THE WORKS OF GEBER, The Most Famous ARABIAN PRINCE AND
PHILOSOPHER

Faithfully Englished By Richard Russel a Lover of
Chymistry.

— Ait iste Libellus:
Magnus quidem non sum, sed inest mihi maxima Virtus.
Licensed

Jan. 28
1677/8

Ro. L'Estrange.

LONDON, Printed for N. E. by Thomas
James Mathematical Printer to the Kings most Excellent Majesty, at the
Printing-press in Mincing-lane; and are to be sold by
Robert Clavel at the Peacock in St Pauls
Church-yard; and other Booksellers.

1678.

The Contents.

I. Of the Investigation or Search of Per∣fection.
II. Of the Sum of Perfection, Or of the Perfect Magistery. The First Book.
III. Of the Sum of Perfection, or of the Per∣fect Magistery. The Second Book.
IV. Of the Invention of Verity, or Perfection.
V. Of Furnaces, &c. with a Recapitulati∣on of the Authors Experiments.

THE TRANSLATOR TO THE READER.

THe Eminency and Worth of this Author
need no Apology, his Works sufficiently commend
Him, who in his Writings, as the present Book
clearly shews, used no Tautologies, Circumlocutions, or
fruitless Ambages; but (like a good Master, intending to
inform, not to perplex the Minds of his Disciples) so
succinctly speaks of all Things, as is rarely seen in any other
Author. The End, why he Writ in his Time,
was as him∣self declares, not only to Teach and Direct the
Inge∣nious, but also to Detect and Enervate the
fallacious Descriptions of Sophisters, whom he
pronounceth Cursed; saying, he should be accursed also, did
he not discover their Frauds. For a like End was I
in∣cited, by a worthy Friend of mine, to this Transla∣tion;
that the WORKS of so Ancient and Venera∣ble an Author
(comprising so many and various most needful Preparations) might
now at length be pub∣lished in the English Tongue; there being at
this very Day so many Persons publickly exposing their
Chymi∣cal Preparations (as they call them) which, if such as they
are presented to be, or but in some compe∣tent measure correspondent to
the specious Titles, with which they are insignized, would rather
com∣mend their Authors, than need to be commended by them. For
Chymistry is a true and real Art, and (when handled by
prudent Artists) produceth true and real Effects.


But alas! 'tis by Experience found,
Our empty Vessels give the greatest sound.
And (which is more to be bewailed) Men that have
scarcely seen the First Entrances of Chymistry, or at most
are but Tyro's in that most necessary (though much abused)
Science; account themselves sufficiently accomplished, if
Confident enough to boast after the Rate of
Masters; yea, more than good Masters in that Art
dare to do. For every consci∣entious Man, exercised in
Chymistry, sees Cause e∣nough to lay his Hand
upon his Mouth; and yet neglects not to do what Good he can,
without blow∣ing a Trumpet. He that doth otherwise, may very well be
suspected: for (according to the usual Pro∣verb) Good Wine needs no
Bush; and every well per∣formed Work commends the
Worker thereof. It is recorded of the famous Painter Apelles,
that he, having finished any eminent Piece, did always ex∣pose it
to publick View, before he durst commend it (as a perfect
Work) to him for whom he made the same. His End in this, as
Histories amply relate, was that he might, from the Mouths
of others, hear himself praised, or dispraised; and thence be able
(prudently conjecturing by what he heard) to correct and amend his own
Errours. If Physicians of our Time did, in
imitation of Apelles, expose their Works for the same
End, and would upon just and unde∣niable Censures,
endeavour to amend their Errors; their so frequent
Publications would be highly com∣mendable; but 'tis otherwise. Yet
Charity forbids me to impute this to Avarice, Fraud, or
Ambition (Vices abhominable in all Men, especially in
Physi∣cians) but rather to other less injurious Causes,
as Ignorance, and want of certain Experience; in amend∣ing
which, this Book may prove very serviceable: be∣cause


the Ignorant and Ʋnexpert may possibly be in∣formed
thereby, and thence learn true Experiences, by which (if
Industrious) they will in Time be able to Correct
their own Errours, as well as if they had u∣sed the Policy
of Apelles. But of Covetous; Deceitful, and Ambitious
Men, there is no such Hope. There∣fore omitting these, I
doubt not, but that to every Man studious of Verity, the
present Work will be highly acceptable: because herein he will
find In∣structions sufficient to inform his Judgment, in
pre∣paring Medicines truly Chymical. For this Author
(herein excelling others) hath clearly and candidly, though briefly, taught the
Methods of purifying all Metals, Minerals, Salts, Allomes,
&c. In which true and perfect Purification, the
Vertue of each Sub∣ject (its Vice and
Impurity being separated) is rendred ten-fold more efficacious in
Medicinal Ʋse, than the same Subject (without such
Preparation preceding) could have been; as Experience daily
proves. But if any Man object and say, This Author taught
these Purifications only in Order to the great
Stone of Phi∣losophers; to him I thus answer: All
Philosophers (Ancient and Modern) unanimously affirm, that
Im∣purity tends to Corruption and Death; but
Purity to Incorruption and Life. Therefore, if they,
to amend imperfect Metals, viz. To heal the Diseases of
them, so strictly enjoyned the Separation of
Hetero∣geneals, and Purification of Things
Homogenal; how much more▪ every faithful Physician ought
to labour in purifying the Subjects of Medicine for the
Humane Body (more precious than all Metals) of which these
here specified are no mean Part, I leave to the Judg∣ment
of all: And having premised these, crave the Readers Patience in
perusal of the following:

When I had perfected this Translation of
GEBER, my Purpose was to have concealed my Name;
as I did in the Translation of Royal and Practical
Chymi∣stry

(which being my first Essay in
that kind of Learn∣ing, I must confess were not so well
performed, as I intend that Book shall be, if a Second
Impression thereof be made in my Time) of Beguinus
his Tyroci∣nium, of Helvetius his Golden Calf, all made publick
some years since; together with that of the Triumphant Chariot of
Antimony, with Kirkringius his Notes there∣on (though
not the small Piece of Synesius to it an∣nexed) lately
published: but finding some too ready, as the saying is, to thrust
their Sickle into another Mans Harvest, I am now at length
enforced here to subjoyn my Name; being resolved henceforth so
to do, whensoever any other of the Works (through the favour of
God) by me stranslated, shall come to be exposed to publick
View. For, besides the large Volume of the Works
of Raymund Lully, now ready for the Press (not to mention
other Pieces on various Subjects, of which I have
translated many for private Persons) I have Englished
the greatest Part of the Works of Paracelsus; having
compleated two of his three Volumes, and about half the Third: which I
intend to finish (if GOD permit) as Time, Opportu∣nity, or
Encouragement shall be offered. Reader, I could here
mention more; but considering that no Man hath any thing that he
hath not received; and timely remembring that Poetical Admonition,

— Nullum decet esse superbum;
Qui sic inflatur, deserit omne Bonum:
I here conclude, subscribing my self (as I always desire
to be) your real Friend

May 3d. 1678,From my
House at the Star in New-market in Wap∣ping, near
the Dock.

Richard Russell.


The Contents.
I. Of the Investigation or Search of Per∣fection.
OF Things perfecting and corrupting Me∣tallick Bodies Chap. 1. Page 3.
Of the Stone of Philosophers, &c. Chap. 2. Page 5.
Of Things helping Preparation, and of their Cleansing Chap. 3. Page 6.
Of Preparing and Meliorating Bodies, in General Chap. 4. Page 9.
Of the Preparation of Tin in Special Chap. 5. Page 21.
Of the Preparation of Saturn or Lead Chap. 6. Page 14.
Of the Preparation of Copper Chap. 7. Page 15.
Of the Preparation of Iron Chap. 8. Page 16
Of the Preparation of Gold Chap. 9 Page 17.
Of the Preparation of Silver Chap. 10. Page 17.
Of the Properties of the greater Elixir Chap. 11. Page 18.
The Conclusion of this Book Page 20.

II. Of the Sum of Perfection, Or of the Perfect Magistery. The First Book.
The Preface, dividing this Book into Four Parts. Page 22.
Part I.
Of the Division of Impediments Chap. 1. Page 25.
Of the Impediments of this Work, from the part of the Body of the Artificer Chap. 2. Page 26.
Of Impediments from the Part of the Artists Soul, Chap. 3. Page 27.
Of External Impediments, hindering the Work of this Art Chap. 4. Page 29.
The Conclusion of the First Part, containing the Qualifications of the Artificer Chap. 5. Page 30.
Part 2.
OF the true Reasons of Men simply denying Art Chap. 1. Page 34.
That it is not possible, &c. that Art can imi∣tate Nature in all Differencies of Properties of Actions Chap. 2. Page 39.
A Confutation of the Reasons of Men simply de∣nying Art Chap. 3. Page 42.
Divers Opinions of those who suppose the Art to be Chap. 4. Page 49.
Of the Reasons of Men denying the Art supposed in Sulphur Chap. 5. Page 51.

Of the Reasons of Men denying the Art supposed in Arsnick Chap. 6. Page 53.
Of the Reasons of Men denying the Art supposed in Argentvive, &c. Chap. 7. Page 54.
Of the Reasons of Men denying the Art supposed in Spirits to be fixed with Bodies, &c. Chap. 8. Page 55.
Of the Reasons of Men denying the Art supposed in White Lead or Tin, &c. Chap. 9. Page 57.
Of the Reasons of Men denying the Art supposed in Black Lead, or Saturn Chap. 10. Page 59.
Of the Reasons of Men denying the Art supposed in the Mixtion of hard Bodies, &c. Chap. 11. Page 60.
Of the Reasons of Men denying the Art supposed in the Mixtion of hard Bodies, &c. Chap. 12. Page 61.
Of the Reasons of Men denying the Art supposed in Extraction of the Soul, Chap. 13. Page 62.
Of the Reasons of Men denying the Art supposed in Glass and Gems, &c. Chap. 14. Page 62.
Of the Reasons of Men denying the Art supposed in Middle Minerals, Vegetables, &c. Chap. 15. Page 63.
Part. 3.
Of the Natural Principles of Metallick Bo∣dies, according to the Opinions, &c. Chap. 1. Page 65.
Of the Natural Principles of Metals, according to the Opinion of Modern Philosophers, &c. Chap. 2. Page 66.
The Division of what are to be spoken of Sulphur, Arsnick, and Argentvive, &c. Chap. 3. Page 69.
Of Sulphur Chap. 4. Page 69.
Of Arsnick Chap. 5. Page 72.
Of Argentvive, or Mercury Chap. 6. Page 73.
Of the Effects of the Principles of Nature, which

are Metallick Bodies Chap. 7. Page 74.
Of Sol, or Gold Chap. 8. Page 75.
Of Luna or Silver Chap. 9. Page 77.
Of Saturn, or Lead Chap. 10. Page 78.
Of Jupiter, or Tin Chap. 11. Page 79.
Of Venus, or Copper Chap. 12. Page 80.
Of Mars, or Iron Chap. 13. Page 81.
Part. 4.
OF the Division of Things to be spoken, with an Insinuation of Perfection, &c. Chap. 1. Page 83.
Of Sublimation, why invented Chap. 2. 86.
What Sublimation is, and of the Degrees of Fire, &c. Chap. 3. Page 88.
Of the Feces of Metallick Bodies to be added to Spirits in their Sublimation, &c. Chap. 4. Page 91.
Of Covering the Fire in Sublimation, Chap. 5. Page 93.
Of Errors about the Quantity of Feces, and the Disposition of the Furnace, &c. Chap. 6. Page 95.
Of what Matter and Form the Sublimatory is to be made Chap. 7. Page 99.
Of Sublimation of Mercury, or Argentv. Chap. 8. Page 102.
Of Sublimation of Marchasite Chap. 9. Page 105.
Of the Vessel for subliming Marchasite Chap. 10. Page 106.
Of Sublimation of Magnesia and Tut. Chap. 11. Page 110.
Of Descension, and the way of purifying by Pastils Chap. 12. Page 112.
Of Distillation, its Causes & Kinds, &c. Chap. 13. Page 114.
Of Calcination of Bodies and Spirits: its Causes, &c. Chap. 14. Page 120.
Of Solution and its Cause Chap. 15. Page 126.
Of Coagulation and its Causes; divers wayes

of Coagulating Mercury. &c. Chap. 16. Page 129.
Of Fixation, and its Cause, &c. Chap. 17. Page 136.
Of Ceration, and its Cause Chap. 18. Page 139.
III. Of the Sum of Perfection, or of the Per∣fect Magistery. The Second Book.
The Preface dividing the Book into Three Parts. Page 141.
Part 1.
THat the Knowledge of Perfection of this Art depends on the Knowledge of the Nature of Spirits, and Bodies, &c. Chap. 1. Page 142.
Of the Nature of Sulphur and Arsnick Chap. 2. Page 143.
Of the Nature of Mercury, or Argentv. Chap. 3. Page 145.
Of the Nature of Marchasite, &c. Chap. 4. Page 148.
Of the Nature of Sol, or Gold Chap. 5. Page 150.
Of the Nature of Luna, or Silver Chap. 6. Page 153.
Of the Nature of Mars or Iron. Also of the Ef∣fects of Sulphur and Mercury, &c. Chap. 7. Page 154.
Of the Nature of Venus or Copper Chap. 8. Page 157.
Of the Nature of Jupiter, or Tin Chap. 9. Page 162.
Of the Nature of Saturn, or Lead Chap. 10. Page 166.
Part 2.
THat of every imperfect Body, and also of Agentvive, the Medicine must necessarily be two-fold, viz. one for the White, the other for the Red Chap. 1. Page 171.

That every of the Imperfect Bodies ought to have its peculiar Preparation Chap. 2. Page 174.
That the Defect of Imperfect Metals ought to be supplied by Medicine, but their Superfluity removed by Preparation Chap. 3. Page 176.
Of the Preparation of Saturn and Jupiter Chap. 4. Page 179.
Of the Preparation of Venus Chap. 5. Page 183.
Of the Preparation of Mars Chap. 6. Page 184.
Of the Mundification or Cleansing of Argent∣vive Chap. 7. Page 186.
That five different Properties of Perfection ne∣cessarily constitute a most perfect Medicine, &c. Chap. 8. Page 187:
Of Preparations to be adhibited to the Medicine, that it may acquire the due Differencies of Properties Chap. 9. Page 189.
Of the differences of Medicines, &c. Chap. 10. Page 191.
Of the Medicine of the First Order dealbating Venus. Chap. 11. Page 193.
Of Medicines dealbating Mars Chap. 12. Page 197.
Of Medicines citrinating (or colouring) Luna 13. Page 198.
Of the difference of the Properties of Medicines of the Second Order Chap. 14. Page 202.
Of a Medicine Lunar and Solar, for imperfect Bodies Chap. 15. Page 204.
Of the Medicine coagulating Argentv. Chap. 16. Page 207.
How Ingress is procured in Medicines by Artifice Chap. 17. Page 209.
Of Medicines of the Third Order in General Chap. 18. Page 210.
Of the Lunar Medicine of the Third Ord. Chap. 19. Page 212.

Of the Solar Medicine of the Third Ord. Chap. 20. Page 213
Part 3.
THe Division of what follows Chap. 1. Page 216.
Of Cineritium, why some Bodies abide in it, others not Chap. 2. Page 217.
Of the Tryal of the Cineritium (or Cupel) how it is to be compounded and used Chap. 3. Page 220.
Of Cement, why some Bodies sustain it more, and others less Chap. 4. Page 222.
Of the Examen of Cement, how it is to be com∣pounded and exercised Chap. 5. Page 224.
Of Ignition Chap. 6. Page 226.
Of Fusion, or Melting. Chap. 7. Page 227.
Of the Exposition of Bodies over the Vapours of Acute Things Chap. 8. Page 229.
Of the Extinction of Bodies Fire-hot Chap. 9. Page 231:
Of the Admixtion of Burning Sulphur Chap. 10. Page 232.
Of Calcination and Reduction Chap. 11. Page 234.
Of the easie Susception of Argentvive Chap. 12. Page 235.
A Recapitulation of the whole Art Chap. 13. Page 235.
What Order the Author hath observed in treating of the aforesaid Chap. 14. Page 237.
IV. Of the Invention of Verity, or Perfection.
OF the six Properties of Things from which the Medicine is extracted Chap. 1. Page 239.
Of the seven Properties of the Medicine Chap. 2. Page 241.
Of the Division of the Book into four Particles Chap. 3. Page 243.

The First Particle.
Of the Preparation of Middle Minerals Chap. 4: Page 245.
The Second Particle.
Of the Mundification, or Cleansing of Spirits Chap. 5. Page 249.
Of the Preparation of Sulphur Chap. 6. Page 250.
Of the Preparation of Arsnick Chap. 7. Page 251.
Of the Preparation of Argentvive Chap. 8. Page 252.
Of the Preparation of Marchasite Chap. 9. Page 253.
Of the Preparation of Tutia, &c. Chap. 10. Page 253.
The Third Particle.
How Bodies ought to be prepared Chap. 11. Page 254.
Of the Preparation of Saturn Chap. 12. Page 255.
Of the Preparation of Jupiter Chap. 13. Page 255.
Of the Preparation of Mars Chap. 14. Page 258.
Of the Preparation of Venus Chap. 15 Page 258.
The Fourth Particle.
Of Medicines Chap. 16. Page 260.
Of White Medicines for Jupiter, &c. Chap 17. Page 261.
Of Solar Medicines for Jupiter, &c. Chap. 18. Page 263.
Of White Medicines for Venus, &c. Chap. 19. Page 264.
Of Red Medicines for Venus and Mars Chap. 20. Page 265.
Of a Medicine of the Third Order, for the White Chap. 21. Page 266.
Of a Solar Medicine of the Third Order Chap. 22. Page 268.
Of Solutive Waters, and Incerative Oyls Chap. 23. Page 269.

V. Of Furnaces, &c. with a Recapitulati∣on of the Authors Experiments.
The Preface, dividing the Book into Three Parts. Page 271.
Part 1.
Of the Calcinatory Furnace Chap. 1. Page 273
Of the Sublimatory Furnace Chap. 2. Page 274.
Of the Distillatory Furnace Chap. 3. Page 275.
Of the Descensory Chap. 4. Page 275.
Of the Melting Furnace Chap. 5. Page 276.
Of the Dissolving Furnace Chap. 6. Page 276.
Of the Fixatory Furnace, or Athanor Chap. 7. Page 277.
Part. 2.
OF the Preparation of Middle Mineral Spirits Chap. 8. Page 278.
Of the Calcination of Jupit. and Saturn Chap. 9. Page 279.
Of the Calcination of Venus and Mars Chap. 10. Page 280.
Of the Calcination of Middle Minerals Chap. 11. Page 280.
Of the Ablutions of Calxes, &c. Chap. 12. Page 281.
Of the Inceration of Calxes, &c. Chap. 13. Page 281.
Of the Reduction of Calxes Chap. 14. Page 282.
Of the Solutions of Bodies prepared, &c. Chap. 15. Page 283.
Part 3.
Of the Way of Perfecting, according to the Third Order Chap. 16. Page 286.
Of the Regimen of Jupiter and Saturn Chap. 17: Page 288.

Of the Regimen of Venus and Saturn Chap. 18. Page 289.
Of the Regimen of Mars Chap. 19. Page 290.
Of the Regimen of Luna Chap. 20. Page 290.
Of the Regimen of Mercury Chap. 21. Page 291.
Of the Ferment of Luna for the White Chap. 22. Page 292.
Of the Ferment of Sol for the Red Chap. 23. Page 293.
Of Ferment of Ferment upon Mercury Chap. 24. Page 293.
A Recapitulation of the Experiments of the Author Chap. 25. Page 295.
Of Mercurial Sports Chap. 26. Page 299.
Of the Citrination or Colouring of Luna Chap. 27. Page 300.
Page 1

---

GEBER, The most Experienced Arabian Prince and Philosopher, OF THE Investigation or Search OF PERFECTION.

The PREFACE of the AU∣THOR, Shewing the Reasons why he writ this BOOK.

WE with continued and frequent diligence of Labour, and great
Study equivalent, not without most pro∣found and serious thoughts,
&c. expose publickly to your view, the Investigation
of this most noble Science, that the sub∣sequent Volumns may the
better and more clearly be understood by you; and that being understood,
searched into, and found▪ they may the more easily and rea∣dily
Page 2
be brought to effect. And because, to find out the
Reason of Art, is another thing, than to attempt and prove the sub∣tilties
and intrigues of these things; un∣til by operating, searching, and
experi∣encing, the intended compleatment be at∣tained: therefore, whatsoever
we found out by things declared (I mean, of things perfecting Art) we have here
written according to the intention of our Mind▪ Yet, let no man think that
we composed this Investigation before our Book, which is
Intituled, The Sum of the Perfection of the Magistery; in which,
whatsoever we saw and handled, we have compleatly described, according to
the Order of Science; with Experience and certain
Knowledg, which we ac∣quired by our Scrutiny, exercised about the
Effects of Natural and Mineral Things, and the diverse Transmutations
apparent in the Work. And we have explained our Science
before composed, with this Comment of Investigation, which we
purposely writ for that end: therefore, by right, this must precede that,
seeing by this Book I am to make Enquiry about the Thing
Perfecting.

Page 3
CHAP. I.
Of Things Perfecting and Corrupting Metallick Bodies.

THerefore, seeing this Science treats of the
Imperfect Bodies of Minerals, and teacheth how to perfect
them; we in the first place consider two Things, viz.
Imperfection and Perfection. About these two our Intention
is occupied, and of them we purpose to treat. We compose this Book
of Things perfecting and corrupting (according as we have
found by experience) because Con∣traries set near each other, are the more
ma∣nifest.

The Thing which perfects in Minerals, is the
substance of Argentvive and Sulphur propor∣tionably
commixt, by long and temperate de∣coction in the Bowels of clean,
inspissate, and fixed Earth (with conservation of its
Radical Humidity not corrupting) and brought to a solid fusible
Substance, with due Ignition, and rendred Malleable. By the
Definition of this Nature perfecting, we may more easily
come to the Knowledge of the Thing corrupting. And this is that which
is to be understood in a contrary Sense, viz. the pure
substance of
Page 4
Sulphur and
Argentvive, without due Propor∣tion commixed, or not sufficiently
decocted in the Bowels of unclean, not rightly inspissate nor fixed
Earth, having a Combustible and Corrupting Humidity, and
being of a rare and porous Substance; or having Fusion without due
Ignition, or no Fusion, and not sufficient∣ly Malleable.

The first Definition I find intruded in these two Bodies,
viz. in Sol and Luna, according to the Perfection of
each: but the second in these four, viz. Tin, Lead, Copper and
Iron, according to the Imperfection of each. And because these
Imperfect Bodies are not redu∣cible to Sanity and Perfection,
unless the con∣trary be operated in them; that is, the Mani∣fest be made
Occult, and the Occult be made Manfest: which Operation, or Contrariation, is
made by Preparation, therefore they must be prepared, Superfluities in them
removed, and what is wanting supplied; and so the known Perfection
inserted in them. But Per∣fect Bodies need not this preparation; yet they
need such Preparation, as that, by which their Parts may be more Subtiliated,
and they reduced from their Corporality to a fixed
Spi∣rituality. The intention of which is, of them to make a Spiritual
fixed Body, that is, much more attenuated and subtiliated than it was before.
Of all these Preparations (accor∣ding to our Investigation) we
shall sufficient∣ly treat in their proper Place in this Book.
Page 5
What shall be (as is hereafter mentioned) sufficiently
prepared, will be fit to make the White or great Red Elixir
with.

CHAP. II.
Of the Stone of Philosophers, that it is one only, for the
White, and for the Red, and from what Things it is extracted. And of the
Possibility and Way of Perfection.

WE find Modern Artists to describe to us one only
Stone, both for the White and for the Red; which we
grant to be true: for in every Elixir, that is prepared,
White or Red, there is no other Thing than
Ar∣gentvive and Sulphur, of which, one cannot act, nor be,
without the other: Therefore it is called, by Philosophers, one
Stone, al∣though it is extracted from many Bodies or Things. For it
would be a foolish and vain thing to think to extract the same from a
Thing, in which it is not, as some infatuated Men have conceited; for it
never was the Intention of Philosophers: yet they speak ma∣ny
things by similitude. And because all Me∣tallick Bodies are
compounded of Argentvive and Sulphur, pure or impure, by
accident,
Page 6
and not innate in their first Nature;
there∣fore, by convenient Preparation, 'tis possible to take away
such Impurity. For the Ex∣poliation of Accidents is not
impossible: there∣fore, the end of Preparation is, to take away
Superfluity, and supply the Deficiency in Per∣fect Bodies.
But Preparation is diversified ac∣cording to the
Diversity of things indigent. For experience hath taught us
diverse ways of acting, viz. Calcination, Sublimation, De∣scension,
Solution, Distillation, Coagulation, Fix∣ation and Inceration:
All which we sufficient∣ly declare in the Sum of the Perfection of the
Magistery. For these are Works helpful in Preparation.

CHAP. III.
Of Things helping the Preparation, and of their
Cleansing.

THings helping Preparation, are these, viz. all kinds
of Salt, Alloms, Atraments; also Glass, Borax, and what
are of this Na∣ture, and most sharp Vinegar and
Fire.

Cleansing of Common Salt.
Common Salt is cleansed thus: First burn it, and
cast it combust into hot Water to be dissolved; filter the
Solution, which congeal
Page 7
by gentle Fire.
Calcine the Congelate for a Day and Night in Moderate Fire,
and keep it for use.

Cleansing of Salt-Alkali.
Salt-Alkali is so cleansed as
Common-Salt, and it is Sagimen Vitri. First it is ground,
and then the whole dissolved in Common Wa∣ter hot: afterward
Filtred, Congealed, and Calcined with moderate Fire.

Cleansing of Salt-Gem.
First it is ground, and then proceeded with as with
Common-Salt.

Cleansing of Salarmoniac.
Grind it first with the Preparation of
Com∣mon-Salt cleansed; then let it be sublimed in an high
Body and Head, until it all ascend pure. Afterward
dissolved it upon a Porphiry in the open Air, if you
would of it make Water; or keep the Sublimate sufficiently
pure.

Cleansing of other Salts.
There are divers other kinds of Salt found, which are
Prepared and Cleansed, as above is said.

Cleansing of Alloms.
First of Roch-Allom: Many Things may be Prepared by
it, without its Cleansing; yet it may be Cleansed thus: Put it in an
Alem∣beck,
Page 8
and extract its whole
Humidity, which is of great avail in this Art. The
Feces re∣maining in the Bottom, may be dissolved up∣on a
Porphiry-Stone, in some Humid Place, or in Water, which may
be thence extracted, and so reserved clean.

Cleansing of Jamenous Allom.
Jamenous Allom is Prepared as the former: but in this
Art it is of greater vertue. There are found yet many other Alloms,
all which are Prepared and Cleansed as above is said.

Cleansing of Atraments.
First of Black Atrament, which is thus Clean∣sed:
First, It must be dissolved in clean Vi∣negar, afterward
Distilled and Coagulated. Or let it be first Distilled by
Alembeck, and all its Humidity extracted. The Feces
Calci∣ned in this Distillation, must be resolved up∣on a
Porphiry, or dissolved in their own Wa∣ter, and then
Coagulated. Or that Water (if the Artist so wills) reserved.

Cleansing of Copperas.
Copperas or Vitriol, is Cleansed as Black
Atrament; yet Black Atrament hath greater
Earthiness than the Green. There are divers Atraments, and
they are found of divers Co∣lour, which are all Cleansed as the
aforesaid.

Page 9
Of Glass and Boraces.
Glass and Boraces, if made in a due
man∣ner, need not Preparation.

The Cleansing of most sharp Vinegars.
Vinegars, of what kind soever, acute and harsh,
are Cleansed by Subtiliation; and their Virtue, or Effect, is Meliorated by
Distil∣lation. Of the Cleansing and Purifying of all the aforesaid, we
have now sufficiently spoken: with which the Imperfect Bodies may be
Prepared, Purified, Meliorated, and Subti∣liated, by Fire always duly
Mediating.

CHAP. IV.
Of Preparation and Melioration of Bo∣dies in General.

THEY are Prepared and Depurated by the aforesaid, according to
the Intenti∣on of Fire in this manner: These imperfect Bodies have
superfluous Humidities, and a com∣bustible Sulphureity,
with Blackness generated in them, and corrupting them: also they
have in them an Unclean, Feculent, Combustible, and very Gross
Earthiness, impeding Ingress and Fusion.
These, and such as these, are superfluous in the aforesaid Bodies,
which are
Page 10
found to be in them, by our Experience,
and certain and ingenious Investigation. And be∣cause these
Superfluities have access to these Bodies accidentally,
and not radically; and the Supoliation of Accidentals is
possible; therefore it behoves us, with Artificial Fire, by the
aforesaid cleansed Things, to remove all Superfluous Accidents,
the only Radical Substance of Argentvive and Sulphur
remain∣ing. -This is the intire Preparation, and per∣fect
Depuration of Imperfect Bodies. The Me∣lioration,
Purification and Subtiliation of these (the pure Substance
remaining) are effect∣ed many ways, according as the Elixir
re∣quires.

Therefore, the way of Preparing and Pu∣rifying in General, is
this: First, With Fire proportional, the whole Superfluous and
Cor∣rupt Humidity in their Essence must be eleva∣ted; also
their subtil and burning Superfluity removed: and this by
Calcination. Afterward, the whole Corrupt Substance of their
Super∣fluous burning Humidity and Blackness remain∣ing in
their Calx, must be corroded with those aforesaid Cleansed,
Corrosive, Acute, or Harsh Things, until the Calx be White or Red
(or coloured according to the Na∣ture and Property of the Body) and
clean and pure from all Superfluity or Corruption. These Calxes
must be Cleansed with these Corrosives, by Grinding, Imbibing
and Wash∣ing. Afterward, the whole unclean Earthi∣ness,
Page 11
and Combustible and Gross Feculency must be
taken away, and deposited with the aforsaid Cleansed or Pure Things, not
having Metallick Fusion; they being commixed, and well ground
together with the aforesaid Calx, depurated in the aforesaid
manner. For these, in the Fusion or Reduction of the
Calx, will retain with themselves the aforesaid Gross and
Unclean Earthiness, the Body remaining pure, Cleansed
from all Corrupting Superflu∣ity; and this by Descending.

The way of Meliorating and Subtiliating the
pure Substance of these, is in General this: First, this Purged and
Reduced Body is again Calcined with Fire; and this by the
Munda∣tive helps aforesaid: and then, with such of these as are
Solutive it must be dissolved. For this Water is our
Stone, and Argentvive of Ar∣gentvive, and
Sulphur of Sulphur, abstracted from the Spiritual
Body, and Subtiliated or Attenuated; which may be Meliorated by comforting
the Elemental Virtues in it, with other prepared Things, that are of
the kind of its own Kind; and by augmenting the Colour, Fixion, Weight,
Purity, Fusion, and all other Things which appertain to a perfect
Elixir. And this is the way (by us only found out) of the
Preparation, Depuration, Subtilia∣tion and Melioration of
Mineral Bodies in Ge∣neral. Now we pass to the Special or Particular
Preparation of every Imperfect Body, with all its Methods, as also
of the Perfect Mineral Bodies. And first of Jupiter.

Page 12
CHAP. V.
Of the Preparation of Tin in Special.

JƲpiter is manifoldly prepared, yet best in this
manner: Put it in an apt Vessel in a Fur∣nace of
Calcination, and under it make Fire sufficient for good Fusion of
the Body; stir∣ring the Liquefied Body with an Iron Spatula
full of holes, and drawing off the Scum that riseth, and again
stitring the Body, in that heat of Fire equally induring, until on
the Superficies be gathered together a good quan∣tity of that Scum or
Powder; which take off, and again continue stirring until the whole
Body be reduced to Powder. This Powder sift, and
replace it again in the Furnace, adding Fire, not exceeding
the Fire of its Fusion, and stir it often. Keep it in this
Fire of Cal∣cination for a day Natural, or thereabouts,
un∣til its whole Accidental and Superfluous Hu∣midity be abolished,
with its Combustible and Corrupting Sulphur. For the Fire
elevates and consumes every Fugitive and inflamable Substance: then often
well wash it with the aforesaid, viz. with Common-Salt
Cleansed, and Allom, and with Purified and Harsh
Vi∣negar, and dry it at the Sun, or in the Air; and
then again Grind, and Wash, and Dry:
Page 13
and do this time
after time, until by the acui∣ty of the Salts, Alloms, and
Vinegar, its whole Humidity, Blackness, and
Ʋncleanness, shall be consumed, corroded and done away. This
be∣ing done, add Glass beaten to Powder, to these
aforesaid, and when you shall have impasted the whole together, then with
sufficient Fire make it flow in a Crucible with an hole in
its bottom, set within another, and the pure and clean Body will
descend, the whole earthly and feculent Substance remaining above with the
Glass, and Salts, or Alloms; for in that
Body descended and reduced, is an equal and per∣fect
Proportion of clean Argentvive and white Sulphur not
burning; because Fire and the Cor∣rosives have divided
the whole Humidity, and fugitive, and inflamable, and corrupting
Sub∣stance and Blackness; and through that
Discen∣sory, by the pasting with Salts, Alloms, and
Glass, the whole feculent earthy Substance is separated, the
pure Substance with its Propor∣tion remaining.

Afterward calcine this pure reduced Body a∣gain, with pure and
clean Salarmoniac, until it be in weight equal, or thereabout. When it
shall be well and perfectly calcined, then grind the whole well and long upon
a Perphiry-stone, and place it in the open Air, in a
cold and humid place; or in Glass Vessels, in
a Furnace of Solution, or in Horse-dung, until the
whole be dissolved; augmenting the Salt if need be. This
Water we ought to honour, for it is what
Page 14
we
seek for the White. These may suffice to be spoken of the
Preparation of Tin.

CHAP. VI.
Of the Preparation of Saturn.

LEad is thus prepared, Set it in a like
Fur∣nace of Calcination, stirring it, while in flux, as you
did the Tin, until it be converted to a most fine Powder:
Sift this, and again set it in the Fire of its Calcination,
as aforesaid, until its Fugitive and Inflamable Substance be abo∣lished.
Afterwards take out your red Calx, which imbibe and grind often, with
Common Salt cleansed, and Atrament purified, and very
harsh Vinegar. For the Red you must use these, as you
did for the White, with Common Salt, Jamenous Allom, and
Vinegar: Also as of Tin is said, your Matter must be
often imbibed, dryed, and ground, until by benefit of the aforesaid, this
said uncleanness be totally removed: then mix Glass with these
aforesaid, and as you did with the Tin cause the pure
Body to descend, that descending it may be reduced. Again,
Calcine it with pure Salarmoniac (as of Jupiter is
said) and most subtily grind and dissolve it by the way aforesaid.
For that is the Water of Argentvive and Sulphur
proportionally made, which we use in Composition of the Red
E∣lixir.
Page 15
These of the the Preparation of
Saturn, may suffice.

CHAP. VII.
Of the Preparation of Venus.

VEnus or Copper, is this way prepared: Make a
Lay of Common Salt well cleansed in a Crucible,
and upon that put a piece of Copper Plate, and over that a
Lay of Salt, and then more of the Plate; and so
continually, until the Vessel be full: which being covered and
firmly luted, place in a Furnace of Calci∣nation, for one day
Natural; then take it out and separate and scrape off what shall
be Cal∣cined; and again Calcine the Plates with
New Salt, as before, repeating the Calcination so of∣ten,
as until all the Plates shall be consumed, and corroded by the
benefit of the Salt and Fire: for the Salt corrodes
the superfluous Hu∣midity and Combustible Sulphurcity,
and the Fire elevates the Fugitive and Inflamable Sub∣stance with
due Proportion. Grind this calci∣ned matter to a most subtile
Powder, and wash it with Vinegar; until the Water
come from is free from Blackness. Another time imbibe it with new
Salt and Vinegar, and Grind, and after Contrition (or
Grinding) put it in a Cal∣cining Furnace, in an open
Vessel, and let it stand
Page 16
there three days
Natural; then take it out and Grind it very well and subtily, and well and
long wash it with Vinegar, until it shall be cleansed and purged
from all Ʋncleanness. This being done, dry it well in the
Sun, then add to it half its weight of Salarmoniac, well and
long Grinding, until it be an impulpable Substance. Then expose it
to the open Air, or set it in Horse-dung to be
dissolved, until whatsoever is there subtile shall be dissolved;
anew ad∣ding clean Salarmoniac, if need shall be, until the whole be
made Water. Honour this Water, which we name the Water of
fixed Sulphur, with which the Elixir is tinged to
Infinity. These of the Preparation of Venus.

CHAP. VIII.
Of the Preparation of Mars.

MArs or Iron, is best prepared thus: Let it
be Calcined as Venus, with Common Salt cleansed, and let it
be washed with pure Vinegar; being washed, dry it in the
Sun, and when dryed, grind and imbibe it with new Salt and
Vinegar, and then put it in the same Furnace, as of
Venus is said, for three days. Honour this Solution,
viz. The Water of fixed Sulphur, wonderfully augmenting
the Colour of the E∣lixir. These may suffice to be
spoken of the Preparation of Imperfect Bodies.

Page 17
CHAP. IX.
Of the Preparation of Sol.

PErfect Bodies need not Preparation, in
relati∣on to their further Perfection, being perfect; but that they
may be more subtiliated, and at∣tenuated, we adhibit this
Preparation to them:

℞ Sol or Gold beaten into thin
Plates, and with them and Common Salt very well prepared,
make Lay upon Lay in a Vessel of Calcination, which set
into a Furnace and Calcine well for three days, until the whole be
subtily Calcined; then take it out, grind it well, wash it with
Vinegar, and dry it in the Sun, afterward grind it well with
half its weight of cleansed Salar∣moniac; then set it to be
dissolved, until the whole (by the benefit of Common Salt
and Ar∣moniac) be dissolved into a most clear Water.
This is the precious Ferment for the Red Elixir, and the true
Body made Spiritual.

CHAP. X.
Of the Preparation of Luna.

LƲna or Silver, is subtiliated and
attenuated and reduced to Spirituality, in manner as
Page 18
above is said of Sol. Therefore in all and
e∣very part of the Work, do the same in its Sub∣tiliation,
as you did with the Gold. And this Wa∣ter of Luna
dissolved, is the Ferment for the White Elixir, made
Spiritual.

CHAP. XI.
Of the Properties of the Greater Elixir.

WE have now sufficiently determinated the Preparation
and Subtiliation of per∣fect Bodies, that every Discreet
Operator may be enabled to attain his Intention. Therefore
let him attend to the Properties and Ways of Acti∣on
of the Composition of the Greater Elixir: For we endeavour
to make one Substance, yet compounded and composed of many; so
per∣manently fixed, that being put upon the Fire, the Fire
cannot injure; and that it may be mix∣ed with Metals in Flux,
and flow with them, and enter with that which in them is of an in∣gressible
Substance, and be permixed with that, which in them is of a
permixable Substance; and be consolidated with that, which in them
is of a consolidate Substance; and be fixed with that, which in
them is of a fixable Substance; and not be burned by those
Things which burn not Gold and Silver; and take away
Consolidations and Weights with due Ignition.

Yet you must not think all this can be effect∣ed
Page 19
by Preparation at once, in a very short
Time, as a few Dayes and Hours; but in re∣spect of
other Modern Physicians, and also in respect of the
Operation of Nature, the Verity of the Work
is sooner terminated this way. Whence the Philosopher saith,
It is a Medicine requiring a long space of time. Wherefore I tell
you, you must patiently sustain Labour, be∣cause the work will
be long; and indeed Fe∣stination is from the Devils part:
Therefore let him that hath not Patience desist from the
Work, for credulity will hinder him making overmuch haste. And every
Natural Action hath its deter∣minate Measure and
Time, in which it is ter∣minated, viz. in a greater or
lesser space. For this Work Three Things are
necessary, namely, Patience, Length of Time, and
Aptness of Instru∣ments; of which we speak to the
Artificer, in the Sum of the Perfection of our Magistery,
in divers Chapters, wherein he may find them, if he be sufficiently
skilled in our Works. In which, by manifest and open Proof
we con∣clude, that our Stone is no other than a Foetent (or
fruitful) Spirit and Living Water, which we have named Dry
Water, by Natural Proportion cleansed, and united with such
Ʋnion, that they can never be absent each from other. To which two
must also be added a third, for abbreviating the Work; that is a
perfect Body attenuated.

Page 20
The Epilogue and Conclusion of the Work.
THerefore from the above premised, the Things are
manifest in which the Verity of the Work is nigh; and we
have considered Things perfecting this Work, by our true
Investi∣gation, with certain Experience, whereby we are
assured, That all the Words are true, which are now (by us only)
written in our Volumns, ac∣cording as we found by Experiment
and Rea∣son, related in the same: But those Things
which by our Experience we have operated, seen with our
Eyes, and handled with our Hands, We have writ in the
Sum of the Per∣fection of Our Magistery. Therefore, let the
Sa∣pient Artificer studiously peruse Our Books,
col∣lecting Our dispersed Intention, which We have described in
divers places, that We might not expose it to Malignant and Ignorant
Men; and let him prove his Collection even unto
Knowledge, Studying and Experimenting with the Instance of
Ingenious Labour, till he come to an intire Understanding of the whole.
Let the Artificer exercise himself, and find out this now (in
great Love) proposed Way of Inve∣stigation, by Our
Consideration; and also ac∣quire a plenary Knowledge of
the Verity of the perfecting and corrupting Matter and
Form. For We in Our Investigation, have considered
Page 21
the Matter and Form of Perfect
Bodies (from the Radix of their Commixtion, unto
their Compleatment) to be pure without any super∣venient
Corruption. We have also, in a con∣trary Sense,
considered the Substance of Bodies imperfect and perfect,
to be one every where, Viz. Argentvive and Sulphur; which are
pure and clean before their Commixtion: And by this
Consideration, through Our own Exercise, We found the
Corruption of imperfect Bodies, accidentally to have
access; and that this gave a new and corrupted Form: For when We
have seen imperfect Bodies by Our Experience and Ingenuity,
prepared and cleansed from all superfluous Corruption and Fugitive
Ʋncleanness, deliberate and terrestrial, We found them of
greater Clearness and Brightness, or Purity,
than Bodies naturally perfect, not prepared. By which
Consideration We came to the perfect and compleat end of this
Science, which We have perfectly described in Our Books.
There∣fore be Studious in them, and you will find Our whole Science,
which We have abbrevi∣ated out of the Books of the
Ancients.

The end of this Investigation.
Page 22

---

GEBER, The Famous Arabian Prince and Philosopher, Of the Sum of PERFECTION, OR, OF THE PERFECT MAGISTERY: Two Books.

The First Book.

The PREFACE, Touching the Way of Describing this ART, and of those that are fit DISCIPLES.

OUr whole Science of Chymistry, which,
with a divers Compilation, out of the Books of the
Ancients, We have ab∣breviated in our Volumes; We here reduce
into one Sum. And what in other Books written by Us is
diminished, that We have suffi∣ciently
Page 23
made up, in the
Writing of this Our Book, and supplied the Defect
of them very briefly. And what was absconded by Us in one Part, that We have
made manifest in the same Part, in this our Volume; that the
Compleatment of so Excel∣lent and Noble a Part of
Philosophy, may be apparent to the Wise.

Therefore, Most dear Son, know, that in this
Work the whole Operation of Our Art is
sufficiently contained in General Heads, with an
Ʋniversal Discourse, without any Diminu∣tion. And he, who
shall operate according to this Book, he shall (through God) with
Joy find, that he is come to the true end of this Art. But
you must also know, that he, who in him∣self knows not Natural
Principles, is very re∣mote from our Art; because he hath
not a true Root, whereon to found his intention. And he, who knows his
Natural Principles, and all Causes of Minerals,
yet hath not acquired the true End and Proficiency of this
Art; hath a more easie Access to the Principles of this
Art, than he who is ignorant in his Intention of the
Method of his Work, and is but a lit∣tle remote from the
Entrance of Art. But he who knows the Principles of
all Things, and the Causes of Minerals, and the
Way of Genera∣tion; which consists, according to the
Inten∣tion of Nature, is indeed but a very little short of
the Compleatment of the Work; with∣out which our
Science cannot be perfect: be∣cause Art cannot imitate
Nature in all Works,
Page 24
but imitates her as
exactly as it can. There∣fore most dear Son, We discover a
Secret to you, Viz. That Artificers erre in this,
namely, That they desire to imitate Nature in all
Dif∣ferences of the Properties of Action. Wherefore
labour studiously in Our Volumes, and endea∣vour to ponder them
very often in your Mind, that you may acquire the true
Intention of Our Words; because in them you may find
whereon to establish your own Mind, and by them know how to
escape Errors, and in what you may be able to imitate
Nature in the Artifice of your Work.

The Division of this First Book into Four Parts.
FIrst, We intend briefly to set down all
Im∣pediments by which the Artificer is im∣peded in his
Work, that he cannot reach to the true End: Also, in this
Part we will speak of the Conditions of the
Operator of this Art.

Secondly, We will dispute against the
Igno∣rant and Sophisters, who by reason of their own
Ignorance and Ʋnskilfulness in their Search
after the Magistery, and the Proficiency of this
Art, damn the Art it self, and contend that it hath no
being, or is not. But in this part We set down all their Reasons,
and afterward most evidently confute the same; so that it
Page 25
will be sufficiently evident to Wise Men,
that their Sophismes are void of Truth.

