and how deep the oar lieth and how it may be wrought upon if I would know whether there be a sufficiency in that oar the same I learn by the leap of this
â—yned it turneth then to such poison that the oar must be â—ed else it perisheth for that fume lieth on the oar fuliâ—ous Kobolt which corrode and consume the oar there a â—ll must be applied which is round and hollow having â—ole at a bignesse at which a quill may enter it must be so â—se that no air may either enter or get out this ball must 〈◊〉 filled with gun-powder cover the same with cottenâ—ol boiled in Salpeter then dip it in melted pitch which mixed with some Sulphur kindle that ball let it go down a box or fling it on a Stolln or chamber when the ball â—eth asunder it expelleth that fume not onely by that â—oak but with the blow or report the gunpowder makes â—ch a ball may be applied also to water and be sunk in an â—strument under water in which noisome fishes are feared 〈◊〉 crack will kill the fishes that are there there is a past â—hich giveth no report but onely burneth and destroyeth â—d heaveth this salt but have a care what past you make â—e of and have a respect to the upper Scaffolds whither â—ey be old or new that they be not imbezled and your â—st must be mixed so that it may do no hurt CHAP. XXXVIII Of Clathrum or of the blank fire THis fire needs nothing for its food shineth in darknesse is a special fire for Mine-works quitteth the charges iâ— applied more than the expences do bestowed upon Taâ— or Bromith work For oil in some places may be had cheâ— enough casts no smoak destroyeth fumes it is put into glasse ball which is put into a basket to keep it safe from water and sand which affords a light to the workmen Miners ought to know how to enter their ground for thâ— hight or metalline Speculum which is a singular manuall for the metalline breathings and after-halations joyn anâ— come together require special instruments whereby they may be known for where these do joyn and the diurnaâ— breathing is predominant then it exhaleth by day shinetâ— out of the earth Miners call this a metalline breathing true it is so but they leave out something so it is but half breathing if the after-breathing is predominant then iâ— appeareth by that Speculum and light wherein it maketh it self known She is in work with something and there is at hand such a metal metals do shine though it doth noâ— appear so to our eyes like as rotten wood doth by day they are not quiet as long they are working but there musâ— be a reflexion of their work which is this light It casteth no beams as the day-light or rotten wood doth by night it receiveth one from such a dark or duskish shadowes light Fair and curious breathings are seen therein and thaâ— light of darknesse is a light you may see by it he that is distant from it five or six yards seeth it not nor canst thoâ— neither for it is such a light as is in the eyes of Cats dogs and wolves which can spie thee though thou câ—nst not seâ— â—m for there is a light at night as well as by day which â—pparent in these bodies which receive their light from Nocturnal light for if that power were in themselves 〈◊〉 would ejaculate beams which they do not and exâ—ence evidenceth it that there is a subterranean ignis disâ—s a scattered fire â—his light is twofold the first lighteth being thus preâ—d in a ball of some fishes or worms of juyces of herbs â—saps of wood being distilled and the distilled water beâ— put into it Take a pure Crystalline glasse it casts a cuâ—s light under ground if mercurial water be put into it â—aduateth the waters made of worms and of woods veâ—ighly in this darknesse which is called the Light ir be done and used also by day but much better in subâ—nean darknesse in which the fire lieth hid and must be â—ed and awakened by such material and instrumental 〈◊〉 â—he second light is Speculum which receiveth that light giveth an intimation of such hot or cold fires which every Clown or Miner understands for as it shineth in Speculum so kindleth this fire and is the oar In â—s body they are discerned well enough from whence diseases have their several names but are not searched 〈◊〉 The difference betwixt the ball and the Speculum is same with that which is above ground I can view all members of my body but not my face I can behold â—ight but what the Sun of this light is which miniâ—h the lustre unto it the same I cannot behold or discern CHAP. XXXIX Of the Gluten or Mine-glue â—He best help and remedy which may be applied to subterranean pools are wells for where these break forth they carry that water away a better and neerer is not thaâ— the Gluten to dam up or keep out the day water that theâ— do not run any farther this damning hath great utility it maketh the water not onely slimy and tough but it drâ—veth it backward that it be served for some other issue aâ— be rid of it in that place where it is naught and meerâ— obstructive If the day-water be thus stopped by a Gluten that cannot run and gather at the sink then that ground-waâ— may soon be drawn away at the sink the deeper the sinâ— are cleansed the more these ground-waters or springs aâ— diverted and at last are turned also to day-waters or mâ— be dammed up and made run another way where thâ— may not be obstructive to the Scaffolds and where Dâ—vings of mils are not had at the same places the Glutâ— may be used then the Scaffolds and Structures in the passâ—ges clefts and Mines may be seen the dams and the Glâ—ten are the best helps hereunto CHAP. XL. Of TRUTA or of a Past for to corrode the stâ—â—â— through or through eating THere is almost nothing which is a greater hinderanâ— unto Mine-works than water is and where the Gluâ— is not sufficient to keep it out and in places where it is 〈◊〉 in and must be drawn away with lower buildings as wiâ— Stoln or beams and pipes it is an huge and dangeroâ— work to make these thorow-breathings good and holdiâ— it costeth many mens lives and great expences must made therefore wayes and means must be thought upon make wayes through with burning to make such a fâ— which corrodeth the rock and grinds the stone eaâ—ing small and thin that the water may get thorow and run aâ—ay that the Miners may not lose their lives in that water 〈◊〉 usually it befalls them at such works This fire corroâ—eth great stones in running waters or rivers it is a corroâ—ing fire a Gluten being made which is lined or covered â—ith combustibles poured or cast down through a channel â—r pipe guarded from water that Gluten may be effectual â—ough it be under water many fathoms deep it still corâ—deth further gathering strength by that it eateth upon â—d burneth and presseth still lower it doth not smoak â—eing a running
corrosive fire There are some saps and gums which if boiled to a hardâ—esse and mingled with unslaked lime kindle and burn 〈◊〉 strongly that they corrode the rock make an hole into 〈◊〉 big and as deep as you will have it so that the water â—ust sink away there must be set a pipe of wood or of â—ther materials as deep as the water rose and must be â—t and sunk to the very bottome and of this Gluten â—ast or stuff must be put into let the hole of the â—ipe be closed with pitch to keep out the water make â—all bullets of this Past kindle them it cateth down â—en out at the Stoll or beams end the bignesse of the hole â—ust be according to the Pipes mouth below which must â—e equally wide with that above when the Pipe is clearâ—d and way made for the water to runne out at the â—ole then all that water-pool under ground will sink aâ—ay and clear the chambers below This is a cuâ—ous skill for to break through rocks if well conâ—ived and well ordered with exact manuals CHAP. XLI Of the Traha or heaving materials used instead of a dray or slead IT is known that breathing and halation and the weather uphold all both artificial and natural things it is apparent in great Edifices that the things exposed to weather cannot hold if neither water nor winde tied the great reparations in such structures signifie so much There is a place in Zips or Sepusium called the Tohâ—schaw where firm steel ascendeth by day and in that place there is no Mine of steel no instrument can get any scale from it but lying in the weather one winter and sommer it gets a scale of two fingers thick Thus it is apparent that the weather heaveth also a stoll or the great beam or metalline body why should it not lift and heave a stone This appeareth further at the falling down of great snow-bals from Mountains about Saltzbuâ—g and in Styria where great pieces of rocks fall down with such snow bals as big as an house is which heat and cold hath thus corroded and loosened Hannibal making the Alos passable for his army poured warmed vinegar on the Rocks whereby he made them so brittle that they soon could be wrought thorow oil doth the like if well prepared Acetum's made of vegetables of wine beer fruits are pretious for such purposes Cistern-waters may be turned into Acetum's if cocted with honey being made warm first this driveth the fire back which is in stones for there are commonly Horn-stones Fire-stones which are made brittle by such means There is made a Petroleum also â—o that you need no falâ—er-oil nor any other no not Naphta neither drawn from Osteinmark or calcined flints such water acetum's being poured upon other frighting waters whereby the hardest â—ints are terrified and made brittle It stands upon natuâ—al reason that such stones must be dealt withall in this manner For behold the Gluten and Aquafort of what efâ—icacie these are Doth it not corrode the Pumice-stone like Bees-wax and the Top-stone like a marble of divers coâ—ours Consider well the white marble and the sliding â—and in which the Pumice is you will finde what manner of lixivium's may be boiled from them CHAP. XLII Of the frost in Mine-works THe greatest troubles that Miners are put unto is to pull and draw up all the filths stones that are naught out of the Mine-works that a way be made to come deeper in Above ground they call it an heap of rubbish It costeth â—o great matter to cleanse dissolve and void these rubâ—ishes with corrosive wares it costeth little if rightly maâ—aged and handled to dissolve first the lightest things these being made riddance of the rest may easily be voided That earth under ground must not be look'd upon as that is above with us adorned with grasse for under ground there is least of the earth there is a mixture of all manner of things as salts juyces minerals stones the least part is earth and yet that part is the noblest for our of it are made all manner of metalline bodies There are sharper things all of which must not be used at once and must be effected with these when that which is above cannot be applied to that which is beneath juyces also are easie in their uses for to corrode and make brittle Sulphur alone performeth the work which is a poison unto juyces and saps Miners and such that are imployed about such works must have knowledge of such things and exercise themselves herein by way of practice for all particulars belonging to these manuals cannot be set down upon white and black experimental knowledge must be joyned hereunto not only a depending from things written CHAP. XLIII Of the flaming fire WHereas there is occasion for great and small fires in Mine-works which must be learned and applied according to the several sorts of metals and not after the manner of their several meltings and finings and the condition of such necessary fires must be known also To set down these in their particulars would require great pains and the writing thereof would rise to a great volume it is the duty of understanding Melters and Finers to order and regulate themselves in their fires according as each metalline condition requireth to further and not to hinder their work and so I commit these to their further and serious thoughts and to take these things into a fuller consideration CHAP. XLIV Of Ignis torrens or of the roasting fire THings inclining to ashes and soot and excrements of metals and the exuviums or hulls of bodies melters suppose may be taken and gotten off safely in a roasting or calcining fire they make a great fire of wood under them roast or calcine the metal that as they suppose they retain nothing thereof or of such offals you heard of now they â—eld their exuvium and copper yields cinders and slacks â—ut if frightened then it rubbeth and consumeth iron â—erefore nealing is more commendable as they do at â—ansfield a great heap of oar is laid together which they â—dle let it stand in a gentle glowing heat and burn aâ—ay that which should come off in that glowing Metals 〈◊〉 Swedland are healed thus at the heat of the Sun in Somâ—er there it runs finely together and purgeth it self so â—atly insomuch that it would be refined if it staid its me in that heat This nealing I do better approve of â—an of the calcining in a fire-flame There is a twofold â—owing fire and metals require a twofold glowing or neaâ—ng one sort of it is used at Mansfield they kindle with â—undles of straw the heaps of slats let them glow of their â—wn accord and they do it like an heap of coals and the â—r is nealed which is put in for that purpose Secondly â—ealing is good also for bodies of stones reducing them inâ—o calxes but those that made metalline calxes in an inâ—osing heat or glowing fire they
