The Torch of Natural Philosophy and of its effects

in the form of the explication of a vision or occult reverie

by

P.N.R.T. also known as

the Owl or Screech Owl

1652

translated into English

BY

MIKE DICKMAN





FOREWORD


I well wot that the greater part of those who examine this my little book, which might best be termed an abridgement or digest of the richest secrets and works of nature shall not fail to say that in truth 'twas writ of a pleasure, and by way of divertissement, inasmuch as several among them do vaunt themselves that they posses the knowledge, and the true secret of this universal medicine, but of which until now they have seen no effect, being unable like unto many another, to believe nor imagine that such be within the power of men, to at least permit them to palpably touch the truth of the subject and of its operations, the which would take up too much time, finding few there think even to fall in with such resolution, for this science be not had but by study, labour and hard work, many long years having passed before one acquireth perfect knowledge, albeit from the first I had in possession the true and only materia, knowledge of the principal operation, great intelligence and facility in the reading of the books by the best authors of this science. 'Tis why for my own part, I prefer much to leave them to their opinion, for this secret is so noble it might find expression entire in less than sixty words [1].


'Twould be to me an easy matter to show to you how nature operateth in all things, to bring to light her effects, and to create a shortcut of that which the best authors allege the most lovely thing of all.


But knowing this to be but useless prolixity, for they have spoken of this science most sagely and clearly that none need doubt of it, have they not their eyes stopped up, I shall content myself with executing the plan I have undertaken, an it be not too hardy amidst the perturbations of this time [2], and to declare the most succinctly that I may, without obscuration of vain discourse; the which tend more to veil this science, than bring it to the light of day, for the desire I have that curious minds may draw from it and take some profit. Nonetheless shall I, by way of warning, say in passing that as those things that are most beauteous and rare are commonly most facile in their operations, and that often those very minds that consider themselves subtle, wish to make dear and carry of some thing of their own invention, it is often the case that the err from the path and are frustrated in their hopes, as are those who rather than employ their studies to the knowledge of the effects of things both solid and permanent rest content with distracting them in search of a few simples, which from one day to the next may lose their virtues and qualities.


By way of conclusion, thinking to lay bare and disclosed to their view all that depends on the Art, I wish, in the form of a discourse, simple enough that those who have the slightest knowledge of these things might understand, to frame to them a succinct word or two as to the true materia and its operation; my intention being not to turn them from the direct path, but to lead them thereupon as best I might, that, carrying off the prize of the fleece they come to owe to me a certain obligation.



A SUMMARY OF THE PHILOSOPHICAL WORK


It would be best at first, and before to commence some other thing, that I do reason pertinently as to that which we seek and claim to do, that is to know the materia and principle the which riseth from the metallic root, ordered for the generation of metals [3], for each and every thing be it vegetable or mineral, hath its seed the which might multiply.

Worms seek out the earth,
Fish water, birds the air,
Bees the flow’r that to sweetest honey doth give birth,
And Art nature’s treasure richest and most fair
Which is to say the medicine universal which they seek.
If curious minds to such a point would reach
Let them then to nature’s highway straitly keep.

One taketh first a metal pure and clean, the spirit of which liveth secretly in the bowels of the earth, which freed from its bonds by the work of he who knoweth how, strive to mount to the mountain peak [4], and as much as was this metal hard, is it rendered soft by Art in imitation of nature [5].


This mischievous element of our fecund sea [6] is torch–bearer of this golden fleece, 'tis he who holds the key to this rich treasure trove for lack of which not a few have stumbled in the waves. A mercury, fermenting freely of itself, of another mercury, a sulphur of another sulphur, which draw by alembic, mix by accurate weight; and cause to coagulate by heat continual which multiplied and fermented may produce that we search. This access spoke unto those as have goodly ears joined to my Dream they shall amply deduce that which is required and necessary to the art and particularly unto the prime operation concerning the which but few authors have spoken, but on the contrary, hidden, unto their ability, and lacking the which may none come to this art.