Thirdly, We intend to Discourse of Natural
Principles, that are according to the Intention of
Nature; and in that Part We treat of the Way of
Generation and Mixtion of them each with other, in the
Work of Nature, and of their Effects, according to
the Opinion of An∣cient Philosophers.

Fourthly, We will demonstrate the
Princi∣ples, which are according to the Intention of this Our
Work; in which We are able to imi∣tate Nature, and the way of
mixing and alte∣ring, congruous to Nature, with its Causes,
to be reduced to the Intent of Our Work.

The First Part of this First Book, treat∣ing of the Impediments which hinder the Artists from attaining to the true End of this Art.
CHAP. I.
The Division of Impediments.

THe Impediments incident to this Work, are
generally two, viz. Natural Impotency, and Defect of
Necessary Expence, or Occupations
Page 26

and Labours. Yet We say, Natural Impotency is Manifold;
viz. Partly from the Organs of the Artist, and partly
from his Soul. From the Or∣gan of the Artificer, it
is also manifold; for ei∣ther the Organ is weak, or wholly
corrupted. And it is manifold from the Impotencies of the
Soul; either because the Soul is perverted in the
Organ (having nothing of Rectitude, or Reason in
it self) as the Soul of a Mad infatuate Man; or
because it is Fantastical, unduly susceptive of the
Contrary of Forms, and suddenly extensive from one
Thing knowable, to its opposit, and from one Will to its
opposit likewise.

CHAP. II.
Of the Impediments of this Work, from the Part of the
Body of the Artificer.

WE have already generally determined the
Impediments of this Work; but now in this Chapter,
We speak in a more special man∣ner, and more plainly declare to you all
those Impediments most fully, yet with brevity. Therefore We
say, if any Man have not his Organs compleat, he cannot by
himself come to the Compleatment of this Work; no more than
if he were Blind or wanted his Limbs; because he is not
helped by the Members: by meditation of which, as ministring to
Na∣ture,
Page 27
this Art is perfected. And if
the Body of the Artificer be weak, sickly, and feaverish;
or like the Bodies of Leprous persons, whose
Mem∣bers fail; or of Men at the last point of
Life, or worn out with decrepit old Age; he cannot attain to the
Compleatment of the Art. There∣fore the Artist is
hindered in his Intention, by these Natural Impotencies of
the Body.

CHAP. III.
Of the Impediments from the part of the Artists
Soul.

WE premised one Chapter, in which we absolutely and
manifestly declared the Impediments depending on the part of the
Bo∣dy of the Artificer: It now remains, that we briefly
declare the Impediments from the Part of his Soul,
which mostly hinder the com∣pleatment of this Work. Therefore, we
say, he that hath not a Natural Ingenuity, and Soul,
searching and subtily scrutinizing Natural Prin∣ciples, the
Fundamentals of Nature, and Artifices which can
follow Nature, in the properties of her Action, cannot find
the true Radix of this most precious Science. As there are
many who have a stiff Neck, void of Ingenuity in every
perscrutation; and who can scarcely under∣stand Common Speech,
and likewise with diffi∣culty learn Works vulgarly Common. Besides
Page 28
these, we also find many who have a Soul
easily opinionating every Phantasie; but what they believe they
have found true, is all Phan∣tastick, deviating from
Reason, full of Error, and remote from Natural
Principles: Because their Brain, repleat with many
Fumosities, cannot receive the true Intention of
Natural Things. There are also, besides these, others who have a
Soul movable, from Opinion to Opinions, and from
Will to Wills; as those, who suddenly believe a Thing,
and will the same, without any Ground at all of Reason; but a
little after that, another Thing: and do like∣wise believe another, and will
another. And these are so changeable, that they can scarcely accomplish
the least of that they intend; but rather leave it defective. There are
likewise Others, who cannot see any Truth in Na∣tural Things, no
more than Beasts; as if they were Witless, Mad-men and
Children. There are Others also who contemn the Science,
and think it not to be; whom in like manner this Science contemns, and
repels them from the End of this most precious Work. And
there are Some, who are Slaves, loving Money, who do affirm
this to be an admirable Science, but are are afraid to interposit
the Necessary Charges. Therefore, although they approve it, and
according to Reason seek the same, yet to the
Experience of the Work they attain not through
Covetousness of Money: Therefore, this Our Science comes
not to them. For how
Page 29
can he who is ignorant, or negligent
in the search of Science, attain easily to it?

CHAP. IV.
Of External Impediments hindring the Work of this
Art.

WE have to two Heads reduced all
Im∣pediments retarding the End of this Art, which
all are from Radical Principles according to the Nature of
the Artificer of this most precious Business.
Therefore, it con∣cerns Us now at length to declare the Im∣pediments
externally supervenient, and happen∣ing by Chances and
Casualties, by which, this most Glorious Work is
hindered. We see some subtil and ingenious Men, skilled in the
Works of Nature, and, as far as is possible, follow∣ers
of her, in her Principles and Works; in whom also is an
Investigation not Phantastick, in all Things beneath the
Lunar Circle, that are regulated by the Motions and
Actions of Nature: Yet these, oppressed with extream
Poverty, and lying under a Dispensation of Indigency, are
compelled to postpone or neg∣lect this Excellent Magistery. There
are many Others besides the abovesaid Curious Men, detained by the
various Cares and Solicitudes of this World,
occupying themselves wholly
Page 30
in Secular
Business; from whom this our pre∣cious Science withdraws her
self.

Now, from the premised Heads, 'tis
suffici∣ently manifest what are the Impediments hin∣dring
Men from this Art.

CHAP. V.
The Conclusion of this First Part, con∣taining the
Qualifications of the Ar∣tificer.

THerefore, from what is abovesaid, we conclude, that the
Artificer of this Work ought to be well skilled, and perfect
in the Sciences of Natural Philosophy: because, how much
Money soever he hath, and although he be endowed with a naturally
profound Wit and Desire in this Artifice, yet he
cannot attain his End, unless he hath by Learning acquired
Natural Philosophy. For the defect of that which is not acquired by
Natural In∣genuity, must be supplied by Learning.
There∣fore the Artificer must be helped by most deep
Search, and Natural Industry. For, by reason of his
Learning only, how much soever of Science he hath acquired,
unless he be also helped by Natural Industry, he will not be
in∣vited to so precious a Banquet. By his In∣dustry, he
must amend his Errour in the point,
Page 31
to which he
will be ignorant how to apply a Remedy, if he rely only upon his
Learning: so likewise, he may remedy his Errour in the
Point, from his Knowledg acquired by Natu∣ral Learning, which
by Industry only he can∣not avoid; because Art is helped
by Ingenu∣ity, and Ingenuity by Art likewise.

Also it is necessary for him to be of a con∣stant
Will in his Work, that he may not pre∣sume to attempt this now, and
that another time: because our Art consists not, nor is
perfected in a Multitude of Things. For there is one Stone,
one Medicine, in which the Ma∣gistery consists, to
which we add not any ex∣traneous Thing, nor remove we ought; ex∣cept
that in Preparation we take away Super∣fluities.

Also he must be diligent in the Work,
per∣sisting to the final Consummation thereof, that he leave not
off obruptly; because he can acquire neither Knowledge nor Profit from a
diminished Work; but shall rather reap De∣speration and
Dammage. It is also expedient he should know the
Principles and Principal Radixes of this Art, which
are essential to the Work: because, he that is ignorant of the
Beginnings, cannot find the End. And we shew you all
those Principles in a Discourse com∣pleat, and sufficiently
clear and manifest to wise Men, according to the exigency of this our
Art. It is likewise expedient, the Artist should be
temperate and slow to Anger, least
Page 32
he
suddenly (through the force of Rage) spoil and destroy his
Works begun.

Likewise also, he must keep his Money, and
not presumptuously distribute it vainly, least he happen not to find
the Art, and be left in Miscry, and in the
Desperation of Po∣verty; or at least, when (by his
Diligent Endeavour) he is come near to the End of his
Magistery, his Money being all spent, he be forced to
leave the End (miserable Man as he is) uncompleated. For they, who
in the Beginning prodigally waste their whole Treasure,
when they draw nigh to the End, have not wherewith to Labour. Whence
such Men are twofoldly overwhelmed with Grief; viz. because they
spent their Money in Things unprofitable, and because they lose
the most noble Science which they were in quest of. For you need
not to consume your Goods, seeing you may come to the compleatment
of the Magistery for a small price▪ if you be not ignorant of
the Principles of Art, and rightly understand what we have
declared to you. Therefore, if you waste your Money, not minding our
Admonitions, plain and ma∣nifest, written in this Little Book; inveigh not
against Us; but impute what you suffer to your own Ignorance and
Presumption. For this Science agrees not well with a
Man poor and indigent, but is rather inimical and ad∣verse to
him.

Nor should the Artist endeavour to find
Page 33
the Sophistical end of his Work, but
be intent on the true Compleatment only; because our Art is
reserved in the Divine Will of God, and is given to, or
with-held from, whom he will; who is Glorious, Sublime, and full of
all Ju∣stice and Goodness. And perhaps, for the
pu∣nishment of your Sophistical Work, he denies you the
Art, and lamentably thrusts you in∣to the By-Path of
Error, and from your Er∣ror into perpetual
Infelicity and Misery: be∣cause he is most miserable
and unhappy, to whom (after the End of his Work and
Labour) GOD denies the sight of Truth. For such a
Man is constituted in perpetual Labour, beset with all
Misfortune and Infeli∣city, loseth the Consolation,
Joy, and Delight of his whole Time, and consumes his
Life in Grief without Profit. Likewise, the Ar∣tist, when he
shall be in his Work, should study to impress in his
Mind, all Signs that appear in every Decoction, and
to search out their Causes.

These are the Things necessary for an
Ar∣tificer fit for our Art; but if any of these We have
declared be wanting in him, he should not approach to our Art.

Page 34
The Second Part of this First Book: in which are related the Reasons of Men denying this Art, which are af∣terward confuted.
A General Division of the Following.
HAving already in one Sum of this lit∣tle
Book comprised all the Impediments of this Work,
and given you a Doctrine suf∣ficient for the Adherency of
this Art: it is now expedient, according to the Intention of
our Purpose, to dispute against Sophi∣sters and
Ignorant Men. First▪ setting down their Reasons,
according as we promised We would do from the Beginning. Lastly,
We enervate all those Reasons so, as it shall be evident to
the Wise, that they contain No∣thing of Truth in them.

CHAP. I.
The true Reasons of Men simply deny∣ing this Art.

THere are divers who deny and annihilate this Art.
Some simply, others only sup∣posing
Page 35
it to be. For
Some, simply affirming this Art not to be, Sophistically
strengthen their Argument, thus: They say, there are di∣stinct
Species and Diversities of Things, because the
Proportions, in Commixtion of Elements each with other, are
divers and distinct. For an Ass▪ is divers in
Species from a Man; be∣cause, in his
Composition, he had a more di∣vers Proportion of
Elements. So also it is in all other Diversities of
Things, therefore in Minerals. Wherefore the
Proportion of Things Mixable (by which is acquired the
Form and Perfection of the Thing) being unknown, how
can we know both the Mixture, and to form what is to be mixed? But we
are ignorant of the true Proportion of the Elements of the
Sol and Luna, therefore we must be ignorant how to form
them.

In like manner, they also otherwise argue, condemning
our Magistery. For say they, al∣though you should know the
Proportion of Elements, yet the way of mixing them toge∣ther
you know not; because Nature Procre∣ates these in
Caverns, in Mines, and in hidden Places; therefore,
seeing you know not the Way (or Method) of their
Mixtion, you are also ignorant how to make them. In like fort, again
they argue: Although you should duly know this, yet in the Action of
Mixtion you understand not how to equalize the A∣gent Heat,
by mediation of which the Thing is so perfected. For Nature hath a
certain
Page 36
Quantity of Heat, by which she
brings Me∣tals to a Being, the measure of which you know
not. Even so also you know not the Differences of the Agent
Causes of Nature; without which, Nature cannot truly
perfect her Intent. Therefore, these being unknown, the whole
Method of performing this Art, will be unknown
likewise.

Further, they bring you Reason and
Expe∣rience: This Science (say they) hath been so long
sought by wise Men, that if it were possible to attain to it
any way, they would a thousand times, before now, have been
Ma∣sters of it. Likewise also, seeing Philosophers
seem to treat of it in their Volumes, yet in them we find no
Truth: 'tis manifest and probable enough by this, that this
Science is not. So likewise, many Princes and
Kings of this World, having infinite Treasure, and
abun∣dance of Philosophers, have desired to attain to this
Science, yet could never reach to the Fruit of this most
precious Art. This is a sufficient Argument, that the
Art is frivolous in its probation. Likewise, even in weak
Mixtions of Species, we cannot follow Na∣ture. For
we know not how to form an Ass, and other like Things, the
Mixtions of which are weak, and manifest (as it were) to the
Senses. Wherefore also, We must needs be much more ignorant, how
to form the Mixtion of Metals, which is most strong; and
which is also wholly hid from our Senses
Page 37
and
Experiences. The Sign of which is the difficulty of
Resolutions of Elements from them.

So also, We see no Oxe transformed into a
Goat, nor any one Species transmuted in∣to another, or by
any other Artifice so redu∣ced. Therefore, seeing Metals
differ in them∣selves, can you transform one into another, according to its
Species, or of such a Species make such a
Species? This seems to us suffi∣ciently absurd, and remote from
the Verity of Natural Principles. For, Nature
perfects Metals in a thousand Years; but how can you, in
your Artifice of Transmutation, live a thou∣sand years,
seeing you are scarely able to ex∣tend your Life to an Hundred? Yet, if to
this, it be thus answered, What Nature cannot perfect in a very long
space of time, that we compleat in a short space by our
Arti∣fice: For Art can in many Things supply the
Defect of Nature. We say again, That this also is
impossible, especially in Metals; see∣ing they are most
subtil Fumes which need temperate Decoction, that the
proper Humidi∣ty in them may, according to Equality, be
Inspissate (or Thickned) and not fly from them, and
leave those Bodies deprived of all Humidity, by which they
receive Contusion, or Compression and
Extension. Therefore, if you will by your Artifice
abbreviate the Time of Decoction of Nature, in
Minerals and Me∣tallick Bodies, you must needs do this by
Ex∣cess
Page 38
of Heat; which which will not
ade∣quate, but rather dissipate and destroy the Humidity,
dissolving it from their Bodies. For Temperate Heat only
is Spissative of Humidity, and Perfective of Mixtion, not
Heat exceeding.

So likewise, the Being and Perfection
are given from the Stars, as the first Perficients, moving
the Nature of Generation and Corrup∣tion, to the
Being and not Being of Species. But this is done
suddenly, and in an instant, when one or more Stars, by their
Motions, come to a determinate Site in the Firmament, by
which the Being of Perfection is given: for every One thing
acquires to it self a Being, in a moment, from a certain
Site of the Stars. And there is not only one Site,
but many, and divers each from other, as the Effects of them are
divers. And We cannot know the Diversity and Distinction
of these each from o∣ther; because to Us they are unknown and infinite. How
then will you supply the De∣fect in your Work, being
ignorant of the Diversity of Sites of the Stars,
according to the Motion of them? And admit you did know the certain
Site of one or more Stars, by which Perfection is
given to Metals, yet you could not perfect your Work
according to your Intent. For there is no Preparation of any
Work, for receiving Form by Artifice, in an
instant, but successive. Therefore Form cannot be given to the
Work, the Preparation being not made in an
Instant.

Page 39
Likewise also, in Things
Natural, this is the Order, viz. that it is easier to
destroy them than make them. But we can scarcely destroy Gold,
how then can We presume to Fabricate the same?

Therefore, by reason of these Sophistical
Reasons, and others less apparent than these, they conceit they can
destroy this Divine Art. All these are the Perswasions of
So∣phisters, simply denying the Art to be. But the
Reasons of those who deny Art from
Sup∣position, I will set down in the Subsequent,
to∣gether with the Refutations of them. Yet hence We pass to the
Refutation of the Reasons here Posited: first
premising our true Intention, in order to the Compleatment
of the Work.

CHAP. II.
That it is not possible, nor ought to be
supposed, that Art can imitate Na∣ture in all Differences of Properties of
Action. And certain Instructions touching the Principles of Metals.

THerefore We say, the Principles, about which
Nature imploys her Actions, are of a most hard and most
strong Composition: and they are Sulphur and
Argentvive, as some Philoso∣phers
Page 40

say. Wherefore, being of a most hard and most strong
Composition, they are also of most difficult
Resolution; but this is, that In∣spissation (or
Thickning) and Induration (or Hardning) of them each
with other, may be in such wise made, that they may suffer
Con∣tusion and Extension, by Malleable
Compulsion, and not be broken. By this, no other thing is meant,
than that in Commixtion of them each with other, their Viscous
Humidity is pre∣served by Successive Decoction in the
Mine. Therefore most Dear Son, We give you this General
Rule, viz. that Inspissation of any Hu∣midity
cannot be made, unless first, with the Humidity be made an
Exaltation of the Parts most subtil; and also with the
same Hu∣midity, Conservation of the Parts more
Gross (if the Humid in Commixtion exceed the
Dry) and a true Mixtion of the Dry and
Humid; that the Humidity may be contempered by the
Dryness, and the Dryness by the Humidi∣ty, and
both become one Substance, Homoge∣neal in its Parts,
temperate between hard and soft, and extensive in Contusion. But
this is not done, unless by Diuturnal Mixtion of the viscous
Humidity, and subtile Earthiness, through their least
parts, until the Humid become the same with the Dry, and
the Dry with the Humid. And the Resolution of
such a subtil Vapour is not suddenly made, but very leisurely,
and in thousands of Years; and that therefore, because it is the
Page 41
Ʋniform Substance of the Principles
of Nature. For if Resolution of the superfluous
Humidity from them, should suddenly be made (seeing the
Humid differs not from the Dry, by rea∣son of the strong
Mixtion, which they have) the Humidity of the
Mixtion would be resolved with the Dryness, and so the
whole vanish into Fume; nor could the Humidity be
seperated from the Dryness in Resolution, by reason
of the strong Ʋnion which they have each with other.

Of this We see a manifest Experiment in
Sub∣limation of Spirits; for when in them is made a sudden
Resolution by Sublimation, the Humid is not
separated from the Dry, nor the Dry from the
Humid, being divided into all the Parts of their
Mixtion; but their whole Substance a∣scends, or little of
the Mixture is dissolved. Therefore the successive diuturnal
and equal Resolution of the subtile fumous Humidity, is
the Cause of the Inspissation of Metals. But
this Inspissation We cannot also make after this manner;
therefore in this We cannot follow Nature, for We cannot imitate
Nature in all Differences of Properties of
Action. Wherefore Our Intention is not to follow
Nature in the Principles, nor in the Proportion of
mixable E∣lements, nor in the manner of mixing them each with other;
nor in the equation of in∣spissating (or thickning) Heat: all
these Things being to Us impossible and wholly un∣known.
Therefore it now remains, that We set about refuting the afore-mentioned
Reasons
Page 42
of Sophisters, through
Ignorance denying this most excellent Science.

CHAP. III.
A Confutation of the Reasons of Men simply denying
Art.

If they say We know not the Proportion of
Elements, and way of Mixing of them each with other, also
the Equation of Heat inspissa∣ting Metals; and many
other Causes and con∣sequent Accidents of the
Actions of Nature: We grant the same. Yet by reason of
this they do not enervate Our Divine Science, because they are
Things We are neither willing nor a∣ble to know, any more than they
can reach to Our Work. But We assume to Our selves another
Principle, and another Method of Ge∣neration of
Metals, in which We are able to follow Nature.

If they say Philosophers and Princes of this
World, have desired this Science and could not find it, We
answer, They lie. For some Princes (though few) and
especially the An∣cient and Wise Men found in Our
Time, have (as is manifest) by their Industry, found out
this Science; but would never by Word or Wri∣ting
discover the same to such Men, because they are unworthy of
it. Therefore They
Page 43
not seeing any to
possess this Science, conceive an Error in their
Minds, and thence judge that none have found it.

Further, if they phantastically argue, affirm∣ing our
Impotency, that we cannot imitate Na∣ture even in weak
Mixtions, as in the Mixtion of an Ass or
Oxe; therefore not in the strong: We answer, detecting their
manifold Error, that there is no necessity, from their Way of
arguing, for Us to grant that our Art is not; because they
strengthen their Error and Phan∣tasie, from a
Like, or from a Greater to a Less, in which is not
contained Necessity, but Contin∣gency; as in many things.
This also we shew, by another way, demonstrating, that they assign no
apparent Similitude between a weak Comix∣tion of Animals, and
the firm and strong Com∣position of Minerals. For in
Animals, and other Living Things, in which the
Composition is weak, there is not a perficient Proportion,
nor Misci∣bles of Proportion, nor Qualities of
Miscibles, nor a Commixtion, which follows from the Acti∣on
and Passion of those Things each with other, which is▪ from the
Aggregation of those first Qualities; but there is (according to
the Opi∣nion of Many) a Soul, which is from the
Occult Recesses of Nature, as from a
Quintessence, or from the first Mover. And of this
also we speak, according to the Opinion of many, and know not the
Secret thereof. Therefore, we cannot perform such Things as these,
although in them is a weak Mixtion; because we know not how
Page 44
to infuse the Perfective, which is the
Soul. Yet hence it follows, that the Defect in us, that we cannot
compound or make an Oxe, or a Goat, is not from the
Part of the Mixtion, but through defect of Infusion of the
Soul: because, as we know how to make a weak and more weak
Composition, so we also know how to make the strong and more
strong; imitating the Way and Course of Nature
according to our Artifice. In Metals is lesser
Perfection than in Animals; and the Perfection of
them consists more in Pro∣portion and Composition, than
in any thing else. Therefore, seeing in them is less Perfection,
than in the other now mentioned; we can the more freely perfect these, but
the other not so. For the most High and Glorious GOD hath
distin∣guished Perfections each from other, in many
Forms. And those Things, in which the Compo∣sition (which
is according to Nature) was weak, are by GOD indued with
greater and more noble Perfection, viz. that, which is according to
the Soul: and other things, by him made, of a more firm and more
strong Composition, as Stones and Minerals, are
indued with a lesser and more ignoble Perfection, viz. that which
is from the Way of Mixtion. Therefore, hence 'tis evi∣dent,
that the Similitude of these Men is not good: for we are
not ignorant how to form an Oxe, or a Goat, in respect of
the Composition, but of the Perfective Form. Because
Perfection in an Oxe, or in a Goat, is more noble
and more occult, than the Perfection consisting in a
Metal.

Page 45
But if they otherwise argue, That
Species is not changed into Species; we again say, They
lye, as they are more accustomed, than to speak truly of these
Things: for Species is chang∣ed into Species, in this manner,
viz. when the Indi∣vidual of one Species is changed
into the Individual of another. We see a Worm, both
naturally, and by natural Artifice, to be turned into a Flye,
which differs from it in Species; and a Calfe strangled, to
be turned into Bees; Wheat into Darnel; and a Dog
strangled, into Wormes; by the putrefaction of Ebullition. Yet we do
not this, but Nature, to whom we administer, doth the same.
Likewise also, we alter not Me∣tals, but Nature; for
whom, acording to Art, we prepare that Matter: for she by
her self acts, not we; yet we are her Administrators.

And if they by another Reason thus argue, and strengthen
their own Sophisticate Opinion, saying: Nature perfects
Metals in thousands of years, but you cannot extend your
Life so long. We say, that Nature acting on her own
Prin∣ciples (according to the Opinion of
Philosophers) perfects them in Thousands of Years; but
be∣cause We cannot follow those Principles, therefore, whether
Nature perfects these in a Thousand Years, or in more or
fewer, or in a moment, their Perswasion determines not. That We
cannot imitate Nature in her Prin∣ciples, We have already in
the precedent Ne∣gative Discourse sufficiently abbreviated,
de∣clared, and in a more compleat Speech, in the
Page 46
Subsequent will demonstrate: Yet according to the Opinion
of some Wise and Discerning Men, Nature suddenly perfects her
intended Work; viz. in one Day, or in a shorter
Time. Al∣though this should be true, yet We cannot i∣mitate
Nature in the Principles, as We have suf∣ficiently proved,
as a Thing most manifest. Therefore the remainder of this
Argument We confess, gra•ting the whole to be certain∣ly true.

And if they say from the Site of one or more
Stars, Perfection is given to Metals, which Site We
know not. To this We answer, We have no necessity to know this
Site, because it is not a Species of Things
Generable and Cor∣ruptible, but from the Individuals of
it is made Generation and Corruption of something, every
day; whence it is evident that the Site of Stars is every day
the Perfective and Corruptive of one or other
Species of Individuals. Therefore it is not necessary to
expect the Site of Stars, yet it would be profitable; but it
is sufficient for Nature only to dispose; for she her self
being Wise, disposeth her Work by the convenient Sites
of moveable Bodies: Yea, Nature can∣not perform her own
Motion without the Mo∣tion and Site of
Things moveable. Therefore if you dispose the Artifice of
Nature, and con∣sider whatsoever shall fall in from the
Contin∣gents of this Magistery, the Work will be
duly perfected by Nature, under a due Site con∣venient for
it, without any previous Considera∣tion
Page 47

thereof. For when We see a Worm deduced to a Being from a
Dog, or other putrefiable Animal, We do not immediately
consider the Site of the Stars, but the
Dispositions of the surrounding Air, and other
Causes (besides that) perfective of Putrefaction. From
such a Consideration We sufficiently know, Worms to be
produced into a Being, according to Na∣ture; for
Nature finds out a Site convenient for her self, although
unknown by Us.

Also, If they say Perfection is given in an
Instant, and Our Preparation is not made in an
Instant: And hence conclude, That Our Ma∣gistery cannot
be compleated by Artifice; therefore the Art is not: We say
their Heads are fatuate and void of Humane Reason, and they
themselves more like to Beasts than Men; for they
conclude from Premises, having no Affinity with that which is
related.

Therefore this way of arguing (An Ass runs, ergo,
Thou art a Goat) signifies as much as theirs. And that for this
Reason, Although Preparation be not made in an
Instant, yet that hinders not, but that the Form or
Perfection may be given in an Instant to the
Matter prepared; for Preparation is not Perfection,
but a disposing to receive the Form.

Moreover, If they say that it is easier to destroy
Natural Things than to make them by Artifice, and that we can
scarcely destroy Gold, and thence conclude it to be impossible
to make the same. We answer, That so say∣ing
Page 48
they
conclude not of a necessity, by which We are compelled to grant
Gold cannot be made: For seeing it is difficultly destroyed, and
more difficultly made; but is not im∣possible that it may be made (of which
dif∣ficulty We assign this Reason, viz. Because it hath a
strong Composition, it must needs have a more difficult
Resolution, and therefore is difficultly destroyed;) yet hence
they think the Construction or Making of it impossible,
because they know not its Artificial Destruction, according to the
Course of Nature. Perhaps they have by Tryal
proved it to be of a strong Composition, but of how strong a
Composition have not tryed. Thus most dear Son, We have
presented to you, and refuted, the Phantasies of
Sophisters.

Therefore now 'tis expedient We should, according to Our
Promise, pass to those Things that are to be
determined, touching the Rea∣sons of Men denying the
Art, from Things given, or on Supposition. Which
being duly ex∣amined, We shall then come to determine those
Things, which are Principles of the In∣tention of
Nature; the Essence of which We shall more
sufficiently discourse of in the following: But after that
Determination, We shall also speak of those Things
that are the Principles of Our Magistery. Yet in treating
of the First, We make an universal, but in the following a
singular Discourse of every one of the Principles. But
now for the present We first
Page 49
betake Our
Selves to the Reasons of Men deny∣ing the
Art, from Things given; and their Refutations.

CHAP. IV.
Divers Opinions of those who suppose the Art to
be.

VVE find very many Men with a diverse
Intention, supposing this Art. Some indeed affirm that
this Art and Magistery is to be found in Spirits,
but others in Bodies; some in Salts, Allomes, Nitres, and
Boraces, but others in all Vegetable Things. And among all
the aforesaid, some partly well and partly ill, others altogether evil,
judging of this Divine Magistery, commit that their
Judgment to Posterity. Yet from the multiplicities of their
Errors, We have gathered the Truth, and this hath happened to
Us, with difficult and la∣borious conjectural Wariness, and long and
tedious Experience, with the Interposition of great
Charges; for their Error hath very often disturbed the
Disposition of Our Mind and Rea∣son, and
almost inferred Desperation. Be they therefore blasphemed to
Eternity, because they have left to their Posterity
Blasphemies and a Curse, and by their Error brought
the same on Men Philosophising. For they left not be∣hind
Page 50
them after their Death, Verity, but a
Diabo∣lick Instigation rather; and I shall be accursed if I
Correct not the Errors of those Men, and teach the
Truth in this Science, which this True Art rather
requires: For this Magistery needs not a Speech occult, nor
wholly mani∣fest. Therefore We shall treat of it in such Words
as may not be hid from the Wise, but to Men of mean
Capacity it Will be most pro∣found, and Fools shall be
absolutely debarr'd from Entrance therein. Which We intend here in
one and the same Discourse.

But returning to Our Purpose, We say, That
those who posite this Art in Spirits are manifoldly
divers. Some affirm, That the Stone of Philosophers must
necessarily be made of Argentvive; others of Sulphur and
of Ars∣nick in affinity to it, others of Marchasite;
some of Tutia and Magnesia, and not a few of
Salarmoniac. And of those who say it is in Bo∣dies,
some will have it in Lead, others in e∣very of the other
Bodies: so likewise some in Glass, some in
Gems; others in the Diversities of Salts, Allomes,
Nitres, and Boraces; and some in every kind of
Vegetables: And every one of these Supposers is adverse
to the other, according to his Supposition: and being adverse to
these, he believes himself to be simply adverse to the Art.
And for the most part We find either of these Sects void of
Reason.

Page 51
CHAP. V.
Of the Reasons of Men denying the Art supposed in
Sulphur.

Some supposing to find this Art in
Sulphur, imploy their whole Labour in Sulphur, and being
ignorant of the Perfection of the Prepa∣ration, they leave
the Preparation it self un∣compleat; for they conceit that
Cleansing and Purifying only will be a Preparation
of Perfecti∣on. But this is done by Sublimation, therefore
brought to their Intention, as they think; be∣cause they judge that
Sublimation only in Sul∣phur is the Perfection of
its Preparation; and likewise in its Compeer, viz.
Arsnick, they are induced to the like Judgment. Therefore
coming to Projection, which is with Intention of
Alteration, they see that to be burned and va∣nish, and not long
to abide in Bodies, and those Bodies to be left more
unclean than they were before Projection of their Matter upon
them. Now seeing this Delusion in the Com∣pleatment of
their Work, and that in a long time, whereas before they concluded in
their Minds; that this Science was to be found in
Sulphur only; but now having not therein found it, they argue it is
impossible to find it in an other Thing; wherefore, being not
found in
Page 52
this or that, they conclude 'tis no where to be
found.

The Confutation of the precedent Reasons.
TO these We briefly answer and say, that in this
they understand little, and are less Wise; because they suppose
Sulphur only to be the Matter of Our Stone. If this
their Supposition were true, yet in the way of Preparation
they are deceived; because they conceit Sublimati∣on only to be
sufficient: For they are like to a Child, who from his first
Nativity, unto Old Age, is shut up within an
House, not think∣ing the Latitude of the World to
be extended be∣yond the Latitude of his House, or beyond
what he can with his Eyes see in the House. So they,
having not imployed their Labour in many Stones, could not
discern from which Our Medicine should be extracted, and from
which not; from which also abstaining, they might spare an abundant
Labour of their Hands. Therefore, what Labour would
be perfective, or not perfective, they are deservedly igno∣rant. But why was
their Work defective? We say, because they left the burning
Property and Flight in the Sulphur; both which do
not only not perfect, but also dissipate and de∣stroy.

Page 53
CHAP. VI.
Of the Reasons of Men denying the Art supposed in
Arsnick, and their Refuta∣tion.

BUt others judging this Stone must
necessari∣ly be found in the same, and in its Com∣peer,
Arsnick, and more profoundly intent on the Consummation of
the Work, do not only by a Sublimation cleanse the burning
Sulphureity, but also endeavour to remove the
Terrestreity, leaving the Flight (or Volatility)
in it. These in like manner, coming to Projection, find a
Delusion in it; because their Medicine adheres not
stably in those very Bodies, but successive∣ly, and by
little and little vanisheth, leaving such a Body in its former
Condition. Hence these also, condemning Art, argue like
the former; and to them We answer, as We did to the First,
affirming the Art, and that We know it to be, because We have seen
and touched the Verity thereof.

Page 54
CHAP. VII.
The Reasons of Men denying Art suppo∣sed in
Sulphur, Argentvive, Tutia, Magnesia, Marchasite, and
Salarmo∣niac, with their Re efutation.

OTher some more profoundly see into the Work,
and cleanse their Subjects, taking away both Flight and
Adustion; and they make it fixt and earthy, having no good
Fusion in Heat of Fire, but a vitrificatory
Fusion only; whence, in Projection it cannot mix with
Bo∣dies. Therefore they also argue, as the first, and to these
We answer, as to the first: Be∣cause they left their Work
imperfect, not know∣ing how to compleat it. For the Ingress, which
is the Ʋltimate Perfective, they knew not how to search out.

In all other Spirits likewise, is the same way
of Preparation, except that in Argentvive and
Tutia's, We are excused from greater Labour, than
Remotion of their Adustion; for these have not an
adustible and inflamable Sulphureity, but only Volatility.
But Magnesia's, and Mar∣chasites, have every kind of
Sulphureity (Mar∣chasite more, and Magnesia less) yet
all have Flight or Volatility, Argentvive more, and
Sal∣armoniac less; but Sulphur yet less than its
Page 55
Compeer: and fourthly, Marchasite
less than it; fifthly, Magnesia less than that: and lastly,
Tu∣tia least of all. But either of these partaking more or less
of Volatility, some Experimentators, by reason of this
Flight, have been vehement∣ly deceived in the Operations of
their Prepara∣tions, and in their Projections likewise.
There∣fore these also argue and condemn the Art, as others,
supposing it in Sulphur; and to these We answer, as to those
supposing it in Sulphur.

CHAP. VIII.
The Reasons of Men denying the Art supposed in
Spirits, to be fixed to∣gether with Bodies; and their Re∣futation.

THere are Others also endeavouring to fix Spirits
in Bodies, without any other pre∣cedent Preparation: but
Delusion perplexing them, hath on them likewise brought
Sadness and Desparation; and they are compelled thence to
believe, that this Science is not; and consequently to argue
against it. For it is a Cause of Disturbance and
Incredulity in them, that in the Fusion of Bodies,
they lose their Spirits, which cannot adhere to the same
Bodies, but flie from the Asperity
Page 56
of
the Fire, the Bodies only remaining there∣in: because they
cannot bear the Pressure of the Fire's Violence, by reason of
Volatility, which is not removed from them. Likewise,
Delusion sometimes happens, because with those Spirits,
Bodies do also fly away; and this is, when the not-fixed
Spirits inseparably ad∣here to Bodies in their Profundity:
because the Sum of the Volatile overcomes the Sum
of the Fixed. Whence also they likewise, as the first, argue,
and we to them likewise, as to the first, answer. Therefore this turns
wholly to their Reproach.

Sons of Learning, if you would convert
Bodies, then (We say) if it be possible to effect this by any
Matter, it must necessarily be done by Spirits; but it
is not possible that these Spirits not fixed should profitably
ad∣here to Bodies; for they fly away, and leave them unclean. Nor can
these Spirits, being fixed, possibly have Ingress,
when they are made Earth, which flows not. And when such
Spirits included in Bodies appear fixed, yet they are not;
but either recede from them, they remaining, or both take their flight
to∣gether. Therefore, seeing in a Matter more nigh, it is by no
means possible to find out this Art, in a Matter more
remote it cannot be found. Ergo, say they, 'tis no where found. To
these our Answer is this, Whatsoever is knowable in this
Art they do not throughly know, therefore do they not throughly find
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out what is, or may be operated with it. Therefore, the
following Deficiency of their Work is the effect of their own
Rashness.

CHAP. IX.
The Reasons of Men denying the Art sup∣posed in
Bodies, and first in White Lead, that is, Tin or
Jupiter, and their Confutation.

SOme posite the Art in Bodies, but when
they come to the Work it self, they are deluded; judging either
Lead, viz. the Livid and White (not pure in
Whiteness) to be much assimilated and approximate to the
Nature of Sol and Luna; the Livid is indeed
much ap∣proximate to Sol, but to Luna little; and the
White much to Luna, but little to Sol. There∣fore
some of these Men conceiting Tin or Ju∣piter to
be much like to Luna or Silver (dif∣fering only in the
harsh sound, softness, and very swift Liquefaction)
believing it easily melt∣ed, by reason of the superfluity of its
Humi∣dity; and soft, by reason of the Fugitive
Sub∣stance of Argentvive in it, residing in the
Parts possessing that harsh Sound; they Calcine the same,
keeping it in such a Fire as it can bear, until it be White in its
Calx, which they afterward attempting to reduce, could not;
Page 58
therefore judged it impossible to be effected: And
some of these could reduce somewhat from it, and found the same harsh
sound, softness, and easie Liquefaction in that, as be∣fore.
Therefore they believed this impossible by this way, and so were induced
to Incre∣dulity; thinking the Art of hardning it, not
possible to be found out. But some of these Calcined Tin, and
reduced it; and again, re∣moving the Scoria thereof, with greater
force of Fire calcined and reduced it; and so by often reiterating
that Work, they found their Tin hardned, and without that
harsh sound: But because they had not wholly taken away the swiftness
of its Liquefaction, their Mind erred, and they judged it a
thing not possible to attain to that. Wherefore of these, others also,
willing to procure hardness to it, and a Retardation of
Liquefaction, with the Ad∣ministration of hard
Bodies, have fallen into a Delusion, and believed, that it
would break whatsoever hard Bodies was mixed with it; and that in
this Work no Preparation could help them. Therefore when they
could neither prepare it with hard Bodies, nor with Fire;
they excused themselves for being so long de∣layed in finding out the
Art; because they be∣lieved it impossible: and earnestly
arguing a∣gainst the Art, positively affirmed it not to be.
Besides these, some others adding many Medicaments, saw them
making no Mutation nor agreeing with their Tin, but rather
cor∣rupting
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the same, and acting contrary to their
Purpose; therefore they cast away their Books, retorted
their Heads, and affirmed this True and Divine Art to be
frivolous. Therefore these Men We answer, with Our first answer.

CHAP. X.
The Reasons of Men denying the Art sup∣posed in
Black Lead or Saturn.

THe same Delusion they also find in Black
Lead, or Saturn; except only that it breaks not
Bodies, and is sooner reduced to a Calx than
Jupiter. Yet its Livid Colour they can∣not remove, because
they are ignorant of that; therefore they cannot whiten, with good
Deal∣bation; nor could they ever, by their Phanta∣sy, so
stably associate it with stably Bodies, but that it would by
strong Expression of Fire, recede from the
Commixtion. And indeed Lead doth exceedingly deceive them
(supposing in the Preparation thereof much is sited, and that
this Science can be found in none, but it) because, after two
Reductions from its Calx, it receives no further
Hardning, but rather greater Softness, than it had at
first; and in other Differencies likewise, they see it not
a∣mended. Therefore when they, thinking in
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it to find what
is more nigh and better, find it not; they are compelled to believe and ar∣gue
that the Science is no other, than a De∣lusion; and
therefore they offend, as the former.

CHAP. II.
The Reasons of Men denying the Art sup∣posed in the
Mixtion of Hard Bodies with Hard, and of Soft with Soft.

BUt others compound hard Bodies with hard, and
soft with soft, by reason of Conve∣niency, would have
Bodies to be transmuted each into other, and to transmute; and
that they could not attain to by reason of their Ignorance. For
they, permixing Sol, or Luna, with Venus, or with
any other of the Metals, could not transmute them into Gold
or Silver, with firm Transmutation; but they found every
one of them, by the strong Ex∣pression of Fire, separated from
the Commixti∣on, and burnt, or reduced to its former Na∣ture.
Yet some of these Bodies dure in the Commixtion, others
not; as is by us sufficient∣ly known. Therefore, these
Delusions, super∣venient through Ignorance, make such
Men to despair of the Art, and argue it is not in
being.

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CHAP. XII.
The Reasons of Men denying the Art sup∣posed, in
the Mixtion of Hard Bodies with Soft, and of Perfect Bodies with the
Imperfect.

OThers, more intimately and profoundly searching, have
thought and been per∣swaded, they could find out a way of causing Hard
Bodies united with Soft, firmly to endure, and Imperfect
Bodies united with the Perfect, to be reduced to Perfection; and that
generally they would be transmuted each into other, and transmute with firm
transmutation. There∣fore they would find out the Affinity and Si∣militude of
them, both by Medicines, and by the Administration of Fire,
attenuating the Gross; as Venus and Mars, and
inspissating the Subtile; as is Jupiter, and its like.
And some of them, believing they could compleat this Administration, were
deluded in the Com∣mixtion of these Hard Bodies, with the Soft,
either because the one made the other alto∣gether frangible; or else the
Soft was not at all altered by the Hard, or the Hard in no wise altered, by
the Soft. Thus they, not finding out the Conveniency, did therefore
deny the Art to be.

Page 62
CHAP. XIII.
The Reasons of Men denying the Art supposed, in
Extraction of the Soul, or in the Regiment of Fire.

BUT Others, yet more intimately and more profoundly
inspecting, would alter Bodies with Extraction of their
Soul, and with the Extracted Soul all other things
likewise. Yet the Experience of those Men could not reach
to that, but they were deluded in their In∣tention; and accordingly
judged the Art not possible to be found out. And Others,
en∣deavouring to perfect Bodies by Fire only, were deluded in
their Opinion; because they knew not how to attain to that. And
these ac∣cordingly think the Art not to be. All which we answer,
as the first.

CHAP. XIV.
The Reasons of Men denying the Art sup∣posed, in
Glass and Gems, and their Refutation.

THEY who posite this Art in Glass and
Gems, have found, that Alteration cannot
Page 63

be made in Bodies, by Gems and Glass; be∣cause,
what hath not Ingress, alters not. But indeed, neither
Glass nor Gems have Ingress, therefore alter
not. And when they endea∣voured to unite the Glass with them (which
is difficult to be done) they missed of their Purpose; because
they made their Bodies also Glass: and by reason of
this, they concluded this Error to fall upon the whole Art,
and so argue that it is not. To whom we an∣swer, they operated not in due
Matter; there∣fore unduly determining, they cannot but con∣demn this
Art according to their own Er∣rors.

CHAP. XV.
The Reasons of Men denying the Art sup∣posed in
Middle Minerals, or Vege∣tables, or in the Commixtion of any other Things.

THere are Others, supposing the Art to be found
in Salts and Alloms, Nitres and Boraces; who may
indeed in these make Try∣al, but (as we judg) not find it in them. Therefore,
although they should, by their Experience, find some small
Ʋtility of Trans∣mutation, viz. by Dissolving,
Coagulating, and
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Coacting; yet that doth not enervate this
Divine Art, which is both necessary and known. Nevertheless, it
is possible, that in all these Things they may find some
Alteration; but that is very remote, and exceeding Laborious; and in
all other Growing Things, it is proved to be more Laborious to such
Supposers.

Therefore they, who possest this Art in all
Vegetables, do indeed determine what is possible, but not to them;
who shall first fail in their Labour, before the Work laboured can
possi∣bly be perfected. Wherefore, if such Men find not the Art
by their Labours, it must not be argued, that the Art cannot by any
La∣bours be found out. All the before-menti∣oned Erroneous Persons
determined one Mat∣ter of theirs to be the only Matter, and
sup∣posed there was no other Matter besides that; and these
now do indeed condemn all the other.

But there are many Others, and those al∣most infinite,
who ignorantly, and without knowledg, make a Composition of all, or of some
of these Things, in a diverse Proporti∣on; and their Error is
extended even to In∣finity, according to the Infinite
Diversity of the Proportion of things mixable, and the Infinite
Diversity of miscible Matters. And in both these
Infinities they infinitely err; some∣times through
Superaboundance, and sometimes through Diminution: yet in
these, Correction is possible. And we, without prolixity, or
te∣diousness
Page 65
of Words, resolve to
insist upon these Infinities, where we briefly treat of the
Ʋni∣versal Science, by which they will be able evi∣dently to amend
the Infinity of their Errors, and correct them. But at this
time, we must first discuss Natural Principles according to
their Causes (as we told you before) and by a Commemoration of
them.

The third Part of this First Book; Of Natural Principles, and their Effect.
CHAP. I.
Of the Natural Principles of Metalick Bodies, according
to the Opinion of the Ancients.

WE now signifie to you, that (according to the
Opinion of the Ancients, who were of our Sect,
studious of Art) Natural Principles in the Work of
Nature are, a Fetent Spirit, and Living Water, which
is also named Dry Water. These We grant, and thus define the
Fetent Spirit. It is white in Occulto, and Red and Black of
either side, in the Magistery of this Work; but, in
Manifesto, of either side, tending to Redness.
Therefore, in a brief,
Page 66
and also a simply compleat, and
sufficient Speech, We declare the Generation, and way of
Generation of each of these. Yet We must so far enlarge and
dilate our Discourse, as to deliver a peculiar Chapter of
each singular Na∣tural Principle. In general We now say, that
every one of these is of a most strong Com∣position, and
uniform Substance; and that, be∣cause the Earthy parts in
them, are through their least particles united with the Airy,
Watery, and Firy; so that in Resolution no one of
them can be separated, but each with all and every one is dissolved, by
reason of the strong Ʋnion, which they have each with o∣ther, in
their least particles; and that leisure∣ly, in the Mineral Bowels
of the Earth, by Heat condensed, multiplied, and (according
to the due Course of Nature) equalized to the
Exigency of their Essence, according to the
O∣pinion of certain Ancient Philosophers.