they are much distinct aâ—â—der though they dwell in one body possessing one loâ—â— it matters not for the will of the Creator was so to hâ—â— that mystery from unworthy men observe and consideâ— well if so be you intend to be a true follower of Phâ—â—sophers In this knowledge lyeth hid an irrecovâ—able errour worldly wits cannot conceive of it 〈◊〉 the spirit of Vitriol and the remaining Oyl should be of great distinction in the vertue Touching their properâ—â— the spirit being well dissolved and brought into its thâ—â— principles Gold and Silver onely can be made by it and 〈◊〉 of its Oyl onely Copper which will be apparent in a prâ—made The condition of the spirit of Vitriol and its maining Oyl is this that where there is Copper and Iron 〈◊〉 Solar seed commonly is not far from it and again whâ—â— there is seed of Gold at hand Copper and Iron is not 〈◊〉 from it by reason of its attractive Magnetick quality 〈◊〉 love which they as tinging spirits in a visible manner câ—â—tinually bear one to another Therefore Venus and Mâ—â— are penetrated ringed with the superabounding tinctâ— of Gold and in them there is found much more the 〈◊〉 of the red tincture than in Gold it self as I made further â—lation of it in my other backs unto which there belong 〈◊〉 also the Mineral of Vitriol which goeth beyond these many degrees because its spirit is meer Gold and rubedâ— crude indigested tincture and in very truth as God hâ—â—self is is indeed not found otherwise But this spirit as you heard must be divided into â—â—tain distinct parts as into a spirit soul and body the spâ—â— is the Philosophick water which though visibly parted sunder yet can never be separated radically because their unavoidable affinity they bear and have one to 〈◊〉 other as it appeareth plainly when afterward they 〈◊〉 ioyned the one in their mixture embraceth the other even 〈◊〉 Magnet draweth Iron but in a meliorated essence betâ—â— than they had before their dissolution This is the â—ift beginning middle and end of the total Philosophick â—â—sdom affording riches and health and a long life it may â—her be said and really proved that this spirit is the esâ—ce of Vitriol because this Spirit and Oyl do differ so â—â—ch and were never united radically because the Oyl â—â—meth after the spirit each can be received apart This â—â—y spirit may rather and more fitly be called an essence â—â—phur and substance of Gold and it is so though he lyeth â—king in Vitriol as a spirit This golden water or spirit drawn from Vitriol contains â—in a sulphur and Magnet its sulphur is the anima an inâ—â—bustible fire the Magnet is its own Salt which in the â—â—junction attracteth its Sulphur and Mercury uniteth â—â—h the same and are inseparable Companions First in â—entle heat is dissolved the undigested Mercurial spirit 〈◊〉 this is further extracted after a Magnetick quality the â—â—phurous anima in that earth sticketh the Salt which is tracted also in a Magnetick way by the Mercurial spirit still the one is a Magnet unto the other bearing a Magâ—â—ick love one to another as such things where the last â—â—ether with the medium is drawn forth by the first and 〈◊〉 thereby generated and thus take their beginning In â—s separation and dissolution the spirit or Mercury is the â—st Magnet shewing its Magnetick vertue toward the sulâ—â— and Soul which he quasi Magnes attracteth this spirit â—â—modum distillationis being absolved and freed sheweth aâ—â— its Magnetick power toward the salt which he attractâ—â— from the dead earth after the spirit is separated from it 〈◊〉 the Salt appeareth in its purity if that processe be ther followed anâ— after a true order and measure the â—â—unction be undertaken and the Spirit and Salt be set â—â—ther into the Philosophick furnace then it appears 〈◊〉 how the heavenly spirit striveth in a Magnetick way â—â—tract its own Salt it dissolveth the same within XL. dayes bringeth it to an uniform water with it sâ—lf even the Salt hath been before its coagulation In that destâ—â—ction and dissolution appeareth the hugest blacknesse aâ—â— Eclipse and darknesse of the earth that ever wâ—â— seen But in the exchange thereof a bright glitteriâ—â— whiâ—enesse appearing then the case is altered and 〈◊〉 dissolved fluid waterish Salt turns into a Magnet for that dissolution it layeth hold on its own spirit which is tâ—â— spirit of Mercury attracteth the same powerfully like Magnet hiding it under a form of a dry clear body brinâ—ing the same by way of uniting into a deep coagulation aâ— firm fixednesse by means of a continued fire and the certâ—â— degrees thereof The King with the white Crown being thus generateâ— and by exiceation of all humidities being brought to a fixâ— state then is it nothing else but earth and water thouâ— the other Elements be hid therein insensibly howevâ—â— both these keep the predominance though the spirit 〈◊〉 to earth and can never be seen in a watery form and tâ—â— double new born body abideth still in its Magnetick quaâ—ty for as soon as his departed Soul is restored after white fixation then like a Magnet he attracteth the sâ—â—â— again uniteth with it then are they exalted to their highâ—â— tincture and rubedo with a bright transparentnesse aâ—â— clarity Thus in brief you have a short relation of Vitrioâ— Sulphur and Magnet Pray to God for grace that you mâ—â— conceive aright of it put it then to good use and be minâ—full of the poor and needy At the closing I annect this briefly to hold forth uâ— to you a natural proof that you presently fling and throâ— down the Sophister and take his Scepter from him Noâ— that from all Metals especially from Mars and Venus whiâ—â— are very hard and almost fixed Metals of each apart can made a Vâ—triol this is the reduction of a Metal into a Miâ—â—ral for Minerals grow to Metals and Metals were at fiâ— Minerals and so Minerals are proxima materia of Metals bâ— not prima from these vitriol may be made other reduc◠〈◊〉 namely a spirit is drawn from them by the vertue of 〈◊〉 This spirit being driven over then there is again a reâ—ion of a Mineral into its spiritual essence and each â—it in its reduction keepeth a Metalline property but spirit is not the prima materia Who is now so grosse absurd that should not be able to conceive further believe that by these reductions from one to the other â—â—re be a way to prima materia and at last to the seed it 〈◊〉 both of Metals and Minerals though there be no neâ—â—ry to destroy Metals because their seed in the Minerals â—â—und openly fixed O good God what do these ignorant men think is not 〈◊〉 a very easie and Childrens like labour the one begets other and the one cometh from the other is there not â—ad bak'd of Corn upon distinct works But the World â—linde and will be so to the end of it Thus much at
this â—e and commit thee to the protection of the Highest End of the third Part. THE â—OURTH PART OF BASILIUS VALENTINUS His last TESTAMENT â—he Manuals wherein he treateth how Metals and fitting Minerals may Particulariter be brought to their highest preparation LONDON Printed Anno Domini MDCLVI THE FOURTH PART Of â—articulars from the seven Metals how they may be prepared with profit First of the Sulphur of Sol whereby Lune is tinged into good Gold TAke of pure Gold which is three times cast through Antimony and of well purged Mercury vive being prest through leather six parts make of it an Amalgame to the quantity of this Amalgame grinde twice as much of common Sulphur let it evaporate â—n a broad pan in a gentle heat under a Muffle stirring it â—ll with an Iron hook let the fire be moderate that the matâ—er do not melt together this Gold calx must be brought to â—e colour of a Mary-gold flower then is it right then take â—e part of Salpeter one part of Salarmonie half a part of â—â—inded peebles draw a water from it Note this water â—ust be drawn warily and exactly To draw it after the â—ommon way will not do it he that is used to Chymick preâ—rations knows what he hath to do And note you must â—ave a strong stone Retort which must be coated to hold â—he spirits closely it s upper part must have a pipe upward â—f half a spans length its widenesse must bear two fingers â—readth it must be set first in a distilling furnace which must be open above that the upper pipe may stand out diâ—ectly apply a large receiver lute it well let your first fire â—e gentle then increase it that the Retort look glowing hot put a spoonfull of this ground matter in at the pipe close thâ— pipe suddenly with a wet clout the spirits come rushingâ—â— into the receiver these spirits being setled then carry iâ— another spoon-full in this manner you proceed till yoâ— have distilled all At last give time to the spirits to be seâ—led to turn into water this water is a hellish dissolvinâ— strong one which dissolveth instantly prepared Gold calâ—â— and laminated Gold into a thick solution of which I madâ— mention above in the third part This is that water which mentioned in my second Key which dissolveth not onely Gold but bringeth it to a volatility carrying it over thâ— helmet whose anima may afterward be drawn from its toâ—â— body Note the spirit of common Salt effecteth the same iâ— drawn in that manner which I shall speak of afterward 〈◊〉 three parts of this Salt-spirit be taken and one part of spiritus nitri it is stronger than Salarmonick water and is better because it is not so corrosive dissolveth Gold the sooner carrieth it over the helmet maketh it volatile and fit to paâ—â— with its soul you have your choice to use which you thinkâ— best and may easier be prepared thus Take one part oâ—â— the prepared Gold calx and three parts of the water which you make choice of put it into a body lute a helmet to it set it in warm ashes let it dissolve that which is not dissolved pour three times as much water upon that all dissolve let it cool separate the feces put the solution into a body lute a helmet to it let it stand in a gentle heat day and night to Balneo Mariae if more feces be setled separate them digest them again in the Balmy nine dayes and nights then abstract the water gently to a spissitude like unto an Oyl in the bottom this abstracted water must be poured on that spissitude this must be iterated often that it grow weary and weak remember you lute well at all times To the oleity on the bottom pour fresh water which was not yet used digest day and night firmly closed then set it in a sand Capel distil the water from it to a thicknesse make the abstracted water warm put it into a body lute it â—â—stract it iterate this work and make all the Gold come â—er the helmet Note at the next drawing always the fire must have one â—gree more the Gold being come over into the water â—stract the water gently from it in the Balmy to the oleity 〈◊〉 the glasse into a cold place there will shoot transparent â—ystals these are the vitriol of Gold pour the water â—om it distil it again unto an oleiâ—y set it by for shooting â—ore Chrystals will shoot iterate it as long as any do shoot â—issolve these Crystals in distilled water put to it of purged â—ercury three times as much shake it about many colours â—ill appear an Amalgame falls to the ground the water â—eareth up evaporate the Amalgame gently under a muffle â—irring it still with a wyar at last you get a purple coâ—â—ured powder scarlet like it dissolveth in Vinegar into a â—loud-rednesse Extract its anima with prepared spirit of â—ine mixed with the spirit of common Salt entred togeâ—her into a sweetnesse This tincture of Sol is like a transpaâ—ent Rubie leaving a white body behinde Note without information you cannot attain unto the â—pirit of Salt if it be not sweet it hath no extractive power to the attaining hereof observe these following manuals â—ake good spirit of Salt dephlegmed exactly driven forth in that manner as you shall hear anon Take one part of it add half a part to it of the best spirit of wine which must not have any phlegme but must be a meer Sulphur of wine and must be prepared in that manner as I shall tell you anon lute a helmet to it draw it over strongly leave nothing behinde to the abstracted put more spirit of wine draw it over somewhat stronger than you did the first time weigh it put a third time more to it draw it over again well luted putrifie this for half a moneth or so long as it be sweet and it is done in Balmy very gently thus the spirit of Wine and Salt is prepared lost its corrosity and is fit for extracting Take the Ruby-â—ed prepared Gold powder put of this prepared spirit of Salt and Wine so much that it stand two fingers breadth over it set it in a gentle heat the spirit wâ—â— be red ting'd this red spirit must be canted off pour 〈◊〉 new spirit on that which remained on the bottom set â—â—luted into a gentle heat let it be tinged deeply then cant 〈◊〉 off this work must be iterated that the body of Sol remain on the bottom like calx vive which keep for thereiâ— sticketh yet more of the Salt of Gold which is effectual iâ— wayes of Medicine as shall be showed anon Those ring'd spirits put together abstract them gently iâ— Balneo there will be left a red subtile powder in the bottom which is the true tinctur animated or Sulphur of Gold dulcifie it with distill'd rain water it will be very subtil tender and fair Take this extracted Sulphur of Sol as you were taught and
as much of Sulphur of Mars as you shall hear anon when I treat of Mars grinde them together put it in a pure glasse pour on it so much of spirit of Mercury let it stand over it two fingers breadth that the matter in it may be dissolved see to it that all dissolve into a Ruby-like Gold water joyntly drive it over then is it one and were at first of one stem keep it well that nothing of it evaporate put it to separated silver calx being precipitated with pure Salt and afterward well edulcorated and dried fix it together in a fiery fixation that it sublime no more then take it forth and melt it in a wind-oven let it stream well then you have united Bride and Bridegroom and you brought them unto Gold of a high degree Be thankfull to God for it as long as you live I should give further direction how this extracted Soul of Sol should be further proceeded in and to make it potable which ministreth great strength and continued health unto man But it belonging unto Medicinals I delay it to that place where further mention shall be made of At this present I will speak onely how the white Solar body shall further be anatomized and that by Art its Mercurie current and its Salt may be obtained The processe of it is thus Take the white body of Sol from which you have drawn â—nima reverberate it gently for half an hour let it beâ—e corporeal then pour on it well rectified hony-water â—â—h is corrosive extract its Salt in a gentle heat it is â—e in ten dayes space the Salt being all extracted abâ—ct the water from it in Balneo edulcorate the Salt with â—â—ted distillings with common distilled water clarifie it â—n spirit of wine then you have Sal auri of which you shall â—r more in its due place of the good qualities it hath by â—y of Medicine upon man On the remaining matter â—â—r spirit of Tartar of which in another place because it â—ongeth unto Medicinals digest these for a moneths â—â—e drive it through a glasse Retort into cold water then â—n have quick Mercury of Sol many strive to get it but 〈◊〉 vain There is one mystery more in Nature that the white â—lar body having once lost its anima may be ting'd again â—nd brought to be pure Gold which mystery is revealed to â—â—ry few I shall give a hint of it that you may not grumâ—â—e at me to have concealed any point in the work I hope you have considered and taken to heart what I â—ave entrusted you withall about the universal stone of Philosophers in my third part namely how it resteth meerâ—y upon the white spirit of Vitriol and how that all three principles are found onely in this spirit and how you are â—o proceed in and to bring each into its certain stare and â—order Take the Philosophick Sulphur which in order is the second principle and is extracted with the spirit of Mercuâ—ry pour it in the white body of the King digest it for a moneth in a gentle Balmy then fix it in ashes and at last in sand that the brown powder may appear then melt it wth a fluxing powder made of Saturn then will it be malleable and fair Gold as it was formerly in colour and vertue nothing defective But note the Salt must not be taken from the Solar body of which I made mention formerly in a repetition of the xii Key where you may read of There may be pâ—pared yet in another manner a transparent Vitriol 〈◊〉 Gold in the