The works of the highly experienced and famous chymist, John Rudolph Glauber

by Johann Rudolf Glauber

A Philosopher saith thus,

By Gold and Silver you will nothing do,

Unless you use their first Ens thereunto.

The first Entities of both these are Lead and Antimony, the latter of which, (viz. Antimony,) is not to be admitted in that impure state that we find it in, unto the former, as unto its Bride or Spouse, but must first be washed in a hot and sharp Lixivial Bath, that it may thereby attain to a delicate silvery whiteness, and shine like a Star in the Firmament; which Antimony thus purged, is called by Paracelsus, the signed Star.

But yet I would not have any one to think, that I do here mean the common stellate Regulus of Mars, which would be dissolved in Spirit of Salt, and would separate it self from the Lead, which ought not to be: But that signed Star must be so prepared, as not to admit of being dissolved in Spirit of Salt, for else it will not serve for this Work. It must be so concreted as if it were so many thin Shells (one within another,) and so very hard as to be able to cut Glass, and to strike Fire out of a Flint. This signed Star being so washt, is to be sown into its own Matrix, and by the solar Heat and fruitfull Rain, to be promoted and enforced unto growth.

Take of the thus prepared masculine Seed, or signed Star, [A] parts, and of the feminine kind, [B] parts, melt the signed Star in a pure Crucible, unto which being molten cast the Woman in, which being cast in, there is presently made a sweet Conjunction and Commixtion of them both in that infernal Heat, in which they familiarly couple together.

The Mass being commixt, is to be poured out of the Crucible through wet Brooms into cold water, and is to be reduced into Grains, and so the masculine Seed or Husband will be legitimately and duely mixt with its Earth or Ground, or Wife: which Earth together with the Seed which it contains is to be put into a firm Vessel, which fears not the violent corrosion of the Spirit of Salt, but in such a quantity as that scarcely a tenth part of the Vessel may be filled therewithall: Then must there be put thereon as much mineral Water, namely pure Spirit of Salt, as the Cucurbit can bear, and Fire is to be put thereunder, whereby the Spirit of Salt is to be again drawn off, by which Operation, the Earth together with the included Seed will day by day be refreshed, be moistned and swell up, by reason of the Spirit of Salt, no otherwise than as if you should moisten some dry and as it were parched Earth, with Water. For the Saturn is not dissolved by the Spirit of Salt, but onely swells up, and becomes foliated, and yet remains whole or entire, nor is it much unlike unto lovely lookt Talk, which shines with a delicate whiteness: and therefore the Philosophers say, sow your Gold in white foliated Earth. Without doubt they meant not common Gold, for then they would not have said, our Gold, but would have simply said onely Gold, had they not intended a peculiar Gold, or first Ens of Gold.

N. B. I cannot by any means omit to give you thus much notice, namely, He that cannot hit upon the manner of preparing the said signed Star, may endeavour the making of common Saturn aureous, particularly after this manner, as follows. Extract with Spirit of Salt out of the Oars or Veins and metallick fugacious Earths, the spiritual Gold that lies hidden therein, and extract or draw off this Spirit thus impregnated with Gold from Saturn, which Spirit may by this means be all agen had, and be used about new extractions. And as for the Gold which the Spirit extracted, that the Saturn hath imbibed, and indues it self thereby with a golden nature; which if you imbue or moisten with many such extractions, that goldenness will, as I may so term it, grow up or increase in each cohobation, and the Spirit of Salt it self will become augmented.

If now the Saturn be imbued with a sufficient Portion of spiritual Gold, it must be reduced by X, or Alkalies, that so the spiritual Gold may be made corporeal, which will exhibit it self pure unto you, after that the Saturn shall be driven away on the Test. But yet there is no need of doing this, seeing it will be better to granulate the Saturn, and by those repeated cohobations to draw off the Spirit of Salt agen, being each time impregnated with that spiritual Gold, and so by this means will you enrich your Saturn with the greater plenty of Gold. And being so enriched it must be reduced by a fixing X, in my secret Crucible, which neither suffers any thing to go away in fume, nor to run out; in which reduction the spiritual Gold and the fugacious Saturn it self are fixed, so that both Gold and Silver are found on the Test with great profit, this labour requiring no other costs save those of the Fire.

This Operation which separates fugacious and fix Gold out of the Oars and Stones, is far better than that which is made by the Solutions of Lune and Saturn, described at large in the [third part of the Prosperity of Germany]. For here, we do not need either Aq. Fortis or Vinegar for the Solution of Saturn or Lune, neither need we the same to get the extracted Gold out of the Spirit of Salt, but being free from that labour and costs, we [onely] draw off from Saturn, that Spirit which hath extracted the Gold, which [Saturn] attracts and holds the volatile and fix Gold that was in the extraction, insomuch that there is not requisite to this labour of drawing off the extractions from Saturn, any thing else save onely Coals and Fire. Add hereunto also, the gainfull encrease which daily comes in by the addition of Salt and Water, by which the Spirit of Salt is day by day augmented without any costs.

N. B. When the Spirit of Salt becomes too strong by reason of the Salt put thereto, that Water wherewith the Oar is washt, after the first extraction of the Spirit of Salt, [or after it hath first been extracted with Spirit of Salt] may be made use of [and put thereto] instead of common Water. For it is somewhat sourish, and hath likewise a golden nature.

N. B. Praise God, and forget not the Poor, seeing thou art sufficiently informed and taught by what means thou maist get great Treasures.

The things I here write, are not for this end, namely, to teach others how to make great heaps of Gold, but onely to shew them a way of attaining to a good Medicament, and withall, of knowing and perceiving by the same labour, that the melioration of the Metals is altogether possible and certain.

Whoever he be that could attain so far as to bring Antimony and Lead, as being the first Ens of Gold and Silver, into a certain Dissolvent, so as that the one would not precipitate the other; then at length would he have entrance upon the right way, which leadeth unto great things, like as also Gold and Silver being dissolved in one and the same Menstruum gives beginning to things of great moment. I dare affirm therefore, that he that can reduce Gold and Silver, or Antimony and Lead, with Salt, into an agreement, hath opened a most strong Gate which leads unto a great Treasure; for then the Patient must suffer even unto death, and must die, out of whose dead Body, new and living Bodies do afterwards come forth.

Although I have often told you in my Writings that Gold has no greater enemy than combustible Sulphur, and that nothing is more inimicitious to Silver than Salt, and nothing more displeasing to Mercury than a strong Lixivium, and that amongst these contraries there is a perpetual Antipathy so long, untill they are constrained by Art and Skill to become friends and mutually to embrace each other: yet notwithstanding; this will not be so easily fesible by every prating Boaster, and that makes a great noise by his lofty vapouring speeches; no, but for the sake of these very Men, are such great Arcana’s justly and deservedly wrapt up in darkness, and indeed ’tis fit they should so be.

Moreover if there be required a great suffering, ’tis necessary that both the Gold and Silver, as being Male and Female, should suffer together and not barely the one or the other apart: for hereby this Regeneration will be made so much the nobler and the more magnificent. For Example, make a Circle, and cut or divide it with Diameters crosswise [or at right Angles through the Center] so that the extreams of the Diameters which divide themselves in the middle or central point of the cross may touch the Circle, and that of those four extreams [or Semi-diameters] one may touch above, and the other beneath, and the other twain may reach, one to the right side, and t’other to the left. Place the Gold in the uppermost extream marked with the letter A, and his enemy, namely Sulphur, in the lower extream, which the letter C, demonstrates. In like manner place Silver on the left side of the Gold, at the letter B, and its enemy, viz. Salt on the right side marked D, and you will see how aversly these enemies behold each the other. The Sol looking about him espies his capital enemy, Sulphur, directly opposite unto him, and hath Lune at his left side, and Salt at his right; and very willingly would he enter into friendship with Lune, and Salt which are joyned at his side, if they but would, or indeed could. But he honours not his capital enemy Sulphur, with so much as a look. The Lune placed by the side of the Sun, does not permit the Salt to joyn it self with the Gold. For when the Salt is with the Sol, it clearly hinders the Lune from associating it self with the same. Nor can it possibly be that Salt, Lune and Gold should enter into a thorough familiarity. Thus too is it with Lune, who hath her capital enemy diametrically opposite unto her, and very willingly would she enter into friendship with both her neighbours, viz. Sol and Sulphur, if they were not such great enemies (to each other,) and refused this familiarity. For if Lune associates unto her self the Sun, then Sulphur denies to come into the society. If she admits the Sulphur as her companion then, then Sol is excluded, as abominating the friendship with his enemy Sulphur. Much less therefore can Lune be the companion of them both together. See the Fig. in the Book of Dialog.

But now if the Gods please, that these four capital enemies, should unite in one sociable amity, and that wonderfull regenerations should arise from this new familiarity, (then) do they command Vulcan to heat in the Fire this Circle comprizing those four capital enemies, thus constituted in the four aforesaid extreams, and casting such hatefull looks upon each other, and yet not knowing how to escape out of the Circle, and to press them together more and more with his Hammer by little and little, untill all four being driven into one mass, do come together into one body, which body doth then obtain a power of reconciling all enemies, and of effecting great matters.

By this here spoken may any one easily conjecture, what great suffering there is in this Conjunction, and what great streights do afflict these enemies, when each of them must thus against their will enter into friendship with his capital enemy. Verily we find them to be such sufferings as have not their like again, and therefore do they produce to light, such great and such wonderfull regenerations. Now whatsoever it be that is exercised in but a small suffering, the same doth admit of but small emendation.

The greater the suffering, the greater the melioration, so that that affliction which brings with it even death it self, brings with it also so much the more noble and magnificent Regeneration and Resurrection. He that suffers not in this World, shall not have the Crown put upon him after his Resurrection. By how much the greater and more innocent the suffering and affliction of this life is, so much the greater, and fairer a Crown may be expected in the other World.

The Grape is prest so long, till it be rid of all its juice, this juice doth indeed bring a sweet and pleasant delightsomness unto mortal man, but the Grape it self which the juice is prest out of, ceaseth to be a Grape, and perisheth through defect of juice, and passeth into nothing. But unto the noble Vine, hath God given this benefit, that it yearly bears not barely one but many Grapes together: All which being pluckt off, it doth nevertheless produce the following year no fewer, but rather more Grapes; and still remains a blessed and fruitfull Vine, because it is furnisht with roots and fertile Boughs. On the contrary, they that have devoured the good and sweet juice themselves, remain always hungry and thirsty, and that for this reason, because they guzle down the juice too new and fresh, whereby their Bellies swell, and they receive no nutriment therefrom.

This is a thing certain and undoubted, that the bodies of the Metals become by suffering and dying far more excellent and more noble. He therefore that knows that the patient is to be subjected unto its own agent, and doth also understand by what way they are to be conjoined, will never labour in vain, but will reap the wished reward of his pains.

When the agent doth touch onely the superficies of the patient, and penetrates not into its heart or root, there will verily be but a very little good done, save onely this, viz. That the Agent being afore rendred aureous, is able to give unto its patient also a golden nature, and to bring the same to an aureous degree, and to bestow upon it the perfection of Gold: but that melioration which is done onely by it self proceeds on very slowly.

As concerning the manner of enduing the Spirit of Salt with an aureous nature, that so it may the sooner render its patient a partaker of golden virtues, we have spoken of that already, and demonstrated it clearly enough; he that does not understand, we cannot help him any other way.

N. B. When the Eagle, the Servant of Jupiter, hath with his beak and talons pluckt out the coagulated beams of the Sun out of the Cliffs and Rocks, and brings them unto Jupiter, he is so very bountifull, that he sends down the same unto us by the Rain, which is of so much efficacy, as that all the Herbs upon which it falls are bettered, and the martial, venereal, saturnine, Lunar and mercurial Herbs do put on the golden nature of the Sun; so efficacious is the golden Rain of Jupiter, if the Eagle hath first brought unto him the coagulated rays of the Sun.

And that I may be the better understood, and that it may be known, that the Melioration of Metals may be accomplished by a dry Agent, full as well, yea and better, and more profitably than by a moist Agent; I have judged it a thing worth while to adjoyn the following Process under the Title of the Great Country Farmer.

And let the studious Artist know, that the amending of the Metals by the dry way, by the operation of dry Salt, is far more easie, and may likewise be dispatcht in a greater quantity, than is wont to be done by the moist way: and that there is nothing required to this operation save Salt and Coals, be the Metals that are to be fixed, even what they will.

For Example, if a man be desirous to fix Saturn, or to procure unto it a Silvery nature, there needs not pure Lead be taken for this work, seeing he may have the Oar or Vein thereof for much less price; and indeed there is some that is a wild and sulphureous Oar, which yields not, in the melting, any good Lead, and may be had in great plenty in some places of Germany that I know of, for a very small price, or rather for none at all. Such a wild Oar of Lead as this is, which yields neither good Lead, nor is fit for the Potters to glaze their Pots withall, by reason of its hard fusion, doe I chuse for my operation, not onely because it costs less than other such Oars of Lead doe, but for this reason too, because it hath store of Sulphur, and fit enough for fixation.

This Vein or Oar doe I bring into small Powder, and mix as much Salt thereto as need requires, then cast it in upon the Coals, in such a Furnace as I have described to make store of Spirit of Salt in: The Salt and the Sulphur exercising their vehement or powerfull virtues upon the Lead, causeth it to be afflicted with terrible dolours, insomuch that part thereof ascendeth on high [or sublimeth] with part of the Salt, and betakes it self into Receivers fitted on for that purpose. In which sublimation, the Salt and the Lead ascend in a spiritual manner, and contrary to their will, suffer spiritually, and so are constrained to enter into friendship, finding a place of quietude in those cold Receivers, and there setling together. The residue of the Oar, and part of the Salt being burnt up, and emitting no more flores, but falling down through the Grate like Ashes, more new or fresh Coals must be put into the Furnace, and new matter must be thrown thereupon, as afore; and this Labour is to be continued so long, as it shall please any one to follow it. Now by this, the Saturn is far more vehemently afflicted, than in the moist way by the Spirit of Salt; And if unto the Oven [or Receiver] receiving the fume, and in which the flowers of the Salt and Lead settle, there shall be applied yet several Receivers, there will then be therein caught store of Spirit of Salt, which being rectified, may be agen made use of in the moist way. The flowers being taken out of the Oven or Receiver into which the fume goes, are to be agen thrown in upon the live Coals in the Furnace, that they may suffer anew and be sublimed. After that they are all sublimed again on this wise, they are to be agen taken out of the Oven, and be cast in upon the live Coals; and must be afflicted with these Labours so often repeated, untill they become fix and ascend no more, but fall down into the Ashes. Which being washt, will yield a Salt profitable for many things, and will quit all the costs which have been laid out upon Lead, Salt, and Coals; so that the Spirit of Salt which is gotten, and that which is amended in the Lead Oar by the Salt, cost nothing. The Ashes being washt are to be reduced, in a Furnace, by blast, and be so often tormented, till a good portion of Silver be gotten by this operation, which the elaborated matter, being purged by a due separation upon the Tests, will give. And so shall you have Gold and Silver by the benefit of this operation, by which [operation] we have manifested unto you the Great Country Farmer paying his yearly Rent.

Now like as Saturn is dealt withall in this operation, even so are the other Metals wont to be handled too; but yet you must observe the Regiment of the fire, which, according to the diversity of the Metals, must also be diversly administred. And even the Commixtion it self requires good heeding, as being a business of no small moment.

Moreover, in this operation you must also note, That one Salt is more fit for this operation than another is; for by how the sharper nature they have, so much the more commodious and profitable doe they shew themselves to be. So Common Salt sublimed, as is done in this Labour, will operate far stronger than Common Salt it self unsublimed. Besides, there are Salts to be found which work yet far more powerfully, yea so strongly, as that they need not the help of an external fire, but doe produce their effects even in the cold. The operation of which, in the moist way, if any be desirous to promote and strengthen by an external fire, he may so doe, in a Lamp-Furnace, and free himself of the charge of Coals, and be exempt from that frequent Labour by which the Fire is to be maintained.

Some moist Fires are of such great virtues, as that they need not any Lamp-fire, but a small golden thread or wire in burning Spirit of Wine is capable of administring heat sufficient.

And the burning Spirit, if made of Leaves, Grass, rotten Fruit, or Corn, and Grape-stones or husks will be but of small costs, or in a manner none at all. Now a pound of such Spirit being placed with a Golden wiek in a convenient Lamp will suffice for three or four days, and give heat enough. But yet nevertheless, that moist fire doth ripen its Metal without the help of any external fire at all, and yields its profit, but then it requires a longer space of time.

Put case therefore, that I make my moist fire so strong as to be able to perform its office in the cold, and that it needs not any external fire: And if I were to make a fire, it would needs require one Ducket’s charge: If now, standing any-where, it yields me two Golden Duckets out of the maturated Metal, it wou’d doe well enough, and abundantly recompence the labour and costs expended. For there’s nothing wanting of the Metal [you took to ripen] save that which is changed into Gold and Silver.

And forasmuch as I can set by many such Vessels, and those great ones too, there’s no doubt to be made, but that my gain will be the greater, and that with very little labour. For now, at first, the labour of preparing the moist fire, is in a manner no labour at all, for in three or four days may be so much made as is sufficient for the maturating of a great deal of Metal. For this fire may be compared to a Seed, which being sown in the Earth afore Winter, doth in the Summer-season produce store of Fruit, and fit to be reaped.

And though this maturation proceeds on exceeding slowly, and excludes all hast, yet it brings with it this benefit, namely, that it requireth no other labour in the Winter-time, but to be onely once laid by, and the perfecting thereof must be committed to God and Time.

There are various and divers such cold Fires, that promote the maturation of the Metals, and may be gotten out of divers Subjects, namely, out of Tartar, Urine, Hairs of Animals, Horns, Calx-vive, Soot, the Blood of Animals, the Feathers of Birds, the Bones of Horses, Oxen, and other Beasts, cut of which such a fire is very difficultly prepared, one of them, here reckoned up, excepted, out of which the said fire may by an easie labour and business be made, and without costs. It is therefore a great gift of God, and an especial grace from our Creator, if he maketh us possessors of such a Country Farmer, which being sustained without any costs, doth notwithstanding very largely pay his yearly Rent. To God therefore are uncessant thanks to be returned for so great a benefit.

But we have said enough of these moist and dry Metal-ripening Fires; what way soever any one is minded to chuse, that way may he follow, for it lyes in his own free choice. If he chance to err, let him not lay the blame upon me, who out of a good mind have undertaken these labours of writing, but cannot thrust the chewed meat into any ones mouth. I will by God’s permission show the wonders of God to some friends this next Summer, that so such as come after us may likewise have occasion of praising God, and of giving him thanks.

But even as the common Earth, when it is moistned with often showers, and now and then freed of them by the heat of the Sun, retains in it self a fruitfull Salt, and doth necessarily acquire a fertility: So likewise our Earth doth not onely daily encrease in goodness, but in weight too, and becomes more ponderous: but you must not think that this heaviness or weight proceeds from the Spirit of Salt’s insinuating it self into the porous Earth, no: For if the said Mass should be but onely eight days time in the digestion, and the Spirit of Salt be [then] washt off, yet would it be encreased a quarter part; which ponderosity comes indeed from the Spirit of Salt, out of which the Saturn draws something unto it self for nutritious sake, as the Common Earth does out of the showres of Rain, and becomes more weighty.

For if there were no occult and nitrous virtue in the Rain, it would conduce but little to fertility; and if there were no spiritual and astral Gold, or spiritual and astral Sun in Salt, the immature Metals could not be ripened by the same. By how much the oftner therefore, a good Spirit of Salt is drawn off from the Saturnine Earth, and Saturnine Seed, so much the sooner also doth that Seed arrive unto its full ripeness. For at every turn [of drawing off] something of the good part of the Spirit of Salt remains behind, attracted by the Earth and Seed, from which the melioration and augmentation doe arise: as may be seen in the Vegetable Seeds which sprout forth out of the Earth, and are encreased by the help of Rain.

The possibility of these things I have seen, but have not hitherto brought the said matters to a full maturity, or to speak more rightly, I have not finished the whole operation. He that is minded to make a thorough trial, may so doe: and if he misseth the effect of his endeavours, let him not blame me, for I doe not aim at drilling on any one by my perswasions, to bestow his charges on an uncertain thing. But I mention these things that so the nature of Metals as also of Salts may be known, and that (by the help of this knowledge) the Writings of the Philosophers may be the better understood. For the labour here proposed avoucheth the truth of those Operations which the Philosophers call their Calcination, Dealbation, Incineration, Ascention, Descention, Cohobation, Inceration, Distillation, Sublimation, Volatilization, Maturation, Fixation, and say that all these and the like Chymical Operations may be made in one Vessel, with one Fire, in one Furnace, without any change of the Labours, Vessels, or Fire.

For the Philosophers have described their greatest secrets and Arcana’s parabolically, and in Riddles, but especially the Poets, as Ovid, Virgil, and many others, who are very hard to be understood by those that have not the knowledge of the nature of Metals, which being once known and understood, renders the meaning of the Poets easie. For the Poets were wont to impose one while such a name upon such a Metal, another time another name upon another Metal, which custom of theirs, he that does not heedfully mark will easily fall into an errour, and miss the apprehension of their meaning.

For Example, in one place they call Copper Venus, in another, the Wife of Mars, in another, the Sister and Wife of Jupiter. And so deal they with Silver too, one while they call it Lune, by and by Diana or Jana, another time Vesta. Apollo is by them stiled one while Sol, then Phœbus, then Latons, so that it is exceeding necessary, for those that are desirous to learn ought out of their Writings, to be well acquainted with those different names and Appellations. And although the Poets do account all the Metals for the Sons of Saturn, yet do they sub-distinguish them and stile them, Saturn, Jupiter, Venus, &c.

The common Lead is Saturn, and so is Antimony, Saturn, Bismute, Tutia, Lapis Calaminaris, the Ashy Colour, Yellow, White, and red Magnesia are termed by the name of Saturn: The white Marcasite and Zink are deemed to be of the Family or Pedegree of Jupiter: Orichalcum or white and red Copper, are stiled by the name of Venus. But according as Venus is impregnated, and according as the Copper is white or red, so hath it its name. The red Copper is as yet a Virgin. Forasmuch therefore as the Poets have committed unto Writing the Transmutation of the Metals under the Cover, and vail of Fables, and have made mention of Saturn, Jupiter, Mars and Venus; it can never possibly be, that he who knows not this different distinction can understand their meaning. And for an Example hereof, consider but the Fable of Diana and Apollo, brought forth at one Birth by Latona, who was gotten with Child by lying with Jupiter, and was driven into exile by jealous Juno, and having a long time suffered Persecution by the biting Serpent Python, and being driven to flye through all the Countries of the World, did at last after many grievous labours and troubles pass over the tempestuous Sea into the Island Ortygia, and betook her self to her Sister Asteria, by whom she was received, and begat these Twins, viz. Diana and Apollo.

Who will be able to apprehend the meaning of this Fable, save he that well understands the nature of the Metals? Verily no body will so much as dream of or smell out ought of those Mysteries, unless he shall meet with such like Histories in his metalline labours, and then at length will he understand what the meaning of the Philosophers is. But for Example sake, let us take two Metals which have an affinity with each other, namely Jupiter and Venus, these I joyn together, that so the Woman may be impregnated with the masculine Seed. Latona therefore being great with Child, I cast her forth into exile, that she may be continually persecuted by the biting Serpent Python, untill she flies through the Salt and stormy Sea, into the Island Ortygia, to her Sister Asteria, dwelling in the Island Ortygia, and there bring forth the fair Diana and Apollo. Now these things are easily understood, were but the genuine Appellations substituted in the room of such strange terms, of which thing I have onely some knowledge, but do not profess my self a perfect Interpreter. Yet methinks I cannot choose but say somewhat. The venemous Serpent Python is a sirname of Appollo, for he is produced by the efficacy of the Sun, and is that corrosive Salt which doth so long afflict and torment the impregnated Latona all over the dry part of the World, untill she betakes her self by the Sea, that is, by that strong Salt Water, unto her Sister, that is, unto pure Venus, and precipitates her self, and brings forth the fruits of Jupiter, namely, Diana and Apollo together. The Poet doth here mind both the moist and the dry way together, when the Metal is wrought with a due Cement, and made fix it is [then] dissolved with the Salt Water of the Sea, and pure Plates of Venus are put into it thus dissolved, that so the pure Metal may draw unto it self her impregnated Sister, who brings together with her Gold and Silver, which having been so long hidden in its body doth now manifest it self.

It is indeed the better to fix the Metals by Cements, and so to render their fugacious Gold and Silver compact, which may be as well done in the moist way by sharp Waters and moist Fires. But if the Metals, legitimately impregnated, do first pass through a dry and burning hot Fire, and are afterwards yet once more transmitted through the moist and cold Fires, then Pluto sends the mundified Soul out of Purgatory unto Neptune, by whom it is carried into Paradise, where it doth afterwards remain safe and free from all danger of the Serpent.

Upon occasion of the aforesaid Fable, and particular Transmutation of the inferiour Metals, this is to be yet more observed, that every Jupiter is not fit to impregnate Latona, but that onely which is yet living, efficacious, young, and full of Seed is able to impregnate Latona. For Latona carried with her no more but the Seed onely of Jupiter into the Island Ortygia, and left behind her all the body of Jupiter.

Moreover this is to be considered, that Latona did bring forth Diana first, in the Bosom or Lap of Venus, that is, of the Midwife, but Diana, presently after she was Born, performed the office of a Midwife in receiving her Brother Apollo in her Lap, which thing is sufficiently manifest unto those who have laboured (though but little) in the Metals. For should the Nativity of Apollo have preceeded, Venus could not have received him, for which reason Diana ought to come forth first, that so she might the more commodiously receive Apollo from Latona. I know not how by any means it may be proposed more clearly.

Every one that does but know the nature of the Metals doth well understand, that when Gold and Silver are spiritually dissolved in one Water, and that plates [of Mars probably] are put in to the Solution of the Gold and Silver, neither of those Metals will adhere to the Plates. But if the Plates of Copper are put into that Bath, he shall presently see that all the Silver that was in the Water will adjoyn it self thereunto. And now, after that the Silver is thus precipitated and sticks on to the Copper, the Gold will likewise fall down out of the Solution, and apply it self to the Silver; which labour I have more at large handled in the [third part of the Prosperity of Germany]. It could not therefore otherwise be, but that Latona must first bring forth Diana, and Apollo afterwards, seeing that Venus the Sister of Latona could be helpfull onely in the bringing forth of Diana. It was therefore necessary that Diana her self should be an assistant in the Birth of her Brother Apollo, for otherwise he could not have been Born.

My time admits not of producing any more such similitudes in this place. We will defer them till some other time, namely, for the Edition of the Work of Saturn, wherein shall be taught how the most vile, and most abject Metals are to be maturated by the benefit of Salts, whereby they may in a particular way yield forth Gold and Silver.

But forasmuch as I cannot divine, what impediments may put a stop to the edition of the work of Saturn, and that in this very Treatise here is often mention made of Saturn. It cannot I think be any ways hurtfull, if some good thing be yet farther adjoyned. And such things as are here manifested of Saturn, it will not be needfull agen to mention them in other places, seeing there doth yet still remain matter enough for to fill a whole Book of the Secrets of Saturn. And there lie such wonderfull Secrets under the vile and dirty Garment of Saturn, as being manifested, would exceed all the belief of unskilfull Men. For he is not onely an expert Fisher in Fishing Pearls out of the Salt Sea, but is withall an expert Hunter, in driving the Wild Beast out of his green Grove or Cops, and of catching him in his Nets, as we have told you in the foregoing [third part of the Prosperity of Germany].

Nay, he is a bathing Gentleman of singular skill, who by his bathing and washing his Children, adorneth them with the comeliness of Diana and Apollo. When he is alone, he serves onely for Apollo and Diana to wash off their accidental impurities and defilements, that so they may recover their natural fairness. The other Metals can’t brook his so over sharp and rigid bathing, but are rather suffocated and killed therein, than become more fair and more pure. But if Saturn shall have first washt himself even unto the highest whiteness, in a Bath of common Salt, he is not then so austere and severe, but prepares for his Children a far more tolerable Bath, which being agreeable [or proportionable] to their Weakness and Sickness, renders them all fairer and more pure. His greatest virtue consists in his Water which doth both particularly and universally free the Metals of all their defilements. I have often had a particular experience [hereof,] and yet daily can (God be praised) shew and teach the same unto others. But I cannot do any such thing in an universal way, and inform others as to that; nor do I vainly brag of so great a matter, though I have my thoughts as touching the manner how this thing may be effected. Nay the more I conceived about that matter, the lesser would I boast of the same.

Verily it is a great shame to boast of that thing, of which thou hast not even the smallest knowledge, or at least dost not know any thing else, but what thou hast drawn in, by the reading of other Writers. ’Tis a common proverb, That those Cows which Bellow, or Low overmuch, are said to yield the least Milk, and that this is a thing true, yea most true, experience it self doth testifie.

The Chymical Art is become at present so common, that almost every body, after he hath but viewed over one or two Chymical Books, (though he never moved his hands to the Work, nor understands so much as the Chymical Terms themselves) is nevertheless wont impudently and lyingly to boast of the knowledge of the universal Medicine. Nay thou shalt see some to proceed on to that heighth of boldness, as even to write Books of so great a Secret, and to dare promise the Revelation of the same unto others, and yet for all this know nothing at all, and have not so much as any the meanest foundation, but rely solely upon that knowledge, which (being as we said afore, drawn out of other Writers) causeth in them a most uncertain hope, of a thing most extreamly obscure.

He that is not a stranger unto, nor ignorant of metallick affairs, can easily discern the Lyers from the true Writers, and can judge who are true, and who false. Such as do know somewhat are not wont to make a bragging noise of their skill. On the contrary, those Brethren of Ignorance do offer unto every one that most secret miracle of Art and Nature, namely, the universal Medicine, which thing a true Philosopher neither ever did, nor ever will do. But as for the revealing of the particular washings, purgations, and meliorations of the Metals, whereby Gold and Silver are to be extracted, if any one doth know these things and discloseth them, and desires not to bury his Talent in the Earth, he does well.

Neither would any one be endammaged by such a discovery though those particular Arcana’s should be known even unto all Men, and that every body could effect such Operations; for nothing could redound from them but great gain throughout all the World.

But these things here mentioned may sufficiently serve for an evident and manifest admonition for every one to beware of the Books of such Writers, (but why do I say Writers? they are rather Collectors and Describers, who after the manner of Botchers do patch up new Books our of old cast Garments) and to give no credit at all unto them as containing nothing of truth in them, and to think that those kind of Men betake themselves to this Book-patching Trade, meerly to get their Bread by.

Some such Men have I known, that provide not either for their Food or Rayment any other way, than by the sale of such false Philosophical Books, which they have from the Printers to sell to others, receiving a certain price for their labour, which they bestow in profering them to Sale. O miserable Philosopher! Who doth not know so much as to get his Food at Home in his own House, but is constrained to shift after it by the bare selling of such kind of Books. Let this here spoken be as a warning. If need required, and occasion were, I would not fear to divulge their names too; who having not any the least knowledge of nature, do nevertheless dare to offer the Revelation and Confection of the great universal unto others, and cast such a great blemish of reproach upon the most noble Chymical Art, as makes it much contemned, whereas a more noble and more excellent Art cannot be found. I’le not censure any, but yet it would become the magistrate to examine those great Philosophers, whether or no they were actually and in very deed skill’d in that great universal, (which they boast so wonderfully of, and write Books of such great moment, and promise to teach others too, as if they excelled even Hermes himself in the knowledge of the Art) and if in the proof or tryal they gave good satisfaction, and confirmed the truth of their Writings by a real and true melioration of the Metals, then to honour, defend, and protect them, as rare and singular Philosophers. But if they know nothing nor could perform ought of their pretended Art, the magistrates would not do unjustly if they punished such men, and made them exemplary, seeing too that they endeavour to asperse and backbite other honest men, who are endued with the skill and knowledge of such great things, with lying reproaches. A good Gardener being wont to gather good Honey out of the Bee hive which he has in his Garden, if he finds a Nest of Wasps or Hornets any where near, built in some hollow Tree, and that they steal away the Honey from his Bees, he right worthily destroys such a Nest, and roots out of his Garden those Thieves and Robbers of his Honey, that so for the future they may not detriment them any more.

Were but one or two of those Fellows handled in such a manner the rest would be deterred and would not so easily promise others by their deceitfull Writings, the making of the Philosophers Stone, which they are so extreamly ignorant of. Certain it is therefore, that no true Philosopher, were he a partaker of the great universal, will indifferently offer the same unto all Men, and calumniate (without any cause given) those that are so innocent (and who have forgotten more than others have learned) and publickly bespatter them with most false Lyes before the whole World, to the great detriment of the Persons so abused.

But to return to my purpose, and to shew in this place yet another very considerable Arcanum of Saturn, you must know, that I have already published divers great secrets in this fourth and third preceeding part, but cursorily onely, because I have not as yet attained to the one half part of their most great utility, and I was willing onely to shew what things mought be done.

But forasmuch as I have fortified their use with good and sharp Weapons, and that one or other sometime lighting thereupon by chance, and reaping great profit therefrom, may possibly judge that he is no ways at all bound or beholding unto me for the same; I was willing for the better information, and instruction sake, to adjoyn these few things, which are very weighty and considerable.

In divers places of the foregoing third part, and of this fourth part too, I have the preparation of the Mercury of Saturn and Lune, that is, I have shewn how Saturn and Lune may be reduced out of their Solutions, by the help of Salt, into a Snow like, fusile, fugacious, pure and dry Water; which Waters are by me called the Mercuries of Saturn and Lune, by reason of their fusile and volatile nature: They are metallick Waters not wetting the hands, and yet by reason of their form do they bear the name of Water, because being put into a Crucible, and molten with a small Fire, they are pellucid and transparent like unto Fountain Water, insomuch that they may be seen through even to the very bottom: But yet the Water of Saturn is of a more transparent clarity than the Water of Lune is.

But forasmuch as our main scope in this place is to make some mention of the use of the Saturnine Water, we will let pass other matters, and declare some of the virtues of the said wonderfull Water in the melioration of the Metals.

Let the lover of Art therefore know, that the Saturnine Water doth display its virtues in washing the Metals that are to be amended. For if any imperfect Metal, as Iron, or Tin, or Copper, be adjoyned thereunto, and held in such a Vessel, as in which, that Water cannot by means of its fugaciousness vanish away, nor through its subtile and penetrating power run out, and that it be digested for a while in such a Vessel, this Saturnine Bath seizeth upon, washeth, and purgeth the Metal, and transmuteth it into a better and more pure Metal, but yet with no great profit, for it onely shews the possibility.

But yet if some tinging Species be adjoyned thereunto, it does not onely make a pure washing, but likewise exalteth and tingeth the same, according as the tendency of the adjoyned subject is, either unto a white or a red Tincture. But what those Species are, there’s no need of disclosing them to every one. ’Tis sufficient that I have laid open the Water, and the use thereof in the washing of the Metals.

But that the Saturnine Bath may the sooner and readier seize upon the Metals, and wash them, it is the best way, to add one third part of the Mercurial Water of Lune, to the Mercurial Water of Saturn: which Waters do very readily conjoyn, and each help the other in the washing, and do also tinge, according as the property of that Tincture is, which is adjoyned thereunto. I will for Example sake adjoyn the manner, which shall both shew the possibility of the thing, and administer occasion of farther search.

Dissolve one ounce of pure Silver in Aq. Fortis, and three ounces of common Lead, in more Aq. Fortis, mix both the Solutions together, and precipitate them, either with common Salt Water, or with Spirit of Salt, which is all a case. Pour off the Aq. Fortis from the Coagulum, after its being settled to the bottom, which said Coagulum, you need not wash with Rain Water, for this Work, but press the liquor onely through a thick Cloath and so free it of its humidity; this done, dry this metallick Cheese by the Fire, and you shall have a Bath very fit to wash Venus, Mars, and Jupiter. And now when you are minded to try whether or no the success will fadge well, divide your Bath into three parts, and wash those three Metals on the following manner.

N. B. Let no Body take it in evil part, that I here silently pass over my secret bathing Laver, serving to wash the Metals in, and not permitting the Water it self to go away in fume: He that is minded to try this Operation, may for the first time make use of Crucibles, which, although they may bring some loss by letting go part of the Saturnine Bath, yet notwithstanding they will demonstrate the success of the business, and the loss by them caused may afterwards be prevented by due Mediums. The manner of using the Bath aforesaid, is as followeth.

Take of the filings of pure Iron, Copper or Tin one part, mix it with three parts of our dry Bath, and put the matter thus mixt into an earthen Vessel, which hath the compactness of Glass, such as those are, which are made at Siburg near Colen, at Bamberg in Franconia, and at Waldenburg, near Cassela in Hassia, and in other places of Germany. (N. B. The common Vessels and Crucibles cannot retain this Water, but it penetrates through them like Oil.) Heat your Vessel so hot as to cause the Water together with the Metals to melt and flow well, in which liquefaction, part indeed of the water will pass away in fume, but this loss may be easily prevented.

When therefore your Metal hath been thus boild for about one quarter of an hour, part of the same will be found washt and turned into good Silver: nor must you thus understand me as if the Silver in the said Water were onely precipitated by the Metal, and that no part of the Metal it self underwent any Transmutation. For albeit that that Silver which was added to the Saturnine Water be precipitated by the adjoyned Metal, and returns into its former Body, yet nevertheless there is more Silver gotten than was added to the Water. For that Saturnine Bath while it is occupied about the dissolution of the Metal, doth by the efficacy and Operation of the adjoyned Lune, exalt and tinge part of the Metal to an higher degree.

But although this labour does not promise any golden Mountains, it is here put for this end onely, namely, that the possibility of the thing may be learned hereby: yet notwithstanding, if any one did but know how to adjoyn to this Saturnine Water, a golden Ferment, instead of a silvery one, it could not otherwise be but that he would get no contemptible gain and profit: yet if the same Operation be so instituted with a white Ferment, as that not any the least part thereof may go away in fume, and be lost of the Bath, it will bring no loss. N. B. Neither is it always needfull that the Ferments of pure Metals be adjoyned to this Saturnine Bath, for I think that apt Minerals may be found, which may be adhibited in the room of aureous and argenteous Ferments. Nay more, I do likewise think that such subjects may be adjoyned to this Saturnine Mercurial Water, as may be therein fixed into white and red Tinctures; the thing it self I have not as yet tried, nor do I profess my self so great a Master, for I propose to my self this onely end in my Writing, namely, to shew unto such as are desirous after transmutations, the way of arriving unto the truth it self. For it will be far easier for every one that searcheth into the business more thoroughly, and that maketh more accurate tryals, to find out far greater things, yea much more than he could ever believe. More such Woman-like Washings, and more Boys Plays shall (God willing) be manifested in my Work of Saturn.

But now this Saturnine dry Bath may be prepared much easier, on this wise following; choose you out such an Oar or Minera of Lead, which is very pure and clean, and hath nor either Iron, or Copper, or any other Metal admixt therewithall: (N. B. If Silver be likewise in the Oar, it rather profits than hinders, but the said Oar must not have much earth mixt in it, and that which is on to it must be taken from it by washing off the same with fair Water.) One, two, three, or more pounds of this leaden Oar thus washt, must be put into a strong Cucurbit, and so many pounds of Spirit of Salt must be (put on and) drawn off thencefrom, which Spirit of Salt, as being a moist and Philosophical Fire, will reduce the pure Oar of Lead, which it toucheth every where and in all places of the same, into a bright, Snowy, easily Meltable, and fugacious Calx, which is to be well washt with Water and be dried: This is that metallick Bath, and that dry Water of the Ancients, which wets not the hands, and which is able to perform admirable things in the Metals.

But that this Philosophical and moist Calcination of the Oar of Lead, may be accomplished without any costs, some Salt Water must be poured upon the Spirit of Salt, in the Cucurbit, that the Salt may ascend together with the Spirit, and may augment the same with so great a quantity of Spirit, as may quit the costs of the Oar and Fire, and yield you the dry Saturnine Bath for nothing, which said Bath may be employed various ways about the washings and emendations of the Metals. For out of the Oars which never underwent the burning by the Fire, and were never as yet deprived of their growing faculty, this Bath thus prepared is to be preferred far afore that, which is made of the molten Metal.

I do here open to the studious of Art, the Gate that leads unto most great secrets, which were never so clearly manifested by any Man. It must necessarily therefore be, that either God must put a stop, or that the Operator or Labourer himself must be of a stupid and simple capacity, if he cannot learn from these instructions, as much as to live in quietude, and so furnish himself with Food and Rayment.

If therefore God shall vouchsafe his Blessing unto thee in the use of this secret, then give unto him, the bestower of all good things, thy utmost thanks, and be not unmindfull of the Poor. Sustain thy life by the works of thy hands, and let thy light shine before the blind, neither bury the same enviously in the Earth. Do good to every one, that it may be discerned and appear what Tree thou art. Entertain not too great an opinion of thy self, but remember that thou art a Man and mai’st err and fail. Give no body occasion of quarrelling and brawling. If an unjust conflict be brought upon thee, commit thy self wholly unto God, and he will succour thee. Give place to the greater, and spare the lesser, God will defend thee and suppress thine Enemies.

The Heathen Philosophers accounted the Prophet Ezekiel as a clownish Philosopher, because he wrote so very clearly of the Divine Mysteries. For they took it very untowardly, that he was not so envious, as to involve such great Mysteries in silence, but wrote so openly of the same.

He that will now-a-days make it his design to wind himself out of the crew of Sophisters, and such kind of Philosophers that putteth together hurtfull Books, consisting of fine Spun, and seducing words onely meerly for their own gain, and without any profitable information at all in them; he I say that would free himself from such, overcome them, and bear away the prize, must imitate that countrey man, who on a time entring into a Fencing School at Norimberg did behold the Fencers artificially combate together so strongly and so long, untill all the others being tired, and forsaking the Stage, there remained but onely one as sole victor; who, with a disdainfull look, contemning all the rest, assured himself of the victory.

Being therefore about taking up the Prize-Money there deposited, out steps the Countryman, saying, you shall not have the reward, except you beat me too off the Stage: Fight therefore he must with the Countryman, or forsake the prize; but promising himself an assured Victory, he exerciseth his most curious and artificial postures, which he had learned in the fencing School, thereby to make a speedy dispatch with the Countryman, supposing that the Countryman would be frighted, and laying down his Weapons, quit the Stage. The Countryman being no ways scared stood very quiet (as confiding in his own strength) so long, till the Fencer approaching nearer with his oblique Flourishes, made as ’twere a Wheel afore his Nose, whom the Countryman struck all along, with such a smart blow as made the Hair of his Head flye off, and the Bloud run about his Ears. So artificial a Combatant as this being o’erthrown, he was asked by that plain Countrey Fellow, whether or no he would yet once more try the fortune of the Play, but he would no more prove the Countrey down-right blows of a Non-Citizen, but left both the Money and Honour of the Victory to the Countryman, who being asked how he durst adventure upon so artificial and experienced a Fencer, and could so o’ercome him, he replied, that he perceived the Fencer used many oblique Skippings, but was no strong Man: and therefore I opposed my strength to his artificial Flourishes, and so with one blow struck him down. By this History it is evident, that that finely Spun, and sophistical prating of the Schools, makes nothing to the purpose but a certain experience, and an infallible knowledge of things both is and so remains the sole Mistress.

For the sake of those that are lovers of divine and natural Miracles, ’tis expedient that I yet farther manifest some certain secrets of Salt, which are hitherto altogether unknown, and shall be shewn unto my Friends in my Laboratory. Nor do I at all doubt, but that some few will be found who will easily understand these things, and look on them as things credible. But I matter not, whether they credit me who speak the very truth or not. It sufficeth me that I can not onely perform the things I say, but likewise shew them to Friends, whereby they may be able to reap some benefit and profit therefrom.

Salt may be so introverted by the Operation of the Fire, as that it shall lose its sharp properties, and acquire a sweetness, and be brought by the help of other Vegetables and of Water, unto Fermentation, and so yield a good and sweet burning Spirit, a clear, sweet, and strong white Ale, conserving its tast for many years; various drinks, not unlike in tast to the Wine made of Honey and Fruits of Trees, strong and clear Vinegar, and white Tartar, fully as profitable for such Operations, as the common and natural Tartar of Wine is wont to be used about, and may be with those others [afore mentioned] prepared with small charges.

The Air and Fire do in a short time transmute Salt, into true natural Salt-peter, which is no small profit.

The Fire doth likewise very easily endow common Salt with such kind of properties, as render it capable of fatning and dunging barren Fields, Vines, Fruit Trees, Hops, and all other Garden Herbs as well as Sheeps or Beasts Dung.

Salt is also so changed by the Fire in few hours time, as to put on a magnetick nature, and attract the moisture and water out of the Air, and to retain it with it self a long while, and therefore is not easily dried up by the Sun. Corn, as Oats, Barley, Rye, Wheat, Pease, Beans, and other Seeds being steeped in such a Salt for a Night, do by means thereof, grow up the speedier out of the Earth. It is very profitable therefore in the Summer Season, wherein there’s scarcity of Rain, and especially in sandy Grounds, because it holds the Rain Water a good while, so that it is not so easily dried up by the Sun. Besides, too, that Salt is of such attracting virtues as that one ounce thereof, being put in some little Glass to two ounces of Water, hardens all this Water, in the likeness of Salt, so as that you may carry the same about you in a Paper; whereas there were two parts of Water to one of Salt.

This Salt abounds with yet many other wonderfull virtues, some of which I have declared in my Treatise, of the Nature of Salts, stiling it by the name of Sal Mirabilis, and that not without good cause. It is of the form of Salt-peter, and is void of all Acrimony, it is a little bitterish to the tast, and is of a Balsamick Nature. For being rub’d on Beef or other such like Flesh, it keeps the same, though exposed to the open Air, from being infested with Magots, and from being corrupted: And therefore it is an efficacious subject, with which as being a most efficacious Balsom, dead Bodies are conserved from corruption. It converts all things put into it, in long process of time, into an hard Stone, and abounds with many other wondrous virtues, which (for certain causes,) I pass by in silence at this time. Paracelsus calls it Sal Enixum, but I Sal Mirabilis.

Nor ought it to seem at all wonderfull, that common Salt doth so easily obtain by the Operation of the Fire, a better and sweeter quality. I do in very deed affirm, that not onely the common Kitchin Salt, but even those too, which are of a most biting corrosivity, as Aqua Fortis, Aqua Regia, Oil of Salt, of Sulphur, and of Vitriol, may by a certain sweet Vegetable, (without the addition of any contrary Salt) be brought to such a pass in three hours time, as that a Man cannot perceive the least Corrosion at all in them. Nay more, if this very Salt hath dissolved up any Metals, it does not part with them, but holds them still: so that the corrosive Solution of Gold which is made with Oil of Salt, becomes a sweet liquor, which likewise comes so to pass, with the Solutions of Silver, and of the other Metals: so that by this way excellent Medicaments may most easily be made out of Metals.

New Wines being fermented with such a Salt, do change their Tartar into sweet Wine, and become clear in a months time, and suddenly have both the tast and odour as old Wines usually have. Certainly it is a secret of very great concernment, when by reason of the coldness of the Air, the Wines cannot attain unto their due maturity. N. B. There appertains to this fermentation, a singular and excellent Artifice, by which the Wines and other drinks are promoted to a speedy and strong fermentation, insomuch that the Wine boils in the Vessel, though the Vessel should be set out to the Snow and Ice in the coldest time of Winter: whereby the Wines must needs be made better, stronger, and sweeter. It is a very artificial invention, hitherto concealed by me, but now I am minded to reveal the same unto my Friends.

By the same Salt too, Wine, Ale, Metheglin, and other drinks may be in short time turned into good and sharp Vinegar without the help of the Sun, or of a warm Stove.

If therefore any one needs for his Operations any distilled Vinegar, he may even distill it in wooden Vessels, without any Sparkle of Fire, onely in the Air, by the proper efficacy of the liquors themselves, and by the help of the Air: and this in such wise, as that a whole Barrel of distilled Vinegar will not cost so much as one Token, the Barrels or Vessels excepted, which verily is a most Artificial Distillation.

Thus likewise by the same means may a sweet burning Spirit be distilled out of Ale, Wine, and other the like Liquors.

Any common Wine may be rendred so strong by the help of a certain sweet Salt and artificial fermentation, as that it cannot be drunk because of its strength. Some Pots full onely thereof, being poured into a Barrel full of small Wine, will make the same so strong, as to equalize it with generous Wine. He that is so minded may add some sweet Spices in the fermentation, and so make it the more sweet, more efficacious, and more wholsome, and so a little quantity thereof being poured into another Barrel will make all the Wine therein contained become sweet and good.

Out of common Salt may easily be made good Allum and Vitriol, no less usefull for the Dyers than the natural are.

It is likewise a thing easily feasible, and that too in few hours space, to turn the same into a fiery nature, and make it have the same property as the Salt made of Wood Ashes, and of the burnt Lees of Wine and such like, and as Pot Ashes have, and may serve for the Soap Boilers and be applied to the same uses that those Salts are used for.

Moreover, store of sweet Spirit of Salt may be gotten with small charges out of common Salt, serving not onely for the preparation of many excellent Medicaments, but also for the maturation of the meaner and unripe Metals, as we said afore.