CHAP. II.
Of the Natural Principles of Metals, according to the
Opinion of Modern Philosophers, and of the Author.

BUt others say otherwise, That Argentvive in
its Nature was not the Principle, but altered, and converted
into its Earth, and
Page 67
Sulphur likewise
altered and changed into Earth. Whence they say, that in the
Intenti∣on of Nature, the Principle was other, than
a foetent Spirit, and fugitive Spirit. And the Rea∣son,
that moved them hereunto, was this, viz. because, in the Silver
Mines, or in the Mines of other Metals, they found not
any thing that is Argentvive in its Nature, or any thing that
is Sulphur likewise; but they found each of them separated in its
proper Mine, in its own Nature. And they also affirm this
for an∣other Reason, viz. because there is no tran∣sition (as
they say) from Contrary to Contra∣ry, unless by a
Middle Disposition. Therefore, seeing it so is, they are
compelled to confess and believe that there is no Transition (or
Passing) from the Softness of Argentvive, to the hardness of
any Metal, unless by a Disposition, which is between
the Hard∣ness and Softness of them. But in the Mines they find not
any thing, in which this Middle Disposition may be salved;
therefore they are compelled hence to believe, that Ar∣gentvive and
Sulphur, in their Nature, are not the Principles
according to the Intention of Na∣ture: but another Thing,
which follows from the Alteration of their Essences, in the
Root of Nature, into an Earthy Substance. And this
is the Way, by which each of them is turned into an Earthy
Nature; and from these two Earthy Natures, a most thin
Fume is resolved, by Heat multiplied in the Bowels
of the Earth;
Page 68
and this Duplicate Fume is
the immediate Mat∣ter of Metals.

This Fume, when it shall be Decocted by the
temperate Heat of the Mine, is converted in∣to the Nature of
a certain Earth; therefore it receives a certain Fixation,
which after∣ward the Water (flowing through the Bow∣els of
the Minera, and Spongiosity of the Earth)
dissolves, and is uniformly united to it, with a natural and firm
Ʋnion. There∣fore, so opining, they thus said, That the
Water flowing through the Passages of the Earth, finds a
Substance dissolvible from the Substance of the
Earth in the Bowels thereof, and dissolves the same,
and is uniformly with it united, until the Substance also of the
Earth in the Mines is dissolved, and the flowing
dissolving Water and it become one with Na∣tural Ʋnion.
And to such a Mixtion come all the Elements, according to a
due natural Proportion, and are mixed through their least
Parts, until they make an Uniform Mixtion. And this
Mixtion, by successive Decoction in the Mine,
is thickned, hardned, and made a Me∣tal. And indeed, these Men,
although they be nigh the Truth, yet they do not conje∣cture the very
Truth.

Page 69
CHAP. III.
The Division of what are to be spoken, touching the
Three Principles, viz. Sulphur, Arsenick, and
Argentvive.

NOW, having finished our Universal Dis∣course of the
Natural Principles of Me∣tals; it remains, that we here give
a peculiar Chapter to each one of the Principles. There∣fore,
seeing they are Three, viz. Sulphur, Arse∣nick, and
Argentvive; the first shall be of Sul∣phur, the second
of Arsenick, and the third of Argentvive. Afterward, of
every of the Me∣tals, which are the Effects of these
Principles, we give a peculiar Chapter, according to what it
is from the Work of Nature. This being done, we, descending
to those Things which are the Fundamentals of this Magistery, and
to their Operations, will assign the Causes of all
these.

CHAP. IV.
Of Sulphur.

THerefore we say, that Sulphur is a fatness of
the Earth, by temperate Decoction in the Mine of the
Earth thickned, until it be
Page 70
hardned and made dry;
and when it is hard∣ned, it is called Sulphur. Indeed Sulphur
hath an Homogeneal and most strong Composition, and is
of an Ʋniform Substance in its natural parts, because it is
Homogeneal. Therefore, its Oyl is not taken from it, as from
other things having Oyl by Distillation. Wherefore they,
who strive to calcine it, not losing any thing of the Substance
of that with which it should be cured, do labour in vain; because it
can∣not be calcined, unless by great Industry, and with loss of
much of the Substance thereof. For of an hundred Parts, you
shall scarcely reserve three to your self after Calcination.
Likewise, it cannot be fixed, unless it be first calcined; yet it may be
mixed, and its flight in some measure retarded, and its Adustion
repressed; and being commixed, may more easily be calcined. Therefore, he
who en∣deavours to extract our Work from it, by preparing it by it
self, he shall not obtain his end; because it must be perfected with
Mixtion, and without that the Magistery would be prolonged
even to Desperation. Yet with its Compeer a
Tincture is made, and it gives compleat Weight to every of
the Metals, and cleanseth and illustrates them: and it is
perfected with our Magistery, without which it performs none of
these things, but rather corrupts and blackens. Therefore use it not
without this Magistery.

Also, he who in Preparation knows how
Page 71
to commix, and unite it amicably with Bodies,
knows one of the Greatest Secrets of Nature, and one way of
Perfection: for there are ma∣ny Ways to one Effect,
and one Intent. And whatsoever Body is calcined with it,
undoubt∣edly receives weight; yea, Copper from it as∣sumes the
Effigies of Sol. Also Mercury is as∣sociated
with it, and by Sublimation becomes Ʋsifar (or Cinnabar.)
Lastly, All Bodies, ex∣cept Sol and Jupiter, are
easily calcined with it; but Sol most difficultly. And
Argentvive is not coagulated with it into Gold or
Silver (in which is profit) by a mean Artifice, as some fatuate
Philosophers have thought. And further we say, that whatsoever
Bodies have less Humidity, they are more easily calcined
by Sulphur, than those which have much. Through the most High
GOD, it illuminates every Body; because it is Light,
Allom, and Tincture. Also, it is most difficultly
dissolved, because it hath not salsuginous, but oleginous
Parts, which are not easily dissolved into Wa∣ter. But
what are easily, or difficultly dissol∣ved into Water, we
shall plainly enough de∣monstrate in the Chapter of
Solution. It is indeed sublimed, because it is Spirit.
And if it be mixed with Venus, and united to it, it becomes a
wonderful Violet Colour. With Mercury also it may be mixed,
and of them is made by Decoction a Celestial and delight∣ful
Colour: Yet, let no Man think that Sulphur can by it self
compleat the Work of Alchimy.
Page 72
For it
would be no less than Vanity to think this, as we shall very
sufficiently prove in the following. But let the Gross and
Lucid be cho∣sen. These may suffice to be spoken of
Sul∣phur.

CHAP. V.
Of Arsenick.

IT now remains that we at present speak of
Arsenick. We say it is of a subtile Matter, and like to
Sulphur; therefore it needs not be otherwise defined than
Sulphur. But it is di∣versified from Sulphur in this,
viz. because it is easily a Tincture of
Whiteness, but of Redness most difficultly: and
Sulphur, of Whiteness most difficultly: but of
Redness easily. Of Sulphur and Arsenick there
is a twofold Kind, viz. Ci∣trine and Red, which are
profitable to this Art; but the many other Kinds not so.
Arsenick is fixed as Sulphur; but the Sublimation
of either is best from the Calx of Metals. Yet
Sulphur and Arsenick are not the perfective Matter
of this Work: for they are not compleat to Perfection; yet they may be
an help to Perfe∣ction in the Case. But the Lucid and
Scaly, and Scissile must be taken.

Page 73
CHAP. VI.
Of Argentvive, or Mercury.

ARgentvive, which also is called Mercury
by the Ancients, is a viscous Water in the Bowels
of the Earth, by most tempe∣rate Heat united, in a total
Ʋnion through its least parts, with the substance of white
subtile Earth, until the Humid be contempered by the
Dry, and the Dry by the Humid, equally. Therefore it
easily runs upon a plain Super∣ficies, by reason of its Watery
Humidity; but it adheres not, although it hath a viscous
Hu∣midity, by reason of the Dryness of that which
contemperates it, and permits it not to adhere. It is also (as some say)
the Matter of Metals with Sulphur. And it easily
adheres to three Mi∣nerals, viz. to Saturn, and
Jupiter, and Sol, but to Luna more difficultly. To
Venus more difficultly than to Luna; but to Mars in
no wise, unless by Artifice. Therefore hence you may collect a
very great Secret. For it is amicable, and pleasing to
Metals, and the Medium of conjoyning Tinctures; and
nothing is submerged in Argentvive, unless it be Sol. Yet
Jupiter and Saturn, Luna and Venus, are
dissolved by it, and mixed; and without it, none of the Metals can
be gilded. It is fix∣ed, and it is a Tincture of Redness of
most
Page 74
exuberant Refection, and fulgid
Splendor; and then it recedes not from the Commixtion, un∣til
it is in its own Nature. Yet it is not our Medicine in its
Nature; but it can sometimes likewise help in the
Case.

CHAP. VII.
Of the Effects of the Principles of Nature, which are
Metallick Bodies.

WE now speak of Metallick Bodies, which are the
Effects of these Principles of Na∣ture. These
are Six in number, viz. Gold, Sil∣ver, Lead, Tin, Copper, and
Iron. Therefore we say, a Metal is a Mineral fu••ble Body, ex∣tensible with
all Dimensions under the Hammer. But a Metal is
(as we sayd) of a dense Sub∣stance, and of most strong and
firm Compositi∣on. And Metals have great affinity each with
other, yet the perfect perfects not the dimi∣nished, by its
Commixtion. For if Gold be mix∣ed in fusion with
Lead, this Lead becomes not Gold, but vanisheth
from the Mixtion, and is burnt; the Gold in the mean while
stands the Tryal. So likewise, in instancing the other, it falls
according to the Common Course. But, according to our
Magistery, the Perfect helps the Imperfect; and
the Imperfect, in our Ma∣gistery, by it self is
Perfected, without the Ad∣ministration
Page 75
of any
Extraneous Thing. And through GOD, they alter each other, and
are altered; and they perfect each other, and are perfected: and one only by it
self is perfected without the help of another.

CHAP. VIII.
Of Sol, or Gold.

WE have already given you, in a General Chapter.
the Sum of the Intention of Metals; and here we now
intend to make a special Declaration of each one. And first of
Gold. We say, Gold is a Metallick Body, Citrine,
ponderous, mute, fulgid, equally digested in the Bowels of the
Earth, and very long wash∣ed with Mineral Water; under the
Hammer extensible, fusible, and sustaining the Tryal of the
Cupel, and Cement. According to this Definition, you may
conclude, that nothing is true Gold, unless it hath all the
Causes and Differencies of the Definition of Gold.
Yet, whatsoever Metal is radically Citrine, and brings to
Equality, and cleanseth, it makes Gold of every kind of
Metals. Therefore, we consider by the Work of
Nature, and discern, that Copper may be changed into
Gold by Ar∣tifice. For we see in Copper Mines, a
certain Water which flows out, and carries with it
Page 76
thin Scales of Copper, which (by a continual and
long continued Course) it washeth and cleanseth. But after such
Water ceaseth to flow, we find these thin Scales with the
dry Sand, in three years time to be digested with the Heat
of the Sun; and among these Scales the purest
Gold is found. Therefore, We judg, those Scales were
cleansed by the benefit of the Water, but were equally digested by
heat of the Sun, in the Dryness of the Sand, and
so brought to Equality. Wherefore, imitating Nature, as far
as we can, we likewise alter; yet in this we cannot follow
Nature.

Also Gold is of Metals the most
precious, and it is the Tincture of Redness; because it
ringeth and transforms every Body. It is cal∣cined and dissolved
without profit, and is a Medicine rejoycing, and conserving the
Body in Youth. It is most easily broken with
Mer∣cury, and by the Odour of Lead. There is not any
Body that in act more agrees with it in Substance than
Jupiter and Luna: but in Weight, Deafeness, and
Putrescibility, Saturn, in Colour Venus; in
Potency indeed Venus is more next Luna than
Jupiter, and then Saturn: but lastly Mars. And
this one of the Secrets of Nature. Likewise
Spirits are commixed with it, and by it fixed, but not without very
great Ingenuity, which comes not to an Artificer of a stiff
neck.

Page 77
CHAP. IX.
Of Luna, or Silver.

HAving premised the Chapter of Sol, We
come now to speak of Luna, by a com∣mon name called Silver.
Therefore, We say, Silver is a Metallick Body, White with
pure Whiteness, Clean, Hard, Sounding, very du∣rable in the Cupel,
extensible under the Ham∣mer, and fusible. And it is the
Tincture of Whiteness, and hardens Tin by
Artifice, and converts it to it self; and it is mixed with
Sol, and breaks not; but in the Examination it per∣severes
not without Artifice. He who knows how more to subtiliate it, and
after subtilia∣tion, to inspissate and fix it associated with
Gold; it remains with it in the Test, and will in no wise
forsake it. Being put over the fume of acute Things, as of Vinegar,
Salarmoniac, &c. it will be of a wonderful Celestine
Colour. And it is a noble Body, but wants of the
Nobility of Gold; and its Minera is found
determi∣nate: but it often hath a Minera confused with other
Bodies, and that Silver is not so noble. It is likewise
dissolved, and calcined with great Labour, and no
Profit.

Page 78
CHAP. X.
Of Saturn, or Lead.

OF Lead we likewise treat, and say,
Lead is a Metallick Body, livid, earthy, pon∣derous, mute,
partaking of a little Whiteness, with much paleness, refusing
the Cineritium and Cement, easily in all its dimensions
with small Compression extensible, and readily fusible,
with∣out Ignition. Yet some foolish Men conceit, and say, that
Lead in its own Nature is much approximated to Gold.
But because they are stiff-necked, and void of all Reason, they
can∣not conceive of the Truth of Things most subtile, as it is in
it self, but judg of them according to Sense. And because they
see it ponderous, and mute, and not to putrifie they believe it to be much
nigh in Proper∣ty to Sol; but this is wholly erroneous, as by
the following shall be by us manifestly proved at large. Also
Lead hath much of an Earthy Substance, therefore it is
washed, and by a Lavament turned into Tin. Hence it is
manifest that Tin is more assimilated to the Perfect.
Lead is in like manner burnt, and made Minium; and it is put over
the Va∣pours of Vinegar, and made Ceruss. And
al∣though it is not much approximate to Per∣fection,
Page 79
yet of it, by our Artifice, we easily make
Silver; and it keeps not its proper weight in
Transmutation, but is changed into a new weight: All this it
acquires in our Magistery. Lead also is the Tryal of
Silver in the Cupel, the Causes of which We
give.

CHAP. XI.
Of Jupiter, or Tin.

THerefore, not omitting to discourse of
Ju∣piter, We signifie to the Sons of Learning,
that Tin is a Metallick Body, white, not pure, livid, and
sounding little, partaking of little Earthiness;
possessing in its Root Harshness, Softness, and
swiftness of Liquefaction, without Ignition, and not
abiding the Cupel, or Ce∣ment, but Extensible under the
Hammer. There∣fore, Jupiter, among Bodies
diminished from Perfection, is in the Radix of its Nature
of Affinity to the more Perfect, viz. to Sol and
Luna; more to Luna, but less to Sol, as shall be
clearly declared in the following. Jupiter, because it receives much
Whiteness from the Radix of its Generation,
therefore it whitens all Bodies not White; yet its vice is, that it
breaks every Body, but Saturn, and most pure Sol.
And Jupiter adheres much to Sol and Luna, and
therefore doth not easily recede
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from them, by
Examen (or Tryal of Cupel.) In the
Magistery of this Art, it receives a Tincture of
Redness, and that shines in it with inestimable
Brightness. It is hardned and clean∣sed more easily than
Saturn. And he who knows how to take away its Vice of
break∣ing, will suddenly reap the fruit of his La∣bour with joy. For it
agrees with Sol and Luna, and will never be separated from
them.

CHAP. XII.
Of Venus, or Copper.

OUR intended Discourse now is of Venus, or
Copper. It is a Metallick Body, livid, partaking of a dusky
Redness ignible (or sustaining Ignition) fusible,
extensible under the Hammer, but refusing the Cupel, and
Cement. Therefore Venus (as is declared) in the pro∣fundity
of its Substance, pretends to the Co∣lour and Essence
of Gold, and it is hammered being heat red hot, as Silver and
Gold is. Therefore, hence you may learn a Secret: for it is
the Medium of Sol and Luna, and easily comes to
convert its Nature to either; and it is of good Conversion,
and of little Labour. It agrees very well with Tutia, which
citrinizeth (or Colours) it with good Yel∣lowness; and hence you may reap
profit. For
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we are excused by it, from the Labour of
In∣duration (or Hardning) and Ignition of it. Therefore take it, before all
other Imperfect Bodies, in the Lesser and Middle
Work, but not in the Greater. Yet this hath a Vice
beyond Jupiter, viz. that it easily waxeth Livid, and receives
Infection from sharp and acute things; and to eradicate that, is not an
easie, but a profound Art.

CHAP. XIII.
Of Mars, or Iron.

BUT the Declaration of Mars, and the whole
Secret thereof, is from the Work of Na∣ture;
because it is a Metallick Body, very livid, a little red, pertaking
of Whiteness, not pure, sustaining Ignition, fusible
with no right fusion, under the Hammer extensible, and sounding
much. But Mars is hard to be handled, by reason of the
Impotency of its fusion, which if it be made to flow by a
Medicine chang∣ing its Nature, is conjoyned to Sol
and Luna, and not separated by Examen, without great
Industry: but if prepared, it is conjoyned, and not separated by
any Artifice, if the Nature of that Fixation be not changed
by it, the Uncleanness only of the Mars being removed. Therefore it
is a Tincture of Redness easily, but difficultly of
Whiteness. And when it is conjoyned, it is not altered, nor doth it
change
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the Colour of the Commixtion, but
augments it in Quantity.

Therefore, among all Bodies, Jupiter is more
splendidly and more clearly, more brightly and more perfectly transformed
into a Solar, or Lunar Body. But the Work of it is
of long Labour, though easie to be handled. Next to Jupiter is
Venus chosen, of more difficult handling, but of shorter Labour
than Jupiter. Next after Venus, Saturn hath a diminished
Perfection in Transmutation, is easie to be hand∣led, but
of most tedious labour. Yet Mars, among all the Bodies, is
of least Perfection in Transmutation, to be handled
most difficult, and of exceeding long Labour. Therefore, whatsoever,
Bodies are more remote from swiftness of Liquefaction, they are
found of more difficult handling in the Work of
Transmutation. Of this kind are Venus and Mars;
but what more, more; and what are most remote, most. Also those
Bodies which partake of greater Livid∣ness and
Infection of the Earth, are likewise found to be of greater
Labour, and less Perfection.

But whatsoever Diversities of
Perfections were a little before determined by Us, are found in the
Artifice of the Lesser, or Middle Work; yet in
the Greater Work all Bodies are of one Per∣fection,
but not all of one handling or labour. It remains yet to be known, what
Facility and Difficulty of handling, and what
Brevity and Length of Labour, are found radically in the
Nature of Bodies. Therefore have We
Page 83
here in a
true Discourse described the Natu∣ral Principles of
those Bodies, which are ac∣cording to the Intention of
Nature; and have likewise in several Chapters truly
expounded what We determined of those Bodies; and that, according to
the Opinion of those Men, who could discern the Occult
Things of Nature; and according to our own Judg∣ment also, who
attained to the Knowledg thereof by incessant Labour. But now, accor∣ding
as We promised, it is expedient to supply the defect of this Art
in setting down all the Principles of this Magistery, in
the last Part of this our First Book; and to demonstrate the
Perfecti∣on we have seen, with its Causes, according to
the Exigency thereof.

The Fourth Part of this First Book, touch∣ing the Artificial Principles of this Art.
CHAP. I.
The Division of Things to be spoken of in this Part,
with an Insinuation of Perfection to be treated of in the Second Book.

THere are two Things that are to be de∣termined,
viz. the Principles of this Ma∣gistery, and the
Perfection of the same. The
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Principles
of this Art are the Ways or Methods of its
Operations, to which the Artist applies himself in the
Work of this Magistery. These Ways are indeed
divers in themselves. For one Way is Sublimation, and
Descension another; and Distillation is also one
Way, Calcination another, Solution another, and
Coagulation an∣other: but the seventh Way is
Fixation, and the eighth Ceration. Of all which We pur∣pose
to give singular Declarations.

Perfection consists of those Things,
and from the Considerations of those by which it is attain∣ed; and
from the Consideration of things help∣ing; and from the
Consideration of that thing which lastly perfects; and that by
which it is known, whether the Magistery was in Per∣fection
or not. The Consideration of those Things, by which We come to the
Comple•tment of the
Work, is the Consideration of the Substance
manifest, and of manifest Colours, and of the Weight in
every of those Bodies to be changed, and of those Bodies
that are not changed from the Radix of their Nature, without
that Arti∣fice; and the Consideration of those
likewise, in the Radix of their Nature, with the
Artifice; and the Consideration of the Principles
of Bodies, according to their Profound, Occult, and
Ma∣nifest; and according to their Nature without
Artifice, and likewise with Artifice. For, if
Bodies, and their Principles, be not known in the
Profound and Manifest of their Nature, with
Artifice, and without, what is superfluous, and
Page 85

what is diminished in them cannot be known; and our not knowing these would
of necessi∣ty hinder us from ever attaining to the Per∣fection of
their Transmutation.

The Consideration of Things helping
Perfecti∣on, is the Consideration of the Natures
of those Things, which we see adhere to Bodies with∣out
Artifice, and to make mutation. And these are Marchasite,
Magnesia, Tutia, Anti∣mony, and Lapis Lazuli (or the Lazure
Stone.) And the Consideration of those, which with∣out adherency
cleanse Bodies, and they are Salt, and Alloms,
Nitres and Boraces, and which are of their Nature: and
the Consideration of Vitrification, cleansing by a like
Nature.

But the Consideration of the Thing that per∣fects, is the
Consideration of Choosing the pure Substance of
Argentvive; and it is the Matter, which from the
Matter of that took beginning, and of that was created. This
Matter is not Argentvive in its Nature, nor in its
whole Substance, but it is part of it: nor is it now, but when the
Stone is made. For that illustrates and conserves from
Adustion, which is a signi∣fication of Perfection.

Lastly, The Consideration of the Thing, by which it is
known, whether the Magistery be in Perfection, or not; in
the Consideration of the Cupel, Cement, Ignition, of
exposing it up∣on the Vapours of acute Things, Extinction,
Commixtion of Sulphur burning Bodies, of
Re∣duction after Calcination, and Susception of
Ar∣gentvive.
Page 86
All which, with the former, we
shall here following declare, with their Causes, and with easie
Experiences; by which you may ma∣nifestly know, that our
Discourses have not er∣red. And these Experiments will
be well known to you.

CHAP. II.
Of Sublimation, why invented.

THerefore, prosecuting our purpose, We speak of
Sublimation. The Cause of the Invention of which,
was, because our Ancestors could not, nor can We, nor shall they
who come after Us, find any thing that can be u∣nited with Bodies, but
Spirits only; or any Thing, that can contain in it self the
Nature of Body and Spirit; and We see these,
cast upon Bodies (without Mundation, or cleansing of them) either
not to give perfect Colours, or totally to corrupt, burn, blacken, and
defile. And this, according to the Diversity of the same Spirits.
For some are burning, as Sulphur and Arsenick, and
Marchasite; and these indeed totally corrupt. Others burn not, as
every kind of Tutia; yet these give imperfect Colours, and
that they do for a twofold Cause. One is, because the adustive
unctuosi∣ty of Sulphur (of the property of which it
Page 87
is) which is easily inflamed, and by Inflama∣tion
blackned, and consequently blackens, is not removed or taken away from them.
But the other Cause is Earthiness, which likewise is
not separated from them. For in these, in which a perfect Colour
is not given, Earthi∣ness is a Cause making it livid.
Also Adustion may create a livid Colour.

Therefore, We were constrained to cleanse these from
their burning Ʋnctuosity, and from the Earthy
Superfluity, which they all have. And this We could effect by no
Magistery, but by Sublimation only. For, when the
Fire ele∣vates, it always elevates the more subtile parts; therefore
it stirs not the more Gross. Hence it is manifest, that
Spirits are cleansed from their Earthiness by
Sublimation; which Terrestriety impeded Ingress,
and also gave an impure Colour. But being sublimed, as
Experience makes sufficiently manifest to your Sight,
they are freed from that Impurity. For you see them more splendid,
and more pervious, and more easily to enter and penetrate the
Densi∣ty of Bodies, and not to impress a foul
Colour, as before. Also that Adustion may be taken a∣way
by Sublimation, is manifest by Experiment: for
Arsnick, which before its Sublimation was evil, and prone
to Adustion, after its Sublima∣tion suffers not it self
to be inflamed, but only recedes without Inflamation; and the same
you may find in Sulphur, if you will make Tryal. And
because, in no other Things, than in Spi∣rits,
Page 88

We saw Adherency to Bodies with Altera∣tion, We
could have no other Cause to be ex∣cused from them, but were
necessarily con∣strained to prepare the same, for their purifi∣cation,
which is made by Sublimation. There∣fore there was a necessary
Cause of the Inven∣tion of this Sublimation; the
whole Order of which We purpose to declare without
Dimi∣nution.

CHAP. III.
What Sublimation is, and of the De∣grees of Fire in it to
be observed.

VVHerefore We say, Sublimation is the
E∣levation of a dry Thing by Fire, with adherency to its
Vessel. But Sublimation is diversly made, according to the
Diversity of Spirits to be sublimed. For the
Sublimation of some is made with strong Ignition, of
others with moderate, and of some with a remiss heat of Fire.
Therefore, when Arsnick or Sul∣phur are to be sublimed,
their Sublimation must necessarily be made by remiss
Fire: because they having their most subtile parts uniformly
conjoyned with the Gross, their whole Sub∣stance would
ascend without any Purification; yea, blackned and combust.
Therefore, that the Artificer may seperate the unclean Earthy
Page 89
Substance, he hath a necessity to find out the
Dispositions of two Kinds, viz. the Proportion
of the Fire, and Mundification with commixti∣on of the
Feces: because Commixtion with the Feces, comprehends the
Gross Parts, and holds them depressed in the bottom of the
Sublimatory, not suffering them to ascend.

Whence also it is necessary, that the
Arti∣ficer should apply to his Sublimation a threefold
Degree of Fire: One proportionate in such wise, that by
it may ascend only▪ the Altered, and more Clean, and
more Lucid; until by this he manifestly see, that they are
cleansed from their Earthy Feculency. The other De∣gree is,
that what is of the pure Essence of them remaining in the
Feces, may be sublimed with greater force of Fire, viz.
with Ignition of the Bottom of the Vessel, and
of the Feces therein, which may be seen with the Eye. The
third Degree of Fire is, that unto the Subli∣mate
without the Feces, a most weak Fire be administred, so
that scarcely any thing of it may ascend, but that only which is the most
subtile part thereof, and which in our Work is of no value;
because it is a thing, by Mediation of which, Adustion is
made in Sul∣phurs.

Therefore, the whole Intention of
Sublima∣tion is, that the Earthiness of the
Sublimate being removed by a due administration of Fire,
and likewise the most subtile and fumous part of it, which brings
Adustion, with Cor∣ruption,
Page 90
being
cast away, to Us may be left that Part, which consists in
Equality, which makes simple fusion upon the Fire, and
with∣out any Adustion flying from the Fire, with∣out
Inflamation thereof. That what is most subtile is
Adustive, is proved by most evident Arguments. For
Fire converts to its own Na∣ture, every of those things,
which is of affi∣nity to it; because it is of affinity to every a∣dustible
Thing, and to the subtile adustible, it is of greater affinity; and yet
more of affini∣ty to what is more subtile: therefore also most of
affinity to what is most subtile. Like∣wise, the same is proved by
Experience, be∣cause Sulphur or Arsenick not
sublimed, is most swiftly inflamed; but of the two, Sulphur more
easily. Yet either, being sublimed, is not di∣rectly inflamed, but flies
away, and is extenu∣ated without inflamation; yet with a prece∣dent
Fusion. By these therefore it is mani∣fest that our
Discourse is most true.

Page 91
CHAP. IV.
Of the Feces of Metallick Bodies, to Be added to
Spirits in their Sublimati∣on; and of the Quantity and Qua∣lity of them.

BUT the Probation of the Administration
of Feces, with their Proportion, is, that such
Matter be chosen, with which the Spirits to be sublimed
may best agree, and wherewith they may the more profoundly be mixed:
because that Matter, with which they are more uni∣ted, is more
potent in Retension of the Feces of Spirits to be
sublimed, than that, with which they are not so united. The
Probation of this, is rational enough, and manifest. But the
Probation, that the Addition of Feces is
necessary, is, because Sulphur, or Arsnick to be
sublimed, if they be not conjoyned with the Feces of some fixed
Thing, would ne∣cessarily ascend with their whole Substance,
not cleansed. And they, who are exercised in Sublimation, do by
Experience know, We say true. Also the Probation, that
the Administra∣tion of such Feces is necessary (with
which Things to be sublimed may agree, and be uni∣ted intimately) is,
because, if the Feces be not permitted with them through their
least
Page 92
parts, then the same happens, as if they had not
Feces, viz. their whole Essence ascends with∣out any
Cleansing, as they ascend with their whole Substance,
without Feces: therefore the same must likewise happen, in
things sublimed from Feces, with which they are not united.

He that hath seen and known this, knows it to be true by
Experience; because, when he sublimed from a Thing extraneous to
the Na∣ture of Bodies, he sublimed in vain; so that he found them
in no wise purified after their Ascension. But when he
sublimed with the Calx of any Body, then he sublimed
well, and could with facility perfectly cleanse. Therefore, the
Intention of Feces is, that they be administred of the
Calxes of Metals: for in them the Work of
Sublimation, is easie, but in other Things most difficult.
Therefore, there is not any thing, that may be substituted in their
stead. Yet we say not, that Sublimation is impossible without
the Calxes of Bodies; but that it is most difficult, and of
long tedious Labour, and delay even to Desperation. Nevertheless,
in this there is some benefit; because, what is sublimed without
Feces, or without the Calxes of Bodies, is of
greater Quantity, but with Feces of lesser. And further,
what is calci∣ned with the Calxes of Bodies, is of least
Quan∣tity, but of easiest and most speedy Labour. But
that which much excuseth Us from using the Feces of
Bodies, is every kind of Salt pre∣pared, and of things like
to it in Nature. And
Page 93
to Us it is also
possible to make Sublimation with them of a great
Quantity; because Se∣peration of things to be sublimed,
from the Feces, is easily made by Solution of the
Salts; which happens not in other Things.

But the Proportion of Feces is, that it be
e∣qual to the Quantity of Things to be subli∣med. For in this, even
a rude Artificer can∣not err. But an Artist of mean skill
may put of Feces half the weight of Things to be sub∣limed, and that
will be sufficient for him, if careful, not to err in his Work:
because to him that is well exercised and expert, the least part of
Feces is sufficient. For the less the Quantity of
Feces is, of so much the more and greater Exuberation, the
Sublimate must needs be; provided, that according to the
Substracti∣on of Feces, a Substraction of Fire
proporti∣onal thereunto be made. Because in a small Quantity a
small Fire serves for Perfection, in a great, a great;
and in a greater Quantity, a greater Fire is required.

CHAP. V.
Of Governing the Fire in Sublimation.

BUT because Fire is not a Thing which can be
measured, therefore it happens, that Error is often committed in it,
when the Ope∣rator
Page 94
is not well skilled; as well
by reason of the Diversity of Furnaces, and of
Woods to be burned, as of Vessels, and the
Coaptation (or well joyning) of them: about all which, 'tis expedient
the Artist should be intently solici∣tous. Wherefore we give you
a Common Rule: First, it is expedient to remove, from things to be
sublimed, the Wateriness only, with a very small Fire;
which being removed, if any thing ascend by it, then in the begin∣ning this
Fire must not be augmented, that the most subtile part may (by
this most weak Fire) be seperated, and put aside, which is the
Cause of Adustion. But when little or nothing shall
ascend (which you may prove by putting a little Cotton-weik into the
hole on the top of the Alembeck) augment the Fire under it:
and of how great vigour your Fire should be, the
Cotton-weik will shew. For if little of the Sublimate come forth
with it, or it be clean; it argues your fire is small, therefore must be
encreased: but if much and unclean, then it is too great, and must be made
less. Therefore, when you find the Sublimate to come forth with the
Weik clean, and much, the Proportion of your Fire is then
found. And whether your Sublimate arise clean, or unclean, is known
by the aforesaid Sign. For according to the Quantity of
Clean∣ness, or Ʋncleanness of the Sublimate,
which the Artist shall discern to adhere to his Cotton,
he may conclude of the necessary proportion
Page 95
of his
Fire in the whole Sublimation. And by this means he will find
out the Rectification of the Fire, without any
Fallacy.

Yet the way of Feces is better, viz. to
taste Scales of Iron, or Copper calcined. And
these indeed, by reason of the Privation of evil Humidity, do
easily imbibe Sulphur, or Ars∣nick, and unite them with
themselves. But the Method of this, the well experienced only
know.

CHAP. VI.
Of Errors about the Quantity of Feces, and the
Disposition of the Furnace in subliming Sulphur and
Arsnick, also of building the Furnace, and of choo∣sing
Woods.

THerefore it is expedient We should rectifie the
Judgment of the Artificer in all Things, wherein he
may happen to Erre through Ig∣norance, in
Sublimation of these two Spirits. In order to which, We
first say, that if he put in many Feces, and doth not
proportionally augment the Fire, nothing of the Matter to be
sublimed will ascend. But how he should know that, is already
sufficiently declared. And if he put in a small Quantity of
Feces, or none of the Calx of Bodies, then (if he
find not his Proportion of Fire) what is sublimed
will
Page 96
ascend with its whole Substance. Of
knowing this likewise I shewed a sufficient way.

So in like manner, by reason of the Fur∣nace he
may happen to Erre. For a great Fur∣nace gives a great
Heat of Fire, and a small Furnace small; if the
Woods for Fewel, and Vent∣holes for Air, be
also proportionate. There∣fore if he put a great Quantity of
Matter to be sublimed in a small Furnace, he shall not
be able to give sufficient Fire of Elevation: and if a
small Quantity in a great Furnace, he will ex∣terminate the
Sublimation by excess of Heat. So likewise, a thick
Furnace gives a condensate and strong Fire; but a thin
Furnace, a rare and weak Fire: in both which he may
likewise Erre. So also, a Furnace with large
Ventholes, gives both a clear and strong Fire; but with
narrow and small Ventholes, a weak Fire. So if the
distance of space, between the Furnace and Vessel
set in, be large, the Furnace then gives a great Fire; but
if small, a less. In all which the Artist may exceedingly
Erre.

Therefore, the Rectification of these
Errors is, that the Artist build his Furnace,
accor∣ding to the Intention of such a Fire, as he should
have, Viz. Thick, with free Ventholes, and with a good
distance of the Vessel from the sides of the Furnace,
if he intend to have a great Fire: but if a mean Fire, in all
these Things he must find a mean Proportion; and if a
weak Fire, the same Proportion in them. All these
Proportions, We will teach you to find,
Page 97
with the
true Preparation, and determinate Experience. Therefore, if
you would elevate a great Quantity of Matter to be
Sublimed; first be provided with a Sublimatory of such a
Capacity, that it may contain your Matter to be elevated the
height of one hands breadth above the Bottom. To this, fit your
Furnace so, as the Aludel (or Sublimatory) may be
re∣ceived into it, with the distance of two Fin∣gers round about the
Walls, or sides of the Furnace; which being made, to it
also make ten Ventholes in one Proportion, equally
distant, that there may be one Equality of Fire to all
Parts thereof. Then set a Bar of Iron into the
Furnace transverse, and fastned at each end to the sides of
the Furnace; which Bar must be distant from the
Bottom of the Furnace, as far as to the Extension
of one Hand with its Thumb, and about the thickness of one
Finger above it, must the Sublimatory be firmly placed; and
inclosed round about to the Furnace, which the following
Description demonstrates. But then consider whether your
Furnace can well and freely discharge it self of the
Fumosities, and the Flame can freely pass through the
whole Furnace, in the Circuit of the Aludel; if
so, it is well proportionate; if not, it is not so. Then you must open
its Ventholes, and if by that means it be mended, it is well indeed:
if not, then it must necessarily be altered; be∣cause the distance of
the Vessel from the sides of the Furnace, is too
small. Therefore pare
Page 98
off the sides of the
Walls, and enlarge the di∣stance, and then try it. And so continue
reite∣rating (if need be) the enlarging of the Vent∣holes, and paring
the Sides, until it can free∣ly quit it self of the Smoak,
and the Flame be Lucid round about the Aludel, and
the Smoak very freely pass out by the Vents.

This is an Experiment (sufficient for any
Quantity to be Sublimed) of the Invention of
Magnitude of the Furnace, and of Dilating the
Ventholes thereof, and of the Distance of the
Vessel from the Walls of the same. But the
In∣vention of Thickness of the Furnace is (if you
intend a great Fire) that the same be equal to the extension of
one hands breadth, with its Thumb; but if a moderate Fire be
intended, then the Thickness must be to one hands breadth; and if
a lesser Fire, it must be formed to the Thickness of
two Fingers.

Likewise Proportion is to be taken from
Woods, for solid Woods give a strong Fire,
spongious a weak, and Dry Woods give a great Fire, and
soon terminable. Green Woods give a little and long lasting
Fire, and Solid Woods likewise a very durable
Fire; but Spongy Woods a Fire ea∣sily terminable.
Therefore with Considerati∣on of the Distance of the
Aludel, and of the Magnitude and Smallness of the
Ventholes, and Thickness and Thinness of the
Furnace, and Di∣versity of Woods premised, the
Diversities of all Fires come to be found out, with their
true Experience. But from the greater or lesser
Page 99
Closure of the Ventholes, or of the
Door of the Furnace, by which the Woods are put in,
and by the Addition and Substraction of them, the
determinate space of Time of Duration of the Fire
comes to be found out, viz. So that (as by a determinate
Science) it is known how long the Fire of each, in its
degree, can dure in E∣quality. This Investigation is very
profitable and necessary for you; because by it you will be eased of
much of your Labour. Therefore exercise your self therein, and in
all Things by Us here now lately mentioned; for he who exerciseth
himself herein, learns; but he that doth not so, learns not.

CHAP. VII.
Of what Matter, and in what Form the
Vessel Aludel (or Sublimatory) is to be made.

BUt the Intention of the Vessel Aludel
is, that that it be made of thick Glass; for other Matter
is not sufficient, unless it be thick; and of like Substance
with Glass. Because Glass only, and its like (wanting
Pores) is able to retain Spirits from Flight, and
that they be not exterminated by the Fire; but no other
Matter is fit: because through the Pores of them the
Spirits are gradually diminished, and
Page 100

vanish. Nor are Metals serviceable in this Case,
because Spirits (by reason of their A∣mity and
Convenience) penetrate them, and are united therewith; wherefore, passing
through them they vanish, as is manifestly proved, by what are determined
by Us. And it is found necessarily, and by Experience, that this
We have said is true. Therefore We are not by any Thing excused,
from taking Glass in the Composition of the
Aludel. In order to which,

Let a round Glass Vessel, or Concha,
be made, with a flat round Bottom, and in the middle of the
Sides thereof a Zone, or Girdle of Glass
surrounding the same;* and above that Girdle cause a round
Wall to be made, equidistant from the Wall of the
Concha, to the Grossitude of the Cover of the
said Concha; so that in this Distance the Wall
of the Cover may freely fall without pressure. But the
Height of this Wall (above the Girdle) must be
according to the Measure of the Height of the Wall
of the Concha, or little more or less. This being done, let two
Covers (or Heads) be made equal to the Mea∣sure of
this Concavity of the two Walls; the length of both Covers
must be equal and of one Span, and the Figure of them one
also; viz. Pyramidal; in the superior part of which
Covers, two equal Holes, one in the one, and another in the
other, should be made so, as
Page 101
that an Hens
Feather may commodiously be put in; as a little after will be more
clearly ex∣pressed. Therefore the Intention of this Vessel
Concha, is, that its Cover may be moved at the pleasure of the
Artist, and that the Juncture might be Ingenious,
so that through it (with∣out any Luting) no Egress might
be made for the Spirits. But he that can better contrive this
Vessel, may so do, notwithstanding our
Description.

Yet in this We have a special Intention, viz.
That the interior Concha, with its Sides, should enter half
way within its Cover. For seeing it is the Property of
Fumes to Ascend, not to Descend, by this We find
the Spirits not to have Exit for Consumption; and
by reason of this, it excels the other Wayes, which by Our
Intention We acquired. And by tryal of this, the Artist
will see that We have given a true Estimate hereof. Also, the
Intention is, that the Head of the Aludel should
be often emptied, least part of what is Sublimed (the
Quantity elevated being overmuch) fall down again to the
Bottom, and so the Time of Sub∣liming, by this
reiteration, be prolonged. Likewise, another Intention is, that what
A∣scends up in the form of Powder nigh the Hole of
the Head of the Aludel, be always kept apart, from that which
is found to have a∣scended fused and dense in small Lumps,
po∣rous and clear at the Bottom thereof, with ad∣herency to the
Sides of the Vessel; because this
Page 102

is known to have less of Adustion, than what is found to ascend
nigh to the Hole of the Head. This is by the
Superior proved manifestly, by Reason and
Experience. But the Probation of the Goodness and
Perfection of Sublimation, is al∣ready declared,
viz. That it be found clear, and lucid, and not burnt with
Inflamation.

Therefore this is the Perfection of the
Intenti∣ons of Subliming Sulphur, and Arsnick. And
if it be not so found, the Work must be repeated, with
Consideration of all its Intentions, till the
Sublimate be found Perfect, as is said.

CHAP. VIII.
Of the Sublimation of Mercury and
Ar∣gentvive.

NOw We will determine the whole Inten∣tion of
Sublimation of Argentvive. This Work is compleated,
when its Terrestreity is highly purified, and its
Aquosity wholly re∣moved. For We are excused from the labour of
removing its Adustion, because it hath none. Therefore We say,
that the Ingenuity of se∣perating its superfluous Earth,
is to mix it with Things wherewith it hath not affinity, and often to
reiterate the Sublimation of it from them. Of this kind, is
Talk, and the Calx of Egg-shells, and of White
Marble. Likewise
Page 103
also Glass most
subtily beaten, and every kind of Salt prepared. For by these it
is cleansed, but by other Things, having affinity with it (unless
they be Bodies of Perfection) it is rather corrupted;
because all such Things have a Sul∣phureity, which,
ascending with it in Sublima∣tion, corrupt it. And this you find
true by Experience, because, when you sublime it from Tin
or Lead, you find it (after Sublima∣tion) infected with
Blackness. Therefore its Sublimation is better made by
those Things, which agree not with it; but it would be bet∣ter, by
Things, with which it doth agree, if they had not
Sulphureity. Wherefore, this Sub∣limation is better made from
Calx than from all other Things; because that agrees little
with it, and hath not Sulphureity.

But the way of removing its superfluous
A∣quosity, is, that when it is mixed with Calxes, from
which it is to be sublimed, it be well ground and commixed with them by
Imbibition, until nothing of it appear, and afterward the
Wateriness of Imbibition removed by a most gen∣tle heat
of Fire; which receding, the Aquo∣sity of
Argentvive recedes with it. Yet the Fire must be so very
gentle, as that by it the whole Substance of Argentvive
ascend not. Therefore from the manifold Reiteration of Imbibition,
with Contrition and gentle Assation, its greater Aquosity is
abolished; the residue of which is removed by repeating the
Sublimation often. And when you see it most White,
excelling
Page 104
Snow in its Whiteness, and
to adhere (as it were dead) to the Sides of the Vessel;
then again reiterate its Sublimation, without the Feces;
be∣cause part of it adheres fixed with the Feces, and can never by
any kind of Ingenuity be se∣parated from them. Or afterward, fix
part of it; as shall expresly be taught you in the following: And when you
have fixed it, then reiterate Sublimation of the Part
remaining, that it may be likewise fixed.

Being fixed, reserve it; but first prove it upon
Fire. If it flow well, then you have ad∣ministred sufficient
Sublimation, but if not, add to it some small part of
Argentvive sublimed, and reiterate the Sublimation, till
your end be answered; for if it hath a lucid and most white
Colour, and be porous, than you have well sublimed it, if not, not.
Therefore in the Preparation of it made by Sublimation be not
negligent; because such as its Mundation (or cleansing) shall
be, such will be its Perfection, in projection of it upon any of the
imperfect Bo∣dies, and upon its own Body unprepared. Yet here
note, that Some have by it formed Iron, others Lead;
some Copper, and others Tin. Which happened to them,
through negligence of Preparation; sometimes of it alone,
some∣times of Sulphur, or of its Compeer, mixt with it. But
if you shall by Subliming directly cleanse and perfect this
Subject, it will be a firm and perfect Tincture of
Whiteness, the like of which is not.