following manner Take good Aqua Regis made with Sal armoniac 1. poâ—â— id est dissolve four ounces of Salmiac in Aquafort then yâ— have a strong Aqua Regis distil and rectifie it often oâ— the helmet let no feces stay behinde let all lascends 〈◊〉 transparent Then take thinly beaten Gold rolls cast fâ—merly through Antimonie put them into a body pour oâ—â— Aqua Regis let it dissolve as much as it will or as you 〈◊〉 dissolve in it having dissolved all the Gold pour into soâ—â— Oyl of Tartar or Salt of Tartar dissolved in fountain waâ—â— it begins to tisse having done tissing then pour in again 〈◊〉 the Oyl do it so long that all the dissolved Gold be fall'n 〈◊〉 the bottom and nothing more of it precipitate the Aqâ—â— Regis clear up This being done then cant off the Aqâ—â— Regis from the Gold calx edulcorate it with common water eight ten or twelve times the Gold calx being weâ— setled cant off that water and dry the Gold calx in thâ— aire where the Sun doth not shine do it not over a fire for as soon as it feeleth the least heat it kindleth and greaâ— damage is done for it would fly away forcibly that no man could stay it This powder being ready also then takâ— strong Vinegar pour it upon boyl it continually over the fire in a good quantity of Vinegar still stirring it that it may not stick unto the bottom for xxiv hours together then the fulminating quality is taken from it be carefull you do not endanger your self cant off that Vinegar dulcifie the powder and dry it This powder may be driven per alembicum without any corrosive bloud-red transparent and fair which is strange and uniteth willingly with the spirit of wine and by means of coagulation may be brought to a Solar body Do not speak much of it to the vulgar if you receive any benefit by and from my plain and open information be thus minded to keep these mysteries secret still to thy dying day and make no shew of it else thou art naked and lyest open to the Devils temptations in all thy wayes â—efore pray give attention to what I shall tell thee for I impart unto thee this Arcanum also and entrust thee 〈◊〉 thy conscience with it Take good spirit of wine being brought to the highest â—â—ee let fall into it some drops of spirit of Tartar then 〈◊〉 thy Gold powder put to it three times as much of the 〈◊〉 and subtilest common flowers of sulphur grinde these â—ether set it on a flat pan under a muffle give to it a â—tle fire let the Gold powder be in a glowing heat put â—hus glowing into the spirit of wine cant off the spirit of â—â—e dry the powder against a heat it will be porous â—ng dried then add to it again three parts of flores sulâ—â—ris let them evaporate under a muffle neal the remainâ— powder in a strong heat and put it in spirit of wine â—â—ate this work six times at last this Gold powder will be â—oft and porous as firm butter dry it gently because it â—lteth easily Then take a coated body which in its â—â—der part hath a pipe lute a helmet to it apply a reâ—â—ver set it freely in a strong sand Capel let your first fire 〈◊〉 gentle then increase it let the body be almost in a â—â—wing heat then put in the softned
be you proceeded right in the precipitation 〈◊〉 the Viol Hermeticè fix it in ashes at last in sand to its â—ighest fixation then you have bound Mercury with a true â—â—ot and brought him into a fix coagulation which â—rought its form and substance into a meliora ion with an â—bundance of superfluous riches if you carry it on a white â—recipitate then you get onely silver which holds but little â—f Gold One thing more I must tell thee about this processe that there is yet a better way to deal upon Saturn wiâ—â— more profit you seeker that you may not have any causâ— to complain against my not declaring take it thus takâ— two parts of the abovesaid dissolved Oyl or of the Saturnal Soul one part of Astrum Solis and of Antimonial Sulphur whose preparation followeth afterwards two parts half as much of Sal of Mars as all these are weigh theâ— together put all into a glasse Vial let the third part of iâ— be empty set it in together to be fixed then the Salt oâ— Mars openeth in this compound is fermented by it anâ— the matter begins to incline to a blacknesse for ten oâ— twelve dayes it is eclipsed then the Salt returns to its coagulation laying hold in its operation on the whole compound coagulate it first into a deep brown Masse 〈◊〉 it stand thus unstirred in a continued heat it turneth to 〈◊〉 bloud-red body encrease the fire that you may see Astrâ—â— Solis be predomiâ—ant which appeareth in a greenish colour like unto a Rain-bow keep this fire continually leâ— all these colours vanish it turneth to a transparent reâ— stone veâ—y ponderous needlesse to be projected on Mercury but ringeth after its perfection and fixation all white Metals into the purest Gold Then take of the prepared fixed red stone or of the powder one part and foâ—â— parts of any of the white Metal first let the Metal melt half aâ—â— houâ— and let it be well clarified then project the powdeâ—â— upon it let it drive well and see that it be entred into the Metal the Metal begin to congeal then is it transmuteâ— into Gold beat the pot in pieces take it out if it hath any Slacks â—rive them with Saturn then is it pure and maileable If you carry it on Lune then put more of the powder to it than you do upon Jupiter and Saturn as half an ouncâ— of he powder tingeth five ounces of Lune into Sol let tâ—â— be a miracle â—oâ—l not thy Soul with imparting this mystery unto others that are unworthy of it Proceed with Sâ—lt oâ— Saturn as you were informed about Mars and Venus onely distilled Vinegar pâ—â—formeth that which Hony waâ—â—er did by the other and clarifie it with spirit of â—â—e â—f the Particular of Jupiter together with the extraction of its Anima and Salt TAke Pumice-stones sold in shops neal them quench them in old good Wine neal them again and quench â—â—m as you did formerly let this nealing be iterated a third â—â—e the stronger the Wine is you quench withall the â—tter it is after that dry them gently thus are they preâ—â—ed for that purpose Pulverise these Pumice-stones subâ—â—y then take good Tin laminate it stratifie in a cementâ—â—g way in a reverberating Furnace reverberate this matter â—r five dayes and nights in a flaming fire it draweth the â—â—cture of the Metal then grinde it small first scraping the â—in lamins put it in a glasse body pour on it good distilâ—â—d Vinegar set it in digestion the Vinegar draweth the â—â—ncture which is red-yellow abstract this Vinegar in Balâ—â—â— edulcorate the Anima of Jupiter with distilled water â—â—xiccate gently proceed in the rest as you did with the â—nima of Saturn viz. dissolve radically in or with the spiâ—â—t of Mercury drive them over pour that upon two parts of red Mercury precipitated being precipitated with this Venerean sanguine quality then coagulate and fix if done â—uccesfully you may acknowledge Jupiter's bounty that gave leave to transmute this precipitate into Gold which will be apparent at their melting It performeth this also it transmuteth ten parts of Lune into Gold if other Sulphurs be added thereunto force no more upon Jupiter it 's all â—he is able to do being of a peaceable disposition he told all what he could do The processe about this Salt is to extract it with distilled Rain-water clarified with spirit of Wine Of the Particular of Mercury vive and of its Sulphur and Salt TAke of quick Mercury sublimed seven times lib. a baâ— grinde it very small pour on it a good quantity of shaâ—â— Vinegar boyl it on the fire for an hour or upward stirriâ—â— the matter with a woodden spatule take it from the firâ— let it be cold the Mercury setleth to the bottom and thâ— Vinegar cleareth up if it be slow in the clearing let somâ— drops of spirit of Vitriol fall in the Vinegar it doth precipiâ—tate the other for Vitriol precipitateth Mercury vive Saâ— of Tartar precipitateth Sol Venus and common Salt dotâ— precipitate Lune and Mars doth the like to Venus a lixivium of Beech-ashes doth it to Vitriol and Vinegar is foâ— common Sulphur in that way and Mars for Tartar and Salâ— peter for Antimony Cant off the Vinegar from the precipâ—taete you will finde the Mercury like a pure wash'd Sand pour on it Vinegar iterate this work a third time then edulcorate the matter let it dry gently Take two ounces of Anima of Mars one ounce of Anima of Saturn one ounce of Anima of Jupiter dissolve these in 〈◊〉 ounces of Mercurial spirit let all be dissolved then drive it over leave nothing behinde it will be a Golden water like a transparent dissolution of Sol your prepared and edulcarated Mercury must be warm'd in a strong Viol pour this warm'd water gently on it a tissing will be stop the Viol then the tissing is gone than seal it Hermetice set it in a gentle Balmy in ten dayes the Mercury is dissolved into a grasse green Oyl set the Viol in ashes for a day and night rule your fire gently this green colour turneth into a yellow Oyl in this colour is hid the Rubedo keep it in this fire and let the matter turn to a yellow powder like unto Orpiment when no more comes over then set the glasse in Sand for a day and a night give a strong fire to it 〈◊〉 fairest Ruby-rubedo appear melt it to a fixednesse 〈◊〉 a fluxing powder made of Saturn it comes now to a â—ablenesse one pound of it containeth two ounces of 〈◊〉 Gold as deep as ever Nature produced any Beâ—ber the poor do not precipitate thy self into an inferâ—abysse by forgetting thy self in not doing the duties ought to perform in regard of the blessing An Oyl made of Mercury and its Salt TAke quick Mercury being often sublimed and rectified with Calx vive put it in a body dissolve it in a heat in strong Nitrous water abstract the water from the corrosivenesse
sword into Vulcans the Jaylors hand to â—â—t in execution all that which the Lords had resolved upâ—â— killed Mercurie burnt his bones with fire Vulcan did 〈◊〉 Office very carefully This Executioner having done 〈◊〉 duty there came a white shining woman in a long garb 〈◊〉 a silver piece of several water colours being well viewed â—â—hold it was Lune the wife of Sol she fell down upon her â—ce intreated heartily and weeping that her husband Sol â—ight be set at liberty out of prison Mercurie had cast him â—to by force with deceitfulnesse where both he and Merâ—â—rie upon your honours command were kept imprisoned â—â—t Vulcan gave her a flat denial because he was comâ—anded to do so and went on to do his office in executing â—â—e sentence At last the Lady Venus came in a deep red â—obe lined with green of a most beautifull countenance â—leasant speech and amiable gestures bearing fragrant â—owers in her hand which were a most refreshing pleasure 〈◊〉 the eyes to behold by reason of variety of colours she â—ade intercession in the Chaldaean language unto Vulcan â—â—tting into his remembrance that redemption must come â—â—om a womankinde but his eares were stopp'd These â—wo conferring together Heaven opened it self there came â—â—rth a huge beast with many thousands of young ones deâ—â—oyed the Executioner opening his jaws wide devoured â—he Lady Venus which made the intercession crying with a â—â—ill voice My descent is of women my seed is scattered â—â—r and near by them thereby they replenished the Earth â—heir Soul is kinde to mine therefore my desire is to feed â—â—d to drink of their bloud The beast having spoken thus â—â—oud it went into a room shut the door behinde all its young ones followed it where more food must be proâ—ded for them and they drunk the first incombustible Oâ— that meat and drink they easily digested whereof moâ— young ones were bred which was continued long so thâ— all the World was filled by them All these things thus hapning there was a meeting of â—veral learned men which endeavoured to interpret 〈◊〉 declare what hapned and what had been spoken that thâ— might the better understand these mysteries none of theâ— was able to perform that businesse for all of them had â—â—veral thoughts concerning these things at last there stoâ—â— up an ancient man as white as snow in his hairs clad 〈◊〉 purple from top to toe on his head he had a Crown in 〈◊〉 midst of it was set a precious Carbuncle he was girt wiâ—â— the girdle of life and went bare-footed spoke with a spâ—cial spirit which was hid in him his speech and sayiâ—â— went through his body and life his Soul felt it to the iâ— most This man stept on high desired the Assembly to 〈◊〉 silent and to give diligent attention unto him because 〈◊〉 was sent from above to declare unto them these writing and to make it known unto them in a Philosophick expreâ—sion The Assembly being silent he began to speak thus Awaken O man and behold the light that darknesse mâ— not mislead you the Gods of Fortune and the great God have revealed unto me in a deep sleep How happy is thaâ— man that knoweth a God in their wondrous works anâ— happy is he whose eyes are opened to behold the lighâ— which formerly was a darknesse unto him The Gods hâ—â—â— granted two Stars unto men to lead them unto great wiâ—dom O man view them exactly follow after their Iustreâ— because wisdom is found therein The swift Bird of thâ— South devoureth the heart of the huge beast of the Easâ— Make wings also unto the beast of the East as the 〈◊〉 hath of the South let them be equal one to another so this Eastern beast must be bereaved of his Lyon-skin anâ— his wings must vanish again for both must enter into thâ— great Salt-Sea and come forth again in beauty sink youâ— disciples spirits into a deep Fountain which is never withâ—â—t water that they also may be like unto their mother â—hich lieth hid therein and she came from three into the World Hungary hath fiâ—st begotten me Heaven and Sâ—aâ—s preâ—â—ve me Earth giveth suck unto me Though I must die â—nd be buried however the God Vulcan begets me a seâ—ond time therefore Hungary is my Native Countrey and â—y mother compasseâ—h the whole earth This being hearkened unto by the Assembly he spake â—â—ther thus make that which is highest to be lowest that â—hich is visible to be invisiâ—le and that which is compreâ—ensible to be incomprehensible and provide that the 〈◊〉 most become to be the uppermost mâ—ke the invisible â—â—come to be visible make the incomprehensible a pulpaâ—e thing This is the whole Art and very perfect withâ—â—t any defect but therein dwelleth death and life dying â—â—d rising it is a round Globe on which the goddesse Forâ—â—e lets her Chariot roll about and bringeth salvation of â—isdom unto men of God its true sense is ALL in ALL â—â—t the highest is Judge which judgeth things eternal He that desireth to know what ALL in ALL is let 〈◊〉 make great wings for the earth put her into a great â—â—guish let her soar upward make her flye through the â—â—e and be exalted to the highest place of the uppermost â—â—eaven then burn her wings with a forcible fire that the â—â—th may fall into the Red Sea and be drowned therein â—â—en command the Sea to stand exiccate the water by â—e and aire reduce it unto earth again then I say you â—â—e ALL in ALL if you cannot finde this then feel 〈◊〉 thine own bosom and about thee into all things that 〈◊〉 in the World then you will finde ALL in ALL 〈◊〉 is of an attractive quality of Mineral and Metalline 〈◊〉 descâ—â—â—ing from Sal and Sulphur twice begotten of 〈◊〉 More is not meet for me to speak of ALL in ALL 〈◊〉 ALL comprehended ALL. This speech being made he said further Beloved men I hope you have by hearkning unto my voyce learned wisdom how and in what you are to seek for the great stonâ— of ancient Philosophers which healeth Leprous imperfecâ— Metals revealeth unto them a new birth preserveth meâ—â— in health prolongeth their lives and by his heavenly power and operation hath kept me alive so long that I aâ— weary of life and wish for nothing but death Thanks be to God for his grace and wisdom which hâ— hath granted so graciously unto me so long a time blesseâ— be his holy name for ever Amen Thus he vanish'd awaâ— before their eyes After the finishing hereof every one returned hoâ—â— meditating seriously on these things day and night and every one wrought according to their several gifts they received from Gods bounty and goodnesse c. Hereupon follow the XII Keyes of BACILIUS VALENTINUS Whereby the Doors are opened unto the Ancient stone of Philosophers where is found that everlasting Fountain of health and of wealth The first Key MY friend you must know that impure and defilâ—â— things are not fit