These and the like wonderfull things, yea and very many such effects incredible to the unskilfull doth that contemptible and common Salt produce, to the exceeding benefit and profit of mankind: which excellent things I neither would nor could (for the honour of God, the giver of all good things, and for the sake and profit of mankind) any longer conceal. But some or other may object and say, if by the help of common Salt, such great things may be effected, why do not you prefer the same before Salt-peter, which you have so exceedingly praised in the [third Part of the Prosperity of Germany], and have constituted it the Monarch as it were of the whole World: whereas notwithstanding it is so venemous a Dragon as is wont to devour all things. Can’t these two Salts I pray, namely the common and Salt-peter, divide the Government of the World between them, and bear sway and command both together.

To such I answer, that although that common Salt be the producer of many wonderfull effects, yet must it needs give place unto Salt-peter, which being inflamed and on Fire is wont to overturn huge Mountains, and blow them up into the Air, which thing seeing common Salt cannot do, ’tis but fitting and right that it should be dignified with so great a Title. However, being by the Operation of the Fire and Air made equal unto Salt-peter, and performing the same effects, it may then worthily be graced as Salt-peter is with the Title of Monarcy.

The effects which I have attributed to common Salt and Salt-peter, I can every hour shew, in very deed, to be most true. Ill therefore do they do, that bark against me for saying that Salt-peter is a universal Dissolvent, and that endeavour by their tatling reproaches to obstruct the truth.

Why do they not produce some better thing, seeing they will not admit of this universal Dissolvent? such Men as these do nothing else but bewray their own foolishness, and kick against the Pricks.

Had they ever done ought, or set their hands to work, for the sake of searching throughly into nature, they would never so boldly contemn, and reject that, which they never as yet understood. They behave themselves very basely, and clearly discover unto all Men’s view, that they have suckt in their uncertain and foolish Opinions, by the bare reading and hearing of uncertain and dubious Writers, whose meaning notwithstanding they understand not; for my part I remain constant in my Opinion, and say, that Salt-peter is an universal Dissolvent, and is able to dissolve all the things in the whole World, if it be made use of in three forms or shapes. Whatsoever the acid Spirit thereof, or the Eagle with its sharp Claws cannot effect, its fixed Salt, or the fiery Lyon will accomplish: and whatsoever is impossible to be done by these two, the Griffon which hath its rise from the Eagle and Lyon, will artificially perform.

N. B. The acid Spirit of Niter doth not dissolve sulphureous subjects, but mercurials onely: Contrarywise, the fix Niter doth not seize upon mercurial subjects, but sulphureous ones; but the flame of Salt-peter performs both: which verily is wonderfull, that things so unlike should in some few hours time be extracted out of one and the same subject. For the corrosive Spirit prepared out of Salt-peter by Distillation, and likewise the fix Salt, are most bitter enemies to each other, which ruinating and slaying one another, and being dead, return agen unto that which they were afore, and partakes of both natures; which the Ancient Philosophers do clearly point out unto us by the Griffon, which is headed and winged like an Eagle, and the hinder part of its Body like a Lyon, as we have mentioned more at large in the foregoing [third part of the Prosperity of Germany].

Upon him that rightly understands this ancient Fable of the Griffon, Lion, and Eagle, doth the Sun shine, for he will get no small profit to himself thencefrom. Whatsoever the Corrosive Eagle dissolves and tears a-pieces, that the fix and fiery Lion precipitates. And whatsoever the Lion devours, that the Eagle doth agen snatch from him: but they kill each the other, of whole dead bodies the Griffon exists, which hath the body of the Eagle and Lion. By how much the oftner this labour is repeated, so much the more potent and stronger doth the Griffon come to be, [especially] if both the Eagle and the Lion have filled themselves with food and are grown fat; or by how much the bigger the Eagle and the Lion are grown, by such Subjects as are agreeable unto them, afore their mutual fighting; the Griffon doth also become of magnitude proportionable.

Once every day therefore may such a conflict, slaughter, revivification, and transmutation of these two fighting and capital Enemies, viz. the Eagle and Lion into the Griffon be made. But if you would have it profitable, then must Vulcan sharpen Saturn’s Sythe, by which he may divide the Griffon [in twain,] and may turn whatever proceeded from the Eagle, into the Eagle again; and may transmute that which arose from the Lion into the Lion agen. When the dominion of the Griffon is divided, and that the Eagle bears sway onely over his birds, and the Lion onely over his beasts, like two Kings, then all is well, and there’s no war. But if once the Eagle endeavours to snatch away from the Lion his prey, then ariseth a great war, and of so long a continuance, till they have slain each the other, of whose bodies the Gods doe make the Griffon. But when the Griffon becomes too disdainfull, and affecteth Tyranny, and designs to bear rule over birds and beasts together, he is agen divided by Vulcan, by the perswasion of old Saturn, that so he may return by a reiterated transmutation into the Eagle and Lion: which wheel [or rotation] of reciprocal transmutation doth never rest, but converts it self [or turns it self round] in a perpetual course for Man’s punishment, as long as it shall please the most high God, who, at last, will put an end to all fightings, slaughter, and contention, that afflict this world: at which time all the Eagles and Lions which ever were in the world, shall be turned into the Great Griffon, which will rend and overthrow the whole Earth.

This time all pious Souls doe expect and wait for with ardent desire, and many sighs, that they may be at last freed from the talons of the Eagles, which rend all things a-pieces, and from the claws of the roaring Lions, and enjoy everlasting peace and quietude.

Thus much may suffice to have been spoken of Salt-peter at this time, which, how it may be prepared very plentifully, and with great profit, out of the Salts of Vegetables, Animals, and Minerals, I have already declared in the foregoing [third Part of the Prosperity of Germany]. He now that dreams of so managing his affairs as to reap benefit and profit to himself thencefrom, may inquire into the business by a more accurate meditation and search. Yet let him know, That Salt-peter may be very easily made of many vile Subjects, which may be every where had: of which Salt, if you have plenty, you cannot want other things. For not onely most excellent Medicaments against all kinds of Diseases may be made with Salt-peter, as likewise the growing faculty of Fruits springing out of the Earth, be promoted, as of Corn, Wine, and such-like things necessary for the sustaining of the life of Man; but also pure good Gold may very easily, but with great profit, be gotten out of the imperfect Metals.

Seeing then, that by means thereof, a man may be supplied with firm health, food, and rayment, and with Gold and Silver, what other thing is there, I pray, that he can want? That which I have so often said, I doe here repeat and affirm, That there is not in the whole World any subject that can compare with Salt-peter, much less be preferred before it.

Such a noble, yea so kingly a Subject therefore as this is, well deserves to be most highly honoured by us, and to be searcht into by the utmost of our endeavours, because of the so great benefits it bestows upon Mankind. We will therefore proclaim and pronounce Salt-peter to be the Monarch of the whole World, though all its and my enemies, who endeavour to bespatter our honour and repute with the brands of infamy, doe even burst for malice.

O most foolish men, with how vain a hope doe ye expect the Lion and Monarch from the North, as the Jews doe their Messiah, who came above 1600 years ago. The Lion of the North, and the Monarch of the World is even at this time present, and hath always been, but yet hath been known but by a few; the full and perfect revelation of which, God alone knows. I doe verily think the time is now at hand; These things which are known unto us concerning him, are all of them but particulars, and very few too. But if the said Northern Lion shall find out and dig forth the treasures which lye hidden in the Mountains, then will he at last exhibit his power to be seen, and shew himself to be the Monarch of the whole World.

Salt-peter is that great and fire-spitting Dragon, the keeper of the Golden Apples, and that venomous Basilisk which kills all things with his looks. If he be but fixt and made constant in the fire, then is he that Salamander living in the fire, and that Phœnix the bird of the Sun, which having gathered pure Gold out of the Sand, useth it to the making of her nest, and arriving to its utmost old age, burns her self; out of whose Ashes other Phœnix’s are produced.

He that desires to know more of the Griffon, Phœnix, Dragon, Basilisk, and Salamander, all which doe exceedingly thirst after Gold, and dig it out of the Earth and keep it, may read Pliny, and other the ancient Writers of natural things; as also Ambrosius Calepine’s Dictionary of eight Languages, and of the last Edition.

The Conclusion.

These (O friendly Reader) are the things which I was willing to publish at this time for the Countries good; Had I had more time and opportunity, I would have added more profitable secrets, and such too as are of no small moment. If I find that these here written are acceptable, I will in a subjoyned Appendix make a clearer interpretation of such obscure places as may be herein met with.

N. B. I would have the friendly Reader here know, that although I have written these Four Parts of the Prosperity of Germany clear enough, above my other [Writings] [or more clear than the others] yet notwithstanding I have reserved for my self and my friends somewhat amongst all the Processes, and ways of operation, so that I know how to effect the preparations of Salt-peter, and to make use of its various properties, in extracting Gold and Silver out of the Oars, and in the melioration of the imperfect Metals, and transmuting them into Gold and Silver much easier, and far more compendiously, and with much less costs.

The things which I have written, I have written for every one, Friends and Foes together; The other, and those better Secrets, I have reserved to my self and my friends. This shall now (God willing) be my chiefest care, that my Laboratory, in which the truth of the whole business shall be shown unto my friends, may be fitted up and made ready. In the mean time, the Princes and Noble men, whose territories such metallick treasures are in, and cannot be extracted by the help of common fusion, may consider, whether or no it will be agreeable to their minds to make use of these my Artificial, and not vulgar Operations in extracting the Gold and Silver by Salt and Salt-peter out of such-like auriferous subjects. If it shall seem unto them a thing worth while, to institute such operations for the profit of their Countries, they may send unto me a fit person, and one that knows how to deal in the fire, and one that is of a silent disposition, and of good education, who may learn the very work it self in my Laboratory.

But they that are Lords of such places as doe not contain in them those auriferous Minera’s or Oars, and can nevertheless get store of them from the bordering Countries, and are desirous of amending them, and using them for their profit, we deny not to shew and disclose the Art unto them too, (the persons always considered,) namely that artificial and moist Extraction of the volatile and fix Gold, not onely out of Minerals, Stones, Sand, and Clay, but likewise out of the already-molten Metals themselves, as Lead, Tin, Iron, and Copper; in which Metals, there is often times hidden much Gold and Silver, which admits not of being extracted by the common melting Fire; but is easily drawn thereout of, by the maturation and separation that is caused by Salt and Salt-peter, and so brought to common use.

All these things we will not be loth to make friends partakers of, as likewise of other rare and artificial inventions, and such as are profitable to all kinds of men, none excepted; which are such things as will bring much profit to my Country, and shall be shewn in my Laboratory, publickly, and privately unto friends: but with this proviso, namely, if the said friends will faithfully promise unto me, that they will with a faithfull silence conceal those secrets which they shall see and learn from me, and improve the same, onely to the honour of God, to the comfort of the sick, to the help and succour of poor Widows and Orphans, and to the defence of the Truth; and not use them to Diabolical disdain, and detestable pride, and other fooleries and vanities.

The End of the Fourth Part of the Prosperity of Germany.

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THE
FIFTH PART
OF THE
Prosperity of GERMANY.

Clearly and Solidly demonstrating, and as it were shewing with the Fingers, what Alchymy is, and what benefit may by the help thereof, be gotten every where, and in most places of Germany. Written and Published to the Honour of God the giver of all good things, primarily; and to the Honour of all the great ones of the Country; and for the Health, Profit, and Assistance against Forreign Invasions, of all their Inhabitants that are by due right and obedience subject unto them.

Like as the weighty command of God injoyns all Children to love their Parents, and to submit themselves unto them, with a due obedience in all lawfull and equitable things, and to yield them due fidelity: Even so likewise doth he require from every subject a due obedience to their particular Magistrates, that they most willingly obey them (with a faithfull observance, as being the Fathers of the Countrey, and to whom they are tied by all right of Fidelity) in all such things as pass not beyond the boundaries of equity, and withall it behoves each such subject to communicate any thing whatsoever that is requisite for their safety and defence, and for the repelling and beating off the Enemies.

The consideration of this dutifull service, which binds every Subject to his Magistrate, stirred me up (seeing that greivous and sudden Fire which almost destroyed all the Kingdom of Poland, and therefore fearing, lest by dilating it self it should also detriment our Countrey) to take care in publishing, some four years ago, a little Book intituled the [first Part of the Prosperity of Germany]. I therein taught, by what means the vast plenty of Corn and Wine might be so concentrated as to be easily preserved and kept, and so be made serviceable for the common good, and of exceeding profit, in future calamitous times.

I likewise shewed the way and manner of some other Arts, and such as are most usefull for the common good of the Countrey, ’mongst which, that discovery of making Salt-peter out of old and rotten Wood, (from which may a vast quantity thereof be had) is none of the meanest.

I have also bethought my self of another way of pleasuring my Countrey with no small benefit afore I die, and thus I intend it.

First of all, I would have the whole World know by this small Work or Treatise, that I have a mind to demonstrate the most profitable and principal secrets which I have treated of (partly openly or plainly, and partly obscurely or more darkly) in those four parts of the Prosperity of Germany, and that both to the high and low in my publick and private Laboratory, afore this year is run about. To this end, I have already the chiefest and most necessary Utensils at hand, and when all the necessary provision is gotten together and made ready, those said Arcanums which will be so exceedingly profitable to the Countrey, shall be visibly demonstrated to such as the chiefest Magistrates shall make choise of, and to other honest Citizens and Men of the Countrey. And amongst these Arcana’s which are of such great benefit, the three following ones are the most principal.

The first is, the making of good Salt-peter out of contemptible, and every where obvious subjects.

The second is, how by the help of this Salt-peter, easily and copiously to extract the fugitive, and the fixt Gold and Silver and Copper out of the Minera’s or Oars, with a great deal of profit and mighty advantage, and that without any melting or fusion by Fire.

The third is this, the truth and certainty of Alchymy shall be shown, and it shall be proved, that it is not any vain dream, deceitfull Phantasie or Fallacy, as the greatest part and number of its haters and Ignoramus’s have hitherto slanderously reported; but that it is a most true Artifice, and of wondrous consequence, by the help of which, (it making use of Fire and Salt,) all contemptible Minerals and Metals, and which are of no great gain, as Lead, Iron, Tin, Bismuth, Cobolt, Zink, Lap Calaminaris, Marchasites, all other fugacious Minerals may be so fixed and ripened, as that much and true and constant Gold and Silver may be extracted out of them with small costs, but abundance of profit.

These three secrets verily are in my judgment of great moment and therefore are worthy for the great ones, and Princes, and other Fathers of the common Weal to be made partakers thereof by revealing the same unto them.

I have deemed it worth while, in a few words to illustrate the incredible utility thencefrom arising, that any one that hath but any reason may perceive it.

And first, as concerning Salt-peter, the whole World knows what profitable and needfull a subject it is. There can never be so great a quantity thereof prepared, but it may not onely be applied to necessary uses but also to such as bring a great deal of profit. I forbear to speak of its most great use and exceeding profit in making Gun-powder, which no Kingdoms, no Common-wealths can want to defend their Countrey withall, and drive off their Enemies.

And if there were no need of it for this thing, yet would it be of mighty moment, and bring in abundance of profit by extracting Gold and Silver out of the poorer Oars which will not bear the charges of melting, and now there will never be so much Gold and Silver, as that it will not be of any profit to a Countrey.

Nay more, if there were no want of Gun-powder, nor of Gold nor Silver, (which time when ’twill come, and how it should come, for my part I cannot see) yet (having Peter) we cannot be in want of Bread; and how great soever the plenty is of Wine, and Corn, and Fruits, yet there is never wont to be too much. Corn and Seeds being macerated with Salt peter afore they are sown, and the Roots of Vines and Trees being moistned with a very little of its liquor, do not onely grow more plenteously, but also produce more plenty of Fruits, and such as ripen far sooner, and are of a sweeter Tast, than if they were dung’d with that stinking Beasts Dung liquor. If then, Salt-peter be a subject so excellent, as that we can by no means want it, and that it may so easily be prepared out of Wood and Stones in plenty; if above all other things it makes the Earth fruitfull, if it can extract plenty of true Gold and Silver out of the contemptible Sand and Flints, what can we desire more from it, unless it be a sound and healthfull Body, whereby we may in fulness of health quietly and peaceably enjoy such great benefits vouchsafed us by God? But now this very same Salt being justly called the wonder of the World can bestow upon us, this very health we speak of.

I do affirm that Alchymy it self, or the Transmutation of the lesser, or meaner Metals into the greater or more noble, and into Gold and Silver, is not a vain dreaming dotage, and an opinion void of reason, but is the very truth it self, and confirmed by many experiments; the demonstration of which, I do, God willing, this Summer not rashly but advisedly set about shewing it by publick and evident experiments, and its use for the good of the Country.

Now then, forasmuch as the Countrey is every where sufficiently stored with Iron, Lead, Salt and other mineral matters, and such like contemptible subjects, and yet notwithstanding there is not at present any profit arising thereby; verily it cannot be, but that in a few years time (if such melting Houses were in all places made) Men would be rendred Masters of great Treasures. Who knows what God will do, and whether or no it may not so come to pass, that it may be said of the great ones of [our] Countrey as is mentioned in Holy Writ concerning Solomon. And he made Silver as plentifull as the Stones that lie in the Streets, &c.

But that I may yet more open the Eyes of the Studious after all, and show them, by what means all these things may come to pass, and fall out true, I do hereby assure him, that there’s no need of taking those Metals for this Fusion, that are already pure enough as Iron, Lead, Tin, and already fit to be imployed about Mans use; no, those common and sulphureous leaden Minera’s or Oars which are found to be uncapable of yielding profitable and venal or sellable Lead, are well enough for this Fusion and operation we speak of; and so likewise those Irony and Coppery Oars, out of which (seeing they admit not by nature of any fusion or melting) mallable fusile Copper or Iron cannot be extracted. For this Operation of ours needs not Copper, Iron or Lead to work upon, as being content with those poor sort of Oars, and with the bare Salt which the Earth is every where well replenished withall, so that there’s no cause to fear that there will ever be a want of any matter for such an Operation.

But what need I speak much of these unknown, and so very profoundly hidden secrets of nature, seeing I have openly enough taught already, in the second part of the Miraculum Mundi, by what means, pure and natural Gold may be gotten out of every Herb. This very thing I publickly demonstrated in my Laboratory above a year ago, in the presence of most learned Men, Professors, Doctours of Physick, and other Men both noble and ignoble, as their Testimonies, which are [under] hand affirm.

But there’s no need of that, forasmuch as the manner it self of the Operation is published in Print, and manifested to every one, and there can hardly pass over one years space, but that even a thousand Men or more may imitate the Operation and search into the truth it self of the business.

But that the well minded Reader may have a little more light, and may himself see what foundations the work I have undertaken is built upon, I have judged it altogether necessary in a few words to set afore your Eyes, what Alchymy it self is, and whether or no it has any foundation in Nature and Art. For if so be any ingenious Man gives an Herb, an Animal, or a Man any name, certainly he does it not rashly and without any ground, but well knows and understands for what cause he intitles any thing by such or such a name, and it is chiefly done on this account that by such assumed names the nature of the Herb, Animal, or Man, and its properties might be known. A few Examples will illustrate it the more.

What reason have the Physicians and Philosophers of old to call the Herb St. Johnswort, perforata? Because its leaves are full of small holes, and it is so signed by nature, to shew, that it has eminent virtues [and peculiarly appointed] to take away and cure external and internal stabs and wounds of the Body, and this is confirmed by experience. Why are some Herbs called Saxifragers? because their nature is, to cleave assunder and break through great heaps of Stones in their growing up, and to penetrate through old Walls, by the growth of their hard roots. Their Seeds likewise are like unto the smallest Sand and after a sort stonyish and do break the stony matter in the Reins and Bladder of Man’s Body and bring it forth. So a Serpent hath its denomination from creeping, because it wants Feet, and creeps and crawls along on the Earth.

A Shoemaker hath his title from his making and sewing of Shoes. A Black smith is not wont to be called a Gold-smith, because he works not on Gold but on Iron, and he hath his denomination from Iron, which he is occupied about.

The same is to be understood of the word Alchymy, which denoteth no other thing save a Fusion and liquefaction of Salt, and so it teacheth us, what cause it was for, that the Ancients called the Transmutation of Metals Alchymy; viz. because of the fusing or melting of Salt, without which, no particular Transmutation of the viler Metals can be perfected and accomplished. Therefore it was not an unadvised and rash action that the Ancient Philosophers did when they put the title of Alchymy on the Transmutation of Metals, but as a Gold-smith is so called from the Gold, which he is a Labourer in, so is it with this.

The name therefore doth openly point out the matter transmuting the baser Metals into the more noble, viz. Salt, which being as an universal Agent does not onely maturate and bring to due perfection the Metals generated in the Bowels of the Earth by a natural Operation, but it also does the same out of the Earth by the Operation of Art, Salt alone, and Fire alone are sufficient for the maturation and transmutation of the unripe Metals. For Salt (as being the Agent) is driven or forced as ’twere by the Fire to display its virtues upon the Metals and by exercising its power, to render them better and more noble, as Paracelsus openly witnesseth in his Cœlum Philosophorum, saying, that the Corporal mixtion of metals though commixt a long time and kept so in Fusion, is neither wont to give, (nor indeed can contribute so much as ought to their Transmutation. But if so be the metals are to be perfected by any amending, they are to be conjoyned in a spiritual commixtion, and so they come to their hoped-for amendment; and this is very agreeable to the truth, and evidently signifies, that without a saline agent and fire, there is no way of attaining to a particular transmutation and bettering in the metals. Elias the Prophet, whose name inverted yields the word Saliæ [or Salts,] did not work his most great miracles afore he came into Zarpath, or Sarepta, that is, into the melting House [or fusing Work-shop] where he filled the poor Widows Oil Vessels, that so she might have wherewith to live in a time of scarcity. For as long as the terrestrial Salts do lie hid in barren and stoney Mountains, in which there grows nothing but Juniper Bushes, and are [there] nourished by the Stars, they cannot shew forth their wonders, but they are wont then to disclose them when they come into the melting Houses. Even so is it with Salt, when it comes into the melting Shop, it doth effect so much as not onely to fill the Oil Barrels but the Cellars and Barns too, and that plentifully, but especially when the due [or suitable] Salts Elias and Elisa do come together, and Elias is carried in his fiery Chariot into Heaven, and sundred from Elisa and doth send down a double portion of his Spirit upon Elisa his Companion; by which, Elisa being strengthned and acquiring more strength than it had afore, is made fit for greater and more powerfull Operations.

But amongst those most great miracles, this was an eminent one, that after the departure of Elisa the Prophet out of this life, there was another dead Man thrown into his Sepulchre who by the touch of his Bones was restored to life.

Therefore, like as this miracle did supernaturally happen by the divine power: Even so [doth it come to pass] naturally, by the virtues of our Sal Mirabilis corroborated with a double Spirit, which doth not onely restore a dead [body] and Wood turned by the Fire into Charcoal, when it is cast into the Sepulchre, that is into the Earthen Pot or Crucible to the white Bones of our Sal Mirabilis, and bring it (in the space of one quarter of an hour) unto its former viridity and life, and with this very green Liquor of the Wood may other half dead Trees, as also other things be restored to viridity, and increase, and their former fertility, more than by any thing else: But also, even various dead insects, if they be put to our Sal Mirabilis can recover life again. And although that this may seem a new unheard of, and incredible thing, yea a meer Paradox to any one, yet is it as true as truth it self; the true way of which Operation I will (God willing) describe and shew clearly in the first Century of my general Appendix.

But although that these wonderfull Operations of my Sal Mirabilis may seem such, as to be never capable of being effected yet, to all such as know its Composition, ’tis a thing very easily accomplished. Nor can it be but that the divine wonders should be still more and more laid open by the help of my Sal Mirabilis, and be exceedingly sown abroad, and made known to such as are ignorant. Which being done, the World will conceive a far other guess Opinion of Alchymy, and judge otherwise thereof than hitherto it has done.

But that such as are admirers of the divine and natural wonders, may clearly see how large an extent those things I have hitherto discovered, are of, I cannot omit the adding of the solar Work or Smaragdine Table of Hermes, the Father of all the Philosophers, the which being in my judgment accommodated to this discourse of mine I will illustrate.

But to summ up all I will say, I have here briefly declared, that if a Spirit be elevated or sublimed from a true Salt by the help of a strong Fire, or be drawn from out of its Body, and be again returned to the same own fixed Body left behind and be restored to it in a due manner; that fix Salt, gets double the strength and virtue it had, (as hath been shown concerning my Sal Mirabilis) and does perform things wonderfull; which Hermes and Basil Valentine have hinted unto us in these next ensuing expressions.

Hitherto belongs the small Circular Figure, noted [Pag. 19.] at the beginning of the [third Part of the Prosperity of Germany].

---

The Smaragdine Table of Hermes, &c.

[See it at the end of the First Part of Miraculum Mundi.]

The Ænigma of Brother Basil Valentine.

There is a Stone, of all others the least precious, out of which is extracted a fugitive [or volatile] Fire, and out of this Fire is the Stone it self made, it is of colour white and red and yet is it no Stone. In this Stone doth nature operate, and produceth a Limpid or clear Fountain, which choaketh in the Waters and swallows up his own fixed Father, untill at length a Soul be given [or restored] him, and [his] fugitive Mother be made like [him] in the Kingdom. Likewise this Stone brings power and great strength, it exceeds the Sun in Age, [its] fugitive Mother [is] prepared by Vulcan and [its] Father [was] begotten by the Spirit. Likewise the Soul, Body, and Spirit consist or abide in two, out of which, all things are; these things are of one, and is one thing, conjoyning the fix and the fugitive. They are two, and three, and one, and if thou art ignorant of this, thou will be frustrated and deprived of the effect of the Art.

Adam is placed in a Bath, in which Venus finds her like, now this Bath was prepared by that old Dragon, when he had lost his strength and power. But now this is nothing else (saith a Philosopher) but a duplicate Mercury. In this is its name hidden, which is to be sought after with all diligence and continual labour.

The Event proves the Actions.

It seemed unto me very expedient to set down here in this place, these few, but exceeding weighty words of Hermes and Brother Basil, because they do so notably square with this Work of mine which I have here described. And therefore I do here again affirm what I have often said, viz. That he who knows Salts well, but especially Niter and Vitriol, and knows how to conjoyn them, is well skilled in Medicine and Alchymy; and sufficiently enough understands that the Smaragdine Table of Hermes is Vitriol, an excellent Smaragd or Emrald, and that Niter is (according as Paracelsus and Basil Valentine have at large described) the Kingly Infant of the Sun, with whose descriptions we at present content our selves. I will make a more prolix mention of the same in my Centuries, those things that I have adjoyned here I could not, for certain reasons let slip and pass by.

Now by these few words it is manifest, what virtues Salts are endowed withall, and what miraculous effects they shew, when they are cast into the melting Fire, viz. Such Salts as are corroborated with a double Spirit poured down from above. These Salts (I say) are wont not onely to fill the poor Widows Oil Vessels, but even the Cellars and Barns with Wine and Corn.

But I would not that any should interpret it amiss, in that I make some kind of Comparison ’twixt the wonderfull virtues of Salts, and the miracles of the Holy Prophets: For verily the thing it self admits it, and by such Comparisons, the natural light is greatly strengthned, which thing we shall speak more at large of elsewhere.

Whosoever he be that well knows the nature and properties of Salts, and is something skilled in the management of the Fire, he will hereby easily learn thus much, as easily to perceive that there is such a thing, as a profitable transmution of the more vile Metals into the more noble ones.

But there are requisite to this Operation manual Arts, peculiar Furnaces, and singular Commixtions of Metals, the knowledge of all which, he must have that desires beneficially to employ himself in these Operations. The whole Operation with all the appurtenances requisite, and all the things thereto appertaining, shall (if God please) be exposed to be seen in my Laboratory this Summer. As my Writings lately published, and the Labours performed in my Laboratory the last year, do sufficiently enough testifie that I have both publickly and privately demonstrated and manifested the truth of the chiefest secrets which I have mentioned in my Writings. And as for what remained of being done the last year, this present Book promiseth the demonstration of, this Summer. What Writer alive, did ever endeavour the demonstration of the truth of his Writings by most evident experiments? None at all save Glauber.

Therefore I doubt not but that seeing this little Book offers the Countrey such great benefits and Commodity, there will not onely be some of the Vulgar sort, but also many of the Noble ones [or Magistrates] be found, to whom the reading of the same will not be a tedious thing.

And now I return again to speak of Alchymy, openly disclosing my Opinion concerning it, and firmly averring, that Salts onely have power to wash, maturate, and perfect the unripe Metals.

But some of ther may here say, if Alchymy be the fusing of Salt, by what means can it possibly ever be, that Gold and Silver should be gotten out of Salt by melting? If there were Gold in it, cannot it be gotten forth easier than by melting in the Fire? I answer, you are not so to understand it, as if huge heaps of Gold could be gotten by a bare fusing and melting of Salt. No! no such matter. But when the Metals have Salts adjoyned to them in a due manner, and so undergo a melting Fire, they do (in that fusing) display their virtues upon the Metals, and do so bring them to a maturity as to yield forth Gold and Silver. For Salts are the universal ripening Agents, both in the dry and in the moist way, as is clearly evident from the third and fourth part of the Prosperity of Germany, so that there needs no more to be spoken as to this.

But yet, that these things may not seem new, or altogether absurd, I say, that in all Salts there lies hidden spiritual Gold, but yet it cannot be extracted from them without the addition of the Metals. For all the things that are, are generated, encreased, and sustained by the Sun, (and amongst these may be reckoned up the smallest Vegetable) do contain the fugacious beams of the Sun hidden in them, which said beams may by the benefit of Art be made corporeal and fixt. This I taught and demonstrated more prolixly in the second part of my Miraculum Mundi. I will teach the same in the first Century of my general Appendix, which said Appendix shall illustrate all my Writings with more clear notes; and I will evidently show the way, by which true and natural Gold is to be gotten (by the benefit of a certain precipitating matter, out of Sea Salt, both by the dry and by the moist way. This Operation brings not any considerable profit, but doth in very truth show the possibility of the thing. But he who knows the way of conjoyning true and due [or proper] Metals with legitimate [or suitable] Salts, and of handling them in a due and true way of Fusion, will get Gold and Silver out of all the imperfect Metals, and that with no small profit; and this shall be demonstrated in my Laboratory this present Summer by God’s help.

And for the more evident proof hereof, it seems worth while to adjoyn a Story out of the Journal of William Litgou of England, [rather Scotland] who Journying through Italy, testifies that he saw in Trapundia, a City in Sicilia, much Gold excocted or drawn out of Sea Salt; which thing, seeing it agrees with my Opinion, and confirms what I say, I will add the Words of the Authour himself as they are in Latin.

“The fourth City of Sicily, is Trapundia, scituate in the West-side, and opposite to the City Biserta, seated on the Barbarian Coast of Africa, which yields pure Gold, which is exported by the Merchants into Italy, Venice, Dalmatia, and Greece. It is excocted in some Artificially made Salt-pits by the more vehement beams of the Sun, which Pits are filled and emptied every month. Now the Salt here on the Sea-shore, has a colour like the redness of a Ruby, or Corral: The City is almost the one half of it imployed about working thereupon. The Gold it self being purged is distributed throughout the whole Christian World.”

These are the words of the said Authour, I know nothing of the certainty of the thing it self, he that is desirous to find out the truth of this Relation may easily do it. As for my self, I easily credit this Relation, because of the Mount Ætna which always is burning in that Island, and because of the Sulphur too, which all the Land of Sicily abounds withall. And verily it seems a thing altogether likely, that when the Inhabitants of this Island upon the Seashore, make Salt of the Sea Water for their necessary use, by digging Pits in the Earth after the manner of all those hot Countries, and letting in the Sea Water, and that the warm beams of the Sun separate [or any of] the unprofitable sweet [or insipid] Water, in Vapour, and that that Water of Salt is endued with a notable sharpness; it extracts the Sulphur out of the Earth which is there in plenty every where, and it renders this [Sulpher] by the help of the heat of the Sun, constant, corporal and fixt, so as that it can be afterwards molten in a melting Furnace into Gold. If now the most hot beams of the Sun, and Salt Water can change common earthly Sulphur into Gold, why may not the same be done also by the benefit of Fire, Salt, and Art.

That all Gold is at first naturally generated of a pure Sulphur in the Earth, no body will indeed deny. That any Sulphur may by the help of Fire and Salt be fixed and changed into natural Gold, daily experience witnesseth, not onely in my own Laboratory, but in my Disciples Laboratories too, the which, visibly demonstrates, and even by manual Operation confirms the truth of those things which I have mentioned in the second part of my Miraculum Mundi, hereabouts.

That which is mentioned in the old Hymn of the Ancient Church-Fathers, viz. who made Gold of Rods or Twigs, and Gems of Stones, seems to the ignorant altogether as Paradoxal, new, and incredible: and from which ’tis gathered that St. John the Evangelist made Gold of Sticks of Wood, and Gems of common Stones: I can in a few words demonstrate that both are true.

Dissolve common Sulphur, or any Vegetable in common Salt, this Solution will make the Sulphur of a red colour. Keep this Solution for at least one hours space in the Fire, you shall find a little of the Sulphur changed into Gold; to the red Salt, adjoyn the Calx of Saturn, melt them by Fusion into one Body, and reduce the Lead by a Cupel, you shall find a grain of Gold, it yields indeed no profit but demonstrates the certainty and possibility of Art. But if any one shall be skilled in managing this Operation in great quantity (as shall be done this Summer in my Laboratory) he will not complain of loss, but will always get profit.

But let this suffice as to the making Gold out of any Wood, or any Herb, by the help of Fire and Salt.

Let us now see by what means Stones of manifold colours may be made by the help of Salt, out of Wood or any Herb. Adjoyn to the red Salt made of Wood, a little Powder of white Flints, put them in a Crucible, and melt them in the Fire, that they may become a red Glass, resembling almost the colour of a Ruby; if you keep them longer in the melting, the red colour will be changed into a green, and have the likeness of an Emrald: After this, comes a sky-colour, resembling a Saphir, then follows a yellow, not unlike a Jacynth: then in a longer continuance of Fire, it becomes black and like an Agath. Indeed these Stones are no harder than common Glass, but as to their colours and beauty do exactly resemble the precious natural Stones.

These two Arcanum’s indeed do as to the outside view seem not very excellent, but yet I believe, the well minded Reader, to whom I offer them as a pledge or Love-token for to remember me by, will not think them (seeing they teach the extracting of Gold out of any Wood or Vegetable, and how by white Flints to make Stones of several colours) of so small a moment or value, as they appear here to be, but will believe that he has a foundation laid open for him, to arrive to greater secrets.

As concerning these kind of wonderfull things, and Transmutations hitherto unknown to the World, and changing things into more noble and better Species, I will treat more at large in the ten Centuries, in which, my Writings shall be declared with more evident and clearer Explications, to which I refer the well minded Reader, concluding this Book with those Verses of Ovid.

Jamque opus exegi, quod nec Jovis ira, nec Ignis,

Nec poterit ferrum, nec edax abolere vetustas.

And now, a work I finisht have, of which, Jove’s wrath, or flame,

Or Sword, or all devouring time can ne’er raze out the name.

---

An APPENDIX
TO THE
FIFTH PART
OF THE
Prosperity of GERMANY.

Clearly and perspicuously revealing and declaring, (for the benefit and profit’s sake of the whole Countrey) by what means those three Arcana’s promised in the said fifth part are to be advantageously effected. Together with an adjoyned Explication of some obscurer places which are not so clearly disclosed in the third and fourth parts of the Prosperity of Germany, as likewise in the first Century.

Friendly Reader,

I doubt not, but it will seem a wonder to many, that Arcana’s of so great moment and so much utility should be laid open by me, in so perspicuous and evident a description, as for every one thoroughly to know them.

However, any Body may easily perswade himself that I have not so done without weighty causes, which to reckon up here at present, I judge it not so altogether necessary, but that it will be more commodious to refer it to some other convenient time. The chiefest and which is the most over-swaying reason amongst all the rest, is this, viz. the perverseness of some abusive Men, not onely endeavouring to make my Writings envied [or hated] by Men of common rank, but also by the great ones, by their lying reproachfull slaunders; and especially most falsely averring, that those three Arcana’s which I promised in the [Fifth Part of the Prosperity of Germany], are of no profit, and therefore cannot be effected with any advantage, and that I my self sought after nothing else by promising their discovery, save onely by imposing them upon [or selling them unto] others to scrape some Monies together. Now forasmuch as this is the property of Slanders, to be admitted far easilier and readilier than the truth it self, and that for this reason many have diverted their minds from the truth of this thing by busying them about these Calumnies, and so have not known how the case stands; but (on the contrary) seeing I am conscious of mine own Innocency, and am far wide of those Crimes so falsely charged on me, I have judged it most just and most highly necessary, not to suffer those most false Accusations to rest upon me, but to shew the contrary to the Eyes of the whole World, and by demonstrating and disclosing the very truth it self, to recover my honour so perfidiously and treacherously snatcht from me; the which could not possibly be done by any better way than this.

Necessity therefore required the Work it self to speak, and to defend its own self, which indeed is a true and genuine defence, and way of stopping the shameless and lying Mouths of all reproachfull Slanderers. God will in time recompence such false Mens most wicked Works, whereby they have exceedingly injured me. Mean while every one may apply these most profitable inventions to their use, and undertake the doing one or other of the Operations whereby they may reap some benefit, which I wish them from my Soul.

Nor do I doubt, but that a very many Men will, by following the Doctrine by me prescribed, and insisting upon the foot-steps of my Writings, which are founded on the truth, as being a sure Foundation, get themselves no small profit; whilest they quietly and peaceably enjoy the gainfull practising on my Arcana’s: And especially of that most easie secret, by which, fugacious and volatile Gold is extracted out of all kinds of Flints, (every where plentifully offering themselves, and so by the help of Lead, is rendred Corporeal. Which Work verily is such, as that one Man doth no ways damnifie another by, but may rather help and profit him. Therefore do I at present affirm to every body with that truth which God loves, and will defend, that all the following Operations which I manifest in the publishing this little Treatise, have been wrought by me not once onely but often times, and have been shown to many others, so that no body has any reason to doubt hereof, nor need he be sollicitous about any other thing but how wisely to manage, the Operation, and to be diligent about his labours. But if it should so fall out as that a Man should commit an errour or two, which may easily happen, let him not ascribe the errours he commits, to the Art it self, and thereupon to accuse it of falsity, but let him rather inquire into the occasions and reasons of his own errours, and without doubt by such enquiries will he attain his end, and get the hoped for fruit: in which thing, my first and second Century will by an easie Manuduction help him.

These are the things which for the truths sake and to witness it, was I willing to produce. And I do hereby signifie to every one that now my publick Laboratory is at an end, and shall remain shut for time to come, which I was willing every one should know.

---

[The first] Operation shewing the way of reducing any Lead, or any Vein of Lead by the help of common Salt, [and] by Coals, into Ashes, in the Furnace called Stichofen, that so the Gold and Silver may be extracted with profit.

Take of Lead or a Leaden Vein two parts, and of common Salt one part. The Lead Oar is to be ground in a Mill, and so are they to be commixt, and by little and little thrown with a Shovel upon the Coals in the Furnace, serving to make Ashes, and which has Pipes or Chimnyes fitted thereunto to receive the fume and the ascending Flores. That molten part of Metal and Salt which falls through the Grate is to be again taken up with your Shovel, and cast in upon the Coals untill the whole Metal, or all that metallick Vein shall be turned into Ashes. Then farther, all the burnt matter, is to be freed by divers washings from all the defilements, and the remaining Ashes of the Metal or Metallick Vein, is to be reduced into a Metal in a Furnace which the Germans call Stichofen. These incinerations and reductions are to be so often and so long repeated, untill you find (by making trial with some little piece) that your Lead is now fitted to be handled or wrought on in the Hearths or Furnaces by the Fire of Separation. For then in the Hearths or Tests it is changed into Litharge, whereby it may the more commodiously yield forth the Gold and Silver, which by the Fire and Salt are therein maturated.

N. B. But you are here to observe that the leaden Oars can indeed be commixed with the Salt, and so thrown in upon the Coals: But now Lead admits not of being so dealt withall, for it is not mixable with the Salt, and therefore it requires that the Salt be first cast in upon the Coals, and then must it be thrown in afterwards at top of it. And this way is to be observed and so often repeated and so long, always throwing in, first the Salt then the Lead, till the Lead being turned into ashes, hath wholly lost its metallick Fusion. The said ashes are to be washt with Water and reduced in the Furnace, on such wise as we spake of but now.

N. B. Other lesser Metals may be added to the Lead or to the leaden Vein or Oar, and so be reduced into Ashes together, as Tin, Iron or Copper. But yet these leaden Oars are more advantageous and profitable if they are taken alone, as being more fit for this kind of labour, seeing they have already in them Iron and Copper, and yield not any good and vendible Lead, by reason of their wild nature, and so there’s no need of burning up Copper and Tin which are already vendible.

N. B. Whilest this Incineration is done, many Metallick Flores does ascend up into the Receptacles appointed for the fume to go up in, and which are adjoyned to the Furnace, which (if need be) may be taken out, and by washings be freed from the Salt which ascended together with them, and by Reduction be restored or reduced to their former body: and will yield Lead which contains in it Silver, and is to be converted into Litharge like other Lead, that the Silver may be separated therefrom.

This likewise is heedfully to be observed in the other Minera’s or Oars turned into Ashes, that afore their Reduction, they be thoroughly washt from all the Salt, and the light filths or defilements are to be well separated from the metalline body; for if this be neglected, the Salt being forced with the strong blast of the Bellows would carry off the Metal together with it self, and the Ashes of the Coals would hinder the Fusion of the Metal it self, and reduce the same into Scoria’s.

As concerning the Reduction it self, this is well to be regarded, that the Fire must be kindled in the Furnace at least two hours afore the Ashes of the Oars that are to be reduced, are to be put in, that so the Furnace may be thoroughly bright-hot within; for if it be not through fiery-hot, the Cast in Minera’s melt not, and being not molten they lie in the Fire, and hinder the blast of the Bellows, and spoil the Operation it self.

These labours therefore require a skilfull Artificer, and one versed in such Operations, for they are not so very Facile as they seem to many, to appear to be.

Then farther, this is likewise to be noted, that if the Minera’s or Oars that you take to this Operation are full of Sulphur, and that that Sulphur is not wholly taken away by torrifying [or calcining them] it will by its fierceness reduce in the melting the body of the good Metal into Scoria’s, and instead of Metal present you with Dross. And this is that Incineration and Reduction which I have showed in my Laboratory, both to Friends and Enemies; But yet I have (since that time) found out a far easier way of doing this labour, by the help of which, one Man will do more in one day, than he could otherwise in eight days. But because this way is not as yet made common, it seems not convenient in my Opinion to divulge it here; for as much as I have determined with my self in this present Appendix to disclose onely those things which I exposed to be seen in my Laboratory by others.

By what means Gold, Silver, yea and Copper too, may with great profit be extracted out of the poor Metallick Veins by the moist way, and which cannot quit the costs of doing it by Fire.

First of all, the metallick Earths are to be made red hot, and to be quenched in cold Water, that so being made brittle they may be ground in a Mill. If Sulphur be admixt in them, then must they by a foregoing fireing be freed from the same, because the Sulphur hinders the Aqua Fortis, from duely dissolving those Oars. Being now thus prepared, they are to be put into the stronger Glasses, or into Earthen Cucurbits made of the best Clay, and the following Water is to be poured upon them, and is to cover them over three fingers breadth. The Cucurbit being filled with these matters is to be set in a Case [or Pot] full of Sand, and prepared for this use, and all the Water is to be drawn therefrom by Distillation: which is not onely all of it again recovered, but withall doth get it self an encrease or augmentation from the Salt-peter or the Salt, so that there ascends more Water by Distillation than was poured on.

The Oars are to be taken out of the Cucurbit, (or Cucurbits, if there were more Pots used) and being taken forth you must pour common Water thereupon to extract the remaining Salt thereout of, in the which Salt is found the Gold and the Silver that was in the Oars.

N. B. This is to be observed in this labour, that all the Spirits are not to be drawn off from the Oars even to the dry Salt; and this not onely to shun the dammage that might happen by breaking the Glasses, but also for this reason, viz. that there may be left behind with the Salt a little Acrimony, because of some Salts which easily pass into Salt-peter when some Aqua Fortis is drawn off them. And albeit that Aqua Fortis will easily turn the whole Body of Kitchin Salt into Salt-peter, yet notwithstanding ’mongst all the Salts one Salt admits of a speedier, another of a slow Transmutation, according as it is more or less akin in its nature unto Salt-peter.

And therefore to prevent this errour, some humidity is to be left with the Oars. For when all the Spirits are drawn off, and the Salt is turned into Salt-peter, the Water would not be sharp enough to hold up the Gold that is extracted, when the Solution is made, for the Water would dissolve barely the Salt-peter, and leave the Gold remaining behind with the Oar.

If this errour should chance to be committed, the Salt-peter is to be extracted out of the Oars with the Water, and more new Salt must be poured on upon the same Oars together with the Aqua Regis that was drawn off by Distillation; that so this Aqua Regis having been once abstracted may not afterwards transmute all the Salt thereto added into Salt-peter. For by how much the oftner the Aqua Fortis is drawn off from the Salt, so much the less is the Salt turned by it into Salt-peter, and at length, it will come to such a pass as to remain just as it was afore the abstraction [of the so oft drawn off Spirit.] For this is the nature of Aqua Fortis, viz. to transmute half its weight of Salt into Salt-peter at the first time; the second time it transmutes but a fourth part; the third time much less; and at length will transmute none at all; but puts on the nature of Spirit of Salt; which notwithstanding is most fit to extract Gold and Copper withall out of the Oars in infinitum, if Salt be thereto added, out of which, it is wont to get it self a perpetual encrease (and be) like other Spirit of Salt.

Now then, to prevent this inconvenience, the Aqua Fortis may be left off for altogether, and those Minerals and Metallick Earths may be extracted with the Spirit of Salt onely, and Salt added thereunto: onely observing this thing in the Distillation, viz. that some of the humidity be left behind with the Oars whereby they may be the easilier taken out of the Glasses.

Moreover this is to be likewise known, that Gold, Silver, and Copper may be extracted out of their Oars or Earths even without Aqua Fortis or Spirit of Salt, if onely Salt or Salt-peter be but added. For if some Oil of Vitriol or of Sulphur be poured upon the Water of Salt-peter, or that the Water of Salt be acuated therewithall, it becomes strong enough to extract Gold, and after the extraction and distilling the Phlegm off, there follows by distilling a pleasant Spirit of Salt, or from Salt-peter a good Aqua Fortis. This labour therefore is more gainfull and less troublesome, than if Aqua Fortis or Spirit of Salt were used thereunto.

There are other easier and more compendious ways of extracting Gold, Silver and Copper out of their Earths, which, seeing they have not been as yet shown in my Laboratory, I shall silently pass them by at present and that not without reason. But yet there is frequent mention made of the like [Operations] in my first Century, in which he who has an earnest desire to know more of those kind of ways, may make enquiry.

The Preparation of sutable and proper Waters to extract Gold, Silver and Copper out of poor Oars.

Take of Salt-peter one part, of common Aqua Fortis two parts; these being joyned together, extract Silver and also Copper. But to extract Gold out of its Oars or Minerals, there must be taken one part of common Salt, and four parts of Aqua Fortis. One pound of Salt, and four of Aqua Fortis, make four pounds and ½ of Aqua Regia, the other half pound of Salt stays behind with the Metallick Veins or Oars in the bottom of the Cucurbit, and contains the Gold that was in them, and is to be extracted with common Water.

The way of getting out the Gold and Silver out of the washt-out Salts by precipitation, and of reducing them to their peculiar bodies without detriment or loss.

If it be Water of Salt-peter and hath Silver in it, the Water of Salt being poured in, precipitates the Silver to the bottom. But if Water of Salt, and has Gold in it, the Gold is precipitated by pouring on a Lixivium which hath in it a little liquour of Flints. And now this Water it self thus mixt by pouring (other precipitating liquors on it) yields (by decoction) most excellent Salt-peter. And the Aqua Fortis and Aqua Regis, which ascended by Distillation, are fit to make new extractions of Gold, Silver, and Copper out of their Earths; and by iterated extractions (by the Salts and Waters thereto added) do they get a perpetual encrease, insomuch that in these extractions of Gold, Silver, and Copper, there are not required at all any other expences save those few, bestowed on firing. Therefore in the beginning of this Work there is not required ought else but one onely pound of Aqua Fortis, because in the progress of the Work it proceeds on to an infinite encrease, yea, enough for the extraction of many thousands of pounds.

(Hence is it that this Work is an unheard of Operation, and doth almost exceed all belief, and from which there must an immense gain of necessity accrew, because Gold, Silver, and Copper may by this means be extracted out of their poor Metallick Earths without costs.

There remains yet one thing which is to be heedfully regarded in the precipitation of the Gold and Silver. A common Lixivium cannot precipitate all the Gold out of the Aqua Regis, and therefore I bid you add to the Lixivium some liquor of Flints, and this will also appear in my first Century.

Therefore it behoves every one, clearly to see whether or no he makes use of true and genuine Liquor of Flints in his Operation, that so he may not instead of it, use a bare simple Lixivium onely, and so commit a great errour, as it hath happened to some as I have been told.

But he that can’t make true and good liquor of Flints, or else has it not at hand, may substitute in its steed, common Spirit of Urine prepared in a Copper still, which together with the said liquor precipitates all the Gold out of the Aqua Regis.

N. B. But this Gold thus precipitated by Spirit of Urine, fulminates like Gun-powder, unless it be burnt with common Brimstone afore the Reduction, and that this fulminating faculty be taken away from it, which inconvenience the liquour of Flints is not wont to bring.