Page 105
CHAP. IX.
Of Sublimation of Marchasite.

THerefore, the sum of the Intention of
Sub∣limation of Argentvive, being sufficient∣ly declared,
We now come to the Sublimation of Marchasite; of which
there are two ways. One is performed without Ignition, the other with
Ignition; and that is, because it hath a twofold Substance:
viz. One Sulphur, pure in its nature; the other
Argentvive, mortified. The first is profitable, as Sulphur;
the second profitable, as Argentvive mortified, and mode∣rately
prepared Therefore We take this last, because by it We are excused from
the former Argentvive, and the labour of mortifying it.

The intire Way of Sublimation of this
Sub∣ject is, that it be ground to Powder, and put into an
Aludel, and its Sulphur Sublimed without Ignition;
always, and that very of∣ten, removing what is Sublimed, for the
afore∣said Reason; and afterward augmenting the force of
Fire, unto Ignition of the Aludel. And the first
Sublimation of Marchasite must be made in a
Vessel of Sublimation, and so long continued, as until
the Sulphur be separated; the Process being
successively, and orderly con∣tinued, until it is manifest, that what
was
Page 106
in it of Sulphur, be all passed out.
Which may be proved by these manifest Experiments. For when its
whole Sulphur shall be elevated, you will see the Colour
thereof changed into most White, mixt with a very clear, pleasant,
and Coelestine Colour: Also you will otherwise prove this,
because what shall be of the Nature of Sulphur will burn
and give a Flame, as Sul∣phur. But what shall be secondly
Sublimed, after that Sublimate, will neither be inflamed, nor
shew any Properties of Sulphur, but of Ar∣gentvive
mortified in the Reiteration of Subli∣mation.

CHAP. X.
Of the Vessel, in which Marchasite may
rightly be Sublimed.

THerefore We collect that, by its way of
Sublimation, which is thus: A most solid and well cocted
Earthen Vessel, must be made to the length of half the
Stature of a Man, but in breadth Diametrically, no
more than that the Hand may commodiously enter. The Bottom
of this Vessel (which must be made so, as it may be
separated and conjoyned) must be made after the similitude of a plain
Dish or Porrenger very deep; viz. from the
superior Orifice to the Bottom, the depth of one
Hands
Page 107
length, with its Fingers. And
from that Place, or moveable Bottom to the Head, the
Vessel must be very accurately Glazed within, with very
thick Vitrification. And upon the Head of the
Vessel must be fitted an Alembeck with a wide nose or
beak: For in such a Vessel That is best sublimed. Therefore
the Bottom must be conjoyned with its Vessel, with very
firm and tenacious Luting, and the Marchasite spread upon
(or within) that Bottom; and then the Alembeck set upon the
Superior Part: and so placed in a Furnace, of which the
pro∣perty is to give a strong Fire, viz. of Fusion of
Silver, or Copper, which in the Sum of our
Work, where we shall declare the Diversities of all
Instruments, We sufficiently describe to you. And this being
done, you must surround the top of your Furnace with an
Hoop or Ring of Iron flat, having a hole in its
middle, proportio∣nate to the Magnitude of the Vessel;
that the Vessel may stand fast within it. Then lute the
Junctures in the Circuit of the Vessel and the
Furnace, least the Fire passing out there, be an
hindrance to the adherency of your Sub∣limation, leaving only four
small Windows, or Doors, that may be opened and shut in
the Flat-Ring or Hoop aforesaid, through which
Coals may be put in round about the Sides of the
Furnace. Likewise four other holes must be left under them, and
between their Spaces, for the putting in of Coals; and six
or eight lesser holes, proportionate to the Magnitude
Page 108

of the little Finger, which must never be shut; that by them the
Fire may commodiously free it self from Fumosities. Let
these last Holes be in the Juncture of the
Furnace, with the afore∣said Hoop.

But that Furnace is of great Ignition, the
Sides of which are to the height of two Cu∣bits; and in the
midst whereof is a round Grate or Wheel bored full of very
many small holes close together, and strongly annexed to the
Furnace with Luting. The Superior part of these holes
must be closer, or smaller a∣bove, but wider or more open beneath, that
Ashes or Coals may the more freely fall from them, and the
Grate be left continually open for the more free Reception of
the Air. For the free and ample admission of the Air
through the Inferior Holes, is one Cause of great
Ignition by the Furnace. Therefore be exerci∣sed therein,
and you will find out the Secret. But the Cause of so
great Length of the Vessel, is, that a great part of it
may stand up, and be extended beyond the Fire, and be kept cool,
that the Fumes of the Sublimate ascending may find a
Place of cooling, and adhere; and not find a way of Flight,
and be exter∣minated. This he well knows, who hath sub∣limed in short
Sublimatories, wherein he found nothing of the Sublimate;
because, by reason of the Shortness of his Vessel,
the Fire was e∣qual in heat through the whole of the same.
Therefore, the Matter to be sublimed, always
Page 109

stood converted into the Substance of Fume, and could not
any where adhere, but gradually vanish through the Pores of the
Vessel.

Wherefore, in subliming all Things, the
Vessel must the greater part of it be extended high above the
Fire, that the same extended Part may serve for a
Refrigeratory. But the Cause of Vitrification, or
Glazing the Vessel, is, that the ascending
Fumes, in the place of their Ascension, may not find the
Sides of the Aludel porous, and penetrating them, take their
Flight. Therefore the Place of their Ascension
is vitri∣fied, that the Way of their Flight may be
stop∣ped. But the Bottom of the Vessel is not
Gla∣zed, because it stands in the Fire, which would melt
its Vitrification; and that melting, both the Bottom it
self, and Matter to be subli∣med, would also be melted, and
turned into Glass. For the Property of Glass is
to over∣come all Things, and convert them to it self. Therefore, all these
Things, and their Causes, being considered, Let your Fire
be continued under the Vessel, until you be assured by
in∣fallible Experience, the whole is ascended. The Experiment of
this is, the putting in a Rod of Earth well burned (having a
small hole in the end, reaching almost to the middle thereof, and
answering to the quantity of the little Finger) nigh the
Matter of which the Sublimation is made. And if any thing
ascending adhere to the hole, the Whole is not sublimed; but if
not, then the Sublimation is
Page 110
ended. By this
same Exercise, in all Things to be sublimed, you may be assured of
the End of your Work.

CHAP. XI.
Of the Sublimation of Magnesia and
Tutia: Also of Imperfect Bodies, and of the Addition of Matter
elevating them.

THe Intention of the Sublimation of
Magne∣sia and Tutia, is the same with the
Inten∣tion of the last Sublimation of
Marchasite. For all these cannot be sublimed without
Ignition. Therefore they all have one Intention, with the
same Causes, and the same Experiences; and that hath
one General Order. Because it ne∣cessarily happens, that
whatsoever are subli∣med with Ignition, must be sublimed
without Feces; for in themselves they have enough, yea, too much
Feces: the sign of which is the difficulty of their
Sublimation.

Likewise all Bodies diminished from
Perfec∣tion, are sublimed in the same Order, and no
difference of diversity is, unless that in Bo∣dies the
Fire of Sublimation must be more ve∣hement than in
Magnesia, Marchasite, and Tutia. And so likewise,
Bodies, in their Sub∣limations, are not diversified, except
that some
Page 111
need the adjunction of something else to
e∣levate them; others not. But there is one spe∣cial
Consideration, by Experience found good in the
Sublimation of Bodies; and that is, that no great
Quantity of the Body to be sublimed, be at once
put into the Bottom of the Vessel; because a great
abundance of Matter impedes Sublimation. Also the
Bottom of the Sublimatory should be flat, not concave; that
the Body equally and thinly spread upon the Bottom, may
equally and much be elevated in all its Parts.

Bodies needing the Admixtion of
Matters e∣levating, are Venus and Mars, by reason
of the slowness of their Fusion. Therefore Venus needs
Tutia, and Mars Arsnick; and with these they are easily
elevated, because they mostly agree with them. Wherefore after
Consideration of them, let Sublimation be made as in
Tutia, and in things like to it in Sublima∣tion; and let
their Sublimation be disposed in the same Order, with
its Causes and Experi∣ences.

Page 112
CHAP. XII.
Of Descension, and the way of
Purifying by Pastills.

THe Intentions of Sublimation, with all
their Causes, being already declared, it re∣mains, that We now
shew the way of Descen∣sion, with its Causes, and
determinate and compleat Order likewise. For there was a threefold
Cause of its Invention. One, that when any Matter
is included in that Vessel, which is called a Chymical
Descensory, after its Fusion it may descend through the
Hole there∣of, and by its Descent We be assured that it
hath admitted Fluxing. Another Cause, that weak
Bodies may by •t be
preserved from Com∣bustion, after Reduction from their
Calxes. For when We attempt to reduce weak Bodies from their
Calxes, We cannot reduce all their whole Substance at one
time. Therefore, if that Part, which is first reduced into
Body, should expect the Reduction of the whole, a great
Quantity of it would vanish by the Fire. Wherefore it was
necessarily devised, that one part, so soon as reduced, might be
taken from the Fire. And this is done by a Descenso∣ry.
The third Cause of the Invention of it, was the
Depuration of Bodies from every thing
Page 113

extraneous. For the Body descends in Flux clean, and leaves
every thing that is extraneous in the Concavity thereof.

Therefore Descension being invented for these
three necessary Causes, We will now de∣termine the
Method of it, with its Instrument first denoted with its
Causes. In order to which, We say, that the Form of it
must be such, as its Bottom may be pointed, and the Sides
of it without Roughness, equally ter∣minating into the aforesaid
Acuity, or Point of the Bottom; and its
Cover (if it need any) must be made in the likeness of a plain or
flat Dish, and well fitted to it; and the Vessel with
its Cover must be made of good and firm Earth, not easily
cracking in the Fire. Then put in the Matter, which you would
have to de∣scend, upon round Rods made of like Earth, and
so placed as they may be more nigh the Top than Bottom of
the Vessel. Then covering the Vessel and luting the
Juncture, set it within a Fire of Coals, and blow
it until the whole Matter descend into a subjacent
Vessel. Yet (if the Matter be of difficult
Fusion) it may be put upon a Table plain, or of small
Concavity, from which it may easily descend, by inclining the
Head of the Descensory, when it is in Flux. For
by this Bodies are purified.

But they are better purified by Pastills, which
way of Purification is the same with the way of Purifying
of the Descensory. Therefore by it We are excused from that: For
it holds the
Page 114
Feces of Bodies, as a
Descensory and better; therefore We declare the Way of
it. We take a Body, of which the Intention is to be
cleansed, and that We reduce to most fine Grains, or
Filings, or into a Calx (which is more per∣fect) and mix with
it some other Calx, of which the Intention is not to be
melted; and then We make the Body to flow. For We by that, often
repeated, find Bodies to be cleansed, but not with perfect
Mundification, which We know to be Perfection; yet with a
profitable Mundification, that Bodies capable of
Perfecti∣on, may the better and more perfectly be by it
transformed: For there is to be an Admi∣nistration preceding that
Transformation; but every Administration shall
sufficienly be de∣clared to you in the following. Here We only give you a
Description of the Descensory.

CHAP. XIII.
Of Distilation and its Causes, and
of Three kinds of the same. viz, by A∣lembeck, by a
Descensory, and by Filter.

THerefore, following Our Purpose, 'tis
con∣venient. We should speak of Distillation, with its
Causes; Distillation is an Elevation of aqueous
Vapours in their Vessel. And Distilla∣tion
Page 115
is diversified. For some Distillations are
by Fire, and some without Fire. Those made by
Fire are of two kinds; one, which is by Elevation into the
Alembeck; and the other by Chymical Descensory, by
mediation of which the Oyl of Vegetables is extracted.

The Cause why Distillation was
invented, and the general Cause of the Invention of every
Distillation, is the Purification of Liquid Matter
from its turbulent Feces, and Cons•rvation of it from Putrefaction. For We
see a Thing Distilled (by what kind soever of
Distillation) to be rendred more Pure, and to be better
preser∣ved from Putrefaction. But the special Cause of
that Distillation, which is made by ascent into the
Alembeck, is the desire of acquiring Water Pure without
Earth. The Experience of which is, that We see
Water so Distilled, to have no Feculency. The
Cause of the Invention of Pure Water, was the
Imbibition of Spirits, and of clean Medicines. As
for Example, When We need Imbibition, We must have pure
Water, which leaves no Feces after its Resolution;
by which Feculency, Our Medicines and cleansed
Spirits might be infected and corrupted. But the Cause of
that Invention, which is made by De∣scent, was the
Extraction of Oyl pure in its Nature; because by
Ascent, Oyl cannot be had in its Combustible Nature. And
such an Inquisition also was, that the Colour which is
permixed with its Substance, might be had; for this may be helpful
in the Case. But Distillati∣on,
Page 116

which is made by Filter, is performed without Fire; and the
Cause of its Invention was Clearness of the
Water only.

Now We will shew you the Methods of
Di∣stillations, with their Causes. Therefore of that
which is made by Ascent, there is a twofold Way or
Method. For one is performed in an Earthen Pan full of
Ashes; but the other with Water in its Vessel,
with Hay or Wool, orderly so disposed, that the
Cucurbit, or Distillatory Alembeck, may not be broken
before the Work be brought to Perfection. That which is made
by Ashes, is performed with a greater, stronger, and more acute
Fire; but what is made by Water, with a mild and equal
Fire. For Water admits not the Acuity of
Ignition, as Ashes doth. Therefore, by that
Distillation, which is made in Ashes, Colours, and the
more gross Parts of the Earth, are wont to be elevated; but
by that which is made in Water, the Parts more subtile, and
without Colour, and more approaching to the Nature of
simple Wateriness, are usally elevated. Therefore more subtile
Separation is made by Distillation in Water, than
by Distilling in Ashes. This he knows to be true, who
when he had Distilled Oyl by Ashes, received his
Oyl scarcely altered into the Re∣cipient; but willing to
separate the Parts there∣of, was by necessity forced to
Distill it by Water. And then by reiterating that
Labour, he se∣parated the Oyl into its Elemental
Parts; so that from a most red Oyl, he extracted a most
Page 117
white and most serene Water, the whole
Red∣ness thereof remaining in the Bottom of the
Vessel.

Therefore by this Magistery, We must
ne∣cessarily come to the determinate Separation of all the
Elements, of every Vegetable Thing, and of that which from
the Vegetable proceeds to a Being, and of every like
Thing: but by that, which is made by Descent, We may
at∣tain the Oyl of every Thing determinately, viz.
of all Vegetables, and of their Like: and by that, which is
made by Filter, We acquire the Clearness of every
Liquorous Thing. Yet all these Things are known, even to
Men knowing little or nothing; but if any Man knoweth them
not, he knows nothing of this Magistery. There∣fore let him practice
in the Exercise and he will find it out.

The Disposition of that which is made by
Ashes, is, that a strong Earthen-Pan be taken and fitted
to the Furnace, like to the afore∣said Furnace of
Sublimation, with the same Distance from the
Sides of the Furnace, and with like Ventholes; upon
the Bottom of which Pan sifted Ashes must be
put to the thickness of one Finger, and upon the Ashes
the Vessel of Distillation set, and covered round
about with the same, almost as high as to the Neck of the
Alembeck. This being done, put in the Matter, which you
intend shall be Distilled. Lastly, Cover the Vessel
with its Alembeck, the Neck of which must inclose the
Neck of
Page 118
the inferior Cucurbit, even up
to the curved Channel of the Alembeck, least what is to be
Distilled should flie away; and lute the Alem∣beck firmly
with its Cucurbit, and give Fire to it, until it begin to
Distill. But the Alembeck and its Cucurbit, must
be both of Glass. And the Fire must be increased
according to the Exigency of the Distillation, until it be
found, by urging the Fire, that all which should be
Distilled is Distilled off.

The Disposition of the second
Intention of Di∣stillation, which is made by
Water, is like to this, in the Vessel and
Alembeck: yet it differs in this, viz. That in this, must
be taken an Iron or Brass Pan, and that fitted to the
Fur∣nace, as is said. Afterwards, upon the Bot∣tom of the
Pan, within must be laid a Bed of Hay, or
Wooll, or other such like Matter, to the thickness of
three Fingers, that the Cu∣curbit may not be broken; and with
the same Hay, or like Things, the Cucurbit must
be covered round about, almost as high as to the Neck of the
Alembeck; and upon them many small Sprigs, or
Sticks spread, and upon the Sticks weighty Stones
laid, which with their weight may depress the Hay, or other like
Matter, with the Cucurbit and Alembeck, and firmly
and steddily hold them depressed upon the Bottom of the
Pan, that they be not moved, or raised by the Water; and
that stirring be the Cause of breaking the Glass, and
Destruction of the Matter to be Distilled.
Af∣terwards,
Page 119
upon the Hay and Sticks
depressed with the Stones, pour Water until the
Pan be full. This being done, put Fire under and
Distil, until all be Distilled off.

The Disposition of that, which is made by
Descent, is, that a Glass Descensory be made, with
its Cover, and that put in which is to be Distilled, and
then the Cover luted on; and Fire made upon the Top,
or over it: for its Distillation descends.

The Disposition of that, which is made by
Filter, is, that the Liquor to be Distilled be put
into a Stone Concha, and the wider part of the Filter put
into the said Liquor, even to the Bottom of the
Concha, but the narrower part of it hang out over the Orifice
of the said Vessel. And under that end of the Filter
must be set another Vessel for receiving the
Distilla∣tion. Therefore, when the Filter begins to
Distill, the Water with which it was moist∣ned will
first Distill off; which ceasing, the Liquor to be
Distilled succeeds. Which Liquor if it be not as yet
serene, it must so often be put into the Concha again, and
re-distilled, as until it be Distilled most serene.

But all these Operations, which are easie, need
no great Probation; therefore I am willing to pass that over in
Silence. This is the Descrip∣tion of all the
Vessels of every Distillation, here now compleated by
Us.

Page 120
CHAP. IV.
Of Calcination, as well of Bodies as of
Spirits, with its Causes and Methods.

AFter the Narration of Distillation, We
proceed to Discourse of Calcination. Calcination is the
Pulverization of a Thing by Fire, through
Privation of the Humidity con∣solidating the
Parts. The Cause of the Inven∣tion of it is, that
the adustive, corrupting and defiling Sulphureity, may be
abolished by Fire. Yet it is diversified, according to the
Diver∣sity of Things to be Calcined. For Bodies are
Calcined, and Spirits are Calcined; yea, o∣ther Things also
extraneous from the nature of these; yet with a diverse Intention.
And see∣ing there are imperfect Bodies of two kinds; viz.
Hard, as Venus and Mars, and Soft, as Ju∣piter and
Saturn; all which are Calcined: there was a necessity of Calcining
them with a di∣vers Intention, viz. General and Special. They are all
Calcined with one general Intention; which is, that their corrupting
and defiling Sulphureity may be abolished by Fire. For so
every adustive Sulphureity, which could not be removed without
Calcination, is burnt a∣way from every thing whatsoever. And
be∣cause the Body it self is solid, and by reason
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of that solidity, the occult Sulphureity
con∣cealed within the Continuity of the Substance of
Argentvive, is defended from Adustion: therefore it was
necessary to separate the Continuity thereof, that the Fire
freely come∣ing to every of its least Parts, might burn the
Sulphureity from it, and the Continuity of
Argentvive in the Body, not defend it.

Likewise, the common Intention in it, is
Depuration of the Earthiness: For it is found, that
Bodies are cleansed by reitera∣ted Calcination and
Reduction; as We shall shew in the following.

Special Calcination is of soft Bodies,
and with these two Intentions, that through it there may be an
Intention of hardning and firing; which is attained to by an
Ignitious Repetition of Calcination upon them; of which it is
expedient We should Discourse, in the following Treatise. For
We find that they are manifestly hardned by that Ingenuity.

But the Cause of the Invention of the
Cal∣cination of Spirits, is, that they may the bet∣ter be
fixed, and be the more easily dissolved into Water. Because
every kind of Things Calcined is more fixed than the not Cal∣cined, and of
easier Solution; and because the Parts of the
Calcinate more subtiliated by Fire, are more easily mixed
with Waters, and turned into Water. And this you will find
so to be, if you be experienced. The Calcinati∣on of other
Things, is subservient to the Exi∣gency
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of the Preparation of Spirits and
Bodies; of which Preparation We shall speak more at large
in the following. But any of these Things, or such as these, is
not of Perfecti•n.

Therefore the way or Method of
Calcinati∣on is diverse, by reason of the Diversity of
things to be calcined. For Bodies are other∣wise calcined, than
Spiri•• or other
Things. And Bodies diverse each from other, are likewise
diversly calcined. For soft Bodies have one General way,
according to the In∣tention of Calcination, viz. that both
may be calcined by Fire only; and by the Acuity of
Salt prepared or not prepared, both likewise. Therefore, the first
Calcination by Fire only, is thus prepared: You must have a
Vessel of Iron or Earth, formed after the
similitude of a Porringer, the structure of which must be very
firm, and fitted to the Furnace of Calci∣nation, in such
wise, that under it the Coals may be cast in and blowed. These
being thus ordered, you must cast in Lead or Tin into
your Vessel, which must be firmly set upon a Trivet
of Iron, or on three Stone-Columes, and likewise surely
fastned to the Walls of its Furnace, with three or four
Stones set in stiff between the Furnace-sides and the
Vessel, that it may not be stirred. The Figure of the
Furnace must be the same with the Form of the
Furnace of great Ignition, of which mention is made above,
and shall more fully be decla∣red in the Following. Therefore in
that Fur∣nace
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kindle Fire under your
Vessel of Subli∣mation, sufficient for
Fusion of the Body to be calcined. And when the
Body shall, by heat of Fire, contract a Black skin
upon it, gather that off from it by a Slice, or other fit
Instrument of Iron or Stone, that will not permit
it self to be burnt to the Infection of the Calx. This
drawing off, or taking off the Skin, must so long be continued, as
until the whole Body be converted to Powder. If it be
Saturn, a greater Fire must be admini∣stred, until the
Calx be changed into a Colour most yellow or red. If it be
Jupiter, it must likewise be exposed and continued in the
Fire, until the Calx be changed into compleat
White∣ness.

Yet in this We would have the Artificer to be well
advised, that Saturn is easily reduced from its Calx; but
Jupiter most difficulty. Therefore, let him be careful, that he err
not in exposing Saturn, after its first Pulverization to too great
a Fire, and so reduce the Calx into Body, before
it is perfected. For he needs Temperance of Fire, and that leisurely
aug∣mented by degrees, with Caution, until it be confirmed in its
Calx; proving not so easily reducible, that a greater
Fire may be admi∣nistred to it, for compleatly perfecting its
Calx. Likewise, he must be careful, that he err not in
Jupiter, by reason of its difficult Reduction; so, that
when he intends to reduce its Calx, he find it not reduced, but in its
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former condition, or turned into Glass; and
thence he conclude its Reduction impossible. For We say, if a
great Fire be not admini∣stred, in the Reduction of
Tin, it reduceth not; and if a great Fire be administred,
it doth not necessarily happen, that it shall be reduced; but 'tis
possible it may be converted to Glass. And that is, because
Jupiter, in the profundity of its Nature, hath the fugitive
Substance of Argentvive included: which, if kept long in
Fire, flies away, and leaves the Body deprived of
Humidity; so that it is found more apt for Vitrification,
than to be con∣verted to the Fusion of a Metallick Body.
For every Thing deprived of its proper Humidity, gives no other than a
Vitrificatory Fusion. Whence it necessarily follows, that the
Artist must hasten to reduce it swiftly, with the speedy
force of a violent Fire: for otherwise it is no• reduced. Therefore let him practice therein, and he will
come to the Knowledg thereof.

The way of Calcination of these two
Bodies, which is performed by the Acuity of Salt,
is, that Quantity after Quantity of Salt be very
often cast upon them in their Fusion, and per∣mixed by much
agitation with a Rod of Iron over the Fire, until by
mixtion of the Salt they be turned into Ashes. And
afterward, by the same way of Perfection, the Calxes of
them are perfected, with their Considerations. But in this also
there is difference in the Cal∣cination of these two
Bodies. For Lead, with
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the first
labours of Calcinatitn, is more easily converted to Powder
than Tin; yet the Calx of it is not more easily perfected,
than the Calx of Tin. The Cause of this
Diversity is, because Saturn hath a more fixed
Humidity than Jupiter.

Of Venus and Mars, the way of
Calcination is one; yet diverse from the former, by rea∣son of the
difficulty of their Liquefaction. And it is this, either of these
Bodies reduced into Plates, must be heat red hot, but not
melted. For, by reason of the great Quanti∣ty of
Earthiness in them, and the large Mea∣sure they have of adustive
and flying Sulphu∣reity, they are easily this way deduced into
Calx. And that therefore is, because by rea∣son of much
Earthiness, mixt with the Sub∣stance of Argentvive, the
due continuation of Argentvive is disturbed. Therefore
Porosity is caused i•
them, through which the Sulphu∣reity passing may fly away; and the
Fire, by that Means having access to it, burn and e∣levate the
same. Whence it comes to pass, that the Parts are made more rare,
and through Discontinuity of the Rarity converted into
Ashes. The Experience of this is manifest, because
Plates of Copper exposed to Ignition, yield a
Sulphureous Flame, and cause pulveri∣zable Scales in their
Superficies. And that therefore is, because from the Parts
more nigh, a more easie combustion of Sulphur must
ne∣cessarily be made.

But the Form of the Furnace of this
Calci∣nation,
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is the same with the
Form of the Fur∣nace of Distillation, only that
this must have one great hole left in the Crown of it, whence it may free it
self from Fumosities. And the Site of Things to be
calcined, must be in the midst of the Furnace, that the
Fire may have free access to them round about. But the
Vessel must be of Earth, made in the form of a
Porring•r or deep
Dish.

The way of Calcination of Spirits, is,
that to them approaching to Fixation be administred Fire,
gradually, and very leisurely increased, that they fly not, until they be
able to sustain the greatest Fire. Their Vessel
must be round, every way closed, and their Furnace the same with
this lastly mentioned. With a like Furnace, and like
Vessel, every Thing is like∣wise calcined. Yet We are excused
from greater Labour, than what must be imploy∣ed in preventing their
Flight: because other Things (unless Spirits, and what is
nigh to the Nature of Spirits) fly not.

CHAP. XV.
Of Solution, and its Cause.

NOW We intend to speak of Solution. So∣lution is
the Reduction of a Dry Thing into Water. Therefore, We say, that
every
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Perfection of Solution is
compleated with sub∣tile Waters, and especially the acute, and
sharp, and saline Waters, having no Feces; as is
Di∣stilled Vinegar, Sowre Grapes, Pears of very great sharpness,
Pomegranets, and the like of these distilled.

The Cause of the Invention of this, was
the Subtiliation of those Things, which neither have
Fusion nor Ingress; by which was lost the great
Ʋtility of fixed Spirits, and of those Things which are
of their Nature. For every Thing which is dissolved, must
necessarily have the Nature of Salt, or of
Allom, or of their like. And the Nature of them is, that they give
Fusion before their Vitrification. Therefore
Spirits dissolved will likewise give like Fusion. And
since they in their own Na∣ture, agree with Bodies, and
each with other, Fusion being acquired, they must by that
ne∣cessarily penetrate Bodies, and penetrating transmute the
same. But they neither pene∣trate, nor trasmute, without our
Magistery, which is this, viz. that after Solution
and Co∣agulation of the Body, to it be administred some
one of the Spirits purified, not fixed; and that so often sublimed
from it, as until it remain with it, and give to it a more swift
Fusion, and conserve the same in Fusion from
Vitrification. For the Nature of Spirits is, not to be
vitrified, and to preserve the Mixture from Vitrification,
as long as they are in it. Therefore the Spirit, which more retains
the
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Nature of Spirits, more defends from
Vitrifi∣cation. But a Spirit only purified, more pre∣serves
than a Spirit purified, calcined, and dis∣solved: therefore there
is a necessity of mix∣ing such a Spirit with the Body.
For from these results good Fusion, and Ingress, and
firm Fixation.

But We are able to prove, by the Works of
Nature, that Things only holding the Nature of Salts,
Alloms, and the like, are Soluble. For considering, We find in
all her Works no other things to be dissolved, but them.
There∣fore, whatsoever are dissolved, they must ne∣cessarily be
dissolved by their Nature. Yet, because We see all Things truly
calcined, to be dissolved, by Reiteration of Calcination, and
Solution; therefore, We by that prove, that all Calcinates
approach to the Nature of Salts, and Alloms,
therefore must necessarily be them∣selves attended with those
properties. But the way of Solution is twofold, viz by hot
Dung, and by boyling or hot Water. Of both which there is one
Intention, and one Effect.

The Way of Dissolving by
Dung, is, that the Calcinate be put into a Glass
Vessel, and upon the same poured of distilled Vinegar, or
the like, double its weight, and the Mouth of the Vessel well
closed, that nothing may respire; and then this Matter, with its
Vessels, set in Hot Dung to be dissolved, and the
Solution af∣terwards by Filter seperated. But the not
dissolved must be again calcined, and after
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Calcination again in like manner dissolved, until by repeating the
Labour, the whole be dissolved.

The Way of Dissolving by boyling
Water, is more swift, and it is thus: The calcinate must in like
manner be put into its Vessel, with Vine∣gar poured on it
as before, and the Orifice well closed, that nothing expire; then
the Vessel must be set, buryed in Straw, into a
Pan full of Water, as in the Way of
Distillation by Water, We before appointed; and afterward
Fire kindled under it, until the Water boyl for an hour. This
being done, the Solution must be filtred, and kept apart. But the
not dislsolved, again calcined, and again in the same manner
dissolved; until by repeating the La∣bour, the whole be dissolved.

CHAP. XVI.
Of Coagulation, and its Causes, and of
diverse ways of coagulating Mercu∣ry; and of dissolved
Medicines.

COagulation is the Reduction of a Thing
Li∣quid, to a Solid Substance, by Privation of the
Humidity. But there is a twofold Cause of its
Invention: one is, the Induration, or Hardning of
Argentvive; the other Cause of In∣vention is, the
freeing of Medicines dissolved, from the Wateriness
with them admixed. There∣fore
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it is diversified,
according to the Multi∣plicity of things to be coagulated. For
Ar∣gentvive needs one Coagulation, but dissolved
Medicines another. Yet there is a twofold Coagulation of
Argentvive. One, by washing away its whole innate Humidity
from it: the other, by Inspissation (or thickning) of its
Humidity, until it be hardned. Yet it is a most difficult and
laborious Work to congeal it, even with the profoundness of clear
sighted Indu∣stry. Therefore We will declare the whole
In∣genuity of its Coagulation.

Some thought the Ingenuity of its
Coagu∣lation was to keep it long in a temperate Fire: who
when they supposed they had coagulated it, after removal of it from the
Fire, found the same to flow, as before. By which they were driven
to amazement and wonder, strenuously arguing, that this was not
possible to be effected. But Others, from Natural Principles,
supposing that every Humidity must necessarily by heat of
Fire be converted into Dryness, endeavoured with
Instancy of Perseverance to continue the
Con∣servation of it in Fire; and by this
Continuati∣on, they at last came to this, viz. that some
of these Men converted it into a White-Stone, Others into a
Red, and others into a Citrine or yellow Stone,
which neither had Fusion, nor Ingress: and the
Cause of these Diversities they could not judg of,
therefore cast it away.

Others endeavoured to coagulate it with Medicines,
and this they effected not; but it
Page 131
proved a
Delusion to them; either because they coagulated it not, or
because it was in∣sensibly extenuated; or their Coagulation was
not in the form of any Body, And the Cause of the
Diversity of these Things, they knew not. Others, compounding
Artificial Medi∣cines, coagulated it in Projection; but their
Coagulation was not profitable, because they converted it to an
imperfect Body: and the Cause of this likewise could not
see. There∣fore 'tis expedient We should declare the Cau∣ses of
these Things, that the Artificer may come to the
Magistery of its Coagulation.

Wherefore, as is already sufficiently decla∣red by Us, the
Substance of Argentvive is uni∣form; wherefore it is not
possible, in short space of time, by keeping it in a constantly
continued Fire, to remove the Aquosity there∣of. Therefore
too much haste was the Cause of the first Error. And
being of a subtile Sub∣stance, it recedes from the Fire;
therefore excessive Fire is the Cause of the
Error of those Men from whom it flies. It is easily mixed with
Sulphur, Arsnick, and Marchasite, by reason of
Community in their Nature. There∣fore it appears to be coagulated by
them; not into the form of a Body, but of Argentvive
mixed with Lead. For these, being fugitive, cannot retain it in the
contest of Fire, until it can attain to the Nature of a
Body: but through the Impression of Fire, they fly with
it, therefore that is the Cause of the Error of
Page 132
those who so coagulate. Likewise,
Argent∣vive hath much Humidity united to it self, which
cannot possibly be separated from it, unless by Violence of
Fire warily adhibited, with Conservation of it it in its own
Fire. And they, by augmenting this its own Fire, as far as it
can bear, take away the Humi∣dity of Argentvive, leaving no
part sufficient for Metallick Fusion; which being taken away, it
cannot be melted. And this is the Cause of their Error, who
coagulate it into a Stone not fusible.

In like manner, Argentvive hath Sulphureous Parts
naturally mixt with it; yet some Ar∣gentvive hath more, others
less, which to re∣move by Artifice is impossible. Therefore,
seeing it is the property of Sulphur, with Ar∣gentvive, to
create a red or citrine Colour (ac∣cording to its Measure) the
ablation, or re∣moval of that being made, the property of Argentvive
is by Fire to give a white Co∣lour. This is therefore the
Cause of the va∣riety of Colours after its
Coagulation into a Stone. Likewise it hath the
Earthiness of Sul∣phur mixt with it, by which all its
Coagula∣tions must necessarily be infected. And this is the
Cause of the Error of those, who coagu∣late it into a
perfect Body. Therefore it hap∣pens, from the Diversity of
the Medicines of its Coagulation, that diverse
Bodies are crea∣ated in its Coagulation; and from the
diversi∣ty of that likewise, what is to be coagula∣ted.
Page 133
For, if either the Medicine, or that, have a
Sulphur not fixed, the Body created of it must needs be
soft. But if fixed, the Body must necessarily be hard. Also,
if White, white; and if Red, red. And if the Sulphur
be remiss from White, or Red, the Body likewise
must needs be remiss; and if Earth, the Body is
im∣perfect, if not, not so. Also every not fixed Sulphur creates a
livid Body; but the fixed, as much as in it lies, not. And the pure
Sub∣stance of it creates a pure Body, the not pure, not so.

Also the same Diversity doth in like manner happen in
Argentvive alone, without the Com∣mixtion of
Sulphur, by reason of the Diver∣sity of Mundification,
and Preparations of it in Medicines. Therefore an Illusion
happens from the part of the Diversity of the Medi∣cines; so that
sometimes in the Coagulation of it, it is made Lead,
sometimes Tin, sometimes Copper, and sometimes
Iron: which happens by reason of Impurity. And sometimes
Gold or Silver is made thence; which must needs proceed
from Purity, with Consideration of the Colours.

But Argentvive is coagulated by the frequent
Precipitation of it with violence to the for∣cible Heat of
strong Fire. For the Asperity of Fire easily
removes it Aquosity. And this work is best done by a
Vessel of a great length, in the sides of which it may find
place to cool and adhere, and (by reason of the length of
Page 134
the Vessel) to abide, and not flye, until it
can be again precipitated to the Fiery Bottom of the same; which
must always stand very hot, with great Ignition: and the same
Pre∣cipitation be continued, till it be totally fixed. It is also
coagulated with long and constant Retention in Fire, in a
Glass Vessel with a very long Neck and round
Belly; the Orifice of the Neck being kept open, that
the Humidi∣ty may vanish thereby. Also it is coagulated by
Medicine convenient for it: and that we will declare to you more
plainly in the fol∣lowing. And here likewise, that we may de∣clare our
compleat Intention relating to it, ac∣cording as We have found by
Experience, We say, that the Medicine of it is that, which
most nearly adheres to it in its profundity; and be∣fore its flight is
commixed with it through∣out its least parts. Therefore there is a
ne∣cessity of collecting that from Things conve∣nient to it, or agreeing
with the same. Of this kind are all Bodies, and Sulphur and
Ars∣nick.

But, because We see not any of the Bodies in
its Nature to coagulate it, but it to fly from them, of how great
conveniency soever they be; We have therefore considered, that no
Body adheres to it in its inmost parts. Where∣fore, that
Medicine must needs be of a more subtile Substance, and
more liquid Fusion, than Metals themselves are. Also,
by Spirits, re∣maining in their Nature, We see not a
Coagu∣lation
Page 135
of it to be made, that is firm and
sta∣ble; but fugitive and of much Infection. Which indeed happens,
by reason of the flight of Spirits; but the other, from the
Commixtion of the adustible and earthy Substance of them.
Therefore, hence it is manifestly evident, that from whatsoever Thing the
Medicine thereof is extracted, that must necessarily be of a
most sub∣tile and most pure Substance, of its own
Nature adhering to it, and of Liquefaction most easie,
and thin as Water; and also be fixed against the violence of Fire.
For this will coagulate it, and convert the same either into a Solar
or Lunar Nature.

Thus we have shewed you the Properties of the
Medicine, by which you may attain to it; and this we have determined
in a very pro∣per Speech. Therefore studiously exercise your
self thereabout, and you will find it. But that you may not blame Us, as if
We had not sufficiently spoken thereof, We say, that this
Medicine is extracted from Metallick Bodies themselves,
with their Sulphur, or Arsnick prepared: likewise from
Sulphur alone, or Ars∣nick prepared; and it may be
extracted from Bodies only. But from Argentvive alone it is
more easily, and more nearly, and more per∣fectly found; because
Nature more amicably embraceth its proper Nature, and in it
more rejoyceth, than in an extraneous Nature. And in it is facility of
Extraction of the Substance thereof, seeing it already
hath a Substance sub∣tile
Page 136
in Act.
But the Ways of acquiring this Medicine are by
Sublimation, as is by us suffi∣ciently declared. And the way of
fixing it, is likewise shewed in its Chapter. But the way of
coagulating Things dissolved, is by a Glass placed in
Ashes up to its Neck, and tempe∣rate Fire
administred thereunto, until their Aquosity vanish.

CHAP. XVII.
Of Fixation, and its Causes, and of
the diverse ways of fixing Bodies and Sprits.

FIxation is the convenient disposing a
Fu∣gitive Thing, to abide and sustain the Fire. The
Cause of the Invention of this Fixation, is (that
every Tincture, and every Alteration, may be perpetuated in
the Thing altered, and not changed. But it also is diversified according to
the Diversity of Things to be fixed; which are certain Bodies
diminished from Perfection, as Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, and
Venus: and ac∣cording to the Diversity of Spirits also,
which are Sulphur and Arsnick in one Degree, and
Argentvive in another; but Marchasite, Mag∣nesia, Tutia,
and the like of these, in the third.

Therefore these Bodies diminished from
Per∣fection,
Page 137
are fixed by their
Calcination; because thereby they are freed from their
Volatile and corrupting Sulphureity. And this We have
sufficiently declared in the Chapter of Calci∣nation. But
Sulphur and Arsnick are fixed two ways, viz. by
Reiteration of their Sub∣limation in the Vessel Aludel,
until they remain fixed. Therefore, according to this, the In∣tention
of hastening the Fixation of them, is, that the Invention
of repeating a manifold Sublimation in a short time, be observed
there∣in; which Reiteration is made by two Aludels, with
their two Heads or Covers, in the fol∣lowing Order,
that you may never ease from the Work of Sublimation, until
you have fix∣ed them. Therefore, so soon as they have ascended in one
Vessel, put them into the other; and so do continually, never
suffering them long to abide adhering to the sides of ei∣ther
Vessel; but constantly keep them in the Elevation of
Fire, until the Elevation of them ceaseth. For, the
sooner you can multiply the manifold Repetitions of Sublimation, the
more swiftly and better will you abbreviate the time of its
Fixation. For this Cause, there was a second way of
Fixion found out, which is by precipitating of it sublimed into
Heat, that it may constantly abide therein, until it be fixed. And
this is done by a long Glass Vessel, the Bottom of
which (made of Earth, not of Glass, because that would
crack) must be artificially connexed with good Luting;
Page 138
and the ascending Matter, when it adheres to
the Sides of the Vessel, with a Spatula of
Iron or Stone, thrust down to the Heat of the
Bot∣tom, and this Precipitation repeated, till the whole be
fixed.

The way of fixing Argentvive. is the same with
the way of Fixation of Sulphur and Arsnick; and
these ways differ not, unless that Sulphur and Arsnick
cannot be fixed, if their most thin inflamable Parts, be not
separated from them, with the subtile Artifice of
Divi∣sion, by this ultimate way of Fixation. But
Argentvive hath not this Consideration, there∣fore, in this
Method, they need a more tem∣perate Heat than
Argentvive. In like manner they are diversified, because these
must be e∣levated higher, by reason of their slowness, than
Argentvive; and also because they are fixed in longer time than
it. Therefore they require a longer Vessel for their
Fixation than Argentvive.

The Fixation of Marchasite, Magnesia,
and Tutia, is, that after the first Sublimation of them is
finished, casting away their Feces, We reiterate their
Sublimation, so often re∣turning what ascends upward, to that
which remains below, of either of them, until they be fixed. The
Description of the Vessels of these, is already
given.

Page 139
CHAP. XVIII.
Of Ceration, and its Cause.

CEration is the mollification of an hard
Thing, not fusible unto Liquefaction. Hence it is
manifest, that the Cause of the Invention of this, was,
that the Matter which had not Ingress into the
Body for Alteration, by reason of Privation of its
Liquefaction, might be molli∣fied so as to flow, and have Ingress;
therefore some thought Ceration was to be made with Liquid
Oyls and Waters: but that is erroneous, and wholly remote from
the Principles of this Natural Magistery, and reproved by
the ma∣nifest VVorks of Nature. For We find not in those
Metallick Bodies, that Nature hath po∣sited an
Humidity soon terminable; but rather long durable, for the
necessity of their Fusion and Mollification; because,
if she had insited in them an Humidity soon terminable, it would
necessarily follow, that the Bodies must be totally deprived of
it, in one only Ignition. Whence also it would follow, that every
Body could nei∣ther be hammered nor melted, after one
Ignition.

Wherefore, imitating the Works of Nature
as much as We can, We must necessarily fol∣low her Way in
Cerating. She Cerates in the Radix of fusible
Things, with an Humidity,
Page 140
which is
above all Humidities, able to sustain the Heat of
Fire: therefore it is necessarily expedient for Us also, to
cerate with like Humidity: But this Cerative Humidity is no
thing better, more possibly, and more near∣ty found, than in these,
viz. in Sulphur, and in Arsnick, nearly; but more
nearly in Ar∣gentvive. Therefore We see not the Humidity of
these to leave their Earth, by reason of the strong Union, which
they have in the Work of the Mixtion of Nature. But
in all other Things having Humidity, by Experience
you will find, that the same is separated in Resolution from
their Earthy Substance; and after Separation thereof, that
they are deprived of all Humi∣dity. Yet in the Spirits
aforesaid, it is not so. Therefore, there is no other Thing, by
which We may be excused from taking them in the Work of
Ceration.

The way of Ceration by them is, that the
Sublimation of them be so often multiplied up∣on the Thing
to be Cerated, until remaining with their Humidity in it,
they give good Fusion. Yet this cannot be effected, before the
perfect cleansing of them, from every corrupting Thing. But it
seems better to me, that the Oyls of these should be first
fixed, by Oyl of Tartar, and every Ceration,
competent and necessary for this Art, be made with them.

The end of the First Book of GEBER of the Sum of Perfection, or of the Perfect Magistery.
Page 141

---

The Second Book Of the Sum of PERFECTION, OR OF THE PERFECT MAGISTERY.

The AUTHOR'S PREFACE, Dividing this Second Book into Three Parts.

THe Discourse of the Principles of
this Magistery being compleated, We must necessarily
(according to Our Promise) exactly prosecute the Intent
of this Art, in a Speech conve∣nient and proper thereunto.
Which In∣tent is, a Consideration of every Thing,
by which the Perfection of this Work may more manifestly be
shewed. And it is a Consideration of the necessity of
Perfection of the Medicine, viz. How it may be understood
from what thing
Page 142
that may best and more nearly be
ex∣tracted, for the intire Perfection of the Imperfect. And
it is likewise a Con∣sideration of the Artifices, by
which We may know, whether the Perfection be compleat, or not.
Therefore these Three being delivered, the whole Knowledge of
Perfection will be described, accor∣ding to the Exigency of
Our Art.

The First Part of this Second Book, Of the Knowledge of Things, whereby the possibility and way of Perfection may be understood.
CHAP. I.
That the Knowledge of Perfection of
this Art, depends on the Knowledge of the Nature of
Spirits and Bodies, &c.

IT is not possible to know the Transmutations
of Bodies, or of Argentvive, unless the Knowledge
of the Nature of them according to their Radixes, be well
impressed in the Mind of the Artist. Therefore We will
first
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notifie the Principles of Bodies,
viz. What they are according to their Causes, and what
Good or Evil they contain in themselves. But afterward We
will shew the Natures of all those Bodies, with all their
Properties, viz. What are the Causes of the
Corruption of them; proving the same by their
Experiences.

CHAP. II.
Of the Nature of Sulphur and
Arsnick.