THE AUTHOR’S DREAM


Upon a certain day in the month of May wherein I had occupied my mind at various tasks, desiring distraction such as one seeketh at the Springtide, I did pass by places most delicious and agreeable to the sight, wherein having long admired this great work of nature, laying myself down upon the greensward, I was o’ercome by a profound sleep and this followed by a dream.


By the which it came to me that I was upon the heights of a mountain of most difficult access [7], whereon a goodly Father hermit, a soul most learned in all Sciences [8] had long time made his abode and habitation, and having approached myself to it, I did perceive this venerable sage, who stepped out, who in that instant did myself espy; my having offered salutation, he proceeded to enquire by what route I had come hither, it being well–nigh inaccessible, saying that the helpful God had led me there [9], considering the fact that, by cause of the dangers involved, right few had approached him throughout many’s the long year, though not a few had set forth to do so.

And having answered, that all stemmed from divine bounty, he proved most favourable toward me, and undertaking, and that no peril had had the power to divert me, for the goodly toil I had made as regards his doctrine and his person.
The which laid him under obligation to receive me most favourably and explain unto me manifold subjects among the which that which had moved him to take up that extraordinary abode [10], the which was no other thing but that same curiosity I had myself had, where remained him only, or seven in that place and in others circumjacent, the which despising all worldly goods and fortune had passed there long years, even unto two centuries entire in health most perfect.


But in that I was right wearied of the distance I had traveled, visiting this place and assailed by an extraordinary hunger and thirst, and which be far more considering that in that place was no way whereby might be produced victuals [11], and that in this I saw no manner whereby I might make some seemly retreat in this extremity but would incur some measure of disgrace, coupled with the difficulty of the route, and the time I would need to arrive at a small hamlet which nestled at the foot of that mountain, inhabited by two or three persons and of a condition so mercenary that they abandoned, not only their health, but their lives, in the labour they performed, in that place [12].


I knew not to which saint I should commend myself for the fear I had that I would there make my cemetery, that which the good ancient apprised, who spoke unto me as follows: "My son, be without fear for all goodness stirs me to give thee all that is within my power, and thou shalt find here that with which to assuage thy curiosity which did stir thee to undertake so high an enterprise, and I shall lead thee to see things worthy of great admiration; which words seemed me so sweet and agreeable, that I thought no more on hunger and thirst soever, so well that having entered in his chambers I began to descry a site right darksome and unpleasant which knew no other day but through a skylight, which I espied in the midst of the vault, the which obliged one to have always to hand a bright lamp, by cause of the numerous detours disposed for entrance, within the which were to be found a quantity of ladders meet to that end, thus to avoid the disgrace one might incur there [13]. Its furnishing all were rude made of things metallic, which glistened to the sight like small stars. The place wherein he took repose, was cut into the rock and most impressive for a child of Saturn [14] had there taken birth.


However these things, did not prevent in the least the memory which returned to me of so great an hunger and thirst [15], so much so that the good Father Hermit recognising it, knelt down, making his prayers, the which no sooner completed, but I espied a bird [16 far exceeding all others in size enter at the skylight, bearing strong resemblance to an eagle, which held in its beak, that which would suffice, not only for its own food, but more than sufficient to sustain us, which bird he named his provider, which since his solitary sojourn had ever aided him for all things in which he might have need [17]; While taking our refection, he spoke with me of great matters, amongst others the effects of nature, whereon he said he had passed the greater part of his study [18], that in this place was the first abode of Hermes Trismegistus, Father of Philosophers in whom was the source of his most hidden secrets.


His discourse and speech, was so diverting that the time hung not on my hands, joined to which the recital he made unto me of gentleness and rarity of the abodes of those whom cruel death had rapt from him whom he regretted right strong, such that the dinner being over, curious to view these, I requested that he accord me that, and forthwith, he caused me to enter [19], unto the first abode, in the midst of which was descried a pillar of bronze, wherein we regarded a niche whereupon was represented in sculpture, the figure of an ancient [20], large as life, robed in black, holding in his right hand a scythe, and with the other a tablet with ebony frame, whereon was painted a corpse upon the which were ranged divers vessels disposed for to take earth in a place that seemed to me right monstrous, and all compassed about by this sea, to enter unto the which, there were three great arches [21] beneath which, one must needs pass, of most difficult approach, fashioned of divers orders, it was well to know, inasmuch as the one of these was favourable to navigation, the other greatly distancing the voyager from his straight road; and the other so perilous, that none might approach it with mishap and wreck, this sea producing a black sand [22].