nest alone in the Alpes where her Chickens by reaâ— of the snow are destroyed by frost which is on the tops these Mountains But if you add unto the Eagle the cold Dragon whâ— had his dwelling a long time in stone clifts and Subteâ—â—nean caves where he crept in and out both these beâ— placed on that Hellish stool then Pluto will so stronâ— breath upon expelling a fiery volatile spirit out of 〈◊〉 cold Dragon whose great heat will burn the Eagles feath prepâ—ring a sweating-bank that the snow on the higâ—â— tops of the Mountains do dissolve and turn into water tâ—â— the mineral baâ—h be rightly prepared and riches and heaâ— be bestowed on the King The third Key WAter destroyeth fire quencheth it quite if abundance of water be poured into little fire then fire must yield unto water giving way for the victory unto it Thus our fiery Sulphur must with water be prepared by Art must be conquered if so be that after the separating of the water the fiery life of our Sulphureous fume shall get the triumphing victorie But here no victory can be obtained unlesse the King have bestowed strength and vertue unto his water and have delivered unto it the Key of his Court colour that be be destroyed thereby and be made invisible however at this time his visible form must appear again but with great diminution of his simple essence and great melioration of his condition Limmers carry yellow on white red upon yellow or a purple colour though all these colours are at hand yet the last is predominant being the uppermost in its degree The same order must be observed also in our Magisterium which being done then you have before you the light of wisdom which shineth in darknesse and yet burneth not For our Sulphur doth not burn yet giveth a light afar off neither doth it tinge unlesse it be prepared and tinged freely with its own tincture to give a further tincture unto weak imperfect bodies of Metals This Sulphur hath not a tinging quality unlesse the tincture be given to it in a fixation for a weak one cannot victorise the stronger keepeth down the weaker and weak things must yield unto strong ones The conclusion herein is this a weak and mean thing cannot help another which is in the same frailty neither can it import any furtherance to the operation of it can one combustible protect another which is of the fame condition A Protector must have a greater power than he whâ—m â—e intendâ— to protect so thing combustible must â—e defended by â—uâ—h which in their fixation are incombustible He that will prepare our incombustible Sulphur of Philosophers mâ—st be circumspect tâ— seek our Sulphur in a subjâ—ct wherein it lieth incombustible which cannot be unlesse the Salt-Sea have first swallowed the body and cast it up again freely then â—xalt it to â—â—s degree that it excel with its â—ustre all other Stars in Hâ—aven and be in its substance as rich of bloud as the Pellican is aâ— the opening of her breast nourishing many of her Chiekâ—ns without the weakning of her own body This is the Rose of our Masters of a Scarlet colour and the red blouâ— of the Dragon of which so many have written and is thâ—â— Purple mantle of the highest Commander in our Arâ— wherewith the Queen of salvation is clad and covered and thereby all needy Metals may be waâ—â—'d Keep this honourable Mantle with the Astral Salt very carâ—fully which followeth after this heavenly Sulphur let not any mischance befall it impart to it the birds volatile quality as much as there is needfull then the Cock will dâ—vour the Fox which is drown'd in water or reviveth by fire and is devoured again by the Fox where like is requited with the like or like is reconciled unto unlike The fourth Key ALl flesh begotten of earth must be destroyed and reurn to earth again which it was at first then that terrestrial Salt affordeth a new birth by heavenly resuscitation for if there be nor first an earth there cannot ensue any resurrection in our work For earth containeth that natural Balsam and is the Salt of those which sought for it by a knowledge of all things or universal knowledge the final judgement of the world will be by fire which the great Creator at first made of a nothing must by fire he turn'd to ashes again out of these ashes the Phoenix bringâ—â— forth again her Chickens For these ashes contain realâ—â— the true Tartar which must be dissolved after its disâ—â—lution the firm and strong lock of the royal room is â—â—ened New heaven and new earth are made after that great â—ombustion or burning and the new man will appear more â—â—loriously than he was in the first world because in the â—â—ther he is clarified If ashes and sand be well ripened and digested by fire â—â—en the Artist turneth it into glasse which afterward â—oldeth in the fire in its colâ—ur it is like unto a transparent â—â—one anâ— looks no more like any ashes this is a huge mystery unto ignorant men but not so to knowing men for they found it to be so by their dayly experience and Manuals Men burn Lyme of stones to make use of them for a Cement in buildings before the fire prepareth it thereunto it is a stone and cannot be used for a Cement as long as it is a hard stone fire bringeth stones unto a maturity and receiveth from the fire a very hot degree whereby it is strengthned and groweth so potent that there is almost nothing comparable unto it the fiery spirit of Lyme Every thing being reduced into ashes affords by Art a Salt if you at the anatomizing of it are able to keep apart its Sulphur and Mercury and make restitution thereby unto the Salt according to Aâ—â— â—hen fire will bring it to that again which it was before its Anatomy and destruction worldly wise men call this a folly counting it meer lies call it a new Creature which to do man hath no grant of God themselves understand it not that this Creature hath been formerly so and the Artist sheweth its increase onely by the seed of Nature That Artist which wanteth ashes cannot make any Salt for our Art because our work cannot be made lively without Salt for the coagulation of things worketh meerly the Salt As Salt preserveth things from putrefaction even so the Salt of Philosophers protecteth Metals that they cannoâ— be reduced to a nothing unlesse their Balsom die and the natural Salt spirit be gone then their body would be deaâ— and nothing further could be effected with it because thâ— Metalline spirits are gone and at their natural departinâ— left a dead dwelling into which no more life can bâ— brought again Note further you that intends to learn this Art that thâ— Salt out of ashes is of great effâ—â—cie many vertues are hiâ— therein Yet the Salt availeth nothing unlesse his innermost be turn'd to the out-side For the spirit alone
pleasant voice of the Queen and embrace her friendly out of a great love and take his fill of her both will vanish and enter into one body They say two men can master a third especially if they have elbow room to vent their malice Hereupon you are to know from a true ground that a double winde must come called Vulturnus then a single winde called Notus these come rushing from the East and South and will keep a stir being robb'd and their blowing or motion allayed and the aire is turn'd into water then you may confide that a spiritual one will become a bodily one and that the number by the four seasons of the year in the fourth heaven will predominate after the seven Planets have finish'd their ruling and will finish its course in the neathermost dwelling of the Palace and will hold in the highest fiery examen then the two which went forth suppressed the third and consumed him Here in our mastery is requisite an exact knowledge for the division and conjunction must be rightly hit if so be you intend to get riches by your Art and the Scales must not be falsified by unequal weights This is the Rock spoken of in this Chapter that you must finish it without any defect by the artificial heaven with air and earth with the true water and sensible fire setting in equal weights whereof I inform you really The seventh Key NAtural calidity preserveth mans life for when natural heat is gone then the life is at an end Natural fire being moderately used is a defence against cold but an immoderate heat is destructive There is no necessity that â—â—e Sun should touch the earth corporally with her whole substance it is sufficient that the earth be strengthned by 〈◊〉 rayes which she ejaculateth unto the earth and doth â—hat way her duty for in that way she is of a sufficient â—â—cacy to perform her office bringing things unto matuâ—â—â— by her digestion for the distance of the aire bringeth 〈◊〉 solar rayes into a temperature so by means of the aire 〈◊〉 fire doth work and the aire worketh by the help of 〈◊〉 Earth produceth nothing without water and water â—â—thout earth can rise nothing neither now as these two â—â—nnot be one without another in the generating of â—its neither can fire be without aire nor aire without â—e fire is livelesse without aire and without fire the aire â—â—nnot shew its due calidity and drynesse The Vine at its last ripening hath need of a greater solar â—â—at than it hath at the beginning of the Spring and if â—e Sun hath a good operation in the Harvest then the Vine â—elds a better and stronger sap which it doth not if the â—â—ns heat be defective The vulgar counteth all things â—â—ad in Winter because frost hath locked up the earth â—â—at nothing can spring up but when the Spring-season apâ—â—oacheth and the Sun in her ascending breaketh the frost 〈◊〉 things turn to life again Trees and Herbs appear in the â—â—elinesse and the Animals which hid themselves from â—â—e frost creep forth again out of their caves and holes â—egetables afford their new fragrancy their operation is â—pparent in their pleasant blossoms of several colours â—hen the Summer worketh further brings these blossoms 〈◊〉 further ripenesse into fruits upon which ensueth a rich â—â—rvest for the which thanks are due to the Creator which â—et these periods unto Nature Thus one year worketh after the other so long till â—he Architect thereof pulls them down and the Inhabitants â—f the earth be exalted by the glory of God then all earthâ—y Nature will be at an end in her working and in its place â—â—ere will be an infinite eternal one When the Sun in Winâ—â—r goeth further off from us she doth not dissolve so well the great snow but approaching nearer to us th n 〈◊〉 aire groweth warmer and the snow is easily melted aâ— being turn'd to water it is gone for the weakeâ— must gâ—â— way unto the stronger The same order must be observed the government of the fire that the moist liquor mâ—y 〈◊〉 be exiccated too suddenly and the Philosophick earth 〈◊〉 not to soon mel ed and dissolved else your wholesâ—m fisâ—â— would turn into Scorpions and if you intend to be a riâ—â— minister in your office then â—ake first your spiritual waâ—â— on which the spirit moved at the beginning shut the doâ— of the strong hold upon him because this heavenly plâ—â— will be besieged by earthly enemies your heaven must 〈◊〉 guarded with three Bull-warks onely one entrance mâ—â— be strongly guarded with a watch All this being finish'â— then kindle the light of wisdom and look for your penâ—â— you lost let the light be of that bignesse as you see theâ— is occasion for For you must know thaâ— creeping bâ—â—â— and worms have their dwelling in a cold and moist eâ—â—â— their condition and no are leads them thereunto hâ—mans habitation is upon earth according as his tempâ—â—â— and mixed condition â—â—quireth but Angelical spirits â—â—ving not an earthly but an Angelical body not being iâ— subjection unto a sinfull flesh as man is are placed into higher station are able to endure both heat and cold in tâ—â— upper and neather Region without any molestation anâ— when man is clarified then will he be able to do like theâ—â— heavenly spirits God ruleth heaven and earth and worketâ— all in all If we prove good governours of our Souls then we shaâ—â— be Gods Children and Heirs to accomplish that which iâ— impossible for us to do now which cannot be done unlessâ— all the water be exsiccated and heaven and earth togetheâ— with the men be judged by fire The eighth Key NO flesh be it of mans or of beasts can bring any further increase or propagation unlesse it come first into putrefaction So all Vegetables unlesse their seeds be brought into putrefaction cannot be augmented Many beasts and worms are generated by putrefaction this mystery in Nature deserves admiration Nature permitteth this because this living increase is for the most part found in the earth which with other Elements are so raised by spiritual seeds To prove this with examples women in Villages know to give instances in that particular for these cannot hatch any Chickens unlesse they put the Eggs into putrefaction If bread be put into honey then the Ants are bred which is one of Natures mysteries It is seen ordinarily that Maggots do breed in flesh in men and horses and such like Carcases in Apples Pears c. and who is able to relate all the kindes of worms which are generated by putrefaction Some Vegetables also grow in certain places where never such grew formerly nor were they sowed in those places onely by putrefaction they were produced the reason of it is that the earth in such places it inclined thereunto and is impregnated thereby which the syderial qualities have infused and wrought a seed into especially which seeds putrifie in the earth and by the elemental operation