N. B. If there should be much Zink, Iron, or Lapis Calaminaris in the Oars of Gold or Silver, the Aqua Fortis or Aqua Regis would not all ascend by the Distillation, nor get increase; but some part thereof would stay with those Metallick Earths, and with the Lapis Calaminaris, &c. and by adhering thereunto be concentrated: but yet there would not be any loss by that, for by the pouring on a Lixivium of Wood-ashes, may it be turned into good Salt-peter, of as much value as may easily recompence the charges of the Aq. Fortis, or Aq. Regia.

Besides, you are likewise to observe this, that if there should be Copper admixt in the Oars of the Gold and Silver, the Aq. Fortis would extract the Copper too, as well as the Silver.

But now the nearest way of separating these two Metals from each other, is this, Let Spirit of Salt be poured to the Aq. Fortis, and it will precipitate all the Silver out of the Aq. Fortis, down to the bottom and the Copper will be left in the water; which if you put some Iron into, it will stick to the Iron, and by this means be gotten out of the water.

This water now, after the Metals are withdrawn from it, is fit to make new Salt-peter with, and by addition of Vitriol to yield a new Aq. Fortis by distillation.

Alkali Salts do in the Fusing bring the precipitated Silver to its former body, which otherwise is very fugacious.

The Copper is turned into excellent Verdigrease. And so the Oars of Copper, though never so poor, may be extracted, and that with no small benefit: Because the Verdigrease made of the bare Copper is twice the price of the molten Copper it self.

The manner of making good Salt-peter in plenty, out of Kitchin-Salt and Calx-vive.

Take the Stones of Lime, which have been thorowly changed or reduced into Powder by the Air, four parts: of Kitchin Salt, or Common Salt, one part, [by weight, and not by measure] whether pure or impure [it matters not:] and of this mixture is a thickish paste to be made by moistning it with Urine, or, in want of that, with Water; which is to be made up into a Pile with Wood, and so may it be made Stratum super stratum, of what bigness you please: and it may be done in a Furnace made for that purpose, or else in the open Field abroad in the Air. But you must beware in the building up of this Pile, that the mass of Salt and Calx-vive be not too thick laid, and too much; but it would be better to make it up in balls or pellets, that so they may be well fired by the flame, which must penetrate everywhere through the pervious heap or pile: which cannot be, if the mass be spread too broad, and so stop up the passages of the flame.

The heap being made as big as you are minded to have it, the fire must be put under, and so long fed, till all the wood is burnt, and the balls themselves have been red-hot, a whole hour at least: that the Acrimony of the Salt may in so great a heat be changed by the Calx-vive, and get it self a milder nature, and consequently be so much the easier transmuted into Salt-peter.

N. B. The Salt that is on this wise transmuted, is most fit for dunging Lands, and to be used instead of the common beasts dung, as I have at large taught long ago in many places of my Writings.

This is the preparation of turning Salt into Salt-peter, which Artifice, if any be minded to work about, it is necessary for him to order his Operation this following way.

The manner of making Salt-peter out of this prepared Salt.

First of all, this introverted Salt must be exposed to the open Air, and beams of the Sun; but yet so, as that the heap may not be moistned by the Rain, and it must lie in its heap the heighth of some three or four Feet; the which heap is to be wetted either with Man’s piss or Beasts; or if there be not enough of this to be had, then with bare water onely, that so the pellets or balls lying quietly for some days, may be dissolved and be mixed with the rest of the matter.

Now when the warm Air hath consumed all the humidity, and dried up the heap, the aforesaid moistning is to be repeated; which being again consumed, and the heap dried, the labour of repeated moistnings and exsiccations is to be so long continued, as long as necessity requireth: For in long progress of time is the Salt-peter generated, which must be washed out with water, and by decoction be reduced into Stria’s or Crystals.

This generation of Salt-peter proceeds indeed slowly on, but yet it brings a great profit. For if once the Salt-peter be but generated in such an heap of Salt, and the reliques left after the washing out of the Peter be again put to the same heap, there will new Salt-peter be generated in process of time: so that new Salt-peter will every year offer it self to be washt out of the heap: and this work may be continued without end.

But he that would have some Salt-peter from this inverted Salt in a shorter tract of time, let him know, that the Seed or Ferment of Salt-peter must be added unto the said heap, that so this same Seed may get augmentation from the Salt, and encrease and grow, like as an herb is wont to grow in a fat and saline Earth. For all things have their Seeds, and doe draw their Encrease out of other Salts. The Seed of Salt-peter is volatile, as is its acid Spirit: its Root is fixed Niter; which being implanted in all sharp Salts, doth beget Salt-peter in a most plentifull manner, and such as is very good, or even better than that which ariseth out of those acid Salts and Alcalies.

We doe not here show this propagation of fix Salt-peter by acid Salts, because it is described in the following Labour and Operation.

Therefore like as any Vegetable may be propagated and multiplied not onely by the help of its Seed, but even of its Root too; Even just so is it with Salt-peter, for it admits of propagation and multiplication by the means both of its Seed and of its Root, as other Herbs doe.

As concerning the Seed of Salt-peter, it is very easily preparable by those who deal in metallick separations and extractions by the moist way. For if Gold be separated from Silver by Aq. Fortis; or that Gold and Silver be by it extracted out of their Oars, this very operation hath already abundantly recompenced the charges laid out thereon, and so it offers it self without any costs, and as it were Gratis.

And now, if I pour this water on, instead of common Water, upon the inverted Salt, it does not onely become good Salt-peter, but doth also yield (as being the Seed of true Salt-peter) an hundred fold encrease, after the manner of the Seed of all Vegetables, and doth the same as they do. And by how much the more of this Nitrous Seed is sown in the Earth, so much the more Salt-peter, and so much the sooner too is generated. For when a Gardener doth sow his Seed sparingly, he must necessarily have but a thin harvest: and so on the contrary is it to be understood of a plentifull harvest. And if now there should be any one that should upbraid the Gardener with the slowness of his Seed, because it produceth not Buds, nor Stalks, nor Flowers, nor Fruits in a few days space, would not he say that he cannot compell nature, for it reserves to it self its due time, and its natural course?

The very same would I have you understand here concerning Salt-peter: if haply my Enemies, those most ignorant Sheepsheads, would object against me, that seeing the Salt-peter doth not presently, in a few days, grow or spring forth from its seed sown, therefore that seed was nor true nor good, or that it is altogether impossible that Salt-peter should be generated so plenteously out of Common Salt: I answer such, as the Gardener does, ’Tis necessary to allow Nature her own appointed time.

But that it may evidently appear, that this my planting of Salt-peter, and that this augmentation may be far more evidently demonstrated, than that of any Vegetable seed; the business may be tried for confirmation sake in a small Experiment, afore you set about a more laborious and prolix exercise, and to prevent your fears of attempting it in vain.

Take the Salt prepared with the Calx-vive three pound, and put each a-part in several Earthen Vessels. Take likewise of the Water of Salt-peter already used (as being the Seed of Salt-peter) one ounce, two ounces, and four ounces: with the one ounce of that Aq. Fortis commix as much Common water as may serve to moisten one pound of the aforesaid inverted Salt: Then to the two ounces of the same Aq. Fortis, adjoyn likewise as much water as may serve to moisten the other pound of Salt with: And so doe with the other four ounces, and therewithall moisten the third pound: Set those three Pots, containing the three several pounds of the said prepared Salt, at the heat of the Sun, but so, as that the Rain may not come, and wash off all the Salt. All the moisture being consumed by the Solar heat, moisten your matters in your pots with Rain water onely, so often, as the drying needs the watering it. When two or three months are over, take out each pound separately by washing it out of the matters in each pot, and you shall find a vast difference, and shall see that that one pound of Salt which had those four ounces of Nitrous seed in it will be all transmuted into Salt-peter, save a few feces: but that pound which had two ounces of the said Seed poured upon it, will contain a lesser portion of Salt-peter; and the other which had but one ounce onely will have the least portion. Moreover, if you pour those Salt-waters you washt out, and which are not yet turned into Salt-peter, upon the feces again, and so dry it as afore, and bestow yet other three months on these exsiccations and moistnings, and then again boil the Salt-peter out of the Salt, it will be much encreased and bettered; and so you will have so much the greater encrease of Salt, by how much the longer you shall have prosecuted this Labour. Such Experiments doe demonstrate, that by how much the more Seed there is sown in a fat and salt Earth, so much the more plentifull encrease of the Seed is to be expected.

But those deriding mockers and persecutors of Art and Truth may here object and say, that the Salt-peter ariseth from the Salt-peter water onely that was put thereunto, and not from the Salt it self? But I answer, That that used Aq. Fortis is indeed the Seed of Salt-peter, but can never recover the Nature of Salt-peter without the help of some fix body: Like as the Seed of an herb cannot become an herb, unless it be cast into a moist and salt Earth, from thence doth it get its body, and so is encreased.

Verily I willingly confess, that the Spirit of Nitre may be reduced to the former nature of Salt peter, by assuming it self a body out of all the fix Salts. But yet, as far as I have hitherto known, by my manifold inquiries and investigations a long time, I could not find any other Salt (save the following) by the help of which, those Waters used about metalline Washings, may be sooner and better transmuted into Salt-peter, like as this, and the following Salts doe: And therefore I doe commend it as of the best rank for the making of Salt-peter. The manner of preparing good salt Nitre out of the extracted Oars is already revealed in the first Century, and therefore needs no superfluous repetition here.

Another Preparation of Salt for the making of Salt-peter.

Take Common Salt one part, and of a sulphureous Oar, which the Germans call Schewelkies, two or three parts, if they contain less Sulphur: But if they have Vitriol in them too, then must you take equal parts of both. Grind the sulphureous Mineral in a Mill, mix it with the Salt, and heat it red-hot by well torrifying or calcining them for two hours (in Furnaces serving for such a work,) either upon a Grate, or else without a Grate, upon Hearths; that so, during this Candefaction, the Sulphur may have ingress into the Salt, and may alter it. This Salt being washt out of the sulphureous Minera with water, and boiled till a skin gathers at top of the water, it shoots into long Stria’s or Crystals, like Salt-peter, and tasts like it, but falls into Powder in a warmish Air. If it be burnt and prepared by putting Calx-vive thereto, after the way afore going, it is convertible into good Salt-peter, but sooner and in a shorter time. If the Minera’s you use have Copper in them, or any other Metal, yet nevertheless may they be gotten out thence by fusion, for there will be nothing lost in this operation but the Sulphur; and this must have been driven away by burning it, however, if you would have any of the Metal out of the Minera.

N. B. The Caput mortuum out of which the Spirit of Salt by the addition of the Vitriol is extracted, yields such a like Salt, and very fit to make Salt-peter withall. There are also several other ways, which yield no small plenty of such Salts, and that in a manner without any costs, especially if the help of Stone-coals be thereto used. Besides too; this you are to be advised of, that (seeing the Salt is to be burnt with the Calx-vive) one Calx is better than another, for some Lime stones are more apt for the making of Salt-peter, but primarily those, which when you touch your tongue with, doe yield a fiery tast; with which sort, the Lime made of Sea-shells doth not compare as to goodness.

By what means the Root of Salt-peter is to be implanted in acid Salts, so as to be thereby augmented, like at the Root of a Vegetable, being transplanted, gets an increase from the saltness of the Earth.

Even as we have demonstrated in the foregoing discourse, that the acid Spirit of Nitre is the seed of Salt-peter, and doth encrease it self out of Alkali Salts like as an Herb doth out of the Earth: Even so by the same reason, fix Salt-peter, which is the root of Salt-peter, admits of transplantation, yet not by fixed Salts, like as the sharp Spirit does, but by sharp Salts, whereto it is to be united by implantation: For, two Acidities, and two Alkalies, cannot produce any new Essence, but two Contraries doe always produce a third. The acid Salt, which is of the meanest acidity, and which doth easiliest admit of being transmuted into Salt-peter, is the common Kitchin-Salt, which we taught the way but even now of inverting by the Minera’s of Sulphur. And if that such provision cannot be had to prepare it by, the very Kitchin-salt it self being taken both in the moist and in the dry way, would perform the same, as I have already shown in other places of my Writings. And as for the making of fix Nitre, you may meet with the way of doing that too and agen in my other Writings, and especially in that place where I have treated of the dry separation of washing of Metals, viz. when sulphureous and Antimonial Metals are washed by Nitre.

The way of preparing Spirit of Salt, necessary for the Extracting of Gold and Copper out of their Oars; as likewise of making good Salt-peter of the matter left after the distillation is finished.

Mix with two parts of Vitriol or Allum, one part of Kitchin-salt, and throw in this mixture upon hot burning Coals, the Spirits of which are to be taken in great Leaden Cisterns instead of Receivers. This operation (besides the salt Spirit it gives) yields also sharp Flores. If any shall provide himself with double Leaden Cisterns, and shall make the Outer one to hold in it the lesser Cistern, and so fill this outer one with cold water, he shall obtain more plenty of Spirits by reason of this better refrigeration. But such Cisterns requires a great deal of Lead; for verily even those three alone which I had in my Laboratory contained a thousand and forty pounds of sheet Lead.

There may be other kinds of Receivers applied to this use, which, to reckon up, would be too tedious in this Book.

The matter remaining after the Distillation may be ground in a Mill, and one part thereof mixt with two parts of Calx-vive; and so balls are to be made thereof, and to be put upon wood and burnt, as we shewed afore, that so they may be transmuted into Salt-peter.

But besides all these, there hath been a far better and more compendious incineration, and bettering of the lesser and more perfect Metals shown and demonstrated to my friends, in my Laboratory, which requires not so many Circumstances and Labours, as the foregoing more prolix operation, which is performed by throwing Common Salt upon the Coals, does: For it is to be done in a peculiar Furnace, and with purer Salts; and being wrought about a greater work, yields very considerable profit: so that it impregnates Silver and Lead with Gold, with twenty four hours easie labour, and renders them worth the labour of separation.

In like manner, Copper may by the help of such Labours be very much amended, and gets no small portion of Silver, if it be added: so that with a little fire and a very few expences, every sort of Copper, though it has endured the fire scarce twenty four hours, is wont to be so much bettered, as to shew in the Touchstone the marks of two, three, and sometimes six Lots, according as it has been diligently and circumspectly handled. Hence comes it to pass, that by vile and every-where obvious Subjects any Silver and Lead may be maturated by little and little into Gold, and so may Copper it self be ripened without any detriment into good Silver, by a few repeated Labours. Now these operations requiring but small costs, and but a few labours to accomplish it, may be exercised without intermission, and bring vast profit. These inventions are such as never were as yet thought on by any, and so never at any time saw the Light. But now they that saw and learned, in my Laboratory, the great incineration, did not all of them see this Labour and Artifice, and apprehend its use, but such of them onely that stayed out constant, even to the end of the whole Demonstration in my Laboratory. And as for such as too soon forsook their Master and the School, they are (and indeed very deservedly) altogether ignorant of this operation. For should they have been masters of this Arcanum too, they would verily have detrimented me more, which God of his mercy prevented, and hereby provided, that all [my Arcana’s] should not fall altogether into mine Enemies hands. The Furnace which I used about the said Incineration and Melioration of Metals, is as yet in my Laboratory, and will haply there remain all this Winter. But as for mine own part, I have determined with my self to leave off Chymical Labours, communicating them to others, with whom this more compendious bettering of the Metals will be yet longer to be seen. Therefore all the whole Drove of my Enemies, though never so big, will not at all be able to oppress the truth, what mad attempts soever they make against it. For although one or another of them hath theevishly stole from me my Secrets, yet presently the Divine goodness hath largely supplied me with others. I have now laid a sure Foundation in Alchymy, and have kindled a Light for both Friends and Enemies, which will very hardly be extinguisht as long as the World endures.

But now, that some little knowledge may be had of this more compendious Incineration, and bettering of Metals, viz. of Iron, Copper, Tin and Lead into Silver, and of Lune into Gold; I say that it is to be done in a twofold manner. The first is, when the Metals are destroyed either with common, or else with prepared and moist Chymical Fires, and converted out of their own Metallick being into an Earthy nature and Essence, are imbibed with spiritual Salts, and burnt by a close Cementation, so as by their mutual efficacy and actings upon each other, to amend themselves, and afterwards by reduction and separation to yield forth Silver and Gold with profit. And this Labour admits of being exercised in as great a quantity and plenty as any one pleaseth, and is clearly void of tedious troublesomeness, and great expences, for one onely person may discharge this Operation in one onely Chimny, and that with no small quantity of matter too. Nay more, (and which is of greater moment) if any one shall in this operation make use of such Salts as they call Graduating Salts, which are easie to be got, and cost almost nothing, he will get far greater profit, especially if he shall put Copper-plates to be burnt with the Metals reduced by the said Cementation into ashes which said Plates, those Graduating Spirits will penetrate wholly and throughout, and in this penetration, better them, and bring them unto a more noble degree, so as to give on the Test, Silver impregnated with Gold. Nor is it necessary that those Copper-plates be separated by Lead in the secret Pot, so to get the Gold and Silver made in them, by the said operation, though they have already gotten a meanly-white Colour. ’Tis better and more profitable to put them yet again in some new Cementations, and urge them more with the violence of the Fire, and they will be enriched with a greater access of Gold and silver, then afterwards are they to be Separated by adding a due [quantity of] Lead, which is [thus] done, when the Lead containing the Gold and Silver, together with the Copper, are melted together into a great Cake, these are to be put in the Furnace, which the Germans call Seigerofen, that so the Lead melting may flow down, and in flowing or running down may carry away with it all the Silver and Gold that was in the Copper. By this Artifice is the Copper conserved, and is to be a new made into Plates, and to be used about new Labours, and be again enriched with Gold and Silver by Cementation.

N. B. There is not at all any need of any peculiar Lead for this Separation of the Copper, forasmuch as that Lead may be used thereabouts which is molten out of the Powders of the Cement, and already contains in it Gold and Silver, which Metals are conserved by one and the same work in the labour of Separation, and are already gotten by the Gradatory Cements out of the Minerals, and the more imperfect Metals.

And this now is my more compendious Incineration and Cementation of the imperfect Metals, to make them better and more perfect. This Operation have I shown to some Friends in my Laboratory, which will moreover be in many places exercised with profit. And now any one may easily foresee and guess, what shame mine Enemies, (who with their Diabolical Clamours and Calumnies, say my Writings are unprofitable and all over full of Lyes,) must at length be confounded withall, and how basely they have behaved themselves. Nor verily is it to be doubted but that there will be such frequent exercise and so familiar a practice of Alchymy (which is an Art that produceth infinite benefits) throughout all Europe, that even abundance of Work-men [or Trades men] will leave their Trades, and many Countrey-men leave their Plows, and set themselves about Alchymy, and by the Assistance of my Writings get themselves Food and Rayment in an easier and pleasanter way, even out of the contemptible Sand, and abject Stones. Whereupon it will of necessity follow, that in all those places where now poverty is rife, plenty of Gold and Silver will again come in sight. These are new fruits which God bestoweth in this Age. And every one that gets so far as to obtain their fruits, let him have regard to the poor and needy, and not forget his Benefactours from whom such things proceeded lest he pull upon himself the wrath and anger of God.

Moreover, there were some other Arcana’s ocularly demonstrated in my Laboratory, during the shewing of those meer prolix secrets, the reckoning up of which here I judge needless. Some of them are of no small concernment, which by the same Sinister or unlucky mishap fell into the hands of mine Enemies, and will without all doubt be by them manifested. For that very reason will I my self reveal some, in my second Century (God permitting) that it may not be concealed from any one, what excellent secrets I have disclosed for the use of mankind.

’Mongst other Arcana’s, this is none of the meanest, which, [viz.] teacheth to extract Copper, (by Waters of almost no cost or charges, out of poor Oars of Copper which are every where obvious, and are not rich enough to defray the charges necessary for a melting Fire,) and bring it to use, and that in great quantity, and so easily as that without question the poor Countrey-men that can very hardly sustain themselves, their Wives and Children, will for the time to come set about such an Operation, and get such Minera’s or Oars, or even the Scorias of them, to extract the Copper out of them and sell it, and so provide themselves Food and Rayment against a sharp Winter, whereas otherwise they must live miserably in want and poverty. The Operation it self is this.

How Copper may easily and very profitably be extracted and made corporeal (without any melting or fusion) by a certain Water of very small expences.

There are two sorts of Oars or Veins of Copper met withall, some are mixt with Sulphur, and refuse extracting with Aqua Fortis; insomuch that you must first remove the Sulphur from them by rotting as it were and burning them, afore that Salts or sharp Waters can display their virtues upon them. Now that roasting (or calcining) then, is to be done on Hearths by the flame of Wood, on which, that metalline matter broken into Powder, is to be uncessantly stirred with Iron Instruments, so long till it emits no more sulphureous stinch: This done, they admit of extraction with Aqua Fortis.

Other Minera’s or Oars which have no Sulphur admixt with them, need not this calcining, for they are to be onely heated red hot in the Fire and quencht, with Water and so broken to pieces, and then are they made fit for extraction.

But all sharp Waters which dissolve Copper may be used to extract the Copper out of poor coppery Oars, and that with profit, when the Waters are of no great costs, but are to be had for a very little charges. Such are an Acetum or Vinegar of Corn, Acetum of Woods, which any Countryman may get easily and in great quantity; also, Water of common Salt, Water of the Lees of Wine, out of which adust Wine (or Brandy) or Spirit of Wine is prepared, and which else are cast away. These two latter are of the meanest price, and may therefore be easiest of all gotten. The Operation it self is this.

The Oars being reduced into Powder must be put into small and low (Copper) Pans, about the thickness of a Span, for if they should lie too thick or compact, they would more hardly be stirred with a wooden Stick: Upon them thus lying in the Pans, pour that acid Water the heighth of a Span or at least a hands breadth above the matters; then put Fire under the Pans, let it boil strongly, and let the matter be uncessantly stirred, that so the Water coming to it in every part, it may extract all the Copper the more easily. When this Water has boiled one or two hours, and so gotten a most green colour, and that it can dissolve no more Copper, it must be poured out, and more put on, and be on such wise boiled so long till it hath gotten the same colour. Now this pouring on is to be repeated with new Water so often and so long till it imbibes (or extracts) no more greenness, which is a sign that all the Copper is extracted out of the Oars.

N. B. If there should be but little Copper in the Oars, the first Water will extract all the Copper, and so there will not need the pouring on any other Water. Nay more, it sometimes happens that even the first Water would attract more Copper if the Oars had had more of the same. Therefore the Copper is not to be precipitated out of that Water which hath not extracted Copper enough, but is to be reserved and poured upon new Oars, that it may be thoroughly impregnated with Copper, and so the precipitation with Iron may not be used in vain. For by how much the more Copper, the Waters shall be extracted (or held up in them) so much the greater is the gain, and so much the less Water is required to this Work.

It is a thing easie to be understood by him that shall thoroughly search into this Operation, and manage it with due diligence, so as to commit no errour.

N. B. If you have store of these green Waters, put in some old Iron for one or two nights, and you shall get out the Copper that will adhere unto it like filed Copper, and ’twill leave the Water white and clear, which said Water can be used no more about this kind of extraction, but may be poured upon Calx-vive mixt with Wood-ashes, and so be dried up, by the Air or the Sun, under some Roof to keep off Rain, and from this used Water, and the Calx or Lime is Salt-peter generated in such a manner as I taught afore.

N. B. This Copper which sticks on to the Iron, is to be freed from all the Saltishness by washing it with common Water, and is to be afterwards dried, and so may be used in the stead of pure Copper, for if molten it nothing at all differs therefrom, if the Operation be but well managed. Nay more, it has in it a most notable Commodity, as being more tender and more pure, and more commodious for many Operations than that gross common Copper is. ’Tis also very fit to be converted into most excellent Virdigreese, if it be moistned with sharp Vinegar and set in the heat.

Moreover I have shown in my publick Laboratory, by what means Spirit of Salt, Aqua Fortis, Aqua Regis, and my Sal Mirabilis may be easily gotten, and that in great quantity too, by a Separatory Sulphur, which is nothing else but Oil of Sulphur or of Vitriol, of which I have very clearly treated in the second part of the Miraculum Mundi. Likewise how Gold may in one quarter of an hours space be converted by the Sal Mirabilis (in a Crucible) into its first matter; or, into a red, transparent, sulphureous, and soluble Stone, which suffers it self to be dissolved by common Water into a most excellent Medicine. This golden Water being poured to the roots of Herbs, makes them to have a golden property, as concerning this thing you may consult my Treatise of the nature of Salts, and the second part of my Miraculum Mundi.

Besides, I have shown to some of my Friends, how in the extraction of Gold and Silver out of the poor Oars a Gradatory and withall fixing Spirit may be received, which is able by graduation to perfect (or exalt) any Argent-vive into Gold and Silver, according as the extraction has been made either of Gold or Silver Oars.

This so great a secret hath as yet escaped mine enemies hands, and so has that my secret incineration and cementation of Metals, of which they would likewise have been Masters had they waited but yet two or three days longer; for I presently showed such Operations to those that stayed, and unto other honest Spectators.

To these may be also added that notable Arcanum of bringing Lead in one quarter of an hours space to such a pass, by means of a graduating Fulmen, without almost any costs, as to be so impregnated with Gold as to be worth the separating.

These and such like Arcana’s with many most profitable discourses have been seen and heard in my Laboratory, a tedious and needless Repetition of which I willingly omit.

Finally, to mention somewhat by way of addition, ’tis necessary that I say onely thus much, that happily in some short time, the business will so come about that many Men will not for the time to come take on them such a deal of care about the laborious, costly, and uncertain ordering of Mine-pits, but will rather lay hold on and manage (and that with greater profit) such as can be had and gotten better on the outside of the Earth. But especialy there will not be a few who will set about these Cementations of mine for gains sake, for they have many times many lying idle by them, and which yields them no profit, which by this assisting way they will augment, and without doubt it will be effected too by many.

Verily I cannot at all see (as far as I know) whether there can be found any honester and certainer way of sustaining Life in the whole World, than this true melioration of Metals, which brings with it so great a benefit. For even Merchandise it self though it be so very gainfull, yet doth it stick amidst Sins, as firmly as a Nail does in a Wall.

The Services of Lords and great Men are laborious and full of servitude, which many have experienced. And as for War, that snatcheth away abundance of Men by an immature death.

Far better therefore is it to live quietly with one’s Family in some poor Cottage, and to feed on a piece of Bread, than to hunt after uncertain Riches by most great dangers. Therefore I doubt not but there will be many found for time to come, who being holpen by my Writings, will more commodiously sustain themselves together with their Wives and Children, than hath been hitherto done. Nor do I at all doubt, but that many will take it very untowardly, that I have so manifestly and so perspicuously revealed all things. For this is often done and daily is it, that I am upon that account reprehended by others, as the following Letter may witness, the like of which I could have here added more had I so listed.

There is no Body can satisfie all. Even Jupiter is not the same (or alike acceptable) to all: One is troubled with hear, another is burdened with cold. What things soever I have written, they are clear and evident to such as are skilfull in the Art, and have understanding in the business, and therefore they had rather I had written more darkly. But the unskilfull and ignorant do judge that I have plaid the Sophister in Writing, because they hit not the mark.

But all their judgments and Censures mought be tolerated whatever they be that they pass upon my Writings, did they not by reason of their ignorance, contemn the good things themselves, and say of such things as are most true, that they are Fallacies and Lies: but this needs not seem strange to any, forasmuch as such wicked contemnings proceed from those that by reason of ignorance and blockishness do no better understand the business. But this is plainly diabolical, to be highly benefited by any one, and to be made partaker of such great secrets, and yet afterwards impudently to deny the same and say, that they never had any good thing conferred upon them. The detestable malice and impiety of these Men hath enforced me to manifest in this Appendix, so many excellent secrets, which I would at no time have laid open, had I not been so treacherously deceived by those perfidious Men.

This is the Letter written unto me, of which I made some mention even now.

“Thou hast written too clearly, and again too manifestly; beware lest God stir not up against thee another new Farnerian Devil, to punish thy easiness [or forwardness] of publishing such Mysteries. For they are not to be profaned by the ungodly, let not the present corruption of Men deceive thee, and that blindness [of theirs] which for the most part ariseth therefrom; for all wicked Men are not blind, I know many Farners that are defiled with all kinds of Evil, and yet are not all of them so blinded as thy Farner is. Nay, their Wit is so penetrative and so clear-sighted, that should they but read the divine Books that thou hast published there would not be a secret in all nature, but they would know it; nay more, they would in a short time perfect that Philosophick Work. Which should it so come to pass, (the more’s the grief) what a many Slaughters, what Whoredoms, how many ruinings! And what evils of all sorts would break in upon mankind; of the which, thou thy self (though innocent) would’st be the cause. I know that the detestable Calumnies of the impious Farner enforced thee to publish them, for he every where reported and to all, that thou wert ignorant of them. But my most dear Sir, what is your knowledge as a thing of nothing, unless another likewise knows that you know it? God knows that thou knowest, for he gave thee thy knowledge. Thine own conscience also knows it. What? Cannot these two most plenarily bless or make a Wise Man happy? The pleasure that depends on the Opinion of Men is unhappy. In vain do we seek after true Felicity without us, if so be its solid principle or foundation should be within us. What matters it, if Men think thee to be less learned than thou art, as long as the very light it self of nature shines unto thee? I would to God that I could once accomplish that, which, by thy divine Books it is most certainly manifest unto me, thou hast perfected, and let all Men believe me to be a most stupid Fellow; I wish not thus, as if I did at all doubt of the truth of any Work. For though I should have perfected the whole work an hundred times, I could scarce be more certain of the truth thereof [than now.] He that knows the way of concentrating Fire, and of uniting the terrestrial Sun to this concentrated Fire, and the Arcana’s of Fermentations doubts not, nor seeks after any thing more. I may boldly say, that seeing nature doth perform whatever she has a mind unto, by these three, it must necessarily be, that it should do some most eminent thing. But if I could but once have finished the Work it self amidst those thousand of businesses that have hitherto withheld me, and kept me off from the Operation, I should have been long ago able to wind my self out of the intricacies of this present Age, and wholly devoted my self unto God, and to the most holy Philosophy. I beseech thee therefore my [dear] Master, and entreat thee by God and by the most laudable charity thou owest thy Neighbours, to write more obscurely for the time to come, nay, and if it may be, to wrap over the Books thou hast already published with some new cloudings, lest that celestial treasure fall into the hands of the unworthy, and so become hurtfull to pious Men. Pardon Sir the liberty of my complaint, for there is no other cause thereof save piety to God, and a Zeal to the most Learned, most upright Man, and one that too well deserves from ungratefull mankind. And albeit thou knowest not me, yet canst thou not be unknown to the Curious, seeing thou hast Written such wonderfull things. Nor can there be any one that shall but once have read over thy Books, but he will be highly obliged unto thee, if he has but any light of Justice [or Righteousness] remaining in him, &c.”

Many such like Letters as these, have been ofttimes sent me from learned and skilfull Men, tending to this end, to warn me not to publish such excellent secrets for the time to come. Yet nevertheless, amongst those that are rendred partaker of such, there are some who (although the Operation it self has been sometimes manually showed them very perspicuously and clearly,) are notwithstanding so sottish and ignorant, as that they cannot imitate the aforeshown Operation. But some there are also that are come to such an heighth of Treachery, as that (being either seduced by their own false malice, or drawn away with the desire of profit,) they deny even the truth, certainty and stability of that very thing themselves have manually experienced, and dare to say it is false, this verily is an astonishing and detestably malicious wickedness, and justly and deservedly gives every one an occasion to shun such devilish Men more than a Dog or Snake.

I Glauber may justly and deservedly be compared with a burning Candle, by serving others, am I consumed; have not I by the publishing such very excellent Writings kindled a clear and new light to the whole World, and added and consumed mine own peculiar Oil, and that in vain too, as reaping no recompence proceeding from a gratefull mind?

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An Explanation of some obscure places which are to be met withall in the Third and Fourth Part of the Prosperity of Germany, and in the first Century.

In the [Third Part of the Prosperity of Germany].

In the Operation which teacheth to extract Gold and Silver with profit, out of all Oars or Metallick Earths, in [Page 360], A. signifies Lapis Calaminaris.

[Page 361]. A. is once met withall there, and signifies the same Lapis Calaminaris.

In [Page 370], the same Letter A, once put, signifies the same Lapis Calaminaris.

In [Page 370]. b. where we treat of the Waters used about Washing or Edulcoration, and show their use, the Letter B. signifies pieces of Cloth, and the Letter C. the shells of Eggs, and all Cockle-shells and Muscle-shells, [or Shell-fish] of all kinds, in the water and out of the water: but the Letter D. denotes the Feces or Lees of Wine.

In the same Page, the Letter E. shows or signifies Eggshells, and the Shells of all Shell-fish.

The Letter F. signifies Stones and Lime.

In [Page 371]. a. the Letter G. signifies Oil of Vitriol.

In the [Fourth Part of the Prosperity of Germany].

In [Page 397]. b. the Letter A. signifies one part, and B. three parts.

In [Page 398]. a. by the first X. is understood Alkalies, and by the other X. is meant a fixt Salt, helping on Liquefaction or Fusion.

Here follow some profitable Operations, and which appertain to the Extraction of Metallick Earths; they are indeed treated of, or published in the first Century; but because of the omitting of some words, they are hard to be understood: which, forasmuch as they comprise the things that primarily concern the Extraction of Gold and Silver, it seemed to me a matter worth the while to insert the same in this Appendix, the which (as I hope) will not be unacceptable to those that search after such great Secrets.

31. By what means volatile Gold is to be compendiously extracted by the moist way, out of coloured Flints, red Talk, Granates, Sand, Clay, and such-like Oars or Minerals, and made corporeal.

First of all, such Minerals are to be heated red-hot in the Fire, and be quenched, then ground with Mill-stones, and are to be put in Stone-Pots, or Waldenburg-Pots, or Colein-Pots, that in them they may be moistned with pouring Aqua Regia thereupon. These Pots you must put Coals about, and heat them well. The Minera’s being together with the Aqua Regia well heated, there must be poured thereupon so much Common warm water, as will suffice to wash off the Aqua Regia. Being on this wise moistned, they are to be put into great Pots made of good Potters Earth, having a many little holes in the bottom, over which is some Cap-paper to be spread, that nothing of the Oars fall out through the holes, but the water onely may distill down. After that all the first water is run out, you must pour on more hot water, and these pourings on are to be so often repeated, till the water tasts on more saltish, for then it has carried off with it the Aqua Regia that contained the Gold in it.

N. B. The Pots are to be set upon a Bench or Dresser that hath holes in it, so that the [Waters] may pass through the bottoms by the holes, and Vessels may be set there-under.

N. B. The Minerals may also be put in Barrels, having a double bottom, such as those Barrels are in which they use to wash out the Salt-peter with Common water out of the Earth. And now after the same manner are the pourings on of Common water to be so long continued till there is no more saltishness perceived.

N. B. Albeit that there is no more tast of saltness discernable, yet nevertheless some of the Salt doth as yet abide with them, [viz. with the Oars] and which is to be turned into Salt-peter, on this wise following.

32. How good Salt-peter is to be made with profit even out of these Oars.

Mix these Minera’s that are thus deprived of their Gold with an equal weight of Calx-vive and Wood-ashes, then heap them up in a heap under some Shed or Pent-house, and moisten them for half a year, or for an whole year by repeated pourings on, of either Man’s piss or Beasts, as often as (after the drying up of the moisture) need requires. In want of Piss you may use Common water. By this means the Aqua Regia, which was not thoroughly washt off with the warm water, and so remained behind in the Oars, will, by the assistance of Urine, or even of Rain-water, convert the Salt in the Calx-vive into good Salt-peter, which is to be washt off like other Salt-peters, and be reduced into Stria’s or Crystals. The remaining matter being freed of the Salt-peter by washing it off, may be again put under the same Shed or Roof, to keep off the Rain, and be exposed to the Air and Solar heat, and be moistned with Urine, and it will in its season again yield Salt-peter, and will even keep doing the same for many following years, if it be dealt withall on the like manner. And so even the very Aqua Fortis it self, which remained behind in the Oars, will bring its benefit. The reason of this manner of Salt-peter making is this, because the Aqua Fortis, or Spirit of Nitre, is as it were the seed of Salt-peter, and is of this nature, viz. when it is put among other Salts, (like as when some Vegetable seed is sown in the Earth,) it augments it self thereby, and is multiplied, even as the Seeds of Herbs are wont to doe. And haply, hence came that old Proverb, of sowing Salt, which the unskilfull and ignorant mock at, saying, How can it be possibly done, that Salt should be sown and multiplied, seeing the Rain can dissolve it and wash it away? These foolish ones did not know either what Salt was to be sown, or how. Evident it is, that even this is the sentence and opinion of the ancient Philosophers, that even Salt may be sown and multiplied in the manner of Vegetables.

N. B. Out of the extracted Oars or Minerals being conjoyned with Calx-vive and Wood-ashes, may Salt-peter be made, in a few days space, by moistning the matters with pouring on, even barely Common water, and so drying it up again: but then there will not be such a quantity, as when more continued and more frequent pourings on of Urine have preceded.

N. B. It is likewise a thing possible to be done, to make good Salt-peter even in one days space, with the Waters used about the Edulcoration [or washing of the Oars] if they be poured upon Calx-vive so long till all the noise [or tissing ceaseth] which is made in the Solution. And thus out of the sharp water of Salt-peter, and the fix Salt in the Calx-vive is presently generated Salt-peter, shooting into long and delicate Crystals, after that the superfluous moisture shall have been thence drawn off in a Copper-pan. The remaining Salt-peter water must be again boiled in a Copper even to the appearance of a thin skin, and then be set in the cold to shoot more Salt-peter; these Labours are you to go on withall untill all the Salt-peter be boil’d out.

I think now that I have written and delivered all things perspicuously and clearly: He that cannot comprehend them, must even let them alone as an Ass must the Harp.

As concerning the sharp Waters which are used about the Extracting of Gold out of the Minerals or Oars, so as the Gold may not be lost that is in them, but be conserved, and that with profit, there are several ways that offer themselves, amongst which we have thought good to produce these following.

33. The ways of Reducing volatile and fixt Gold unto a body, out of the Edulcorating Waters (so called) with which the Gold aforesaid hath been Extracted out of the Oars; and also of usefully or profitably improving the said already used Waters themselves.

He that desireth to enter upon the best way, may pour into the Solution of the Gold, or into the Water containing the dissolved Gold, a Solution of Silver or Lead, and in such a quantity as he shall guess the Gold is of, that is dissolved in the Water. As for Example.

Suppose there be two or three Lots [Lotones or half Ounces] of Gold in the water, there must then likewise be dissolved so many Lots of Silver or Lead in Aqua Fortis, or thereabouts; which Solution is to be (be it more or less) put to the said water, and to be well mixt by a strong shaking it to and fro, till it becomes like Milk. When it shall have settled, it must be shaken again, and those strong agitations must be several times repeated in an hours space. Then all being well settled, the clear water is to be poured off, and the grosser matter is to be put in a Filter, that so all the humidity may by distillation [or filtration] be removed from the dissolved Lune, or dissolved Lead, and the Metals themselves may afterwards by reduction be reduced into their pristine body, by such an help as we will presently teach.

N. B. If the Silver or the Lead should not have extracted all the Gold out of she Water, or drawn it to themselves, which may easily happen, yet notwithstanding there is not any loss of the same. For, because the Aqua Regia being debilitated by pouring plenty of water thereupon is rendred unfit to extract any Oar anew, there may be poured into that edulcorating Water out of which the Gold is already drawn by the Solution of Silver or Lead, a sharp [or strong] Lixivium made of Wood-ashes and Calx-vive, and rendred a little sharper by a little Liquor of Flints. For the Flints doe precipitate all the Gold out of the Solutions. And now the Aqua Regia being kill’d by the Lixivium, lets fall every Metal that it has in it, whether it be onely Gold, or Copper, or Iron, in the form of a yellow Powder: This Powder is to be dried, and to be reduced after that manner which I told you but now, that I would teach.

The same Gold may likewise be gotten out of the Aqua Regia (first debilitated by Common water) very commodiously by a Solution of Mercury or Quicksilver put thereinto; The Mercury abides in the Aqua Regia, and the Gold falls to the bottom like a tender fine Powder, which being washt and made corporeal by reduction will be 24 Carracts fine. And as for getting the Mercury out of the Aqua Regia, it is not to be better done than by pouring thereinto a sharp Lixivium, by which the Mercury is constrained to fall down to the bottom like a yellow Powder, which is profitable for such-like precipitations. The Aqua Regia and the Lixivium serve for to make Salt-peter withall.

The Edulcorating-water out of which all the Metals are already reduced [or precipitated] being boil’d in Coppers, till a skin appear at top, and then poured out into other Coppers or wooden Vessels, yield excellent Salt-peter, fit for the distillation of Aqua Fortis for a new Operation. He that is skill’d in managing this work, will get as much Salt-peter as will pay the costs of the Aqua Fortis; insomuch, that the Gold is extracted without any costs. For five or six pound of Aqua Fortis, which holds in it two or three pound of dissolved Salt, and is precipitated with a sharp Lixivium of Calx-vive yields about some ten pounds of Salt-peter: and this will certainly answer the price of the Water or Aqua Fortis; and so you will have Gold extracted out of the Stones without expence or charges.

34. Another and better way of getting out the Gold that is Extracted out of the Oars, out of the Aqua Fortis.

Make, by Calcination, some Ashes, of one part of Tin, and four parts of Lead, and put them in an Iron-pot, whereto pour the extracted Gold, or the Aqua Fortis containing the Gold, boil it and continually stir the Calx with an Iron rod, that so all the sharp Spirits may cleave to the Lead and Tin ashes, and the Phlegm onely may exhale. After that the said Calx of the Metals hath concentrated all the Spirits, and is become wholly dry, let it be taken out, and be cast upon Coals in a secret Melting-pot or Crucible, in which operation the fire forceth out all the Spirits into the Recipient, which are to be again made use of for new Extractions. The volatile Gold, and which is mixt with Iron, adheres to the Calx of the Metals, and is to be reduced in the Furnace which the Germans call Stichofen; whereby the Lead impregnated with the Gold, and exalted by it, is gotten, which by reparation yields the Gold and Silver.

N. B. If that Lead should not contain Gold enough as to be worth the while of separating it on the Cupel [or Test] it is to be again commixt with Tin, and be reduced into Ashes, and by this Calx are new Extractions to be Concentrated, that so by the so many repeated Labours, the Lead is at length made rich enough, and yields (by separation) a good portion of Gold and Silver.

If (in the separating) the matter be turned by the blast of Bellows into Litharge, it is not needfull to melt such a deal of Lead on the Tests, which would require so much fire. But however, it is a thing feasable for the Gold to be gotten out of [or by] the Tests without melting, which shall be taught afterwards.

35. How an Aqua Regia is easily acquired for the Extraction of Stones.

Forasmuch as Spirit of Salt may be had in great quantity, you need onely dissolve some Salt-peter therein, and this Solution is to be used to extract the Minerals withall. For the Spirit of Salt being made stronger by the Salt-peter, doth readily and willingly seize upon the tender Gold that is in the Stones. And as for the Spirit of Salt, it may be used as it comes over in the first distillation without any rectification.

36. An easier way of getting an Aqua Regia usefull for extraction.

Because that these Operations do always bring forth Silver impregnated with Gold, and that Aqua Fortis is requisite to make the Separation of them; the Solution of Silver may be used, and so the labour of the aforesaid incineration be omitted. Into the Aqua Regia wherewith you have extracted the Gold, pour in a Solution of Silver, and it will fish out the greatest part of the Gold out of the Aq. Reg. and is, [viz. the Aq. Reg.] to be afterwards made use of to a new extraction, and be again divested of its extracted Gold by a Solution of Silver. In want of a Solution of Silver, the extract is to be concentrated with the Ashes of Lead, and you must proceed (by driving off the Spirit out of the Ashes, and by reducing the same Ashes in a Furnace,) after the same manner as we taught you but now in our foregoing directions.

N. B. You are here to note, that the Aq. Fort. which containeth in it the dissolved Silver, and is poured into the Aq. Reg. or nitrous Spirit of Salt, doth add an encrease unto these same Waters. For the Aq. Fort. doth corroborate the Spirit of Salt far better than Salt-peter doth.

37. How the Silver (wherewith the Gold has been separated out of the Aq. Regia) is to be gotten [or reduced] out of its Calx.

After that the Solution of the Silver being poured into the Aqua Regia, hath extracted the greatest part of the Gold; the Aqua Regia is to be poured off clear from the Silver remaining in the bottom, and is to be used about new Extractions. But if so be it should yet contain Iron in it, it must be concentrated by Lead-ashes. The white Calx of Silver is to be put upon some Cloth over a glass or stone Vessel, and so is to be freed from the remaining Aqua Regia, which will drop from it; and by pouring on of warm water, it must be altogether rid of the Aqua Regia, which as yet adheres thereunto. This done, your Linnen-cloth being strong and three double, the Common water is to be squeezed strongly thereout of, and the Calx it self laid by, to dry; which may afterwards be reduced in the Secret Crucible, or be used about a Cementation of Lapis Calaminaris into Gold and Silver.

38. How the said Calx of Silver is to be reduced without any loss of its weight, and without any Detriment.

Forasmuch as this white Calx of Silver is made so very volatile by the Salts, as that it cannot be reduced at all in the common melting Pots or Crucibles without great Detriment, there is no way of preventing that loss more commodiously than this which follows.

Mix this silvery Calx with an equal weight of a Sal Alkali, and cast it into the secret red hot Crucible, wider at bottom and narrower at the top, the which you must cover with its Cover made of the Lute of Wisedom. By this means will the Calx melt, nor will it lose any thing by fume, nor will it penetrate into the melting Pot or Crucible: and so the Silver impregnated with the Gold will be conserved without hurt, which being granulated the Gold may be separated by Aq. Fortis: Now this very Solution of the Silver by the Aq. Fortis, may be again used to gather [or separate] more new extracted Gold, and so will afterwards produce the Silver to be reduced the same way we instructed thee, and so give thee a perpetual Separatory Operation of Gold and Silver, which may every where be exercised with a great deal of profit.

39. Another way teaching to reduce fugacious Silver with greater profit.

Put upon the Rudder of thy Silvery Ship, the little Fish called Remora, that so it may be freed from its speedy flight, and abide quiet. Melt thy said Ship together with the Remora that fits on the Rudder in the secret four-square melting Pot, in which melting together, there is not onely recovered all the Silver without any Detriment, but it doth also get an increase of its weight, out of the white Bristles or Fins of the little Fish, and becomes enriched with Gold by its Bloud: so that this Additament yields (in the Reduction) a greater quantity of better Silver than other Additaments do. But as concerning other Commodities or Benefits that this fugacious Silver bestows, it shall (God willing) be taught afterwards.

Thus much was I willing at present to teach and reveal, concerning the extracting of volatile Gold out of Stones and the poorer Oars, and of a successive graduating of Silver into Gold. There shall be more taught elsewhere.

40. A gainfull extraction out of the poor Oars or Minera’s of Silver and Copper, by the moist way.

These Minerals or Oars are to be dealt with after the same way as we showed above about the Minera’s of Gold, viz. they are to be heated red hot, quenched, and ground with Mill-stones and be moistned with Aqua Fortis, and to be extracted after the like manner as the Oars or Minera’s of Gold are, all the difference being onely in the Waters; for Aqua Regis is to be used to extract the Gold with, and Aqua Fortis for the extraction of the Silver. If therefore there be the Minera’s of Gold and Silver at hand, the Gold is to be extracted by Aqua Regis, and the Silver by Aqua Fortis; and both the Solutions are to be mixt together, in which mixion the Silver precipitates to the bottom in the Aqua Regis, and withall fisheth out the Gold out of the Aqua Regis.

Neither is it here any impediment if the Oar of Silver should also contain Copper in it, which will be extracted together with the Aqua Fortis. For the Silver and Gold fall down to the bottom, and the Copper abides in the Aqua Regia, which is again fit to extract more Gold withall, and may indeed be used as many times as any one shall please. The Copper it self is extracted out of the Aqua Regis by Iron Plates, but they tinge the Aqua Regis with a yellow colour, and therefore make it altogether unfit for any farther labours of this kind. Better is it therefore to concentrate it upon the Ashes of Lead, that so that spiritual Iron in the Aqua Regis, may convert some of the Lead into Gold by Gradation, and the Aqua Regis it self having been so often used may be yet again used.

41. Another far easier way of plentifully extracting Gold and Silver out of the poor Minera’s or Oars, Sand and Clay, and the like Minerals without the Fire of melting.

Fill a Glass Cucurbit, or one made of the best Earth, and excellently well luted a little more than half full, with the Minera, Sand, or Stones containing in them, fugitive and fix Gold, and hereupon pour as much of the following Menstruum as is sufficient to moisten them; then presently put on an Alembick (for assoon as ever the dissolving Water is poured on the Oars or Minera’s, it presently works and fumes) and draw off therefrom (in Sand) all the humidity by Distillation: that so in the distilling the Gold it self may be dissolved, and the Aqua Regis it self may by Distillation be recovered; which is again profitable for a new Operation, as we shall tell you by and by. All the moisture being drawn off, let the Cucurbit cool in the Sand, and then take it out, and put in some Water, that the Minera’s and Salt may be softned. Now extract very carefully and diligently, all the Salt out of the Oar, in which said Salt is the Gold that is extracted out of the Oars or Minera’s, and boil it up into a red Salt, to which must be added some Litharge, and so must be molten in such Pots as will not break. The Litharge will imbibe all the Gold, which how it is to be separated from the Lead, we will presently teach in the following discourse.