In the second abode, the day appeared right strong and pleasant [23], and there was there represented a man robed in red, holding in his right hand a sword and in the other a square tablet the colour of cinnabar, upon the which was depicted a Golden Fleece, that the Good Father Hermit said could not be had but with great pains, labour and industry; the floor of this abode was covered o’er of a sand swarthy in colour [24].
In the third was represented the figure of a woman in relief, robed in a gown of green [25], it seemed to me the goddess of Spring [26], holding in her hand a tablet of opal colour, whereon was depicted an hermaphrodite; the floor of this abode was covered o’er with sand of a changing colour.


In the fourth was figured an amphitheatre upon the which was seated the figure of a man, robed in a long mantle of cloth of gold lined with ermine, holding in his right hand a sceptre [27], above his head was a disc filled with small suns, and at the highest point of this amphitheatre, a great tablet framed in burnished gold upon the which was depicted the most beauteous figures and rich inventions of Philostrates; the floor of this abode was covered o'er with a sand in no wise yellowish, but seeming brilliant like unto flecks of gold.


In the fifth abode, and in the principle part thereof was represented a throne upon the which was seated a young girl robed in a white gown, holding in her hand a crescent [28], and at the limits of this throne there was a tablet with silver frame whereupon also was depicted a great fountain which casteth two liquors, one of white and the other of red, within the depths of which appeared a red coloured sand [29].


In the sixth abode was a site most extraordinary the which me seemed lit by a quantity of torches about which turned and whirled a concourse of moths finally to immolate themselves, in the midst of which upon a small pilaster was a youth robed in taffetas of changing colour, holding in hand a caduceus [30], and all about this abode were divers tableaux framed in various colours, upon the which were represented processions and other figures or devotions [31], which seemed to me to be in imitation of those I had formerly seen at the cemetery of the Holy Innocents in Paris, the which obliged me to make my prayer, the more so in that this place me seemed right devotional, but, as it seemed to the good Father Hermit somewhat over long and uninteresting, he informed me that 'twas unnecessary that I tarry longer, the more so inasmuch as in the final abode, he hoped to reveal to me all that my curiosity might wish for, and to explain to me that which I had here seen.

So curious was I to learn, albeit my spirit was far from penetrating, we were beside a small mountain close enough to this place, the entrance unto which was a gate ennobled with a multitude of precious stones and the which, right few besides him, might open, had they not the true key, and above which was a slate coloured marble, whereon were writ these words.*

And having laid open this last, we entered in unto a comely and agreeable abode, within which were set divers tableaux the which he said were the creation of Apuleus, Cunrath, the Cosmopolite, Poliphilus and others, filled with things worthy of admiration [32], and he made unto me ample discourse as to their signification.
In the midst of this abode, was a rock whence came forth two serpents, the one winged and the other not, and upon this rock was an hermaphrodite [33] holding a globe which fell into four parts, the which were to signify the four [34] elements, and joining together again, rendered them confused and mixed together, which could then again be set apart.


About this abode were represented the figures I had before seen, which were in sculptures life–size, the which by their movement from the artist and industry from the Goodly Father Hermit [35], seemed disposed for to dance a ballet, the which I esteemed to be the Dance of the Gods; Attached to this rock was a column right high, about which were engraved in letters of gold these words — empty if that — and below in letters of silver what follows as to the order of the characters in the ballet [36].