do generate a corporeal matter according to that matter 's quality Thus the Astrals together with the Elements may raise a new seed which was never before any which seed by a further putrefaction may be encreased But unto 〈◊〉 is not so much granted as to stir up a new kinde of seed because the operation of the Elements and the â—â—stral substance he hath not at command to fashion what 〈◊〉 pleâ—â—â—â— thâ—â— several sorts of Herbs are generated meerly by putrefaction And whereas the Countrey people holding it a meer custom do not take it into a further consideration nor imagine they any cause for it therefore among the vulgar is it become meerly a customary businesse Buâ— you which ought to know more than ordinary people must consider further of it and learn to know the causâ— and ground thereof how and from what these living Creatures are generated by putrefaction not to know iâ— because it is usual but rather to know it is a mystery iâ— Nature because every life cometh from puâ—â—efaction Every Element per se hath its corruption and generation Let the Artist be inform'd and learn the sufficient ground why in every Element the other three are hid for airâ— containeth fire water and earth which though it seemetâ— incredible yet is it a truth and fire containeth aire water and earth and earth containeth water aire and fire elsâ— they would not generate water also containeth aire earth and fire though every Element is per se yet arâ— they mix'd all which is found true at distillings wherâ— these Elements are thus separated To make this appear to the ignorant which may crâ— out that I speak meerly lies if you intend to learn thâ— Anatomy of natural things and to separate the Elements I tell thee for a truth that at the distilling of earth therâ— cometh first the Element aire being the highest then a a certain progresse there comes the Element water thâ— fire lieth hid in the aire because both are of a spirituaâ— substance love and embrace one another intirely the eartâ— remaineth in the bottom in which lieth hid the gloriouâ— Salt When you distil any water aire and fire cometh oveâ— at first then the water the body of the earth abideth iâ— the bottom The Elâ—ment fire if it be driven into a visible substance by extraction each may be received apart In like manneâ— in the aire the other three Elements do dwell For nonâ— of these can be without aire earth can produce nothinâ— without aiâ—e fire doth not burn nor hath it any life witâ—out aire neither can water produce any fruit without aire Neither can aire consume any thing nor exsiccate any moisture unlesse it be done by a natural heat which is â—n the aire being heat and warmth is found in the aire â—herefore needs must the Element of fire be in the aire For all hot and dry things are proper for the fiery substance â—f things he that denieth this truth understandeth noâ—hing in Natures mysteries neither doth he know any â—round of their properties You must conceive if any thing shall be generated by â—utrefaction it must be in this manner Earth is brought â—y a secret moisture into a corruption which is the beginâ—ing of putrefaction for without moisture which is the Element water no true putrefaction can happen Now if â—ny breed shall come from thence it must come from a â—arm quality as the Element fire must kindle and spread 〈◊〉 self for without a natural heat nothing can be geneâ—ated and if that breed shall have a living breath and moâ—ion the same cannot be without aire for if aire should â—ot be cooperative then the first composition out of which â—he breed should come would be choaked and perish by â—eason of want of aire Thus you see plainly that perfect Creatures cannot be without any of the four Elements the â—ne shewing its operation in the other which they proâ—nce in and at putrefaction for from henceforth nothing â—an be brought to life without the same To make this â—ppear to be true that to a perfect birth and generation â—â—re are requisite all four Elements Then note that as Adam the first man being created by â—he Creator of a Limus terrae there appeared not as yet ane â—â—sible life before God had breathed on him then a lify â—ppeared in that clod of earth in that earth was the Salt â—â—at is the body the inbreathed aire was Mercury the spiâ—â— by this inbreathing the aire presently afforded a due â—â—d convenient calidiry which was Sulphur that is fire â—â—en it stirr'd Adam shâ—wed by this stirring that there was â—â—â—sed into him a living Soul For fire cannot be without aire the water was corporated in the earth because this must be together of necessity else no life and must stand in an equal proportion Thus Adam was first builded and begotten out of earth water aire and fire of a soul body and spirit raised of Mercury Sulphur and Salt So Eveâ— the first woman the Mother of us all was of the same composed being taken from Adam thus Adam and Eve were builded which you must note very well To come now again unto putrefaction the seeker in Philosophy is to know that in like manner no Metalline seed can work nor be augmented unlesse that Metalline seed be first in and of it self without any strange addition or mixture may be brought into a full putrefaction no more than the seeds of Animals and Vegetables can bring their increase without putrefaction The same Metals also must reach unto their perfect operation by the help of the Elements not that the Elements are the seed but the Metalline seed which had its descent from a heavenly astraâ—â— Elemental substance and is come to a corporality and mâ—â—â— by the Elements be further brought into such corruptioâ— and putrefaction Note this also wine containeth a volatile spirit aâ— whose distilling its spirit cometh first and its phlegme at last but wine being by a continued heat turn'd into Vinegar then its spirit is no more so volatile as before and at the distilling of Vinegar its phlegme and aquosity cometh first and its spirit at last though the same matter be in the Vessel yet its condition is altered being no more a wine but by putrefaction is transmuted into Vinegar and that which is extracted from wine is of another nature and operation than that which is drawn from Vinegar For iâ— Vitrum Antimony be extracted with Wine or spirit oâ— Wine it causeth many stools by purging and vomits also because its venom is not yet quite broken nor destroyed but if Antimonial glasse be extracted with distilled Vinegar that extraction is of a deep colour this Vinegar being abstracted in Balâ—eâ— Mariâ— and the yellow remaiâ—â—â— powder being well dulcified with distilled water to get off all its accrosity then you have a sweet powder which causeth no more any stools but is a rare Medicine of admirable efficacies may well be held for miraculum Medicinae
â—eans of Mars is turn'd into quick Mercury This Antiâ—â—onial Mercury hath been sought of many but few have â—â—otten it which is the reason why its praise is not divulg'd â—uch lesse is it's operative quantity known if you know â—â—w to precipitate it well then your Arrow will hit the â—ark to perform strange matters it's qualities ought not 〈◊〉 be made common It is needlesse to describe it's combustible Sulphur how that is made of Antimony it is easie and known but that which is fix'd is a secret and hidden from many If an Oyl be made of it in which it 's own Sulphur is dissolv'd and these be fix'd together then you have a Medicine of rare qualities in vertue operation and ability far beyond Vegetables Quick silver being imbibed with quick Sulphur melted with Antimony for some hours in a Wind-oven the Salt of the remainder being extracted with distill'd Vinegar then you have the Philosophers Salt which cureth all manner of Agues There is an acetum made of Antimony of an acidity as other acetums are if it 's own Salt be dissolv'd in this acetum and distill'd over then this acetum is sharpned which is an excellent cooler in hot swellings and other inflamed Symptoms about wounds especially if there be made an Unguent of it together with anima of Saturn The Quintessence of Antimony is the highest Medicinâ— the noblest and subtilest found in it and is the fourth pâ—â— of an Universal Medicine Let the preparation of it 〈◊〉 still a mystery its quantity or Dose is three Grains the 〈◊〉 belong four instruments to the making of it the Furnace the fifth in which Vulcan dwelleth the Manuals and thâ— government of fire afford the ordering of it You Physicians if you be wise seek out this Medicine iâ— that subject where it lieth in and may be found best anâ— most effectual I forbear to speak further of Antimony lâ— Justinian judge of the rest Of copper-Copper-water IF I could prevail with Apollo to be mercifull and to givâ— liberty to his Muse to be my assistance in the describing of Art and wisdom then would I bring in an offering unto Minerva whereby the Gods of wisdom might take notice of a gratefull minde for their gifts they had bestowed and I would write of a mineral whose Salt is set forth in the highest manner whose great and good qualities are of that transcendency that reason is not able to comprehend or to conceive of them It went generally by the name of Copper-water to make the meaning and sense of it plain let men know and be thus informed of it that Vitriol containeth two spirits a white and a red one the white spirit is the white Sulphur upon white the red spirit is the red Sulphur upon red He that hath ears let him hear Observe it diligently and remember every word for they are of a large extent every word is as ponderous as a Centner stone The white spirit is sowr causeth an appetite and a good digestion in a mans stomach The red spirit is yet sowrer and is more ponderous than the white in its distilling a longer fire must be continued because it is fixer in its degree Of the white by distilling of Sulphur of Lune is made argentum potabile In the like manner the â—ld being destroyed in the spirit of common Salt and â—de spiritual by distilling and its Sulphur taken from it â—â—d joyned with a red spirit in a due Dose that it may be â—â—ssolved and then for a time putrified in spirit of wine to 〈◊〉 further digested and often abstracted that nothing â—main in the bottom then you have made an aurum poâ—bile of which great volumes have been written but very â—w of their processes were right Note that the red spirit â—ust be rectified from its acidity and be brought into a â—eetnesse subtilly penetrating of a pleasant taste and sweet â—agrancy I have told you now great matters which slipp'd from â—e against my intention the sweet spirit is made of Sulâ—hur of Vitriol which is combustible like other Sulphur â—efore it is destroyed for the Sulphur of Philosophers â—â—ote it well is not combustible its preparation needs â—ot to be set down being easie requireth no great pains or great expences to get a combustible Sulphur out of â—itriol This sweet Oyl is the essence of Vitriol and is sucâ— a â—edicine which is worthy the name of the third pillar of â—he universal Medicine The Salt is drawn from Colchotar â—nd is dissolved in the red or white Oyl or in both and is â—istill'd again if it be fermented with Venus it performâ—â— its office very well for it affords such a Medicine â—hich at the melting tingeth pure Iron into pure Copper Colchotar of Sulphur affords true fundamentals unto â—ealing of perish'd wounds which otherwise are hardly â—â—ought to any healing and such sores which by reason of 〈◊〉 long continued white rednesse will admit of no healing â—olchotar affords an ingresse thereunto setting a new founâ—ation that quality and vertue is not in the Colchotar but â—he spirit together with the Salt are the Masters which â—well therein There is made of Copper and Vâ—rdigreece a Vitriol of a â—igh degree and is far spread in its tincture There is a Vitriol made of Iron also which is of a strange quality Iron and Copper are very nigh kind one to another belâ— together as man and wife this mystery should have bâ— concealed but being it is of great concernment I could forbear but to speak of it Vitriol corroded with Salmiac in it's sublimation thâ— ariseth a combustible Sulphur together with it's Mercuâ—â— of which there is but little because it hath most of Sâ—phur If the same Sulphur be set at liberty again by 〈◊〉 Eagle with spirit of wine there can be made a Medicine it as I told you formerly of it Though there be a neaâ— way to make a combustible Sulphur out of Vitriol as of precipitation upon a precedent dissolution by the Salt liquor of Tartar as also by a common lixivium made Beech-ashes yet this is the best reason because the bâ—â— of Vitriol is better more opened with the Key of the Eagâ—â— There are other mysteries hidden in Vitriol which in yâ— operative quality are excellent and are known apparent as Venus and Mars bear real record in their spirits the saâ—dâ—th knowledge Sol and Lune but I do not intend at tâ— time to write a perfect book of Chirurgerie and to maâ—â— relaâ—â—oâ—â— of particulars in commendation of Vitriol I haâ— already written too much of it you are to learn and searâ— also you will finde that Vitriol needs no Proctor to speâ— for it and it will sufficiently inform you of an absoluâ— Chirurgick book contained in its nature as a third part 〈◊〉 the universal against all manner of diseases In the closing hereof I tell you thus much that there not found in its nature neither cold nor moist quality bâ— is of a hot and dry substantial