THerefore first, inferring the Nature of
Spirits, which are the Principles of those Bodies;
We say, that Sulphur and Arsnick are a Fatness
of the Earth, as above is declared; the Experience and
manifest Probation of which you may gather, from its easie
Inflamation, and the easie Liquefaction thereof by
Heat. For nothing is inflamed, but what is oleaginous, or melts
easily by Heat, unless it hath the Nature thereof.
Therefore Sulphur, and its Compeer, have an inflamable
Substance, and Earthy Feculency, the Cause of
their Corrupti∣on. But they have a perfecting middle Cause,
viz. between this and that. Earthyness in it is the
Cause of Corruption, because it neither hath
Fusion, nor Ingress: and the Inflamable
Substance likewise; because it neither stands in Fire,
nor makes to stand; and because
Page 144
from every kind of
it, it yields Blackness. Therefore their middle Substance
is the Cause of Perfection in them; because by its
Earthy∣ness it is not hindred from Ingress, which is
perfected by good Fusion; and by the Subtility of it, its
Impression is not easily removed for Flight. Yet the
Middle Substance of them is not the Cause of
Perfection of Bodies, or of Argentvive, unless it
be fixed. Which being not fixed, although its Impression is not
easily removed, yet it is not stably perpetuated. Hence it is manifest,
that the Artist must ne∣cessarily divide the Middle
Substance thereof. But some have thought it impossible to divide
the same, by reason of its strong Mixtion. And indeed they
opposed their own manifest Works.

For they calcined Sulphur, although not much, so
that it had neither Fusion nor Infla∣mation. But that
must necessarily happen by Division; because
Sulphur remaining in its Natural Commixtion must
unavoidably be in∣flamed and burned. Therefore by the Division of
divers Substances in it, 'tis apparent, that (in the same
Artifice) the more inflamable part of it, is separated from the
Parts not inflama∣ble. For if it be possible, by
Calcination, to come to the Removal of all Inflamable
Parts in it, they must necessarily confess, from their own
Natural Works, that every Division of Parts is
possible to be attained. But be∣cause this depends on most subtile
Artifice, they thought it to be impossible.

Page 145
Therefore, from the above-premised,
it is evident, that Sulphur is not of the Verity of Our
Art, but a part thereof. And We have now brought you to the
Knowledge of the Artifice, by which it is possible to
come to the Division thereof. But in Arsnick, because
in the Radix of its Minera, by the Action of
Nature, many inflamable parts of it are re∣solved, therefore the
Artifice of its Separati∣on is easie. Yet that is the
Tincture of Whiteness, but Sulphur of
Redness. Therefore it is need∣ful, that great Caution
should be used in the Division of Sulphur.

CHAP. III.
Of the Nature of Mercury, or
Argent∣vive.

IN Argentvive likewise, there is a necessity
of removing Superfluities, For it hath Causes of
Corruption, viz. An Earthy Substance, and Adustible
Wateriness without Inflamation. Yet some have thought it not
to have any superfluous Earth, and Ʋncleanness; but
what is thought by them is vain. For We see it to consist of much
Lividness, and not of White∣ness. And We likewise see
the Black and Fe∣culent Earth to be separated from it with
ea∣sie Artifice, by a Lavation, the Method of
Page 146
which We will shew. But because We are by that to
acquire a twofold Perfection, viz. To make a Medicine, and to
perfect it; therefore We must necessarily prepare the same by the
Degree of a twofold Mundation; for two Cleansings
of Mercury are necessary. One, by Sublimation for the
Medicine, and this is here shewed; and the other, by a
Lavament for Coa∣gulation; and that also shall be
shewed. For, if We would create Medicine of it, then there is a
necessity to cleanse it from the Fecu∣lency of its
Earthiness by Sublimation; least it create a Livid
Colour in Projection: and also to remove its Fugitive
Wateriness, least it make the whole Medicine Fugitive in
Projection; and to keep safe the middle Substance
thereof, for Medicine: Of which the property is not to be burned, and
to defend from Combustion, and not to flie it self; and also to
make fixed. Therefore We prove that to be a Perfective, by many
Experiences. For We see Argentvive more nearly to adhere to
Argentvive, and to be more beloved by the same; but next to it is
Gold, and after that Silver.

Wherefore, hence it follows, that Argent∣vive is
more friendly to its own Nature: but We see other Bodies
not to have so great Con∣formity to it, and therefore We in very
deed find them less to partake of the Nature there∣of. And
whatsoever Bodies We see more to defend from Adustion,
those We consider to possess more the Nature of it.
Therefore 'tis
Page 147
manifest, that Argentvive is
the Perfective and Salvative of Adustion, which is
the the Ʋlti∣mate of Perfection.

But the Second Degree of Mundation, is for
its Coagulation. And the washing away of its Earthiness
for one Day only, is sufficient for it. The Method of which
Washing is this: Take an Earthen Dish, and into it put
your Argentvive, upon which pour only so much of most strong
Vinegar, or any other like Thing, as will be sufficient to
cover it. Then set the Dish over a gentle Fire, that the
whole may be warm and not too hot; and stir it continually with your
Fingers on the Bottom of the Dish, that the
Argentvive may be di∣vided in the likeness of a subtile white
Pow∣der, until the whole Vinegar be evaporated, and the
Mercury revived. After you see the Vinegar to come off
feculent and black, cast that away, and wash the Mercury with
fresh Vinegar; repeating this Washing, until you see
the Colour of its Earthiness to be perfectly changed into a
clear Colour, mixt with a white and coelestine Colour,
which is a sign of perfect Washing. Therefore when it comes to
that, project upon it the Medicine of Coa∣gulation, and it
will be Coagulated into a So∣lifick, or Lunifick,
according as the Medicine was prepared; the Narration of
which We set down in the following. From what is now mentioned, 'tis
manifest, that Argentvive is not Perfective in its
Nature; but that is, which
Page 148
is produced of it by
Our Artifice. And so likewise is it in Sulphur and its
Compeer. There∣fore in these it is not possible
Naturally to fol∣low Nature, but by Our Natural
Artifice.

CHAP. IV.
Of the Nature of Marchasite, Magnesia, and
Tutia.

BUt there is a necessity We should also treat of
other Spirits, viz. Marchasite, Mag∣nesia, and Tutia,
making great Impression in Bodies. Therefore, what they
are, with their Probations, We shall shew in the present Chap.
Marchasite hath in its Creation a two-fold
Sub∣stance, viz. of Argentvive mortified and ap∣proaching
to Fixation, and of burning Sulphur. That it hath
Sulphureity We find by manifest Experience: for when it is
Sublimed, a manifest burning sulphureous Substance
proceeds from it, and the Sulphureity of it is likewise found
without Sublimation. For if it be put into the Fire, it is no
sooner red hot, but it is inflamed with a Sulphureous Flame, and
Burns. Also, it is sensibly manifested, that it hath the
Sub∣stance of Argentvive; for it gives to Venus
the Whiteness of pure Silver, as also to
Argent∣vive; and We see it, in its Sublimation to yield
Page 149
a Coelestine Colour, and to have a manifest
Metallick Lucidity. All which make the Artist certainly to
know, that it contains in its Radix these Substances.

Also, you may manifestly prove by the same
Experiences, that Magnesia hath a more tur∣bid
Sulphur, and an Argentvive more earthy and feculent; and that
the same Sulphur is likewise more fixed, and less inflamable:
and it is more approximate to the Nature of Mars. But
Tutia is the fume of White Bodies; and this is evidenced by
manifest Probation. For the Fume of the Mixtion of
Jupiter and Venus, ad∣hereing to the Sides of the
Forges, or Furnaces of Artificers Working in those
Metals, makes the same Impression as it. And what a
Metallick Fume doth not, without the Admixtion of some
Body, the same this likewise effects not. Therefore, seeing this
Fume is of White Bodies, the White cannot
Citrinate or Colour Bodies, but the Red. For
Citrinity or Yellowness, is no o∣ther, than a determinate
Proportion of White and Red. Therefore it, by
reason of its Subti∣lity, more penetrates the Profundity of
the Body; and consequently more alters, than its own Body;
and more adheres in the Exa∣men with small Artifice, as is
now declared to to you. Wherefore, what Bodies soever are altered by
the Vertue of Argentvive, or of Sul∣phur, or of the
like of these, must necessarily be altered: because these only
communicate in Nature to those Bodies.

Page 150
CHAP. V.
Of the Nature of Sol, or Gold.

NOw of Bodies, We will more amply de∣clare the
intimate Nature of them. And first of Sol, but afterward of
Luna, and then of all the other, according as shall be thought
expedient, with their Probations, which are acquired by
Experiment.

Sol is created of the most subtile
Substance of Argentvive, and of most clear
Fixture; and of a small Substance of Sulphur
clean, and of pure Redness, fixed, clear, and changed from its own
Nature, tinging that. And be∣cause there happens a
Diversity in the Colurs of that Sulphur, the
Citrinity (or Yellowness) of Gold must needs
have a like Diversity. For some is more intense, other less in
Yellowness. That Gold is of the most subtile
Substance of Argentvive is most evident, because
Argent∣vive easily retains it. For Argentvive retains not
any Thing, that is not of its own Nature. And that it hath
the clear and clean Substance of that, is manifest by its
splendid and radiant Brightness, manifesting it self not only
in the Day, but also in the Night. And that it hath a fixed
Substance void of all burning Sulphureity, is evident by
every Operation of it in Fire:
Page 151
for it
is neither diminished nor inflamed. And that it is tinging Sulphur,
is manifest by this, viz. that being mixt with Argentvive,
it transforms the same into a Red Colour; and being sublimed with
strong Ignition from Bodies, so that the
Substance of them ascends, with that it cre∣ates a most
Yellow Colour. Therefore, 'tis ap∣parent, that when its
Substance is pure, it cre∣ates a pure Colour; but when not
pure, an impure Colour. But he who requires a sign of the
Probation of its Yellowness, wants his Sense;
be∣cause that is discerned by sight.

Therefore the most subtile Substance of
Ar∣gentvive brought to Fixation, and the purity of the
same, and the most subtile Matter of Sulphur, fixed and
not burning, is the whole Essential Matter of Gold. But
in it is found a greater Quantity of Argentvive, than of
Sul∣phur; wherefore Argentvive hath greater
In∣gress into it. For this cause, whatsoever Bo∣dies
you would alter, alter them according to this Exemplar, that you may
deduce them to the Equality thereof. The way to effect which, We have
now given. For Gold having subtile and fixed Parts, those
Parts could in its Creation be much condensed: and this was the
Cause of its great Weight. But, by great Decoction
made by Nature, a leisurely and gra∣duate Resolution of
it was made, together with good Inspissation, and its ultimate
Mixti∣on, that it might melt in the Fire.

From the fore-going 'tis evident, that a large
Page 152
Quantity of Argentvive is
Cause of Perfection, but much of Sulphur is
Cause of Corruption. And Ʋniformity in
Substance, which through the Mixtion is made in Natural
Decoction, is Cause of Perfection; but
Diversity in Substance is Cause of
Corruption. And Induration (or Hardning) and
Inspissation, which is made by long and temperate
Decoction, is Cause of Per∣fection; but the
contrary of Corruption. There∣fore, if Sulphur shall not
duly fall upon that Argentvive, diverse Corruptions must
necessari∣ly be inferred, according to the Diversity of it. For the
Sulphur, which falls upon it fix∣ed, may not be all adustible, or
all adustible and flying, in the Nature of Sulphur; or fly∣ing, and
not in the Nature of Sulphur; or hold part of the flying, and part of
the fixed; or in part hold the Nature of Sulphur, and in part not; or
be all clean, or half unclean; or be of much or little Quantity: of
much excelling in the Mixture, or of little Quan∣tity
excelled in it; or neither overcoming, nor overcome; or white, or red, or
between both. Therefore, from all these Diversities, there was a
necessity that diverse Bodies, and the like of these, should
be created in Nature. All which Diversities We intend to
speak of with manifest Probations.

Page 153
CHAP. VI.
Of the Nature of Luna, or Silver.

THerefore, 'tis now clear from the prece∣dent, that if
clean, fixed, red, and clear Sulphur fall upon the pure
Substance of Argent∣vive (being it self not excelling,
but of small Quantity, and excelled) of it is created pure
Gold. But if the Sulphur be clean, fixed, white and clear,
which falls upon the Substance of Argentvive, pure
Silver is made, if in Quan∣tity it exceed not: yet this hath
a Purity short of the Purity of Gold, and a more
gross In∣spissation than Gold hath. The Sign
of which, is, that its Parts are not so condensed, as that it can be equal
in Weight to Gold; nor hath it so fixed a Substance as
that: the Sign of this is, its Diminution in Fire;
and the Sul∣phur of it, which is neither fixed, nor incom∣bustible,
is the Cause of that Diminution. But it is not
impossible, or improbable, to give Judgment of the same, as fixed and not
fix∣ed, in respect of one Body, or another. For Luna's
Sulphureity, compared with the Sulphu∣reity of Sol, is
not fixed and burning; but in respect of the Sulphur of other
Bodies, it is fixed, and not burning.

Page 154
CHAP. VII.
Of the Nature of Mars, or Iron. Also
of the Effects of Sulphur and Mer∣cury; and of the Causes
of Corrupti∣on and Perfection.

BUT if fixed earthy Sulphur be commixt with fixed
earthy Argentvive, and both these be not pure, but of a livid
Whiteness, the Quantity of the Superancy of which,
is Sul∣phur highly fixed, of these Iron is made: be∣cause
the Superancy of fixed Sulphur prohi∣bits Fusion.
Therefore, hence 'tis manifest, that Sulphur, by the work of
Fixation, more swiftly destroys the easiness of
Liquefaction, than Argentvive. But We see Sulphur
not fix∣ed, sooner to melt than Argentvive. By these is
manifested the Cause of Swiftness and Slow∣ness of
Fusion in every Body. For what hath more of fixed
Sulphur, more slowly admits of Fusion, than what partakes
of burning Sulphur, which more easily and sooner flows: and this
is clearly enough already declared by Us. But that the fixed Sulphur
makes slower Fusi∣on, is evident by this, viz. that it is
never fix∣ed, unless it be calcined, and no Calcinate gives
Fusion: therefore in all Things it must impede the same. That it
is not fixed, un∣less
Page 155
it be calcined, is manifest by
the Experi∣ment of him, who would have fixed the same not calcined:
because he always found it to fly, until it was turned into Earth,
the Simi∣litude of which is of the Nature of Calx.

Yet this happens not in Argentvive; be∣cause that
may be fixed, without being turn∣ed into Earth, and likewise fixed
with Con∣version of it into Earth. For by hastning to its
Fixation, which is made by Precipitation, it is fixed, and
turned into Earth. Also, by the successive
Sublimation of it often repeated, it is fixed likewise, and not
changed into Earth, but gives Metallick Fusion. This is
ma∣nifest to, and proved by Him, who hath ex∣perienced both
Fixations thereof, even to the Consummation of the Work; by
hasty Preci∣pitation, and also by the slow, with continually
repeated Sublimations. For he saw, and found it so, as he saw it
written by Us. And this therefore is, because it hath a viscious and
dense Substance: the Sign of which is, the Grinding of
it, by imbibition and mixtion, with other Things. For Viscosity is
manifest∣ly perceived in it, by the much adherency thereof. That it hath a
dense Substance, he that hath but one eye may manifestly see
by its aspect, and by poysing the immense weight thereof. For it,
whilst it is in its own Na∣ture, excels Gold in weight; and it is of
a most strong Composition, as is declared. There∣fore, hence it
is manifest, that it may be fixed
Page 156
without Consumption
of its Humidity, and without Conversion of it into Earth.
For, by reason of the good adherency of Parts, and the fortitude of its
Mixtion, if the parts of it be in any wise inspissate by
Fire, it permits it self no further to be corrupted, nor suffers
it self (by the ingress of a furious Flame into it) to be elevated into
Fume: because it admits not rarefaction of it self, by reason of
its Den∣sity, and want of Adustion; which is made by combustible
Sulphureity, which it hath not.

Therefore, by what is mentioned, is found (with an
indubitate Invention) the wonder∣ful double Kind of two
Secrets, viz. one, the Causes of Corruption of
every of the Metals by Fire; one of which is the
Inclusion of a burn∣ing Sulphureity in the profundity of
their Sub∣stance, diminishing them by Inflamation, and
exterminating also into Fume, with extream Consumption,
whatsoever Argentvive in them is of good Fixation. But the
other is a mul∣tiplication upon them of an exterior Flame penetrating,
and resolving them with it self into Fume, of how great
Fixation soever that in them is. A third Cause of
Corruption is rarefaction of them by Calcination: for then
the Flame, or Fire, can penetrate into, and exterminate them.
Therefore, if all Causes of Corruption concur, such
Bodies must needs be exceedingly corrupted. But if not all, the
swiftness of Corruption of every Body is remitted,
according to the Remission of them.
Page 157
The
second Kind is Goodness, which by it is con∣sidered in
Bodies. For seeing Argentvive, for no Causes of
Extermination permits it self to be divided into parts in its
Composition (be∣cause it either with its whole Substance re∣cedes from
the Fire, or with its whole re∣mains permanent in it) in it is
necessarily ob∣served a Cause of Perfection.
Therefore prai∣sed be the glorious and blessed Most High GOD,
who created it, and gave to the same a Substance, and the
Properties of a Substance, which are given to none of the
Things in Nature to possess; that this Perfection might
be found in it, by a certain Artifice, as We have found therein with
near potency. For it is that which overcomes Fire, and by
Fire is not overcome; but in it amicably rests, re∣joycing
therein.

CHAP. VIII.
Of the Nature of Venus, or Copper.

WHerefore, returning to our purpose, We say, that if the
Sulphur be unclean, gross, and fixed, as to its greater part; but as
to its lesser part not fixed, red, and livid; in relation to the whole, not
overcoming, nor overcome; and this fall upon gross Argent∣vive,
Copper must necessarily be created there∣of.
Page 158

The Probation of all these is easie, by things given from the Nature of
them. For, when Copper is exposed to Ignition, you may
discern a Sulphureous Flame to arise from it, which is a
Sign of Sulphur not fixed. And the loss of the
Quantity of it by Exhalation, through the frequent
Combustion thereof, sig∣nifies that it hath fixed
Sulphur. For from that is caused the slowness of its
Fusion, and Induration (or Hardness) of its
Substance, which are Signs of the Multitude of its fixed
Sulphur. And that there is Sulphur red and unclean, conjoyned
with unclean Argentvive, is known by Sense; therefore it
needs no other Probation. Therefore, by Experiment, you may
attain to the whole Secret.

For you see every Thing, by the Action of Heat
changed into Earth, with ease to be dis∣solved, and reduced to
the Nature of Water. This happens by Reason of the
Subtiliation of the parts by Fire. Therefore a Thing more
subtile in its proper Nature, reduced to this Earthy
Nature, is more subtiliated thereby; because it is more dissolved;
so that, what are of a most subtile Nature, are most and
best dissolved and subtiliated. Hence the Cause of the
Corruption and Infection of these two Bodies, viz.
of Mars and Venus, is appa∣rent: for it is by
Sulphur of much Quantity fixed; and by not fixed
Sulphur, of small Quantity in Venus, but of
lesse Quantity in Mars. Therefore, when the fixed
Sulphur
Page 159
comes to Fixation by
Heat of Fire, its parts are subtiliated; but that part,
which is in the Aptitude of Solution of its Substance, is
dissol∣ved. The Sign of which is the Exposition of
these two Bodies to the Vapour of Vinegar: for by
that, the Aluminosity of their Sulphur (created in it by
subtiliative Heat) flower∣eth in the Superficies of them. And if you
put these two Bodies into a Saline Liquor, ma∣ny parts of
them are easily dissolved by Ebul∣lition. And if you look into
the Minera's of these two, you will find a manifest
Sub∣stance of Aluminosity, to distill dissolved
from them, and in them to adhere: which Alumi∣nousness, by the
Saline Wateriness, and easie So∣lution, is changed into
Water. For nothing is found Watery and easily soluble,
except Al∣lom, and what is of its Nature.

But the Blackness in either of these two
Bo∣dies, created by Fire, is by reason of the
Sul∣phur not fixed, which is concluded in them: much indeed in
Venus, but little in Mars, and it approacheth nigh to the
Nature of fixed Sulphur. Therefore, 'tis not possible,
that such an Impression should be easily removed from Mars.
Hence it is now evident, that Fusion is made from Sulphur
not fixed, and also Fusi∣on is helped thereby; but F••••n is not made from fixed
Sulphur, being rather impeded by the same. There is no necessity
to think, that Fusion is not made, and that Fusion is
impeded by fixed Argentvive. This he knows to be
Page 160

certainly true, who, by no Art of Fusion could make
Sulphur to flow, after its Fixation: but having fixed
Argentvive, by frequently repeat∣ing the Sublimation thereof,
found it apt to admit good Fusion.

Hence therefore it is manifest, that those
Bodies are of greater Perfection, which con∣tain more of
Argentvive; but what con∣tain less, of less Perfection.
Therefore study in all your Works, that Argentvive may
excel in the Commixtion. And if you can per∣fect by
Argentvive only, you will be the Searcher out of a most
precious Perfection; and of the Perfection of that, which
overcomes the Work of Nature. For you may cleanse it most
inwardly, to which Mundification Na∣ture cannot reach. But the
Probation of this, viz. that those Bodies, which
contain a greater Quantity of Argentvive, are of greater
Perfection, is their easie Reception of
Argentvive. For We see Bodies of Perfection
amicably to embrace Ar∣gentvive.

Therefore from the precedent Discourse 'tis
evident, that in Bodies there is a twofold Sul∣phureity: One
indeed included in the Profun∣dity of Argentvive, in the
beginning of their Mixtion; but the other is supervenient. One of
which is removed with Labour, but the o∣ther cannot be possibly
taken away by any Ar∣tifice performed by Fire, to which our
Opera∣tion can congruously and profitably come; it being so firmly
and radically united therein.
Page 161
And this is proved by
Experiment: for We see the adustible Sulphureity to be
abolished by Fire, but the fixed Sulphureity not so.
There∣fore, when We say, Bodies are cleansed by
Cal∣cination, you must understand that to be meant of the
Earthy Substance, which is not united in the Radix of their
Nature. For it is not possible, by the Art of
Fire to cleanse what is united; unless the Medicine of
Argentvive (hiding and contempering that, or separating it from the
Mixture) have access.

Separation of an Earthy Substance from
its Compound, which in the root of Nature is united to a Metal, is
thus: Either it is made by Elevation, with things elevating the
Sub∣stance of Argentvive, and leaving the
Sulphu∣reity, by reason of its conveniency with them, as is
Tutia and Marchasite; because they are Fumes,
part of which is a greater Quantity of Argentvive than of
Sulphur. The Experience of this you may see, when you
shall joyn these with Bodies in a strong and sudden
Fusion; for these Spirits in their Flight carry
up the Bo∣dies with them: Therefore you may elevate with them. Or
else, by a Lavation with Com∣mixtion with
Argentvive, as We have told you. For Argentvive holds what is
of its own Na∣ture, but casts out what is alien.

Page 162
CHAP. IX.
Of the Nature of Jupiter, or Tin.

THis Investigation being proposed, follow∣ing
our purpose, We say, That if Sul∣phur in the Radix of the
Commixtion, shall be participating of small Fixation,
White with Whiteness not pure, not overcom∣ing, but overcome,
commixed with Argent∣vive partly fixed, and partly not fixed, white
and impure; from that Mixtion Tin must needs follow. The
Probation of these you will find by Preparation. For, when
you calcine Tin, you find a Sulphureous stink to arise
from it; which is a sign of Sulphur not fixed. And although
it yield no Flame, you must not there∣fore think it fixed. For it
gives no Flame, not by reason of Fixation, but by reason
of the Superancy of Argentvive in the Commixtion,
preserving from Combustion. Therefore, in Tin is proved a
twofold Sulphureity, and also a two∣fold Substance of
Argentvive. One Sulphureity is less fixed, because in
calcining it casts out a stink as Sulphur. The Experience of the
Mixture is proved by the First. The other is proved to be more
fixed, by the continu∣ation of it in its Calx, in the Fire
which it hath, and yet it stinks not. That there is al∣so
Page 163
a twofold Substance of Argentvive in
it, whereof one is not fixed, and the other fix∣ed, is proved; because it
makes a crashing noise before its Calcination, but after it hath
been thrice calcined, that crashing is not; the reason of this, is,
because the fugitive Substance of its Argentvive, making
that crashing, is flown away. That the fugitive Substance of
Argentvive is a Cause making that Stridor, or
crashing, is proved by washing Lead with Argentvive. For
if Lead be washed with Ar∣gentvive, and after its washing
melted in Fire not exceeding the Fire of its
Fusion, with it will remain part of the Argentvive, which
gives this Stridor to the Lead, and turns it in∣to
Tin. But on the contrary you may con∣sider that also, by the
Mutation of Tin into Lead: For by a manifold
Repetition of its Calcination, and the Administration of
Fire convenient for its Reduction, it is turned into
Lead: but especially, when by substraction of its
Scoria it is calcined with great Fire.

Touching the Diversities of these Substan∣ces you may
be ascertained, by the Know∣ledg of Conservation of them in proper
In∣struments, and in the Measure of Fire dividing them:
to which we have attained with In∣stance of Labour, and have seen
with certain Assurance, that We judged of the Truth by the same.
But seeing it is expedient, We should inform you what that is, which
re∣mains after the removal from Jupiter, of these
Page 164
two Substances, viz. of Sulphur and
Argent∣vive, that you may compleatly know the Composition of
Tin, We say, it is livid, and ponderous as Lead, yet
partaking of greater Whiteness, than Lead: therefore it is
most pure Lead. And in it is the Equality of
Fixation of the two Things compounding, viz. of
Ar∣gentvive and Sulphur; but not Equality of
Quantity; because in the Commixtion, the
Ar∣gentvive overcomes. The sign of which is the
Easiness of Ingress of Argentvive in its
Nature into it. Therefore, if in it were not a greater Quantity of
Argentvive, the same (taken in its Nature) would not easily adhere
to it. Wherefore it adheres not to Mars, unless with most
subtile Ingenuity; nor unto Venus, by rea∣son of the
paucity of Argentvive in it, in its Commixtion. And this is
evident, because it adheres to Mars most difficultly, but to
Ve∣nus more easily; because that hath a greater abundance of
Mercury, than Mars. The sign of this, is the easie
Fusion of one, but most difficult Fusion of the
other.

But the Fixion of these two Substances
re∣maining, approacheth nigh to firm Fixation; yet it is not therefore
perpetually fixed. And the Probation of this, is the
Calcination of its Body; and after Calcination, the
exposing of the same to most strong Fire. For by that,
Division is not made; but the whole Substance ascends:
yet more purified. Therefore We see the burning Sulphur in
Tin to be more
Page 165
easily separated, than the
same in Lead. And an Experiment of this you see by the
easie In∣duration (or hardning) of Tin, its
Calcination, and the Melioration of its
Brightness. Whence We have considered, that these corrupting
Properties were not in the Radix of it, but had access to
it afterward. And, because they were not much conjoyned to it in the first
Commixtion, therefore they may easily be se∣parated. For this
Cause, the Alterations in it are of a swift Work,
viz. its Mundification, Induration, and Fixation. And
you may ma∣nifestly consider the Causes of these, by what are
above delivered. And because, after these Operations, viz.
Calcination and Reduction, We considered in its Fume a
Citrinity (or Yellow∣ness) which We saw to arise by
great Eleva∣tion, and Expression of Fire; by
which, being of the Property of Sulphur calcined, We judged
with a true Estimation, in which We were as∣sured, that it
contained in it self much of the Nature of fixed Sulphur.

Therefore they, who would see the Truth in this
our Science, let them study the Investi∣gation of all
these Things, with diligence of Labour, until by the same
they find out the Principles of Bodies and
Properties of Spirits, with a certain (not conjectural)
Invention; which in this our Volume We have sufficient∣ly
treated of, according to the Exigency of Art.

Page 166
CHAP. X.
Of the Nature of Saturn, or Lead.

IT now remains, that We come to the De∣scription
of Saturn; of which We say it dif∣fer not from Tin, after
repeating its Calcina∣tion, to the Reduction thereof; except
that it hath a more unclean Substance, commixed of the two more
gross Substances, viz. of Sulphur and
Argentvive; and that the Sulphur in it is burning, and more
adhesive to the Substance of its own Argentvive; and that
it hath more of the Substance of fixed Sulphur to its
Compo∣sition, than Jupiter hath. The Probations of
these We infer by manifest Experiences.

That it is of greater Earthy Feculency than
Jupiter, is manifested by the Sight, and by the
Washing of it with Argentvive, in this, viz. That
more Feculency comes from it in the Washing than from
Jupiter; and that it takes the first Degree of
Calcination more easily than Tin, which is a Sign
of much Earthiness. For We find Bodies of more
Earthiness, of more easie Calcination; and of less
Earthiness of more difficult Calcination. The
Probation of this is, the most difficult Calcination of
Gold compleat∣ly. And because its Foulness is not
rectified, as in Jupiter, by repeated Calcinations, that
Page 167
is a sign of greater Impurity in its
Principles, in its own Nature, than in Tin, in its
Nature.

And that the Quantity of its Combustible
Sulphur, is more adhesive ro the Substance of
Argentvive in it, than in Tin; is manifest by this,
viz. That the said Quantity is not sepe∣rated from it in
Fume, but it is of a Citrine Colour of much
Yellowness, the like of which is remaining below with what is in the
Bottom; which must necessarily be a sign of one of these
three Things: either that it hath none, or a very small
Quantity of Combustible Sulphur in it; or that it hath much
conjoyned in the nearness of its Principles, to the Radix
of its Commixtion. But We are assured by the Odour
thereof, that it hath some Quantity; and not a little, but much:
because that Odour of Sul∣phureity is not removed from it
in a short time. Therefore We have considered with a conside∣ration, by
which We are assured that burning Sulphur, approaching to the
Nature of fixed not burning Sulphur, is uniformly commixt in
the Substance of Argentvive. Therefore, when the
Fume of it ascends, it must necessa∣rily ascend with the
Sulphur not burning, of the Property of which it is,
viz. to create Citrinity.

But that the Quantity of Sulphur not
burning is greater in it, than in Tin, is affirmed by Us most truly;
because We see the whole Colour of it to be changed into
Citrine, but of Tin into White, in their
Calcinations. Therefore
Page 168
in this, to us is open
the Way of finding out the Cause of this Work, by
which Jupiter (in Calcination) is more easily changed into
an hard Body than Saturn; but not sooner into slowness
of Liquefaction than Saturn. And that therefore is, because
the Cause of the Hard∣ness of Nature is
Sulphur and Argentvive fixed: but the Cause of
Liquefaction is twofold, viz. Argentvive and combustible
Sulphur. One of which, as to Perfection of Fusion,
is sufficient in each Degree thereof; namely, Argentvive,
with Ignition, and without Ignition. There∣fore, seeing in
Jupiter is a large Quantity of Argentvive not truly
fixed, a ready swiftness of Liquefaction remains in it, and is not
easily seperated there-from. The Cause of
Mollifica∣tion is also twofold, viz. Argentvive, and
Combustible Sulphur. And because the burning Sulphureity
is more easily removed from Jupi∣ter, than from Saturn;
therefore, one of the Causes of Softness being removed
from it, it must necessarily be hardned, being calcined. But
Saturn, because it hath both the Causes of
Softness strongly conjoyned, is not easily har∣dened.

Yet there is a Diversity in Softness
by Argent∣vive, and in Softness by Sulphur:
because Soft∣ness by Sulphur is Cessive, but
Softness by Ar∣gentvive is Extensive. And this
must necessarily be proved by Sight; seeing We see
Bodies of much Argentvive, to be of much
Extension; but Bodies of little, of little. Therefore
Jupi∣ter
Page 169
is more easily and more subtily
extended, than Saturn; Saturn more easily than Venus;
Venus, than Mars; Luna more subtily than Jupiter; but
Sol more subtily than Luna. There∣fore, 'tis manifest,
that the Cause of Indura∣tion (or Hardning) is
fixed Argentvive, or fixed Sulphur. But the Cause
of Softness is opposite. The Cause of Fusion
is twofold, viz. Sulphur not fixed, and Argentvive of
whatsoever kind it is. Sulphur not fixed is necessarily a
Cause of Fusion, without Ignition. And you
manifestly see the Experience of this, by Projection of
Arsnick upon Bodies difficultly fusible; for it makes
them of easie Fusion, without Ignition. And the
Cause of easie Fusion is likewise
Argent∣vive: but the Cause of Fusion with
Ignition, is fixed Argentvive. Therefore the Cause
of Im∣pediment of every Fusion, is fixed
Sulphur.

From what is now mentioned, you may col∣lect a very great
Secret: Namely, That seeing Bodies of greatest
Perfection are found to con∣tain the greatest Quantity of
Argentvive; Bo∣dies diminished from Perfection, holding
more of the Quantity of Argentvive, must needs be more
approximate to the Perfect. There∣fore it also follows, that
Bodies of much Sul∣phureity, are Bodies of much
Corruption. Where∣fore, from the above alleadged, it is now e∣vident,
that Jupiter is mostly approximated to the Perfect,
seeing ir precipitates more of Perfection, but Saturn
less; and Venus yet less, and Mars least of that, on
which Perfection
Page 170
depends. And otherwise they
differ in them∣selves, as to Medicine, compleating and sup∣plying
the Defect, and perfectly attenuating the spissitude of
Bodies to their Profundity, and covering the
Cloudiness of the same, under a Substance of
splendent Brightness. For the most perfective of
Medicine is Venus; but Mars less; Jupiter
yet less; and Saturn least of all. From these therefore, by the
Truth-telling Search of Labour, according to the
Diversity of Bodies, divers Medicines are found
out, by Preparation. For the hard Body, that can endure
Ignition, requires one Medicine; but the soft, that a∣bides
not Ignition, another. That one may be mollified, and attenuated in
its Profundity, and in its Substance equalized; but the
other hardned, and its occult Parts inspissated.

Therefore it concerns Us now, to pass from these to
Medicines, with manifest Experiences, setting down the
Causes of divers Medicines; and what they leave
diminished, and what they deduce to compleatment.

Page 171
The Second Part of this Second Book, Of Medicines in general, and of the ne∣cessity of Perfection of the Medicine perfecting all imperfect Bodies; and from what Thing it may best, and more nearly be exttacted.
CHAP. I.
That of every imperfect Body, and also of
Argentvive, the Medicine must ne∣cessarily be twofold,
viz. One for the White, and the other for the Red:
yet that We are excused from these, by one only most perfect
Medicine.

WE prove, that Spirits are more assimilated to
Bodies, than any other Thing in Na∣ture, by this,
viz. Because they are more united, and more friendly to
Bodies, than all other Things. Therefore, We accordingly
af∣firm, that these Alterations of Bodies, in the first
Invention, are their true Medicine. And We have exercised
our selves in every kind of Ingenuity, that thereby We might
transform every of the imperfect Bodies, with firm Mu∣tation,
Page 172
into a perfect Lunar and Solar Body.
Wherefore, We find that Medicine for them must necessarily be
created Divers, according to the divers Intention of
Bodies to be altered. And since Metals to be altered are of
a twofold kind, viz. Argentvive coagulable in Perfecti∣on,
and Bodies diminished from Perfection; and these again
manifold, some being hard, sustain∣ing Ignition, but others
soft not abiding the same (the hard are Mars and Venus,
the soft Saturn and Jupiter) the Medicine
perfective must likewise be manifold necessarily. For al∣though
Mars and Venus be of one kind, yet they differ in a certain
special Property: the one being not fusible, but the other
fusible. Therefore Mars is perfected with one Me∣dicine,
and Venus with another: and indeed the first is totally unclean, but
the other not. Also this partakes of a certain dull White∣ness,
but that of Redness and Greenness: which do likewise
impose a necessity of Diversity in the Medicine.

Also soft Bodies of the other kind, viz.
Ju∣piter, and Saturn, seeing they no less differ, do
necessarily need a divers Medicine likewise. For this, viz.
Jupiter is clean; but that not. And indeed all these are rendred more
mutable, now made Lunar, than Solar Bodies; therefore the
Medicine of each of them must be twofold. One Citrine,
changing into a Citrine Solar Body; the other White, changing
likewise into a White Lunar Body. Therefore, since in every
Page 173
of the imperfect Bodies is found a twofold
Matter, viz. Solar and Lunar; the Medicines
perfecting all Bodies, will in the Sum be Eight. So
also Argentvive is perfected into a Solar and Lunar
Body; therefore of the Medicine altering it, there is a twofold
Difference. Wherefore all the Medicines, which We have
invented, with their Totality, for the compleat Altera∣tion
of every imperfect Body, will be Ten.

But We were desirous, with constant and continued
Labour, and the industry of great Indagation, to be
excused from the Labour of these ten Medicines, by the
benefit of one on∣ly Medicine; and with Our long and very la∣borous
Search, We found, and with certain Ex∣perience, made one
Medicine, by which the hard was softned, the soft Body
hardned, the fugi∣tive fixed, and the foul illustrated with splen∣dor
ineffable, and beyond Nature. Never∣theless 'tis here expedient we
should particu∣larly speak of all these Medicines, with their
their Causes, and the manifest Experiences of their
Probations. Therefore first We will de∣clare the Series of
the ten Medicines, and ac∣cordingly of all Bodies, then of
Argentvive, and lastly proceed to the Medicine of the
Ma∣gistery perfecting all Bodies, yet with the
Pre∣paration imperfect Bodies need. And least We should
be carped at by the Envious, as deli∣vering an insufficient
Treatise of Art, We first of all here present a
Declaration of the Prepa∣rations of all the imperfect
Bodies, assigning
Page 174
the Causes of
the Necessity of their Inventi∣ons, by which (in our
Artifice) they are rendred apt to receive the Medicine of
Per∣fection, in every Degree of Whiteness and
Red∣ness, and to be perfected by the same. But after these
shall be added a sufficient and congruous Narration of all the
Medicines be∣fore-mentioned.

CHAP. II.
That every of the imperfect Bodies ought to have its
peculiar Prepa∣ration.

FRom what We have already discoursed, 'tis apparent that
what Nature left Superflu∣ous, or Deficient in every
of those Bodies, that are imperfect, hath been in part de∣clared;
but here We intend in a more suffici∣ent Discourse to compleat
what We above omitted relating hereunto. Therefore, since it happens, that
the mutable Bodies of Imper∣fection are of a twofold kind,
viz. Soft and Ignible (or burnable by Fire) as
Saturn and Jupiter; and Hard, and not
Fusible, or Fusi∣ble with Ignition, as
Mars and Venus; the first indeed not Fusible,
but the other Fusible with Ignition: Nature hath taught us,
neces∣sarily informing, that according to the Di∣versity
Page 175
of their Essences, in the Radix of
their Nature, divers Preparations, according to their
Indigency, must be administred to them. There are two
Bodies of Imperfection of one kind, that need to be
transformed, viz. Lead, which is called Black, and by Art
Saturn; and Crashing Lead, which is called White, and
in the Sentence of Art, Jupiter; which from the innate
Root of their Nature, are divers each from other, in the
Profundity of their occult Parts, and likewise in their
Manifest. For Saturn is cloudy, livid, ponderous, and
black, without Stridor (or Crashing) totally mute; but
Jupiter white, a little livid, but crashing much, and of moderate
Sound, yield∣ing Brightness. The Differences of
which in their Profundity, with their necessary Causes,
We intend to shew you with manifest Expe∣riences.

From which Causes of Difference,
according to more and less, the well disposed Artist collects
the Order of Preparations. We there∣fore, according to
Order, first declare the Preparations of Bodies;
but afterward of Ar∣gentvive coagulable. Yet first of one kind,
viz. Of Softness; and after this, of the other. And
accordingly, the Preparation of Saturn and Jupiter,
of the first kind of Bodies, shall be described first;
afterward, the Preparation of the other shall follow according to
their de∣terminate Order. For in the Preparation of
Bo∣dies, nothing of Superfluity is to be removed
Page 176
from their profound Part, but rather from the
manifest.

CHAP. III.
That the Defect of imperfect Metals ought to be
supplied by Medicine, but their Superfluity removed by
Prepa∣ration.

A manifold Preparation may be adhibited to the
Essence of Saturn, and of Jupiter likewise,
according to the Degree of their manifold Approximation to
Perfection, or E∣longation from it. Therefore, since of
things indeed corrupting in their Profundity, there is one
Thing advenient from the innate Radix of their
Nature, and that is the Earthiness of Sulphureity,
and the Impurity of the Earth of Argentvive,
commixed with the essential Na∣ture of them, in the
Beginning of their Crea∣tion; and an other Thing
supervenient, after the first Mixtion of them inferring
Corruption, and this is a burning Sulphureity of the first
kind, and the Impurity thereof, and a foul Substance of
Argentvive; therefore these are the Things corrupting the
Substance of Per∣fection of Saturn and
Jupiter. One of these it is impossible to remove, by the
Medicine
Page 177
of any Industry, it being of
the first Order: but the other may be removed with a little help.
The first indeed seems impossible to be extirpated; because in the
Principles of the proper Nature of Bodies of this
kind, the a∣foresaid were mixt into a true Essence, and made one
true Essence. Therefore, seeing it is not possible to remove
the true Essence of any Thing in Nature, the
Thing it self re∣maining; it is impossible to seperate these
Corrupting Things from them.

For this Cause, some Philosophers
have thought the Art not possible to be attained to by
This: and We, and indeed other Searchers of this
Science, in Our time, have come to this very State, viz. That
We likewise, could by no way of Ingenious Preparation illustrate
Bodies, with compleatment of their Brightness, but
happened, that they were totally infected, and blackned rather. By reason of
this, We also, as well as they, were driven to A∣mazement, and for a
long space of time lay under the Shade of Desperation.
Yet return∣ing to Our Selves, and being perplexed with the immense
Trouble of infinite Thoughts and Meditations, We
considered Bodies diminished from Perfection, to be foul
in the Profundity of their Nature, and nothing fulgid (or
pure∣ly clean) to be found in them; because it was not in them according to
Nature. For that is not found in a Thing, which is not in it.
Therefore, seeing nothing of Perfection is
Page 178

found in them, therefore necessarily also, in the same nothing
Superfluous remains to be found, in Seperation of the divers
Substances in them, and in the Profundity of their
Nature. Wherefore, by this We found somewhat to be diminished in
them, which must necessarily be compleated, by Matter convenient
for it, and compleating the Defect.

Diminution in them is, the Paucity of
Ar∣gentvive, and not right Spissation of the same.
Therefore Compleatment in them will be Mul∣tiplication of
Argentvive, good Inspissation, and permanent
Fixion. But this is performed by a Medicine created of that.
For this Me∣dicine, when deduced into an Esse from
Ar∣gentvive, by the benefit of its Lucidity and
Splendor, hides and covers their Cloudiness, draws forth
their Splendor, and converts the same into Brightness.
And when Argentvive, prepared into a Medicine, is cleansed
by Our Artifice, reduced to a most pure, and most bright
Substance, and projected upon Bodies diminished from
Perfection, it will illustrate, and by its Fixion perfect
them. This Medi∣cine, We will declare in its due time and place.

Now from the fore-going, it necessarily fol∣lows, that a
twofold Invention of Perfection will be necessary; one
indeed by the Matter, which seperates the foul Substance
from the Mixture; but the other by a Medicine, which may
cover it with the Splendor of its Brightness, and
illustrating adorn the same. Therefore,
Page 179
since it
happens, that nothing superfluous, but rather diminished, is found in the
Pro∣fundity of Bodies; and if it be expedient, that what is
Superfluous should absolutely be re∣moved; that, supervenient
from the mani∣fest part of its Nature, must necessarily be
both taken away, and removed, with divers Preparations; which in the
following Discourse We think fit to declare: first speaking of
Jupi∣ter and Saturn, and afterward, of the other, according
to Order.

CHAP. IV.
Of the Preparation of Saturn and
Jupiter.

SAturn and Jupiter are prepared, with
mani∣fold Preparations, according to the neces∣sity of greater
Approximation to Perfection: viz. By a common and special
way of Pre∣paration. The Common is by manifold
Degrees of Approximation to Perfection. For, there
is one Degree of Approximation, viz. Brightness from the
Substance clean. A second is Hard∣ness, with
Ignition of its Fusion. And a third, is Fixation,
by removal of its fugitive Sub∣stance. Therefore they are cleansed
and made bright threefoldy: either by things mundi∣fying, or by the way of
Calcination and Re∣duction,
Page 180
or by
Solution. So by things purifying, they are cleansed two ways; either
reduced into Calx, or in the Nature of Bodies.
Re∣duced into Calx they are purified in this man∣ner; either by
Salts, or by Allomes, or by Glass: and the way is
thus: When the Body is calcined, then upon its Calx is poured
the Water of Alloms, or of Salts, or
Glass is mixed with it, and it reduced to a Body.
There∣fore this must so often be reiterated upon these Bodies,
as until they shew themselves compleatly clean. For seeing
Salts, and Al∣lomes, and Glass, are fused with
another Fu∣sion, than Bodies; therefore they are
separated from them, and retain with themselves the Earthy
Substance, the Purity of Bodies being only left.
Another way of purifying these, is thus:

Let these two Bodies be very subtily filed; and
with these Filings, Alloms, Salts, and Glass mixed, and
then reduced into Body. And this Labour repeated so often,
as until they be well cleansed. Also, they are cleansed by a
Lavament with Argentvive, the Way of which We have
given. Likewise, these Bodies are cleansed, by reiteration of
their Calcination and Reduction, with sufficient
Fire, until they appear more clean. For, by this
Mundifica∣tion, these Bodies diminished from
Perfection, are freed from a twofold corrupting Substance;
one being inflamable and fugitive, but the o∣ther an earthy Feculency.
And that therefore
Page 181
is, because the Fire
elevates and consumes every fugitive Substance: and the same
Fire likewise, in the way of Reduction, divides every
Substance of Earth, with its Proportion. This
Proportion We have made mention of in Our other Volume
(Intituled Of the Investigati∣on of Perfection) which according to
Order precedes this Book. For in that, We writ whatsoever
We had searched out, according to the Reason of Our own
Mind; but here, what We have seen and handled, We have compleatly
determined, according to the Order of Science.