42. The preparation of the Water necessary to this extraction.

For the extraction of Gold, Salt is to be dissolved in Aqua Fortis, and for the extraction of Silver, you must dissolve Salt-peter in Aqua Fortis. With these Waters, of which you may furnish your self with plenty without any great labour, moisten the Oars and then distill them off again from the said Oars, and they will be always fit for such like Operations, insomuch that you need never to make new Waters. Nay more, in all the several Operations and Extractions of the Oars, they will be more and more augmented, so that if thou usest but at first no more than two pounds of the same Waters, they may suffice thee for infinite extractions.

N. B. By this means, all the Gold, how little soever, may be extracted by thee out of all Flints, Sand, and other Minerals without any expences, the Fire onely excepted.

This also is expedient for me here to show, that sometimes there are to be found fugacious Minera’s of Gold, and coloured Flints which are sufficiently rich with Gold, and are painted as ’twere with delicate colours, viz. green, sky-colour, and red: but in the heating them red hot, those colours vanish, and leave the Flints white. Such as these admit not of heating red hot, like as others do, which retain their colours in a red hot Fire. Therefore such must be reduced into Powder without any previous heating red hot, and you must extract them [as they are] that so the volatile Gold may be attracted by the Aqua Regis, which said Gold being abstracted [again] by the Ashes of Lead commits it self to [or imbibes it self in] the said Ashes, which are to be reduced by the help of the secret Crucible; in which Reduction, the Gold becomes corporeal and admits of being separated from the Lead with profit.

N. B. Such Stones may likewise be mixed with the sharp coagulated Spirits, and these [Spirits] may be forced over by a Retort: For so, the fugitive Spirits of the Salts carry over with them the Volatile Gold, and make a very excellent Gradatory-water, transmuting fugitive Mercury into Gold, with greater profit, than if this very volatile Gold had been made Corporeal with Lead.

This secret is none of the least of those which teach the Extraction of Gold out of colour’d Flints or Stones.

Such a volatile Gold may also pass into other Metals by gentle Cementations, and so become fix, and will bring no small profit, nay rather a greater benefit than if it were gotten out by fusion. In such Cementations, the volatile Gold hath time of getting a body with the other Metals, and of acquiring a fixity, and is as it were a golden Seed, which augments it self into Gold, in, or out of the Metallick Earth.

43. Another Water to Extract Gold and Silver withall.

For Gold, let Salt; for Silver, let Salt-peter be dissolved in the Water [or Aqua Fortis] and let be thereto added as much Oil of Vitriol as half the Salt as you put. This Water extracteth Gold and Silver out of the poor Minera’s Sand and Stones, and requireth the same operation as the precedent ones doe. It is likewise augmented even to infinity, insomuch, that Gold and Silver may be extracted out of the poor Mines without Costs, if you except but the fire.

N. B. Oil of Sulphur does the same that Oil of Vitriol doth, and therefore may it serve instead thereof in such Extractions of Gold and Silver.

44. Another far easier way of plentifully Extracting Gold and Silver out of the poor Minera’s or Oars, with very little or in a manner no Costs at all.

Mix the Oars or Minera’s with their due Waters, and therewithall fill small Pots or Crucibles made of the best Earth, which put near one another in a great Iron pot. Put an Alembick upon the Pot, and draw off the Spirits by distillation, which [Spirits] will requite all thy disbursements, and will so give thee Gold Gratis, which you are to wash out of the Oars with Water, and get it [or corporifie] by Saturn.

45. Another yet easier way.

Moisten the Oars with their due Waters, cast them in by little and little upon the live Coals, and that in such a manner as we taught thee about distilling Spirit of Salt. By this Distillation the Spirits pass into the receiving Vessels, and the Gold and Silver are dissolved and stay behind with the Sal Mirabilis, and is to be washt out of the Oars with Water, and to be molten with Saturn. Thus is gotten the Gold and Silver that was in the Minera’s or Oars, without any expences, and the Spirits quit all the Costs.

46. How Gold and Silver may plentifully be extracted out of Fat Clay.

Although that the Extraction of Gold and Silver by moist waters is a sordid operation, as was aforesaid at the beginning, yet is it not done without profit; because the Gold and Silver may be gotten out of the Waters by precipitation, and of the used Waters may Salt-peter be made. But now the case is far otherwise with fat Clay, for that, it being fat, the Spirits hide themselves therein, that the one half thereof can hardly be recovered, unless such an Earth be freed of its fatness by heating it red-hot: and this requires some labour to effect it.

But seeing that in all places of the World, wheresoever any Earth is, there is such a kind of Earth, and that in no small quantity, that contains Gold and Silver: and there hath not as yet been any body that hath endeavour’d to reduce it to any profit, and bring it into use, but especially when it contains not in it so much Gold and Silver as to defray the charges of separating it by Lead. But I have found out a very easie way of doing it with profit, and I think it my duty to disclose that Artifice for the publick good; and it is thus:

Mix such an Earth as contains therein Gold and Silver with the Water of Vitriol, which I have afore described, and make it up into balls somewhat bigger than ones fist, which throw orderly and by little and little into my first Furnace, or into my second distillatory Furnace, and draw off the Spirit by Distillation. The dissolved Gold and Silver remaining in the Sal-Mirabilis is to be extracted out of those balls broken small, with warm water, and to be reduced by Lead, after the afore described manner.

47. By what Artifice Gold may be plentifully and easily extracted out of Granates, Agates, Saphires, Rubies, Sand, or other hard Minerals which suffer not themselves to be tamed neither with Lead, nor with sharp Waters.

It is certain that all Granates, what Colour soever they are of, or what place soever you meet with them in, whether you have them out of Rivers, or wash them out of Sand or fat Clay, or that you find them in the high Mountains and Rocks; they always contain in them much Gold: but by reason of their Glassy nature, they cannot by any means be extracted with Aqua Fortis or strong Waters, nor can they by reason of the hardness of their bodies fusion be molten with Lead. Hence it is, that as hitherto they have never been so handled as to have their Gold extracted out of them with profit, and therefore are they neglected as unprofitable, unworthy, abject, and contemptible Minerals, whereas notwithstanding it is a thing feasible for a man to enjoy their Gold and Silver with a little labour, and as it were without any trouble. But now what course must we take to doe this, seeing they elude the sharpest powers or efficacy of all strong or sharp Waters, whereby their heart may be penetrated, and Gold may be extracted out of their bowels? I answer; They are to be overcome by Concentrated Spirits, and which are reduced to the form of Salt, as also by a fusile Salt of Lead, and be so divested of the Gold they contain in them, and without this will the victory over them hardly be obtained. For Spirits being reduced to the form of Salt, doe abide the fire most patiently, and perform a double labour; one by their Acrimony, the other by a strong fire, insomuch that nothing can escape their power, and therefore all things are tamed and subdued by them, and doe afterwards readily obey the virtues or power of Saturnine Salt, and yield forth their Gold by fusion.

48. A Demonstration, above the reach of any Confutation, shewing that more Gold and Silver may be gotten out of the Oars or Minera’s of Gold and Silver, by the hitherto prescribed ways, by sharp Waters or Salts, and in a manner without Costs, than is wont to be done by many Expences, and by the fire of Melting.

I believe it is not unknown to any one that is but a little acquainted with the knowledge of the Minera’s of Gold, that the Gold cannot be gotten out of them without the addition of Lead, or the help of some matter rendring the fusion more easie. And now when such Oars contain but little Gold, and contrariwise much Lead, or matters requisite to promote fusion are of necessity to be thereto used, how can it be, that that little portion of Gold or Silver should recompense or defray such great expences? Therefore such poorer Oars have hitherto lain as cast-aways, as being uncapable of bearing the Expences of reparation, and so are not put to any use, nor are at all profitable.

But admit that the Oars do contain as much Gold and Silver, as that the Costs of melting may be repaid by them; yet such a fusion, compared with this invention of mine of Extracting Gold and Silver with Waters and Salts, is as if you should compare Water with Wine, or the night with the most brightsome day, which have no comparison.

For, first of all, the common melting of Metals is accompanied with far greater Expences, than that Extraction of mine with Salts, which verily needs but a very little charge. Then farther, it can never be, that all the Gold should be so perfectly Extracted out of the Oars, but that some of the same will abide in the Scoria’s; besides, the volatile Gold and Silver, which must necessarily be blown off by the vehement blast of the bellows, and the acuteness of the fire, and so be lost.

Now amongst all the conveniencies that arise from the Extracting of Gold and Silver out of the poor Mines, that is none of the meanest, viz. that not onely all the fix Gold and Silver are conserved by the Salts, but also the Volatile too, and this latter is made fix and constant in the fire, together with that former fixt part, whereas by the Fusing fire it is all of it lost.

N. B. For the Waters of the Salts doe make the volatile Spirits of Gold and Silver, and which otherwise would vanish away fix and constant; for by a strong blast and force of fire are they rendred yet more fugacious. Hence comes it to pass, that [there is but the] one half part of that Gold extracted by the fire of the usual way of melting, that the Waters of Salts get out of the Oars. Upon this account my Invention doth not onely yield this commodiousness as to get both the fix and volatile Gold and Silver together, without any detriment out of the Oars, but also gets not a little in sparing Coals, (not to mention this, that one man does more in the Extraction of Gold and Silver by Salts, than three men are wont to doe in the common way of Fusion.

By what hath now been said, it is evidently apparent, what a deal of benefit and profit this invention will bring in all places of Germany. For this Extraction may be used commodiously and profitably, not onely in all Minera’s or Oars both rich and poor ones, but also may be used in Extracting the Gold and Silver out of all colour’d Flints, wherewith all Rivers, Brooks and Fields do abound.

But some or other may haply say here, by what means can it possibly be, that Gold and Silver should be extracted out of the Stones that lie too and agen every where in the Streets? I answer such, that indeed it is very rare to find fix Gold and Silver in such Stones, but yet they have in them a spiritual, unripe and volatile Gold, which is not onely made fix and constant in the extraction made by Salts, but it doth likewise turn some of the Lead it self that is added in the fusing and separating it into its own nature by Graduation. Hence ’tis evident, that in all places of the Terrestrial Globe wheresoever Stones are, good Gold and Silver may be gotten with profit, by a little labour and small costs. Praise and glory be eternally given to the most bountifull Lord God for such Inventions. Amen.

These are the Secrets which I publickly demonstrated and divulged [or communicated] in my Laboratory, for the benefit of my Countrey. And I do now again affirm and witness that if even the very bare Letter be observed, no body can err. And if so be that any one should change this or that order, and so think to better the Operations, and should err, let him not lay the fault upon me who have Written the naked truth, but let him blame himself.

I had several other things of no small moment, to have spoken to here at present, the which I shall God willing very suddenly dispatch in my second Century, for the present time does not permit it.

And in the said Century will I declare with a yet clearer and easier manifestation, those Secrets here disclosed, the which could not at present be done because of my too much hast.

And now I wish to all the pious Students after this so great an Art, a large and plenteous blessing from the mercifull Lord God, as to this so very excellent a Work, that the poverty and want of abundance of miserable People may be supplied in many places. Which if it be (as I hope it will) it will exalt the honour and glory of the most high, and will encrease the Prosperity of the Countrey, and withall will check and keep under the most base attempts of mine Enemies. But especially if the counsel that I have proposed in my first Century, (viz. that every one may have liberty to exercise such Operations,) takes place. This being granted, it cannot be, but that Gold and Silver and Copper will every where be gotten out of the Earth, with the help of these my Writings, to the great profit and benefit of all the whole Countrey.

And so I conclude this so much hastned Appendix, wrested from me occasionally by perverse Men. Those things that I have not in such or such a place clearly and evidently enough expressed for want of time, I will express God willing in my second Century with a clearer Explanation, and thither do I refer the well-minded Reader.

The End of the Appendix.

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THE
SIXTH and Last PART
OF THE
Prosperity of GERMANY.

In which the Arcana’s already revealed in the Fifth Part are not onely illustrated with a clearer Elucidation; but also such are manifested as are most highly necessary to be known for the Defence of the Country against the Turks: Together with an evident Demonstration, adjoyned [shewing] That both a particular and universal Transmutation of the imperfect Metals into more perfect ones by Salt and Fire is most true; and withall, by what means any one that is endued with but a mean knowledge in managing the Fire, may experimentally try the truth hereof in four and twenty hours space.

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To the Friendly READER, Health.

I taught in the First Part how the over-abounding quantity of Wine and Corn is to be Concentrated, that it may abide uncorrupt for a very many years, and when necessity requires it may be an help to many in need.

In the Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Parts I taught the Extraction of both fix and unfix Metals, to great profit, and almost without any Costs, out of the bodies of vile, poor Minerals and Metallick Earths, which will not quit the Costs of a Fusing-fire, and this to be done by no costly Waters; and withall, how to bring them into use, which no body afore me ever did. And did not I disburse a great deal of Monies in building a convenient Laboratory, in which I produced such most profitable things to the view of every one, and demonstrated them to be true? And what have I reaped for these so great benefits I have done, but a most ungratefull casting off their remembrance? Have not all the things I have taught been accused of falsity and deceit both to the high and low, by those who have so audaciously dared to deny the Melioration of Metals by Fire and Salt? These have also asserted, that the making of Salt-peter of Common Salt is altogether impossible; and they have affirmed it to be a thing quite contrary unto nature, that Metals should be gotten out of the poorer sort of Metallick Earths by the help of a Water made of Salt-peter; but yet that even this is most certainly true, the Appendix of my Fifth Part, and my Second Century, doe demonstrate by indubitable Experiments.

And albeit that the three said Arcana’s are evidently enough delivered and described, so as even to be palpably felt by the hands of those that know how to manage the Fire, yet notwithstanding they have brought but very little benefit as yet, because that although they are most true, yet are they contemned and disregarded by unskilfull Men, out of meer Envy and most perverse hatred, and doe even yet stick in contempt.

However, not regarding these [base dealings] and that I may mete them all things in full measure, I have a mind yet farther to detect some secrets, by which there may redound to the Country very notable fruits: And that not onely by converting the many Metallick Earths that contain in them Gold and Silver, and which have not hitherto been profitable to any unto a gainfull and a beneficial use; but also by defending the Country against the most dangerous invasion of the Turks, who are the Capital Enemies of the whole Christian World, and that by so strong and efficacious a defence, as never any mortal man did yet contrive the like of.

As to what belongs to Mineral Treasures, I have exhibited a sufficiently clear and manifest description of them in the second, third, fourth and fifth Part of the Prosperity of Germany, and also in the Appendix to the fifth Part, and in the second Century. But yet there is nothing so perfect and absolute but that in process of time there may be added and adjoyned thereto some new thing, and somewhat of perfection: Witness my Instrument which I mentioned in the second Century, by the help of which, Gold, Silver and Copper are easily and plentifully extracted out of their Metallick Earths, and that on such wise, as that there are requisite no other Costs but the bare Charges of the fire. And farther, this way would bring no small profit even from those Metallick Earths which are ranked amongst the poorest sort of Oars; if it were well known, and exercised in many places, there would flow thencefrom most mighty profit throughout all Germany, and the said Instrument would by its assistance wonderfully promote the same.

For although I have heretofore publisht several ways of preparing sharp Waters, and of extracting the Metals with them out of the poor Minerals; (and yet even these ways bring no despicable gain) yet they perform not that which is wont to be accomplished by the help of the said Instrument. For this Instrument serves not onely to extract those sharp Waters in a greater quantity, but is also far fitter and more convenient for the Extraction even of the Metals themselves out of their Earths, and for the separation of the Dissolving Menstruum from the Metals, than those Glass Vessels are, which have been commonly used about this Operation.

Therefore it much concerns him that employs himself about these kind of Operations, well and thoroughly to know its Use. I made indeed some mention of the same in my Second Century, but yet not so clearly as for any one thoroughly to understand its Use by what I there spake. Therefore I have thought it expedient to give here somewhat a clearer and more perspicuous description of the same, that so I may not seem to be at all wanting in my diligence unto any one, but may be said to have done all things with a due candour and openness.

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The Description of the Instrument, serving for the plentifully preparing of Spirits, and for the easie extraction of Metals out of their Oars, without much Cost.

This Instrument is to be made of good Earth, that can sustain both the Fire and the Spirits; Metals are unprofitable to make it with, because they doe not long resist the Corrosion of the Spirits; But now, that the said Instrument may the longer abide in the Fire, its outside superficies must be fenced with Iron bonds. This Earthen Vessel therefore must be made of such an Earth as abides the violence of the Fire, and resisteth the Corrosivity of the Spirits, so as that it breaks not nor chaps with too much heat, nor be corroded and eaten thorough by the Corroding Spirits. Such Earths there are enough of too and agen in Germany. Moreover, this said Instrument may be made greater or lesser, according as you are minded to prepare a greater or lesser quantity of Spirits; But however, it must not be made too big, for then (if it exceeds a due magnitude) it will not abide the fire so well. Therefore is it necessary to have several of these Instruments made, if a man be minded to make at one and the same time a great quantity of Spirits. But if any be minded to set about this Operation so as to have huge quantities of Spirits, it will be his best way to have his Instrument made of Iron plates, such as the Armourers use, and to strengthen them with Iron rods, and so fence it both in the inside and on the outside every-where with Lute or strong Clay. For by this means the Instrument being made of a sufficient bigness for the work you would put it to, will in its inward superficies hold the Corroding Spirits, and in its outward superficies undergo the violence of the fire without detriment, and be far more commodious than so many little Instruments that are made onely of Earth.

Of the Form and Figure of this Instrument.

The matters out of which the sharp Spirits are to be drawn, are not to be put nakedly in [as I may say] into the Instrument it self, but are to be put in some strong Earthen-pots and so put in, that after the Spirits are distilled off they may be again taken forth, and other Pots fill’d with new matter may be put in, in their room; and this to be so often done as need requires.

And seeing the Salts that are to be distilled are not put naked into the Instrument, but are put in, in Earthen-pots; the Instrument must necessarily be so prepared, as that those Pots may be put in as often as need is, and be again taken forth, when the Distillation is done, and new ones be put in, in their stead.

The Instrument therefore must be of a like bigness both above and below, and ’tis no matter to have it much exceed the heighth of your Pots you put in.

One side of it must have a Door to put in the Pots at, and to take them out again, the which Door must be made to shut handsomly after your putting in and taking forth.

To the other side must be fitted a Pipe somewhat large, by which the Spirits may have a passage forth into the Receiver. And the Instrument must be on such wise placed in the Furnace, as that the Door and Pipe may lie without the said Furnace. To the Pipe must be added another Leaden Pipe, twining round like a Serpent, and therefore is by the Chymists called a Serpent [or a Worm:] the which must be set in a Vessel full of Water, that so the Spirits passing out may be cooled and be caught in the Recipient.

Of the use of the Instrument.

When you will distill your Spirits, you must put thereinto so many Pots filled with your prepared Salts as your Instrument can hold, then close the Door well, and put Fire in the Furnace. This done, the Spirits will ascend out of the Pots thus heated in the Instrument, and finding no other out-let but by the Pipe and Worm, they will enter into them, and being there cooled will run down into the Receiver. You shall know if all the Spirits are forced out of the Salts or not, when they cease to flow out through the Worm into the Recipient. Which when you shall perceive, you must open your Door and take out the Pots in order, and then put in new, that so the Distillation may be continued on without any delaying. But now, those Pots that are to be put a-new into the Instrument, must be set nigh the Furnace a while, that they may grow hot: for else being put in cold, they would not brook the sudden heat, but chap and break. When all the Spirits are distilled off, then you may put in other new Pots in the room of them you took out, and the Operation is to be so long and so often repeated as need shall require, or as any one has a mind to do. The Salts that remain behind in the Pots you take out, are to be moistned and macerated with some Phlegm or weak Spirit, and they do again, sometimes emit Spirits by Distillation, but yet not in such quantity as at first they did.

This is that way of preparing sharp Waters usefull for the extractions of Copper and Gold. But as for Aqua Fortis requisite for the extracting of Silver, it cannot be prepared by this same Instrument, because it will corrode the Worm or Leaden Pipe, if it should pass through it, which the Spirit of Salt and Aqua Regis do not do.

N. B. When therefore you would make an Aq. Fortis, you must make you another twining Pipe or Worm of some other Metal which will not be preyed on by the Aqua Fortis, or else set some other Stone Vessels to the Nose of the Pipe that goes out of the Furnace.

It is also a thing possible to be done, to make such strong Acetum of Corn and Honey by the addition of some Salts, as that it shall not onely extract Gold and Silver, but also Copper and Lead out of metallick Veins or Earths.

Thus much may at present suffice to be spoken concerning the preparation of sharp Waters needfull for the extraction of Metals out of the Oars. The preparation [or Operation] it self follows.

How Metals are to be extracted out of their Earths or Oars, by the help of this Instrument.

The preparing or fitting of the Minera’s or metallick Earths for extraction, hath been described in the Appendix of the fifth part, and therefore needs not be repeated here.

But as we there showed, that the roasted [or calcined] and powdered Oars were to be put into Glass or Stone Cucurbits, that so they might be moistned with the sharp Waters, and be macerated [setting the Cucurbits] in warm Sand; so the very same thing is to be done here, this onely excepted, that [viz.] the earthen Pots supply the place of Glass and Stone Cucurbits, and the Instrument it self in which the extraction is made, performs the office of Sand: After the extraction, the Water impregnated with the extracted Metals is poured off, and the remaining matter it self is washt by pouring common Water thereupon, after such a manner as hath been prescribed in the Appendix of the fifth part.

By What means the Metals extracted by the dissolving Water out of the Oars are to be separated from that same sharp Water without any Detriment, nay rather with an augmentation of the said Water.

We have taught in the Appendix of the fifth part, that if a Man be not minded to precipitate the Metals out of the Solution by the contraries, viz. by Alkalizate Liquors, then there is no commodiouser and nearer way than that which separates the dissolving Water from the extracted Metal, by Distillation in Glass or earthen Vessels.

If now any one is minded to encrease his dissolving Water in this separation he may be Master of his desire by adding thereto common Salt, and drawing off the Water from it, which said Water will by this means be encreased and rendred stronger. And now there will come no inconvenience to the Metals themselves that are held up in that Water, in that some Salt remains with them, (no,) for in the reducing them, the said Salt gets them an easier and readier Fusion and Flux.

But yet it is not necessary to leave the Salt with the Metals, seeing it is better to separate it from the Metals with common Water, and so use it again to the same labours rather than let it be lost in the melting.

The Reduction of the Metals from which the dissolving Water is separated.

Albeit that that Reduction hath been already described in my second Century, yet I thought it worth while here again to repeat the same in a few words.

It is to be done two manner of ways, and that partly in Crucibles, and partly in the melting Furnace which the Germans call Stichofen. The pure Metals, as the Gold and Silver are wont to be molten and reduced in Crucibles: the Copper may be reduced in the said Furnace, and needs nothing to be added about its Reduction. But for the reducing of Gold and Silver, fix Salts, the Glass of Lead, Borax and other additions of that kind, (of which we have made mention in the second Century) may be made use of. And as touching the addition of those matters which are wont to be used to promote the easier Fusion, this is primarily to be regarded, whether or no the Metals are pure and alone [by themselves] or else have other Metals mixt with them, that (so acordingly) convenient additions may be applied. For if the Gold should also have Copper or Iron in it, then there cannot be any better thing added than Antimony, which reduceth the Gold by one and the same labour [or Operation] and also separates the Copper and Iron therefrom, which thing, other such like matters that are used to make the Fusion the easier, do not perform. Therefore it is necessary that he who would set himself about such Operations, do well understand the Artifice of a metallick Fusion, and so administer or order his labours by adding or taking from, according as the subject requires and as is best. It is impossible to prescribe such things to any one in such a manner as to make him presently understand, learn, and imitate the same.

Some other manual Operations which are needfull to be known in the use of this Instrument and which may be exercised.

First of all, it would be no small or mean Compendium, [or good Contrivance] if this same Instrument were composed of two or three parts, taking for the lowermost part a broad Iron Pot, and so to set on the upper part with its Door and Pipe thereto annexed. And because the bottoms of the Iron Pots do a little bow rounding, and that yet notwithstanding the Pots you put therein may not stand leaning or awry, the bottom is to be made level with calcined Allum, that so the Pots put in upon that may stand upright. From hence likewise ariseth this Commodity too, that if your Pots should chance to break, and the dissolvent run out, it would not be so lost but would lodge it self in the burnt Allum, and may easily be recovered in the preparation of the sharp Waters and be applied to use.

Secondly, the Instrument may likewise be so prepared, as that the Pots may be put thereinto by taking off the upper part, and then the Pots being put in, the upper part must be adjoyned again to the nether part, and [so] be again covered with its Cover; for being thus, there needs not the Door in the side to put the Pots in by.

N. B. There must be some Notch or Channel likewise fitted to the top of that upper part, which being filled with Sand may receive in it the Cover, and so prevent the out-let of the Spirits that way, by means of its tight shutting; as we have taught in the second part of the Furnaces. The Instrument prepared on this wise, will haply be more commodious to many Men, than if it had a Hole or Door in the side. But every Man may choose either this or the other way, which he pleaseth.

Thus have I now taught, and opened the use of my more secret way of easily preparing the sharp Spirits of Salts in great quantity, and the manner of dealing about the Extraction of Metals out of the poorer metallick Earths: Away (I say) most easie to do such great things, and which was never as yet known unto the World.

But yet I doubt not but that the Metals will for the time to come be plentifully and very profitably extracted (and so applied to common use) by the help of this Artifice and Instrument, out of the poorer Minera’s which contain in them Gold, Silver, and Copper, and which will not quit the costs of the Fire; and forasmuch as by the help of this Instrument, the sharp Spirits of Salts may be gotten easily and in large quantity, not onely for the Extraction of the Minerals, but also for the concentrating of moist Fires, and seeing that wonderfull things may be done by the help of those Fires; I do therefore commend it to the Studious of Art, as a thing of better esteem than ordinary, and have sufficient reason of so doing. For to omit the saying, that those cold Fires do give an excellent Magnet for Water or Ice, they do also abound with such virtue as by which they can ripen and better the Metals; the which we will make a larger description of, in what follows.

Besides too, there may haply be effected far greater matters with those cold Fires, as to the defence of the Countrey against the Turk, that Capital and Bloud-thirsty Tyrant and Enemy of the Christians, in some cases than with Gun-powder: if such moist Fires be cast into places a prety distance off by suitable Instruments, or be forced out of those lesser and greater Guns and War-like Canes, they will bring far greater Detriment to the Enemies than Gun-powder is want to do.

By this means, one weak Woman will in some cases be able to repel many armed Men; but this is a thing which such Men as are unskilfull in natural affairs, will deny till it be made manifest, and used against the Turk. Therefore I have a mind to set aside all other businesses, and to make those kinds of admirable Fires to the utmost of my power in great quantity, forasmuch as I well and assuredly know how great Detriment may be brought upon the Turks by the help thereof.

Fires they are which any one may carry about with him like Waters; they will not burn or overthrow Horse and Man sooner than any have a mind they shall. Nay yet more, if any has a mind to fortifie their Virtues, he may by adding other Fire-breathing matters, make them far more vehement and efficacious, and do far greater matters with them as being much more hurtfull than with those simple Fires.

And now seeing I have so very much commended the concentrated Fires of Salts, to

1. Diligent and provident Masters of Families, thereby to take away the superfluous watriness from their smaller Wines, Ales, and other Drinks, and so to concentrate them, and carry them (in case of necessity) into the strong and fenced Cities;

2. To the poor Chymists, that they might by them correct and better the Metals and so help their own poverty and want;

3. And to the Christian Chieftains of War, and faithfull Rulers of the Countrey, that they may stoutly resist the Turks, that are the sworn Enemies of the Christians.

I judge it altogether necessary to treat of them somewhat more clearly.

By what means and way this threefold use of cold Salts may be most profitable to the Countrey.

First of all, the concentrated Spirits of Salt may bring most great advantage, by concentrating the poorer sort of Wines, the which they make better, as is shown in the second Century: when the superfluous Water is removed from them, insomuch that they do not onely keep their goodness constant and durable, but may likewise be far more commodiously and easily transported out of one place into another, so that necessity requiring, they may be more easily transported out of such places as are more remote from Cities and fenced places into the stronger holds and fenced Cities, and so be conserved.

It is as yet fresh in every ones Memory how miserably the case stood with Men in the foregoing War, which lasted thirty years. If any Farmer had his Cellars full of Wines, and the Soldiers break in to the Countrey, did horribly abuse the gifts of God, that which they could not consume by their detestable Gluttony, they wickedly spilled upon the ground; the Soldiers I say, and such Men as profest themselves Christians, and durst boast of the Christian Religion. From hence may it easily be conjectured what it would be, if such a multitude of Turks should over-run our Countrey, which imminent evil, God of his mercy turn away from us.

In the days of Noah, the Men then lived in all security, and not at all regarded the Preachings and Admonitions of that godly Man, by which he exhorted them unto Repentance for 120 years together, they did Eat, they Drank, Married and gave in Marriage, till the Floud swept them all away, and there was no more room for Repentance left, as sacred Writ testifies.

We reade of Sodom and Gomorra, that the Inhabitants of those Cities being even drown’d in Leachery, did so despise the reproofs and warnings of the godly Man Lot, untill a Fire was sent upon them from the wrath of God and consumed them.

Who is there that in this Season feareth God, and lives piously? He that is the strongest oppresseth the weaker, nor does at all think on this, that there is one far more powerfull than he himself is, who comes when he pleaseth, and punisheth such powerfull Oppressours. But these things, and such warnings of this nature are plainly mockt at.

Did not God sufficiently enough warn us the last year 1660, and shewed unto us his wrath, by those dreadfull Tempests and Storms, and Earthquakes, wherewith almost all Europe trembled. Doth he not also this very present year (1662) shew us his self-same displeasure? What portends that Comet that was seen in the Heaven, any one may easily guess what it means. Verily it threatens nothing else but evil, especially because it extended its Tail contrary to the usual wont of other Comets, towards the upper part of the Heaven, just as if it should say, I will show unto the Men, that ’tis not this or that Countrey, this or that Enemy that shall chastise you, but ’tis the King himself of all Kings, who is in Heaven, that hath purposed to punish you for your Wickedness; whose Rod ye may [yet] divert from you that is stretcht out to punish you, if you apply your selves to him by serious Prayers, true Repentance, and unfeigned amendment of your Lives, now whilest you have time allotted ye to repent in, if such admonitions as these can but find entertainment with you. And what I pray will this warm Winter bring upon us, the which being destitute of all cold Ice and Snow hath permitted the Trees to flour in the very month of February, and the Medows to be clad in Flowers, and ripe Cherries to be seen? Without doubt, nothing else but all kinds of poysonous Diseases and which will speedily kill Men, and with which mankind will be afflicted; and if so be that an intense cold should yet follow, which may easily be, there would doubtlesly follow a great Dearth of Grain and Provision by spoiling the Wine and Corn, whose buddings are already come so far forth, as that the cold may easily destroy them. And now are we not sufficiently enough admonished by these fore-runners and signs of the wrath of God coming on us, and hanging over our Heads?

Besides all this, let us consider that great Conjunction of all the Planets in Sagitary, such as hath never been since that time in which all the Planets were in Conjunction in Aquarius. And this Conjunction [in Aquary] preceded the deluge, which destroyed all mankind by the breakings in of the Waters, Noah and his onely excepted. But as concerning what that great Conjunction in Sagitary the next year 1663 will show us, and bring upon us God knows. Sagitary is a martial sign, and deadly, and portends nothing but Dissentions, Seditions, and uproars of War; and therefore prophesieth unto us nothing but bloudy Wars, insomuch that it is much to be feared that this ungratefull World will be consumed, and blotted out as ’twere by Fire, and the Sword, and the anger of God: which evil, God of his mercy turn away from us. Certainly these Conjunctions are not wont to fore-signifie or bring along with them any good. But I heartily wish I may prove a Liar in this case, though I fear me, that there is more evil coming upon us than will be welcome unto us.

For when God sheweth us any thing with his Finger, it should be of more concernment unto us than all humane Writings, for they may err. But God never does any thing in vain and without cause. Never did there at any time a Comet shew it self in the Air but many Calamities succeeded it. That old Proverb may very likely prove true, which the Ancients have pronounced, viz. that it will come to pass in the year 1660, that Alchymy will begin to flourish, but will bring along with it such changes for [some] years following, and such dreadfull changes too, that the third part of Men will perish with Famine and Pestilence, the third part will perish with Fire and Sword, and there will be but a third part onely left.

But yet I would not that you should take or look upon this my prognostication on such wise as if all these things should infallibly come to pass as I have predicted. No, I was willing onely to open to you my Meditations upon the years to come. For all things are seated in Gods power alone, in whose hands onely and alone we know our firm helps and assistance to be ready for us, and therefore do not in the least confide in our own strength and power, which are more vain than are all fading things.

But forasmuch as there are natural means granted us, of driving away our Enemies, we may well use them as far as in us lies, for that it belongs unto every Christian Man, to do his utmost to repell with all his power the common Capital Enemy of all Christendom.

And now therefore that I my self may not be found to be the least in defending my Countrey, I have determined to exhibit in this Book the help and assistance that I can afford, and this is not Money and Wealth which I have not, but by offering such artificial inventions, and disclosing them, whereby the Enemies may be valiantly resisted. For in all things we see, that many times far greater things may be done with Wisedom and Prudence, than with Strength and Fortitude, and this is clearly evident in the most efficacious Operations of Gun-powder, which produce far greater effects than Mens hands, though never so strong, could ever bring forth.

’Tis well known, that the use of Gun-powder was not always known, but was first found out by a certain Monk in Germany, in the year of our Lord 1380, who by chance lighted on the finding of its dreadfull strength. Neither is there any one ignorant, what great Victories they that well knew its use, obtained over their Enemies afore it was made manifest. But when it became publickly known, then it served both Parties, so that neither part had more advantage by it than the other, and then the deciding the Controversie consisted (next the blessing of God) in the multitude of the Men, of which their power was composed, and not in Art. And like as it seemed a meerly incredible thing at first when it was heard of, that a Powder of such mighty force could be made of such vile Subjects, viz. Brimstone, and Salt-peter, and Charcoals: Even so will it at first exceed all belief, when it shall be heard say that Waters may be prepared out of such Subjects, which said Waters can doe such wonderfull, and so many great things.

It is also reported [or Chronicled] that the said Monk did not search after Gun-powder purposely, but being addicted to Chymistry, and occupied about Operations upon Salt-peter and Sulphur, endeavoured to distill a Water from them. Now these being mixt, and by chance taking fire, he perceived them to break every thing, and rend it into pieces: And hence came that man to know the unheard-of Virtues of Salt-peter and Sulphur, which being so thoroughly contrary to each other, made such great concussions or shakings. The same thing hapned even unto my self, for purposing to make sharp Waters out of Sulphur, Salt-peter, and other Salts fit for my purpose; I perceived in such Operations, that far greater things mought be brought to pass by such firey Waters than could be done by Gun-powder. Nevertheless, I buried these Secrets in great silence, nor manifested I them to any man, though I knew them above these twenty years; fearing this, that should they be known, they might be as Instruments in the hands of the Christians to torment one another with.

But now seeing God hath vouchsafed to bestow a peace upon the whole Christian World, and that the Turks doe begin more and more to persecute and vex the Christians by their Tyrannical Persecutions, and endeavour even thoroughly to root them out, as they have already made a beginning in Hungary of their detestable attempts, I advised with my friends whether or no it would not be expedient to detect and lay open those Secrets to the Christians, that so they may be used against the Turks, and I was advised by these my friends to proceed on in the revealing of them. Upon this account (all other businesses laid aside) I wholly betook my self to this very one thing, to get great store of those kind of firey Waters in readiness, which may be made use of as most substantial bucklers or defence both offensively and defensively against the Turks. Now I have done this the more willingly and readily, because they kill no man, but doe onely so far debilitate them, that they may be overcome, and easily taken and made Captives. For were this invention of mine such as would kill men, I would never have at any time produced it in publick, and thus divulged it. And therefore I am even yet of this mind, that that Monk Barthold did not well in divulging the preparation and use of Gunpowder, by which such a multitude of Men are destroyed and slain.

But by this Invention of mine, no man is slain, and yet the victory wrested out of the Enemies hands. And the Enemies being taken alive and made Captives, may be constrained to work, and in my opinion may bring more benefit than if they were slain.

I doubt not but that the things I here propound may seem impossible even to the wisest [sort of] men of this World; nor indeed is it to be wondred at if it be so; for they are unheard-of Secrets, and unseen, and so exceed all belief. I dare not here trust my Pen too much, though I could disclose them in a few words, and so, as to bring every one to acknowledge the truth hereof, and to feel it as it were with his hands. But I must deal warily, lest such sharp, and yet not killing, weapons fall into the Enemies hands.

But yet that I may in some sort satisfie the desirous Reader, I doe signifie unto him in brief, that all the whole Art lyes coucht in this knack, that vast quantities of those artificial Waters may be gotten without great Expences; and being prepared, may be afterwards applied to use by some certain secret Instruments both offensively and defensively. For those watry Fires, or firey Waters which I speak of, are of such a burning nature, that neither Men nor Horses whom they touch are able to resist [or endure] them; And yet they doe not kill, unless one be minded to slay others, and then they must have a more peculiar preparation. But as they are by themselves, they kill none, but doe extreamly disturb both Horse and Man, that it makes them even impatient of the pains, and so forceth them upon one another, whereby their order being broken, they ruine themselves. This done, the victory is as it were given into the adverse parties hands, whereby they can without any labour vanquish and take their Enemies Captives. I dare not to say any more hereabouts, this onely I add by way of overplus, that even Women (where Men are wanting) may not onely (by this invention of mine) drive off the Enemies from any fenced place, but they may force them out again out of the place, or o’erwhelm the Company of them that are entred with Stones. Though this seems an incredible thing, yet is it most true, and will without doubt, after it shall come to light, in a short time serve as a most notable defence for the Countrey.

And as touching the easie, and not at all costly preparation of the moist Fires and their due use, together with the Instruments hereto requisite; all this shall be shown and detected to those onely who both can and will use them against the Turks. But to others not, and this we were willing to signifie by way of admonition or advice.

This little, but yet exceeding weighty Secret, and which may be used against our Countries Enemies with most notable benefit, I have revealed enough of at this time. Mean while I hope, that even this very year the Enemies of the Christian World will be notably endamaged by it, which God of his grace and mercy grant, that it may be a solace and help to the Christian World so dreadfully persecuted by the Turk, even for the honour and glory of his holy Name. Amen.

Now follows the third use, and that consists in the melioration of the Metals, by which also great benefit may redound to the Countrey.

As for such things as concern the true and indubitable melioration of Metals by Salt and Fire, I have already sufficiently enough demonstrated in the [fifth part of the Prosperity of Germany], and in the Appendix thereunto.

But seeing my true demonstration there made, seemed not sufficiently clear and evident to not a few, and that therefore they have most lyingly dared to aver, that there is no such thing as a true transmutation of Metals, and that such like Affirmations as these are meer fables, meer falsities, and meer dreams: Therefore I could not choose but (to stop the mouths of such wicked Men, and shame them,) to lay open and publish an evident and palpable truth.

And this is no great task for me to do, for I was many years ago certain of the truth hereof, and therefore can easily set it afore the Eyes of others, and that not onely particularly [or a particular transmutation] but also universally, insomuch that even the blind may see and palpably feel, that the transmutation of Metals is not an old Wives Fable, but is a certain and firm Science, and what is risen even from the foundation of nature her self. If now I shall prove it to be thus, I have then I hope secured my affairs, and have not onely defended the Writings my self have sent abroad, but withall the most true assertions of other honest Men, and so shall have evidently demonstrated those things which to the greatest part of Men seems a thing impossible to be done.

Albeit that there are many who have left us the truth in their Writings, yet are they so involved in obscurity, that such as know not the Fundamentals of the Art, can never learn ought of certainty from them. Whence it comes to pass, that so many Men have vainly attempted the Art, and therefore the Art it self hath been mightily despised.

The Transmutation of Metals is not a thing of so small a moment (as that eminent Philosopher Sandivogius witnesseth) in his Preface prefixed to his Writings; where he also tells us, that he that obtains the knowledge of the same, so as to transmute any imperfect Metal into a more perfect one, though it be done without benefit, hath met with an open Gate, and entrance leading to greater matters, and this is also exceedingly agreeable with the truth. For if any one shall take some imperfect Metal, and by handling or dealing with it with such or such matters, shall find that it is advanced to a golden or silvery nature, may more deeply look into the business with fuller and more accurate Meditations, and [at length] wholly search it out, viz. whence that bettering proceeds, and by what means or in what manner his labours are to be contrived.

And now when such an one doth make fix and constant, such or such a Metal by the benefit of the Fire, and useth no other matter about the Operation but Salt, and doth really find a true melioration of the Metal, certainly he cannot ascribe it to any other thing but the Fire and Salt: and now whereas he assuredly knows, that the melioration of Metals can be perfected by the help of no other thing but of Fire and Salt, he will not need to search for any other, but will rather wholly apply himself thereunto, whereby he may most commodiously deal with the Metals by the means of Fire and Salt, and better them with profit. And if now he be once Master of his desire, he will gain sufficiently thereby. But if not, he cannot blame the Art but himself, who indeed sees the possibility of the Art but hath not (yet) entred in by it, or through it to the great Treasures it discloseth, so as to take to himself a due or competent part. But forasmuch as such happy Men are very seldom found, who find the Key that opens the Doors to such Mysteries, I judged it a thing worth while if I did here detect this very Key, and show by what means the Gate (by which the closest of Arts is made fast) is wont to be opened. And if now it shall please the Studious Artist to enter thereinto, he may with all my heart, and so enjoy those Treasures. I will not pass the bounds I have intended to observe: it is sufficient for me to have shown the right and kingly way, wherein every one may go that listeth, that so he may arrive to his wisht for end.

But as for the Key that unlocks the Closet of Art in true Alchymy, I do confidently affirm, that Salts are such Keys, and especially Salt-peter, and also common Salt and Vitriol, each of which is of it self efficacious enough to open the Door which shuts the Parlour or Closet of Arts in Alchymy. But one Salt joyned with another as is expedient and in convenient wise as Art requires, does effect more and show greater power than if it abode alone, and this my Writings do too and agen largely shew. But those Salts are in an especial manner more excellent as to power and virtues than others are, those I say which being first made volatile or spiritual are afterwards made corporeal, like as the following example doth evidently demonstrate.

An evident demonstration of the possibility of transmuting the viler Metals by Salt and Fire into more noble ones.

Take of Vitriol two parts, and of good Salt-peter one part, mix them well, and being mixt distill an Aqua Fortis therefrom, with this Water, dissolve Silver or Lead, and pour into the Solution some Spirit of Salt, or else some common Salt onely dissolved in Water, that so the dissolved Metals may be turned into white Powder, and precipitate to the bottom of the Vessel. This done, wash off the Aqua Fortis from the Calx of Silver or Lead, with Rainwater, and you shall find it to be one quarter part encreased, and this augmentation cannot be washt off with any Water. Now these saline Spirits do make the Lune and Saturn so very volatile, fusile, and flying, that they melt in a small heat and penetrate all hard Bodies. Upon this account I called those fugacious and fusile Metals, by the name of a Mercury, which said Mercury of Lune, or of Saturn hath assumed to it self onely so much of the Salts as it needed, to amend it self in the Fire, when they mutually act upon each other, and the Salt maturates the Metal.

But what course shall we now take with these Metals, seeing they are so very volatile, that they cannot resist the indifferently strong force of Fire, and therefore go away in fume? And forasmuch as they abide not the Fire and do not die, by what means can they be amended?

There is no better way to be taken with them here, than (for prevention of their volatility) to add to them some metallick body, into which, the fugacious exceeding fusile, and Salt Metal may hide it self, and so brook the Fire. And amongst these six metallick Bodies, I know not as yet of any better than Tin reduced into Ashes, which is most fit for this Operation, because it is the most unfit or hard to melt of any the Calx’s of the rest of the Metals.

If therefore you will make experiment of this Operation, adjoyn to one part of the Mercury of Lune or Saturn two parts of the white Ashes of Tin, which being well mixt and put into a Glass Cucurbit well fenced with Lure, set it into Sand, put Fire thereinto by little and little untill the matter in the Glass be well heated; in this darkish red hot heat, leave it so long untill some part of the matter doth ascend by sublimation up into the Alembick placed at top, and up the neck of the Cucurbit. Then you must put on another Alembick, and take out all the sublimate out of the former Alembick, and put it back upon its matter in the Cucurbit, and it is to be again left so long in the Fire, untill there doth again ascend some part by sublimation into the Head. This being taken out of the Head is to be again put into the Cucurbit, and to be added to its own matter, (and to be proceeded with) till again some portion sublimes up out of the matter into the Alembick. Now these labours are to be so often repeated, untill there ascends no more matter up into the Head, and all the matter abides behind in the bottom of the Cucurbit fixt. This being done, a stronger Fire is to be administred, that the Metals may be operated upon by the Salts. For by how much the more and longer they endure the violence of the Salts, so much the better do they grow, which being taken forth and reduced by the adding unto them their due matters and being separated by a Cupel do yield forth a notable encrease of Gold and Silver.

This undoubted Experiment and evident Demonstration, doth (by its evident Operation) clearly and perspicuously teach and prove the melioration and transmutation of the Metals into better and more pure; but if this way seems to any very laborious and full of troubles, I will show him a more compendious way and such as is of less labour, for the sake of searching out the truth.

Fill a Hassiak Crucible (one of the best make) with the self same mixture, viz. one part of the Mercury of Saturn, and two parts of Tin-ashes, and squeeze in the matter thereinto with your Thumb pretty hard, and fit at top of this Pot, another somewhat lesser, so as that they may shut close and tight at their mouths, and one may not fall off from the other, if they be turned (topsie turvy:) Now in this upper Pot, put some Plates of Copper in, afore you place it on the lower one, yet on such wise that in the turning the Pots (up and down) they fall not out of their places. Each Pot likewise is to be well fenced with Lute such as will not chap when it is dried, and yet it may be mended if it should a little cleave by dawbing some more on, and this is done, that no fume at all get out. The Lute being dried, place this double Pot or Crucible in a circular Fire, and augment the Fire more and more, and move it nearer and nearer it untill it be well heated. Then put thereto larger Coals, and cover the Pot all over with them, that it may be every where red hot, in which great heat of the Fire it is to be left some two or three hours. Then being cool, take out and open your Pot, and you shall find the Copper Plates in some sort tinged with a white colour, but yet this colour is not so constant and fix as to abide in the Cupel or on the Test with its Body. Therefore necessity requires that those Plates be dissolved in Aqua Fortis, and be precipitated by pouring thereon Salt dissolved in common Water, in which precipitation the Silver Calx settles to the bottom. This Calx being freed of its Saltness by pouring Water thereon, and being dried, is to be wrapt up in a Plate of Lead, or some sheet Lead made as thin as Paper, and be put on a red hot Test, in which there must be a little Lead in Flux, which may the more readily receive the silvery Calx wrapt up in the leaden Paper, and which is volatile, and may hinder it from going away in fume; the Lead being consumed, there will be a grain of Silver abiding on the Test, which being dissolved in Aqua Fortis, will let fall some Gold to the bottom. If any of the remaining matter in the Crucible be to be reduced, then boil it with Lead, and let it be reduced into Scoria’s: out of the Regulus will there also remain on the Test a grain of Silver containing Gold in it. But this way brings no profit, as being here taught for this onely end to demonstrate the possibility of the thing. But if you would get any profit by such an Operation, it will be altogether necessary to use such Vessels in which nothing at all may go away in fume, but all the matter may abide together, and may so get a fixity and constancy: and this cannot be done in Crucibles, but it will bring a profitable melioration by the said way.

Some may now demand from whence that Gold and Silver should come? whether out of the Lead or out of the Tin? doubtlesly it comes from both. And therefore seeing the Copper Plates in this Cementation, as likewise the cementing powder it self have put on a golden and silvery nature, can any one doubt that this is a true Transmutation by Fire and Salt? And this is especially manifest even from the Copper Plates, which had nothing at all toucht them, save the saline Spirits ascending up out of the Cementatory Powder, which in the heat of the Fire penetrated the Copper, and amended it in so short a time. Is there any one now so blinded as that he cannot here see, that this bettering the Metals proceeded from Salt and Fire. Certainly no body will be able to heal him that is blinded with such a darkness of his sight, and therefore must he even lie all his lifes time in such obscure mists. For this Operation is set down so clearly and evidently that it may be even felt and perceived with the hands.

N. B. If so be any one is desirous of getting more Gold and Silver by the help of this Operation, he may use the Mercury of Lune instead of the Mercury of Lead, for it will yield far more than Saturn will.

I could exhibit no small variety of these kind of Experiments, but that the shortness of time bids me stop, and forbear their description; those that cannot learn ought from these things, greater ones will not be at all usefull unto them. Thus have I a-new evidently demonstrated, that a particular melioration of the Metals is done by, and proceeds from Salt and Fire alone.

An infallible demonstration, that a true tincture or universal Medicine may be made by Salt and Fire, for the melioration of Metals.

Recipe one pound of the Mercury of Lead, or rather of Lune, of the Ashes of Tin two pounds, mix these matters together and put them into a Glass Retort coated, and put it in Sand, or rather in an open Fire, and give a Fire by degrees. In this Operation, the Salts inhering in the Mercury of Saturn or Lune, do display or exercise their virtues upon Jupiter, and seize upon it and leave the Lune or Lead, and ascend up into the neck of the Retort like Mercury sublimate, and are very heavy and ponderous, and do very rarely fall down into the Receiver, because they presently settle assoon as ever they feel any Refrigeration. Therefore it is needfull that the neck of the Retort be somewhat wide, that so the Mercury sublimate may meet with space and room enough, and may not by wanting room break the Retort. Now when the Retort has been kept three hours in a red hot heat, which time is requisite for the Mercury sublimate to ascend in, then cease from continuing or keeping on your Fire, that so it may cool. Then take out the sublimate out of the neck of the Retort when cold, and you shall find about some eight Lots 4 Ounces, and proceed with it the way following, as we shall by and by tell you.