Orient and am not to be esteemed lesse than it if I am proved by affliction then I fall off like a flower which is cut off and withers therefore nothing can be made 〈◊〉 me to fix any Metal or tinge it to any profit because 〈◊〉 forsook my body totally and distributed my Coat to play and lot to be cast for it therefore let no man neither praisâ— or dispraise me unlesse he have for very hunger taken 〈◊〉 pound of me into the body though if he gets an Antidotâ— to save his life however he shall get nothing out of Metals by it in other things he may have a Treasure in it unto which few are comparable to it I Arsenâ—c say of my self at the closing hereof that it is 〈◊〉 very difficult thing to finde my right and due preparationâ— my operation is felt exceedingly if made tryal of and it iâ— a great danger if ignorant men make use of me he thaâ— can be without me let him go to my kindred and if yoâ— can equalize me with them that I may share with them iâ— the inheritance then all the world shall acknowledge thâ—â— my descent is from their bloud but it is a very hard taâ—â— for any man to set a shepheard into a royal seat to make him King But Patriarchs being descended from shepheards and were preferr'd to royal dignities I will therefore prescribe no limits nor pâ—sse any judgement For wrong and right may be found in this leaf However take you notice that I am a poysonous volatile bird have forsaken my dearest and most confiding friend and separated my self as a Leper which must live aloof off from other men Cure me first of my infirmity then I shall be able to heal those which have need of me that my praise may be confirmed by poyson and my name for an everlasting remembrance to the honour of my Counâ—rey is nothing inferior unto Marcus Curtius and it will be found in the end in what manner Hannibal and Scipio were reconciled Of Salpeter TWo Elements are predominant in me as fire and aire the lesser quantity is water and earth I am fiery burning and volatile There is in me a subtile spirit I am altogether like unto Mercury hot in the in-side and cold in the out side am slippery very nimble at the expelling of mine enemies My greatest enemy is common Sulphur and yet is my best friend also for being purged by him and clarified in the fire then am I able to allay all heats of the body within and without and am one of the best Medicaments to expell and to keep off the poysenous plague I am a greater cooler outwardly than Saturn but my spirit is more hot than any I cool and burn according as men will make use of me and according as I am prepared When Metals are to be broken I must be a help else no victory can be obtained be the undertakings great or small Before I am destroyed I am a meer Ice but when I am anatomized then am I a meer hellish fire If Pluto caâ— master Cerberus to make him â—ake his dwelling again in thâ— Isle of Thule then he may snatch a piece of love from Venus then Mars must submit and mâ—y live richly with Luâ—â— which may equally be exalted to the Crown of the honourable King and be placed with him in equal honouâ— and dignity If I shall happily enjoy my end then my Soul must bâ— driven out cunningly then I do all what lieth in my power of my self alone I am able to effect nothing But my love 〈◊〉 a jolly woman if I am married unto her and our copulâ—â—lation be kept in Hell that we both do swear well the that which is subtile flings away all filthinesse then wâ— leave beinde us rich Children and in our dead bodies 〈◊〉 found the best Treasure which we bequeathed in our laâ— Will and Testament Of Salarmoniac SAlarmoniac is none of the meanest Keyes to open Mâ—tals thereby therefore the Ancients have compared with a volatile Bird it must be prepared else you can do 〈◊〉 seats with it for if it be not prepared it doth more huâ— than good unto Metals carrieth them away out at 〈◊〉 Chimney-hole it can elevate and sublime with it's fâ—â— wings the tincture of Minerals and of some Metals to tâ—â— very Mountains where store of snow is fâ—und usually evâ— at the greatest heat of the Summer if it be sublimed wiâ— common Salt then it purgeth and cleareth and may used safely He that supposeth to transmute Metals with this Saâ— which is so volatile surely he doth not hit the nail on tâ— head for it hath no such power but to destroy Metaâ— and make them fit for transmutation in that respect it haâ— sufficient power for no Metal can be transmuted unleâ— it be first prepared thereunto My greater strength which lieth in me may be drawn from mâ— by subliming and cementing The greatest secret in mâ— you will finde when I am united with Hydra which is to devour and swallow me that I also may turn with hâ—r to be a water Serpent then have I prepared a Bath for the Nympha and have gotten power to make ready a Crown for the King that the same may be adorned with Jewels and may with honour and glory be set on his head Of Tartar THis Salt is not set down in the book of Minerals but is generated of a vegetable seed but its Creator hath put such vertue into it that it heareth a wonderfuâ—l love â—nd friendship unto Metals making them malleable it purgeth Lune unto a whitenesse and incorporateth into her such additionals which are convenient for her being digested for a time with Minerals or Metals and then subâ—imed and vilified they all come unto a quick Mercury which to do there is not any vegetable Salt beside it is â—ot this a wonderfull thing That Oratour is yet to be born which shall be of that ability and eloquence as to expresse â—ufficiently all the mysteries hid in it But to make out of â—t the Philosophers stone is no such matter being it is a â—egetable and that power is not given to any of the vâ—geâ—ables It is in Medicina a very good remedy to be used â—â—wardly and outwardly its Salt being made spirituaâ—l and â—weet it dissolveth and breaketh the stone in the bladder â—nd dissolveth the coagulated Tartar of the Gouâ— sâ—tled â—nto the joynts or any where besides It 's ordinary spiâ—it which is used for opening of Metals being used and applied â—utwardly also layeth a foundation for healing of such Ulâ—ers which admit hardly any healing as there are â—â—sâ—â—â—'s â—ancers Wolves and such like I know nothing niâ—â—â—o write of Tartar for having separated it self and left it's noblâ—st part in the wine Of Vinegar IN Alchimy and Medicina nothing almost can be prepared but Vinegar must set a helping hand to it Therefore I thought it convenient to let it have it 's due praise and commendation especially
Particulars and Medicaments In the Treatise of the Philosophers stone I have set â—own expresly in a parable the Philosophers Sulphur â—n the XII Keyes but the Philosophers Mercury or â—he true Philosophick Magnet I gave a hint of in few words however I treated of the same in the XIâ— Keyes of the prima materia I spoke in my Rythmâ— or Verses I leave a light for a farewell unto the seeking Diâ—ciples whereby they may see the clear day in a daâ—â— night and do describe the vertue and operation of thâ— vulgar Sulphur Vitriol and Magnet the rest yoâ— may finde in the Treatise which followeth next thâ— XII Keyes which if you finde the true way of working you may get sufficiently of health and wealth iâ— this world Make use of in the name of God and unto his glorie and do good unto the poor and be helpfull untâ— them otherwise thy earthly Paradise may be turn'd iâ— the end into a damnable Hell from which O Lord deliver all good people Amen The First TREATISE Of Philosophers Sulphur Vitriol and Magnet First Section Of Sulphur and ferment of Philosophers LOving seeker of Chymical mysteries I have written a Treaâ—ise about the Philosophers stone and have set down expresly the materia of the Philosopherâ— Sulphur in the first Key and taught you in the second Key how you ought to distil our water of the Eagle and cold Dragon who had his dwelling a long time in Rocky Clifts and crept in and out in Subterranean concave and hollow places pour this spirit or aqua upon purged and fined Gold lute it well and set it into a dissolution in fimo for 14. nights to putrifie it then draw it over the Helmet pour the water upon Gold Calx whole make all the Gold come through the Helmet set this again under a Helmet abstract the water gently leave a third part of it in the bottom then set it into a Cellar let it coagulate and Crystallize wash these Crystals with distill'd water precipitate them with Mercury vive evaâ—â—rate the Mercury gently then you have a subâ—ile powâ—â— put it in a glasse lute it reverberate it for three dayes aâ— nights do it gently thus is the Philosophers Sulphur wâ— prepared for your work and this is the purple mantle 〈◊〉 Philosophick Gold keep it safely in a glasse for your coâ—junction The second Section Of the Philosophers Vitriol I Have told you plainly how Philosophers Sulphur 〈◊〉 made which loco masculi is to make the King or maâ— now you must have the female or wife which is the Mâ—â—curie of Philosophers or the materia prima lapidis whiâ—â— must be made artificially for our Azoth is not commâ—â— Vinegar but is extracted with common Vinegar and theâ— is a Salt made of materia prima this Salt is called the Pâ—losophers Mercurie which is coagulated in the belly of tâ—â— earth When â—his matter is brought to light it is not deâ—â— and is found every where Children play with it it is poâ—â—derous and hath a sent of dead mens bones for two Gâ—â—ders you may buy this matter for the work Therefore taâ—â— this matter distil calcine sublime reduce it to ashes for an Artist want ashes how can he make a Salt and he thâ—â— hath not a Metalline Salt how can he make the Philosâ—phers Mercurie Therefore if you have calcined the matter then extraâ—â— its Salt rectifie it well let it shoot into the Vitriol whicâ— must be sweet without any corrosivenesse or sharpnesse oâ— Salt Thus you geâ— the Philosophers Vitriol or Philosoâ—phick Oyl make further of it a Mercurial water thus yoâ— have perform'd an artificial work this is called the Philâ—sophers Azoth which purgeth Laton but is not yet wash'd Foâ— Azoth washeth Laton as the Ancient Philosophers have 〈◊〉 two or three thousand years ago For the Philosophick 〈◊〉 or Laton must with its own humidity or its own Merâ—â—al water be purg'd dissolv'd distill'd attract its Magnet 〈◊〉 stay with it And this is the Philosophers Mercury or â—â—curius duplicatus and are two spirits or a spirit and â—â—r of the Salt of Metals Thâ—n â—his water beareth the me of succus Lunariae aqua caelestâ— acetum Philosophorum â—â—a Sulphuris aqua permanens aqua benedicta Take â—â—t or ten parts of this water and one part of your â—menâ— or Sulphur of Sol set it into the Philosophers Egg â—â—e it well put it in the Athanar into that vaporous and â—t dry siâ—e govern it to the appearance of a black white â—d râ—â— colour then you get the Philosophers stone and â—u enjoy this noble dear and blessed Medicine and Tinâ—â—re and you may work miracles with it The third Section Of the Philosophers Magnet HErmes the father of Philosophers had this Art and was the first that wrote of it and prepared the stone our 〈◊〉 Mercurie Sol and Lune of the Philosophers whom maâ—y thousand laboraâ—ors have imitated my self also did the â—ke and I speak râ—ally that the Philosophers stone may be â—â—mposed of two bodies the beginning and ending of it â—ust be with Philosophick Mercury And this is now prima materia alias praeda materia priâ—a belongs onely to God and is coagulated in the entraâ—s â—f the earth first it turneth to Mercury then to Lead then 〈◊〉 Tin and Copper then to Iron c. Thus the coagulated Mercury must by Art be turn'd into its prima materia or water that it Mercurial water This is a stone and no â—â—ne of which is made a volatile fire in form of a water which drowneth and dissolveth its fix'd father and its voâ—tile mother Metalline Salt is an imperfect body which turneth Philosophick Mercury that is into a permanent or blessâ— water and is the Philosophers Magnet which loveth Philosophick Mars sticketh unto him and abideth with hiâ— Thus our Sol hath a Magnet also which Magnet is the fiâ—â— root and matter of our stone If you conceive of and uâ—derstand my saying then you are the richest man in tâ—â— world Hermes saith you must have three speciesies for the worâ—â— first a volatile or Mercurial water aqua coelestis then virâ—dis Leo green Lion which is the Philosophick Lune thirdâ—â— aes Hermetis or Sol or ferment Lastly note Philosophers had two wayes a wet onâ— which I made use of and a dry one herein you must proceed Philosophically you must purge well â—he Philosophers Mercury and make Mercury with Mercury addinâ— the Philosophick Salt ferment or Sulphur of Philosophers and proceed therein as you heard formerly then you havâ— the Philosophers Magnet that is the Philosophers Mercury Secondly the Metalline Salt or Philosophick Salt Thirdly aes Hermetis or Philosophick Sulphur Thus I have deliâ—eated the whole Art if you do not uâ—derstand it then you will get nothing nor art thou predestinated thereunto Allegorical expressions betwixt the Holy Trinity and the Philosophers stone DEar Christian Lover and well wisher to the blessed Art how graciously and miraculously hath the Holy Trinity created the
good of men that he may be pâ—aised and magnified for such benefits and is to shew himself in his life and conversation godly and honest Secondly a Physician ought to know the diseases and to distinguish the one from the other and what proper remedies he is to use against these diseases for without the knowledge of diseases a Physician is not perfect mans complexion must be discerned the cause of the disease search'd into and the means well considered that no contraries be applied whereby further troubles are caused proper remedies fitting the disease must be applied that restitution be made unto former health Thirdly it is requisite that he read frequently the writings of ancient Philosophers and read them over and over and take notice in what they do concurre and agree and where they aim all at one mark then he that hath understanding will discern the good from the bad Sophistry from truth the ancients knew many good things for mine own part I must confesse that I borrowed the foundation of my knowledge from them which made me to lay it to heart and am thereby moved to leave for others also a corner-stone that truth may further be confirmed and the grounds of it be made easier clearer plainer and more manifest by a further knowledge of my writing Fourthly a Philosopher must learn to Anatomize things in nature to know what they contain within and without to separate the poyson from the Medicinal quality Hereunto belong several Manuals how to dissolve separate exalt and prepare fully Metals Minerals Vegetables and Animals He that haâ—h learned all these he may discourse wisely of things confirm their grounds in truth but others which are ashâ—med to work herein cannot glory in any truth because by the receipts found in other mens writings are these men led and made a trade of other mens wriâ—ings not endeavouring to learn more in theiâ— own experience I am not ashamed to learn dayly because nature is â—ound and endlesse cannot be comprehended fully by reason of the shortnesse of mans life and none can say that there is nothing left more for him to learn No such matter Thus you see that Gods blessing must be obtained by fervent and frequent praying unto God the causes of diseases must be known their cure must be ordered according to the direction of Philosophick writings â—djoyning an experimental knowledge thereunto He that doth and knoweth â—hese four things may glory in his wayes confirming things in deeds and not to exercise a trade upon other mens receipts My Medicaments if well prepared and duely used will by Gods help make known that they received their strength from God the marvellous Creator to perform these things which ignorants and men of li tle faith cannot comprehend by dayly experience faith getteth strength that man may praise the highest who hath put such veâ—â—â—â—s into natural things for the which mortals are not able to return sufficient thanks As much as lieth in my power I will praise the Lord day and night and is not possible to require him in any other way At the closing observe thus much in School long discourses are made of the three principles of all things of the matter of heaven what it is made of and on what the earth doth rest how the Elements were made and of the beginning of the Firmament and of several opinions they are about the