Also, these Bodies are cleansed by
Solution of their Substance (the way of which We have
already declared) and by Reduction of that likewise, which is
dissolved from them. For that Solution reduced, is found more
clean and more perfect, in this same way of Preparation, than in any
other kind of Preparation whatsoever. And no way is comparable to
this, except that, which is made by Sublimation; and therefore this is
equivalent to that. There is likewise a Preparation of them, which
is the Induration (or hardning) of their soft Substance,
with Ignition in their Fusion. And it is this: With them
the fixed Substance of Argentvive, or of Sulphur
fixed, or of its Com∣peer, must be mixed in their
Profundity; or they must be mixed with hard and not fusible
Things, as is the Calx of Marchasite and
Tutia. For these are united with, and embraced by
Page 182
them, and harden them so, as they flow not, until they
are red hot.

This same is likewise compleated by Medi∣cine
perfecting; the Narration of which We intend to give. And another way
of Prepara∣tion likewise is, by removal of their fugitive
Substance: and this is effected by Conservation of them,
after the first Degree of Calcinati∣on, in Fire
proportional to them. And be∣cause Order is necessarily required
in the ways of Preparations; therefore We here set down the compleat
Order of preparing them. First therefore, all their fugitive and
corrupting Adustive Substance, must be cleansed from them;
then their Earthy Superfluity taken a∣way. Afterward they must be
dissolved and reduced, or compleatly washed with a Lava∣ment of
Argentvive. This Order is profitable and necessary.

Yet the special Preparation of these
Bodies, and first of Jupiter, is manifold. One is by
Calcination; and by this its Substance is more hardned:
which happens not to Saturn. Also by Alloms, for these
properly harden Jupiter. Another Preparation is, by
Conservation of it in the Fire of its Calcination.
For by this it loseth its Stridor (or Crashing) and
Fraction of Bodies likewise; which in the like manner
happens not to Saturn: because that hath no Stridor; nor
doth it break Bodies. And by Reiteration of
Calcination, with the Acuity of Salt, it also
loseth its Stridor. But secondarily,
Page 183
the
special Preparation of Saturn, is by Calci∣nation
with the Acuity of Salt: for by this it is hardned, and by
Talk especially it is deal bated, and by Marchasite and
Tutia likewise. All the ways of these Preparations We
have more compleatly determined, in Our aforesaid Book, intituled.
Of the Investigation of Perfection; for here in this We have
abbreviated the Summaries of them.

CHAP. V.
Of the Preparation of Venus.

THereford, imitating the Order of the pre∣mised,
We declare the Preparations of two Bodies likewise. But
first of Venus, after∣ward of Mars. The way of the
Preparation of Venus is manifold. One way is by
Elevation, but another is compleated without Elevation. The
way by Elevation is, that Tutia be taken, with which
Venus well agrees, and that it be ingeniously united with it. Then
it must be put in its Vessel of Sublimation to be
sublimed, and by a most excelling degree of Fire its more
subtile part elevated; which will be found of most bright
Splendor. Or it may be mixed with Sulphur, and then elevated
by its now mentioned way of Elevation. But with∣out
Sublimation, it is prepared, either by clean∣sing Things,
in its Calx, or in its Body; as
Page 184
by
Tutia, Salt, and Allomes, or by a Lava∣ment of
Argentvive, the way of which We have given: or else by
Calcination and Reducti∣on of that, which is dissolved
into the Nature of Body; or (as We said) it is cleansed
by a Lavament of Argentvive, as all other Bodies
diminished from Perfection are.

CHAP. VI.
Of the Preparation of Mars.

THe Preparations of Mars are likewise
mani∣fold. For some are compleated by Sub∣limation, and some
without Sublimation. That which is made by Sublimation, is
with Arsnick, and that in this manner: We endea∣vour to unite with
it Arsnick not fixed, as profoundly as We can; that in
Fusion it may melt with the same. But afterward it is sub∣limed
in a proper Vessel of Sublimation. And this
Preparation, among all other, is found the best and most perfect.
There is also ano∣ther Preparation of Mars, by
Arsnick sublimed often times from it, until some
Quantity of the Arsnick it self remain. For if this be
re∣duced, it will flow out white, clean, fusible, and well prepared. There is
likewise a third way of Preparation of the same, by
Fusion of it with Lead and Tutia. For from these
it flows clean and white.

Page 185
But because We seem not to have
spoken sufficiently, having before promised We would determinately
speak of the Ingenious Mollifi∣cation of Hard Bodies, and
of the Induration (or Hardening) of the Soft, by way
of Calcination; therefore We must not omit that, but will first
speak of the Soft, and afterward of the Hard. The way is
thus: Argentvive precipitated must be dissolved, and the
cal∣cined Body (which you have intention to harden) dissolved
likewise. Both these So∣lutions must be mixed together, and the
cal∣cined Body mixed with them by frequent Im∣bibitions,
&c. continually grinding, imbibing, calcining, and reducing, until it be
made hard and fusible with Ignition. The very same may also
compleatly be effected, with the Calx of Bodies, and
Tutia and Marchasite, calcined, dissolved, and imbibed.
And indeed, the more clean these are, so much the more perfectly do they
change.

Even so, hard Bodies are made soft with like
Ingenuity; the way is this: They must be conjoyned and sublimed
often with Arsnick, and after sublimation of the
Arsnick assated (or calcined) with their due Proportion
of Fire; the measure of which We have decla∣red in our Book
of Furnaces. And lastly, they are reduced with the force of their
proper Fire (mentioned in its place) until in Fusion they
wax soft, according to the Exigency of the hardness of the
Body. And indeed all
Page 186
these
Alterations are of the first Order, with∣out which our
Magistery is not perfected.

CHAP. VII.
Of the Mundification of Argentvive.

THerefore, 'tis now necessary compleatly to declare the
Mundification of Argentvive. In order to which, We say,
Argentvive is cleansed two ways; either by Sublimation, of
which We shewed the way already; or by a Lavament, of which the way
is this: Pour Argentvive into an Earthen or Stone
Dish, and upon it pour as much Vinegar as is sufficient to
cover it. Then set it over a gentle Fire, and let it heat so far,
as you may well hold your fingers in it, and not more. This being done, stir
it about with your Fingers, until it be divi∣ded into most small
particles, in the similitude of Powder; and continue stirring it,
until all the Vinegar you put in be wholly consumed. Then wash the
Earthiness remaining with Vine∣gar, and cast that away:
repeating the same washing so often, as until the Earthiness
of the Mercury be changed into a most perfect Coe∣lestine
Colour, which is a sign it is perfectly washed. From these, We
must now pass to Medicines.

Page 187
CHAP. VIII.
That five different Properties of Perfe∣ction
necessarily constitute a most per∣fect Medicine: whence it may be
conjectured, from what Things this Medicine is to be taken.

WE first offer an Ʋniversal Discourse,
touch∣ing Medicines, with their Causes, and manifest
Experiences. We therefore affirm, that unless every Thing
superfluous (either by Medi∣cine or by the way of
Preparation) be taken away from imperfect Bodies; that is to
say, if from them be not removed every superfluous Sul∣phureity,
and every unclean Earthiness, they cannot be purified, viz.
so, as that in Fusion they be not separated from the
Commixtion, after projection of the Medicine altering them.
When you have found this, you have found one of the five Differencies
of Perfection. Like∣wise, if the Medicine do not
illustrate and al∣ter into a White or Citrine Colour
(according to what your intent is) which infers a splen∣dent
Brightness, and pleasant Lucidity, Bodies diminished
from Perfection are not perfected in an intire Compleatment.
Moreover, if to it you give not Lunar, or Solar Fusion,
determinate∣ly,
Page 188
the Body is not alterable in
Compleatment; because it abides not in the Tryals: but is
al∣together separated, and recedes from the Com∣mixtion. But this,
more amply determined by us, is demonstrated in the following, in the
Chapter of Cineritium. Fourthly, if the Medicine be
not perpetuated with firm Al∣teration of Impression, the
Mutation of it avails not, because it is not permanent, but the
Im∣pression vanisheth. Lastly, If it give not Weights
of Perfection, it changeth not with a firm and true Compleatment of
Nature, in which no fraud may be admitted through the Error
of Credulity. For the Weight of Nature is one of the
signs of Perfection.

Therefore, seeing the Differencies of Per∣fection
are five, it is manifest, that there is a necessity, the
Medicine of our Magistery should exhibit these
Differencies in Projection. By this, it is apparent, from what Things
our Medicine should be extracted. For it must be prepared of
those Things, which nearly ad∣joyned to Bodies, readily alter, and
amica∣ble adhere to them in their profundity. Where∣fore, We, searching into
all other Things, by our Investigation found not any other Thing
more friendly to the Natures of Bodies, than Argentvive,
prepared by this our Work; We clearly discerned it to be the true
Medicine of Alterables in Compleatment, with a true
and not moderately peculiar Alteration.

Page 189
CHAP. IX.
Of Preparations to be adhibited to the Medicine, that it
may acquire the due Differencies of Properties.

NOW it remains, that We determinately describe the
Substance thereof, and the Differencies of the Properties
of the Substance. And seeing We found it not to change, with∣out
the Administration of Alteration of its Na∣ture, We also
found that it ought necessarily to be prepared; because it cannot be
mixed in the profundity of Bodies, without the Me∣thod of its
Preparation. Which is, that the Substance of it be made
such, as it may be permixed in the profundity, even to the pro∣fundity of the
Body alterable, without Sepa∣ration for ever. But this cannot
be effected, unless it be very much subtiliated, with cer∣tain and
determinate Preparation mentioned in the Chapter of
Sublimation. Likewise, its Im∣pression cannot be
permanent, unless it be fix∣ed; nor can it illustrate, unless its most
splen∣did Substance be extracted from it, with the
Ingenuity of its Method, and Way of
Operati∣on, by congruous Fire. Also this Medicine
cannot have perfect Fusion, unless great Cau∣tion be
used in its Fixation, that it may sof∣ten
Page 190

hard Bodies, and harden the soft. For it is only such, when a
sufficiency of its Hu∣midity is preserved, proportionate to the
Exi∣gency of that Fusion which is sought.

Therefore, by the fore-going, 'tis evident, that such a
Preparation should be administred to it, as by which, of it may be
created a most fulgent and purely clean Substance. Then it must
be fixed, but with very great Cauti∣on, viz. the Artificer
must be so well skilled in the Administration of Fire, in the
Way of its Fixation, that he may only so far remove the
Humidity, as shall be sufficient for com∣pleating perfect
Fusion. The way of effect∣ing this, is thus: If you would by this
Medi∣cine mollifie Bodies hard of Fusion, in the
be∣ginning of its Creation, a gentle Fire must be
adhibited. For gentle Fire is Conservative of
Humidity, and Perfective of Fusion. But if you
would have it harden soft Bodies, its Fire must be
vehement. For such Fire is Con∣sumptive of
Humidity, and hindring Fusion. And indeed, it is expedient
for every well minded Artificer, to consider all these
Rules. Also, there is a necessity of many other
Conside∣rations of the Weight, with their
Causes, and congruous Order. For the Cause of
great Weight is the Subtilety of the Substance of
Bodies, and Ʋniformity in the Essence. And by
this, the parts of them may be so conden∣sate, as nothing can come between;
and the Densation of Parts is the encrease of Weight, and
the Perfection thereof.

Page 191
CHAP. X.
Of the Differencies of Medicines, viz. that
some are of the first Order, some of the second, and others of the
third.

THerefore it is evident, that Subtility is
ne∣cessarily required, as well in the Prepara∣tion of
Bodies, as in the Way of perfecting the Medicine by
the Artifices of the Work: because of how much the greater
Weight Bodies to be transmuted are, of so much and greater
per∣fection they are found in our Investigation by Art.
Wherefore, our Discourse of Medi∣cines will be rendred
profitable, if We declare the Differencies of all Medicines.
In order to which, We say, there is necessarily a three∣fold
Difference of Medicines. One is of the first
Order, another of the second, and an∣other of the third.

A Medicine of the first Order, I call
every Preparation of Minerals, which projected upon Bodies
diminished from Perfection, impresseth Alteration:
which infers not a sufficient Com∣pleatment, but the altered Body
happens to be changed and corrupted, with the total Evaporation of the
Impression of the Medicine thereof: As is every
Sublimation dealbative
Page 192
of Venus, or
Mars, which receives not Fix∣ation. And of this kind is every
Additament of the Colour of Sol, and Luna,
or of Venus commixed, and set in a Furnace of
Cementati∣on, as Ziniar, and the like. For this changeth with
a Mutation not durable, but rather dimi∣nishing it self by
Exhalation.

A Medicine of the second Order, I call
eve∣ry Preparation, which, when it is projected upon Bodies
diminished from Perfection, alters them, to some Difference of
Compleatment, al∣together leaving the other Differencies of
Cor∣ruption; as is the Calcination of Bodies, by
which all that is fugitive is burnt away. And of this kind is a
Medicine colouring Luna per∣petually yellow, or perpetually
dealbating Venus, leaving other Differencies of
Corruption in them.

A Medicine of the third Order I call every
Preparation, which, when it comes to Bodies, with its
projection, takes away all Corrup∣tion, and perfects them with the
Difference of all Compleatment. But this is one only. And
therefore, by it, We are excused from the Labours of the Invention
of ten Medicines of the second Order.

Therefore the Work of the first Order is
called the Lesser,; the Work of the second, the
Middle; but of the third, the Greater Work. And this
Difference of all Medicines is sufficient.

Page 193
CHAP. XI.
Of the Medicine of the first Order, deal∣bating
Venus.

ACcording to our Promise, We intend to declare the
Differencies of all Medicines of a determinate Order
(seeing there is one Medicine of Bodies, and another of
Argent∣vive: and of Bodies, one is of the first
Order, another of the second, and another of the third; and so of
Argentvive likewise) first, of the first; then of the second;
and lastly, of the third Order. And We will in a compleat speech,
and congruous Order, first speak of the Me∣dicine of
Bodies, but afterward of Argentvive. Therefore, touching the
Medicine of Bodies, of the first Order, We say,
there is one of hard Bodies, another of the soft. Of hard
Bodies, one is of Venus, another of Mars, another of
Luna. That of Venus and Mars is the pure
Dealbation of their Substance; but Luna, the
Rubification of it, with Citrinity of a pleasing
Brightness. For Rubification with apparent
Brightness is not given to Venus and Mars, by
Medicine of the first Order; because they be∣ing totally
unclean, are unapt to receive the splendor of Redness, before they
have been prepared with a Preparation inducing
Bright∣ness.

Page 194
Therefore We will first speak of
all the Medicines of Venus, and afterward of Mars,
which are comprised in the first Order. There is one
Medicine whitening Venus, by Argent∣vive, and
another by Arsnick. By Argentvive, the Medicine
dealbating it is thus compleated. First Argentvive precipitated is
dissolved, then calcined Venus dissolved likewise. Both
these Solutions are mixed in one, and projected up∣on the
Body of Venus, after they are coagu∣lated. This
Medicine whitens and cleanseth Venus. Again otherwise:
Argentvive and Li∣thargiry are dissolved apart, and the
Soluti∣ons joyned together; then a Calcination of the
Body, which is intended to be Whitened, is dissolved
likewise, and that Solution joyned with the former, and then
coagulated to∣gether: this Coagulate is projected upon the
Body, and that is dealbated thereby. Other∣wise, a Quantity
of Argentvive is sublimed often from its Body, until part
thereof remain with it, with compleat Ignition. Then this
Mixture is very often imbibed and ground with distilled
Vinegar, that it may the better be mixed in the profundity thereof;
then it is assated (or moderately calcined) and lastly fresh
Argentvive is in like manner sublimed from it, and the remaining
Matter again im∣bibed, and moderately calcined as before. And this
Work is so often repeated, as until a large Quantity of the
Argentvive reside in it with compleat Ignition. This is a
good
Page 195
Dealbation of the first Order.
Otherwise: Argentvive in its proper Nature, is so often
sublimed from Argentvive precipitated, until in it the same is
fixed, and admits good Fu∣sion. This fused Matter is
projected upon the Substance of Venus, and that is
peculiarly whitened. Otherwise Luna, and Lithargiry are
dissolved apart, and the Solutions conjoyn∣ed; and with them the
Substance of Venus de∣albated. But indeed, Venus
is better whitened, if Argentvive be perpetuated in all the
Medi∣cines.

It is whitened by Arsnick sublimed, thus: the
Calcinate of Venus is taken, and upon that is repeated the
Sublimation of Arsnick, until it remain therewith, and
whiten it. But if you be not well skilled in the ways of Sub∣limation,
Arsnick will not persevere in it with any Alteration.
Therefore, after the first De∣gree of Sublimation,
secondarily repeat the Work, after the same manner, as we taught
in the Sublimation of Marchasite. Also Venus is
otherwise Whitened: for if you project Ars∣nick
sublimed upon Luna, and then the whole upon Venus, it
dealbates that peculiarly. Or first mix Lithargiry, or burnt
Lead dissolved, with Luna, and upon these cast
Arsnick and project the whole upon Venus, and so it will
be Whitened. And this is a good Dealbation of the first
Order. Or, upon Lithargiry alone dissolved and reduced,
project Arsnick subli∣med, and the whole of this upon
Venus in
Page 196
flux: for it whitens the same with a
curious Aspect.

Or let Luna and Venus be commixed, and
upon them project either of these above de∣albative Medicines: For
Luna is more friend∣ly to Arsnick, than to any one of the
Bodies, and therefore takes away Fraction from it: but
Saturn secondarily, and therefore We mix it with them. But
otherwise, We melt Arsnick sublimed, that it may be all in a
lump; which being broken, We project piece after piece upon Venus. We
command it to be proje∣cted in pieces, rather than in Powder;
because Powder is more easily inflamed, than a lump; and therefore
more easily vanisheth, than it, and is consumed before it can fall fiery
hot upon the Body.

In like manner the Redness is taken away from
Venus, and it is whitened with Tutia. But because the
Dealbation of Tutia sufficeth not, therefore it only gives
a Citrine Colour. Yet every Citrination is of affinity to
Whiteness. The way of this is thus: every kind of Tutia is
calcined and dissolved, and Venus likewise; then both these
Solutions are conjoyned, and with them the Substance of
Venus is citrinated. If you be well skilled in working with
Tutia, you will find profit. But it is whitened with
Marchasite sublimed, as with Sublimate Ar∣gentvive, and
the way is the same.

Page 197
CHAP. XII.
Of Medicines dealbating Mars.

IT remains now, that We declare the Deal∣bations of
Mars, by Medicines proper to it; which are, as to its
Essence, of the first Order, according to which it hath
not right Fusion. Therefore 'tis expedient We should dealbate it
with a Medicine making it to flow. Every dealbative Medicine
of Venus and Mars likewise, is with its preparation of the
same Order. But the special fusive of it, is Ars∣nick
of every kind. Therefore, with which soever it is dealbated and fused, it
is conve∣nient it should be conjoyned, and washed with Argentvive,
until all its Impurity be removed, and it be White, and
fusible: or else let it be red hot with vehement Ignition, and
upon it Arsnick projected; and when it shall be in flux, cast a
Quantity of Luna thereon. For when that is united with it, it
is not sepa∣rated there-from by any easie Artifice.

Or else, let Mars be calcined, and all its
Soluble Aluminosity, inferring Corruption, wash∣ed from
it, by the way of Solution now men∣tioned. But afterward, cause
cleansed Ars∣nick to be sublimed from it, and reiterate that
Sublimation many times, until some part
Page 198
of
the Arsnick be fixed therewith. Then, with a Solution of
Lithargiry mix, imbibe, grind, and moderately calcine, several
times; and lastly reduce it with the Fire We taught in the
Reduction of Jupiter from its Calx. For from this it
will go forth white, clean and fusible. Or only with sublimed
Arsnick, in its Calx, let it be reduced, and it will flow
out white, clean, and fusible. But 'tis expe∣dient the Artificer
should here observe the same Caution We gave above of
Venus, in Reiteration of Sublimation of Arsnick
(fixing it self in its profundity) from it. Mars is likewise
whitened by Marchasite and Tutia, with the same
Ingenuity and Industry We have declared. Yet the
Dealbation, or Cleansing of these is not
sufficient.

CHAP. XIII.
Of Medicines citrinating (or colouring)
Luna.

THerefore prosecuting the Order of the
Premises, We with certain verity declare the Medicine
(citrinating the Substance of Lu∣na) in the Order
of the first kind. This Medicine is that which adheres to the same
in its profundity, and adhering colours, either by its proper Nature,
or by the Artifice of
Page 199
this
Magistery. Therefore, We declare that Medicine, which,
arising from its own root, adheres to it. But there are Artifices,
by which We make a Thing of every kind to adhere, with firm Ingress.
Yet this Medicine We extract either from Sulphur, or from
Ar∣gentvive, or from a Commixtion of both: by Sulphur more
diminishedly, but by Argentvive more perfectly. Also this
Medicine is made of certain Mineral Things, which are not of
this kind; as is Vitriol and Copperas, which also is called
Gum of Copper, and Stillacidy (or
Distillation) of the same. Therefore first We will mention all
the Methods of Medicines, which arise from
Argentvive; then, those that are from Sulphur, or from a
Commixtion of both; and lastly that Medicine, which is from the
Gum of Copper, or the like.

The Method of that, which is made by
Ar∣gentvive, is this: Take Argentvive precipi∣tate,
viz. mortified and fixed by Precipitation; then put it in a
Furnace of great Ignition, af∣ter the manner of
Conservation of Calxes, which We have already taught, until
it be red as Ʋsifur. But if it be not red, take a part of
Argentvive not mortified, and with Sulphur re∣iterate the
Sublimation thereof. Yet the Sul∣phur must be cleansed
from all Impurity, and the Argentvive likewise. And after you have
twenty times repeated the Sublimation of it upon the
Precipitate, dissolve that with the dissolving sharpness
of Waters, and again cal∣cine
Page 200
and dissolve
it, until it be exuberantly sufficient. After this, dissolve a part of
Luna, and when dissolved, mix the Solutions, and
Co∣agulate them, and project the Coagulate upon Luna
in flux. For it will colour it much with a peculiar Citrinity. But if
Argentvive in its precipitation be red, the aforesaid
Admini∣stration, without Commixtion of any Thing tinging it, is
sufficient for the perfection of its projection.

By Sulphur, Luna is also rubified, but its
Rubification is difficult, and immensly labo∣rious. Luna is
likewise citrinated with a So∣lution of Mars: but the
necessity of this Work induceth us first to calcine it, and then
to fix, which is an abundance of Labour. Af∣terward We administer it with the
same Pre∣paration, and the same Projection, pouring it
upon the Substance of Luna. And yet thence results not a
splendid bright Colour, but dull and livid, with a mortiferous
Citrinity.

But the way of colouring it, which is made by
Vitriol, or Copperas, is thus: ℞ of either of them a
certain Quantity, and sublime as much thereof, as can be sublimed,
until with great expression of Fire it be sublimed. After this
again sublime this Sublimate with Fire appropriate to it,
that of it part after part may be fixed, un∣til its greater part is fixed. But
afterward, it must be warily calcined, that a greater Fire may be
administred for its Perfection. This being done, it is dissolved
into a most Red
Page 201
Water, that hath not its
Peer. Then so ope∣rate, as you may give it Ingress into
the Lu∣nar Body. These Processes are sufficiently
de∣monstrated to you, if you be a true Searcher of the perfect
Work, as We have described it. For We, seeing things of this kind
pro∣foundly and amicably to adhere to Luna, have considered (and it
is certain) that these are from its own Radix; and thence it is,
that Luna is altered by them. These Medicines, which We
have here inferred, are all of the first Order. Yet there may be
manifold other Methods of these Medicines, salving the
Essence of Pigmental Things, in the Variety of
Methods. For the Medicine of Argentvive is not in
this first Order, seeing it is not a Medicine alter∣ing
Luna with one only Difference, but alto∣gether in total
Compleatment. Others have invented many Medicines, yet one of
these two necessarily happens, viz. either they are
constrained to create the Medicine of the same Things, or of
Things having the same Nature; or else they compound a
Medicine, which with its Alteration is equivalent to that,
which it is not, and which neither confers to the Clean, nor to the
Parts of the Clean, until the Mo∣ver, in the
sublime Mobile of Nature, rests uncorrupt.

Page 202
CHAP. XIV.
Of the Difference of Properties of Me∣dicines of the
second Order.

NOW it is time We should pass on to Me∣dicines
of the second Order, with a Dis∣course truly
sufficient according to their Ex∣igency, and manifest
Probations, with true Ex∣perience. Therefore, seeing the
Medicine of Bodies to be cleansed is one, but of
Argent∣vive perfectly coagulable another; We will first of all
compleatly declare the Medicines of Bodies, and afterward the
Medicine of the same Argentvive coagulable into a true
Solifick, and Lunifick, or Solar and Lunar
Body.

A Medicine of the second Order is that,
which doth indeed compleat imperfect Bodies; but with one only
difference of Perfection. Yet seeing there are many
Causes of Corruption in every of the imperfect Bodies,
viz. in Saturn, a volatile Sulphureity, flight of its
Argentvive (by both which Corruption must necessarily
be induced) and its Terrestreity; therefore the Medicine is
made so, as it can indeed totally remove one of them, or covering it adorn
the same; only leaving all other Causes of Imperfection.
Therefore, forasmuch as in Bo∣dies
Page 203
there is
somewhat impermutable, which is innate in their Radix, and which
cannot be taken away by Medicine of the second Order; that
Medicine, which totally removes that from the Mixtion, is not
called Medicine of the second, but of the third and greater
Order. And, because We found Superfluities of things
volatile to be removed by the way of Calci∣nation, and the
Earthiness not innate abolish∣ed by reiteration of
Reduction; therefore, there was a necessity of inventing a
Medicine of the second Order, which might indeed palli∣ate
(or cover) the innate, and mollifie the hard, and harden the soft,
viz. in hard and soft Bodies, according to Compleatment,
not sophistical; but perfectly constitute a true So∣lifick, or
Lunifick, of imperfect Bodies.

Therefore, seeing it is manifest, that in
Bodies only soft, the swiftness of Liquefaction cannot
be taken away by the ingenious Ar∣tifices of this Work, nor
the Impurity innate in the Radix of their Principles
removed; the invention of a Medicine necessarily happened, that in
projection could inspissate the Tenuity of them, and
inspissating harden the same to a Sufficiency of
Ignition with their Liquefa∣faction; and likewise in hard
Bodies, attenu∣ate their Spissitude, and attenuating
deduce them to sufficient Velocity of Liquefaction, with
their own property of Ignition; and pallia∣ting adorn the
Clowdiness of Bodies of either Kind; and transform
the one into White, and the other into Red, most
perfect.

Page 204
This Medicine is not
diversified from a Me∣dicine of the third Order, unless
by the Im∣perfection of lesser Preparation. And that it
is not diversified from it self, is manifest, in the Projection
of diverse Bodies, and its Accepta∣tion of
Pigments; but in the way of Prepara∣tion only. For the
Medicine inspissating the Tenuity of soft
Bodies, needs one industry of Preparation; but, attenuating
the Spissitude of hard Bodies, another. These indeed
need the Method of Consumptive Fire; but those, the
Administration of Conservation of their Hu∣midity.

CHAP. XV.
Of a Medicine Lunar and Solar, for
im∣perfect Bodies.

WE now intend to compleat our Ʋni∣versal
Discourse of the Medicine of this second Order,
with a certain and true deter∣mination. And first We will describe the
Lu∣nar Medicines of all imperfect Bodies, with the
Differencies of their Preparations: afterward the
Solar, with their proper Differencies like∣wise. We have
already proved in our Dis∣course, that Sulphur is
Corruptive of every kind of Perfection. But
Argentvive is Perfective in the Works of
Nature, with compleat Regimens.
Page 205

Therefore We also, not changing, but imi∣tating Nature, in what
Works it is possible for Us to follow her; do likewise
assume Argent∣vive in the Magistery of this
Work, for a Me∣dicine of each kind of Perfection, viz.
Lunar and Solar, as well of imperfect Bodies, as of
Argentvive Coagulable. But seeing, according to what We
above-mentioned, We have said, that there is a twofold Difference of
Medicine; one of Bodies, but the other of Argentvive
truly coagulable; We are hence induced to give a certain Narration of
Bodies first, and after∣wards of Argentvive.

The Matter, per se, of this Medicine of
eve∣ry kind, is one only; and it is what is al∣ready sufficiently known.
Therefore take that, and if you would work according to the Lu∣nar
Order, We promised to shew, learn to be expert in Operating,
and prepare That, with the known Ways of this
Magistery. The in∣tention of which is, that you should divide the
pure Substance from it, and fix part there∣of; but leave a part for
Cerating; and so pro∣ceeding through the whole Magistery,
until you compleat its desired Fusion. If it sud∣denly flow in
hard Bodies, it is perfect; but in soft Bodies, the
contrary. For this Medi∣cine projected upon any of the imperfect
Bo∣dies, changeth it into a perfect Lunar Body, if the known
Preparations have been first ad∣hibited to this Medicine;
but if not, it leaves the same diminished, yet in one only difference
Page 206
of Perfection, it perfects, as much as depends
on the Administration of the Order of a Me∣dicine
of this kind. But according to the third Order, a certain due
Administration not pre∣ceding, it perfects in Projection only.

A Solar Medicine (of this second Order)
of every of the imperfect Bodies, is the same Matter, and
participates of the same Regimen of Preparation. Yet in
this it differs, viz. that in the greater Subtiliation of
Parts, by pro∣per Ways of Digestion, and in the
Commix∣tion of subtile Sulphur (with the Regimen of
Preparation administred) with addition of the Matter now
known. The Regimen of it, is the Fixation of pure
Sulphur, and the Soluti∣on thereof, as is known. For with
this the Medicine is tinged, and with it projected up∣on every of the
Bodies diminished from Per∣fection, it compleates the
same in a Solar Com∣pleatment, as much as depends on the
Prepa∣ration of a Medicine of this second Order;
the known and certain Administration of the Body diminished
preceding. Also the same projected upon Luna, perfects it much, in
a peculiar Solar compleatment.

Page 207
CHAP. XVI.
Of the Medicine Coagulating Argent∣vive.

ACcording to the Order of the Premises,
it concerns us, for Compleatment of the Work, to proceed to the
Narration of the Medicine coagulating Argentvive.
Therefore We say it is taken, from such Matter, as the
Matter of it self is, viz. according as is spe∣cified in
many Chapters of this Work. And that is, because
Argentvive, seeing it is easi∣ly fugitive, without any
Inflamation, may sud∣denly adhere to it, in its profundity, and be
conjoyned with it through its least parts, and likewise inspissate,
and conserve it in Fire by its own Fixation; until it be
better able to sustain the force of Fire, consuming its
Humidity; and convert it, by the benefit of this in a Moment,
into true Solifick and Lu∣nifick, according to that, for
which the Me∣dicine was prepared.

But seeing We find not any Thing more to agree with it,
than That, which is of its own Nature; therefore, by reason of this
We judged, that with that the Medicine there∣of might be compleated;
and We endeavour∣ed by Ingenuity to make the Form of the
Page 208
Medicine agreeable to the same. That is to
say, it must be prepared, in the Method and Way now
mentioned, with the instance of long continued Labour; by which all
the subtile, and most pure Substance of it may be render∣ed
perfectly White in Luna, but intensly Citrine in
Sol. Yet this cannot be compleated so, as to create a Citrine
Colour, without the Mix∣tion of a Thing tinging it, which is of
its own Nature. But, with this most pure Substance of
Argentvive the Medicine is perfected, by the
Ingenuities of the Work of this Magistery, which
most nearly adheres to Argentvive, and is most easily fluxed,
and coagulates it. For it converts it into a true Solifick, and
Lunifick, with preparation of that always preceding.

The grand Question is, from what things this
Substance of Argentvive may best be ex∣tracted. To which,
We answering say, It must be taken from those Things, in which it is.
But, according to Nature, it is as well in Bodies, as in
Argentvive it self, seeing they are found to be of one Nature. In
Bodies more difficultly, in Argentvive more nigh, but not
more perfectly. Therefore, of what kind soever the Medicine is to
be, the Medicine of the precious Stone must be as well
sought in Bodies, as in the Substance of
Argentvive.

Page 209
CHAP. XVII.
How Ingress is procured in Medicines by Artifice.

BUt, because it happens, that a Medicine is
sometimes mixed, sometimes not; therefore We will declare the Way
of per∣mixing, viz. how every Thing, or each pe∣culiar
Medicine not entring, may most pro∣foundly acquire
Ingress into a Body. The Way is, by
Dissolution of that which enters, and by Dissolution
of that which enters not, and by Commixtion of both
Solutions. For it makes every Thing to be ingressive, of what kind
soever it be, that is through its least parts conjoyned with it. Yet this
is compleated by Solution; and Fusion, in things not
fusible, is compleated by the same; therefore, they are the more apt to
have Ingress, and to alter. This is the Cause, why We
calcine some things, which are not of the Nature of these,
viz. that they may the better be dissolved; and they are
dissolved, that Bodies may the better re∣ceive
Impression from them, and from them likewise, by these, be
prepared and cleansed. Or We give Ingress to these, which are
not permitted to enter by reason of their Spissi∣tude, with
manifold reiteration of the Subli∣mation,
Page 210
of
Spirits not inflamable upon them, viz. of Arsnick,
and Argentvive not fixed; or with manifold Repetition of the
Solution of that which hath not Ingress.

Yet, a good Caution for giving Ingress
to Things impermixable, is that the Body be dis∣solved, which you
would have to be changed and altered, by these; and the Things likewise
dissolved, which you would have both to enter and to alter. Nevertheless,
Solution cannot be made of all Parts, but of some; with
which this or that Body, not another, must be imbibed time after
time. For by this benefit it hath Ingress only into this, or that
neces∣sarily; but this doth not necessarily happen in any other
Body. Therefore every Thing must needs have Ingress by
these Ways, by the benefit whereof it depends on the Nature
of that, to have ingress (as We said) and to alter, with
Commixtion found out. By this prece∣dent Discourse is
compleated the Number of ten Medicines, with a sufficient
Tractation of them.

CHAP. XVIII.
Of the Medicines of the third Order in General.

THerefore now We proceed to the Medi∣cine of the
third Order. Of this Order
Page 211
there is a
twofold Medicine, viz. Solar and Lunar. Yet in
Essence it is one, and in one Way of acting; and
therefore by our Ance∣stors, whose Writings We have read,
it is called One only Medicine. Nevertheless there is an ad∣ditament
of a Citrine Colour, made of the most clean Substance of
Fixed Sulphur, which con∣stitutes the Difference between
this and that, viz. the Lunar and Solar Medicine;
this con∣taining that Colour in it self, but the other not. This
Order is called the third Order of the greater Work:
and that, because greater Sagacity of Industry is
required in the Admi∣nistration thereof, and in the preparation of
its Perfection; also it needs longer labour for Compleatment of the
Verity of the same.

Therefore the Medicine of this Order is
not diverse in Essence from the Medicine of the
se∣cond Order, unless by the most subtile Degrees of
Preparation in Creation of it, and by the long continued
Instance of Labour. All these De∣grees We intend
to declare with compleat∣ment of Speech, and exactly shew the
Way of Preparation, with its Causes and manifest
Ex∣periences; and the many Degrees also of Ways of
Preparation of this third Order. For the Solar
Medicine needs one Way, in compleat Prepa∣ration of
Pigments; but the Lunar another. The first indeed, with the
Administration of Sulphur tinging it; but the second,
not.

Page 212
CHAP. XIX.
Of the Lunar Medicine of the third Order.

FIrst, We will declare the way of Admini∣stration of the
Lunar Medicine, which is thus: ℞ the known Stone of it,
and by the Way of Separation divide its most pure
Sub∣stance, and keep it apart. Then fix some of that
Part, which is most pure, leaving the Re∣mainder. And when
it shall be fixed, dissolve what is soluble of it, but what is not
solu∣ble, put to be calcined; and again dissolve the Calcinate,
until again what is soluble of it be altogether dissolved. Continue this
Pro∣cess, until the greater Quantity be dissolved. Then
mix all the Solutions together, and co∣agulate them. This being done,
gently coct∣ing, keep the Coagulate in a Temperate Fire,
until greater Fire may commodiously be ad∣ministred for its
Perfection. Therefore reite∣rate all these Orders of
Preparation upon it four times, and lastly calcine it by its own
way: for so administring you have suffici∣ently governed the most
precious Earth of the Stone. Then by the subtile
Way of In∣genuity, conjoyn a Quantity of the part
a∣bove reserved, with part of this prepared
Page 213
Earth, through its least particles. This being done, with
Intention of Elevation, sublime it by the aforesaid way
of Sublimation, until the fixed with the not fixed, be totally
elevated. Which if you see not, again add a Quantity of the not
fixed Part, until enough be added for Elevation thereof.
Therefore, when it shall be once all elevated, repeat its
Sublimation, until by repetition of this Operation, it be
to∣tally fixed. When it shall be fixed, again im∣bibe it with
Quantity after Quantity of the not fixed, by the Way
to you known, until the whole shall again be elevated. Then a∣again fix it,
until it have easie Fusion, with its Ignition. For this
is the Medicine, which transforms every Body diminished
from Perfe∣ction, and every Argentvive of what kind
so∣ever, into a most perfect Lunar Body.

CHAP. XX.
Of the Solar Medicine of the third Order.

THE Preparation of this Solar Medicine, is
made with the Additament of Sulphur not burning, by
Way of Fixation, and Calcination, perfectly
administred with subtile Industry; and by manifold repetition of
Solution, until it be rendred Clean. For by the perfect
Ad∣ministration
Page 214
of these preceding, its cleansing
by Sublimation will be compleated. The Way of this
Additament, is thus:

Reiterate the Sublimation of the not fixed part of
the Stone, with this said Sulphur, in∣geniously
conjoyning them, until they be first elevated together, and then fixed so,
as to a∣bide in the Heat of Fire without ascension. The
oftner this Order of compleating the Exuberancy, shall be
repeated, the more will the Exuberancy of this Medicine be
multipli∣ed, and the more its Goodness augmented, and the
Augmentation of the Perfection thereof highly multiplied
also, We will here indeed, in a brief, compleat, and known Speech
(to stop the envious Clamours of the Impious) declare the whole
Compleatment of this Ma∣gistery; which thus take:

The Intention of it is, that by way of
Sub∣limation, the Stone and its Additament may
most perfectly be cleansed; and accordingly by the Way of
Ingenuity, the fugitive fixed in them. Afterward, the Fixed made
Volatile, and the Volatile again fixed. And in this
Or∣der is compleated the most Precious Arcanum, which is
above every Secret of the Sciences of this World,
and is a Treasure inestimable. Do you dispose your self by
Exercise to it, with very great Instance of Labour, and
with continuance of immense Meditation. For by these you will find
it, but without them not. And indeed, in Preparation of the
Stone, the
Page 215
Reiteration of the
Goodness of Administration upon this Medicine,
may with Industrious Wariness be so far available, as to enable
it to change Argentvive into an infinite true So∣lifick, and
Lunifick, and not need any thing more, than its
Multiplication.

Now let the High GOD of Nature,
bles∣sed and glorious, be praised, who hath re∣vealed to Us the
Series of all Medicines, with the Experience of
them, which by the good∣ness of his Instigation, and by our own
in∣cessant Labour, We have searched out; and have seen with
our Eyes, and handled with our Hands, the
Compleatment thereof sought in our Magistery. But if We
have concealed this, let not the Son of Learning wonder, For
We have not concealed it from him, but have delivered it in such a
Speech, as it must ne∣cessarily be hid from the evil, and
unjust, and the unwise cannot discern it. Therefore, Sons of
Doctrine, search ye, and ye will find this most excellent
Gift of GOD reserved for you only. Ye Sons of
Folly, Wickedness, and evil Manners, fly far away from this
Science; because it is inimical and adverse to you, and will
precipit you into the miserable State of Poverty. For this
Gift of GOD is abso∣lutely, by the Judgment of
Divine Providence hid from you, and denyed you for ever.

Therefore, having inquired into the Ways of all
Medicines, We, prosecuting our intend∣ed Purpose, must
pass hence to those Things,
Page 216
which make known the
Perfection of this Magistery, with the Causes of
its Probations.

The Third and Last Part of this Second Book: Of the Probations of Perfe∣ction.
CHAP. I.
The Division of what follows.

OMitting manifest Experiences, of which We make no
mention, seeing they are known and certain to all, viz. of the
Weight, Colour and Extension under the Hammer,
which are discerned, without any Sagacity of Indu∣stry;
We with Wariness make Tryal by the Ex∣periences of
Artificers, Whether Projection of the
Administration of this Art, be a Compleat∣ment
with Verity, inferring the same; which are Cineritium (or
the Test called a Cupel) Cement, Ignition, Fusion;
Exposition over acute Vapour, Probation of Burning
Sulphur by Mix∣tion; Extinction, Reiteration of
Calcination and Reduction, and the easie or difficult
Susception of Argentvive. Therefore We shall first
speak of these according to Order; and afterward, keeping the
same Order, proceed to other
Page 217
things, which We
intend (according to pro∣mise) to declare with the known Causes of
them.

CHAP. II.
Of Cineritium, why some Bodies abide in it,
but others not.

WE come first to speak of Cineritium, with all
its manifest Causes, and of the Way of its
Confection. The Solar and Lunar Substance, is only
permament in the Tryal of Cineritium. Therefore searching
out the true Differencies of the Substance of these
Perfect Bodies, and likewise the Causes of the
Cine∣rition, We will make Tryal, which of the im∣perfect
Bodies more, and which less abide in the Examen of this
Magistery. Yet by Us is already sufficiently declared the
Secret of these two Bodies, in the Profundity of
their Substance. And it is this, viz. that their first
Radix was a large Quantity of Argentvive, and the
purest Substance of it; at first most subtile, but
af∣terward inspissate, until it could admit Fusion with
Ignition. Therefore, whatsoever Bodies diminished from
Perfection, have more of Ear∣thiness, they less abide in
this Examen; but what have less, more. Because these do in∣deed
more adhere, by reason of the subtilety
Page 218
of their
Parts, closely permixing and uniting them. So likewise,
Bodies that are of great∣er Tenuity; or on the contrary, of
greater Spissitude, than those which consist in
Perfe∣ction; must necessarily be altogether seperated from the
Commixtion. For being not of the same Fusion, therefore
they are separated. And indeed, Bodies, which partake of a
lesser Quantity of Argentvive, are more easily
sepa∣rated from the Commixtion.

Therefore, 'tis evident, that seeing Saturn is of
much Earthiness, and contains a small Quantity of
Argentvive, and of an easie Te∣nuity of
Liquefaction, which are mostly oppo∣site to the
Perfection of a Cineritious Examen; therefore of all the
Bodies, by the Artifice of the Cineritium, it
indures least in the Com∣mixtion; yea, it is separated, and
vanisheth most speedily. Wherefore, seeing of all Bodies
diminished from Perfection it most gives way and recedes; by that
it is more proper for the Examen of our Magistery; and the
reason is, because it sooner takes it flight, and sooner draws every of
the imperfect Bodies with it self from the Mixture. Also,
by reason of this, the greater Quantity of the perfect Body
is preserved from the strong Combustion of the Fire of
the Examen; and therefore, by the Tryal of Lead it
is less burnt, and more easily purified.

But because the Substance of Jupiter
con∣tains more of Argentvive, and partakes of a
Page 219

lesser Quantity of Earthiness, and of greater
Purity, and o•• more
subtile Substance of it, therefore it is more safe in the
Mixtion, than Saturn and Venus; because it more
ad∣heres in the Profundity thereof. And this is the Cause,
why a larger Quantity of the per∣fect Body is absumed,
before Jupiter conjoyn∣ed can be separated from the
Commixtion. Yet Venus gives Fusion with
Ignition; but be∣cause its Fusion is slower, than of a
perfect Body, therefore it is separated from the
Com∣mixtion, yet more slowly than Saturn, by rea∣son of
the Ignition of its fusible Substance. But because it
contains less of the Quantity of Argentvive, and is of
greater Earthiness, and of a more thick Substance,
therefore it is more easily separated from the Mixtion, than
Jupiter; because Jupiter more adheres in the
Profundity, than Venus.

Mars hath not Fusion, and therefore is
not permixed; which happens, by reason of De∣privation of
Humidity. But if it chance that it is permixed by Vehemency
of Fire; then, because it hath not Humidity, by imbibing
the Humidity of Sol or Luna, it is united thereunto
through its least parts: therefore, although it hath much Earth, and
little Ar∣gentvive, and wants Fusion, yet it can by no
slight Artifice be separated from them. There∣fore by this the
Industry of the Artificer is dilated, unto the true
Rectification of every Body, if he rightly know the
Efficacy of That,
Page 220
which We have writ.
But if he phantastical∣ly understand, he knows nothing of the
Truth thereof. There are two Bodies of Perfection
abiding this Tryal, viz. Sol and Luna, by rea∣son of their
good Composition, which results from their good Mixtion,
and the pure Sub∣stance of them.