Mix the Reliques or what is left, with two parts of Regulus of Antimony made with Iron, and melt it into a body: Wash off the Regulus and Tin from the Silver with Salt-peter, and you shall have your Silver not onely encreased by the Jupiter, but also indued with somewhat of a golden nature; as much as the Salts could maturate in so short a time, which is indeed a speedy Transmutation. But if you use Mercury of Saturn, there will not follow much amendment in so short a time. Yet nevertheless, that even the truth it self may even by this means be searcht out, there may be added a little Lead, and be boiled and reduced into Scoria’s, in which there will remain a grain of Silver, which will give you information, how much melioration the saline Spirits are able to bestow in three or four hours space.

But this is not the right way of getting profit, for as much as it shows onely the possibility of the thing.

But if you would have any profit by such an Operation, you must get you a Cucurbit for this sublimation made of good and vitreous or glazefying Earth; and the sublimed Mercury must be taken forth of the Alembick, and be again added to the dry matter lying in the bottom of the Cucurbit, and this Operation of subliming it must be so often repeated, till there ascend up no more, and that all abides fix with the Tin. Then is a stronger Fire to be put thereto, and the Jupiter and Saturn will be maturated by the Salt as we taught afore. And if now any be minded to take that same sublimated matter, as it ascended in the first sublimation, and would make it fix and constant (per se) in a Glass, he would get a Tincture that will in projection tinge with a white and red colour, but yet I never have as yet tried the latter of these. However I doubt not, but it may be done. For seeing that this sublimed matter, doth (though it be so volatile) penetrate the Plates of Copper, by three or four hours time cementation, and turns somewhat of the said Plates into the nature of Gold and Silver by graduation, how much more would it do, if being brought to a due fixity and constancy, it should be projected into some molten and flowing Metal? For that in such a white sublimate (principally in that which proceeds from Lune) there lies hid also an occult redness, and may be manifested by the Fire, this I say, mine Eyes have seen, and mine hands have felt, but have not as yet brought the Operation to its compleat end, by reason of various lets and want of time.

Farther, by such a sublimate Mercury may likewise be wrought various Transmutations, which I think not fit to divulge. It is in its nature fugacious and volatile, and yet notwithstanding doth it in process of time make all other volatile and fugacious matters, such as are Arsenick, Auripigment, Cobolt, and even the most flying of all, viz. common Mercury, fix and constant, which effect is to be attributed to the Salt onely. He that knows rightly to manage this Operation, will not labour in vain, but will be rendred a partaker of great secrets, which thing I leave to the Sons of Art, as a Testament or Will.

But yet that I may kindle some little Torch for to guide the desirous Reader, and may make him more certain of a true Tincture, which this abject Mercury sublimate showing it self in a white colour hides in it, I have thought good, yet farther to add this following way.

Extract out of this sublimate a running Mercury, vivifying and separating it by apt and magnetick subjects; and evaporate a little portion or particle thereof, of about the bigness of a Pea, in a Silver Spoon; when ’tis all gone, you will find a purple Powder left in the Spoon. If you cast this Powder upon hot boiling Lead, you will find after its blowing off, a grain of Gold on the Test. The Spoon it self will bear the mark of a purple spot in that place, in which the Mercury went away in fume, and it cannot be blotted or rubbed out, because the Mercury hath deeply impressed the Tincture in the Spoon.

Now may some or other say unto me, whence did that little grain of Gold left on the Cupel, and that purple spot which tinged the Silver Spoon, proceed, came it from the Lead or from the Tin, or from the Silver, or out of the saline Spirits? The greatest part of Men will say it proceeded out of the Lead, Tin, or Silver. But I say, that it did indeed come out of the Lead, Tin or Silver, but that the Tincture adjoyned thereunto is for the most part the true Soul of Niter, which the Mercury took unto it self, and again left it and forsook it assoon as ever it was vexed or forced with the Fire. But I doubt not but that if such a Mercury impregnated with the Soul of Niter, were fixed and made constant in the Fire, it would afford an universal Tincture.

I confess I have tried many a time this Operation in small Experiments, which sometimes answered not my desires, what diligence soever I used thereabouts; but when I attempted it in a greater quantity it never succeeded. This thing seems to be posited in the will and pleasure onely of the Omnipotent God, who will not have those his so great Mysteries and Gifts profaned. I have indeed (like unto Moses) seen the promised Land, but yet I do not know whether or no God will bring me thither in this Life, that so I may enjoy those most precious Fruits.

And if God should not vouchsafe me that benefit, yet do I willingly rest content with this, that I have seen with mine Eyes, and felt with mine hands the truth of the Art more than once, which Art so many thousands of Men do so greedily gape after, but yet not with such good hap and success as to find it out or see it.

I have I say seen the truth, but not the Tincture brought to its end or perfection, but yet have I seen its beginning which makes me certainly assured so far, as that I dare to affirm, and confidently aver, that there is in nature such a thing as a true Tincture, and that it may by Gods blessing be prepared by an Artists hand. I have not yet had so much quiet and so much time as to undertake this so weighty a Work. Yet now I have a resolution to set aside all worldly cares, solicitudes and businesses, and to attempt and wait upon this kingly Work, and expect what the divine grace will bestow upon me. For we are to look for all good things from above, for else we labour in vain, whatsoever diligence we make use of.

These things I was willing to publish for the Assertion sake of the truth, and to prove that there was in nature a true Tincture, that so it may evidently appear that Metals may be transmuted both universally and particularly. And if by some desperate Men or by a sudden and immature death (which chances God of his mercy graciously keep from me) all the Mediums or means of perfecting so great a Work, and finishing it should be cut off from me, yet notwithstanding the truth it self will be able to bear witness to my sayings when I am dead and gone. For I have by me even yet those Silver Plates tinged with Purple Spots, which can at all times witness the truth of those things I have here delivered. For it is an impossible thing that Silver should be tinged with a purple colour without a Tincture. If therefore there is to be found the truth in that white and fugacious sublimate, what I pray would be found in the fix and Fire-abiding red Tincture? Would it not be, that effects of far greater moment would be produced by such a Tincture. The Ancients therefore that desired firmness of health and a long life, bestowed such labours and sweats upon getting a true Medicine for humane and metallick Bodies, and some of them arrived to their wisht-for end, but the greatest part of them were deceived with vain labours, and frustrated of their conceived hopes.

If any Man did certainly know that there were in some places to be found mighty treasures of Gold, Pearls, and Precious Stones, and it were granted every one to search after them for his own proper advantage, what think you, he would be lazy and slow, and would not set himself to seek after them. But if any should so order his search that like a blind Man, he neither knows nor sees what it is he seeks after, or in what place it is to be sought by him, certainly such an one would labour in vain, and lose both his time, pains, and costs; and this usually betides the greatest part of Men, for they spend their labours in vain in their search after this Work, because (like blind Men) they neither know what they are to seek, nor where. But yet ’tis credible that there would not such a multitude of them have stray’d from the truth, had but any one so clearly and perspicuously shown and pointed as it were with the Fingers at the place where the Treasure lyeth hidden, as I have now done.

And although the envious and lying Devil should oppose the truth even with his greatest power, and should most cruelly rage against it, yet notwithstanding he will not be able to shew us any one Man that hath produced and brought the truth forth to the light with greater perspicuity and evidence than Glauber hath.

I have therefore yet once more at present shown by a most evident demonstration even before the whole World, and have asserted it for a truth, that not onely the more imperfect Metals do admit of being really transmuted by Salt and Fire into the more perfect ones, but withall, that by them, [viz. Fire and Salt] a Tincture may be made.

And now let all mine enemies visible and invisible ones, open and secret ones, what name soever stiled by, come forth and publickly produce the true Transmutation of Metals, with a clearer and more conspicuous manifestation than I have here done. I acquiesce with what I have hitherto spoken; if God shall please I will divulge admirable things in my next third Century. In this little Treatise there are laid open onely four secrets, but yet so clearly and conspicuously that no body hath as yet manifested such and so eminent things with clearer and more perspicuous expressions.

For that first Instrument is clearly enough described, by the help of which, not onely a great plenty of all sharp Spirits may be prepared with very little costs and easie labour, and the four-fold use of these Spirits is able to bring most great profit to the Countrey.

1. All Gold, Silver, and Copper are thereby extracted out of the poorer sort of Oars which Germany abounds with every where, and that in a far easier manner than by fusion, and are so brought to a very gainfull improvement, to the great benefit of all Germany, the which hath never been hitherto done.

2. Of the said Spirits is made a Water-attracting Magnet, for the bettering of poorer Wines, that so they may keep good, and be the easilier transported out of one place into another, as I have signified in my second Century. It is a secret which offers gain both to the rich and poor, and may be prepared in great plenty.

3. The imperfect Metals are sundry ways bettered by those saline Spirits, of which may be made vast quantities as I have shown in this Work or Book, and this melioration my Writings do variously teach and treat of.

4. By the help of these fiery Spirits of Salts, preparable in mighty plenty, which is a thing commodiously to be done by the Instrument described in this Book, may the Turks who are the Enemies of the Christian World be resisted without any Bloud-shed. Concerning these fiery Waters, which being such a notable destruction on the Enemies, this is here to be noted, that immense quantities of them are easily gotten without any Distillation and with very little expences.

For if much be to be effected by them, it is necessarily requisite to have vast quantities of them in readiness, without which, no great matters are in this case to be accomplisht. But as concerning the manner of so greatly endammaging the Turks by these moist Waters I cannot so accurately describe the same here, as being a meer stranger to, and ignorant in military affairs. However I will briefly and in few words shaddow out, what way I think it may be done by, viz. to resist and mightily endamage the Enemies by them.

First of all, this is the nature and property of these moist Waters. As to outward view they are like Water, and may be handled or dealt with as other common Waters, but their inward virtue is nothing but a meer Fire. And because these moist Waters may be thrown not onely with the hands, but with greater Warlike Engines or Guns a good way off, by artificial Instruments prepared for that purpose; therefore is the use of them manifold, and as necessity requires may they be used several ways for the expulsion and overcoming of the Enemies. We will illustrate our meaning by an example. Suppose I am in a City or Castle besieged by the Enemies, and that I have by me some of those kind of Instruments which are accommodated to this use for the moist Fires. If now the Enemy should set upon the Trench, Wall, or a Bul-wark, and I were furnished with that defensive Water of mine, should stand behind the Wall or Bul-wark in that place which the Enemy sets upon, he could not possibly come at me; for those moist Fires may be cast by the said Instruments far without the City, like a fiery showr of Rain, or like a Cloud, which Rain being forced out of but one onely Instrument would dilate it self far and wide upon many hundreds of Men, and whatsoever it touched it would hurt and burn like common natural Fire, and it would especially blind their sight, so that the Men would not be able to look up or see. If now the Enemies should make their attempt upon any place, and there should be shoured down upon them such a fiery Rain, and by hurting their Eyesight make them quite blind, how would they be able being blinded to get over the Walls or Bul-warks? I do believe that if they should have gotten over the Walls or Forts, and be made thus blind, they would be heartily glad if they could but get out again and recover their own party. But it would be better to beat them off, and blind them when they come with their Ladders to scale the Walls, than to permit them to approach any nearer. But yet if it should so happen that the Enemies had gotten even into the City it self, and there were some Houses in the principal places or streets in which the defendants may rally themselves and that such Houses were furnisht with such moist Fires, and that such fiery showers were shot out thence so blinding them that they durst not open their Eyes, what I pray would they be able to do, being blinded and clearly deprived of the use of their sight? Would they not throw away their Arms and solely mind the getting the Fire out of their Eyes, and yet it would hardly be so done in half a days time, nay if it should touch their Eyes in pretty quantity, it would scarse be quencht in two days time, and if they should go to wipe their Eyes with their hands, then would they make their torments much more intolerable, and would add more Fire to their Eyes, because their hands are likewise moistned and plagued with that continual shour. And now may not such unbidden Guests be overwhelmed and slain with Stones cast on them out of the adjoyning Houses? And may not one Single Woman with such a little Instrument onely filled with these moist Fires defend her House against an hundred Soldiers. Verily in my opinion there may be made a better defence with such a little Instrument that one may carry about with him, than with ten or even an hundred Musquets. For 100 Musquets require 100 Men, all which when they have discharged their Guns once, and have slain some ten or twelve Men (and yet it is not wont usually to happen so in such cases neither) they need some time to load their Musquets again, if they would keep on shooting. But this Instrument may be used even by Women, two or three of whom will haply do more hurt to the Enemy than twenty or thirty, yea haply one hundred Men are able to do with their Musquets. And if the Women and other weak Men do but blind their Enemies, the armed Men may take them thus blinded Prisoners; that so not being killed but made Slaves, they may be set to Work and Till the Land, and this would be far more profitable than the killing of them would be. So then, may not an hundred Soldiers by the help of my Instruments defend any Fortress with greater and more certain defence than a thousand Men could otherwise do. Verily I believe they may. For these blinding Fires of mine, or fiery Clouds and Rain being adjoyned to other usual and customary military Weapons, will most mightily endamage the Enemy, nor will there need so many Soldiers, for the Citizens themselves may use the other [customary] Arms, and the Women and Children may use the Instruments, whereby they would haply defend themselves more strongly than if they committed their defence to chosen and registred Souldiers.

For these Instruments, (by which the moist Fires are driven far off upon the Enemies like fiery showers and Clouds of Rain, and that without intermission, and as oft as ever need requires) although they be great, yet a few Men may govern or manage them, so that it will be impossible for the Enemies to effect any considerable enterprize in besieging any City. But it is needfull to place such Instruments that thus squirt forth Fire, behind the Walls and Bul-warks, that the Enemies great Ordinance may not hurt or destroy them. Verily I cannot so very accurately and compleatly show what [the best] way [is] of endamaging the Enemies by the help thereof, for this the practice it self will better shew us. I can furnish forth the Instruments themselves and the moist Fires belonging thereunto. I commend the use of them unto the Souldiers, who may learn to use them as they shall find good by experience I do again repeat what I have hitherto so often spoken, and I do affirm, that with one such Instrument may some thousands of Men be blinded in a moments time, and being blinded what I pray can they then do? If so be that others shall endeavour to come to help them and fetch them off, they may likewise be blinded, nor can they run away, and therefore must necessarily be taken Prisoners. And this in my judgment may be done in Hostile Invasions and Sieges.

But now whether or no there may be any use of such Instruments in Battailes and Conflicts with the Enemies, I do not well know, but that a City, Castle, or House may be defended by their means, and so drive off the Assailants, is a thing evident and undoubted. Should there be a thousand Enemies beset the House of some particular Citizen, yet must they depart if onely such a fiery Cloud or Rain (the Doors and Windows being shut) should be shoured down upon them. For so they would be rendred blind and not be able to see or find the Door, as it was in Lots time, when his Enemies environed his House to have out those two Strangers, they were smitten with such blindness that they were constrained to leave the House, and it was permitted Lot, and his, to pass out of the same without any impediment. And is it not lawfull for us to smite our Capital Enemies the Turks with blindness, and to defend our selves, our Wives and Children?

God himself saith, I will encompass those that are mine, with a Wall of Fire, and defend them against their Enemies. Briefly, this invention of mine, of making such a fiery Mist or Rain, is an incomparable defence and safeguard, the like of which was never as yet known in the World. And now may any one easily conjecture what may be done offensively with this same invention. For example, suppose ’tis necessary to take such or such a place from the Enemy, but now there is not time enough left, nor are there Souldiers enough for the enterprize; and therefore some Stratagem must be used to become Masters of one of the Gates at least whereby the Souldiers may be let in.

And now in my judgment some Gate may be seized on and that easily by the help of these moist Fires of mine, and ’tis thus, let some Souldier or other fit for such a design, be taught the use of my Fire-spiting Instruments, and when he understands it, he may be clad in Countrey Habit, and so let him go to them upon the Guard, and in the Court of Guardhouses in which they be, let him shour in upon them a fiery, Eye-blinding, and forcibly hissing shour. [This done] how can the Guarders possibly resist those that come to the Gate and are ready to enter in? Nay more, the Souldier thus clad may have a Granadoe given him to carry in a Sack, which being filled with those moist Fires, may of its own accord (without any benefit of Gun-powder) leap assunder and fill all the whole room with his blind making Dew, he may throw into those Watch-houses where they keep Guard, and so make all that are there present unfit to fight. And if so be there should be more of those Houses than one, the same Souldier may likewise have more such Granadoes given him, one of which he may throw into each House. Nay farther, if need be, and that you would have it fadge better and have it more certainly succeed, there may be sent several Souldiers with such Fire-breathing Granadoes to several Gates, to o’erwhelm the Watch-men and possess them. For the Watch-men suspecting no evil from one Countrey-man onely, will not cry out Arm, Arm, but let him in without any impediment. Such Fire-breathing Balls or Granadoes may be made of Iron, Copper or Earth, which however, properly are not Fires as long as they feel not the Air, and they then become Fires onely, when any one is so minded to have them such, breaking every thing in their reach like Gun-powder burning, and depriving all such as are present of their sight, and making them Sick. Granadoes made on this manner, and of about the bigness of a Mans Head, do not of their own accord conceive a flame without Air, nor do they flie assunder, or at all operate. But if you would that the Air be let in whereby they may operate, there must be a little Spicket or Tap to be drawn out of the Granadoe, that so the Air entring in may vivifie the Fire that lies in the Ball or Granadoe. Such a Granadoe being thrown into any Watch house, the Watch men will without doubt presently run and take it up and see what it should be, and what end it was thrown in there for; then as they all of them stand round and contemplate upon the novelty, if any of them hap to draw out the Spicket, which without all question they would do, the Air gets in, and the Fire enkindles and breaks that Granadoe thus stuft with that venemous Fire all to pieces, and so will strike them all down together. And may not now the Souldiers in the mean time hasten and break in to that fenced place without any let, and become Masters of the Gate? Verily methinks it should succeed very well. I tell you my thoughts of the business, I never tried the thing it self nor do I ever desire to try. Such as have a desire to try it, and have occasion and opportunity of doing it, may more accurately contemplate thereupon, and so will they find what way they may most conveniently detriment their Enemies most of all by. I have laid the foundation, others must valiantly proceed on and bring the thing to a most usefull Issue. However I do not doubt but that the most part of Men that shall hear me say, that there may be such effects produced by these fiery Waters, that may equal the dreadfull Operations of Gun-powder, will mock at me, and judge it an impossible thing; nor will it be any thing strange they should, because they have not any knowledge of nature.

Before those dreadfull virtues of Gun-powder were known, certainly no body would have believed the same, had they heard it told, that it were a possible thing to hurry or throw such a great Ball of Iron, into so far a place with so little Powder. And now it is a thing so very common, that he that will not believe it will be laught at. Even so, those things I have here mentioned of moist Fires will seem extraordinarily wonderfull and absurd to the ignorant, untill they shall see with their Eyes, and feel with their hands, that the Turks shall even this very Summer feel it if God permit, and vouchsafe me health so long. If God (I say) shall permit, which I would have you understand, as thus, viz. unless the wrath of God shall be so enkindled against the Christians, and shall therefore put a stop, and prevent the accrewing of any benefit, by any help how great soever it be. For when God pleaseth to punish any Countrey with deserved afflictions, certainly no Instruments of defence will at all help or do ought.

These things was I willing to declare at present, to demonstrate in what manner the Enemies power may by such Artificial moist Fires, and a peculiar kind of Granadoes, such things as never were as yet known in the World be broken. There are verily other far greater effects, and which exceed Mans belief, that may be effected by these my newly found out Fires; and such as are not to be written but to be revealed onely unto those that are truly well Willers to the common Weal, and who study how to destroy the Capital Enemy of all the Christian World. But thus much I add, that by these Artificial, Secret, and unknown burning and flame-conceiving Fires, far greater things may in my judgment be effected at any time whensoever one is minded, than by Gunpowder, for that it operates not afore it be enkindled with the Fire. But my Fires are enkindled and inflamed by the Air, and therefore must necessarily exeed Gun-powder in the production of greater effects, and this time will manifest.

Those common Granadoes being thrown into any City may be covered with wet Hides or Cloaths and be quenched, so as not at all to operate, but it cannot be so with my Instruments. And therefore it is not without cause that I prefer them afore Gunpowder.

’Tis not expedient to make any larger discourse concerning these matters, and to take up any more room by revealing more. I could verily in a few words so disclose these things that every one mought be able palpably to feel, and visibly to see them, and so as that he would assuredly know that far greater things mought be effected by these my Fires than by Gun-powder. They may together with the Gun-powder use these my moist Fires as they think good and as need requires. And I do not question but that hereafter Wars will be waged after another manner than hath hitherto been done, and force must give place to Art. For Art doth sometimes overcome strength. We will illustrate the business by an example.

When any little weak Man Fights with a bigger and stronger than himself, and they have both of them like skill in the use of their Arms, the stronger over Masters the weaker and Conquers him. But now if the little Man be better skilled in the use of Weapons than the greater and stronger one is, he beats him and becomes the Victour. And when two are of equal Stature and Strength; they smite alike forcibly, and beat one another alike, just as your Laundresses that beat Cloaths with a wash Beetle, so do these lay on blows on each other with like measure. So among the Ancients did they fight Man to Man, and the strength of the blows prevailed. But when Gun-powder was found out, then a few could kill and put to flight a greater number than themselves.

And now again ’tis every where known, that Men now a days do again fight with equal hand, as ’twere, neither party having more help [by Art] than the other party hath: save that the stronger party doth for the most part get the Victory, so that the Wars in our time consist not in Art, but in the multitude and company of Men. Mean while I firmly hope that if the use of my moist Fires be but known, there will be another kind of Warfare than now is, by fighting on equal Terms with blows as the Countrey fellows do, and whereby the stronger can overmaster and subdue the weaker. But now by the help of Art, the weaker may overcome the stronger. And if so be that Art and strength concur together they are wont to be most efficacious. David with his sling shewed the skilfulness of his Art, and subdued that great Goliah, who little expected such a mischance from such a little Shepherd. And like as Goliah mocked at David with his Sling, so perhaps will the Turk have us in derision, should we meet him with such Water-throwing Instruments. But even as that great Goliah was smitten down by a Stone of the Shepherd, so may the Turk be easily burnt and radically rooted out by those moist Fires, if the Christians will themselves.

But some or other may here object and say, suppose some perfidious Christian should happen to flie to the Turks, and put such Weapons into their hands, to use against the Christians agen, what shall we do then? [I answer,] such viz. by their diligent search to add to what is found out and to better the same, for ’twill be a facile thing to do. For nature being so most exceedingly richly stored can never at any time be thoroughly found out. And therefore even I my self do hope in some short time greatly to augment [or meliorate] the said Inventions of mine. If God vouchsafe me life, there shall be even yet produced by me to light wonderfull things, which will miraculously promote the safety and happiness of my Countrey, and especially if I shall but find amongst Men a thankfull remembrance thereof.

Moreover, I doubt not but that abundance of Men will wonder if they shall see these my newly invented Warlike Instruments to be published in Print, which is a thing that I would never do, for I have resolved to make such onely partakers of the knowledge of the same, as stand in need thereof.

But because I have conferred with one or two (whom I thought to have born me a loving and friendly mind) about these things, and spake to them too openly about the very business it self, they got some part of the Art it self, and saw the very Instruments in the Workmens hands whom I had taken order with about making them, and without doubt perswaded themselves that they had the full knowledge of the whole Art. Presently upon this they were become invisible and withdrew themselves, insomuch that I suspect that those perfidious Men have repaired to the Courts of some great Men, to offer and sell these my inventions as if they were their own. Now then to meet with such treacherous perfidiousness, I thought good to publish openly somewhat concerning these matters, that so every one may know that whatever Men shall sell such secrets as their own, they were not invented by them but by me, and they have fraudulently stolen them from me. But I except those here, to whom I have revealed them to this intent, that, viz. they may make use of them against the Turk.

And because I can methinks prophetically as it were conjecture that these my newly invented military Instruments will be desired and sought after by a great many both high and low, I judged it a thing worth the while, to take care for the getting some of those same Instruments, and also those moist Fires thereunto appertaining to be prepared, and sent into those places, where they may detriment or annoy the Turks. For without doubt there may be far stronger resistance made with these newly invented Instruments against those our Capital Enemies, than can ever be done with Gun-powder. For Gun-powder is never wont to operate afore it be kindled with the Fire, which kindling and inflamation Water will hinder, and now my moist Fires are not at all impeded thereby. And upon this account it is a thing altogether possible that a fiery Globe [or Granadoe] may be as well emitted [or be as forcible] out of the deep Waters with [or by] them, as it may with Gun-powder out of the Water, the which seems indeed incredible, but yet is very easie to him that is endued with the knowledge of these things.

There yet rest a few admonitions to be given, viz. that no body pass his sentence upon these my secrets here disclosed, with a prejudiced and forestalled judgment, unless he has a mind to slur himself with an infamous mark, but let him have patience, till he of his own knowledge perceive the whole Basis of the business. Many things there be that lie as yet hidden, which (as Prophesies tell us) must be manifested before the Worlds end. This time draws nearer and nearer, though so few believe it. For my part I am verily of this Opinion, that there is such a wonderfull time at hand, the like of which hath neither been seen or heard of from the time of the Floud even to these our days. I pray God to Defend the Pious, and to Convert the Wicked, Amen.

The End of the First Part.

THE
SECOND PART
OF
GLAUBER’S
WORKS.

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The First CENTURY,
OR
Wealthy Store-House of Treasures.
BEING
A General Appendix to all his hitherto-published Writings.

The which doth not onely illustrate all obscure places, as well in his Philosophical and Medicinal as Chymical Writings, and explain those hard places to be understood; but also do so abundantly supply those which are defective, that the learned and the unlearned, the highest and the lowest, and more, the meanest Workmen and Husbandmen, may sufficiently be able to comprehend that Glauber hath in all his Writings, written the pure and simple Truth, and hath again brought to light the most noble Art of Alchymy which hath so long lain hid in darkness hitherto; and hath discovered it for the common good of Mankind.

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LONDON, Printed in the Year MDCLXXXIX.

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THE
PREFACE.

Courteous Reader,

That every promise becomes a debt, is reported by a common Proverb or By-word, and therefore to stand to ones word or promise, is a thing which procures a great Ornament or grace no less to Juniors than to Seniors. Since therefore in my Writings I have ingaged my Faith or Credit through the promising of some little Works, and yet have not been able, by reason of the scantiness of time, hitherto to satisfie the expectation and desire of very many, by publishing of the same; yea since greater Discommodities and Impediments being cast in my way, do hinder me from day to day whereby I cannot write more things, although I have nothing more in my desires than that in standing to my promise, I may acquit my credit, and set forth the said little Works; to wit, my Vegetable Work, my Work of Saturn, my Book of Dialogues or Discourse, the fourth part of my Spagyrical Pharmacopœa or Chymical Dispensatory, and my admirable little Book, of the concentring of the Heaven and Earth: truly they being Treatises containing most excellent Arcanums or Secrets, and the most worthy ones whereof Men can be made partakers, notwithstanding I am of necessity destitute of time for the writing of any Treatise peculiarly, and for that cause I am constrained to insist in a nearer path, and for the sake of promoting the publick good, to send forth the said Treatises in publick by a less labour and trouble. The present Treatise notified with the Title of an universal Chest or Cabinet full of Riches, or of a general Appendix of all my Writings hitherto exposed to the publick view performs this, whereby all things which have been either the more briefly and obscurely spoken in them are with a more clear or perspicuous illustration explained, or things that have been wholly omitted are supplied, and by the same endeavour the promised Treatises are added, yet not in that order wherein they ought otherwise to be written down, and the which order here to be observed, would administer very much trouble; but wherein all the secrets have in process of time been made known unto me, and committed to Paper. But it is free for any one to add according to his own Judgment, Medicinal Secrets unto Medicinal ones, Mineral Secrets unto Mineral ones, Chymical Secrets unto Chymical ones, if it shall so please him, and time shall also permit the same, which it in no wise permitteth unto me, every one that acquiesceth and is content with these things may consider, if a certain Cook should set a Dish on the Table filled with the best Meats, as being destitute of time, to put every sort of Meat in a several Dish, whether he could of right be angry with him, or by whisperingly prating, he could dare to say, he was to be blamed as being not skilfull in the affairs of the Kitchin, because collecting so many delicate and such dainty Meats into one Dish, and daring to set them on the Table? I suppose not any one could of right complain of such a deed of any Cook; the Cook, desiring to have it taken in good part, such Meats as he had, such he sets before them; he that refuseth to take of them, may use his own liberty, and may let those Meats alone, which he is not compelled to receive, even as the Cook also may be constrained by none in preparing of the same according to his own will or judgment.

Whatsoever Meat doth not please the Pallate of one, yet will not be ingratefull to the Pallate of another, but on the contrary gratefull, seeing one Food is wont to savour or relish this Man, and another the other, neither is he inordinately affected with the disdain of confused Meats, who taketh of those which relish him, and leaveth the rest for others.

Let every one that blameth these Writings do the same, not in hastily taking them in evil part, but in friendly and courteously excusing me that I have not sent them abroad in a more harmonious order.

They are like unto a certain true and great Cabinet or Chest, filled with very many excellent Secrets, being reduced into my knowledge through a successive diligent search of thirty years and so collected into one heap, that they might either be conserved for my own or at some time be made of publick use or service: out of this Chest every one shall be able to exhaust those Arcanums and Secrets, which shall please him or serve his uses.

As to what concerns my self, because I daily behold sometimes this Man, sometimes that Man being snatched away by death, to be carried forth and committed to the Earth, I may easily conclude rationally with my self, that those changes or chances will in a short time happen also unto me; I should commit a very grievous offence or errour, that so many costs, labours and troubles, of so many and so great Secrets being consumed in vain, I should carry them away with me under ground, and not bestow them for a common good: I shall here perform the office of a good House-holder, or skilfull House-keeper or Steward, who after that he hath made abundant of Provision for Winter-cloathing for himself, his Wife, Children and whole Family, if he hath as yet plenty of Linnen and Woollen Cloth remaining, he doth not cast them away, but rather casts them together into a Chest, so long to be kept, untill he shall obtain an occasion of administring them for the use of his Neighbour. In the name of the Lord therefore, in making a beginning with the opening of my Chest of Treasures, I will empty it out by little and little by degrees, and will offer it for a common use, that out of so many Treasures, every one may convert unto his own use, what things he shall judge to be profitable unto him; to wit, a Physician Medicinal things, and a Chymist Chymical things, even as every one shall discern any thing to be fit for his own use, every one of what rank soever shall find those things wherewith he might be content, so indeed that whatsoever he shall not meet withall in the first, second, or third Century may be found in the rest, for which things sake, if ten Centuries shall not be sufficient, I will adjoyn other ten or more, that so I may remove from me all those cares, and carefulnesses wherewith the custody of so great Treasures hath importuned and affected me for so many years. Like unto a travelling Woman, who with the greatest desire expecteth the hour of her delivery, and who desireth the beholding of her Fruit, do I desire that time wherein all things shall be printed in Letters. The Almighty God bestow on me so much presence of mind, health, and strength, and prolong my Life so far, that I may finish it to his Honour, and the Succour, Comfort and Profit of all Mankind. Amen.

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THE
FIRST CENTURY:
OR
GLAUBER’S Wealthy Store-House of Treasures.

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PART II.

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In the Name of the most Holy Trinity I begin to write the First Century of my General Appendix, or an Exposition of all my Writings hitherto set forth.

I. Concerning Fire and Salt, and what Alchymy is.

Alchymy is a Science, and Art of destroying, of purging immature or unripe and impure Metals, by Fire and Salt, and by a singular Artifice, of converting the more pure part into a better form and kind, according to the words of Paracelsus, who saith, Every Something is to be converted into Nothing, and every Nothing into Something. Also Corruption renders that which is good perfect, the which is to be equally understood of particular and universal Operations.

Nevertheless it is not of necessity that I should here tediously treat of a particular Transmutation of Metals by Fire and Salt, because that hath been already long since performed in the second part of the Miracle of the World, and also in the [fifth part of the prosperity of Germany].

A Square within a Circle.

In the Sun
and Salt are
all things.

II. A Demonstration whereby it is proved that Fire and Salt are most noble Creatures of God, and that in Fire there lies hid the purest Salt, and in Salt a most efficacious Fire.

That Fire and Salt are most noble Creatures of God I have evidently enough demonstrated in my little work concerning the nature of Salts. But that there is a subtile saltish spirit in any fire, and that between the heat of the Sun, and of our Kitchin fire, as to their saltish spirit, a great difference doth interpose is sufficiently and over sufficiently known. But to comprehend or lay hold of, to concenter such a pure saltish spirit of Sol, to render it corporal, palpable or perceivable, and visible, remains hidden and unknown to us by reason of our sins; because God reserves so great mysteries for his own alone, of whom he is honoured and feared: for God himself useth no better similitude than the fire, whereunto the Ancients exhibited divine honour, and by the help of the same, perfected all their Sacrifices: So among the Caldeans, Fire, and God are called by one and the same name of Esch: and among the Heathens, the chief Philosophers, yea Hermes himself thought the Sun to be a God, and worshipped it for a God. These things are found expressed by Mutius concerning the nature of Gods, and therefore those things are not necessary which may be here repeated. Yet that is well to be noted, that God hath always appeared to his Saints under the shew of fire, and hath talked with them out of it, it being that which is full of the greatest mysteries, yet observed but by a few, as in a peculiar little work concerning the concentration of the Heaven and the Earth I will more plainly and fully declare. I affirm therefore, that it can scarce be, that the admirable, yea incredible nature of fire should be described without the revelatian of the highest or greatest mysteries of God. Therefore it is better that such Secrets are passed by in silence, than that precious pearls should be cast before Swine, who are wont to receive them with laughter, and proclaim that they are nothing but the mere sophistries of triflers, even as is evidently manifest from the description of J. H. S. of the Philosophers Stone, wherein Nature, he saith, makes not use of Glasses, Vessels, Fire, Salt, Urine, and the like in the bowels of the Earth; and the universal Elixir may very fitly be prepared by him, who also hath not handled any Chymical Labours, or was never busied about Fire or Salt: Let it shame the man of such stinking lies, wherewith he endeavours to cover his own ignorance, I on the contrary affirm, that all those that know not how to handle Fire and Salt, do in very deed know nothing, but do give credit unto those things only which they hear, or read in others writings, and also for that cause are unworthy of the name and title of true Philosophers; for true Philosophy is to be thoroughly or perfectly learned by the help of Fire and Salt alone, the which God willing shall be more evidently demonstrated.

III. It is moreover demonstrated, that in all Salts an admirable Fire doth lurk as being laid up therein, through the indeavour whereof very many admirable things may be perfected as well in Medicine as in Alchymy: and also that it may be altogether performed, that out of Vitriol the Stone of the ancient Wise men, out of Salt Peter a spiritual Gold, and an excellent yellow tincture, and out of common Salt the true Pearl of the Philosophers may be prepared.

In all Salts, that a most potent Fire doth lurk as being laid up therein, those have best known who have the labours of the fire thoroughly viewed and certainly known. For through the efficacy and operation hereof, salts are reduced unto a fiery force, or power, or unto a moist fire, out of which they before arose, after the laying down of their earthliness, yet one salt draws out one fire far unlike to the fire of another, so that this is volatile, the other is fixed, and remaining constant in the fire; another is partly volatile and partly fixed, even as the operation shall procure this or the other property unto them, yet all such fiery salts may by the benefit of Art be concentred, and made more efficacious than they were made by some one distillation. For example sake. If any one beholdeth Vitriol, and considers of the nature thereof, he shall in very deed certainly find that by the help of, a strong fire, there may be allured or extracted out of it that which was in the beginning, to wit, a fiery spirit, which by the aid of external fire, being reduced into a narrow Central room, or Con-centration, draws out that internal fire, uncloathing it self of, or displaying so great virtues, that it reduceth into a Coal all things which it moisteneth or encompasseth, even like as if it had been burnt up by common Kitchin fire, or by Glasses receiving the Sun-beams and burning up all things that are objected against it. Concerning these fiery salts, and the preparation and use of them, I being here to deliver a few things, I will take my beginning from the fire of Vitriol, and the preparation of the same, the various and manifold use whereof shall be afterwards explained in its own place.

IV. Of the Preparation of the Fire of Vitriol.

Retorts made of the best earth do draw out the fire of Vitriol by distillation after this manner following.

Common Vitriol is calcined in earthen pots unto a redness, and reduced into a powder, it is put into an earthen Retort, and placed in a Furnace, and a great vessel adjoyned to the neck of the Retort, which is to receive the Spirits going forth; the fire is kindled by degrees, and is gradually increased untill the Retort be brightly red hot, in which degree of fire it is so long to be urged untill no white Clouds or little vapoury Mists do any longer appear. This operation is perfected in 24 hours space at the most. But if the Retort shall be very large all the Oyl cannot be extracted in the space of 24 hours, but will require a longer time for the operation, which experience it self will determine: after all the Spirits are distilled off and settled to the bottom of the Receiver, the clay luting which joyned the Receiver to the neck of the Retort is to be mollified with a wet cloth put round about it, and the Receiver taken off, and the spirits poured out of it into a glass body well coated with Clay, the which (having an Alembick put on) is to be set in sand, that the volatile Spirit may slowly and gently be drawn off, and kept for its use afterwards to be taught. Also afterwards the phlegm is to be drawn off, and reserved for its own uses, because it hath its own peculiar virtues. At length also the last spirit is to be received in a peculiar vessel, the which, after that it hath ceased, and fiery drops do follow, the fire is (by degrees) to be removed, and when the sand is cold, the gourd is to be taken out, in which (the Alembick or head being taken away) thou shalt find a fiery Oyl of a black or somewhat reddish colour, the which is again to be rectified in an open fire in a Retort well coated, that it may be rendred more fiery and clear.

By this oyl admirable things, and those not only profitable for Physicians but also for Chymists, and other Artificers, are perfected as we shall straitway see.

There are indeed other ways or means also by which this oyl is attained, but this afore taught is the easiest of all, although it require the more time. But if any one stand in need of a greater quantity of the same, he may procure those greater Cans prepared of the best Earth, they being so joyned to each other, that the uppermost being placed on the fire, the rest might be placed without the fire, so that the lowermost may receive the oyl going out by descent.

V. A proof whether this Oyl of Vitriol be well prepared and strong, and fit enough for that operation of which we here treat.

Let down a quill or some small piece of wood into the Oyl, the which, when thou hast left in it for some small time, draw it out; if it shall be burnt unto a Coal the oyl is well prepared, but if not, it is a sign that somewhat of moisture is as yet therein, which is again to be expelled by fire.

VI. Another tryal or experiment.

Dip in the oyl a piece of woollen, linnen, or which is better a piece of cotton cloth extended to the breadth of a finger, and pour on the same being taken out and laid down some drops of the spirit or oyl of Turpentine, the which if being kindled they shall conceive a flame it is a sign that the oyl was well prepared.

VII. Another further Proof.

Pour into some little glass some small quantity of spirit of wine wanting all phlegm, and pour on the same some drops of this oyl by little and little; and if the spirit of wine kindle and burn all away the oyl is prepared after a due manner.

NB. I admonish that every one doth warily handle this operation: for in these two fires, to wit, saltish and sulphureous ones, there is great virtue hidden, the which seems probable but to a few, if it should be manifested unto them, neither that have I consulted or decreed that it should be made known to very many. These few particulars do sufficiently teach after what sort such fires are to be used in Medicine, Alchymy and other Arts; but these experiments are sufficient.

VIII. Concerning the use of this fire of Vitriol in Medicine.

The use of this fire, as also of the volatile spirit of the same, and of its flegm, thou shalt find described in the second part of my Furnaces, and among other Authours; so that the repetition thereof is here superfluous, this is onely to be known that this fire being onely besmeared or anointed with a feather on all uncurable and Cancerous or eating Ulcers, kills the Poyson, and causeth that such Ulcers do very easily admit of cure, if so be the Escharre be but first removed by the applying some ointment or emplaister which cures adustion or burning. For this oyl burns up all wild or forreign flesh, and that which (as proud) lifts up it self with an abounding poyson, like unto a certain bright burning Iron, and separates all evil and hurtfull flesh from the good and sound flesh.

IX. Of the general use of this Oyl in Alchymy.

By this mineral fire, all kind of Transmutations of things are perfected, but particularly it exalteth some of the more base metals into a higher degree, and makes them more constant, of which more shall be said in the following Chapters or Treatises.

In the general, some Vegetables, Animal and Mineral subjects, may by the operation of this Oyl be reduced into fixt Medicines, and indeed far more commodiously than by the common fire of Wood or Coals. And moreover which is a far greater thing in this very oyl a fiery Tincture is hidden, and is manifested by the benefit of Art, as Fryer Basilius, and other Philosophers do affirm.

X. Of the use of this fire in other Arts.

By the virtues of this invisible, and yet essential fire, all sorts of most profitable matters are performed, the which notwithstanding is not here safe for me to describe, but I am constrained to refer it till another time, it onely in this place seems worthy my labour, briefly to shew that this fire performs all those things which the fire of Coals is otherwise wont to effect.

Truly it is a fire, but it shineth not like the fire of Wood or Coals: But he that will have it to shine, he must needs add unto it a subtile or fine Sulphur, that he may extract or allure forth of it a visible fire.

This fire being defended against the entrance of the Air, remains occult for many thousands of years, and doth not manifest it self, unless any one make it manifest.

Truly it is an admirable fire, and most fit for the effecting of many incredible things, whereof we have spoken many things sufficient for this time.

XI. An evident demonstration of such a fire lying hid even in the Salt of the Kitchin, and that known to every one.

After that Plato and many other Philosophers took notice that nothing endowed with life did consist without Salt, and that dead Carcasses themselves were preserved for a long time from putrefaction by the virtues of the same; they thought and wrote that a certain divine thing lay hid in it. But after what sort this divine and hidden thing is to be made visible, they have not taught. But without doubt, those most wise Philosophers would by this word shew and denote something of a singular excellency.

Because therefore God himself is a fire, and hath never appeared to his Saints in any other shape but that of fire, and besides also all Salts are generated in the moist bowels of the earth from an Astral fire, and on the contrary, a true fire may by the operation of Art be extracted and rendred palpable and visible out of all Salts, it being that which without doubt lay not hid unto them, therefore it is also very likely that those Philosophers have not without a cause of great moment written that a certain Divine or fiery Being did secretly lurk in Salt.

But that they have intimated not any thing to be better, or more noble than that fiery and saltish Spirit may be foreseen by an easie conjecture; for if a certain divine thing shall lie hid in Salt as they write, it shall of necessity follow that that divine spark being freed from all its earthly bonds should be far superiour to all earthly things in beauty, virtues, efficacy and power; and that next to the eternal God himself it should remain the chiefest and most precious Pearl in the World.

But who shall teach us the manner of separating so precious a Pearl out of the common and Kitchin Salt? none but God alone, or some good friend; who can make his friend a partaker of the knowledge received from God?

But since that very few mortals do seek, love, fear and honour God with sincere hearts, but do much rather cleave fast unto the frail and unjust Mammon, and attribute divine honour unto the same; its no wonder that God doth reserve those things to himself, or at least doth sparingly bestow on us those things which he abundantly supplyed the Ancients withall from his own bountifull hand: And moreover the same omnipotent Creatour enlightning some fit subject, with a certain spark of nature, grants unto him also so much wit that he knows that by a due silence he is to beware of this wicked dreg or dross of the World. Whence it is no wonder that the light of nature is at this day made known to so few mortals.

But before I treat in many particulars of that precious Pearl of Salt, it seems altogether necessary for me, first to shew the manner and reason of extracting that fire out of Kitchin Salt; the separation whereof can be perfected in no other respect than through the violence of common fire, to wit, whenas the Salt being mixt with a certain earthly matter that it cannot flow, is urged in a retort with a most strong fire, that the more pure part of the Salt, which is nothing else but a sharp spirit, may depart into the Receiver joyned to the Retort, in which sharp and sweet spirit a most efficacious fire lurketh which in manner following is to be extracted and concentred.

XII. Of the preparation of the fire of Salt.

Take of this acid or sharp spirit of Salt, rectifie it out of a Glass Retort in sand; the flegm will come over first, which was put in the receiving Vessel in the first Distillation to condense or collect the spirits the more commodiously. After that all the flegm is come off, and acid drops begin to come, remove or change your Receiver, and take your spirits therein; continue the Distillation so long untill all the spirits be come forth, it being indowed with an acid sweetness, is an effecter of very many operations, which doth bring much profit both in Medicine and Alchymy, as is manifest out of diverse of my writings, and especially out of the 2d. part of my Furnaces, and the comfort of Mariners.

In this sweet and sharp spirit like Wine there is an infernal fire hidden, which doth equally like Coals burn up all things put into it, like as the fire of wood and coals doth Vegetables and Animals, and it reduceth all things which common fire doth, by calcining them into ashes, such as are immature metals, tin, lead and the like, which when they are put into it, it burns them up by calcining them into white ashes.

XIII. A Concentrating the rectified Spirit of Salt into a moist and cold Fire.

Every Spirit of Salt consisteth of two things, to wit, Fire and Water, which water the fire doth so firmly co-knit to it self, that it cannot be wholly separated by any distillation or rectifying; but it always adheres to the fire, how often soever it be rectified or distilled: if any one therefore desireth by rectifying to separate them he must of necessity put immature metal-like subjects to the Spirit of Salt, the which, by how much the more immature or unripe they are, by so much they render the spirit of salt the purer; such are Lapis Calaminaris, Zink, and Iron, which by reason of their moist and attracting nature, do draw to them that invisible fire out of the spirit of salt, as it were that agent whereof (as to their maturity or perfection) they are necessarily destitute, and without which fiery agent, a metallick kind of body is able to attain unto no perfection in the earth.

Such metallick subjects therefore, the spirit of salt, they being put into it, assaulteth, and as much as it can dissolves them. This solution being distilled out of a glass retort by sand, with the more gentle fire, sends forth nothing but a meer and unsavoury phlegm, the fiery essence it self remaining with the mineral in the Retort, the which if it be more and more urged, and the fire more increased, that it may become plainly burning bright, then that mineral cannot longer retain the fire of the salt, but dismisseth it, which descending into the receiving vessel, is condensed into a thick and fiery oyl, which is afterwards to be kept in strong and well stopt glasses, because it fumes without intermission, and desires to return into the air, as it were its Chaos from whence it came forth.

This fire is the operator of great effects in Alchymy and Medicine, of which effects very few have known how to discourse. But it hath far different properties and qualities from that which is extracted out of Vitriol, whereof it shall be afterwards treated.

And although through the help of this fire, incredible things may be performed as well by Chymists as Physicians, and other Artificers; yet it is a consuming, destroying, and also a ripening fire; neither hath it the least of the most noble Pearl with it whereof we have made mention above, and the which in this preparation is converted into such a fire.

That Pearl, if it should be extracted or allured out of Salt, in my simple opinion it were to be extracted not by the benefit of the fire, but through the endeavour of metallick and attracting subjects.

But although I do not profess my self to be so skilfull a Master, and do not arrogate to my self the knowledge of so precious a pearl, yet I cannot but bewray that small little spark of Nature which God hath granted unto me, that so every one may have a clear knowledge and sight of what admirable mysteries Salt doth hide in its own vile body.

XIV. The manner whereby that most precious Pearl of Salt may at least wise in some respect be rendred conspicuous or apparent.

Even as I have admonished in my foregoing writings, that the powers, colours, and virtues of all Vegetables, Animals, and Minerals are found concentred in Fire and Salt, so also I now affirm and assert the same thing that by Salt through the benefit of Fire, all Vegetables, Animals, and Metals, may in their own species, nature and properties be increased and propagated into an infinity. So that we have the seeds of them.

For example sake, I prepare Kitchin Salt by the fire, that its tartness being lost, it puts on the nature of an Alcali or Lixivial Salt, I mix some parts thereof with some barren earth, or with naked sand, the which I moisten with water, in these I sow the seeds of vegetables, that they may be nourished by that Salt and may grow, which in thus growing do obtain their own proper figures, virtues and colours, they appear green, yellow and red, sky-coloured, purple coloured, and white, &c. and have a sweet, sour, sharp, bitter, savour, even as God hath bestowed on every particular kind its own proper nature, which operation proceeds from this one onely Salt, and the fiery beams of the Sun being tempered with air.

When therefore Beasts are fed with these Herbs growing, and receiving nourishment from the Salt, they are of necessity also nourished and increased by the same; even as also the same Herbs growing from the same Salt do supply nourishment and increase themselves.

But if any one could obtain the true seed of Gold, and increase that seed by the help of Salt and Fire; he might (without doubt) obtain great plenty of Gold, but God will not have it that the tail of the Goat should be as long as the Cows, the which being lifted up with too much pride, would strike out her own eyes with her too long tail.

If therefore all things and Gold it self, as also Silver, Pearls, and precious Stones, are after an invisible and occult manner hidden in Salt, and may by the help of art and nature be rendred palpable and visible; why also might it not come to pass that the most excellent Medicine and most precious Pearl of the wise men might be allured forth out of the same Salt? Truly common Pearls are bred out of Salt waters, wherein if the first matter of Pearls were not, after what manner or sort should they bewray themselves out of the same? Therefore that it may evidently be made manifest, that by the operation of art, also Pearls may be extracted out of Salt which do far excell those Pearls, which by fishing are drawn out of the depth of the Sea, in beauty, virtue, efficacy and excellency; I will prescribe as much indeed as hath been granted unto me, for demonstrating the possibility of the thing, a certain manner whereby every one shall be able to take to him a firm and sure foundation of weighing or considering of the matter more exactly.