original causes of Metals Minerals Vegetables of their qualities and properâ—ies oâ— the original of man and of other Aâ—imalâ— sâ—â—â—ching in their conceits into their lives vertues c. Buâ— my Sonne hearken unto me and take notice of what I say all their pretended sayings are a meer nothing they speak ignorantly without any certainty because they have no experimental knowledge having laid no foundation nor have they learned any true decision in their demonstrationâ— Thoughts pay no Custom or Toll they fly into heaven descend to the neathermost parts of the earth if experience their thought do not concurre then their thoughâ—s are found a meer opinion then they must confesse I dâ—d not think it could be so Mans thoughts are fiâ—ly compared with a dream because nothing follows upon an imagination Natures secrets must be studied expâ—rimentally If Artists or Mechanicks would imagine to work such or such things be it Watches or other curious Metalline works but doth not invent fit instruments whereby to make that work they have in their fancy what can they produce by that imagination An empty opinion and no Art So in the knowledge of Naâ—ural things their secrets require aâ— greater exactnesse to be searched iâ—to which to lazy unexpert men seem strange and impossible I tell you there is required an exact diligence to finde that which lieth â—iâ—â— in them it must be done by separation Nature must be anatomâ—zed good and bad in it must be discerued what is contained in each in its Center for the general and what cometh from it in particular Therefore Macrocosme and Microcosme yea the things which grow and are found therein are compared to a round Circle in whose middle there is a Center let the Circle be turned which way it will it keepeth round every way and its Center stayeth unremoved A Philosopher also must know rightly the Center of each matter which must stand unremoved in every substance but the substance may be turned any way he pleaseth and make of it several forms according as it received its power from above 〈◊〉 speak now to be taken notice of thus I take in hand any natural thing dissolve or open it by a Key which is the means of the unfolding and search therein by a fire's proof which is the master of all proofes what may be made of it Here I finde as many wonders and qualities which I never â—hought of much lesse had I experience of Of natural things are made Powders Oyls Water Salt volatile spirits and fumes In these preparations are beheld wonders upon wonders witnesse the distillations digestions and putrefactions There are found and seen many spiriâ—ual and corporeal colours which appear black gray white blew green yellow red Azure colour with a reâ—â—exion of all manner of insprinckled colours which cannot well be described and unexpert men hardly believe it â—rom these preparations are several qualities felt the one 〈◊〉 corrosive and sharp the other is pleasant and milde the â—ne is sowre the other is sweet according as they are preâ—ared so they yield good and bad poyson or physick for good thing can be made the worst poyson and the worst â—oyson can be turned into the best Medicine which is not 〈◊〉 great a marvel because all lieth in the preparation of â—â—ings though every one cannot conceive of it yet it is so â—nd will be a truth for ever because nature hath manifested â—â—r self thus by experience A blinde man cannot tell how the inward parts of mans â—â—dy are conditioned but the seeing Physician who anaâ—â—mizeth the body he can
Venus as also in Vitriol and both Venus aâ—â— â—â—ars can be reduced into a most effectual Vitriol in which Metalline Vitriol afterward all the three principles as Merâ—ury Sulphur and Salt are found under one heaven and with â—â—tle pains and short time each can be taken out of it apart â—s you shall hear when I shall make further relation of the Mineral Vitriol which is digged in Hungary of a high graâ—ation Now if you have wit and understanding art inâ—lined and heartily desireth to conceive of the true meanâ—ng of my Keyes and of my other writings thereby to unâ—oâ—k the locks of Metals for our store then you should have â—aken notice and observed that in all these I have written â—ot onely of the Metal of Sol of its Sulphur and Salt but I â—ave interlined and mingled also and made uniformal other â—ed Metals from whence may be had the mystical Masterie â—herefore men ought to iterate often the reading of Philosophick books then a true sense and meaning may be drawn â—rom them which without divine illumination cannot be â—either c. But hoping that those who are fully and really resolved â—o incline their hearts unto wisdom will give more attenâ—ion thereunto than the other madd worldlings for whom â—hese my writings were not intended for I spoke as plainly â—s ever possibly I could and this kindled light shall further â—e purified so that true and sincere Novices may have a â—ull light without an eclipse from their beginning to their â—nding To which end I took these pains to disclose that which all the World was silent in and concealed it to their â—ast end and buried it in silence to their very graves The scope I aimed at in so doing was not to hunt after any â—ain glory but rather that Gods gracious provident goodnesse might be held forth unto posterity that the future â—â—ges might become seeing and some of the posterities eyes might be kept open and be helpfull unto their needy fellow Artist and make them partakers of Gods graces and gifts Though my minde be mightily perplexed when I think â—â—on what I have done because I write so plainly not knowâ—ng into whose hands after my departure these my writings may come However I hope let them be what they will that they will remember and lay to heart my faithfull warnings inserted in my former and these present writings thaâ— they deal with this book and use it so that they may givâ— good accompt for it to Almighty God Touching further the Vitriol I should make mention oâ— it in my Manuals where I treat and write generally of Minerals But it being such a singular Mineral whose felioâ— whole nature doth not produce besides Vitriol before aâ—â— others is of great affinity unto Metals and is next kiâ— unto them for out of all Metals there can be made a Vitriol or Chrystal Chrystal and Vitriol is taken for one therefore I would not bereave it of its own praise and put itâ— commendation too far off but rather preferre it as therâ— is just cause before other Minerals and the first place nexâ— to Metals should be given unto it for setting aside all Metals and Minerals this is sufficient to make the Philosopherâ— stone of it which no other in the World can do the like though some particulariter are a help to further that work and Antimony alone is a sufficient Master hereunto as iâ— its due place more shall be spoken of However none iâ— thus much dignified in its worthinesse that the said Philosophick stone could be made of it as this Vitriol is Therefore ancient Philosophers have concealed this Mineral aâ— much as ever they could and would not reveal the same tâ— their own Children that they should not divulge it in the World but be kept secret though they published thaâ— such preparation is made out of one thing and out of onâ— body which hath the nature of Sol and Lune and containeth also the Mercury wherein they said true enough because it is so But here I must admonish you that you maâ— turn this argument and settle your thoughts wholly upoâ— Metalline Vitriols because I intrusted you that out of Venus and Mars there can be made an excellent Vitriol where in are found the three principles for the generation of oâ—â— stone but you must further note also that neverthelessâ— these three Metals as Spiritus anima corpus are buried anâ— â—â—d in a Mineral Vitriol as in a Mineral it self Understand â—is according to the distinct natures of Vitriol For the â—est which according to my experience shewed it self most â—ffectual herein is that which is broken and digged in â—ungarie of a very deep degree of tincture not very unlike â—â—to a fair blue Saphir having very little of humidities and â—ther additionals or strange Oars the oftner it is dissolved â—â—d coagulated the more is it exalted in its deep tinging â—olour and is beheld with great admiration This high graduated Vitriol is found crude in those places â—here Gold Copper Iron is broken and digg'd and is â—bundantly transported from thence into forraign parts inâ— much that sometimes there is great scantnesse of it in those â—â—rts and elsewhere Though the vulgar people can afford no better name to 〈◊〉 calling it onely a Copper-water however ancient Philoâ—â—ers by reason of its unspeakable vertue and dignity exâ—ll'd it and call'd it Vitriolum for that reason because its â—iritual Oyl containeth all the three principles of all the â—iumphing qualities If you get such deep graduated and well prepared Mineâ—â— called Vitriol then pray to God for understanding and â—â—sdom for your intention and after you have calcined it â—t it into a well coated Retort drive it gently at first then â—â—rease the fire there comes in the form of a white spirit of â—â—riol in the manner of a horrid fume or winde cometh â—o the Receiver as long as it hath any such material in it â—d note that in this winde are invisibly hid all the three â—â—ciples and come together out of that dwelling therefore â—s not necessary to seek and search alwayes in precious â—â—ngs because by this means there is a nearer way open â—â—o nature's mysteries and is held forth to all such which 〈◊〉 able to conceive of Art and wisdom Now if you separate and free this expell'd spirit well and â—ely per modum distillation is from its earthly humidity â—n in the bottom of the glasse you will finde the treasure 〈◊〉 fundamentals of all the Philosophers and yet known to none which is a red Oyl as ponderous in weight as eveâ— any Lead or Gold may be as thick as bloud of a burning fiery quality which is that true fluid Gold of Philosophers which nature drove together from the three principles wherein is found a spirit soul and body and is that philosophick Gold saving one which is its dissolution during thâ— fire and not subject to any corruptiblenesse else it flieâ—â— away with body and Soul
for neither water nor earth caâ—â— do it any hurt because it received its first birth and beginning from a heavenly water which in due time is pouâ—â— down upon the earth In these together driven goldish waters lieth hid that trâ—â— bird and Eagle the King with his heavenly Splendor together with its clarified Salt which three you finde shut up iâ— this one thing and golden property and from thence yoâ— will get all that which you have need of for your inteâ—â—tion Therefore set that golden body you have obtained whicâ— in dignity and vertue is exalted beyond all other Gold inâ—â— its due and lawfull dissolution its due time then the Aâ—gel of the highest will appear unto thee and tell thee thâ—â— it is the Resolver of all the mysteries in the World receivâ—â— it with joy and keep it safe for its quality is more heavenly than earthly therefore doth it heartily incline to strivâ— after that which is above from whence it had its Original If you have separated this Prophet from his matter whicâ— remained then you need not to undertake any further processe you were taught parabolically in my XII Keyes Foâ— even in his remaining formal substance you may finde anâ— expect from thence a pure immortal Soul together viâ—â— the glory of the Salt both which are obtained by means 〈◊〉 the spirit and must be had from thence and no impure oâ— contrary thing must be added thereunto And it is doâ— in the same manner as I told you in my Keyes with the Sâ—â— and Salt of the Gold by the saturnal water in whose plaâ—â— this spiritual Mercurial spirit might be used with better aâ—vantage Observe onely this difference that the Salt must be drawn forth from the Mercurial body as it hapned unto the Soul with the spirit of Mercury whereas on the other side the Salt of Gold must not be drawn forth with the saturnal water because it is too weak for the body of Gold but with a water which hath been expressed in the description of particulars This distinction must be exactly observ'd being of great concernment because the Salt of Vitriol is not so strongly guarded and is not in so fix'd a body as the Gold is but is still an open body which saw no coagulation as yet nor passed it through any melting fire therefore that body never came as yet to any compactnesse there is room left for its own spirit to enter into can embrace and unite with its like and a snow white extraction of Salt may be had whereas on the other side a sharper matter must penetrate Gold as you shall hear when I shall speak more of it in its due place Behold now my friend whatsoever thou art what minde I bare towards thee and how I am affected unto thee in my heart the like I never durst look for from thee Consider it well how sincerely and faithfully I disclose unto thee all the locks and bonds whereby the whole Philosophick wisdom is shut up which hitherto never entred any more â—houghts much lesse that ever it was practised or discovered and nothing caused me to do it but onely Gods infinite mercy my good will and love toward my Neighbour which my Predecessors have not done so compleatly and was put off unto me to do it Having thus separated your three Mineral bodies and ordered them into certain divisions and put away the dregs wherein they lye hid then look to it that you neglect none of it by the diminishing of the quantity which would prove a great fault to your work and keep each in its own and due quantity otherwise in your work you cannot come to a happy end This is the thrift which so many have missed and have written great volumes about it for all what cometh from our Philosophick Gold and hath divided it self into three parts the same must be brought into one without any losse and diminution which is to enter into a new form again and become a meliorated substance nothing of it must be done away but onely the feces terrae in which the glorious Salt had its dwelling Therefore do that I told you of joyn the spirit with the body bring the body also into a spirit dissolve exalt it into the highest spiritual power iâ— that dissolutioÌ„ the body turns to a spirit the spirit with the body uniteth and joyneth into one substance that after the exchanging of all manner of colours there cometh a white body like snow transcending all whitenesses This is the greatest mystery of this world about which among the learned and supposed wits such disputings in the world have been that a palpable thing and a visible one could be reduced into its prima materia and out of that may be made again a new clarified and better substance by the bountifull nature leading the way thereunto Thus you have made and brought into the world the Queen of Honour and the first born daughter of Philosophers which after her due perfection is called the white Elixir of which great volumes are extant Having brought your work thus far then you have deserved to be received into the Turba of Philosophers and you get more Art wisdom and understanding than all Sophisters which prate much of these mystical things and yet know not the least thing of it Therefore it is just that you should be preferred before them and let them sit below thee in shame and disgrace and in their darknesse of mis-understanding so long till nature doth enlighten them also That you may bring and lead that new Philosophiâ—â— Creature by the means nature afforded unto the highest perfection after which your heart with all her endeavours doth strive then remember that neither man nor beasâ— without a living Soul can neither stir nor move and as maâ— here in this life through temporal death loseth his Soul offering the same again unto the Almighty God from whom 〈◊〉 had it first into his mercy and merits of Jesus Christ â—here after the departure of the Soul the dwelling as the â—â—dy of it is left quite dead which is buried in the ground â—here it rotteth and must return unto dust and ashes being 〈◊〉 duly stipend which the fall of our first parents in Paradise â—we deserved and from them as by an inheritance is fall'n â—pon us after which putrefaction there are raised again on â—â—e great day new and clarified bodies and the departed â—â—ul taketh her dwelling up again in that new body after â—at there is no more parting of body nor spirit nor soul â—â—t because the Soul finding a clarified body then with the â—â—me she maketh an everlasting Union which neither Deâ—â—l nor death can destroy and disjoyn any more nor bring it â—to any corruption but from henceforth into all eternity â—e are and shall be like unto the best Creatures of God â—hich before our mortality and departure of the spirit of â—â—e soul and the body could never be God help and grant