Saturn, first in virility, shall inaugurate the dance,
Jupiter follows after for to imitate his prance,
Mars, both great and bellicose, will give to it cadence,
The Sun in duest order shall have his walk on part,
Venus, fine robed, who from dancing cannot keep herself apart,
This strange Mercury would detest,
Were it not that soon after the Moon appeareth next,
Causing th'entire ballet its movement to possess.

and pausing to read and consider these writings, for that I might comprehend their sense, I espied on the instant that the two serpents were approaching me, one of them shooting forth flames of fire, by its maw, and the other a liquor so foul and stinking, that I was constrained to quit the place forthwith, but the Good Father Hermit, following me close for to bid me adieu, as mark of his good will gave me present of a small volume of his own composition, from whence I have drawn and extracted all this discourse and that which follows, and which explained from word to word that which he had caused me to see, and of a small container in the which he professed was a powder beyond all price.


Wishing to thank him for such bounty, I found myself that very instant deprived of his company, such that being in greater difficulty than ever, in that I knew not in which place I was, I had recourse to prayer the which being granted, I discovered that this place was at no far remove from my ordinary dwelling, of which I was much rejoiced. Such joy however was to be of but short duration, in that shortly after, I found myself invested by several persons laying claim to being grand philosophers that we term in these days souffleurs or puffers, whom I believed disposed to rapt from me the gift which had been given me, especially inasmuch as they conversed right familiar on the whole of natural philosophy and its operations, arguing most diversely concerning it, who, taking myself to be one of their Cabal from the which I was right distanced, having held ever their propositions in horror, begged me to give my opinion upon their ideas, from which having excused myself such as was possible, nonetheless by their importunity , imagining themselves at my discourse expert in this science, I was constrained to speak my mind, the which obliged me to make them the following discourse.


Albeit the philosophers of old have well enough set to writing the admirable secret of the power of both Art and Nature, bringing to light this rich Fleece or Universal Medicine, and that many have set about searching it out, the greater part of these have found but little fruit, there being few among them who might say, with truth, that they well have understood their intentions, even less their subject and operations, which surpass the common mind, having been writ only for those who have the true and perfect understanding, without the aid of which difficult is it to come at this Art.
Nonetheless that which I spoke unto them was not by design to divert them, nor their curiosity the which I cherished most highly, but to prevent the waste of time and goods they might there bootless consume, recognising by their contrariness that they were right far from the goal of their intentions, added to which the fact that they here undertook affairs both great and difficult, without the least principle.


This discourse ended, certain gleaned the better part of this advice, and thanked me; others cursed me claiming I had removed from them all hope, regretting the great expense they had incurred there, and among the rest and Saturnine fellow, who claimed himself a great philosopher and doctor of medicine of the third degree, who not content with the maledictions he had addressed me calling me a wily dreamer made a wish that I fall into a dream that should prove as irritating to me, if not more so, than my discourse had proved to them, which wish no sooner made than was accomplished, and I forthwith commenced to dream.


I found myself again in land unknown, where were mountains, though not so high as those aforementioned, and entering fortuitously within one of the which, it seemed me that I did perceive its entrails being searched and burrowed into, not indeed without great apprehension, considering the depth and obscurity of the place filled with divers paths streaming with water in most obnoxious a manner and difficult to hold to, had it not been by good fortune, that I came across a man who offered to serve as guide, and armed with a goodly lamp and the necessary equipment for to penetrate such places, which he painted to me right dangerous, and whose company me seemed most favourable, inasmuch as he claimed often to the frequent the place, where he showed to me who was little content of it, having heard tell the peril that was in it, some persons who with mighty blows of the hammer right cutting seemed fain to gradually beat this mountain down, knocking from it chips in great number, the which were afterward transported by a hole which seemed to me disposed to just this end in the centre of the summit.


And having descended into this and begged the guide to show unto me the remainder of this place, he answered that my curiosity should be assuaged, inasmuch as we were now at a depth horrendous and incredible to many, and that it was not his intention to go further: in which we were soon after impeded by means of a vapour or exhalation, which having sadly but started forth rendered us senseless of all and moveless, albeit we came to our senses again a little after.