XV. An operation of alluring forth a Philosophical Pearl out of Salt.

Dissolve thou in common water, as much of common Salt as thou wilt, by how much the greater plenty thou shalt take, by so much the more thou shalt obtain.

In like manner dissolve in aq. fort. one or two Ounces of Silver, pour this solution of Lune on the dissolved Salt, and stir both the dissolutions up and down divers times, that it may become white and like unto Milk. For Silver cannot well indure the Salt, but departing from it is precipitated to the bottom, and there resides, in the form of a snow-like Powder, which by the effusion or pouring off the water is to be separated and dried.

This silver powder hath extracted a spiritual and philosophical gold, or the said precious Pearl out of the Salt Water. Because Diana hath known no less how to fish Pearls in the Salt Sea, than to hunt wild Beasts in the green Woods: But that Pearl is made corporal and visible in manner following.

XVI. How the Pearl being attained is made visible.

It is to be noted that that silver powder being thus by it self, and without an admixture of other fixxed Salts, doth very hardly by fusion return into its former form of silver, but that it flows like Salt, and pierceth any vessel whatsoever, yea doth depart into a smoak. For the spirits of the Salt do render the silver so fluid and volatile; that it is made altogether mercurial; and therefore its more tender and noble part may be separated from its more gross part by distillation, if this could be done by glassen, or earthen, or metallick vessels.

When this mercury of Lune is melted in an open crucible, it vanisheth into smoak. It being put into a Glass Retort, refuseth to yield to the fire, the which being too much increased makes the glass to melt, and destroys the glass together with the silver. If earthen vessels be used, the same mercury pierceth the same unhurt like oyled Leather, when it departs, the Salts also depart into smoak, and do leave little grains of silver adhering to the vessel, whereof in this respect there is made a loss, which renders the sublimation void.

Of Iron vessels also here is no use, because of the Salts that are admixed with the silver rising up against the Iron, they dismiss the silver reduced to its ancient body, and besides a little spirit of salt they send forth nothing, so that no separation is made, but the pure and impure do remain co-mixt.

For the sake of avoiding those discommodities I have tried many ways and manners in vain, and at length I took notice, that if such a matter be added to the most penetrating mercury of Lune, which may so hinder its efficacy of solving and co-melting, that it may be changed into a porous lump, than that, through the benefit of fire there might be an easie separation thereof, which without this help doth most difficultly exist.

In the name of the Lord, therefore adjoyn thou unto thy fishing Net; that is, unto the mercury of Lune, such a matter in due weight and measure which admits not of melting, and which suffers not the mercury of Lune to conflux, or melt together. Such are wooden Coals being reduced into a fine powder, with the which being mixt with the mercury of Lune, thou shalt fill thy distilling vessel, whether it be earth, or iron, or glass which is the best of all, even unto the half part, and shall set it in the fire, the which is to be gently increased by degrees, untill the glass become burning bright, keep the vessel so long in this heat untill all the spirits are departed, which ceasing, thou shalt take away the vessel being cold, in which thou wilt find the remainder of the mercury which did not ascend, reduced into a corporal or imbodyed silver, or at least wise such, to which adding a little borace is easily reduced into silver, the which doth contain somewhat of gold; but keep thou that subtile and pure matter which ascended in distillation as a precious treasure, and meditate after what sort, or by what means thou mayst be able to fix this precious Pearl, and convert it into a fusible, or flowable, and piercing stone.

But in what respect, or in what manner this thing is to be done, in very deed I cannot tell, because I am he who have not hitherto had leisure, nor time of perfecting that thing, and therefore I have been willing here to shew onely these things which I have seen with my eyes, and handled with my hands.

Another shall be able by his own judgment to make tryal, and to see what God will bestow upon him, I have shewn in stead of the mercurial Statue or Image, that which shall suffice at present.

XVII. A more easie manner of obtaining a Philosophical Pearl.

If thou shalt be desirous of obtaining a Philosophical Pearl after a more easie manner, thou must of necessity thus operate.

Unto half a Loton, i. e. two drams of the mercury of Lune, add a little of the powder of Coals, and put the conjoyned matters into a small glass, the which set in a crucible encompassed with sand unto that height which the matter in the glass it self shall determine. On the mouth of the glass put a small piece of some glass that it may be well covered, and so place thou a less crucible with the upside downward upon that little glass, that its (top) utmost and highest bound being overwhelmed with the said sand may drive away all air from that little glass.

Set that crucible being in this manner co-fitted, and containing the little glass shut up between them in live Coals of Wood, and make them bright burning hot, that that may remain fired for a quarter of an hours space, then let them cool, and thou shalt find a little lifted up by sublimation, the rest being melted by borace, will afford a silver impregnated with gold, yet without gain, the which demonstrateth onely in the space of half an hour, what may be done: but what gain may be obtained by this very operation shall hereafter be shewn.

Furthermore it is here to be seen how most beautifull a Pearl doth bewray it self, although very little of it come forth, because in this labour no small part thereof flies away into the air, and sheweth onely its colours alone in the glass, far more beautifull than gold, silver, and precious stones; if any one shall rightly operate, neither shall there be any Painter who shall express it by imitating and painting.

For this time take what hath been spoken in right and good part, and immediately weigh thou so great a thing the more exactly, pray, labour, seek, and in seeking thou shalt find such things which thou couldst never before have believed.

The Brethren of ignorance, my enemies, will here object against me, and say, that these most elegant colours have drawn their original from the silver: unto those I briefly answer, That they were indeed extracted out of the Salt by the help of the silver, but that they do not (per se) or by themselves pertain to the silver, for if they were of the silver they would also be solved by aq. fortis, the which, since it is not done, they are not silver, but the meer Anima or Soul of the salt. That this thing may be confirmed by a more evident argument, I bring the solution of Saturn or Lead, the which it self also can fish out the same Pearl from Salt, without Silver. If anyone shall operate after the same manner which I but now shewed, I also add this, that I am hereafter to teach a way whereby Saturn may be able to fish pure simple gold out of all salts.

Let us now return unto the moist and cold fire of the Philosophers, and see what an admirable fire God hath hidden in Salt Peter.

That a most potent fire doth lurk in Salt Peter is not worth our confirming by any argument. That horrible Gunpowder which shakes or rends all things asunder proveth the thing most manifestly, and Aq. Fortis, which dissolveth and destroyeth all Metals, yet another fire of far more powerfull virtue is hidden in the same Salt, which very few have known and beheld, and the which we will here make manifest, for the honour of God, and the profit of all mankind.

XVIII. Of the preparation of the moist and cold fire of Salt Peter.

Take of Potters earth being without sand, and burnt, 2 parts, and 1 part of Salt Peter very well purified, with both these matters being reduced into powder and well mixed together, fill a glass retort well coated with clay, put it in a Furnace for distillation, and joyn a Receiver to the Neck of the Retort, into which put as many pints or pounds of water as there were pounds of Salt Peter mixed with the earth, that the Spirits going forth may so much the sooner be condensed into moisture, after thou hast exactly joyned and luted thy Receiver to the neck of the Retort, with a due lute (or clay) kindle a fire according to Art by degrees, and the spirit of the Salt Peter (representing a yellow or red mist in going forth) will joyn it self to the water placed in the Receiver.

All the Spirits being come forth, take off thy Receiver, and separate them from the water, put this sharp spirit of Niter into some strong glass: it being by distilation freed from its superfluous phlegm and rectified, is applied unto Medicinal and Chymical uses: concerning the operations and virtues whereof there is mention made in the second part of my Furnaces, and in the Dispensatory of Schroderus. Moreover, the manner of extracting and concentring a fire of this spirit is this.

Pour this spirit of Niter on the powder of Lap. Calaminaris or Zink reduced into small little grains that it may dissolve as much as it can: and when it will dissolve no more in the Cold, place the glass in hot sand that it may dissolve more of the matter, filtre the solution and by sand draw off all the phlegm in a glass retort; the phlegm being all come off, change thy Receiver, and increase thy fire and drive out a fiery oyl, which oyl thou shalt keep well stopt, because it uncessantly fuming would wholly vanish away in the Air.

This fiery smoke of Salt Peter, as also that of Vitriol, and common Salt, burns up all Herbs, Grass, Leaves and Flowers, and whatsoever it toucheth, just as if they were burnt with a strong heat of the Sun or Fire.

And this is the preparation of the moist and cold fire of Salt Peter, of the use and efficacious operation whereof in Medicine and Alchymy, it shall be more exactly and fully treated on in the following Chapters.

XIX. Of the moist fire of Allome.

Allome also by the work of Distillation and Concentration yields an efficacious fire most like to that of Vitriol, in efficacy and virtues, but the plenty doth not answer by reason of too much earth wherewith it abounds, yet if somewhat of the other Salts be added unto it, it rightly and orderly bestows its fire.

XX. Of the moist and cold fire of Sulphur.

Although Sulphur finds not a place in the order of Salts, because it refuseth the solving in water, yet it contains a vitriolated salt laid up in it, which doth not manifest it self before that the more fat substance thereof shall be withdrawn by inflaming, by the operation whereof the salt is attenuated or made thin, and is carried on high by the flame like a sharp smoke, so that this sharp sulphureous spirit burns all things which it toucheth, after the manner of all those fires which are drawn out of salts.

For the attaining this vitriolated and sulphureous spirit the flame of the sulphur is to be received, in a certain Alembick made of glass or earth, peculiarly for this operation, wherein that vitriolated spirit of salt condenseth it self, and issues forth like a thick fat, and fiery oyl, not unlike to that which is made of Vitriol, whereof it is treated on in my Furnaces.

All these things do very evidently confirm those particulars, which I have many years agoe committed to memory: concerning Sulphur and Vitriol, to wit, that Sulphur is the original of all metals, and that no metal at all is digged out of the earth, which hath not either Vitriol or Sulphur, or for the most part both adjoyned unto it, for no sulphur is destitute of vitriol, nor vitriol of sulphur, so that both of them do challenge the rise or birth of any kind of metals whatsoever unto themselves. And every sulphur is by its own proper agent or vitriolated salt, which it hath in its possession by nature (whereto the central fire of the earth is an assistant) excocted or boiled up more and more into a metal; neither doth this universal agent or vitriolated salt depart from the fatness, or its patient, untill the fatness together with the agent shall depart into a malleable metal, or a metal that undergoes the hammer. Lead, iron and copper, do make this thing manifest, which metals do never appear without vitriol and sulphur, and that for this cause; because they being as yet unripe and imperfect ones, do stand in need of their agent. A less plenty of Sulphur or Vitriol is found with silver, than with Copper.

Gold hath little of Vitriol or Sulphur, yea plainly none at all, if it shall attain to its highest maturity, because it is then found to be pure and malleable, and wants not a further fusion or melting, but by how much the more of Copper, Gold, and Silver have, by so much the more of Vitriol or Sulphur they have, as also require the more time for their ex coction and perfecting.

From these particulars, it manifestly appears in what respect metals may in a long time be generated in the bowels of the earth by their first principle, namely Sulphur; and may be ripened to perfection, by its own Salt, or agent, which it hath in its possession.

If nature doth effect this in a long time, why also may it not come to pass, that art should perform the same in a shorter time?

But let these things that have been spoken be sufficient, he that understands not, nor also perceiveth the scope or mark, which I so clearly shew is blind, and doth not admit of a remedy for his blindness.

Truly I judge these few things, (but yet such as shew a most long way with a most shining Torch) to be sufficient concerning the moist and cold fires of minerals, by which the ripening and perfecting of metals, are to be perfected as well by nature in the bowels of the earth, as by art above the earth.

N. B. If therefore a mineral may by the help and impulse of its own vitriolated Salt, wherewith it is endowed, be ripened from its vile form and lowest degree unto a better, and at length unto the best of all, that is, unto the purest gold, it being that which none (that is seasoned but with the least knowledge of natural things) will deny.

Also if such a Sulphur is hidden in any vegetable, which answers to a mineral Sulphur in its nature and properties, why also might it not come to pass, that this same Sulphur might be perfected into mature gold, alike equal to the other? from hence it most evidently appeareth that in any Herb, although the most abject one, which is promoted by the Sun unto its maturity, a spark of the immature beams of Sol may be found, which through the operation of art, are to be changed into pure gold. But after what manner such a Sulphur may be extracted out of any Herb or any Wood whatsoever, in all things like to a mineral one, I have long since delivered in my little work concerning the nature of Salts, and in the second part of the miraculum mundi, and below I will demonstrate by a much more clear manifestation.

Let us proceed to Animals and Vegetables, and consider whether in these very things, such a ripening fire may be found, and may from thence also be drawn and made visible.

But we must know that no small living creature or small Herb can grow, live, and receive, increase without a certain fiery and Salt Agent; the which although it cannot be believed by any one that is lifted up with pride, and of a stupid brain, yet it in very deed exilteth, and can easily be demonstrated by the hand of the Artificer.

XXI. A most powerfull manner of extracting a fire out of any Wood, or any Herb whatsoever, and of rendering it palpable and visible.

Fill some glass, stony, or earthen distilling vessel with any dried Wood or dried Herb, and distill off the Vinegar or sharp liquor from thence, and separate the Oyl from it; and pour that sharp liquor on Lapis Calaminaris, Zink, or ashes of lead, which matters do dismiss all the unsavoury moisture in distilling, and retain the whole sharpness with themselves, the which being distilled from thence ascends like unto meer fire, it being of great use as well in Medicine as Alchymy, whereof mention shall be made hereafter.

But here it is to be noted that this fire extracted by distillation, is onely a part of that fire of the Wood and Herbs, and that the other part remains in the Coals thereof, which is far more fixed than that which ascended, and is that Sulphur which we spoke of but now, which wholly answers to the nature of a mineral Sulphur, and which may be extracted out of the Coals being solved by Sal. Mirabilis, which shall be taught and manifested in the following Chapter.

For if there were no fire in them, after what sort should they burn and draw out heat? all Coals being converted into ashes, after that their hidden Sulphur hath done its office, the feces of the Wood remains like dead ashes, wherein as yet lies hid a certain singular vegetable fire, being altogether of another nature, and wholly contrary to that which ascendeth in Distillation. This water being extracted out of the ashes presents a Lixivium, the which by decoction exhaleth all the moisture, and leaves the rest a fiery Salt, whereof in the second part of my Dispensatory. If it be made hot without fusion, or melting, it becomes the more fiery, so that it being bound to the skin for some hours in the bigness of a pea, it burns a small hole therein as if it had been burnt with a bright burning iron. And therefore Chyrurgeons make use of such fires that they may open unripe Ulcers, or make Issues.

It may be seen by these particulars that in any Wood or any Herb, there are also fires of divers kinds, the which also are found in living creatures, they being partly volatile and sharp, and partly fixed, and obtaining the nature of Alcalies or Lixivial Salts.

Both Salts or Fires, after they are conjoyned they lose their fiery nature, and get unto themselves another quality and property; to wit, a middle one, and these two contrary fires become an essential tartarous Salt, and sweet in use, wherein no fire appears, although that fire being turned out and in by art, may be again extracted and made visible.

Concerning these wonderfull changes of nature, and conversions out of one species or particular kind into another, many things are found up and down in my writings. In the first part of the continuation of the miracle of the World, it is manifestly described after what sort a plenty of such fire may be attained out of Woods, but the concentring thereof is here delivered. In general it is here to be noted, that one Wood or one Herb doth more abound with such a fire than another. But by how much any Wood or Herb is the elder, and by how much the longer the Sun-beams have operated on it, by so much the more of fire is in it, as is manifest from the Vine; which hath received plentifull Rays of that sort, and therefore excells all other vegetables in the greater and stronger fire, as appears not onely by the burning spirit, but also the tartar, or tartarous Salt thereof, which is almost all fire, and yet without Distillation and Calcination it cannot be manifested.

That therefore it may be brought forth into open view, and be rendred visible, we must make use of the following operation.

XXII. The manner of manifesting the fire of the Vine.

Fill thou a Glass Retort with common Tartar, and distill forth the volatile spirit and oyl, the which thou shalt separate after a due manner. Great virtues are in this oyl, whereof I have made mention in the second part of my Furnaces. The spirit is to be rectified in B. that the fiery substance onely may depart, and the unprofitable flegm remain behind; the rectified spirit is to be poured on the fixed Salt, (residing in the Retort, which must be first calcined by a strong fire and made fiery) and from thence again distilled, that the fixed Salt may retain the rest of the unprofitable flegm, and the spirit attain the greater fiery virtues for the performing of wonderfull effects in medicine, the which my writings do teach.

XXIII. Another manner of extracting or drawing forth a far more stronger fire out of Tartar.

Dissolve thou that Alcalizated Salt from which the spirit was abstracted in rectifying in a little water, that it may become a very sharp Lixivium or Lye; pour one pound of this Lixivium on two pounds of white Tartar in a Gourd, and that being reduced into powder, put on a head which being well luted on with clay, set it in sand and kindle a fire by degrees, if thou shalt rightly work thou shalt obtain a most subtile fire, one drop whereof doth burn the tongue, as if it had been touched with a burning Iron.

How wonderfull things may be effected by this fire, I have already shown in other places of my writings.

XXIV. A manner of drawing forth as yet a more vehement fire out of Tarter.

Take of crude Tartar and the Regulus of Mars, or the purest metallick part of iron, the scoria being separated, equal parts, the which thou shalt mix by beating together, put them in a crucible with a cover so well fenced with clay that it may admit of no air, keep them in a bright burning fire for the space of an hour, then take them away.

From all these particulars it is made known to every one that a vehement fire lies hidden in vegetables readily serving for the effecting of many admirable things in Medicine, Alchymy and other arts, from the declaring whereof the shortness of time and this treatise, commands us at this time to cease. But moreover we must see whether living creatures also are potent in the same fire, and in what respect any one may be made partakers of the same.

XXV. The preparation and Con-centration of fire out of Animals.

As the Vine is the most noble of all vegetables, so man also is esteemed by all that are indowed with judgment to be the most noble of all Animals, or living Creatures; the truth whereof the thing it self affirmeth by a plentifull Testimony.

Therefore we pass by all other Animals in silence, and do here shew (by the following manner) the preparation of that fire onely that lies hid in Man.

The Ancient Philosophers have called the great World, Macrocosmus, and man as it were the lesser World, Microcosmus, and a comparison being made, they have determined that what things are found in the great World, the same are to be found in the lesser World, that is in Man.

From whence also they unanimously believed, and also committed to memory, that as well the life of the greater, as of the lesser World, doth consist in a saline and saltish spirit, and that this spirit doth bear rule in one place more, in another less. Neither is there any one also who will or can deny, that the whole earth is filled with Salt as it were its Balsam; and that minerals are alike equally bred thereby in the very bowels of the earth, as vegetables are in the Superficies.

Yet notwithstanding the Salt of the great World is no where more plentifully found than in water, or in the Seas; the which as it is a thing most known, it needs no confirmation. The same thing is to be understood concerning the little World, viz. Man, and although the whole body in all its parts abound with their true Balsam, yet a greater plenty of this Salt and Balsamick spirit, is found in his flesh than in his bones, a greater plenty likewise in his bloud than in his flesh, but the greatest plenty in his Bladder, or in the Salt Sea of the lesser World, the which is hidden to none, but it is the custom not to seek necessary things in remote places, but in places nigh where they are most easie to be found.

Hence because a more plentifull Salt is no where found in man than in his Urine, we of right lay hold on an occasion of seeking and con-centrating the fire in the same, and we make use of the following preparation.

XXVI. The operation of preparing a fire out of man’s Urine.

I have at large delivered this operation in the second part of my Furnaces, whither I refer the Reader; where he shall not onely find a manifold composing of this fire, but also its various use in Medicine.

But although it be needless to describe that operation there repeated, yet it seems meet to me (for a more evident declaration’s sake) here to adjoyn some admonitions which concern it.

XXVII. Observations which concern the preparation of an Animal fire.

Such a fire is for the most part drawn forth out of man’s Urine being putrified by it self for the space of some weeks, and is by rectifying converted into a moist and fiery essence as the second part of my Furnaces sheweth; I have there taught a more easy manner of drawing forth the same fire out of Sal-Armoniack, which is prepared out of Urine, and by the addition of a strong Lixivium it is distilled and rectified.

I have also taught the manner of preparing the same fire out of Sal-armoniack by the Addition of Lapis Calaminaris, by distilling it through a Retort.

Spirits rightly prepared after these manners are equally profitable in Medicine, Alchymy, and other arts; because they are those which being well made are all of them good, after what manner soever they may be prepared.

But although these volatile animal fires do readily serve for the performing of famous and notable things (and the fixed Salt of Urine it self, may by Distillation and rectification be con-centrated into another kind of fire) yet they are at a far distance from that true Philosophical fire which the Ancients have hidden with so great care and diligence, because that in these preparations the best and chiefest part of the fire flies away and is lost. But this I say, that these fiery Spirits of Urine being con-centrated even as I have taught them to be, are indeed able to effect all those things which I have attributed to them, and shall as yet attribute. But indeed they do not coagulate the con-centrated fire of the Vine, which coagulation is not the least key for the composing of an universal Medicine.

For when the Spirit of Urine attains this nature, that by coagulating the most subtile Spirit of Wine, (when poured on it) into a Salt, this Salt extracts the soul of Gold duely prepared; the which also, if it be changed by it self, and converted into a dry and sweet Salt, and be fixed, possesseth the virtues of a Medicament of a most famous and great use in Medicine.

Every one that is illustrated, but even with the least light of nature, shall be able by an easy business, to smell out what may hiddenly lurk under this Salt.

From the most pure Vine is the substance of the Spirit of Wine, which strengthens the heart of man beyond all other things, as also his brain, and other members.

The Spirit of Urine is the purest and most subtile Mercurial Animal Salt, not having its like in penetrating, opening, and resolving.

This subtile Mercurial, Animal and piercing fire therefore, being joyned to the most pure vegetable, that is, the Spirit of Wine, that it may be changed together with it into a dry Medicine, any one shall be able by an easy conjecture to foresee what it will effect in Medicine.

But that I may make manifest the errour, and demonstrate the cause wherefore a Spirit of Urine is so seldom prepared, which will coagulate the Spirit of Wine into a Salt, I admonish that a respect be had by every one of the following particulars.

For first it is to be taken notice of, that the most subtile part onely of the Spirit of Urine, and not the more gross part, is fit for the coagulation of the Spirit of Wine: If therefore in the preparation of the same, the most subtile part shall be lost, through the negligence or ignorance of the operator, it can in no wise be brought to pass, that the more gross and dreggy part should cause that coagulation.

But that most subtile Spirit doth not onely vanish away in distillation through an insufficiency of the Luteing not being good, but also a great part of the same is lost before distilling, to wit, when the Urine being successively gathered, is constrained to stand and wait too long, so that the Spirit by little and little exhaleth and departs into the Air, especially when it is gathered together in the Summer or Winter time, for that fire not being patient of any extreme, is expelled by a little heat or cold, and therefore the fittest times for collecting the same are the Months called March and May, or September and October, in which Months the Air is temperate, neither too hot, nor too cold, those Months therefore are the fittest for collecting and extracting of an Animal fire out of it.

Furthermore, Calx-vive or unslaked Lime is to be added to the Urine (when putrified) and distilled, that the insipid water may be so much the more easily or readily separated from that volatile fire, the which is not done if it be distilled per se.

I would not pass by these few things in silence for the sake of the Reader, and of him that is studious of good Medicines: But after what manner Metals may be amended by this Animal fire is not here shewn, but God willing shall by and by in the following Chapters. But we put an end to the preparation and con-centration of Animal and Vegetable fires, with these sayings, whose admirable virtues and faculties in medicines, Alchimy and other profitable Arts, shall here be manifested in order, as much as time will permit.

Look I pray you on the Elementary Sun, as also on the fire of woods, and the virtues of light, and the virtue of both, the which all creatures, and especially mankind it self, is constrained to make use of for their own safety; could even the least grass bewray itself? or any small worm be bred and live without the Sun? could any workmanship or artifice be exercised without the help of common fire? the which, if it were not, we should be constrained to eat unboyled Herbs, and raw Flesh like wild Beasts: yea, the whole conversation and negotiation or traffique among men should be wholly taken away, if earthly fire and light should be wanting unto us.

If there were some one man onely in Some whole City or Province, or in a whole Kingdom, who alone could make others partakers of fire and light, would there not be made the greatest concourse of all men unto him? but because it is known to every one, and everyone hath known by an easy manner, how to strike it out of flints, it is had in no esteem, for it is customary not to esteem those things which are made common, although they are pretious. The same thing hath happened to the fire, the which although it ought to be made of greatest account, yet it is reckoned of no worth because it is common and vulgar.

But even as the common fire, and that known to every one, doth by very many most profitable operations bring much good to mortals, who can least of all want the use thereof; so also I affirm that those artificial and hidden fires are to be very much accounted of, because a Phisician can hardly be without them, for the preparations of efficacious Medicines, and a Chymist can never want for the transmutation of the more base metals into better, either of them without the aid of those fires shall perform nothing of any great moment in Chymical Labours.

He that works and is ignorant of such fires, what will he effect in metallick operations? he being conversant in cold and darkness is afflicted with the Same difficulty, as a certain brewer or baker is, who wants wood in the winter season, or who is not able to use water, it being congealed into ice, the one he cannot bake although he hath the best meal, and the other brew drink although he have abundance of the best malt.

So also goes the matter with Alchymical Affairs, the want whereof causeth that we handle not the most noble Alchimy with any profit, but rather receive loss from the same, daily experience being witness, that 100 are wont to be sooner undone than that it happens to any one man to get himself riches thereby. The blame of which discommodity is not to be transferred on an impossibility of the art, but rather to be imputed to the want of those moist, cold, and ripening fires extracted out of Salts, the which after what sort they ought to be used for the amendment of metals, as also for medicine and other arts, shall be taught partly in this, and partly in the other Centuries.

XXVIII. The general use of our concentred fiery and ripening Spirits, extracted out of Salts, in the amendment and converting of metals into more noble ones; also the preparation of many excellent medicaments, and the increase and amendment of many other arts, are briefly here demonstrated; the which, God granting, shall more largely be declared in their particular use.

That I may discourse in few words whether imperfect metals may by the operation of the more common and gross Salts, and of the fire be broken, destroyed, cleansed, and reduced into a better form, it being that which the [fifth part of the prosperity of Germany] confirmeth by divers experiments.

I affirm that the pure Spirits of Salts, do with a greater efficacy, and far better effect the same, the which, since those simple Spirits are able, better and more easily to perform than gross Salts, why should not also con-centrated Spirits after the best and easiest manner of all perform the same thing?

From a like reason the use of Salts shall not be of so great efficacy in the preparation of medicines, and other arts, as the useing of common Spirits is; the which, notwithstanding being still for the most part clogged with much phlegm, do of necessity not disclose so great virtues, as those con-centred fiery Spirits do which are freed from all phlegm.

The Sun-beams are for an example which do not send forth so great heat, when they are co-mixed with a moist air, as also green and wet Woods do not so vehemently burn with heat, as withered and dry ones are wont to do.

Yea if the hot beams of the Sun are con-centred in or by some hollow glass increasing the fire, or the fires of Coals by a strong blowing of the Bellows, and are as it were constrained into straights or narrow passages, they effect ten times, yea one hundred times more than those which are not centred together after such a sort. But by how much the more strictly those forces of the beams of the Sun, or of other fires are con-centred by so much the greater, stronger, and sharper heat they draw out.

A burning glass of one foot Diameter, onely enflames Wood; but one of two foot Diameter will melt Tin, Lead, and other metallick matters of that sort, which are easie to be melted, as Bismuthum, or the whitest, lightest, and basest kind of Lead, Zink, the non-splendent metallick dark matter Koboltum, &c. But if you extend the Diameter to four foot, the Sun-beams taking the stronger increase will melt silver and copper, and will render iron it self so bright burning hot, that it may be wrought with a hammer, as if it had been heated with Coals. This effect is to be ascribed unto the con-centring of the Sun-beams by an instrument, and to the constraining of the heat of Coals, by Bellows, or Wind.

The same thing is to be understood concerning our con-centred and moist fires, which ought to be compared, not onely with the common beams of the Sun, or with the heat of Kitchin fire, but also with those Sun-beams which are con-centred by a glass, and with the fiery heat of Coals constrained or forced by windy blasts. Whence they must of necessity be of greater virtues than the common Salts, and watery spirits of them, the which the more quick sighted will sufficiently comprehend and believe. Simple Countrey People do see this thing with their eyes, and handle it with their hands, as well knowing that the subtile, hot, sweet Spirits of Wine and Ale, (and those procuring strength to the heart,) when they are freed from all moisture by Distillation, and con-centred by Rectification; effect ten fold more than if they had still remained with their humidites.

That thou mayest understand the thing more clearly, well weigh thou Grapes, Bread-corn, or the Fruits of Trees, which we eat in that substance as the trees bring them forth unto us: and they afford us a nourishment, but not such a one, as their juice being pressed out, and separated from its dreggs, and by fermentation reduced into a clear and sweet drink.

If necessity compell, Bread corn may be used for nourishment as it is, yet not so well as when it is separated from its husks, being changed into meal, and reduced by water into a mass or lump, and Salt and Leaven added, and by fire concocted or digested into Bread of the best Savour. By the same reason Bread-corn being boiled in fair water yields a potion indeed somewhat better than the water it self, but if it be artificially handled, and boyled up into Ale or Bear, the husks are separated from the more pure juice, the which afterwards by fermentation, separates many dreggs from it, and arrives to a more noble nature, yielding a sweeter and better drink. But if the same juice be after that brought by distillation into a greater purity, and con-centred together by rectifying, that the virtues thereof may come into a narrow compass, (because it is a meer fire) it will exercise far greater virtues, than gross Bread-corn which wants a power of exercising so great virtues.

So also doth it succeed with con-centrated Salts, to wit, when the dreggs are separated from them by the help of art, and the more pure parts converted, and con-centred into a fiery substance, performing effects of great moment in Alchymy. But that Salts do commonly destroy metals, as well by a moist as a dry way, is known to every Barber, and persons of no reputation. But after what manner metals being destroyed may be reduced into more noble bodies than they were before, there hath been none hitherto (who being skilled in that artifice or craft) that have not hid it with the greatest care. Hence it hath come to pass, that nothing of profit hath been perceived from metallick transmutations, and Alchymy it self hath been made a mock of by the most unskilfull rout of ignorant ones, as if it were most false, and at the farthest distance from truth.

That this doubt therefore may be taken away, and the truth it self may be more evidently placed in our view, I have resolved in my mind, by God’s assistance, to place before the eyes of the whole world, a true and profitable transmutation of metals, by a clear description, and to assert the certainty of so many writings set forth by such men, by the most true experiments, so that every one that is seasoned but even with a light or small knowledge of the fire, may by an easy business hereafter obtain some profit from them. But I will first treat of common and crude Salts, and then of the simple Spirits of those, and at length of their con-centred Spirits and Fires, which we have taught to extract out of them.

But before I attempt to describe and assert this kingly and noble art, I have been led first to shew the cause why some places do occur in the description of the same, wherein words are omitted, and signs or blanks reposed instead of the same.

Indeed this was therefore done, that the art may be concealed from the unworthy, and they in all respects to be driven from the same, and may be made known onely to Adeptists, and the Sons of Art.

Besides also that all secrets may not in all places, and without difference be divulged, but that the chief things thereof may be preserved for friends, lest they be trodden under foot, and broken to pieces by the unworthy, but that they may be left to friends as it were a certain secret stroak, and that an unknown one to others, for to fight successfully.

I therefore earnestly require of every one by a friendly Petition that he be not suddenly angry, if he be not able clearly to perceive, by the sharpness of his wit, all those things which I propose, but rather let him consider that they are not written for him, but for others; by whose capacity they can be perceived. Neither is it altogether necessary that all do know all things, neither also would it be of concernment if friends and enemies attain all those things in their understanding alike, without any difference, which I here openly produce by my descriptions; it is sufficient that some onely, and indeed those that are worthy may clearly and knowingly possess the same, and testifie the truth.

XXIX. An infallible practice of changing the more imperfect Metals into more perfect ones by the help of crude Salts.

As I have already a little before, and also in other places of my writings, evidently enough demonstrated that Salts, or the spirits of Salts, are in the earth, or out of the earth a universal Agent, promoting the maturation or ripening of metals: So here I again firmly affirm the same thing, and do say, that by Salts the gross bodies of metals are destroyed, and trans-changed into more noble metals, and that indeed after divers manners, and that more easily or difficultly as any one shall be more or less conversant in Chymical labours.

I will hear God willing make manifest all things, yet not to every one, but to the worthy onely; and that indeed after the manner of a Clock or Watch-maker, who taking some Clock or Watch in pieces, do lay up all the parts thereof in some place without any order; the which he that is unskilfull in the art, shall never again compose and reduce into order. But another who before hath handled that art, will by an easie labour again conjoyn all those parts, and reduce them into the former body of a Clock or Watch.

All those therefore who have experienced the foregoing labours to be perfected by the fire, shall by these my descriptions easily dispatch or accommodate themselves in future things, not easie to be understood by the rout of ignorant persons which have made no experiments in the fire; who will in vain look into those things which I have written; no otherwise than as if any one being plainly unskilfull in reading and writing, should behold written letters, and knows not what they signifie, or what argument they may contain: Such a man if he would be angry with the writer, should he not do him much injury, because as being far remote from the fault of that ignorance which hinders him, whereby he cannot read these letters which he had never learned to read.

The same thing must be understood concerning my writings, which are openly published, not for the sake of any one, but onely of those who have first learned to understand those kind of writings.

But that I may set upon the thing it self, and may teach the amendment of metals for the better, and shew the very foundation of the whole business, I say, that a true changing of them is attempted in vain, unless they are first destroyed, and wholly slain. A grain of Wheat, as Christ himself saith, will never increase or multiply, unless it first putrifies in the earth. If therefore metals ought to be destroyed by Putrefaction, that must needs be done by the help of Salts, according to the truth of the Philosophers Maxim: the corruption of one thing, is the generation of another. The death of one thing, is the life of another. Since therefore metals must die, it must needs be that death be brought on them by enemies, or contrary things, because nothing in natural or artificial things dieth, unless it be slain by its own enemy.

Since metals therefore ought to be destroyed, and killed by their enemies; it is of necessity that they are invaded, tortured, and so long vexed by the same, untill the Agent as the stronger part, be overcome by the Patient as the weaker part; that it be slain by it, [or rather the Patient be overcome by the Agent,] and be translated into a better nature, in which action the Patient ought not to depart from the Agent, but to be tortured with an un-intermitting torment.

Whosoever seeing his enemy and conceives himself of the weaker force, indeavours as much as in him lies to decline him, by retreating, but all occasions of running away and slipping aside being taken away, he is constrained to deliver his life to his enemy, who handles the Patient or suffering party according to his own pleasure, and doth whatsoever he will, therefore after the same manner is the melioration of metals, the which although they should be melted together with Salts their enemies, yet would they make little account of them, but would separate themselves from the same; so that every part of them being unhurt, would keep its own nature and essence. But if the Salts do take away the occasion of flight from metals, and do inclose them in their Prisons, that they have no way of escaping, but remain, suffer, and die, then they obtain victory over the Salt, and of slain metals are made more pure and better.

This thing is done in the fire by the moist and dry way, of which enough hath been spoken already.

This is the whole and intire art, and there needs no other superfluous teachings; yet he whom these things doth not Suffice, let him read the following operations thorough, wherein he shall find truth, and see with his eyes, and handle with his hand; those things which have been heretofore impossible to him, and very many more.

XXX. After what manner Metals may be slain by their enemies and be transmuted into better.

Unto Metals not one but many enemies are adverse; and part of those enemies are enemies to some and friends to others, but the other part is friendly to some, and at enmity with others. For example sake.

Nothing more prosecutes Gold with an hostile hatred than burning Sulphur and sulphurious Salts, such as are Alcalies, and crude tartar; the cause of this hatred is, because Gold is nothing else, but a fixed Sulphur, and therefore it disagreeth by a capital hatred, with every burning Sulphur; Silver and Lead do love every Sulphur, and all sulphureous Salts, such as are Vitriol, Salt Peter, Salt Armoniack, and the like, the which they stand in need of for their colour; they have an hatred against Kitching Salt, because it is of a mercurial nature, and therefore not requiring its help, but onely desiring a Sulphur and Tincture, Copper, Iron, and Argent vive, or Quicksilver do possess both natures, to wit, a mercurial and sulphureous one, and for that cause they prosecute all Sulphurs, and any Salts with love.

Tin is an enemy of all Salts, whether they are sulphureous or mercurial ones, when it is slain by Sulphur and Salt, and recalled unto life, it obtains a more pure and thin or fine body, whether of Gold or Silver, according as it shall be handled.

Moreover, if any should desire to obtain as yet a better essence out of better metals, its necessary that he slay them by their enemies, and raise them up again by their friends; by how much the greater and vehement the enemies are whereby metals are slain, by so much the more those metals do suffer, and with so much the more famous and better bodies do they re-arise.

The whole art therefore consisteth in this, that metals are overwhelmed by their greatest enemies, are slain by them, and after death are separated from them, and that by their best friends, are restored unto a better life.

Thou hast the whole art, neither doth any other thing remain than that thou attempt the matter, and set to thine hand.

For example sake, I will add an operation. Slay a light metallick matter by the sharp Spirits of sulphurious Salts, that it may become a white calx; free this from the Salt Spirits, by water being poured thereon, the which being freed, cannot be reduced into a metallick body by any violence of fire. Likewise slay mercurial metals as are B. by mercurial, Salts their enemies, and change them into white calx’s, the which being freed from their saltness, will be liquid or flowable; mix those calx’s, to wit, the mercurial and sulphurious being slain, put them into a double vessel of cement, cover the uppermost with a certain plenty of B. fence well the juncture of the cementing vessel with clay, set them into a cementing furnace, and at the beginning administer a gentle fire, that the calx’s may rise up against or assault each other, and the fixed sulphur may bind the fugitive flowable and mercurial calx’s, D. for although in the cement something would depart into smoak, yet that is intercepted by E. and after a certain manner is thus exalted into the degree of F. Too much fire is not presently to be joyned to the cement or plaistering it self, that some time may be granted to the matter that is swift of flight, whereby it may adjoyn it self unto the fixed matter, and may also become fixed and constant with the same for four hours space, therefore the fire shall be somewhat the more slack, and afterwards for the space of eight or ten hours, it shall be kept in a clear bright burning heat, that G. may not melt: the said time being ended, the fire is to be extinguished, and the cementing vessel to be taken away, in G. a black or brittle body shall be found containing Silver, the easy separation whereof we shall afterwards hear.

The calx of both metals being coagulated into a hard stone, if by grinding it be reduced into powder, and be put into a furnace fit for this thing, a metallick body will be attained, being impregnated, not with a little Gold and Silver, especially if the metals shall be slain, not by the Spirits of common Salts, but with gradatory martial waters. In this cement, H. is rendred aureal or golden, and I. is silvery, by one and the same endeavour. The profit also it self is of no small moment, especially if this operation be exercised with the greater quantity, and the bigger instruments alwaies to supply or afford Silver being pregnant with Gold for separation.

XXXI. A brief and compendious manner of extracting and rendring corporeal, a volatile Gold out of coloured Flints, Red Talck, Granates or Red Marble Stones, Sand, White Clay and the like metallick earths.

At the beginning, these mineral or metallick earths are to be made bright burning hot, to be quenched in cold water, and to be broken in a mill, into meal or powder.

After that they are thus broken, thou shalt put them into some Waldenburge, or Cullein Can, and shalt pour so much of Aq; Regis on them, that they may onely be moistened, and let them, together with the Can, be placed in a fire of coals, and incompassed therewith, to be made hot; after that the minerals and Aq; Regis have waxed well hot together, so much hot water is to be poured on those very minerals as shall be necessary for the extracting of the Aq; Regis.

Put the minerals thus moistened with the water into great pots, and those made of the best earth, having many little holes in the bottom, on which lay paper for sustaining of the minerals that they may not fall out through the holes, but may dismiss the water onely. After the first water is gone forth, other hot water is again to be poured on, and this effusion of water is so long to be continued, untill it depart with the very same sweetness as when it was poured on, and no longer offers any sharpness to the tast. So the common and hot water brings away with it the Aq. Regis, and the Aq. Regis Gold out of the minerals.

The earthen pots may be placed in a bench bored thorough with holes, through which their bottoms may pass, that so the water may be received in vessels set under them.

N. B. The minerals may also be put into barrels or hogsheads having a double bottom, such as are used for the cleansing of Salt-Peter, that so water may be so long poured on them, untill all the acrimony be extracted by the water.

XXXII. After what manner out of Minerals being extracted, a true Salt-Peter may as yet be gotten with profit.

The minerals being after the said manner freed by extraction, they are to be co-mixed with an equal weight of calx vive and wood ashes, and cast together into an heap under some open gallery or room, that now and then it may be moistened with Urine, or in want of that with Rain-water, as oft as they shall be dryed.

In this operation the Aq. Regis, which remained in the minerals, and was not wholly extracted by the hot water by the help of the Urine or Rain-water, changeth the Salt in the calx vive into the best Salt-Peter, the which may be washed off with Rain-water, and boiled up after the wonted manner.

Therefore after the said minerals have been handled for half or a whole year after the said manner, and are by rinceing deprived of the Salt it self, they may again be (under an open Gallery or Roof so exposed to the air, that Rain come not at it) collected into an heap and be handled after the former manner, for the supplying (in their own time) new Salt Peter, the which may be done for many years together. So also from that Aq. Regis which could not be drawn forth from the minerals, a profit is received.

The cause of this Salt Peter, its being made, is this, because the Aq. fortis, or Aq. Regis, or Spirit of Nitre in the same Waters, contains as it were the seed of Salt Peter, it obtains that nature, that like an Herb it may take an increase from other Salts, and be multiplied; whence perhaps the old proverb arose, to sow Salt, which thing the ignorant have received with mock, saying after what sort can Salt be sown and multiplied, when it is solved and drawn from Rain-water? But it hath lain hid from those, what kind of Salt it is, and after what manner it is to be sown; the which we have here demonstrated, also the saying of the Ancient Philosophers, asserting that Salt may be sown and multiplied like Vegetables.

As to what pertains to those sharp waters, whereby gold is extracted out of minerals, by what skill they are to be handled as also without loss, yea that they may render that gold with profit; the following operations are to be observed.

XXXIII. A way shewing the extraction of a volatile and fixed Gold out of the Water, from which the Minerals are withdrawn, and the profit which may be received by that Water.

The best way is this, into the solution of gold, or into the water which containeth gold, pour in the solution of Lune or Saturn more or less, even as you suspect more or less of gold to be in that water: As for example. Let there be in the water two or three half ounces of gold, dissolve thou therefore about two or three half ounces of silver, or lead, in aq. fortis, and pour this solution into the water containing the gold, be it more or less, mix them well together by shaking or stirring, that the water may obtain the form of milk; after they have settled in quietness, shake or stir them again, and repeat this motion for divers times the space of one hour, and at length suffer all quietly to settle to the bottom. Separate all the clear water from the sediment by pouring it out, and strain the sediment itself through a filtre, that the water may be wholly separated from the silver.

This silver is to be dried, and reduced into its former body, after the manner which shall by and by follow.

N. B. If the silver or lead had not extracted all the gold, the which may easily happen, yet that gold is not lost, for because sweet water whereby the Aq. Regis is weakened is present, the which now remains unfit for another use of extracting out of minerals; now by the solution of Lune or Saturn deprived of their gold, a sharp Lixivium made of wood-ashes, and Calx vive may be poured on the same, with which a little is to be added or admixed. For do precipitate or fix all gold in solutions.

After this manner the Aq. Regis is killed, and every metal which it has yet retaineth, it dismisseth like a yellow powder, whether it be gold alone, or mixed with copper or iron, which powder is to be dried, and reduced after the manner which shall strait-way be taught.

N. B. That the water after the total precipitating of the metals, being exhaled in a Copper Kettle unto a thin skin, and exposed in peculiar vessels unto the cold, it will afford thee a beautifull Salt-peter, concreted or grown together into drops or Ice-acles, whereof thou may’st again make an Aq. fortis, to be again made use of for the like operations.

He that shall rightly operate shall get so much Salt Peter as will recompence the charges of the Aq. fortis, and Aq. Regis: So that he shall extract his gold without costs. For five or six pounds of Aq. fortis, wherein two or three pounds of Salt is dissolved, and the which hath at length been precipitated by a sharp Lixivium prepared with Calx-vive, doth render ten pound of Salt Peter, the which doth answer the price of five pound of Aq. fortis, and this is the manner of extracting gold out of minerals without cost.

XXXIV. Another and better manner of extracting gold by Aq. Regis.

Take of by torrifying made into ashes, pour the extraction into an iron Pot, and stir the Calx with an iron Spatula while it boileth. All the sharp spirits do stick fast to the the phlegm alone vanisheth by exhalation. When therefore the spirits are wholly con-centred with the and are dried, they are to be put into a close Tigil or Crucible upon Coals in a secret Crucible or melting Pot, then the fire expels the con-centred spirits into a receiving vessel; the which spirits may be used for a new extraction. A fugacious gold mixt with iron, remaineth with the which Calx being reduced in a Furnace fit for those operations, which the Germans do call Stichofen, draws out a lead mixt with gold, the which being expelled by a Cupel enricheth the operators with the best gold and silver.

N. B. But if such lead should not contain so much of gold and silver, as that it should deserve a separation by a Cupel, that is again to be mixt with and to be reduced into ashes, and the operation is so long to be repeated, untill the lead being rich enough in gold, may deserve that separation.

The separation is also to be perfected with the Bellows, lest so great a plenty of lead should be melted out of the Tests, which operation requires much fire, yet the lead may be collected or conjoyned in the Test without a wastefull melting, as shall be taught hereafter.

XXXV. An easie making or composing of Aq. Regis, for extracting of minerals.

Because a plenteous quantity of spirit of Salt is easily prepared, the Salt Peter is onely to be dissolved therein, and with that solution minerals are to be extracted. For the Salt Peter strengthens the spirit of Salt, that it can so much the more easier set upon and snatch to it the tender gold in those minerals.

The same spirit of Salt, may also without any rectifying be administred for this operation, to wit, such as ascends in the first Distillation.

XXXVI. Another as yet more easier way of preparing Aq. Regis for extraction.

Because silver doth always in this operation bewray its being impregnated with gold, which is to be separated by Aq. fortis, the solution of silver is also fitly used to extract after this manner.

Pour the said solution into Aq. Regis which hath extracted gold, that the silver may attract the greatest part thereof to it self. But the same Aq. Regis may again extract other gold, and be attracted by the solution of silver.

But if there should be no solution of silver in readiness, the gold extracted is con-centred with and the operation is perfected by the means or after the manner abovesaid, by driving the spirit out of the and by reducing it in a Furnace, called by the Germans Stichofen, as was said before.

N. B. Aq. fortis being dissolved therein, or poured on or into Aq. Regis, or the nitrous spirit of Salt, it adds an increase and strength to the Aq. Regis, because Aq. fortis doth corroborate the spirit of Salt better than Salt Peter.

XXXVII. How the Calx of silver, which hath fished out gold by Aq. Regis, is to be recovered.

When the solution of silver is poured into Aq. Regis, and the chiefest part of the gold is extracted; rest is so long granted unto it, that the Calx of the silver may settle to the bottom, and afterwards the Aq. Regis by pouring it forth is separated, cleared from the Calx of the silver, again to be used for a new extraction; unless perhaps as much of iron had been admixed with it, in which case the white Calx of the silver is put into some Cloath laid in an earthen or glass Tonnel, and hot water is to be poured on it, to take away with it the Aq. Regis, which is left in the Calx of the silver. The remaining water is to be pressed out of the Towel or Cloath, and the Calx dried, and reduced in the secret Crucible, or is made use of in the con-centring of into silver or gold, viz. gold and silver.

XXXVIII. After what manner precipitated silver is to be reduced without a loss of its weight.

Seeing the greatest fugacity is procured unto this Calx of silver, so that its former body cannot be restored unto it in common Crucibles without great loss, this discommodity cannot after a more convenient manner be prevented than by that which follows.

Mix thou an equal weight of with this volatile Calx, and cast it into a close bright burning Crucible, that is narrow above, and broad beneath; the which after thou hast covered with a Cover, and well fenced with the lute of Wisedom, thou shall melt the matter together, nothing whereof shall depart into smoke, neither shall so much as the least of it pierce through the Crucible, and all the Silver which the gold received is by this means attained without any loss.

This silver thou shalt by fusion reduce into grains, and shalt separate the gold from the same in Aq. fortis. And thou shalt again apply the silver thus reduced unto a new labour, in which labour thou proceeding without intermission shalt have a continual separatory operation of gold and silver; and this labour thou mayest exercise with great profit in all places.

XXXIX. Another manner of reducing a fugacious or volatile silver, with greater profit.

Place thou at the Stern of this little golden Ship, a little fish whose name is Remora, that it may be spoiled of its swiftness and may be at a stand, cast this silver little Ship with the little fish Remora, sitting at its Stern, into a close and square Tigil or Crucible, that by fusion they may depart into one body. In this fusion not onely all the silver is returned without any loss into its former body, but also is by the white Finns of the little fish, augmented with a certain increase of its weight, and becomes more golden; so that by this additament more of better silver is gotten, than if by the addition of other things it had been restored to its former body.