CHAP. III.
Of the Tryal of the Cineritium, (or
Cupel) how it is to be compound∣ed, and used.

NOW We speak of the Way of making it, which is
thus: Take sifted Ashes, or Calx, or Powder of
the Bones of Animals burnt, or a Commixtion of all,
or of some of them; moi∣sten these with Water, and make the
Mixture firm and solid with your hand, and in the midst of it,
wrought into a round flatish Lump, make a round and smooth
Hollowness, and upon the bottom of it strew a small
Quantity of Glass beaten to Powder. Then permit it to be
dry∣ed. When dry, put that Metal into the Hol∣lowness
thereof, which you intend to try by this Examen, and put
Coals of Fire upon it, and then with Bellows blow
upon the Surface of the Examinable Body, until it flows.
Up∣on which being in flux cast part after part
Page 221
of
Lead, and blow with a flame of strong Ignition. Whilst
you see it agitated with the Motion of strong Concussion, it
is not pure. Therefore wait, until all the Lead be exhaled. If that be
vanished, and yet the Motion cease not, it is not pure. Therefore again
cast Lead upon it, and blow as before, until the Lead
vanish. If it do not yet rest, repeat the cast∣ing in of more
Lead, and blowing upon it, until it be still, or quiet, and you
see it clean and clear in its Superficies. This being seen, open
the Coals, and dissipate the Fire, and then pour
Water upon the Surface thereof. For you will find it
perfectly examined. If whilst you are blowing this Examen, you
cast in Glass, the Body will be the better and more
perfectly purified; because that takes away the Impurities, and
separates them. Yet instead of Glass, Sal, Borax, or a little
Allom, may be cast in. In like manner this Examen of
Ci∣neritium may be made in a Crucible of Earth, if
the Fire round about it be blowed, and upon the Surface
also of the Crucible, that the Bo∣dy to be examined may the
sooner flow, and be perfected.

These being sufficiently declared, We now pass to the
Examen of Cement, with its Cau∣ses, and manifest
and known Experiences.

Page 222
CHAP. IV.
Of Cement, why some Bodies sustain it
more, and others less.

WE have said, that some Bodies more, and others
less, are burned by the Calcina∣tion of Fire, viz. they
which contain a greater Quantity of burning Sulphur, more;
but they that contain less, less. Therefore, seeing Sol hath a
less Quantity of Sulphur, than other Metallick
Bodies, it is not (in the midst of all Mineral Bodies) burnt by
Inflammation of Fire. And Luna, next to
Sol, partakes of a less Quantity of Sulphur, than
the other four Bodies, yet more than Sol. Therefore,
accor∣ding to this, it can less bear the Ignition of
Inflammation for a long space of time, than Sol; and by
consequence less bear Things burning by a like Nature, but
Venus less than it; because it consists of more
Sulphur, and of greater Earthiness, than Luna;
therefore can less bear the Inflammation of Fire. Jupiter
less also than Sol or Luna, because it partakes of
greater Sulphureity and Earthiness, than either of them;
yet it is less burnt by Inflammation, than Venus, but more
than Sol and Luna. Saturn in its Commixtion by
Nature, holds more of Earthiness and Sulphureity,
than any
Page 223
of these now mentioned Bodies;
therefore it is sooner and more easily inflamed, than all the said
Bodies; and by inflamation it is more swiftly burnt, because it
hath Sulphureity more nearly conjoyned, and more fixed than
Ju∣piter.

Mars is not burnt by it self, but by
Acci∣dent. For when it is mixed with Bodies of much
Humidity, it imbibes that Humidity, by reason of its own
Want of the same; and therefore being conjoyned, it is neither
in∣flamed nor burned, if the Bodies, with which it is
Ʋnited, be neither inflamable, nor com∣bustible. But if
combustible Bodies be mixed with it, it necessarily happens
(according to the Nature of their Combustion) that
Mars is burnt and inflamed. Therefore, seeing Cement is
constituted of inflamable Things, the neces∣sary
Cause of its Invention is manifest; and it was, that all
combustible Things might be burn∣ed. And since there is one only
Body incombu∣stible, that alone, or what is prepared accor∣ding to
the Nature of that, is kept safe in Ce∣ment. Yet some abide more,
others less, in Cement: But which abide more, and which less, are
known with their said Causes. There∣fore Luna abides
Cement more, but Mars less, Jupiter less than
Mars, and Venus less than Ju∣piter; but
Saturn least of all.

Page 224
CHAP. V.
The Examen of Cement, how it is to be compounded
and exercised.

NOW We will declare the Way of Cement∣ing.
Seeing it is known to Us, that Ce∣ment is very necessary, in the
Examen of Per∣fection, We say it is compounded of
inflama∣ble Things. Of this kind are all blackening, flying,
penetrating, and burning Things; as is Vitriol, Salarmoniac, Flos
Aeris, and the an∣cient Fictile Stone, and a very small
Quantity (or nothing) of Sulphur, and Mans-Ʋrine,
with like acute, and penetrating Things. All these are impasted
with Virile Ʋrine, and spread upon thin Plates of that
Body, which you intend shall be examined by this way of
Probation. Then the said Plates must be laid upon a
Grate of Iron included in an Earthen Vessel; yet
so, as one touch not the other, that the vertue of the Fire may have
free and equal Access to them. Thus the whole must be kept in
Fire, in a strong Earthen Ves∣sel, for the space of
three days. But here, great Caution is required, that the
Plates may be kept fire-hot, but not melt. After the third
Day, you will find the Plates cleansed from all
Impurity, if the Body of them was
Page 225

perfect: if not, they will be wholly corrup∣ted, and burnt in the
Calcination.

Some expose Plates of Metal to
Calcination, without a composition of Cement, and they are
purified in like manner, if the Body be of Per∣fection: if
not, they are totally consumed. Yet in this last Examen. they need
a longer space of time, that are thus purified by the only inflamation of
Fire, than those that are examined by the Judgment of
Cement.

And seeing the Nature of Luna differs
not much from the Nature of Sol, therefore by a certain
necessary way of Administration, it rests with it in the
Tryal of Cement. And there is no Separation of
Bodies each from other, in these two kinds of Tryal,
unless that be occa∣sioned by reason of the Diversity of
Composition of their Substances: because thence
results Di∣versity of Fusion, and
Spissitude and Rarity. Which are indeed the
Causes of Separation; because, by reason of the
strong Composition of some, their Substance is not
corrupted by the Substance of the Extraneous Body, seeing
a Mixtion of them could not be made through their least parts.
Therefore, in such a Com∣mixtion, they must necessarily be
separated each from other, without the total Corruption of the
Essence of them. Wherefore, the com∣pleat
Administration of imperfect Bodies, is di∣scerned, when
they are by Ingenuity of Pre∣paration found to be of the
same Fusion, Igniti∣on, and Solidity.

Page 226
CHAP. VI.
Of Ignition.

IT remains now, that We treat of Ignition. Having
declared, that Bodies of greatest Perfection, with
determinate Ignition, are found to receive the Fire, before
Fusion of them; therefore we here say, if our Aim be to
find out the compleat Alteration of them, there is a necessity to
bring such Bodies to their Fu∣sion. And before these
Bodies of Perfection be fused, to see them admit
Ignition, with infla∣mation of a pleasing Celestine
Colour, and this, before their Ignition comes to the
Whiteness of Fire, which the Eye can in no wise
di∣scern.

Therefore, 'tis manifest, that the perfect
Ig∣nition of them is (before Fusion) with intense
Redness, and not with Whiteness, which the Eye
cannot behold. For if the administred Bodies be melted, before they
are red hot with Fire, they are not in Compleatment. And if
they be made Fire-hot with labour, and strong
Ex∣pression of Fire, their Administration is
not true: and this indeed, if it happen in soft Bodies. Because,
the same is only found in Mars. For Ignible Bodies do not
easily in the way of Preparation, admit Ignition; nor
fusible
Page 127
Bodies, the right Fusion,
which We find in Bodies perfect according to Nature. If
Bodies administred, in their Ignition yield not
Flame of a pleasing Celestine Colour, their
Admini∣stration is not compleat. And if any part of the Weight,
Colour, Beauty, Ignition, and the like, be found diminished, by reason
of the Differencies of the Goodness of
Preparation, the Indagation of the Artist was not
sufficient. Therefore let him make a new Search, until he find his
Error, with Ways of Operating cor∣responding to
Divine Goodness.

CHAP. VII.
Of Fusion, or Melting.

IN the Narration of Fusion, We shall
suffi∣ciently discourse, according to the Examen of all
Bodies by the certain Ignition of them. Therefore We say,
that Fusion with Ignition, is the only Argument of
Perfection; yet not with every kind of Ignition, but with
Ignition, in which the Body waxeth not altogether
White; and with Ignition, in which is not made a dull
paleness of Fire, and in which the Body is not suddenly
melted, or flows not immedi∣ately after Ignition. For when a
Body flows with very small pressure of a weak Fire,
Page 228
either ••••out
Ignition, or with a palid Igniti∣on; a Body of this
Preparation must needs be a Body of Imperfection:
some one of the im∣perfect Bodies, in diminished
Artifice.

And if a Body after Fusion be not
suffered presently to cool, and its Ignition be sudden∣ly turned
altogether into Blackness, and by reason of that, loseth its
Ignition before it waxeth hard, it is not a Body in
Compleat∣ment, of what kind soever it be. But this is to be imputed
to softness, and that it is one of the kinds of imperfect
Bodies.

And if the Ignition of a Body, before
Fusi∣on thereof, be made with laborious and vio∣lent
Expression of strong Fire, and with a Ray of
Brightness inestimable, altogether White and shining;
it is not a Body of Perfection, but a Body of
Hardness altered. Also, if af∣ter Fusion thereof, and
when taken from the Fire, it be suddenly hardned, that it flow not,
the fulgent Ignition thereof remaining, it is not a Body of
Lunar, or Solar Perfection, of what kind and preparation
soever the Body ad∣ministred was; but comes under the
Nature of the Differencies of Mars.

Therefore, by the abovesaid 'tis evi∣dent, that in
fusible Bodies, by the Experiment of them may be found a
threefold Ignition, before Liquefaction of their
Substances, viz. one, Palid; the other, Red and
Clear; and the third most White, shining with a
Ray. The first is of soft Bodies; the second, of
perfect Bodies; but
Page 229
the third, of hard
Bodies; as is proved by Reason, and Experience. He
that desires to search out the Degree of all these
Ignitions, that he may com∣pleat all fusible Bodies, let
him consider of the sufficiency compleat for the Perfection of
Fu∣sion, and by considering, recollect the diffe∣rence of all the
signs of the Degree of Fusion, and so indeed he will
find; otherwise not. This is offered to you for an Exemplar, in all
manners of Examination by us determined, and to be determined. And
this may suffice to be spoken of Fusion.

CHAP. VIII.
Of the Exposition of Bodies over the Vapours of acute
Things.

THerefore, prosecuting our intended
Dis∣course, We now declare the Exposition of
Bodies over the Vapours of Acute Things, viz. of
Things Sharp, Saline, and Sower. We see Bodies of
Perfection, exposed over the Vapours of the said
Acute Things, either little or no∣thing at all to flower, or to emit a
most pleasant Celestine Flos. But the purest Gold
flowreth not. Yet Luna, or Sol, not pure, We find to flower,
when exposed over the Vapours of Acute Things, and to yield
a most plea∣sant Celestine Flos; yet that of Sol is
more de∣lightful, than that of Luna. We therefore,
Page 130
by reason of this, imitating Nature, do in
like manner create a Celestine Colour in pre∣pared Bodies;
which Colour is perfected by the Goodness of
Argentvive, as is sufficiently de∣clared by us in the precedent.

Therefore, whatsoever prepared Bodies shall be
set over the Vapours of Acute Things, and not create a
Celestine pleasant Colour, they ex∣ist not in the total
compleatment of Prepa∣ration. There are some Bodies, which
in the Examen of Saline Things, flower in their
Su∣perficies, with a dull red, or dull citrine Co∣lour mixt
with Greenness; of this kind is Mars. Some flower with a
dull Greenness, mixt with a turbid Celestine Colour; of
this kind is Ve∣nus. Some are found to yield a dull White,
and of this kind is Saturn. And some a clear White, of
which kind Jupiter is. Therefore, the most perfect Body
flowers least, or nothing at all; and if it yield any Flos, it is in
a long space of time. And indeed, among Bodies wanting the
compleatment of Perfection, Jupiter most slowly flowreth its
Gummosity. Thence, by the Examen of this
Magistery, We consider Jupiter, in the Work of
the Greater Order, most nearly approximate to Perfection.
And by this Examen it may be known, in what kind of
Tem∣perament, the Body consists; if you rightly
con∣sider the Order of these Things, which we have declared in
this Chapter: but if you know not this, impute that to the folly of
your own Rash∣ness.

Page 131
CHAP. IX.
Of the Extinction of Bodies Fire-hot.

WE now speak intirely of the Examen of
Extinction: of which there is a mani∣fold Experience, whereby
it is known, whether the Magistery consist in
Perfection or not. Therefore, first if the Body ignited (or
heat rod-hot) be extinguished in Liquor, and the Lunar
yield not a White Colour, and the So∣lar a Bright
Citrine, but is changed into an Alien Colour; the
Alteration is not in com∣pleatment of this Magistery. And
if in re∣peating its Ignition and Extinction, in the
Wa∣ters of Salts or Allomes, by whatsoever kind of
Administration created, it yield a Scoria of affinity to
Blackness in its Superficies; or if in the
Extinction of it in Sulphurs, and from the
Extinction, with often repeated Ignition, it vanish, or
infect it self with a foul Black∣ness; or by compulsion of the
Hammer breaks it self to pieces; the Artifice of the
Work is fallacious. Or if it, with Cementation of the
Mixture of Salarmoniack, Verdegrease, and
Boys-Ʋrine, or of Things like in Nature, be
exposed to the Fire, and after the Ignition, and
Extinction of it (whether Lunar or Solar) it totally
lose its proper Colour, or create a Scoria, it is
manifest, that the Body doth yet remain in Sophistick
Corruption. Yet We give
Page 232
you one certain General
Rule, and that as well in these present, as in the Examens
fol∣lowing; if among the differencies of Perfe∣ction the altered
Body shall change any thing of its Weight, or
Colour, the Artist hath not rightly, but phantastically
proceeded in his Work: which is a Thing not profitable, but
destructive rather.

CHAP. X.
Of the Admixtion of burning Sulphur.

LIkewise, by the Mixtion of Sulphur is
pro∣ved, Whether the Magistery consist in Per∣fection,
or not. For by our Experience We find, that Sulphur commixed
with Bodies, burns some more, others less: and by our
Artifice We have discerned, that some retire from its
com∣bustion, and some not. And hence may be noted the difference between
those Bodies, di∣minished from Perfection, prepared in a
Sophi∣stical compleatment. Therefore, among all Bodies, of
whatsoever kind, We find Sol not to be burned by Sulphur.
The next to this, least burned, is Jupiter; then Luna; and
after that Saturn; but Venus more easily, than all these;
and Mars, by reason of the Oleaginy of Sul∣phur,
is most easily burned. Hence 'tis ob∣servable, that that Body is
more burnt, which is less nigh to the Nature of the Per∣fect.

Page 233
Also by the Diversity of
Colours, after com∣bustion of Bodies, it may be known, in
what kind the altered Body, from the Radix of its own
Nature, consists; because, after the Commixtion of
Sulphur, Sol gives an intense Citrine, or clear Red
Colour; Luna, a black mixt with Celestine; Jupiter, a black
Colour mixt with a small Tincture of Redness;
Sa∣turn a dull black, mixt with much Redness, and a livid
Colour; Venus, from the Commix∣tion of Sulphur,
yields a black mixt with livid, if much combustion of Sulphur hath
preced∣ed; but if little combustion was pre-existent, it shews a most
clean and pleasant Violet Co∣lour; but Mars, in every kind
of combustion, creates a most black dull Colour.

Likewise, in Bodies is observed a
Diversity, after their Reduction from the combustion of
Sulphur. Some do indeed return; but others, by the expression of
Fire, with the Sulphur recede from the Reduction,
either totally, or the greater Quantity of them: some into Bo∣dies
of their own Nature; others return, from the combustion, into
Bodies other than of their own Nature. Sol and Luna
return, from the combustion of Sulphur, into the Nature of
their proper Body; but Jupiter and Saturn re∣cede.
Jupiter recedes totally, or its greater part; Saturn not
totally; yet sometimes a greater, sometimes a lesser part of it, is
de∣stroyed. The Diversity of these is, by reason of the
Nature of Things and Bodies, and by
Page 234
reason of the different Administration of them in
the Work of Preparation. For it happens, that
Jupiter is destroyed, by the sudden force of Fire in
Reduction; but both Jupiter and Sa∣turn are
preserved by successive and gentle Reduction. Yet the
Reduction of them rather tends to the Nature of an alien, than of the
proper Body. That is to say, the Reduction of
Jupiter is converted into clear Antimony; but of
Saturn, into a dull coloured Antimony, as We have found by
proper Experience. Venus is diminished, in the
Impression of Fire of Re∣duction; and this
happens more to Mars, than to Venus. Venus in its
Reduction is ponderous, of a dull Citrine Colour, and soft,
partak∣ing of Blackness, with Augmentation of the
Weight of its Body. Therefore, by these, may be found out
the Nature of all Bodies, that are altered.

CHAP. XI.
Of Calcination, and Reduction.

OF the Examen of the Reiteration of
Cal∣cination and Reduction We are now to speak. Therefore
We say, that Bodies are found to be of Perfection, in the
Reiteration of Calcination and Reduction, by their
diffe∣rencies of Goodness, if they lose nothing of their
Colour, Weight, Quantity, or Brightness;
Page 235
(of which great care is to be taken) how much soever
the Multiplicity of those Ope∣rations shall be reiterated
upon them. Ac∣cordingly, if by repeating the Calcination, and
Reduction from the Calxes, of altered Metals of
every kind, they lose any Thing in their differencies of Goodness,
it is to be supposed, that the Artist hath sophistically
followed his Investigation. Wherefore habituate your self to
these Works, that you may know them.

CHAP. XII.
Of the easie Susception of Argentvive.

IT is now undeniably manifest to you, that Bodies
containing the greatest Quantity of Argentvive, and
Bodies of Perfection. Where∣fore, it is to be supposed,
that those Bodies are more nigh to Perfection, which more
ami∣cably imbibe Argentvive. The sign of this is, the easie
Susception of Argentvive by a So∣lar or Lunar
Body of Perfection. For this same Reason, if a
Body altered do not easily receive Argentvive into its
Substance, it must needs be very remote from the Compleat∣ment of
Perfection.

CHAP. XIII.
A Recapitulation of the whole Art.

HAving handled the Experiences of the
Causes of the sufficiency of this Magistery, ac∣cording
Page 236
to the Exigency of our proposed
Dis∣course, it remains, that We should now in one
Chapter come to the Compleatment of this whole Divine Work;
and briefly speaking, con∣tract the dispersed Magistery into
one Sum, in general Heads. Therefore We say, the
Sum of the whole Intention of the Work is no other,
than that the Stone (known in its Chapters) should be
taken, and with instance of Labour, Sublimation of the first
Degree, re∣peated upon it: for by this it will be clean∣sed from
corrupting Impurity. And the Per∣fection of
Sublimation is, the Subtiliation of the Stone by it,
until it can come to the ultimate purity of Subtilety, and lastly be
made Volatile. This being done, by the Way of
Fixation it must be fixed, until it can rest in the
Asperi∣ty of Fire. Herein consists the
Measure of the Second Degree of Preparation. The
Stone is like∣wise administred in the third, which con∣sists
in the ultimate Compleatment of Prepa∣ration; and that is this: You
must make the now fixed Stone, by the ways of Sublimation
Volatile, and the Volatile fixed; and the Fixed,
Dissolved; and the Dissolved again Volatile, and
the Volatile again Fixed, until it flow and al∣ter, into
Solifick, and Lunifick, with certain Compleatment.

From the Reiteration of Preparation of this third
Degree, results the Multiplication of the
Goodness of Alteration of the Medicine.
There∣fore, from the Diversity of the Work repeated upon
the Stone, in its Degrees, results the
Di∣versity
Page 237
of Multiplication of the
Goodness of Al∣teration; so that among
Medicines, some trans∣mute into a true Solifick and
Lunifick Body of Perfection, an hundred-fold as much as their
own weight is; some two hundred-fold; some three hundred-fold; some a
thousand-fold, and some to Infinity. Therefore hence it may be
known, whether the Magistery consists in
Perfection.

CHAP. XIV.
What Order the Author hath observed in treating of the
aforesaid.

BUT, that the Envious may not calumniate us, We
declare, that We have not treat∣ed of our Science with a continued
series of Discourse, but have dispersed it in divers
Chap∣ters. And this was done; because, if it had been delivered in a
continued Series of Speech, the just Man, as well
as him that is evil, might have usurped it unworthily. There∣fore We have
concealed it in places, where We more openly speak; yet not under an
Aenigma, but in a plain discourse to the Ar∣tist: and
indeed We have described it in such a way of speaking, as is agreeable to
the Will of the Most High, blessed, sublime, and
Glorious God, and our own Mind, who writ the same, as it
happened to be recollected, or was infused by the Grace of his
divine Goodness, who gives it to, and withholds it from, whom he
will.

Page 238
Therefore, let not the Son of
Learning de∣spair: for if he seek it, he may find the same, with
the Investigation of the Motion of his proper
Nature, not of Doctrine. Because, he that seeks by the
goodness of his Industry finds the same; but he, who seeks the
same following Books only, will very slow∣ly attain to this most
pecious Art. For We published this Art found by Us only,
for our selves only, not for others, although it be most true, and
altogether certain. There∣fore, We invite to this Art the
Prudent only, and (by Ingenuities taught by Us) expose to
them the way of Investigation. For We writ down the same being
found, together with the Way of its Invention, and the
Ingenuities of Methods, for none, but our selves.
Where∣fore let the well-minded Artificer exercise himself by
those Precepts, which We have de∣livered; and he will greatly
rejoyce when he hath found the Gift of the Most High God.
These may suffice to be spoken, touching the Disquisition of
this sublime Art.

The End of the Second Book of Geber, Of the Sum of Perfection, or of the Perfect Magistery.
Page 239

---

GEBER, The Arabian Prince and Philosopher, His Book, Of the INVENTION of VERITY, OR, PERFECTION,

CHAP. I.
Of the six Properties of Things, from which the Medicine is
extracted.

WE have in our Volumes considered, not only by the
Secret Properties of Natural Principles, but also by proper
Experience, and the truly certain Investigation of our
Invention, that those Things, from which our Medicine is
extract∣ed, have in themselves these Properties of
Qualities, in transmuting Bodies. First, they have in
themselves an Earth most subtile and incombustible, altogether
fixed with its own
Page 240
proper radical Humidity, and
apt for fixing. Secondly, they have an Airy and Fiery
Hu∣midity, so uniformly conjoyned to that Earth, that if one be
volatile, so is the residue; and the same Humidity abides the
Fire be∣yond all Humidities, even to the compleat Termination
of its own Inspissation, according to the Indigency of
its Compleatment, with Permanency (inseparable from the
Earth an∣nexed to it) without Evaporation. Thirdly, The
Disposition of their Natural Humidity is such, that by
the benefit of its own Oleaginy, in all differencies of its
Properties, it so unctuously contemperates the Earth
annexed to it, with Conversion of one into the other homogene∣ally and
equally, with such an Ʋnion and Bond of
Conjunction of inseparability, that af∣ter the Degree of
final Preparation, it gives good Fusion.

Fourthly, This Oleaginy is of so great
puri∣ty of Essence, and so Artificially cleansed from every
combustible, or burning Thing, that it burns not all Bodies, with
which it is conjoyn∣ed through their least parts; but preserves them from
Combustion. Fifthly, It hath a Tincture in it self so
clear and splended, white or red, clean and incombustible, stable and
fixed, that the Fire cannot prevail against it to change it, nor
sulphureous adustive, or a∣cute corroding Bodies, corrupt and
defile the same. Sixthly, The whole Compound, ince∣rated
with its final Compleatment, is of so
Page 241
great
Subtilety and Tenuity of Matter, that after the
final Termination of its Decoction, it remains in Projection,
of most thin Fusion like Water; and is of profound
Penetration, unto the ultimate Compleatment of the Body
permutable, of how great Fixation soever it be. And with its
Vicinity, or Affinity, it ad∣heres to its own like,
naturally, with insepa∣rable Consolidation against the
Impression of Fire; in that very Hour, with its
own Spiri∣tuality, reducing Bodies to
Volatility.

CHAP. XVI.
Of the Seven Properties of the Medi∣cine.

THese being considered, We find by Our
Investigation several Properties of Things necessary
and opportune in our Stone; and they are these: Oleaginy,
Tenuity of Matter, Affinity, Radical Humidity, Clearness of
Purity, a fixing Earth, and Tincture.

The first Property of Differencies of the
Me∣dicine is Oleaginy, in Projection giving
Ʋniver∣sal Fusion, and Aspertion of the
Matter. For, the first thing which is necessary after
Projecti∣on of the Medicine, is the sudden and conveni∣ent
Fusion of the Medicine it self, which is per∣fected and
rendred viscous with Mineral Olea∣giny.

Page 242
The second Property, is,
Tenuity of the Mat∣ter, or the Spiritual Substance
thereof, flowing very thin in its Fusion, like Water
penetra∣ting to the profundity of the Body alterable; because
immediately after Fusion, the Ingression thereof is
necessary.

The third Property, is Affinity (or
Vicinity) between the Elixir, and the Body to be
trans∣muted, giving adherency in the Obviation and
Retention of its like; because immediately af∣ter Ingress
of the Medicine, Adherency is conve∣nient and necessary.

The fourth Property, is Radical Humidity.
fiery, congealing, and consolidating the Parts retained, with
Adherency of its own like, with the Ʋnion of all
Co-like Parts inseperably for ever; because, after Adherency,
Consolidation of the Parts, with their Radical,
viscous, and necessary Humidity, is opportune.

The fifth, is a Mundificative Clearness of
Pu∣rity, giving evident Splendor, in the
Combusti∣on existent, not burning. For, after
Consoli∣dation of the purified Parts, it is lest to the
Actual Fire, to have power of burning all extraneous
Superfluities, not consolidated. Wherefore Purification
follows, and is neces∣sary.

The sixth Property, is a Fixing Earth,
tem∣perate, thin, subtile, fixed, and incombusti∣ble, giving permanency of
Fixation in the So∣lution of the Body adhering with
it, standing and persevering against the force of Fire:
Page 243
for immediately after Purification, Fixation is
necessary, and opportune.

The seventh Property, is Tincture, giving a
splendid and perfect Colour, White, or intensly Citrine,
and Lunification, or Solification of Bo∣dies to be
transmuted; because after Fixation, a splendid
Tincture, and Colour tinging ano∣ther Body, or a
Tincture colouring the Mat∣ter convertible into true
Silver, or Gold (with all its certain and known differencies)
is ab∣solutely necessary.

CHAP. III.
The Division of this Book into four Particles.

ACcording to the Exigency of Art, We have disputed
against Men denying Art; and have discoursed of
Natural Principles, which are according to the Intention of
Na∣ture, in the Procreation of Metals; and of
Bo∣dies, and their Procreations, and Preparations;
and lastly of the Medicines, and Examina∣tions of the
same Bodies transmuted, whether the Compleatment of them stands
in Perfe∣ction; all which hath been done by Us, in our Book
intituled, The Sum of Perfection, or of the Perfect Magistery. And
there We have written the Way of the Invention of
Art, and our In∣genious
Page 244
Works, which
We have seen, and touch∣ed: But here, in this Book, We will treat of
the Invention of Perfection, and in a special manner
declare those Things, which are ne∣cessary in this our
Magistery; and the Way of Preparing the same,
with their weight and measure, and Probation certain, not
conjectu∣ral.

Our Intention is to divide this little Book
into Four Particles; and in the First sufficiently to treat of
Middle Minerals, and their Pre∣parations; that they may be
aptly disposed in the Extraction of Spirits, and
imperfect Bo∣dies: in the Second, of the Mundifications of
Spirits, and intire Preparations of the same: in the Third,
of the diverse Preparations of imperfect Bodies, according
to the Exigency of the Compleatment of the Work: and
in the Fourth of all Medicines especially, for trans∣forming every
Body into Sol and Luna, with Projection,
Weight, and Measure, according to the Exigency of
Necessity for Compleatment of the Work.

Page 245
The First Particle.
CHAP. IV.
Of the Preparation of Middle Mine∣rals.

COmmon Salt is dissolved in clear Fountain
Water, and distilled through a Filter, and afterwards congealed
in an Earthen Vessel, or in a Vessel of
Lead, or other Metal. Salt-Peter is dissolved in
Fountain Water, distilled through a Filter, and congealed
in a Vessel of Glass, that it may there be
crystalized. Salt-nitre is so prepared, viz. it is
dissolved in clear Fountain Water, filtred, &c.
Salt-Gem is dissolved, &c. as before, and congealed in an
Earthen-glazed Vessel. True Salt-Alkali is made of
Zoza (or Soda) dissolved, filtred, and the
Solution boyled away to one third part, and then the Salt, in
a short time set∣tles to the Bottom in Crystals; and
so it is prepared. Some do also make Salt-Alkali, thus: They take
lib. 5. of Ashes of Hearts-ease, and
lib. 1. of Quicklime, and by boyling in Water they
make a Lixivium, which they filter and congeal; this labour they
reiterate once, and it is prepared. Salammoniac is made of five parts
of Mans Ʋrine, and one part
Page 246
of his
Sweat, one part of Common-Salt, and half a part of the
Soot of Woods, these being boyled together into
Consumption of the Hu∣midity, from the remainder sublime a true
and profitable Salammoniac: this again dissolve in∣to
Sweat, and sublime it from Common-Salt once; then it is
prepared. Salt of Tartar is made of the calcined
Feces of Wine distilled, the Tartar being
dissolved from them, and congealed: so it is prepared. Salt of
Ʋrine is likewise made of the calcined Feces of
Ʋ∣rine distilled, and this is again dissolved in its own
Water, and congealed, so it is prepared; and is of great
Emolument and Ʋse.

Many men diversly treat of the Preparati∣ons of
Salts; but We, by our Invention, have found, that these
Preparations of Salts are more short, more subtile, and
more profita∣ble for our purpose; seeing from all Things truly calcined,
Salts are extracted by Soluti∣on, which by the
above-alleadged Way must be prepared. Therefore it sufficeth Us to
pass them by, these being more useful. Glassy or
Roch-Allom hath a two-fold way of Prepara∣tion: one for
washing calcined Bodies, and the other for subliming
Spirits. After the first Way, it is thus prepared:
Dissolve it in clear Foun∣tain Water, distill it through a
Filter, and boyl it to a third part: this Part put in
Glazed Dishes, and it will settle round about the Sides
of the Vessels, and in the Bottom: so you will have
prepared Crystalline Allom. The second
Page 247
Way is this: Boyl the Allom in an Earthen
Vessel, until the Humidity vanish, and you find it
spongious, white and light; then is it pre∣pared for Sublimations,
and other diverse Ope∣rations. Plumous Allom is dissolved and
con∣gealed as the former; and so it is prepa∣red.

Now, it is expedient to speak of the Pre∣parations
of Atraments, seeing that is a Thing very necessary; because
We find a necessary Ʋse of them in Tinctures, and
Ligaments of Spirits, and other Things, which appertain to
the Work. Black-Atrament is dissolved in boyl∣ing Water,
distilled through a Filter, and con∣gealed; then it is prepared.
Copperas is dis∣solved in distilled Vinegar, clarified
by filtring, and congealed: so it is clean. Roman Vitrol needs not
any other Preparation, than only (in some cases) to be held in a
moderate Fire, and rubified▪

Morever, it is certain, that diverse Things necessary
for Us are extracted from imper∣fect Bodies; which need
Preparation, and are helpful in the Case: and these are,
first Ce∣ruse of Lead, which is thus prepared.
Cerusse of Lead must be washed in distilled
Vinegar, then purged from its more gross parts; and that which flows
out thence as Milk, must be congealed in the Sun, and it is
prepared. The Preparation of Spanish White, Tin, and
Minium, is after the same manner. For they must be washed in
distilled Ʋrine, and pre∣pared
Page 248
as
Cerusse; then they are fit for use. Verdegreece is
dissolved in distilled Vinegar, and rubified, being exactly
congealed with most gentle Heat of Fire; and then it is
prepared and fit for the Work. Crocus of Iron is
dis∣solved in distilled Vinegar, and clarified by
Filter: this Red Water being congealed, yields you a
Crocus fit for your purpose. Aes ustum (or
Copper calcined) ground to powder, and washed with distilled
Vinegar, after the same manner as We taught in the
Preparation of Ceruss; will be of use to you.
Lithargiry dis∣solved in distilled Vinegar, must be
clarified and congealed; for so it is well prepared. Yet you may again
dissolve it as other Things above-noted. Also you may use them
dis∣solved and congealed; and in this is profound Investigation.
Antimony is calcined, dissolved, clarified, congealed, and ground to
powder; so it is prepared. Lapis Lazuli (or the La∣zure
Stone) is calcined, and when ground to Powder washed, and it is
purified. The Stone Haematitis, is heat red hot, and often
extin∣gushed in Bulls-Gall. Bolearmenac is ground and dissolved
as Cerusse, and then congealed. Cinaber must be
sublimed once from Common-Salt, and so it is prepared.
Tutia is dissolved in distilled Vinegar, having been
first calcined, and so it is well prepared.

Page 249
The Second Particle.
CHAP. V.
Of the Mundifications, or Cleansing of Spirits.

IN the first Particle We sufficiently treated of
those things, which (in our certain In∣vention) seemed unto Us
necessary for the Preparation of Spirits and Bodies. Here
We now intend to inlarge our Discourse, touch∣ing the
Sublimation, or Preparation of Spirits of every
Species, according to the Indigen∣cy of the Compleatment of
our Magistery. But do not you deviate from this Doctrine of
our Invention, which, in profound Medita∣tion, and in
Works, We see very necessary for Us, and most certain. Here We
search out the Weights, and the special Way of pre∣paring and
subliming them, with Experience altogether certain: and first
begin with the Preparation of Sulphur, and its
Compeer; and so of others in their Order.

Page 250
CHAP. VI.
Of the Preparation of Sulphur.

GRind clear and gummose Sulphurvive to a most
subtile Powder, which boyl in a Lixivium made of Ashes of
Heartsease, and Quick-lime, gathering from off the
superficies its oleaginous Combustibility, until it be dis∣cerned to be
clear. This being done, stir the whole with a stick, and then warily take
off that, which passeth out with the Lixivi∣um, leaving the more
gross parts in the bot∣tom. Permit that Extract to cool a little,
and upon it pour a fourth part of its own Quantity of distilled
Vinegar, and then will the whole suddenly be congealed as
Milk. Remove as much of the clear Lixivium as you can; but
dry the residue with gentle Fire, and keep it.

In administration of the Feces, observe this
Method. For every one pound of this pre∣pared Sulphur, take
of Scales of Iron well cal∣cined to redness, l•b. 1. of Roch-Allom also well calcined,
lib. 1. and of Common-Salt pre∣pared, half a pound.
Incorporate all these well, by grinding together with Vinegar, that
the whole may be liquid; which then boyl, stirring it, until it be all very
black. Then
Page 251
dry, and grind it to a fine Powder,
which put into an Aludel with a large Cover, and let the
Cover of the Alembeck have a large and great Zone
(or Girdle) for Conservation of the Spirits elevated: the
Aludel it self must be of the height of one Foot and
half, that the Heat may not touch the Zone of the
Alembeck. This being done, sublime as We taught you in our Book,
Of the Sum of Per∣fection, &c. But gather what shall be dense (or
close compact) in the Zone; and cast a∣way the light pulverizable
Flos, which ascends above it, and adheres to the sides of the
A∣lembeck: for it is combustible, defiled, and de∣filing. Keep the
dense Matter sublimed, by it self, in a Phial, and coct
it upon Ashes so long, as until its combustive Humidity
be gra∣dually exterminated. Then preserve it clean; for it is perfectly
cleansed.

CHAP. VII.
Of the Preparation of Arsnick.

AFter its Compeer Arsnick is beaten to
Pow∣der, it must be boyled in Vinegar, and all its
combustible Fatness extracted, and it then dryed. Then ℞. of
Copper, calcined, lib. 1. Of Allom calcined ½
a pound, and of Common-Salt prepared as much as of the
Al∣lom.
Page 252
Mix these with your
Arsnick prepared. and having ground all well together, moy∣sten
the Mixture with distilled Vinegar (that it may be liquid)
and boyl the same, as you did in Sulphur; and then sublime it in
an Aludel (without an Alembeck) of the height of one
Foot. Gather what ascends white, dense, clear, and lucid, and keep
it; because it is sufficiently prepared for the Work.

CHAP. VIII.
Of the Preparation of Argentvive.

SUblime Argentvive thus: ℞. Of it lib. j.
of Vitriol rubified, lib. ij. Of Roch-Allom
calcined, lib. j. of Common Sal, lib. ss. and
of Salt-Peter one fourth part. Incorporate all together, and
sublime: and gather the White, Dense, and Ponderous,
which shall be found about the Sides of the Vessel, and
keep it, as We have appointed of other Things. But if, in the first
Sublimation, you shall find it turbid, or unclean (which may happen,
by reason of your own Negligence) again sub∣lime it with the same
Feces, and reserve it for use.

Page 253
CHAP. IX.
Of the Preparation of Marchasite.

SPread Marchasite ground to Powder, a
fin∣gers thickness over the Bottom of a large Aludel, and
collect the Sulphur first with gen∣tle Fire. When that is
ascended, take off the Head (or Alembeck) and having
applyed an∣other, augment the Fire; then, that which obtains the
Place of Argentvive, ascends, as We have fully described
in our Sum of Per∣fection.

CHAP. X.
Of the Preparation of Tutia, &c.

PUT pulverized Tutia into an Aludel, and
with the Administration of great Ignition sublime it, and it is
prepared.

Salammoniac is sublimed from Common-Salt,
as in the Praxis of Salts We have declared to you.

Argentvive is prepared most red, thus: ℞. of
Mercury, lib. j. of Vitriol rubified, lib. ij. and
Salt-peter, lib. j. Mortifie the Mercury with
Page 254
these, and then sublime it from Roch-Allom,
and Salt-Peter, in equal weights. This is a great Secret of
our Invention, which is not to be omitted.

But the Consideration of Feces is to be ob∣served
in Sublimation of Sulphur, and its Com∣peer: for
Sulphur sublimed from the Calx of Copper is more
whitened, than when sublimed from the Calx of Iron. The
like is to be judged of Arsnick: for it is sublimed more red from
Iron. These may also be sublimed from Vitriol and
Allom calcined, and permixed with Common-Salt, and
Salt-Peter, Thus have We sufficiently treated of the
Artifical, not mean Preparations of Spirits.

The third Particle of this Book.
CHAP. XI.
How Bodies ought to be prepared.

OUR third Particle declares the compleat
Preparation of imperfect Bodies. For We have found out the
Way how they should be prepared, so as to be perfected (as to the
Compleatmen of the first or second Order) by themselves, without
Medicine. This We intend to shew; and secondly the
Prepa∣ration of them for receiving Medicine, white or
red.

Page 255
CHAP. XII.
Of the Preparation of Saturn.

CAlcine Saturn fluxed with Common-Salt
pre∣pared, stirring it continually with an Iron Spatula, until it be
turned to Ashes. Coct it for one Day natural, and let it be
a little fi∣ery-hot, but not much: then compleatly wash it with Sweet
Water; afterward calcine it for three Days, until it be red
within and with∣out. If you would have it be prepared for the White,
imbibe it with the Water of white Allom, and reduce it with
Oyl of Tarter, or its Salt. But if for the
Red, imbibe it with Water of Crocus of
Iron, and of Verdegreece aforesaid; and reduce it with
Salt of Tartar as before. Reiterate this Labour, as often as
shall be needful.

CHAP. XIII.
Of the Preparation of Jupiter.

CAlcine Jupiter as Saturn, and whiten its
Calx for three Days, as in Saturn We said. But
see you err not in its Reduction: because
Page 256

that is difficult, unless it be made in their Furnace, who reduce by
Cineritiums, or Ce∣ments; then 'tis done with ease.

Know you, O Searcher of this our Art, that
We have plenarily described in this Book the Preparations
of Reductible Feces: for this whole Book is practical,
compiled with certain Inve∣stigation. But in our Sum of
Perfection We ob∣served another style more philosophical; that being
Theorical, We, here Theorically descri∣bed the whole
Art, but in this, that is meer∣ly Practical, We have set
down the Praxis of the same compleatly.

But that the Artist may not err, let him joyn that
Body, which he would reduce, in equal parts, with that by which he
would make Reduction, and co-unite the divided Calx. Yet in
Tinctures there is another Considerati∣on. For the Matter
tinging must be multi∣plied upon the Matter to be tinged, until the
Tincture appear, which you shall consider in the Body, or
Medicine.

After you shall have reduced these two Leads, and
found their Colour, Splendour, and all o∣ther things according to your
own Wish, per∣haps they will want Ignition; therefore, that
you may attain your Intentention in that also, begin thus: Dissolve
Tutia calcined, and Tin calcined; mix both
Solutions, and with that Water imbibe the Calx of
Tin, time after time, until the Calx hath imbibed an eighth
part of the Tutia; then reduce it into Body, and you
Page 257
will find it to have Ignition, and that well
in∣deed: if not, reiterate the same Labour, un∣til due Ignition be
acquired.

We will set down all Waters dissolutive of
Spirits and Bodies, in the End of this
Book; and every one of these according to its own kind: and wonder
not, that We have di∣spersed the special Things pertinent to this
Praxis, in diverse Volumes, seeing We endea∣vour to hide
the Art from evil Men. With Talk, or Mercury
precipitated (or more pro∣fitably) with pure Luna, deduced to this by
calcining and dissolving, We acquire the com∣pleat Ignition and
Hardness of these two Bo∣dies, with unutterable
splendour. Yet you should here know, that Speculation only, which
is very available in our Sum of Perfection, pro∣fits little in this
present Invention; but to grind, to assate, to inhumate, to
calcine, to make to flow, to destroy, to construct, and to cleanse
Bodies, are effectual Works; for with these Keys,
you may open the occult Inclosures of our Arcanum, and
without them you shall never be called to the Banquets of this kind
of Rarieties. Destroy without Anger, and you shall
compleat your Work with Joy.

Page 258
CHAP. XIV.
Of the Preparation of Mars.

PRepare Mars thus: Grind one pound of the
Filings thereof, with half a pound of Arsnick sublimed.
Imbibe the Mixture wixture with the Water of
Salt-Peter, and Salt-Alkali, reiterating this Imbibition
thrice; then make it flow with violent Fire, and you will have your
Iron white. Repeat this La∣bour, until it flow sufficiently, with
peculiar Dealbation.

CHAP. XV.
Of the Preparation of Venus.

THE Purgation of Venus is twofold, one for
the White, and the other for the Red. For the White
it is thus: Calcine Venus with Fire only, as We shewed in
our Sum of Per∣fection. ℞. Venus thus calcined, grind, 1.
lib. of it with four Ounces of Arsnick sublimed,
and imbibe the Mixture three or four times with the Water of
Lithargiry, and reduce the whole with Salt-Peter, and
Oyl of Tartar;
Page 259
and you wil find the
Body of Venus white and splendid, fit for receiving its
Medicine.

For the Red, the Preparation of it is thus:
Grind one pound of the Filings of Venus, with four ounces of
Sulphur; or Cement Plates of Copper with
Sulphur, and so calcine; and wash the Calcinate with the
Water of Salt and Al∣lom, and then (with Things
reducing) re∣duce into a clean Body apt for the Red
Tin∣cture.

There is also a third Preparation of it.
Cal∣cine it with Fire only, and then dissolve a part
thereof, and likewise dissolve as much of Tu∣tia calcined; joyn
both Solutions, and with the same imbibe the remaining part of the
Calx of Venus four or five times. Or you may make this
Imbibition with Tutia alone dissolved; provided that more
of the Tutia (than half of the Calx is) be imbibed in the
said Calx. This being done, reduce with Things reducing, and you
will have the Body of Ve∣nus clean and splendid; which with
a little help may be brought to an higher State, if you be a true
Searcher of the Truth.

There is likewise a fourth Preparation there∣of,
and that is thus: Of it, by it self calcined, I mean with Fire only,
you may make an In∣tense Greenness, which is called the
Flos of Copper. Dissolve this Greenness with
distilled Vinegar, and then congeal it; afterward, with Things
reducing reduce the Congelate, which when reduced will be apt for many
Things, if
Page 260
your Investigation in like
Works given by Us, hath not been too remiss. For We compo∣sed this
Book, that it might be Introductory to Our Sum of
Perfection; or in the absence of that, be a final Conclusion
of the Whole, for the Compleatment of either Medicine.
Because here We posit the the Practice gra∣datim, but there the
Theory of our Speculation, disposed of in a way more
General, with ma∣nifest Demonstrations.