I heard then my guide lamenting and making great clamour for that his lamp on falling had gone out, and he beyond all hope of ever finding or relighting it, holding that my too great curiosity would be the cause of our loss the which was inevitable, and wishing in some wise to console him, albeit my terror was greater than his own, I conjured that he should have recourse to that helpful deity, who was our true guide, praying him that he come to our aid and save us from that extremity.
There fell then upon our ears a voice, whose words were the following:

"I am He of whom ye seek aid."

and in that instant there appeared a luminosity most effulgent which I took for the lightning bolt hurled by Jupiter in punishment of my too great curiosity, by means of which my guide having recovered his lamp and that which he needed which in his falling had fortuitously slid into a vein of this mountain not too far distant from us, the which was right brilliant, he began to strike his flint and to relight it, giving thanks unto God, for such good fortune: we made the promptest return possible, so much so that quit of that place and returned into safe harbour, I made protestation never to return there more, but fatigued of the long road and the trials endured there, we rested ourselves close by a fountain nearby, the which was environed in all parts by a stone clear as crystal [37], in the depths of which was to be seen a gravel most delicate, brown in colour,, and it seemed me some hot vapors, issuing from the earth, or some subterranean fire did cause it to distil right mildly, and not of the order of other different fountains, at which I was greatly astonished, and above it was a dome–like form which did receive certain of the vapors, which transformed into a water most clear and bright, carried by a small channel to a site close by.


Which fountain, my guide informed me was of right great virtue and proper to many things, and enquiring of him, if that water remained continually where the channel did bring it, he answered me no, but that it was carried thence and cast back upon the place from which it was taken and this reiterated by several and divers times, and that in fine this fountain had the power to produce and bring to light of day a seed beyond all price [38], link by marvelous links, which did accumulate all about that dome; and the inhabitants of the place held that it proceeded from the forges of Vulcan [39] which they believed were beneath this fountain, from whence came forth a constant fire which administered itself now with a moderate fire in imitation of Nature [40], now with a vehement heat long continuing which appeared to wish to transform the fountain entire into fire, which itself had the power to transform itself into a furnace, in the which appeared several openings wherein were collocated several vessels of glass [41], the which endured right readily the rigors of the fire, in which were various concoctions unknown to me.


And wishing to know what was within, I began to smell an odour right strong, and applying my tongue for to taste a bitter humour which the guide informed me stemmed from the heat continual and a Herculean labour which caused me to deem that the Smith God would have need of faithful company and of long labour to undertake the burden of such work [42].


Moreover, I saw there a seed which, at first right hard and solid, becometh humid [43], the which one might freely dispose in the depths of a vessel right narrow [44], that the heat penetrating it may be carried throughout, to the which be added a quantity of the water of that fountain the which was right scrupulously guarded [45], more so inasmuch as it oft distilled never so well as when two vessels were joined mouth–to–mouth, placing them above an oaken hollow [46] within a chimneyed furnace [47], beneath which is set a constant and continual fire, the which maketh appear variety of colours which after forty days' space, change all into a colour black and dark [48], followed next by white, then further iris or rainbow, sight right fair to see, by cause of the diversity of its colours. I was advised by the guide that the occult heat was never allowed to cease when that the seed was in the vessel, but that, on the contrary, with great labour was this continuous fire attended, and that thus from day to day the colours were seen, little by little, to diminish, and to dispose themselves to take again the colour white, this by means of such heat of similar to that whereby the hen hatcheth forth her chicks [49].


And albeit such things me seemed to my sight right pleasant and agreeable, they might well have become an ennui to me, by cause of the long space of time I had passed in regarding them, the which was approaching now a year, had it not been that having seen that whiteness start to appear, I became curious as to the end, the which having come, it brought me forth a powder of the most extraordinary white: and breaking this vessel for to ascertain if it be not a colour feigned, I recognised that no, the truth my goodly Father Hermit had told, and carefully taking the which, I made present of a small part of it unto the god Mercury [50] who received it right willingly, and who, enraptured of its pleasant smell, did straightway start to taste of it after (strange happenstance!) having first expelled from his body divers vapours, and disposed as he was assumed a nature so heavy and solid that he could no longer stir, as had he done theretofore [51], of which he was greatly wroth, protesting he would venge himself on me the disgrace he had received of this so grievous present.