What other profits any one may be able to obtain through the help of this volatile silver, we will God willing hereafter teach.

These are the things which I at this time have been willing to teach, concerning the extraction of a volatile gold out of stones, and the more poor minerals, as also of the extending or bringing forward silver by successive degrees into gold; of which matter more things shall be spoken in other places.

XL. An operation, teaching to extract Stones and Minerals, or Mines that are poor in Silver, and Copper by a moist way.

These matters being made bright burning hot, are to be quenched with water, then moistened and extracted with Aq. fortis; after the same manner as was taught above concerning the minerals of gold, and no difference is here met with but in the waters extracting, since gold is extracted with Aq. Regis, and silver with Aq. fortis.

If the minerals or mines of gold and silver are at once in readiness, the gold is extracted by Aq. Regis, and the silver by Aq. fortis, and the solutions are to be united, in which dissolving, the silver being precipitated by the Aq. Regis, doth also snatch with it the gold from the Aq. Regis; and although copper shall be present with the mine of silver, and it be extracted together with the silver by Aq. fortis, yet it is no impediment to the operation, for the silver and gold do sink to the bottom, and the copper is retained by the Aq. Regis to be afterwards administred for a new operation, and that indeed as often as any one shall be willing.

The copper is recovered from the Aq. Regis by thin plates of iron being put therein, which operation makes the Aq. Regis red, and wholly unfit for the like labours.

Therefore the iron being then spiritual, promotes something out of the lead unto the degree of gold, and so the Aq. Regis being thus often used, it is again rendred profitable.

XLI. A more easy manner as yet by far, of plentifully extracting Gold and Silver out of poor mines, as Sand, White-Clay, and other the like minerals, by fire without fusion.

The mine or mineral Argilla, or White-Clay, &c. containing a volatile and fixed Gold, being rosted or calcined, and broken in pieces in a mill, fill thou a glass gourd therewith fenced with clay, or made of the best earth, half full, and pour so much of the following menstruum on that matter, as that it may be well moistened: but as soon as that menstruum is poured thereon, it presently begins to give a smoak, wherefore it is altogether necessary, that thou presently put a head on the gourd or body, which is to be set in sand, and all the moisture separated by distilling, and that while the distillation is performing the gold may be dissolved, but the solving matter it self is to be collected in a receiver by it self, the which hath the virtues of Aq. Regis, and may be again applyed for use, as shall by and by be shewn.

After that all the humidity is come forth, take the gourd (being cold) out of the sand, and pour some water on the matter that it may become soft, and that a Salt may be extracted from it, wherein the Gold lurketh, which was contained in the mine; coagulate the Lixivium being full of Gold, into a Red-Salt, the which by adding Litharge, is to be melted in such Crucibles which are not broken.

The Litharge draws the Gold unto it out of the Salt, which is to be separated from the Lead, after that manner which shall be shewn in the following Chapters or Treatises.

XLII. The preparation of a Water necessary for the extracting of Gold.

Take of this water of small charges, which thou shalt prepare plentifully without trouble, pour upon mines, and again separate it by distillation, to be again used in new labours, that there may be no need to prepare it again anew, because this doth not onely alwaies remain effectual, but also is increased in every operation: So that thou mayest be able to extract mines and minerals ad infinitum, if so be thou shalt prepare but one pound or pint at the first.

N. B. By this means all Gold how little soever it be, is plentifully extracted out of flints, sand, and any other minerals, without any cost excepting fire.

XLIII. Another water for extracting silver.

Take this water extracteth silver out of the poor mines of silver, sand, and stones; the operation of the same, is like the former one, and its increase is like the increase of the former water, so that after this manner silver may be plentifully extracted out of poor minerals, and no other cost is required besides fire.

N. B. Instead of may be taken since it performs the same thing in extracting, which the other performeth.

XLIV. Another easie manner of plentifully extracting gold, and silver out of poor minerals, it being of little or no cost.

Mix thou the mine or minerals with the requisite waters, fill with the same of good earth, set them near each other in a great put it in and distill the spirits, which pay all the charges, and which supply gold and silver without any costs, the which is to be received by lead.

XLV. Another more easie manner of extracting gold and silver out of minerals.

Mix the mine or mineral with the requisite waters, and moisten it by degrees, cast the whole into the spirits depart into a receiving vessel, and in the time of distillation, the gold and silver are dissolved by that dissolvant, the which being extracted, remain with or among and are rinced by water out of the mineral, so that they are attained without costs, and the spirits being collected in the receiving vessel, do recompence all charges.

XLVI. An easie operation of plentifull extracting gold and silver out of fat white Clay or Potters-earth.

Although gold and silver be extracted out of minerals by moist waters, by a troublesome operation as we have taught in the beginning, yet such an extraction brings no small profit, because they may be freed from those waters by precipitation; and those very waters do readily serve for the making or preparing of Salt Peter. With a fat Argilla or white Clay, the matter goes otherwise, because the spirit hath crept into the fat earth, and scarce a half part is received, unless the earth be first deprived of its fatness by making burning bright, it being that which doth also require its own peculiar labour.

Seeing that therefore in all places of the world, wheresoever earth is found, such fat white Clays containing gold and silver do plentifully offer themselves, and none hath been hitherto found, who hath indeavoured to extract and bring them to use, especially whenas they contain but little of gold or silver, not able to defray the charges of the lead bestowed.

I could not but open a very easie way of performing that thing with no small profit, the which is perfected by the following labour.

Mix such an earth containing gold or silver, with or of that greater one, and cast it by degrees into my first or second Distillatory Furnaces, and draw forth the spirits by distilling, that the solved gold or silver may remain in From that which is broken by a Mill or grinding is washed off with hot water, and is reduced by lead as is shewed before.

XLVII. After what manner by the help of art, gold may be easily and plenteously extracted from the sand of Granates, Agaths, Saphyrs, and Rubies, and other stoney Mineral earths, which do neither admit of fusion, nor Lead, nor sharp Waters.

It is certain that all Granates or Marbles, the red, black, ash-coloured, duskish, also of whatsoever colour they are, or wheresoever they are found, whether in Brooks or Rivers, or in Sand, or fat Earth, or in high Rocks, do always contain much of Gold, but that by reason of their glassy nature, they cannot be tamed by Aq. fortis’s, and by reason of their most difficult fusion cannot be wrought by Saturn or Lead; for that cause they have made none partaker of their gold, and they have been neglected as unprofitable earths, whenas notwithstanding they being handled by little labour, they are able to afford much gold.

Some one therefore may ask, because they cannot be subdued either by lead or Aquæ fortis’s, what course must be taken, that gold may be extracted out of their bowels? I answer. and also by a Fusible they may be so overcome, that the gold which they have may be withdrawn from them with profit, for because they can bear the fire, they are and perform by a double labour, one through their sharpness, and another by reason of a strong fire, so that nothing is safe from so great forces, but all things are constrained to yield unto so great violence. Hence they do willingly afterwards enter the Salt of Lead, and in time of melting do readily draw out their gold.

XLVIII. A most firm demonstration, that sharp Waters and Salts after the manner of the ways hitherto described, do draw forth more Gold and Silver as it were without cost, out of Mines or Minerals containing Gold and Silver, than sumptuous or costly melting Fires.

It is not unknown to every one that is seasoned but even with a mean knowledge of gold bearing Mines, that without the addition of Lead or other flowable things, Gold can in no wise be melted out of them, whenas therefore there is little Gold in those, and nevertheless much of Lead or other matters is required to be added for an easie fusion or melting sake, who shall be fit for the undergoing of so great costs? Hence it hath come to pass that such poor minerals could bring nothing of profit in common.

It being also granted, that there is so much of Gold and Silver in Minerals, that they will defray the charges of fire and fusion, and afford Gold and Silver with profit, yet such operations are not comparable to my inventions using Waters and Salts, no more than as Water to Wine, or Night to Day.

For first, fusion or melting far exceeds in its costs the extraction which is perfected by Salt and Waters. And then it can never be brought to pass that fusion should expell all the Gold and Silver out of Mines and Minerals, but leaves some thereof in the drosses, next also there is made a loss of all the volatile Gold and Silver, which are cast forth by a most strong fire, and driven away into the air; on the contrary, of the more ample and wealthy profits, which the extraction of Gold and Silver out of Minerals bringeth, this is not the least, that not onely all the Gold and Silver which is fixed, is drawn out without any detriment or loss, but also those two metals being as yet volatile are extracted at once and made fixt and constant in the fire, whenas notwithstanding by the vehemence of a melting fire, they are wholly dispersed and reduced into nothing. For the Waters of Salts do fix the volatile fugative spirits of Gold and Silver, the which by the vehement blasts of Bellows, are rendred as yet far more volatile, so that by the help of fusion scarce half the Gold is gotten which the extraction by the Waters of Salt affordeth.

Add to this, that not onely all the Silver and Gold, as well the volatile as the fixt is gotten together without any loss, but also the charges of Coals are far less, and one operatour may perform as much of this extraction of Gold and Silver, as three in the labour of fusion or melting.

From hence it is easily to be seen, how much profit and fruit may be gained by this my most excellent invention in all places of Germany. For this extraction is not onely for extracting Gold and Silver as well out of rich as poor Mines, but also snatcheth out all the Gold and Silver, in Flints tinged with any colour, wherewith all Brooks, Rivers, and Fields are filled.

Now follow some particular transmutations of the imperfect Metals into more perfect ones, by common fire, and Crude Salt, and by the not common con-centred moist fire of Salt.

XLIX. A fundamental and evident demonstration, that a true transmutation, or trans-changing of Metals may be exercised in all places of the earth, wheresoever Men may dwell, yea in the least Cottages of Countrey folks, and indeed by the same matters and vessels which are found in them.

It is well known, that even the poorest and vilest or meanest Countrey can want neither fire, nor salt, nor earthen vessels, necessary for the boyling of Meats. Therefore being furnished with Salt, a piece of Copper of some old Kettle shall easily supply him, the which it shall be free for him, by fire and salt to trans-change into a better and more noble body, but because Man hath a far better and commodious Salt for the transmutation of Metals in his possession, which excells common Salt in its goodness, he may of right and worthily make use of his own proper Salt before a strange and foreign one, and that after this manner.

Boil thy own, or the Urine of another man, to the consistancy of Honey, in which decoction, all the unprofitable moisture of the Urine departs by exhalation, and the Salt thereof remains in the Kettle or earthen Pot; admix thou with this condensed Urine, so much of Calx-vive, or the ashes of burnt Woods, that it may come into a thick or gross lump. But thin plates of Copper cut in pieces, and purged by making them bright burning hot ought to be in readiness, and also an earthen Pot having its Cover, wherein let that mass of Urine, and Calx-vive, together with the thin plates of Copper be put; when thou hast all these things in a readiness, mix the Urine as abovesaid with the Calx or slack-lime or ashes, and fill thy Pot to the height of three or four fingers, upon which put some of the plates of Copper, and so stratum super-stratum till the Pot is full, then cover it with its Cover, which thou shalt well fence with Lute made of Meal, Water, and Paper, that not any vapour at all may come forth. For assoon as the Calx-vive is mixed with the condensed or co-thickned Urine, the Spirit of Urine begins to operate by its own proper efficacy, and therefore it is necessary that the Cover be straightway laid on the Pot, and be fenced with a due Lute or Clay; the Pot being thus filled and cover’d, set it aside in some certain place for the space of half a year, in which time the spirit of Urine being stirred up by the Calx-vive, displays its virtues on the Copper, and exalts it into a higher degree, as that it is tinged of a skie and green colour mixed, and is rendred fit for the Painters Art; one pound whereof is more worth than two or three pounds of Copper, one pound whereof doth for the most part render one pound with four or five ounces of this colour, and so it affords a profitable transmutation of Copper.

L. After what manner, out of this partly Green, partly Skie-colour of Copper, Gold and Silver is to be separated.

He that desires to separate Gold and Silver out of this colour, whereof no great masses are attained, but onely and alone whereby it is demonstrated that the thing may be done, he must use the following operation.

First, he must take good heed in taking the colour out of the earthen Pot, lest any thing of the mass of the Urine, and Calx be mixed with the beautifull colour, and render it impure.

The thin plates being taken out, they are to be often crookedly bowed, and moved upwards and downwards, that the colour may fall off from the plates like scales. The remaining Copper which is not yet turned into colour, is reserved for a new labour; to be repeated after the same manner. Wine-vinegar is poured on the colour, or the sharp water of Tartar extracted after the Distillation of adust Wine from its Lees, with water by decoction, and it is to be so long boiled in a Copper Kettle, or an earthen Pot glazed, till all the colour shall be solved; the Solution being cast into a Filtre, the Vinegar or Water of Tartar onely passeth through, and a reddish powder is left in the Filtre, the which being melted with Lead in a Cupel, after the exhalation of the Lead, it leaves a grain of Gold. For the spirit of Urine hath ripened somewhat of the Copper into Gold, which the Vinegar or Water of Tartar did not dissolve but left, attracting onely the Copper by solution. And because somewhat of Silver is ripened in the Copper through this same operation, and is dissolved with the Copper, by the Vinegar or Water of Tartar, something of common Salt is to be added to the Water of Tartar or Vinegar, that the Silver may not be solved by the same, but may remain with the Calx of Gold, and may be retained with the same.

N. B. Pure and clear Vinegar ought to be taken for this labour, if you would preserve the colour unhurt, for after some part of the Vinegar is evaporated away, the green colour of the Copper grows together into fair green small stones, one pound whereof is more to be esteemed than five or six pounds of Verdi grease, which is sold in the Shops.

This artificial operation therefore affords a beautifull and christalline vitriol of Venus, and some small quantity of Gold and Silver; whereof although there be not so great plenty that it may bring profit, yet it shews the possibility of the thing, and teacheth that a transmutation of Metals, may be exercised in any small Cottage by any Countrey Man.

But if any one shall collect Urine, and extract from thence the volatile spirit of its Salt by Distillation, he shall far more deeply pierce the heart of the Copper, and shall obtain more of Gold and Silver than he can get by the but now mentioned rustical labour, of which matter more things are found in other places of my Writings.

LI. After what sort pure Gold may be extracted out of any Copper.

In all Copper a spiritual occult Gold lies hid, the which in the labour of separation by Lead in a Cupel or Test, is not taken notice of, or considered. But this very Gold is nothing else but the colour of Copper, so firmly adhering unto its body, that it remaineth very difficult to be separated from thence, but the operation being rightly instituted, although it be not gainfull, yet it demonstrates a possibility of the thing, for the sake of experiencing whereof, to wit, whether there be Gold in all Copper, thou must labour after the following manner.

Dissolve Copper in Aq. Regis, and pour much water on the solution, that by this water the dissolved Copper may be largely diffused. Into this solution diffused by the water, pour Lead that is dissolved in Aq. Fortis, so that one or two half ounces of Lead may answer to one pound of Copper. But as often as the Lead shall settle to the bottom, thou shalt shake or stir it, that the solution may be well mixed, and that the Lead may attract something of Gold; and may precipitate it with it self to the bottom, the which being dried and separated in a Cupel, will leave a small quantity of Gold, not for an argument of profit, but a token of a possibility, which testifies that there is Gold in all Copper. But if any thing of profit were to be received, such Copper was to be taken which was already changed into vitriol. But among vitriols the Hungarian, Cyprian, Indian, Japanick, and other the like do excell, which do offer themselves in the Mines of Gold-bearing Copper, and are handled after the following manner.

LII. The manner of extracting Gold out of natural vitriol.

Dissolve thou vitriol in common water, and pour on the vitriol dissolved, a littled of dissolved Lead, and stir both solutions by frequent motions, that the Lead may attract the Gold out of the vitriol, to be dried and separated by a Cupel, which will remain like a grain of greater or lesser quantity, as the vitriol shall contain more or less of the same.

Of the vitriolated water out of which the Gold was extracted, thou shalt again make vitriol by so long boiling, and evaporating till a thin skin appear, which being then exposed to the cold will shoot into Crystals. But this operation brings with it more profit, if it be not now boiled up into Crystals, but that vitriol onely be taken which is drawn out of its Mineral into Water, and after the extraction of the Gold, is at length boiled up into vitriol.

But least this fishing of Gold out of vitriol should seem wonderfull unto any, we will shew a way, whereby Gold may be extracted out of Sea Water, or Sea Salt, the solution of Lead assisting: The manner is as followeth.

LIII. After what manner Gold is to be extracted out of Sea Salt, or Sea Water, not indeed with profit, but onely that it may be demonstrated, that Gold is hidden even in Sea Water or Sea Salt.

Fill a great Copper Kettle with Sea Water, and pour thereon a little dissolved Lead; the which goes to the bottom because it cannot indure Salt, and is straightway precipitated into a white powder, move and stir the water in the Kettle often, that the solution of Lead may every where touch the Sea-Salt-Water.

Through this action, a spiritual Gold adheres to the leaden powder, and sinks to the bottom together with it, which powder being freed from its Salt by common Water, and dried, and melted in a Cupel, leaves a small grain of Gold, as a remainder.

N. B. For this fishing Silver is more fit than Lead.

LIV. How, out of poor Mines of Copper, from which no profit can be perceived, Copper, as also Gold it self if it be present, is to be easily and without costs, extracted and separated.

The sandy or sulphurous Mine or Mineral of Copper is to be roasted or calcined, by burning even to the consuming of the Sulphur, because sharp waters do not assault sulphureous matters, the Mineral being calcined and beaten into a powder, fill a gourd, and pour our solving secret on the same, the which I have taught above at the extracting of Minerals.

The whole dissolvent in abstracting or distilling is recovered, and that indeed not without increase. But the Copper and Silver do stick fast in the dissolved Salt, which remained in the Mineral after the abstraction, and the which is to be washed out with water, out of which water, which drew out that Salt, the Gold contained therein, may by the solution of Lead or Silver, be drawn forth.

But if the same water be boiled untill a thin skin appear at the top, and exposed to the cold, it will shoot into a green vitriol, but for the extracting the Copper out of the Salt-Water, Rods of Iron are to be put therein, which do attract the Copper, the which being withdrawn and washed clean, and melted into Copper by fusion, is administred for other uses: For because it is like to a tender and filed powder, it is changed by an easie business into Verdi-grease, after the manner which shall by and by be taught.

LV. After what manner Gold may by an easie business by Fire and Salt, be separated out of Copper.

If Gold shall be mixed with a mass or lump of Copper, all the Copper is to be reduced in a bright burning Fire into Ashes: and the Ashes are to be infused in our secret Aceum or Vinegar, the which dissolveth the Copper onely by decoction, and leaveth the Gold undissolved, like a shining powder, to be dried and melted with Borace, out of which Gold of twenty three Caracts proceedeth.

That Vinegar, our secret Aceum, draws all the Copper from the golden Calx. The Copper is separated from the Vinegar by Rods of Iron, being laid therein as we have taught in the foregoing manner.

LVI. How Copper being extracted out of vitriolated Water, and adhering to Rods of Iron, is to be changed into Verdi-grease.

This pure Copper may be moistened with the strongest Vinegar, and put into earthen Pots, the which being covered with its Cover well fenced with Clay, are to be placed in Horse dung, and to be left therein for a time, yet so as that the heap of Dung be sometimes renewed. All the Copper is in a short time changed into Verdi-grease, and indeed far more pure than that which is set forth to Sale in the Shops, and which is made in Spain, by the husks or pressed out of clusters of Grapes.

N. B. In extracting Copper out of Mines, regard is to be had unto this thing, to wit, that with poor and wild or course veins of Copper, Lapis Calaminaris, or Zink is sometimes found to be admixed; which is no ways perceived to be in them. But if those Minerals are extracted with Aq. Regis, and this be to be taken away by Distillation, none of the Aq. Regis goes forth, but onely a flegm without savour, because the Lapis Calaminaris or Zink doth retain all the Acrimony with it, just as if those two Minerals should say to the Aq. Regis, we do not as yet let thee go, because as yet, we have need of thy indeavour for our amendment, &c.

But it is certain that whatsoever Minerals and Metals do retain with them sharp spirits, are as yet immature, and may be ripened by those spirits, that they may bestow Gold and Silver, as hath been already said, and shall as yet more largely be spoken to.

LVII. Out of wild or course Minerals, or veins of Lead, admitting of no melting, out of which no good Lead, much less Gold or Silver, can be drawn, how to extract not onely Lead, but also Gold and Silver with profit.

As we have said above, that some Minerals or Veins of Copper do appear in Mines, the which by reason of Lapis Calaminaris or Zink do refuse all melting, and can be by no fire reduced: So also we here admonish, that Minerals of Lead are found, the which do indeed contain much Lead, but by reason of the Lapis Calaminaris, Zink, and a sulphureous Sand being admixed with them, they cannot be overcome by any melting, for these matters do take away a ready flowing from the Lead, and do cause that such Minerals, which for the most part together with Lead, do also hide not a little of Gold and Silver, are cast away as altogether unfit, and unprofitable, whenas notwithstanding very much profit might be received from them after this manner.

Let the Mineral by pounding be broken in small pieces, and in my little secret Furnace which I have fitted for the calcining of Minerals, let it be roasted with bright burning Coals, that the gross Sulphur may conceive a flame, and burn. If in time of operation the matter should gather it self into heaps or knobs, and in co-heaping should make round Pellets, it being taken out of the Furnace, let it again be beaten, be set upon live Coals and roasted, and these labours be so often repeated, untill all the Sulphur shall be consumed, and the Mineral doth no longer co-heap it self into knobs, but being made bright burning hot like dead ashes; it no longer sends forth a sulphureous stink. At length out of these ashes being well washed, a dead and unprofitable matter separates its self from the good and metallick earth, the which being melted by it self in a Furnace called by the Germans Stichofen, becomes a flowable Lead which containeth Gold and Silver.

But if the Mineral be so stubborn that it altogether refusing all melting, could not by it self be reduced, and nevertheless contain Gold and Silver, something of Litharge is to be added to that metallick earth, which procures a flux unto it, and yields that Gold and Silver bearing Lead, which by the common operation wholly refuseth to offer it self.

LVIII. Another way teaching by the help of Salt and Fire to draw Silver and Gold with great profit, out of all stubborn or rude and untamed metallick earths, in whose Veins Lead, Copper, Gravel, or course Sands, Iron, or Lapis Calaminaris have for the most part conjoyned in Society, and which do deny all profit by vulgar operations.

As Fire burns up every gross and combustible Sulphur in Mines or Minerals, that these do at length subject themselves unto melting, and do render Metals easie to be hammered: so also Salt fixeth, and makes constant whatsoever volatile body endeavours to flie away into the air, that it may afford a ripened, melted, and profitable Metal. For that cause such Minerals common Salt being added as was abovesaid, are to be roasted in live Coals, that that devouring gross Sulphur may vanish by burning with a flame, and that together also the Metal it self may be promoted to maturity, and so that by this very thing, good Gold and Silver may be separated, whenas notwithstanding otherwise, not any one should obtain so much as the least thereof out of these very Minerals.

Such an amendment and changing the more imperfect Metals into the more perfect ones, may be attained by the help of Salt and Fire.

If therefore common Salt and gross Fire are able to perform this in Minerals, what shall not these, not common but secret Fires of Salts effect, in trans-changing Metals already pure, into more pure and subtile ones?

LIX. After what manner Metals are to be amended by pure Fire, or the fiery spirits of Salts.

It may easily be perceived if a gross Salt and Fire do some good to more gross Metals, that also a more pure Fire and Salt may do more good on purer Metals. Instruments whose edges are made very sharp by whetting, are far more fit for operation than those that are dull, and will perform more. By how much the sharper an Auger or Wimble is, by so much the sooner it boareth thorough the Wood, and on the contrary, by how much the more blunt it is, by so much the slower it pierceth thorough.

He that is earnestly desirous to obtain any good in the amendment of Metals, he must of necessity apply the subtile and strong spirits of Salts, that he may destroy Metals with the same, may kill them, and reduce them unto their former life, and so may procure more noble bodies unto them. When their former body is restored to those moist and cold Fires of Salts, to wit, that they may return unto the form of Salt, but of a more noble and subtile one, Metals may far more speedily be destroyed; a double Fire performs more than a single one, since therefore Salt is by it self no other thing but a meer and con-centred Fire, and the Fire of Wood or Coals joyning it self with the other a greater efficacy must needs be expected from them than by common Fire alone, but we have hitherto made mention of such operations, and therefore its needless here to repeat them. From what hath been hitherto said, every Chymist may gather and learn those things which concern the amendment of Metals, wanting the help of Salt and Fire; more God willing shall follow.

LX. Let us now ascend higher, and demonstrate what incredible miracles or wonders our secret Fires of Salts may effect nigh to that great work of Philosophers.

As in the foregoing Chapters it hath been sufficiently confirmed, that unripe Metals may by the help of Fire and Salt, be particularly promoted to a more perfect maturity: So also in the multiplying of Animals and Vegetables, that thing evidently appeareth; to wit, if sufficient meat and drink be administred to any Infant, that he groweth dayly in bigness, and strength of body, untill he come to the age and perfection of a Man. The same multiplying in Vegetables offers it self to our view, in that a small seed or root do snatch to them their nourishment from an earthly Salt; and the beams of the Sun, and do rise up into a perfect, great, and fruitfull Tree. This particular transmutation is conversant before our eyes, and therefore is a thing most known, but after what sort the most noble part or purest essence is to be extracted out of the bodies of Vegetables, Minerals, and Animals, that other more weak bodies may be strengthned and amended by the same Philosophers have always hidden and covered with the greatest endeavour. Hence it is, that there hath been very few, and as yet are, who have had the knowledge of this highest Science.

As to what therefore belongs to the great work of the Philosophers, all the Philosophers do in their writings with one accord affirm, the which I do also in all my writings affirm to be most true, and do as it were shew with my Fingers, to wit, that nothing in the nature of things doth effect a Tincture and Tinge with a most gratefull colour, but Sulphur alone, and that one onely, and that this same combustible immature and volatile Sulphur is fixed and changed by the operation and help of Salts into a true Tincture, the which is as certain as that which is most certain, and yet laborious also, and requiring a space of time long enough, especially if any one doth insist in a moist way. The way of coming unto the end of such a work as I think, yet with the safety of others judgment, this is the best, if any one bind or fix such a Sulphur, which was already brought unto a perfect maturity by nature, they might bring this profit with it, that it should not require a longer time for its maturity.

But such a fixed and tinged Sulphur, is no where more nearly found than in Metals, and especially in Copper and Iron, but the better and more pure in Gold; the finding out whereof notwithstanding (by reason of its most firm and intimate conjunction with its body, as also its separation) hath been always esteemed almost impossible. For unto diligent searchers, a true separator which might separate the pure part from the impure, hath for the most part every where been wanting.

For as it is known such a hard or compacted metallick body, can very difficultly be separated and divided into its parts.

The solution of sharp waters, sups up indeed every Metal, but it effects no separation. For because Metals are Homo-geneal things, and the metallick Sulphur is so strictly bound to its metallick mercury, by the bond of the metallick Salt, it can never be brought to pass, that by such solutions, or by precipitatings, or by other ways, one part should be separated from the other.

If a Metal being dissolved by a water be precipitated all its parts being so mixed as they were before its dissolution do fall down and settle, and admit of no separation. But if any one would also render Metals spiritual, that so the more pure parts might be disjoyned from the more impure ones by distillation, yet there is no separation made, but the more pure body it self ascends, and again as before, it consisteth of three principles, performing indeed more in Alchymy and in Medicine than the more gross bodies of Metals, but is unfit for a true Tincture, because nothing operates in all bodies, but a lively Soul, and that which vivifies or quickens other dead bodies, for it is the spirit, as Christ saith, which quickneth, the body is unprofitable. Let man, or any other living creature be for an example, the which as long as it lives, it moves it self and operates as long as the spirit, the Authour of Life is present with it; but that vanishing away the body wants all motion, and remains a dead Carcass. If now it could be brought to pass, that we could lay hold of such Animal Spirits, and could render them corporal ones, we might also perform incredible things by the same, and perhaps fashion or form a living creature of a lump of earth, the which notwithstanding God hath reserved to his own self. But this that bountifull Father hath granted unto us, that out of unmoveable subjects, or those wanting a moveable and animal life, we may extract their pure Souls or Essences, and render them corporal, and effect thereby things of great moment in Medicine and Alchymy.

But the souls of Metals do excell herein, as being more fixed and constant than the essences of vegetables, but they are far more difficultly attained. For the souls of vegetables do suffer themselves to be easily extracted, but the colours and souls of Metals do hardly admit of extraction, and for that cause are accounted of by the ignorant for a thing impossible to be done, nor indeed is it altogether without some cause; for the separation of the tinging soul from the hard metallick body is a thing of great moment: many are the ways that have been attempted for the procuring of this Sulphur; and some ignorant fellows have written Books, of the acquiring or getting of the same, whereas ’tis evident that they never saw such a Sulphur.

The most learned and most witty Helmont wrote egregiously concerning this Sulphur; but yet not so clearly as that any one could out of those his writings get a perfect knowledge of the same. Nor indeed is it expedient that such kind of Pearls should be cast under the feet of swinish Men. There is no Writer (as far as I know) that hath mentioned any thing concerning this matter, clearer than Isaac Holland in his Ch. De Amausis, where he teacheth, that he who hath gotten the art of changing Metals into transparent Glasses with their peculiar colours, hath purchased a notable secret in Metallick affairs. He alludes (by way of likeness) to the bodies of Men brought to a clarity or brightness after this life, and thus declares his Doctrine and says; The souls of Metals do shine forth through their Amausa’s, or clarified bodies, clad in their proper colours, even as the Souls of Men shall hereafter shine in the other World, from [or through] their clarified bodies. And further he saith, that when such Amausa’s [or Glasses] are reduced into their former bodies; then the Amausa’s of Copper and Iron become fixt, that of Silver becomes Gold, and that of Gold becomes Tincture. The Said Authour hath not clearly expressed the manner of accomplishing this, but in my opinion (without prescribing ought to any one) this is the nearest way of attaining to such an operation, viz. of getting the souls, or the pure Sulphurs of Metals, viz. If the Metals be first reduced into Amausa’s, or transparent Glasses, out of which their souls are easier extractable than out of their gross bodies. But now, for such an extraction here is such a menstruum required as doth not work upon all the whole body, or dissolve it, but doth onely attract there out of the colour and purest Sulphur, and leaves the body behind white. But where shall we find the description of such a menstruum? none speak of it openly, but many mention it obscurely; nor indeed is it so necessary that such an Arcanum of so great moment be manifested to every one.

But however, this in brief you are to be admonished of, that like draws its like and extracts it. If a mercuriality be to be extracted out of the metallick masses [or bodies,] then ’tis expedient to use a mercurial menstruum, for like rejoyceth in its like. So sulphureous essences are extractable by sulphureous menstruums, and not by mercurial ones. For Water doth willingly associate it self with Water, and Oyl with Oyls. And forasmuch as all the Philosophers write that the Sulphur or tinging Soul in Iron and Copper, doth as to goodness and nobleness equalize the Sulphur in Gold, it will be needless (in my opinion) to take Gold, but to bring Iron and Copper to that pass, that they may become transparent Glasses, from which their colours may be extracted. But if so be that any one is minded to prefer Gold before these, and to extract the tincture hence from, he may do as he pleases, and will find in many places of my writings a manuduction, [directing him] to the transmutation of Gold, (and so of the other Metals too) into transparent bodies, which thing is highly necessary. For there is not an easier way of extracting the tincture out of Metals, than by first reducing them into transparent Amausa’s. Now the menstruum serving for this extracting of the Sulphurs out of the metallick bodies is to be so prepared, that it dissolve not the body, but extract onely the Sulphur or pure Soul there out of. Such menstruums Paracelsus himself makes mention of, and affirms, that with them the skie-coloured Saphyrs, the red Rubies, and the yellow Jacynth may be so deprived of their colours, as that there remains no more of them save onely the white bodies. Besides, that white Crystals may (by the help of tinging sulphureous Spirits) be died with various colours. Verily ’tis a secret of most mighty concernment, to have the skill how to prepare such a menstruum as will penetrate the most hard Stones and most compact Glasses to extract them, and withall to communicate to othersome various colours, without the corrupting, breaking and destruction of any of the bodies, the which thing seems in my opinion very likely to be true, though as yet I know not how to do it. That which I have tryed by my operations I can write and teach, viz. how all the Metals may very easily (yet one more easily than another) be changed into fair transparent and most delicately coloured glasses, and how out of these glasses the pure and tinging metallick souls may be extracted, viz. by such menstruums as are sulphureous, subtile, not dissolving, but onely extracting.

But for as much as these kinds of menstruums are not (as far as I know) described by any one, and yet are the producers of such notable effects; I could not omit the discovering of something concerning them, for the sake of such as are Students in true Philosophy, and after some sort shew that kind of extraction, which is to be accomplished by the help of our con-centrated spirits of salt, or of our moist Philosophical fires.

LXI. How a vegetable subtile sulphur is to be so actuated by the nitrous moist fire, that it may extract the fixt sulphur of metals, or their pure tinging soul.

First of all, the oyls of the vegetables are to be exalted by distillations, and often repeated rectifications to the highest degree of purity and subtilty, and afterwards to be once rectified by some con-centrated nitrous fire, that so being already of themselves subtile, they may get a fiery vigour endued with a faculty of seizing upon metallick sulphurs, and of extracting them out of the hard and compact bodies. For any vegetable oyl how subtilly soever it be prepared, hath not any power of entring into the metals, and much less of having any ingress into their glasses, nor can it extract in the least, though such bodies should be covered with it for a long season. But now if an artificial operation shall have sharpenedw such an oyl with those most subtile spirits of salts, and have rendred it more acute and penetrative than those con-centrated spirits of the salt do lead in the sulphur, and bestow on it a power of attracting to it self its like.

And albeit that such con-centrated spirits do when per se, and alone, wholly dissolve metallick glasses and make no separation at all, no, nor do not extract the least particle of any sulphureous substance, yet the case with them is vastly altered, when such fiery spirits are artificially united with most pure sulphureous oyls; insomuch that they bestow on them a faculty of working upon metals, and of extracting from them a most pure sulphur; nay farther, they purchase these oyls a capacity not onely of extracting the colours out of metals, but also out of other things. Now we have taught at large in our second part of Furnaces, the manner of rendring the oyls of vegetables subtile; and as for the nitrous fire requisite to this operation, the way of con-centrating it is to be found in this Book a little before, so that ’tis wholly needless to repeat the same things over again which have been afore treated of. And thus far is my knowledge come, viz. how (by the help of oyls animated and actuated by the aforesaid means) to extract the most pure soul out of metallick Amausa’s, or those hard and glassy subjects: But how such a sulphur is to be brought into a tinging medicine, I (professing not my self so great a master) do not as yet know. Neither is it at present needfull to exceed the due bounds by so large a treating of such worthy things; for things wonderfull may be effected by this menstruum both in Medicine and Alchymy, and in other arts, concerning which we shall (God willing) presently add somewhat more.

And whereas I have made mention here of clarified bodies, and con-centrated spirits; I judge it worth while also to shew what difference there is betwixt those con-centrated spirits and clarified bodies as the Chymists call them.

The clarified bodies therefore are nothing else save bodies purged and mundified by the operation of the fire. For the fire is the ultimate examiner of all things, as being endued with such a power by which it burns up all things, reduceth them into ashes and powder, and out of the ashes makes glass; that being the utmost or ultimate thing whereunto all things are reduced. If therefore there be in any thing any good, which being burnt in the fire is by fusion or melting, turned into transparent glass, it doth manifest it self in its utmost or ultimate essence, and shine forth in its brightness, insomuch that every one may see what lay hidden in its life afore thus burning it. For example, I take wood, an herb, or an animal, I burn it and transmute it into ashes; these ashes I melt and turn into glass. Having thus done, there appears no colour visible, for the glass is white, and that because the sulphur is consumed in the burning; and the mercury is fled away into the air in smoke, as being two principles which are no ways able to resist the force of fire: But the salt, as being a contemner of the fire remained in the earth of no efficacy.

But now a metal being by the fire turned into ashes, though part of the sulphur and mercury hath in the combustion and vitrification flown away into the air, yet notwithstanding the best part remains; and this is the reason why such metallick glasses are coloured according to the metals nature and property, and which (afore thus burning it) was hidden. We will yet farther evidence it by an example.

If I burnt copper or iron, and reduce it into ashes, and do by melting it turn it into glass, then the copper if per se and no other thing added unto it, yields a green glass, and the iron yields a yellow coloured glass. But if there be made an addition, then are produced glasses of other colours, as for example.

If I add to burn iron or crocus martis the glass of lead, then the glass made by melting will have the yellow colour of a Hyacinth. The same crocus martis being molten with common glass, made of wood-ashes and salt; yields a greenish coloured glass which is the natural and proper colour of the iron. For the lead altered the colour of the former mentioned glass of the iron and made it yellow in the melting, and so hindred it from manifesting its true and natural colour. The glasses of two several colours being molten together do exhibit false colours, as may be seen by co-melting a skie colour and a yellow glass, the which being molten together yield a green colour, and doth so represent it self both in the fire and out of it too. From hence took I occasion to write and teach the way of finding out (by molten glasses) what kind of metal is hidden in any mineral or metallick earth. Which way of proving mines or minerals is far better and speedier than that which is usually done by a decoction and exhalation of lead in the Cupel. Thus may you mix five, six, eight or ten grains of some finely powdered mineral, with one or two lots of Venice glass being of easie fusion, and put the matter thus mixed in a well covered crucible, and by melting it reduce it into glass. The colour which will be in the said glass, will shew what metal the minera contained: Lead will yield a duskish colour, tin, a white, copper, a Sea-green; iron a somewhat greenish, silver a yellow, and gold a skie coloured: each of which colours is the true and internal colour of the respective metal. Gold doth also resemble a Ruby as to colour if other colours be added thereunto. But yet in the mean time, the skie-colour is its proper and natural colour, and so is yellow of silver: and this is notably agreeable with the truth, though to such as are ignorant, it seems a thing wonderfull, for indeed such mens knowledge ends in external things, but they are wholly ignorant of internal ones. But now the colours of gold and silver are better and more perfectly known, if there be added unto them some fix and white sulphur, which prevents the gold and silver from being thoroughly reduced into their peculiar bodies by fusion. If the Calx of gold or silver be molten with Borax, they both return into their former bodies, and do not pass into glass any ways coloured: But that some glass of easie fusion be mixed with those Calx’s, together with a little powder of flints and so molten, then the flints will (by reason of their sulphur) hold with themselves the gold and silver and so keep them that they admit not of fusion [or reduction] in their whole body, but do remain in the glass with some part of the metalline property which renders their internal colours visible, which else would not appear to sight.

N. B. If you have the minera’s of gold and silver at hand and melt them with glass, their colours will also appear, because that in the minera’s there always is some sulphur that hinders the metal from wholly returning into a body, so that some part of it abides in the glass and therein shews its colour. This also is to be minded, that if haply some minera or metallick earth contains not one metal barely, but 2 or 3 more metals, then always that metal of which the most quantity is in the said minera doth after fusing shine in the glass beyond the rest. As for example.

Suppose I would make tryal in the red Granates [stones] I powder some eight or ten gr. and mix them with one lot of white Venice glass finely powdered, and I melt them, and so turn them into glass. Now in this transmutation the glass doth not become red, but of a delicate grass colour, and so teacheth me what metals are hidden in those Granates, viz. copper and iron, and also more of this, [viz. the iron] than of the other. And though there should be some gold too, yet is it unperceiveable because of the predominancy of the iron over the copper and over the gold: For (in this operation) that metal onely manifests it self to sight, which is in greater plenty therein than the rest be.

Isaac Holland would by this vitrification signifie unto us, that after this life, viz. when the world is consumed with fire, there shall arise from the bodies of men reduced into ashes other clarified bodies, and of such and such colours, according as their souls have (either good or bad) framed, or as it were made unto themselves in this life-time in their gross bodies. What other thing [I pray] are fair colours, but the virtues of those subjects out of which they emit or send forth their splendour.

Take a similitude hereof from the melting of minerals, wherein though a mineral of silver or copper hath in it much silver or gold, yet if the superfluous sulphur be not (before the melting the said mineral) separated by a little as ’twere roasting fire; but be (together with that gross sulphur,) set in a vehement melting fire, there will not verily be any metal gotten hencefrom, but that stinking sulphur would transmute the good metal into black Scoria’s. So likewise, no fair and transparent glass can be (by melting) made out of pure metals, if that kind of gross sulphur should adhere unto them.

These few things touching clarified bodies, I could not pass over in silence, and much less could I omit this, viz. that the bodies of all things may be much better transmuted into clarified bodies by our secret fire, than by the common fire. For the common fire drives away the volatile parts, whereas on the contrary, our fire doth preserve them and renders them fixt and transparent as well as the other parts. And therefore of necessity these bodies must needs shine with fairer and brighter colours than those others, in which the common fire hath expelled the mercury and sulphur, and left remaining nothing else but the salt.

But now as concerning such a transmutation into ashes by our moist and secret fires, any one may easily guess the way. For whatsoever is put in them must be necessarily burned into ashes, and they far better ashes too than are made by burning in the common fire. For if the common fire burns any herb or wood into ashes, the sulphur burns away in a flame, the mercury betakes it self to its wings and away flies it, and the salt abides behind in a few ashes or a little earth. Now our Philosophical calcination takes away nothing but conserves all [the princip’es so called] together; and doth in the first place produce to view a black coal, then afterwards other various curious colours, and then a white colour, and at last to compleat the operation, it yields a red fusile and medicinal stone.

N. B. Here it is to be noted that for preparing a pure medicine, a pure subject is to be made use of; for if so be that any one would endeavour the transmutation of an herb, wood, or any animal into a medicament by the help of the secret fires, then all the ashes and feces which were in the herb would also adhere unto the medicament and would render it impure, therefore necessity requires that you do not take the whole herb, or the whole animal, but onely their essential salt, the which being void of feces consists onely of the pure principles of the herb; and doth easily admit of being transmuted into a red tinging, and more soluble stone than the herb it self with its feces by it, doth.

I would not have you to account of these things here delivered you as if they were of small moment. No, for they are such things as cover over with this their vile or base covering, such matters as are of great weight, and which will not come to every bodies knowledge. Surely ’tis a considerable thing that a part of any vegetable, animal or mineral body should (by conserving all the most volatile parts, and by rendring them altogether constant and stable, without the least loss of weight) be ripened into a fixt soluble and tinging red, and medicinal stone. This way of transmuting all things without loss of the weight thereof into clarified bodies, is of all others the best. And those bodies on this wise clarified are without doubt of greater efficacy than are the gross bodies themselves of the animals, vegetables, and minerals, which do as yet abound with their gross and impure feces.

But if so be any one be not herewithall content but panteth after higher things, he may advise with himself about extracting the soul out of this red and fixed stone, and reduce it again by a reiterated operation unto the form of a stone, whereby he will without doubt make it yet far more effectual. And by how much the oftner any one shall repeat this same operation, so much the more effectual a medicine will he obtain, for it will at every reiteration notably augment its virtues, for by such actions the efficacy and virtues of things are con-centrated and driven into a very little compass, wherewithall wonderfull things may be performed.

We are yet moreover to see what spirits are, but principally what con-centrated spirits are, and what they are able to do.

And because the matter in hand gives occasion of treating thereof in this place, we will briefly give you a declaration of the same.

LXII. What spirits are, and by what means they operate good or evil.

In the first place, there are spirits called vegetable ones, viz. When vegetables are beaten to pieces, and being contused are moistened with water, (provided they have not juicyness enough of their own, or do altogether want it) and so fermented, being fermented they are to be distilled, which distillation brings forth subtile and efficacious spirits, and such as are the effecters of many profitable things in Alchymy and in other arts, besides the use thereof in medicine.

Secondly, sundry and divers spirits are also made out of animals by distillation, as out of Blood, Urine, Hairs, Horns, Hoofs, and such other parts of animals, also which spirits have their use in Medicine and Alchymy.

Thirdly, there are also spirits which are expelled, or forced out of minerals and metals by the force of fire, but principally out of Salts, as Vitriol, Allum, Salt Peter, common Salt and such like; of the preparations of which kind of spirits, the Books of Chymists are full, and therefore stop us from the superfluous repetitions of the same. But as for the concentrating of them and the utility of them, it hath been already described by us.

I hereby give occasion for all the diligent searchers after true Medicine and Alchymy; to contemplate, what may be effected in Medicine and Alchymy, if those fugitive spirits were, by our fixing and moist fires which separate not any one part from each other, but do fix all the parts together, deprived of their volatility and made fixt. These few things we were willing to mention concerning the spirits which are subjected to a Man’s power and are within his reach, and serviceable for the use of mortal Men.

LXIII. The particular medicinal use of the con-centrated spirits of salts.

We have heard that the con-centrated spirits or moist fires of salts do reduce all things into a Calx, after a Philosophical manner, without a forcing away of the mercurial part, and a burning up of the sulphureous: insomuch that (by conserving, altering and bettering) they fix the whole. Being therefore compelled by a love to my neighbour, I have a mind to set down in this place some medicaments, as well universal as particular; but yet so as that they may not fall into the clutches of [my] unworthy enemies, but may be reserved onely for friends.

And first, here shall be a medicine mentioned, that amendeth the weak digestion of the Stomach.

Take out the teeth of a Wolf or a Dog when he is half dead, (being first shot with a Gun) and pour thereupon two or three parts of the con-centrated spirit of salt in a Cucurbit, set the glass upon sand that it may be heated moderately, whereby the oyl of salt may dissolve them and bring them into a thick pulse or mash. Upon this mash pour warmed water that so all the Acrimony of the spirit of salt may be separated therefrom, and that there remain onely the white pulse, wherewith (because some of the oyl of the salt doth yet remain, and is not washable off wholly with water) a little Sugar-candy is to be mixed, that so that remaining Acrimony may be allayed, and the pulse be the pleasanter for your uses.

LXIV. An Antidote against Poyson.

The teeth of a mad Dog being prepared after the aforesaid manner, do yield an Antidote against Poyson. And indeed so do the teeth of all Animals, but especially the teeth of Stags and their Horns, do (after such a preparation) resist all Poysons.

LXV. What Beasts they are whose Teeth and Horns doe (as to medicine) exceed the rest.

The teeth of all ravenous animals, as likewise of Sea-monsters, and their Horns, are of great use in medicine; as of Wolves, Bears, Lynxes, Tygers, Lyons, Leopards; and as to the watery animals, Crocodiles, and such like ravening fishes, whose horn, teeth, and scales, and likewise the claws of Birds of Prey, may be by the con-centrated spirit of salt, converted (after the aforesaid manner) into good medicaments.

LXVI. An experimental discovery of what Vermine are fit for the use of medicine.

Take strong and well rectified spirit of salt, or onely a strong Aq. Fortis, put thereinto your Vermine, of what kind soever it be, and it will presently endeavour to get out assoon as ever it feels the said moist fire. But being it cannot get out, it will struggle till it dies. Now by how much the longer the worm or flie liveth in the Aq. Fortis, by so much are its virtues in medicine greater, and this may serve as advice to every one. As for the way of preparing medicaments out of Bark of Trees and Husks shall be mentioned by and by.

LXVII. An experimental discovery, of what Herbs are profitable for Medicine, or unprofitable.

You are to make use of the way but now mentioned concerning Vermine, and such Herbs as thou knowest not, or such whose virtues are to thee unknown, put (one after another) into the moist fire; and that Herb which is of a slower solution, excells that which is sooner dissolved, both in strength and virtues. For example, Lettice, Purslane, Mellons, Cucumbers, and such like waterish Herbs, (and so is it with fruits too,) have a moist nature, and are presently turned into water by those fires. But Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Dodder, and other hotter Herbs, require a longer time for their solution. Ginger, Pepper, Cloves, Nutmegs, Cinamond, Cardamoms, Zedoary, &c. do require a yet longer time as to their solution, afore they will thoroughly pass into a water. From hence may any one know the nature and properties of Herbs very easily. This also is to be observed, that the Medicine out of a Vermine, or out of any Herb, is by so much the more efficacious, by how much the vehementer venenosity it abounds withall.

LXVIII. The manner of preparing an effectual medicament out of venemous Vermine and Insects.

I have taught in the second part of my spagyrical Pharmacopæa, a way of correcting venemous insects by the fixt Liquor of Niter, and of transmuting their venome into an effectual Medicine, which [way of preparation] he who is studious of good medicaments will there find. But now in this place is taught, by what means such like Vermine, and such Herbs as abound with Venome are to be corrected by the con-centrated fire of salt, and to be turned into excellent and penetrative medicaments. The operation whereof is thus.

Pour into some glass vessel, one, two or three ounces of our con-centrated fire of salt, then put thereunto such Vermine as you would prepare your Medicine of, one after another, provided that you do not put more in, than the said fire is able to dissolve and consume. When all are dissolved and converted into water, all the poysonousness is lost [or gone] and they become good medicaments.

LXIX. The manner of separating the medicament made of Vermine dissolved by the moist fires.

There is found to be a great difference amongst Vermine and venemous insects. For some of them are of a dry nature and property, some of a moist, some of a fat and oily nature, insomuch that it is altogether needfull to make a due distinction of their natures. Such insects as be of a dry nature as Cantharides and such like, are to be used in the form of a salt. The aqueous Vermine, as Earth-worms, Spiders, and such like; they exhibit their medicinality in the form of a Liquor: The Balsamick Vermine, as the May-worms, and others of that kind, do (beside the medicament they afford) yield also a fat and Balsamick Oyl; and indeed (both for external and internal medicinal use,) much more effectual than the Liquor it self.