The fourth Particle of this Book.
CHAP. XVI.
Of Medicines.

ACcording to the Order of the Premises, We will (in
this our fourth Particle) again practically speak of the
Way of Investigation, compounding every Medicine,
viz. White and Red, according to the Nature and
Property of the Body to be transmuted, or of
Mercury it self, with all its pertinencies occult and mani∣fest.
And this, in the Second, or Third Order. For this our
Book, being it self intituled, Of the Invention of Verity,
contains nothing that is So∣phistical. Wherefore We will begin to speak
first of White Elixirs.

Page 261
CHAP. XVII.
Of White Medicines for Jupiter, and
Saturn.

A White Medicine for Jupiter prepared: ℞
of most pure Luna, lib. 1. of Living Mercury, lib. 8.
Amalgamate these together; then wash the Amalgama with distilled
Vine∣gar, and Common-Salt prepared, until it ac∣quire a
Celestine or Lazure Colour. Which be∣ing done, extract as
much of the Mercury as you can, by strongly expressing the
Mixture through a thick Cloath. Then add of Sub∣limate
Mercury double the Weight of your Luna, and grind them well
together; after∣ward coct the Mixture in a Phial firmly
closed for one Day and Night, then take out the
Matter, grind it, and again Coct the same; then break the
Vessel, and separate that which is sublimed from the
Inferiour Reddish Powder. But take heed of giving too great
Fire, for that would cause the whole to flow into one black
Mass. Put the Powder upon a Porphe∣ry Stone, and
adjoyn to it two parts of Am∣moniac prepared, and one part of
Mercury sublimed, grind all very well together, and imbibe the
Mixture with the Water of Salt-Alkali, or the
Water of Salt-Peter (if you
Page 262
find not
Zoza*, or Zoda) and when imbibed, put it to be
distilled with gentle, Fire, by which Extract the whole
Water, so that what remains in the Bot∣tom may be as melted
Pitch: then revert the same Water upon it; and this do
thrice, repeating the same labour. This being done, take out the
Matter, grind it up∣on a Stone, and dry it very well.
Afterward imbibe it with rectified or dryed Oyl of Eggs; or
with Oyl of Salt-Alkali, or Peter, or
Tar∣tar, until it flow with ingress; and project one part upon five
of Tin prepared, and it will be Luna perfect in the second
Order, without Error.

Also another Medicine upon Jupiter. ℞.
Talk calcined and grind it with as much as it self is of
Salammoniac, and sublime it three or four times; and dissolve
into Water, wherewith im∣bibe Luna calcined (as you did in
the first Medicine) so often, as until it hath drunk in as much as
its own Weight is; and give in∣gress to it with the Oyls
aforesaid, and project one part upon ten Parts of Jupiter
prepared, and you will see your Intent compleatly answered.

A third Medicine of Jupiter is made with one
part of Luna dissolved in its own Water (viz. of the
Stillicidy of Copper, and Salt-Peter) as in the
End is declared; with which must be adjoyned two parts of
Talk dissolved or of Tutia calcined and dissolved:
then re¦ceiving
Page 263
the Water off by
Distillation three or four times, congeal, and incerate with
Ars∣nick sublimed, until it flow and have ingress. Of this
project one part upon eight parts of Jupiter prepared. If you would
project these Medicines upon Saturn prepared for the
White, diminish Saturn in its three Days, and do
as you did in Jupiter.

CHAP. XVIII.
Of Solar Medicines for Jupiter and
Sa∣turn.

THE first Solar Medicine is thus made. Calcine
Sol, amalgamating first with Mercury, and as in
Luna express the Mercu∣ry through a Cloath: then
grind it with twice so much as it self is of Common-Salt prepared,
and set the whole over a gentle Fire, that the remaining
Mercury may recede. Extract the Salt with sweet
Water, and dry the Calx, from which sublime as much of
Salammoniac, re∣verting the sublimed Salt upon it four
times; then dissolve it in the Water of Vitriol, and
Peter, and Jamenous Allom, as is taught in the end of this
Book. Likewise dissolve Crocus made of Iron by
Calcination, or Copper cal∣cined Red. Joyn these
Waters in equal parts; draw off the Water by
Distillation, and revert
Page 264
it upon it four
times. Lastly, Dry the Mat∣ter, and imbibe it with Oyl of
Tartar rectifi∣ed (as in the end of this Book) until it flow
as Wax, and tinge four parts into Gold Obrizon.

The second is made with Sol dissolved (as in
the first) and a like quantity of Greenness made of
Copper calcined, and dissolved, be∣ing both mixed, and incerated;
by distilling and reiterating, and in the end incerating with
Sulphur prepared, until it flow as Wax, and tinge eight parts
of Saturn splendidly.

The third is made of Gold dissolved, and
Sulphur dissolved, and of the aforesaid Green∣ness
dissolved, and these mixt and prepared (as in the second) and lastly
incerated with the Oyl of Hairs prepared, or of
Eggs, for the way is one; and one part of this falls upon ten of
Saturn. These Medicines may also be projected upon
Jupiter prepared for the Red, and so it will be a most
splendid persevering Matter, as the finest Work,
accor∣ding to its Degree. For these Medicines alter in the
second Order, as We said.

CHAP. XIX.
Of White Medicines for Venus and
Mars.

NOW We come to the Medicines of Ve∣nus and
Mars; and first We shall speak
Page 265
of the
Medicines of these for the White. ℞ of Silver
as above calcined, one part, and grind the same with two parts of
Arsnick pre∣pared, and one part of Mercury precipitate; and
imbibe the whole with Water of Salt-peter, Lithargiry, and
Ammoniac, in equal parts, un∣til it hath drunk in its own
Weight of that Wa∣ter; then dry and incerate with White
Oyl, as in others you have done, until it flow, and one part fall upon
four of Venus or Mars pre∣pared.

A second Medicine is made of Luna
calcined, and as much of Jupiter calcined and dissolved; mix, dry,
and incerate with double their quan∣tity of Arsnick sublimed,
until the Medicine flows well.

A Third is made of Luna calcined, as above, and of
Arsnick and Sulphur sublimed and ground with it, and then
sublimed with a like quan∣tity of Salammoniac. This
Sublimation repeat thrice, and then project one part upon six of
these Bodies prepared.

CHAP. XX.
Of Red Medicines for Venus and Mars.

A Solar Medicine is thus made. ℞ of Tutia,
lib. 1. Calcine and dissolve it in the Water of
Vitriol and Peter; then, with that Water im∣bibe the
Calx of Sol, that it may drink in
Page 266

double its own Weight of the same Water. Af∣terward by
distillation receive the Water from it, and revert it upon the
Calx four times. Lastly, incerate with the Oyl of
Hairs, or of Bulls-Gall, and Verdigreese prepared,
and it will be excellent, pure and laudable. But do you direct your
Hands according to our Sayings, otherwise you
Study in vain; and in your Heart receive our
Intention (expressed in our Volumes (for so doing you
will discern, that we have made a true search.

CHAP. XXI.
Of a Medicine of the third Order, for the
White.

HEnce We ascend to the degree of the third Order,
First We will treat of the Lunar Medicine, as well for perfecting
imperfect Bo∣dies, as for Coagulating Mercury it self into
true Luna. Therefore dissolve Luna calcined, in
solutive Water, as before; which being done, coct it in a
Phial with a long Neck, the orifice of which must be left
unstopt, for one day only, until a third part of the Water be
consumed. This being effected, set it with its Vessel in a cold place,
and then it converts to small fusible Stones, like
Crystall. This is Silver reduced to our Mercury,
fixed and fu∣sible;
Page 267
of which ℞ four Ounces; of
White Arsnick prepared, 6 Ounces, and of Sulphur prepared 2
Ounces. Mix all together, well grinding them with Salt-peter, and
Ammoniac. Then put the Mixture into a Phial with a
long Neck, keeping the same in Heat for a Week,
and in that time the Matter will be hard as Pitch. This take
out, and again incerate the third time, and within three days you will find it
an Oyl in Flux. When the Vessel is cold break
it, and take what you find therein, which will be in a Lump fixed, and
flowing as Wax. This is the first Degree. Again, Take as
much as before of New Matter, and joyn the same with this
Ferment, and do as before, and consequently a third and fourth time.
Thus doing, you will find a Medicine, which is great and excellent in
Goodness: for one part of it falls upon ten of every Body,
or of Mercury, and converts it into true Luna.

Keep this Stone, and considerately ruminate of what
We have taught in our Summe of Per∣fection, and you will attain to
higher Things, For our purpose was not in one only Volume
to demonstrate all Things; but that Book should declare
Book, and expound the same.

Page 268
CHAP. XXII.
Of a Solar Medicine of the Third
Order.

THe Solar Medicine is of Sol dissolved
and prepared after the manner of Luna's Pre∣paration, to
which you must add of Sulphur dissolved three Parts,
and of Arsnick one part (as in the end is shewed) through all
Things doing, as in the Lunar Chapter; and it will be a
Medicine tinging every Body, and Mer∣cury it self,
into true Sol, or better, accor∣ding to the way now shewed.

Read and peruse our Summe of Perfection, and you
will find the Method of the Regimen there prescribed, by
which you may tinge to Infinity, if you possess a sharp and
good Wit, and be not moved this way and that way with the divers
ambiguous Sayings of Philosophers. For they all tend to the
one Perfection, by Us sufficiently described to you. You may make
Tryal, if you be able; if not forbear; because you will sustain
Loss and reap nothing but Emptiness.

Page 269
CHAP. XXIII.
Of Solutive Waters and Incerative Oyls.

SOn of Doctrine, search out Experiments,
and cease not; because in them you may find Fruit a
Thousand-fold. For We writ this Book only for you, which We are
willing to compleat with certain Waters and Oyls, very
necessary in Our Magistery: With these We shall conclude our
Book of the Invention of Perfection. And first We
shall begin with Our Dissolutive Water, of which We made
Men∣tion in Our Summe of Perfection, when We speak of
Dissolution with the Acuity of VVaters.

First ℞ of Vitriol of Cyprus, lib 1. of
Salt-peter, lib. ss. and of Jamenous Allom one
fourth part; extract the VVater with Redness of the
Alembeck (for it is very Solutive) and use it in the before
alleadged Chapters. This is also made much more acute, if in it you
shall dissolve a fourth part of Salammoniac; because that
dis∣solves Gold, Sulphur, and Silver.

Our other Philosophical Cerative VVater, is this:
℞ Oyl distilled from the VVhites of Eggs, grind
it with half so much of Salt-peter, and of Salammoniac,
equal parts, and it will be very good. Or mix it with Salt-Alcaly, and
distill as before. And the more you reiterate
Page 270
this
Labour, the better it incerates. Or, con∣joyn the aforesaid
Oyl, with Oyl of Tartar, and thence distill a
VVhite Incerative Oyl.

A Red Incerative Oyl is thus made: ℞ Oyl
of the Yolks of Eggs, or of Humane-Hairs, to which
adjoyn as much of Salammoniac, and distill the Mixture;
repeat this Distillation three times, and it will be a most red
Incerative Oyl.

Oyl of Verdigreese is made, when
Verdigreese is dissolved in Water of
Salammoniac, and when with the same congealed, the Oyl of
Eggs is mixed, the Mixture distilled, and the
Di∣stillation thrice repeated. For so operating, you will have the
Oyl of Verdigreese apt and pro∣fitable for Incerating.

Oyl of Gall is made, by extracting an
Oyl from Gall, as from Humane Hairs; through all
Things doing as in the other.

I do not say, that these can give a Mineral Radical
Humidity, as We proved in Sulphur and Arsnick; but
they preserve the Tincture from Combustion, until it
enters, and afterward they flie in augmentation of the Fire, as is
else∣where declared by Us. Whatsoever Artist shall perfectly
and studiously operate, accor∣ding to Our Sayings contained in
this Our Book; he, after Compleatment of his Work,
will find, that We have truly Searched. And in this, Our Book
is terminated, which is intituled, Of the Invention of Verity, or
Perfection.

THE END.
Page 271

---

GEBER, The Famous Arabian Prince and Philosopher, His BOOK, Of FURNACES.

The PREFACE, dividing this BOOK into Three Parts.

VVE have considered with a Consideration not phanta∣stick,
That in Our Volumes We have amply treated of the whole Art. Yet, that
We may not be obnoxious to the Censure of the Envious, We have Writ
this Book of Furnaces, in which We shall deliver the Manual
Practice, in Preparations both of Spirits and of
Bo∣dies; that Artificers may the better at∣tain to the
Compleatment of the Work.

Therefore, seeing the ultimate Con∣sideration
consists in the Knowledge of
Page 272
Things more
nigh, and in the way of Operating; and Things may be
extract∣ed from Things, by the Regimen of Fire: and
for as much as We cannot attain to this, unless by separating
Superfluities from the desired Subject, viz. The
Com∣bustibilities, and Terrestreities of Sul∣phur, defiling every
Body; hence it is, that We intend First to treat of all the
VVayes of Operating; as namely, what the Furnace is,
with its Instruments, which hath respect to every Thing
to be prepared, even unto Compleatment of the VVork, with the
Regimen of Fire ap∣propriate to it; and what
Vessels are fit for the purpose, that the Artist may
with them compleat his Operation. Se∣condly, We will shew, what
Things are to be prepared; that he may be able, of Things
Simple or Commixt, to generate Sol, or Luna,
with splendour. Thirdly, We will declare those Things, which may
be perfected with Alteratives, and which are naturally altered with
Total Compleatment: and the way of Per∣mixing with due
Proportion, and with Medicines by a long time prepared
there∣unto.

Page 273
But at the End and towards the Close of
this Book, We will set down a Reca∣pitulation of all Our
Experiments, by which We attained to the Knowledge of this
Verity.

The First Part of this Book, Of the Wayes of Operating.
CHAP. I.
Of the Calcinatory Furnace.

LEt the Calcinatory Furnace be made square, in
length four foot, and three foot in breadth, and let the thickness of the
Walls be half a foot; after this manner: Luna, Venus, Mars,
or other Things to be calcined, must be put into Dishes
or Pans of most strong Clay, such as of which
Crucibles are made, that they may persist in the
Asperity of Fire, even to the total Combustion
of the Thing to be calcined. Calcination is the
Treasure of a Thing; be not you weary of
Calcination; but study what We have said in Our Volumes.
For Imperfect Bodies are cleansed by Calcination, and
Page 274
by Reduction of the Calcinate into a
Solid Body, or Mass. Then is Our Medicine
projected up∣on them, and cause given to you of Joy.

CHAP. II.
Of the Sublimatory Furnace.

LEt your Sublimatory Furnace be made af∣ter the
manner, as is before compleatly taught, in Our Summe of Perfection,
touching the Sublimation of Spirits; according to this
Form.

In Sublimation of Sulphur, the
Cover of the Sublimatory must be made with a great and
large Concavity within, after the manner of an Alembeck
without a Nose: for otherwise the whole Sublimate may
descend to the Bot∣tom of the Vessel, through too great
Heat. Because in the end of the Sublimation, the
Sulphur ascends not, unless with force of Fire, even to
Ignition of the Aludel; and if the Sulphur be not
retained in the Concavity above, seeing it easily flows, it will
descend again, by the Sides of the Vessel, to the very
Bottom, and so nothing will be found sublimed; as is known to the
Expert.

Page 275
CHAP. III.
Of the Distillatory Furnace.

THe Distillatory Furnace is the same with the
Sublimatory. But Fire must be administred according to
the Exigency of Things to be Di∣stilled. The way
of Distilling, as well of Mi∣nerals, as of
Vegetables, We have sufficiently described in Our Sum of
Perfection.

CHAP. IV.
Of the Descensory Furnace.

THe Descensory Furnace is made as before
described, and it is wonderfully useful to Us, and to the Melters
of Metals by Cineri∣tiums and Cements. For all
Calcined, Com∣bust, Dissolved, and Coagulated Bodies, are
reduced by this Furnace into a Solid Mass. Yea,
Cineritiums and Cements, and Tests, or
Crucibles, into which Silver is often Melted, are
put into this Furnace, for recovering the Metal imbibed.

Page 276
CHAP. V.
Of the Fusory, or Melting Furnace.

THe Fusory Furnace is that, in which all
Bo∣dies are easily melted by themselves; and it is a
Furnace much in use among Melters of Metals for
Coining Money: also Aurichal∣cum is melted in these
Furnaces, and tinged with Tutia, or Calaminaris; as
is known to the experienced.

CHAP. VI.
Of the Solutory, or Dissolving Furnace.

THe Dissolutory, or Dissolving
Furnace, Is made with a Pan full of Water, with Iron
Instruments, in which other Instruments are
Artificially retained, that they Fall not: these are the
Vessels, in which every Dissolution is made. And this
is the Form of the Furnace, and Vessels.

Page 277
CHAP. VII.
Of the Fixatory Furnace, or Athanor.

THe Fixatory Furnace must be made after the manner
of the Furnace of Calcinati∣on; and in it must be set a
deep Pan sull of sifted Ashes. But the
Vessel, with the Matter to be fixed, being first firmly
sealed, must be placed in the midst of the Ashes, so that
the thickness of the Ashes underneath, and above in the
Circuit of the Vessel, may be answering to the
thickness of four Fingers; or according to that, which you desire
to fix: because in fixing one, a greater Fire is required, than in
fixing another. By this Furnace, and by this Way the
Ancient Philo∣sophers attained to the Work of the
Magistery; which, Men truly Philosophizing, is
known to be sufficiently demonstrated in Our Books; and by those
especially, who are true Searchers of Verity.

This is the Figure of the Athanor. Yet if
any One can more ingeniously invent the like, let not Our
Invention retard him from so doing.

Page 278
The Second Part of this Book, Of Things to be prepared.
CHAP. VIII.
Of the Preparations of Middle-Mine∣ral Spirits,
and Allomes.

IN this Chapter I will declare the
Prepara∣tions of Spirits, and first of Mercury:
which if you would perfectly sublime, you must add to every pound of it two
pounds and an half of Common Salt, and half a pound of
Salt-peter. Mortifie the Mercury wholly, grinding all
together with Vinegar, until nothing of the Mercury appear
living in the Mixture; and sublime it, as you know: because it is
profitable.

Red Mercury is thus sublimed, viz. One
pound of it is mixed, and perfectly well ground together, with one pound of
Salt-peter, and one pound of Vitriol, and from them it is
sublimed Red and Splendid. But Arsnick is
sublimed thus, viz. From one pound of the Filings of
Venus, half a pound of Common Salt, and one quarter of a
pound Of Allom calcined. First mortifie these with
Page 279
Vinegar, stirring them over a Fire,
until the whole be blackned; and again, imbibe and dry, stirring as before;
and do this the third time: then sub∣lime the*Azymum, and it is profitable.

Sulphur boiled in a Lixivium and dryed, is
sublimed with the same Feces, as Arsnick; except that,
instead of the Filings of Venus, into the aforesaid
Vessel is put Filings of Mars, or the
Scales thereof beaten to Powder. Salam∣moniac is sublimed
from Common Salt, &c. Tu∣tia and Marchasite are
sublimed, as is declared in Our Summe of Perfection. But Salts,
Al∣lomes, Boraxes, and Vitriols, are prepared as We have
sufficiently Writ in Our Book of Investigation.

CHAP. IX.
Of the Calcination of Jupiter and
Saturn.

JƲpiter is specially calcined thus: Let a great
Test (or calcining Pan) be placed in a Fur∣nace,
and Tin put into it, with as much of Common Salt prepared,
and Roch Allom calci∣ned. When the Metal is in flux, let it
be al∣ways stirrred with an Iron Spatula full of Holes,
until the whole be turned to Ashes: which first Sift, and
then set them in Fire again, keeping them constantly
Fire-hot, until they be
Page 280
very well whitened;
then keep the same for use.

Saturn is calcined after the same manner as
Jupiter; but its Calx must be rubified, as
Mi∣nium, and so kept.

CHAP. X.
Of the Calcination of Venus and Mars.

VEnus is thus calcined: In the aforesaid
Furnace is put either the Filings of Copper, or it
by it self, or with Arsnick pulverized, or with Sulphur,
being anointed with Com∣mon Oyl, and so it is calcined in three or
four Days, with most strong Fire. Strike what is
calcined, that it may fall off from the Plates, which again calcine:
also, when the Calcinate is beaten, re-calcine it, until it be very
well rubified; and so keep it.

Mars being filed is calcined in the afore∣said
Furnace, until 'tis very well rubified, and become a Powder
impalpable, without touch. And it is called Crocus Martis.

CHAP. XI.
Of the Calcination of middle Minerals.

ALL Atraments, Salts, Allomes, and the kinds of
Tutia, are calcined in the said Calcinatory Furnace, with
Tartar and other
Page 281
Things; with
Fire moderate or strong, accor∣ding to the Exigency of
Things to be calcined; as is evident in Our Book, Of the
Investiga∣tion of the Perfect Magistery; but all Bodies are
calcined, as in Our Testament.

CHAP. XII.
Of the Ablutions of the Calxes of Com∣bust Bodies.

THe Ablution of all Bodies combust and
cal∣cined, is thus made: First you must have a large Earthen
Vessel, full of hot sweet Water. With this wash any
Calx of a Body calcined, stirring it often, that all the
Salt and Allom may be dissolved; then when it hath
setled, evacuate the Water warily, that none of the Body
pass out with the Lotion. Put the Calcinate again into Hot
Water, and repeat the Labour, as before, until it be
per∣fectly well washed; then keep it.

CHAP. XIII.
Of the Incerations of Calxes washed.

INcerations of Calxes washed, are thus
made: Dry the washed Calx; afterwards dissolve in distilled
Vinegar lib. 2. Of Common Salt,
Page 282
Roch Allom,
Salt Gemme, of each two Oun∣ces. With this Water imbibe Four
Ounces of the aforesaid washed, and dryed Calx, until it hath
drunk in all the said Water, then dry it, and reserve the same
for use.

CHAP. XIV.
Of the Reduction of Calxes into a Solid
Mass.

REduction of that washed and incerated
Calx, is thus made: Wash the incerated Calx with
distilled Ʋrine, until you have ex∣tracted all the Salts
and Allomes, with the Filth of the calcined Body;
which, being dry∣ed, imbibe with Oyl of Tartar, in which
dis∣solve to one pound of the Oyl, Two Ounces of
Sallammoniac, and One Ounce of Salt-peter. But of the
Calx there must be Four Pound; and such Imbibition must
be made at several times, drying and imbibing. Then lastly dry it, and
cause it to descend in a great Descensory, and reduce into a
solid Mass, the Body purged from Combustible
Sulphureity, by virtue of the Fire calcining; and from foul
Terrestreity, which in Reduction retain with themselves
the Feculency of the Earth; the Body being purified
from accidental Impu∣rities, which had access to it in its
Minera.
Page 283
But its Foulness innate in
the Radix of its Ge∣neration, must be palliated (or
illustrated) with a Medicine, the greater part of which contains in
it self the substance of Argentvive, according to the
Exigency of Art, as is by Us often demonstrated in Our
Summe of Per∣fection.

CHAP. XV.
Of the Solutions of Bodies prepared, and
of certain Conjunctions of them, with certain Proportion,
that they may appear with better Brightness after their
Reduction.

BOdies are twofoldly reduced to Perfection,
either by the way of Preparation, and by Commixtion of
Perfect Bodies with the Im∣perfect; or by Medicine
prepared for the pur∣pose. But here We shall declare, why the
Perfect perfects the Imperfect; and also, that the
Imperfect is reduced to Perfection, with
Preparations by Us generally demonstrated: and these
Preparations in this Chapter We purpose sufficiently, and
in a more special manner to treat of.

First We declare, that the Body cleansed (as is
aforesaid) by the way of Calcination
Page 284
and
Reduction, must either be filed, or di∣vided into small
Graines, as is known: For after Fusion, it is by us poured
out upon a Table bored full of small Holes, over cold
Water; the Water being strongly stirred while this is
doing. This is Our way of Granulating. This Granulate Body
dissolve in Our Dissolutive Wa∣ter, which is made of
Salt-peter and Vitriol, as to the one half thereof; or
dissolve Fi∣lings of the same Body into a Limpid
Water; then add to it of Ferment prepared, to a third part of
its own weight: Extract the Water, and revert it; this do seven
times. After it is reduced into Body, prove it by its Examen,
and you will rejoyce in this, that you have generated.

But because We have treated of the per∣fect
Administration of Imperfect Bodies, We will now give the
special, true, and certain Rules of every Body: and
begining first with Jupiter, We say, After you have prepared
Jupiter, and reduced it, dissolve the same in the
Acuity of Waters, and to nine parts of this (dissolved as
We said) adjoyn one part of Talk calcined and dissolved, mixing
the clear Waters. This Water rectifie by Alem∣beck,
seven times extracting and reverting. After the last Rectification
is made, give to it of the Water of Salt-peter, imbibing and
dry∣ing, and reduce it into a clean Body, sustain∣ing
Ignition, and the Cineritum. For if you conjoyn
Argentvive, precipitated and dissol∣ved,
Page 285
as
We said, after Reduction you will find a noble Body, under
the afore-mentioned Pro∣portion.

The Regimen of Saturn is compleated, it
being prepared and dissolved, with a third part of its red Ferment
also dissolved; which being prepared as before, you will rejoyce to find
it so fair a Body.

We, more specially handling the Regimen of
Venus, have declared; that you ought seven times, or oftner, to
rectifie it, when prepared and dissolved; distilling off the
Wa∣ter, and reverting them thereon, each time. Which being coagulate,
thence make a most noble Greenness with Salammoniac
dissolved in distilled Vinegar. That Greenness
rubifie in a Vessel of Mars, and again dissolve it;
to which Solution adjoyn a third part of prepared and dissolved
Luna; afterward extracting and re∣verting the Water of
Ferment seven times. Then reduce this into Body, and you
will rejoyce.

The Regimen of Mars is as of Venus,
but by reason of its very great Foulness, you can expect no good
from it.

The Regimen of Luna is thus: Dissolve
and coagulate it seven times, or at least four times. And to it
dissolved, adjoyn the fixed rubifying Waters, which We have
declared, and you will find the Body aptly Solar: for it
agrees with Sol, and remains quietly with it. In this, Venus,
admirably well purged and
Page 286
dissolved, may be a great
help to you; be∣cause a most clean, tinging, and fixed Sul∣phur
may be extracted from it. And I tell you, that Mercury purified and
fixed, hath power to palliate (or illustrate) the Foulness of
Imperfect Bodies; and fixed Sulphur ex∣tracted pure from
Bodies, to colour them with Splendor. Hence you may collect a
great Se∣cret, viz. That Mercury and Sulphur may be
extracted, as well from imperfect Bodies duely prepared, as from the
perfect. For purified Spirits, and middle Minerals, are an
Help, and very peculiar, for deducing the Work to
Perfection.

The Third Part, Of Bodies to be per∣fected, and of Alterative Medicines.
CHAP. XVI.
Of the way of Perfecting, according to the Third Order.

HAving above sufficiently treated of all the ways of
perfecting Imperfect Bodies, in the Second Order, We must
now pass on to the Bounds of the Third Order. But what the
Medicines are, and of what kind, both of the
Page 287

second and third Order, is plainly enough de∣monstrated in Our
Book of the Perfect Magi∣stery; where we have with a
competent and true Demonstration, shewed, that Our Stone
is procreated of the Substance of Argentvive: and this We
did sufficiently, as in a specula∣tive Theorical Book. Therefore
We intend here manifestly to unlock the Closure of Art,
and it is thus: You must study to resolve Luna, or Sol,
into its own Dry VVater, which the Vulgar call
Mercury: and this so, as a Duo∣denary Proportion (of the
Solutive VVater) may contain only a part of the perfect Body.
For if with gentle Fire, you well govern these, you will find (in
the space or forty Days) that Body converted into meer
VVater. And the sign of its perfect Dissolution, is
Blackness appearing on its Superficies.

But if you endeavour to perfect both Works, the
White, and the Red, dissolve each of the
Ferments by it self, and keep it. This is Our Argentvive
extracted from Argentvive, which We intend for Ferment. But
the Paste to be fermented, We extract, in the usual man∣ner, from
imperfect Bodies. And of this We give you a general Rule;
which is, that the White Paste is extracted from Jupiter,
and Sa∣turn; but the Red from Venus and
Saturn. Yet every Body must be dissolved by it self
in the Ferment.

Page 288
CHAP. XVII.
Of the Regimen of Jupiter and Saturn.

BEcause We intend in this Chapter to de∣monstrate
the Regiment of Jupiter and Sa∣turn; We first
signifie, that this Chapter is for the White, and the way
is thus: ℞ lib. 1. of most clean Tin, and melt it, to
which be∣ing in Flux, add twelve pounds of well clean∣sed
Mercury, stirring the whole, that they may be mixed. This
Mixture put into a Phial having a Neck of a foot in
length; which Phial place in an Athanor, and likewise
a∣nother Phial with Saturn so prepared; admi∣nistring a
gentle Fire to them for a Week. In which time you will have a
Paste dissolved, fit to be fermented with the VVhite
Ferment, according to the Proportion, which We shall here
following shew. Let there be four parts of the Paste of
Jupiter, three parts of Saturn, and one part of the
VVhite Ferment. These, being dissolved, as We said, must be
mixed through their least parts, and set in Putre∣faction (after
the manner of Our Dissolution of moderate Fire) for
seven Days: this time expired, let them be taken out, well mixed,
and their more liquid Parts expressed through a Cloth.
What remains thick, put into a well sealed Glass, which place in
the Athanor,
Page 289
as before, for the time
aforesaid; and so do thrice, until it hath imbibed all the
Humi∣dity. Then put your Vessel with its Matter,
in the Furnace of Fixation for twelve Days; which
being expired, take it out, and re∣duce it with Things reducing. And
you will find that, which our Ancestors found not without very great
Study, viz. The Generate generating. The same you may joyn
with Lead in the Cineritium, and you will find the
Body perfect in Whiteness, perpetually gene∣rating its
like. The Exposition of which, to∣gether with what We have Written
thereof, I (with all my Ancestors) leave to my
Suc∣cessors.

CHAP. XVIII.
Of the Regimen of Venus and Saturn.

OF the Paste of Venus let there be three
pounds, of Saturn two, and of Fer∣ment one. Of these
perfectly dissolved, make Commixtion through their least
Parts, which keep in Heat, as in the White is
said. Extract the Water, and what remains in the Cloth, put
into a well sealed Glass, for three Weeks. Then take it
out, and render to it a third part of its own reserved Water, and
coct, as in the precedent Chapter; and this do thrice.
Page 290
But when it hath imbibed all its Water, put it
in its proper Vessel, and Furnace to be fixed. When
fixed, with Things reducing, reduce it into Body ready to be
augmented and tinged.

CHAP. XIX.
Of the Regimen of Mars.

SEeing the Solution of Mars is found very
difficult, We shall in the End of this Book, treat of many
Ways, and also set down di∣verse other Experiments made
by us. There∣fore, of the Paste of Mars let there be
lib. 2. of Venus lib 4, and of Saturn also
lib. 4. Mix these without Ferment, and coct the
Mixture for seven Days, and you will find the whole
Dry. Fix it, and put it, together with half its weight of
Lithargiry beaten to Powder, into a Reductory, and
you will find a Mineral Body very profitable, if you be wise, of
which We have often made mention.

CHAP. XX.
Of the Regimen of Luna.

THe Regimen of Luna is the reducing it from
its Minera, to a more noble State: and this is thus done:
Dissolve Luna, and of
Page 291
it take lib.
3, of Venus dissolved, lib. 4, of Ferment
dissolved lib. 1. Conjoyn the Waters, coct them for
seven Days with gentle Fire in a sealed Glass,
as in Mars, with their whole Water; then augment the
Fire leisurely for other seven Days, and let it be as
Fire of Sub∣limation. But for other seven Days
give it Fire somewhat more strong, that the whole Water
may be fixed with it. This Powder re∣duce in a small
Quantity: and if it retain with it self part of the Mercury
(which you will easily perceive, if you know how to calcine) it is well
indeed; but if not, again put it to be fixed, until it be sufficiently fixt.
This must be reduced with Red reducing Things; and then you
will find your Luna coloured, trans∣muted and fixed, which highly
esteem. For if you well Study in Our Volumes, you will find
by Our Consideration, upon what Sub∣jects, the true
Searcher ought to ground his Action.

CHAP. XXI.
Of the Regimen of Mercury.

THe Regimen of Mercury is compleated two
ways, First, You must amalgamate it, well washed and purified, in the
certain Pro∣portion by Us under-written. In the second way, you
must distill it, and thence make an
Page 292
Aquavitae. For the first Way the Proportion is
this: Of Mercury 48 ounces, of Sol 1 ounce; of Luna
1 ounce, of Venus 1 ounce, and of Saturn 1 ounce. Melt
these Bodies; first the Venus and Luna;
secondly, the Sol, thirdly, Saturn. Take all out of the
Fire, having melted them in a large Crucible, and your
Mercury in readiness made hot in another; and when the said
Metals begin to harden, pour in the Mercury leisurely,
stirring the Mixture with a Stick, setting it again on
the Fire, and taking it off, until they be all amalgamated with the
whole Mercury. This Amalgama, put to be dissolved for
seven Dayes, extract the Water with a Cloth, make
the Residue volatile, administring Fire of
Ig∣nition. This again imbibe with its whole VVa∣ter, and put
it to be generated; and again to be dryed for forty Dayes, and you
will find a Stone; which put to be fixed, and you will have a
Stone augmentable to Infinity. Therefore keep this
Book, even from thy own Son; because it expounds all
Things, which We have Written in divers Books.

CHAP. XXII.
Of the Ferment of Luna, for the White.

THe Ferment of Luna for the VVhite
is made, when Luna is dissolved in its own Corro∣sive
Page 293
Water, and this Water boiled away to a
third part, and that exposed to the Air, or set in B. M.
or in Dung, for certain Dayes. For then it will be
Oyl of Luna, and Ferment, which keep for the
White.

CHAP. XXIII.
Of the Ferment of Sol, for the Red.

THe Ferment of Sol is made, when
Gold is dissolved in its own Water, and decocted and
prepared according to the aforesaid Chap∣ter of the Ferment
of Luna. For so, it will be the Ferment of Sol,
for the Red, which keep.

CHAP. XXIV.
Of Ferment of Ferment upon Mercu∣ry, as well for
the White, as for the Red.

THe Composition of Our Medicine, which is
called Ferment of Ferment upon Mercury, is made for the
White, after this manner: Take the Ferment of Luna,
which is its Oyl, and add to it twice so much of Arsnick
sublimed and dissolved in Water; then to both these
Page 294
add of Mercury dissolved, as much as of the
Arsnick. Mix the Waters, and set them o∣ver a
Fire for one Day to be incorporated. Afterward, extract the
Water by Alembeck, and revert it; this do fifteen times, so
in∣cerating, and it will be fluid, as fusible Wax. Then add to it as
much Virgins Wax melted, commix them, and project the Mixture
upon Mercury washed, according as shall seem ex∣pedient to you.
For that resolved is aug∣mented in vertue and weight.

But if this Ferment of Ferment be made for the
Red: Dissolve Sol in its own Water (all the
Compositions of those Waters, and of other
Things, are sufficiently treated of in Our Book, Of the
Invention of Perfection; wherefore We have here omitted them) to one part
of that Gold dissolved, add two parts of Sulphur
dissolved in the same Water together with it, and three parts of
Mercury dissolved. Let all these be truly dissolved into
most clear Wa∣ters, which being mixt coct for one Day, that
they may be fermented; then extract the Water fifteen times, each time
reverting it. Incerate with yellow Virgins Wax; that is, with
half its weight of Oyl of Blood, or Oyl of
Eggs: then project upon crude Mercu∣ry, according as shall
seem expedient to you.

Here note, that if you perfect this Medi∣cine,
according to the Method We have taught (in the Third Order of
Our Sum of Perfection)
Page 295
of the Congelative
Medicine of Mercury, you will find by Reiteration of the
Work, and by Subtiliation thereof, that one Part
tingeth in∣finite Parts of Mercury into most high
Sol, more noble than any natural Gold.

CHAP. XXV.
A Recapitulation of the Experiments of the
Author.

FOr as much as I intended in this Volume to declare
all dubious Things, I will conclude my Book with all the true
Experi∣ments, which have been proved and tryed by me. By these true
Operations, the new Searcher may perceive the
Verity, or Falsity of divers Sophistical
Receipts, and so not spend his time unprofitably; and likewise
discern what is good, in the Receipts of false
Opera∣tors. And first of Spirits only, and afterwards
consequently of others, as well of Bodies, as of Spirits,
with their Methods We intend to speak. But this Chapter is
divided into two Parts: First We declare the Experiences of
the Ancients proved by Us: Secondly, the Rectifications of
them all. Yet, as We have begun, We must first insist upon those
Works which are of Whiteness.

Page 296
A good Dealbation ℞ of
Realgar ℥ 1, of Argentvive sublimed, ℥ 3,
ss. of Tartar cal∣cined, ℥ 1. grind and
incorporate, and put them in a Phial with a Neck of a foot in
length, and its orifice so wide, as two Fingers may enter: let it be luted,
and set over a Fire, covered with a Cloth. First make a
gentle Fire for a quarter of an hour, after∣ward augment the
Fire underneath, and round about, until the Furnace be very
hot with Ignition. When all is cold, break the Vessel,
and take out what you find Metalline; and make of this a great
Quantity. For I will now shew you the way, how this
Medicine may be profitably rectified.

An Art•ficial
Dealbation, Upon Tutia, sub∣lime one part of sublimate
Mercury, and two parts of Arsnick sublimed, until it
shall have Ingress. This clearly, and very speci∣ously whitens
Venus.

Another Dealbation, Imbibe three parts of
Mercury sublimed, and two parts of Arsnick sublimed,
with Lithargiry dissolved, until they become eight parts. To
these eight ad∣joyn other eight parts of Arsnick sublimed; grind
them together, and flux them with Oyl of Tartar, and you will
whiten prepared Venus, at pleasure.

Also another, Grind Metalline Arsnick, with as
much of the Calx of Luna, and imbibe the Mixture
with the Water of Sal∣armoniac, and dry and grind; afterward
Page 297
dissolve Salt of Tartar in the
Water of Salt-peter, with which Oyl imbibe the
Medicine, dry it. Repeat this thrice, incerating and drying, and you
will rejoyce for this, which We have now related.

Another of Ours, Imbibe Jupiter calcined, washed
and dryed, so often with Metalline Arsnick, with half so much of
sublimed Mercury, as until it flows, and enters Venus: for
it whitens the same (if first prepared) splendidly.

Also, upon Tutia calcined, dissolved and
coagulated, sublime white Arsnick (so that of the
Arsnick be three parts, but of the Tutia one part)
reiterating the Sublimation upon it four times; for it hath ingress:
with them adjoyn half as much as the whole is, of Sublimate Mercury;
grinding and incerating four times with the Water of Salammoniac,
Peter, and Tartar, of each alike. With this, when coagulated,
cement prepared Plates of Venus, and melt, and you will have
a very beautiful Thing.

Also Another, Grind Venus calcined and incerated;
to this add Arsnick sublimed, and half a part of Mercury
sublimed; with which being well ground and mixed, adjoyn a little of the
Water of Ammoniac, incerating upon a Marble;
afterward dry and sublime. Re∣vert the Sublimate upon the
Feces, again imbibing, and so do thrice: the fourth time imbibe with
the Water of Peter, and sublime
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what
can be sublimed. Reiterate this La∣bour, until it remain fluid in
the Bottom. This, in Copper prepared, will be resplendent
with Brightness.

Also, Upon the prepared Calx of Venus,
so often sublime Sublimate Arsnick, as until some part of the
Arsnick remain with it in the Asperity of Fire.
That, imbibed with the Water of Peter, and lastly incerated
with the Water of Luna; and Mercury precipitate, and
in the end with Oyl of Tartar rectified, until it flows,
wonderfully whitens Venus and enters the second Order, if
you have wisely walked in the Valleys of this Art. For I
have elsewhere said, that if you obtain a∣ny part of Mercury
precipitated, in the Mix∣ture, you will walk more splendidly;
espe∣cially, if the White Ferment, dissolved with the
Mercury dissolved, after a certain Fixa∣tion of it, be
adjoyned by the Medium of Inceration, you will find, that you
have walked nigh the way it self.

But, because We have proved, that Ju∣piter,
howsoever prepared, in the whole first Order, is totally
unprofitable, what Magistery soever is followed in its
Preparation; also Saturn and Mars; therefore, in
Our Sum of Perfection, VVe assigned to it a Medicine of
the Third Order; because there, it is most excellently adorned, as
is often proved in Our said Sum of Perfection, and We have now
proved and experienced de facto, infinite
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wayes, Yet We have Written more apt Things, touching the
Dealbation of Venus.

CHAP. XXVI.
Mercurial Sports.

NOw I begin to speak of Mercurial Playes or
(Sports) make a Cement of Lithargiry of
Silver, and Salt Alkaly of Zoza (or Soda)
put the Cement first into a Crucible the
Thickness of one Finger, upon that put a Globe of
the Amalgamation of Mercury, and Luna, and put on
the remainder of the Ce∣ment, that the Globe may be in the
midst of the Cement. Dry, Lute, and set the Cruci∣ble in
a gentle Fire for half a Day, leisurely augmenting the
Fire; and so continue its leisurely Increase, from the
Evening, unto the Dawning of the Day, with moderate Ignition at
last. Then take it out, prove it by Cineritium, and it will be
Luna in weight, and Surdity, and much better in
Fixation.

Also, Amalgamate Luna with Mercury, to
which adjoyn as much of Saturn, as there is of the Luna. Put
it into such a Cruci∣ble, as that three fourths of it may be emp∣ty,
pour on it Oyl of Sulphur, and coct it unto
Consumption of the Oyl: afterwards keep it for two
Hours in a moderate Fire, and
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there
will be generated a Stone Black, with a little Redness.
This Stone prove by Cine∣ritium, and you will find your
Luna aug∣mented in Weight, Surdity, and
Fixation.

Also another, worthy to be thought on, Grind Luna
amalgamated with Mercury, with twice so much Metalline
Arsnick; to which adjoyn a ten-fold Proportion of
Amalgamated Venus, viz. of Luna (I suppose
Venus) and Arsnick. Grind the whole, and fix, and re∣duce
into Body, and it shall be well with you.

CHAP. XXVII.
Of the Citrination, or Colouring of Luna.

HAving guided you to the Knowledge of those
Dealbations with the Magistery, We now come to speak of
the Citrination of Luna more specially, than We did in Our
Sum of Perfection. Dissolve Our Philosophick Zyniar,
deduced from Venus prepared, in the Water of the
Dissolution of Luna; to which adjoyn half so much, as
it self is, of Mer∣cury rubified by Sublimation, and in
some sort fixed, and dissolved; to these, add as much of
Luna dissolved, as the Zyniar it self is: from which,
fermented for one day,
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extract the Water by
Distillation, and revert it; do this ten times. In the end
coagu∣late, and reduce into Body, and you will rejoyce for this
Invention.

Otherwise, Dissolve Zyniar and our
Cro∣cus prepared with the Sublimation of Mer∣cury,
until it wax Red; adjoyn as much Salammoniac, and sublime
it thrice from that Crocus, which dissolve. The Crocus
and Zy∣niar must be equal, to which adjoyn as much of Luna
dissolved, as there is of both. Do as you did in the precedent, incerating
and reducing: for it is easie.

Also, We will shew you another way more easie; ℞ of
Crocus and Zyniar dissolved, of each a like
Quantity, adjoyn to them as much Gold dissolved. Incerate
as before, in the End coagulate, and give to the Coa∣gulate a
fourth part of its own weight of the Oyl of Salt-peter; and
project upon so much Luna, and it will be a Tincture with a
Citrine Aspect.

Otherwise and best, Make a Water of Our
Zyniar, and of Our said Crocus, and im∣bibe the
Calxes of Sol and Luna (equal parts) therewith,
until they have drunk in their own weight of it. In the end, incerate with the
Oyl of Ammoniac, and Peter, and re∣duce into a noble
Body.

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Also, Sublime Ammoniac from
Our Green∣ness, to which then adjoyn Crocus and
Zy∣niar; from which well commixed sublime the Ammoniac
extracted from the aforesaid, twice or thrice: and in the End
dissolve the whole, to which add a third part of Gold
dissolved. Incerate as before, and congeal; then project upon Sol
and Luna, so that of Luna there be two parts, and of
Sol one; and it will be good.

FINIS.

ERRATA'S.
PAge 10. line 5. read Spoliation, p. 13. l. 27. r.
Porphiry; p. 16. l. 7. r. impalpa∣ble, p. 54. l. 5. r.
Refutation; p. 59. l. 17. r. Stable; p. 60. l. 1. add
and; l. 10. r. compounding; p. 64. l. 1. r. cocting;
p. 95. l. 5. r. take; p. 120. r. Chap. 14. p. 121. l. 17. r.
Ingenious; p. 133. l. 27. r. by; p. 140. l. 4. add
in; p. 147. l. 2. dele the; p. 169. l. 30. r.
parti∣cipates; p. 177. l. 19. add it; p. 241. r.
Chap. 2. p. ibid. l. 23. r. Apertion; p. 246. l. 3.
r. unto; l. 6. dele to; p. 256. l. 10. r. there; p.
285. l. 13. r. it.