Philosophers stone For God the Father is a spirit and yet maketh himself known under the notion of a man as he speaketh Genes 1. Chapter let us make man an image â—ike unto us Item this expression in his word speak of his mouth eyes hands and feet so Philosophers Mercury is held a spiritual body as Philosophers call him God the Father begetteth his onely Son JESUS CHRIST which is God and Man and is without sin neither needed he to die but he laid down his life freely and rose again for his brethren and sistâ—rs sake that they miâ—ht live with him eternally without sin So is Sol or Gold without defect and is fix holds out gloriously all fiery examins but by reason of its imperfect and sick brethren and sisters it dieth and riseth gloriously redeemeth and tingeth them unto eternal life making them pâ—rfect unto good Gold The third person in the Trinity is God the Holy Ghost a comforter sent by our Lord Christ Jesus unto his believing Christians who strengthneth and comforteth them in Faith unto eternal life even so is the spirit of maâ—erial Sol or of the body of Mercury when they come together â—hen is he called the double Mercurie these are two spirits God the Father and God the Holy Ghost but God the Son a glorified Man is even as our glorified and fix'd Sol or Philosphers stone since this Laâ—is is called Trinus namely out of two waters or spâ—â—iâ—s of Mineral and of Vegetable and of the Animal of Sulphur of Sol These are the Two and Three and yet but one if you understand it not then you are not like to hit any Thus by way of a similitude I delineated unto thee sufficiently the Universal Pray to God for a blessing for without him you are not like to prosper at all The second TREATISE Of vulgar Sulphur Vitriol and Magnet The first Section Of Sulphurs Chap. I. Of Sulphur of Saturn 1. THere is extracted from calcined Saturn with distill'd Vinegar a Crystalline Salt which is distill'd with spirit of wine unto a red Oyl This Oyl cureth Melancholy fiery Pox old Ulcers and many other infirmities besides 2. This Oyl coagulateth and fixeth Mercury being first precipitated with Oyl of Vitriol for all powders and Medicaments which are to make Sol and Lune must be made fix holding in all fiery tryals 3. Out of this Oyl is made a glorious Tinctur if you take three parts of Mercury of Mars and one part of this red Oyl of Saturn joyning coagulating and fixing them this work may be accomplished in a moneths time or somewhat longer This Tincture may be augmented with Mercury of Mars usque in infinitum projecting one part of it upon three parts of Sol to make thereby an ingresse for the Tincture one part of this Tincture transmuteth thirty parts if so be it be well prepared of Mercurie and of Lune into good Sol. Remember thy Crea or and be mindfull of the poor then the Lord will be mindfuâ—l of thee also Chap. II. Of Sulphur of Jupiter 1. THere is made of Jupiter a minium the like is made of Saturn from thence is extracted and distill'd a red sweet Oyl this Oyl tingeth Saturn being first calcined with Salmiac into Sol. 2. The Limature of Jupiter being calcined with Calx vive for a day and the Calx being wâ—sh'd from it then you have a fix'd powder if you can reduce it again into a fluidnesse and drive it wiâ—h Saâ—urn then you may get a reasonable part of good Lune and Sol whereby a needy Laborator may get sufficient livelyhood 3. There is a calcination made of Tin and Lâ—ad with common Sâ—lâ— but better is it if made with Salt of â—he câ—put mort of Vitriol and Peter the Oyl of Vitriol being added unto Calx of Jupiter and Saturn and made one masse of it luâ—e it well â—et it stand for eight dayes and nights in warm Sand and then to drive it one Centner of Lead affords in this manner six Mark and a half of fiâ—e Lune one Maâ—k of such Lune yields one Ounce of Sol. This hath been my first piece to make Lune and Sol withall Note these six Mark and a half of Lune afford six Ounces and a half of Sol this Sol and Lune amounts to 208. Gildors or 20. pound and 16. shillings Chap. III. Of Sulphurs of Mars and Venus 1. TAke some pounds of Verdigreece extract its Tincture with distill'd Vinegar let it shoot then you have a glorious Vitriol out of which you may distil per retort a red Oyl This Oyl dissolveth Mars turning into a Vitriol which is reduced in a long time in a great fire unto a red Oyl then you have together Sulphur of Mars and Venus add somewhat of Sulphur of Sol coagulate and fix it then you have a Medicine which meliorateth Men and Metals 2. Lune is graduated with the Oyl and a good part of the Kings Crown is gotten 3. Two equal parts of laminated Sol and Lune melted together putrified in this Oyl for a day and a night turneth them into good Gold In this Oyl you will finde many strange affects and vertues Laus Deo Chap. IV. Of Sulphur of Sol. 1. I have formerly told how Gold is made spiritual unto the purple mantle Now if you are about to make aurum potabile then you may dissolve with the Oyl of Vitriol that spiritual Gold extract and draw it over with spirit of wine this is a Medicine which cureth many difficult diseases and is wonderfull in its efficacie 2. This Solar Sulphur tingeth prepared Calx of Lune into good Gold but you heard in my former expressions that the King hath onely an honourable Garment and must raise his Rents and subsidies from his subjects must be bathed in his buddying bloud and swear must be destroyed and gloriously renew'd then is he able to make his poor brethren and sisters to be Kings also and legitimate theâ—r bastards Antimony is a bastard of Saturn as much of Mercury and of Regulus it haâ—h so much is it turned into Sol its due Dose of Tincture being first added thereunto Wismuth â—â—r Marcasite is a bastard of Jupiter is turn'd to Sol also â—y means of a Tincture Oyl of Vitriol is a bastard of Veâ—us it hath a Metalline Mercury as much it hath of it so much is it ting'd into Sol. 3. If you add the Solar Sulphur unto Sulphur of Vitriol Venus and Mars and you have fixed artificially then you have a Tincture for Men and Metals expelling all manner of diseases and this fix'd powder tingeth Particulariter Lune into Sol. Laus Deo Chap. V. Of Sulphur of Mercurie MErcury is a Mother of all Metals and is a spiritual body and a fugitive servant when he cometh into â—he fire then he flyeth into his Chaos But he that can â—â—tch him he gets then the Sulphur of Mercury or waâ—â—r of Sulphur or aqua benedicta the Key of the Art which â—peneth
Metals Philosophically The Philosophers Merâ—â—ry and not the vulgar being reduced unto water disâ—lveth the Philosophick Salt together with the purple â—antle by putrefaction and distillation for it is Mercurius â—plicatus Chap. VI. Of Sulphur of Lune 1. THis Lune is made spiritual by means of a water expressed in our second Key and may easily be made into potable silver where by many diseases are cured 2. If you take one part of this spiritual Lune and you feed it with three parts of Virgins Milk and bring it unto fixation then you have an augment of Lune which breedeth monethly young ones these are taken forth and their places are supplied with Mercury vive c. This powder is reduced with Boras then you have an augmentum perpetuum Chap. VII Of Antimonial Vitriol 1. THere is made out of Vitriol of Antimony with distill'd Vinegar a sweet extraction its acetum is separated from it on the remainder is poured spirit of wine must be extracted and the pure from impure separated This sweet extraction is drawn over the spirit of wine by cohobation is often drawn from it and that powder is reduced to a glorious Oyl of Antimony This Oyl cureth all manner of diseases being ministred in a convenient Vehicle This Medicinal Oyl is a great arcanum 2. Further take one part of this Oyl and two parts of the Mâ—rcurial water in which is dissolved a fourth part of Sol purple Mantle then joyn them lute Hermetically coagulate and fix This Tincture tingeth Lune and Mercurie into Sol. This is that pure Sulphur of Antimony the Vitriol of Antimony must be made per se without any addition of Salpeter Salt and Borras Chap. VIII Of Sulphur of Vitriol 1. THere is made of Viâ—riol a lixivium with ashes of Beech-wood and a Sulphur is drawn from this Vitriol and is precipitated with Salt of Tartar Further the Oyl of Sulphur is exâ—racted with Juniper Oyl tâ—us you have a red Oyl putrifie the same with spirit of wine abstract the spirit of wine from it This glorious Oyl of Sulphur is good against maâ—y diseases it is to be used against Consumption Dropsiâ— Plague Gravel and Scabbinesse 2. Vitriol is sublimed with Salmiâ—c also but better is it if done with a lixivium whereby the body of Vâ—t iol is better opened and dissolved This sublimate is dissolved into an Oyl whereby câ—ude Mercury can be coagulaâ—ed and fix'd of the which I shall write more anon when I treat of Vitriol Chap. IX Of common Sulphur 1. THere is a Liver made of yellow Sulphur with Linseed Oyl boyled in Lye with Sol 〈◊〉 puâ—rified and then distill'd pour this water on Tyleâ— wâ—ich newly came out of the Oven imbibe them theâ—ewith distil it per retortam you have a yellow water of it like an aquafort which tingeth Lune Take one part of iâ—â—s water and one part of Lunaâ— calx let it sta d 〈◊〉 dâ—yâ—â— and nights in warm Sand the fouâ—th part of it tuâ—â—e 〈◊〉 unto Gold being reduced separated purged with Saturn and driven 2. Further Sulphur with the anima of Saturn being often driven over and fixed may then safely be used inwardly for a Medicine but projected on Lune in the flux â—t afford good Gold in the Quaâ—t 3. Of the Gray powder and Calx vive equal parts one pound a fourth part of Salmiac grinded among and driven over per retortam affords a glorious red Oyl which is of 〈◊〉 fixing and graduating quality 4. Lastly I tell you take of this Oyl of Sulphur of Venus and of Mars add thereunto the Oyl of Antimonie's Sulphur binde these together with the Oyl or Mercurial water fix it then you have a Medicine for men and Metals viz. to ringe Mercury and Lune into Sol. The second Section Of Vitriols Chap. I. Of Vitriol of Sol and of Lune IN the first place you must have our water of the cold Earth salt and of the Eagle whereby Gold and Silver is made spiritual let it shoot into Crystals this is that Metalline Vitriol out of which is distilled together with spirit of wine and Oyl of Sulphur to be used after the manner of Metals Chap. II. Of Vitriol of Saturn and of Jupiter CAlcine Saturn or Jup ter exâ—ract its anima with distill'd Viâ—egar lâ—t it puâ—rifie 14. dayes and nights let â—he Vitriol shoot This must be driveâ— over with spirit of wine it affords a sweet Oyl and it is the Suâ—phur of Saturn and Jupiter This Oyl coagulateth Mercury and being first precipitated with Oyl of Vitriol it fixeth him Chap. III. Of Vitriol of Mars TAke the filings of Mars and of Sulphur equal parts calcine them in a Brick-kill to a purple colour pour on it distill'd water or Vinegar it extracteth a green colour abstract the third part of that water let it shoot thus you have an artifiical Vitriol distil from it a red spirit or Oyl Take half an Ounce of it add to it Mercurial water in which is dissolv'd Sol take of this Oyl but a fourth part of an Ounce fix this Tincture then you have an excellent Medicine to project upon Lead Silver and Tin which are transmuted thereby into pure Gold O! thou Christian heart return thanks to the Creator of Minerals Metals and other Creatures Chap. IV. Of Vitriol of Venus I Have told you already of the transparent Vitriol to be extracted out of Venus and to distil of it a red Oyl This Oyl dissolveth Mars turneth him into a Vitriol beiâ—â— once more distill'd per retortam forcibly then you have aâ— excellent Tinging-oyl called Salt of Mars This is thâ— Kings excise man which bringeth in his Rents and enricheth the King This Oyl dissolveth the spiritual purple maâ—tle and draweth it over the Helmet Now you have seâ—mented the Celar Sulphur with iâ—s own Sulphur which Philosophers before me have not done they took onely calcined Sol or Sâ—lar Calx set the same to the duplicated Mercury instead of the fermenâ— and attaiâ—ed unto the enâ— they wish'd for as well as I. But according as men do work so is the operation of their Tincture transmuting more or lesse according to the efficacie of the Tincture 2. Out of the Oyl of this Martiaâ— Salt is Mercury of Antimony precipitated is added to the sweet Oyl of Vitriol fix'd this Medicine next unto the Philosophers stone is the best and highest Univâ—rsal upon mans body and tingeth Lune Saturn and Jupiter into good Sol holding in the exameâ— very well 3. There is made also a masse out of Honey Salt and Vinegar and lamins of Venus which are stratified and calcined This calcinate of its own accord turns to a Verdigreece which must be extracted crystallized and distilled to a red Oyl which is used as you heard above Chap. V. Of Vitriol of Mercury VItriol of Mercury is easily made distill'd in aquafort made of Salpeter and Allome being dissolved therein Crystals do shoot which are very like unto a Vitriol these being wash'd with