And commencing to sink into the great noise he made, that I might flee, in the face of his wrath, I was restrained from this by that guide, who told me I should not fear him for he was right well stopped and could no longer move as he had heretofore, and that I was in error extreme, for that I had so soon taken out this powder, in view of the fact that he had wished to show me a thing more excellent by far, and that it were necessary to leave it in place from whence it had been taken, and by means of fire, to lead it to the colour of a red most perfect [52], taking care to maintain the heat applied there unto continually, without diminution [53]; but on the contrary to continuously augment it with discretion and in such manner that the hand might easily suffer it, and that then should witness this whiteness take the colour of saffron the which would change into divers other hues concluding with the colour red like unto hyacinth, and finally of a permanent purplish ruby, then titled Elixir, and served for divers things, the which he would not express, were it not that it kept all persons in perfect health throughout long years, were one from time to time to take a grain's worth in weight in a little wine or other liquor.

That I should, furthermore, bear in mind, that just as I had seen the entrails of the earth moistened by a water trickling through this mountain [54], similarly did this seed seek to be moistened of the water of that fountain when it were known that it needed this, and that, I complained that the time I had passed at this work, had produced for me but a negligible quantity of this Elixir [55], my guide informed me it could be easily augmented at will, by means of the first water of that fountain, and of a sort most common having only to refresh it divers times, that the fire was conductor of this working the which was achieved in but little time.


And finishing his discourse, commending me to God, in voice thunderous, I began to arise from my reverie and the profound sleep in which I was held, such that smiling to myself of so pleasant a dream and opening my eyes, it seemed to me I was in a new world, and that the premises of my dwelling were painted and enriched in gold and silver, and so greatly satisfied of that I remembered having witnessed in dream reverie, I resolved to visit my friends and companions and spend the rest of my days with them, unto whom when I had made recitation of what had passed, obliged me to compose this little discourse to share it with dreamers and visionaries such as myself, and to such as would set themselves to explicate so gentle a vision bring contentment of mind and draw from it such fruit as they desire
their most humble servant

Notes and Observations in the Original Text

1. In less than 60 words might the entire operation of the stone be wholly and entirely expressed.
2. The troubles of this period are the cause wherefore the sage philosophers do hide themselves away.
3. The true materia is extracted from the metallic root ordered for the generation of metals.
4. Preparation of the materia.
5. Reduction to water or solution
6. That is to say, air.
7. The lode.
8. The Philosopher who instructs
9. That is to say by divine inspiration.
10. That is to say, to teach this science.
11. It is advisable that one take with one victuals when going there.
12. These being those who work the mines.
13. This describes the mine.
14. Jupiter.
15. That is: to learn.
16. Philosophic mercury the which is Hermes' bird.
17. The secret and the science of the stone
18. That is to say he worked upon this subject or material.
19. A visit to the mine.
20. Saturn containing the four elements.
21. The furnace, retort and recipient.
22. The dead head.
23. The glass retort.
24. Soot.
25. Venus which maketh the colour green.
26. Spring is the season in which one's work should start.
27. Jupiter
28. Luna
29. Colours of the Stone, contained within Luna
30. Mercurius
31. Sublimations or circulations.
* No citation follows in the original text [Translator's note]
32. These are the books of the philosophers.
33. The rock is the furnace, the serpents the fixed and the volatile, male and female
34. The separations are brought about by the degrees of the fire.
35. The philosopher or artist.
36. The planets correspond to the metals.
37. The retort distilling into a recipient.
38. This is the terrestrial body.
39. Fire
40. Graduated fire.
41. Retorts.
42. Let there be two of you to share the long hours of work
43. The solution of the stone into philosophic mercury
44. The Philosophic Egg.
45. The plate of the furnace.
46. Ashes.
47. The aperture in the apex of the dome.
48. The black appears after the space of 40 days.
49. Heat of the brooding hen.
50. The projection upon Mercury.
51. Fixation.
52. That is, to push it to redness.
53. One maintains the heat of the white that it may pass to the red.
54. Multiplication by Philosophical Mercury.
55. One draws but little powder.