But that the thing may be the better understood, I will here set down an operation, which every one may follow as a leading Star.

LXX. How the operation in dealing with all kinds of Vermine is to be used.

Take some ounces of May-worms, put them in a glass, pour upon them so much of the concentrated spirit of salt, that the Worms may be well covered therewith and be by little and little dissolved; after that they are wholly dissolved, put the solution into a separating glass, shut the mouth of the glass with your finger, then turn the glass upside down, keeping it so long shut with your finger, till all the fat oil swim at top of the Liquour. Then take away your finger that the Liquour may run out, and when the oil comes, shut the mouth of the glass again with your finger, and let it run out into another glass. Keep this Oil or Balsam as a precious treasure, with the which thou wilt perform wonderfull effects in the curing of diseases, but principally in the Gout and Stone. But yet thou wilt get but little oil from these Worms, and when you put them into your dissolving Liquor, you must have a care that you do not touch them with your hands, but take or catch them with a small Forceps, and so put them into your glass. For they have in them this property; if you touch them with your hands, they presently colour them with their fat Balsom that they cast out, which somewhat resembles the smell of Musk. As if they should say, Pray let us live, for we give thee all we have: Take this Balsom and make use thereof for the curing of incurable diseases.

Some men studiously carefull in such affairs have gathered this Balsom, and have found it to be far more efficacious than the Worms themselves, yea indeed too strong, because they were ignorant of the way of correcting it.

LXXI. The separation of the medicinal Liquor from the moist fire, after the separation of the Oil.

As concerning the Liquor from which the Balsom is separated, viz. the medicinal parts is very hardly separated without a mortifying of the moist fire; therefore the moist fire of the Salt is to be killed with a contrary fire, that so the separation that is required may be made; and ’tis thus to be effected.

Filter the Liquor consisting partly of the dissolved Worms, and partly of the fire of salt, that so it may be rendred clear, and free from the Coals or Husks of the Worms, it haply there be any of them remaining undissolved. And if (by reason of the too much fatness) it be very difficult to filter, pour thereunto so much common water as to make it thinner, and more ready to pass through the Cap Paper. Into this thus cleared Liquor, drop the Liquor of Salt of Tartar, and it will kill the sharp fire of the salt; so that there will arise from the fire of the salt and from this Alkaly-salt a salt of a middle nature, and concreting into Crystals, and will leave the other part in a liquid form; the which said part will be either white or yellow according as the saline fire which you made use of, is. Now this Liquor is more virtuous than the concreted salt is, as being that which contains the essence of the Worms, which doth not congeal or shoot with the salt, but abides in the form of a Liquor. Experience will teach the business more largely.

Now such qualities as these Worms had afore their preparation and as yet not deprived of their Venome; the same do they obtain after their preparation, but with this provizo, these qualities are safely used, which afore were hazardous. But now the properties of these Worms are these, they do not onely draw out of the body all podagrical humours, but also expell the Stone out of the Reins and Bladder beyond all other medicaments; and besides, do cure other such like diseases as are meerly unknown, and are adjudged plainly incurable. More, it wholly takes away that volatile Gout, which runs wandring through the Members of the Body. But here ariseth this Quæry.

LXXII. Whether or no every moist fire of salt is also fit for this labour?

For answer I say, that indeed this very labour may be accomplished by any moist fire; whether it be prepared out of vitriol or common salt, or salt peter. But withall I affirm, that there proceeds a great difference from those salts. For the con-centrated spirit of niter, doth (after its being mortified with a fix salt) shoot into salt peter. The con-centred spirit of salt, shoots into square Crystals. The same doth oil of vitriol and salt of tartar. But the salt that is in this operation made of the common salt exceeds the others, as to sweetness. That which comes from vitriol, doth beget a nauseating by reason of its bitterness; and that which ariseth of salt peter is of a middle nature. But yet they do all three of them enjoy a laxative and purging faculty; and likewise provoke Urine either stronger or weaker according as the Vermine are, which these said fires have been used in the dissolution of.

N. B. That the operation of the Liquor doth always exceed the virtues of the salts. When the sharp spirits of salt are not mortified with a Lixivium of Tartar, but with the spirits of Urine or of Sal. Armoniack; the salt and liquor become far stronger, than when the precipitation is done with Salt of Tartar. For the spirit of Sal. Armoniack doth for the most part precipitate the dissolved and corrected Vermine into a Powder, which being washed off with common water, and freed from all Acrimony or sharpness is used in medicine, in a dry form. But this, the Lixivium will not do, but always conserves the Vermine in the form of a liquor.

LXXIII. Question. Whether or no there may be any more or any other usefull things learned from this solution of venemous Vermine?

For Answer. Yes, for this operation doth not onely teach the good and bad properties of all Vermine, but doth withall evidently demonstrate, that every animal of what kind soever, (yea and Men themselves too) when they are put into such an agony and perceive the approach of death, do discover and clearly evidence the internal motions of [their] nature, which they have (in their life time) been indued withall.

LXXIV. The way how to know the internal nature of every Worm in the earth, Fish in the water, Birds in the air, yea even of Man himself.

Take a Scarabæus or Beetle, either such a one as lives in Horse dung, or else one that is of a coppery colour, put him into a glass wherein is some Aq. Fortis, and you shall see that in the utmost necessity [or last agony] of death, he will not endeavour to get from out of the Aq. Fortis, but will strive to hide himself in the earth according to his innate property. But whereas the bottom of the glass is too hard for him to get thorough, he will be so long endeavouring to accomplish his desire, and in striving to get through the bottom till he dies. From hence may it be perceived what his ultimate refuge [or shift] is: viz. to endeavour the shunning of his approaching death, by sheltering himself within the earth.

If you put a flie in the Aq. Fortis, she will not go to the bottom but will do her utmost to get out at top, because her living is in the air, and so all volatile or flying things are wont to do. As for a fish if it be put to its shifts, it endeavours to shun the danger by betaking it self to the bottom.

In such a kind of manner doth the nature of men become apparent, when they are reduced to the extreamest of difficulties. A godly man, whose thoughts are in this life time always upon God, will constantly adhere unto him in his Agony, and being upon dying will betake himself to him for his refuge, in whom he hath at all times built his hope, and waiting or looking for help from thence, from whence he hath always hoped for it.

But the ungodly Man who hath never in his life time feared God, nor set him before his eyes, but hath always yielded himself with his thoughts unto the will of Satan, he will very hardly implore (in his greatest anguish) the help of any other than of him, to whom he hath (in this life time) adhered in all his thoughts and actions.

LXXV. The preparation of good medicaments out of venemous vegetables, by the con-centrated spirits of salts.

We have hitherto taught, that our moist fires of salts do indeed destroy all things, but do not burn up, or force away ought of such things as the common fires are wont to do. That this is true, even the vegetables themselves bear witness, which being put into our moist fires are therein dissolved, and pass into a water. But their oil which is in them is separated, and swimmeth at the top, and so may be separated thencefrom, as we have mentioned above concerning the May-worms. After the same manner the essence of the herb may be severed from the spirits of the salts, as we have there declared. The oyls which by this operation are drawn out of the herbs and other vegetables, do obtain great and peculiar virtues, because they are excellently well corrected by the efficacy of the moist fires, and are amended, which correction, and bettering they do not at all attain by their being distilled and expressed.

LXXVI. The correction of the too vehemently purging subjects by the moist fires, whereby they may be safely made use of.

Diagridium or Scammony, Hellebor, Cataputia, Gambogia and other vehemently purging subjects may be dispoiled of their venemous faculty, by the aforementioned way, and be rendred more sweet and milder.

LXXVII. The correction of the too vehemently operative Diureticks, whereby they may be of safe use in the cure of the Stone.

Dissolve Cantharides, May-worms, Earth-worms, Millipides or Pig-lice, in our con-centrated fires, and follow those ways of operation which we have afore prescribed, and you shall acquire an excellent and safe medicament, having a faculty of healing the Stone of the Bladder and Reins.

LXXVIII. The amending of narcotick and somniferous subjects by our moist fires, that so they may perform or shew their virtues without hurt or danger.

Take Opium, Henbane seed, Mandrake, or the like subject that provokes to sleep, pour on it the con-centrated spirit of salt, and it will melt [or dissolve] therein; if there be in it any oilyness, as in the Henbane seed is usual, it will separate it self, and swim on the top of the liquor, the which is to be severed from the liquor, and to be warily kept; because it being onely anointed on the Temples will presently cause sleep. The liquor is to be used internally, as we have prescribed in the precedent preparations.

LXXIX. The amending of venemous subjects, that are together purgative, sudorifick, diuretick, and somniferous, by our moist fires; insomuch that they do not onely become safe, but are the effecters of much good in medicine.

Amongst the number of such kind of subjects, are Stavesacre, or the seed of the louse-killing herb, Levant Berries, vomiting Nuts, and many others of such a like faculty, which are to be proceeded withall after the same manner, and by the same operations as the former.

By this or the like way may all venemous, and vehemently operative vegetables and animals be corrected, so as to be safely admitted to internal uses, and to be producers of such effects as are of great moment in Physick; whereas otherwise (though they have in them excellent virtues) they cannot by reason of their vehement operations be taken into the body without danger.

LXXX. Whether or no poisonous minerals may be corrected as well as the vegetables and animals, by our secret and moist fire of salt, and be turned into wholesome medicaments.

You are to know, that not onely venemous animals and vegetables but likewise all the minerals that abound with poison may be amended, and their most present or speedily operative poison be converted into most excellent medicines. For example.

LXXXI. How the venenate and volatile minerals are so to be inverted by our moist fires, that the volatile be rendred fix, and the poison be made a medicine.

Take of white or red Arsnick one part, pour thereto two or three parts of the con-centrated fire of niter, the which [niter-spirit] you shall distill thencefrom in a head and body in sand; then take the remaining matter out of the glass, and wash it with common water; which being done, you shall have the Arsnick, Diaphoretick, and such as may with safety be taken into the body; but yet in a small dose, because it doth sometimes provoke vomit, and principally when the nitrous fire is something of the weakest. But to prevent such vomiting, the said fire is to be twice or thrice drawn off from the Arsnick, by an Alembick; that so the poison may the better be slain, and the volatility transmuted into a fixity; and the same Arsnick may be afterwards molten and handled with the other metals without all danger of poison, which was impossible to be done afore. For the Arsnick whose poisonousness is not as yet removed from it, cannot be admitted into the body without great danger. Neither do we here insert the preparation of such medicaments out of Arsnick, and the like venemous minerals, for this cause that they should be introduced into medicine; no, for there are other safer medicaments to be had, our aim herein is onely this, to shew that even the most poisonous, and most fugacious or volatile minerals may be inverted or turned in and out by our moist fire, and dispoiled of their venenosity and rendred fixt.

LXXXII. The manner of transmuting the fugacious and easily fluxible minerals by the moist fires of salts, so as that being fixed they hardly admit of fusion or melting.

To exemplifie this, let us consider of Tin or Zink, which are reckoned amongst the metals of most easie melting, and are most volatile. For the vulgar know that Tin is molten with a very little fire, and doth thereby vanish in fume, if it be but kept in continual flux. But if it be calcined by continually stirring it into ashes, it becometh fix, nor doth it admit of reduction to its former body by any violence of fire, but is turned into glass.

So after the same manner do we roast or calcine Tin, Zink, and the other flying metals with our moist fires, and burn them into ashes, and they such ones too as do not return to their former body, and thus ’tis done; when we pour on them our fiery liquors, so as that they heat together, or do even by abstraction [or distillation,] again free the said metals from those liquors; for then these metals remain in the bottom like to dead ashes, nor do they suffer themselves to be by any means reduced to their former bodies.

N. B. But whoever he be that knows the using of such matters and powders thereunto, as can reduce such ashes to their former and fusile bodies, such a one will not spend his labour in vain; for he will get a metal of a much more noble and better nature than Tin, whose greatest internal part is gold and silver.

But yet let no body imagine that he can perform this reduction by the help of Borax or Salts; no, in no-wise. For there are metallick matters required to this labour, to cause a fluxing or melting, sundry preparations whereof I have taught to and again in my writings, but not under such a title or name as if this power or efficacy of thus doing were ascribable unto them. For I have barely mentioned their use in other metallick transmutations.

LXXXIII. How flying mercury is to be so fixed as to admit of heating red hot.

Coagulate common mercury with common sulphur into a black ashes, and then mix this ashes with the con-centrated fire of vitriol, or rather with such a fire as is extracted from sulphur it self; so as that there may arise from this mixture a thin mass; of which mass put one or two lots in linnen or cotten rags, and so rowl them up that one fold may come over another, and the mercury may be in the middle. Then tie this ball firmly and strongly with a thread, and let it be environed all about with the fire, that so all those rags may be red hot and changed into Coals.

Take out all this red hot mass, let it cool, separate the burnt linnen rags, and you shall find the mercury turned into a red powder; but yet it hath no ingress into the metals, nor performeth it any thing of much moment in medicine, because it is converted by the burning of our fire into a dead earth. Neither have I here mentioned this coagulation as if any gain were to be received thencefrom; but onely on this account, that the most great virtues and powers of our fires may by the operation thereof be demonstrated.

LXXXIV. Another experiment easily demonstrating the possibility of rendring mercury constant in the fire, by our secret fires of salts, which thing the known and common fire can never do.

Melt one part of common and yellow sulphur in a crucible or earthen Pot, and being molten like oil cast thereinto two parts of common mercury, and mix the matter well with a Spatula, that the sulphur may assume the mercury, and may pass with it into a black mass. To which mass you must yet add so much sulphur as the weight of the whole mass in the Pot is of. Then all is to be molten together, and to be by well stirring so long mixt untill it get an ashy colour. Then you are to dip in the said mass as it is in flux, pieces of linnen, such as they are wont to use about fuming their Barrels with a brimstony odour, to preserve them from stinking. Such rags being put on an Iron Crook may be kindled, by which kindling they are burnt up, the sulphur and part of the mercury vanishing into the air, but some part being calcined with the flame of the sulphur and fixt, sticks to the burnt linnen. But what virtues this calcined mercury abounds withall I cannot tell, as having never experimented it, and I have onely inserted here this operation, for this end, that the power of our moist fires may be made apparent. Many more meditations and inquisitions will be thereby laid open, which otherwise would never have been sought after nor found out. For in this labour there operateth a twofold fire, viz. the visible flame, and invisible moist fire which the sulphur hideth, and by the burning up of its body, manifesteth, and renders visible and efficacious.

For that heavy acid oil of sulphur, which sticks hidden in all sulphur, performeth most great matters in metalline things; and because the flame or external fire exasperates and forceth on the internal, sharp and moist fire of the sulphur, that acid quality lets upon that subject that is adjoyned to it, and destroyeth the same, and advanceth unto a more fixed state.

But that I may in some sort satisfie the greedy searcher after truth in this thing, it seems to me expedient here to mention the occasion, which (without studying thereafter, viz. this coagulation of mercury) did by chance bring me thereunto; and did chiefly shew me an excellent Arcanum of bringing all Wines, Vinegars, and other such like drinks easily and speedily to a clarity and transparency. Such a secret it is, as I believe never was known as yet to any, and therefore worthy to be here set down for the common benefit of mankind.

LXXXV. An historical discovery of the reduction and restoration of tenacious and corrupt Wine, to its former clarity and goodness.

I had some Wine in a Vessel that became viscid or ropy and tenacious; for the amending of which, I sent for a Wine cooper, he pours it out (as is the usual custom) into another fresh vessel, and used thereunto all his art, that so he might better it. He passed it oft times through a long Pipe made of white plates, and perforated with many small holes, and many other means he used, even whatever he had knowledge of, but yet all he attempted was in vain, then at last he put into the Wine no small portion of salt, and shook them both together very strongly, but all in vain, insomuch that he left my Wine corrupt [as he found it] and out of all hope of restoring it.

But because there was too much salt thrown into the Wine, yea so much as that it might be perceived even by the tast, the Wine was rendred unfit to be drunk, though it should have [thereby] recovered its former clearness. So there remained nothing else to be done therewithall, save the extracting of its spirit by distillation. Yet nevertheless I had a good mind yet to try whether or no it could possibly be freed from that tenacity: to this end therefore I kindled some sulphurized rags, being sprinkled over with the mineral or oar of lead reduced into powder, and with that fume imbued I my Wine, as is the usual custom when Wines are through corruption degenerated from their good state or condition. I added thereto the oar of lead because that as the sulphur was burning the fume of the lead might penetrate the Wine and precipitate all the defilements to the bottom. But this experiment did not fadge. Then I took mercury and mixt it with sulphur after the aforeshown manner [in the foregoing Chapter] and dipt some rags therein and kindled them, hoping that the mercury being transmuted into fume would have ingress into the Wine. But yet it appeared quite contrary in the use, the sulphur indeed was consumed by burning, but the mercury would emit no fume, but was contrarily turned into a red powder, and stuck on to the burnt rags. After these burnings, (viz. of this mercurialized sulphur) often reiterated, the Wine did not smell of the Brimstone, as it’s usual to do, but of Musk or Ambergrease, and recovered its former clarity; but yet not fit to be drunk because of the overmuch quantity of the salt thrown thereinto.

Thus it happened unto me, the which thing others may consider of with a more accurate meditation, and may haply (from this history apprehend such things, as may in other matters be very profitable. For it is not in vain that I mention these things in this place. Enough is said to the wise. ’Tis sufficient that I have showed the way, if any one refuse to go in the same let him blame himself.

LXXXVI. How our moist fires of Salt are able after a sort to fix the yellow and common sulphur, so that it may be used with profit both in Medicine and Alchymy.

Take one part of yellow sulphur beaten into powder, and four or five times so much in weight of the con-centrated fire of salt peter, which spirit pour upon the said powder in a glass cucurbit, and abstract it thencefrom several times by an Alembick; this done, the sulphur in the cucurbit will get a red colour and become pellucid or transparent.

If it resolves in the air into a fat oil, the operation is well handled; if not the labour is to be repeated either with the self same fire or with more new, which is the better way. For the said fires are to be so often drawn off thencefrom untill it flow [or resolve] into a fat oil: An oil I say of sulphur which is endued with great virtues, not onely in Alchymy and Medicine, but may likewise be used in other arts with a great deal of profit. But especially it is an egregious Balsom, resisting all the sicknesses of the Lungs, and other putrifying corruptions, as shall be apparently evidenced in the following Centuries, more largely treating about these things.

LXXXVII. A way of turning Antimony into a snow-white medicament, by our moist fires of salts, and which is of safe and profitable use against the Plague, all Fevers, and other diseases.

When the Regulus of Antimony made per se without iron, and beaten into a powder is perfused or throughly moistened with the con-centrated fire of salt peter, and is for a while kept in warm sand; the moist fire burns the Regulus of the Antimony into a white powder. After that the whole shall be of a white colour, pour thereto common water, and it will imbibe or draw to it the fire of the niter, which will again be fitting for other labours, and perform the office of spirit of niter.

The white powder being by many washings rendred sweet, and then dried, performs the office of an excellent diaphoretick medicament and may with safety be used; it strongly resists the Plague, all Fevers and other diseases, that are to be expelled by sweat.

LXXXVIII. By what means black and crude Antimony is to be reduced by the nitrous fire into a white powder, and the combustible and yellow sulphur separated therefrom, that it may serve as a Panacæa for the resisting of all diseases, and may operate by the four Emunctories, Vomit, Stool, Sweat, and Urine.

Antimony is by so much the better and nobler, by how much the longer and fairer Rays or Stria’s it appears to be of, and therefore such is of greater efficacy in medicine than all other sorts. To this therefore being powdered, pour so much of the nitrous fire as may serve to dissolve it; the which fire will presently even in the cold, begin the work of its dissolving. When that is done, put the glass in warm sand that all the Antimony may be dissolved, and its yellow sulphur may swim at top of the solution like a yellow powder. The solution being cold, strain it thorough a pure linnen cloath, and the sulphur will stay behind in the cloath, and hath its peculiar use in Medicine and Alchymy. But to the solution pour common water, thereby to quench and weaken the nitrous fire, so that the Antimony may fall down to the bottom, in the form of a tender and snow-white powder; the which being well washed and dried, may be made use of as a Panacæa to drive away many diseases: For it operateth with a singular efficacy by all the Emunctories, but yet very safely, unless any one doth too foolishly and unskilfully abuse the administration; It is also endued with all those virtues that I have ascribed to my red Panacæa.

LXXXIX. By what means the con-centred fire of Kitchin salt drives over Antimony in a retort like Butter, and affordeth a matter of profitable use in Medicine and Alchymy.

Pour upon the Regulus of Antimony beaten into a powder, the heavy con-centrated oil of common salt, the which being again drawn off thencefrom in a retort by distillation, brings over with it as much of the Regulus of the Antimony as it can, and ascendeth like a thick Butter. It is a mighty fire, and very fit for the ripening of some immature metals; and withall is most profitable in Surgery, and lays a good Basis and foundation for the curing of incurable and cancerous Ulcers. If you pour water upon this oil, the Antimony precipitateth out of it, in the form of a white powder; and is to be afterwards well washed and dried; so that being reduced into that white powder, it becomes a good medicament to be used in all those diseases, wherein the aforesaid medicaments are appliable; but with this caution, that it be given but in a very small dose, because it is of a more powerfull operation than the aforegoing medicaments prepared by the help of the nitrous fire are of, and that for this reason, because the oil of common salt makes things fugacious or flying, but the nitrous fires renders them more constant in the fire.

XC. The way of turning mercury into a red, and strongly purging medicament by the operation of the nitrous fire.

Abstract two or three parts of our nitrous fire, from one part of purged mercury, by distillation in a glass cucurbit; and it will make the mercury far more fixt than if Aqua Fortis were many times drawn off therefrom by distillation. This red mercury is to be freed from its saltiness with common water, and so becomes a strong purge, and is to be used in a small dose of one, two, three, or at the most four grains, and effecteth the cure of Morbus Gallicus, and other such like loathsome diseases.

After the same manner there may be easily prepared, not onely sundry and excellent medicaments, by the operation of our moist fires, but there may be likewise done things of great moment in Alchymy and other arts; concerning which time will not permit me at this present to make a more ample narration of, but I will remit it to the next following Centuries.

Now forasmuch as I call in this Treatise the concentrated spirits of salt, moist fires, and yet as to their outward shape they represent no shew of fire at all; I deem it necessary to shew by a more firm demonstration, that they abound not onely with fiery virtues, but also are (after their inside is turned outwards, and their outside inwards) true, visible, palpable, and sensible fires, but especially the nitrous fire, which best of all confirms this our opinion and saying, it being prepared by the Chymick Art and operation out of a fiery subject.

XCI. The way of converting or turning the internal and yellow colour of our moist and white nitrous fire from the inmost parts, outward, and making it visible.

That there is hidden a yellowness and redness in niter, is not beyond the reach of any ones capacity, but it is very easily likely, and credible. For seeing that salt peter is a solar child, it must necessarily answer to [or resemble] its father the Sun in colour, form, virtue and efficacy, if it would purchase belief with any one as to its original and nativity. But salt peter shines with a white colour, but the Sun is clad with a yellow garment and shines like the fire; insomuch that there is no correspondency or likeness of colours, though otherwise there is found the greatest similitude in burning, and in ripening all things. This onely being the difference between salt peter and the Sun, the one, viz. the peter doth particularly onely augment, ripen and advance all things; but the Sun doth universally bestow on all things, life, increase or growth, and nutriment, but yet the salt his companion is an helping assistant as shall be evidently proved in the end of this book.

I do verily believe, that if it were an easily accomplishable thing by us, viz. to extravert the internal and innate redness in salt peter outwards, and to separate the same from its unclean and gross body, and knew we how to render it fix and constant, we should perform things of most great moment, in an universal way.

But yet for the removing of this doubt, I will shew that salt peter is the son of Sol, though (as to its outward Physiognomy) it resembles not its Father. I do therefore say, that its Father is the yellow Sun, from him it is generated, but yet by the help of the white Moon, she is the Mother, and bestows on it the white colour. But I say, that the paternal bloud and fiery virtues it hides in its inmost bowels. So wisely is Salt Peter signed by its Parents, viz. by the Sun its Father, and the Moon its Mother. The Father bestows on this, his Son a fiery heart; the Mother a white and cold body; from hence ’tis that it is clad with an Hermaphroditical nature, being Male and Female together, hot and cold, red and white, vivifying and killing.

XCII. Of the admirable nature of Magnetism, attracting to it self its like.

According to my simple and small judgment, the red colour of salt peter is not (by the operation of any other thing) to be separated from its white body, better and more commodiously than by the affinity and likeness of some certain magnet that will touch it.

For example: Let us consider a little of common gold and common quick-silver, they are so linked with a tye of mutual love, and internal likeness to each other; that the one draws the other unto it self.

For if in dealing with mercury any portion thereof should happen to fall on the ground, and dashing it self into a thousand Atoms, it cannot be by any kind of way better gotten together again, than by the help of such a magnet, as will attract to it self the dispersed and dilated Atoms; such a magnet metals are, and especially gold, as being conjoyned to it in the nearest affinity; therefore I sweep together this so widely dispersed mercury, together with the earth and other defilements from which the said mercury is scarcely distinguishable as being all over covered therewithall: and to these defilements do I put a piece of copper, silver or gold, which being well shaken to and agen amongst these filthes, draws to it self the widely dispersed and small Atoms of the mercury, and so recovers it by extracting it out of all that rubbish.

Now when the metal hath attracted mercury enough, and can attract no more, the mercury is to be wiped off from the metal with a linnen cloath; which being again well shook amongst the trash as you did afore, draws to it self the other Atoms: these labours are to be so often repeated, till it be all extracted, and so renders it thee the same without any loss.

Just so and after the self same manner may the inmost soul, and which is largely dispersed throughout the whole body of the salt peter, be extracted thencefrom; were onely such a magnet but known unto us, as had a great affinity with the soul of the niter.

I will yet set down another, and a more evident similitude, that so the business may become the more clear and manifest and be the better understood.

XCIII. A clear and evident demonstration, whereby is shown that even the most hidden things may be manifested and rendred visible by their magnets.

Let the admirable nature and property of the common magnet be well considered; nature having endowed it with two plainly contrary virtues, one of attraction, the other of expulsion. For on one of its sides it draws iron to it self, and on the other of its sides it drives it off; and thus it does, not onely in its great pieces, but also when ’tis broken into very small bits. For always on one side it draws to it self the iron, and on the other side drives it from it self, by this operation respecting both poles, viz. the Northern and the Southern.

But to return to my purpose: I will demonstrate by evident examples and operation, that the inmost and most hidden nature and properties of things, are wont to be most evidently manifested and obtained, by attracting, and repelling magnets. For all the things that are, have their enemies and their friends, as shall be proved in the following operations.

XCIV. An operation demonstrating or affirming, that the internal and hidden natures and properties of things may be manifested and obtained by attractive or repulsive magnets.

Dissolve some lots of lead, and such as is wholly void of silver, in Aq. Fortis, and precipitate the lead by pouring thereunto some salt water, this [precipitated lead] wash with fair water and dry it. Take some three or four ounces of this Calx of lead, and thereto admix a fifth part of pure gold, being first reduced into most pure and most subtile Atoms, on such wise as hath been taught in other places of my writings; but if you have not at hand such a Calx, use another Calx of gold prepared any kind of way, but yet the first Calx is the fittest for this operation. Melt both the Calx’s, viz. the leaden and golden one in a crucible, that the lead may become a fusile stone; but the gold Calx will (by this operation) be much heavier, and be white, this whiteness is nothing else save pure and good silver, drawn out of Saturn by Sol sympathetically, and made visible, which (afore) lay hidden in the lead in a spiritual and invisible manner.

But some may here demand; forasmuch as there is so much silver hidden in all lead, whence comes it that none are found that get it out from thence? I answer, that there are indeed a many that would get out great masses of silver out of lead, did they but understand the art, and could so bring it to effect. But seeing they are ignorant of the natures of metals and their properties, and know not how to do any thing, they cannot become masters of their wishes. Now in this extraction, there is a two-fold cause presents it self, viz. Sympathy, and Antipathy. The gold by reason of the kin and amity it hath with the lead, draws thencefrom unto it self the spiritual silver; and because of an inbred hatred it has to salt, it drives away the same from it self. The gold therefore (in extracting the spiritual silver out of the lead) hath an assistant, aiding it by a contrary operation, and so bringing to pass, that there is so much the more silver extracted, because the salt being added to the lead, doth by reason of that inbred enmity and difference ’twixt it and silver drive this, [viz. the silver] away from it as its enemy.

And although that out of such lead prepared with salt may silver be always molten, yea without adding any gold thereunto, meerly because of the inimicitiousness that is between silver and salt, whereby is caused that the silver is thrust out of the lead by the same as by its enemy; yet so much silver is not gotten by that way, no not by the half, as is drawn out by the addition of gold.

For when the gold attracts, and the salt expels, there are made two actions together, the one by Sympathy, the other by Antipathy, both aiming at this mark, viz. to extract the hidden silver and gold out of the lead.

Let there be evaporated in a cupel two small centenaries or hundreds weight, each of like weight; and to one of the centenaries add some pounds (of the proportionable small weight as the centenaries are) of pure gold, and there will come from that centenary more silver by the help of the gold, than from the other, whereto was added no gold: But the gain by this operation will not be much, or haply none at all; but this is onely to shew, that it is verily possible, for gold being put upon the cupel with lead, to get some silver thereout of, and to be more in weight; which effect is produced onely by a sympathetical faculty. Be now if salt doth also lend to gold its assistance, then is there a twofold operation of a double operator; whilst in extracting of the silver out of the lead, the gold is occupied in attracting, and the salt in expulsion.

These things were of necessity to be laid open by me, forasmuch as they teach by what means the inmost and most pure parts are to be separated from the more gross; so that every one may know the natures and properties of things themselves, viz. with what love they imbrace each other, or what hatred there is betwixt them.

By this experiment then, may any wise and understanding man easily learn and believe, that even out of salt peter or [any] other white body, the red soul may be extracted. Whosoever therefore shall know how to get these helpers, viz. Sympathy and Antipathy for his purpose, shall never labour in vain, but shall at all times reap fruit by his labours.

And as we have shewn that out of any lead, by the help of gold, a good part of silver may be extracted; so likewise may the same be clearly proved to be done with the other metals, and which may also be effected without the help of gold. Yet nevertheless the more fixt metal doth more readily and willingly atract the more volatile and purer part of the other impurer metals, than an unclean metal doth, and even much more readily yet, when there is afore adjoyned to that metal from which any thing is to be extracted, an enemy of that thing which you labour to extract.

Upon this account therefore was I willing to insert an experiment, that so none might account of the thing mentioned as of small moment, but rather that he accurately ponder thereupon in his mind, that so he may thereby arrive to things of great moment by a well examining of the same.

Now as it hath been clearly and evidently taught that fixt silver may be gotten out of any lead, as well by Sympathy as by Antipathy, even so may it easily be proved, that the spiritual gold may be extracted out of other metals, partly by Antipathy, and partly by Sympathy, but much easier by Antipathy and Sympathy joyntly together, so that one matter may draw unto its self the object it loves, and the other may drive from it what it hates; as we have proved in lead. If then this may be done in metals, why may it not be likewise done in other subjects.

We will therefore proceed on and see, whether or no it can be so brought to pass, that the hidden redness may be drawn out of salt peter by Sympathy and Antipathy.

Having therefore understood by the things already spoken, that like draws to it self its like, and is repelled from its unlike, there remains nothing else for us to do but to know what that like is, by which salt peter suffers it self to be extracted.

When we advisedly consider the rise or birth of salt peter, it is not to us unknown that it draws its originality from the excrements of animals, but especially from the dung of horned Beasts, as Cows and sheep. And forasmuch as Sheep and Cows do feed onely on Herbs and Grass that grow in the Fields, and that those vegetables do proceed from the terrestrial salt by the help of the solar beams, it is more clearly evident than the Noon-day light, that the hot Sun is the Father of salt peter and the cold night the Mother, the earth the Nurse, and Salt the Food, nutriment and encrease of the same; the which is to be understood as in reference to the Macrocosm or great World. But the vegetables, or all shrubs, herbs, and all grass which arise out of the earth in the Macrocosm, cannot be more aptly compared with ought, than with the Hairs and Wool of Men and Beasts, which are born out of the earth of the Microcosm or out of the animal body, like as the shrubs and herbs, and grass do spring forth and grow out of the Macrocosmical Earth. Upon this score, the hairs, hoofs, or claws, and horns of Beasts; likewise the feathers and claws of Birds, and also the teeth and scales of Fishes, do altogether square as to their similitude with salt peter; they being such things as whereout of, together with other the superfluous excrements of nature, true and good salt peter may be made with ease.

And like as to the procreation of vegetables in the Microcosm, and for their increase or growth, there is requisite fat and salt earth, the warm splendor of the sun, and the fruitfull Rain, whereby all kinds of fruits are born, and ripened; but contrarily by the penury or want of salt (it being the onely nutriment,) and of the warm Sun beams, and of the Rain which is the promoter of all fertility, every thing that is vegetable must needs perish and die; even so is it in the body of Man: For as long as the heart of Man is in a prosperous healthfulness, and that the central fire, or vital spirit, and radical moisture be not defective, all things are well and in good equipage, and the whole body takes increase or growth, and the hairs grow plentifully: But on the contrary, when meat and drink fail, the whole body suffers loss, consumes and withers away and the hairs fall off.

But to comprise all in brief, I say, that all growths and augmentations as well in the Macrocosm as in the Microcosm, must of necessity be at a stand and lessen as soon as the warm solar beams, together with the nutriment it self ceaseth and is deficient. So then it is a truth, that in Man as being a Microcosm or little World, and in the other animals, the hairs may be compared with the Trees, Shrubs, Herbs, and Grass of the great World, because of the great likeness that is between them.

And therefore the hairs of animals and hoofs, claws, feathers and scales of them are very like to salt peter, insomuch that one part doth after a sympathetical manner extract from the other, the most great virtues and inmost soul, and so one doth manifest the other.

For example, when the skin, hairs, claws, hoofs, or nails of a man or any other animal, as likewise the feathers of Birds are smeared with the spirit of niter, or anointed therewithall, they presently become as yellow as gold, and do as t’were put on a golden hue. It may now be demanded, from whence ariseth that colour? comes it from the hairs themselves, or from the niter spirit? If that golden colour did arise from the hairs themselves, then it would of necessity be, that it should also discover it self, when the hairs are moistened with other sharp and strong waters; but thus ’twill never do, but onely when they are smeared with the spirit of niter, or else with Aq. Fortis, which containeth the niter spirit. From these things therefore it is evident, that the superfluities of the Microcosm have a most notable affinity with the superfluities of the Macrocosm, viz. herbs, and grass. Hence comes it to pass, that one part draws or sucks from the other part its best virtues and power, and renders them visible, which afore lay hidden invisibly and impalpably in their gross bodies.

XCV. The manner of extracting out of niter its gold-like soul.

If we would go the nearest way to work with niter to extract its soul, then the gross niter is first to be mundified by distillation, then afterwards out of this purged body is the most pure part to be extracted by a convenient magnet, and the gross fœces to be removed; and this most pure soul to be brought by concentration and fixation to the utmost degree of perfection and dignity.

And albeit I could here set down in more clear expressions, the manner of extracting it, yet I am not so minded to do because of the unworthy. Let this manuduction suffice, whereby is shown what means it is to be done by, viz. by some magnet attracting to it self its like by a magnetick operation. I can at all times exhibit such a yellow gold like soul of niter, and use it in the sicknesses of my neighbour. But, enough as touching these matters, we shall be more large concerning them, in the following Centuries.

XCVI. How the moist and cold fire of niter is to be so ordered as to yield its visible flame.

Put some ounces of our con-centrated and moist fire of niter in a glass, and pour thereupon drop by drop a sharp Lixivium made of Wood ashes, or rather of fixed niter, and keep pouring on so long, till all the noise, fuming, and ebullition cease, and that the moist fire it self be wholly allayed and slain. This done, all the corroding faculty is taken away from that fire, which said fire doth by this operation return to its former nature, and is changed into such a salt peter as it was afore its being converted into a moist fire. Out of this salt peter, being now made purer and better by so many conversions and operations, may a new moist fire be extracted by distillation and con-centration, which is far better and much stronger than the former.

And now if this second moist fire be again extinguished with a Lixivium of fixt niter, and be again turned into salt peter, and this peter be by a new distillation and con-centration turned into a moist fire, this said fire will be endued with far greater virtues: For in every mortification and vivification it becomes one degree stronger, nobler, and more efficacious; and so is the salt peter it self too by those conversions and reductions exalted several degrees, and is at length brought to that pass, that it can do more wonderfull things than the common is wont to do; for one pound of such a salt peter being exalted to the utmost degree of subtilty is far more efficacious than many pounds of common salt peter, and stronger, and much excels it in virtue. But it is not expedient that every one should know, what may be effected with such a most subtile and most pure salt peter.

The ancient Philosophers hid the preparation and use of common salt peter; and why should not we also hide such a salt peter exalted to the utmost degree of subtilty, wherewith the common peter is not at all comparable, especially in all such labours whereunto the common sort is wont to be applied, this operates much readiler, and far better and more effectually.

But that the truth may be clearer than the noonday, I will add one operation of a metallick transmutation, by which it shall be clearly evidenced unto every one what such a most subtile salt peter is able to effect.

XCVII. An operation shewing the manner how by the help of salt peter promoted to the highest degree of subtilty, the superfluous combustible sulphur of the imperfect metals may be kindled and burnt up; even as common fire burns up wood, insomuch as nothing will be left remaining save a little fixt salt and ashes; so likewise in this burning up of the impure metals by our most pure salt peter, there remains also nothing save that fixt gold and silver which lay spiritually hidden in the metal, and is [now] left by the combustible Scoria’s.

Every one knows that out of the common Salt Peter and Brimstone, may Gunpowder be made; but yet short in goodness, of that which is made of purified salt peter. By how much the purer and subtiler the salt peter is, so much the better and stronger powder doth it make. The same may be understood as touching the other uses of salt peter.

Further, every one knows that the common salt peter reduceth the common metals into a Scoria by burning them, and washeth gold and silver, and leaves them pure, concerning which fiery washing I have hitherto mentioned several things. But that the common salt peter doth perform this washing better than the pure, and this pure better and more efficaciously than the purest, is no such matter in the least, which thing experience will most manifestly open to him who will try the same. Verily a small fire will not do those things which a greater will do, nor will this greater effect such things as the greatest will, and this is so evident and manifest that there is none dares deny it.

Take one part of the Regulus of Antimony and four parts of pure Tin; melt them in a crucible and pour them out, and let them cool; this mass makes all iron and steel fusile, therefore when you would melt iron or steel, fill a crucible with either of the metals, set it in a Wind Furnace, and leave it so long in the Coles till all the matter wax highly red hot. Then take off the cover and put into the crucible, half as much of the said mixt mass of Regulus of Antimony and Tin, as the iron or steel put in the crucible weighed, then put on the cover, and cover it over with the Coles, and urge the fire as strongly as ever possibly you can, that so the mass you put in, may cause the iron or steel to melt. When ’tis all well molten, pour it presently forth, least the Tin flying away in fume, leave the molten iron, and so it returned to its former hardness and not suffer it self to be fused.

This matter consisting of the Regulus of Antimony, Tin, and Iron, or Steel, is so hard, that you may strike fire thereout of with a flint.

Now then if you would experiment the abovesaid combustion or burning up, take a good strong crucible made of potters earth, and fill it with salt peter, set it on live Coals so that the salt peter may melt, then having cast your tin and iron in the form of small rods, heat one end of the rods so as not to melt, hold the other end in a pair of Tongs, and put it into the molten salt peter, that the iron together with the tin and Regulus of Antimony may be burnt up as if it were wood, and vanish away with the flame into a fume. For almost all tin and iron are a meer sulphur, and being consumed by the flame, leave nothing else in the crucible save Scoria’s, which being washed with water, and boiled on a cupel or test with lead and blown off, do leave behind, the true gold and silver hidden in both metals.

For when by the flame of so pure a salt peter, the impure sulphur of the iron and tin is burnt up, it must necessarily be that what good soever was in the metals do remain behind.

I do not therefore here set down this operation, as if I would thereby promise any one golden mountains. No such matter. For I onely manifest these, and such like labours meerly for this end, that every one may know, that salt peter being brought to a requisite purity, is wont to burn up imperfect metals as one burns up wood; and it may be easily gathered thencefrom, that such a pure salt peter doth as to its virtues much exceed the common peter.

As for such like labours of burning up the imperfect metals by salt peter purified in a due manner, and of getting pure gold and silver with profit, they shall be taught in the following Century (God willing.)

For even as this first Century doth for the most part treat of fire and salt; so the chiefest part of the following Century shall treat of the wonderfull and great efficacy of purified salt peter in destroying, and reducing metals, and that with great bettering of them, and with no small profit. And albeit I was desirous of inserting in this first Century, such like profitable betterings of the metals, yet it could not well be done; principally because that there are many other things concerning the profitable use of the con-centrated spirits of salt, that I must necessarily pass over here, because the number of this Century is already up, and therefore must I refer them to the following Centuries.

And forasmuch as there is frequent mention made in this Century, of glasses and crucibles, which none can be without in the preparing and use of these moist fires, because of the many hazards and losses wherewithal common instruments are accompanied, for they often break, or else easily let out or spill the boiling matters; it is altogether requisite that I should here have manifested this excellent invention of mine, which preventeth all such discommodities; and which I hinted at in the second part of my Miraculum Mundi.

But whereas I have bestowed both those inventions there on the poor, of meer gift, it would be an unjust thing to take away from them what is theirs; nay rather they should have by good right more bestowed on them. So then being not able to proceed any farther as to this case, this thing onely remains, viz. an affirmation that neither Medicine nor Alchymy can want or be without such excellent Inventions. But yet if any one desires to have them, he may write to those two men, to whom I have given them, that they may trade for the poor; whatsoever any one that is desirous of knowing those secrets shall bargain with them for, he will not be repulsed but obtain his desire, and purchase from them the secret; the which process I will nevertheless describe, omitting the naming of the matters.

XCVIII. The way of putting glasses in distillation and digestion, and so conserving them, that the boiling matter be not spilt.

Take
with this matter fence your glass, that the matters you put into them run not out, or be spilt, and you shall not lose them.

XCIX. The manner of preparing such crucibles as will hold metals in flux a long time, and which can neither be broken nor melted.

R.
mix these matters and moisten them with common water, that they may be converted into a mass, of which you shall (by a crucible mold) frame small and great crucibles, knocking them into your mold with an heavy mallet, according to the manner I described in the fifth part of my Furnaces. Then take them forth of the mold and dry them in the air, and when they are dry use them; for they need not any burning in the Potters Furnace. They will (being rightly handled) stand a long time in the coals, and will not chap, neither will they melt with the most vehement fire.

C. An infallible demonstration, that in salt and fire all things lie hidden; or, that by the help of the Sun and Salt all things are generated, arise, grow, and encrease.

Forasmuch as I caused to be stamped at the beginning of this small work, a circle with a square in its inside, and with these annexed words, In the Sun, and in Salt are all things; (the truth of which figure and inscription is sufficiently enough evidenced by the so many operations described in this Century;) it seemed worth while unto me, to make an assertion here in the end of this Treatise by a true and evident demonstration, that all things are procreated, conserved, and encreased by the Sun and Salt, as being the principal and most noble creatures of God; but with this provizo, that there be present the seeds of those things that require multiplication.

For though the Sun and Salt were yet far excellenter and nobler subjects than they now be, yet notwithstanding could they not produce or generate so much as the smallest herb or meanest worm (to say nothing of a Man) without seed. If we have but seed, then it is permitted us by God, to propagate the same by the Sun and Salt. The begetting of seeds, God hath reserved to himself alone. The seed therefore is for us sufficient, which if we have, we are able to propagate and encrease it even to infinity, by the efficacy of the Sun and Salt, (that universal nutriment of all things.)

The universal medicament and nutriment that the Countrey men use about conserving their Vineyards, Grounds, and Pastures, is the Dung of Cattle and Sheep; from the which Dung being laid to the roots of the Vines and Trees, and thrown into the Fields and Pastures, the Vegetables do attract their necessary nutriment, do grow and bring forth fruits needfull for the support and nourishment of Men and Beasts.

But forasmuch as this nutriment which all the Vegetables do extract out of the Dung of the Beasts is nothing else but a urinous Salt, and that we know how to prepare out of the common Salt, such a urinous Salt which may be used about dunging and fatning the Earth instead of Dung, therefore verily we may be without that said Dung, being but furnished with such a Salt; the which being Alkalizated by the fire doth extend it self much wider, or goes farther, and dures much longer in the Earth, nourishing and dunging it, than the Beasts Dung doth.

Besides it gives to all Fruits and Corn, a far sweeter savour, and smell, than Dung it self doth, the truth of which will easily appear to him that will make tryal of the same. Nay more, and what is of far greater moment; there may (by the help of such Salts) be communicated to Fruits, especially to those that grow on Trees, and to Grapes, a most fragrant odour; if instead of Dung, such Salts be used to the Fields and Gardens, and some spices or other things of a fragrant smell be mixed with those Salts, and put to the roots of the Vegetables. An example will illustrate it more clearly.

Plow up some part of some barren Ground, such as is so for want of Dung; or, even some meer sandy Ground, and throw upon it of the said salt as much as is sufficient, and by plowing mix it with the Earth it self, and sow therein any kind of grain you please, and it will spring up out of the salted Earth or Sand, and be encreased, and recompence the pains taken about it, with an hundred fold encrease of the seed, even just as if you had dunged it, nay better than with the common Dunging.

And now I pray, whence doth that faculty of growing, encreasing, and multiplying arise, save from Salt alone, which you sowed your barren Field withall? For the seed cannot purchase to it self nutriment, and aliment, growth and encrease from the barren Sand and Rain-water onely. And this you may try the truth of very easily, if you fill two wooden Chests or Boxes with common Sand, and put to the Sand in one of them one, two, or three pounds of that inverted Salt, (according to the bigness or smallness of your box) and in the other box let there be onely Sand. If now you sow divers seeds in each of the Sands, and set them in the air, moistening them with Rain-water, those seeds will indeed grow out of both the Sand-boxes and get increase, but yet that which grows where it has been sprinkled with Salt is far fuller and perfecter, insomuch that it will hold on its growth till it comes to its utmost ripeness, whenas the other seeds in the other Sand-box will by little and little perish and dye.

It evidently appears from hence that the faculty of growing and increasing, in all things proceedeth from Salt onely. If so be therefore, that Pease, Beans, Oats, Barly, Rye, Wheat, Wine, and all kinds of Fruits, do grow, and are increased by the benefit of Salt, it necessarily follows, that Salt is the subject and universal nutriment.

But that it may be understood how the common Salt (which otherwise is wont to corrupt or extinguish all the faculty of growth in those things it is mixed withall) is to be inverted or turned in and out, that its hurtfull corroding property being put off it may put on the nature of Alkalies or urinous Salts, I do here covertly set down the manner of the operation, so that it may remain hidden to mine enemies and be communicated onely to my friends.

Take common Salt, &c. [See the Preparation in Append. 5. p. Prosp. Germ.]

Let them be well heated red hot together at the fire, this done, the salt will be dispoiled of its Acrimony and get an urinous property, and being used in a due quantity instead of Dung, to barren Grounds, causeth that the seeds sown therein produce much fruit. But this kind of dunging requireth frequenter Rains than that which is done with Dung; and therefore it may be better and more commodious in moorish places than Beasts Dung, if it may be done, which conjoyns the said salt, and produceth the most wished effects

But especially the said salt is far better for Vines and Fruit Trees than Dung is: for it gives to Grapes, Apples, Pears and such like Tree-Fruits, a far better savour than Dung is wont to afford: Besides, this benefit accrues to Vines thereby, that being sprinkled with that Salt, they have oft times nutriment enough for twenty years, and do every year bring forth Fruit most plentifully: whereas the nutriment of dunging will scarce suffice for five or six years.

Further, That Salt may be far easier, and with much less costs carried and transported into the high Mountains than Dung can; for a far greater quantity of Dung is required than of the said Salt, which said Salt diffuseth it self far larger, or goes much farther than the Dung, and dures longer.

I did this very spring-time last past, put such an inverted salt to some half dead Vines, which being planted in a lean sandy ground could scarce grow up a fingers heighth, and they presently began to flourish, and grew up so fast that the growth was day by day perceptible. When therefore on a certain day I was shewing some Friends of mine the melioration of metals, in my Laboratory, to be effected by the help of common salt, as they were wondring at the thing, I shewed them those Vines afore my Laboratory, that sprang up from the half dead stocks, and they measuring some of the branches of the Vines, found that in two or three months they were grown some 6, 7, 10, and 11 foot long, and the stocks or stalks whence they grew were two or three times thicker than at first; which great change or transmutation in the Vines, proceeding from the salt, would be more admirable and profitable than that of metals, if we did not look upon that transmutation of gold with such covetous eyes. And forasmuch as this transmutation spoken of, was observed in the month of July, and that there are almost yet three months for Vines to encrease and grow; any one may easily conjecture what an encrease the wood [or branches] of the Vines would have in the space of a whole Summer.

But let this suffice concerning the inversion of the common salt, being a most profitable promoter of the growing faculty in all things; the which things I was necessitated to declare here in the end of this small work, that so I might demonstrate those things which I asserted at the beginning of the same, viz. that in salt lie all things hidden, and by the seeds of things and the help of the Sun are rendred visible, palpable and essential.

An Admonition to the friendly Reader, or a Proposition not prescribing or tying to any body, whereby is shewn how much benefit the Countrey may in general obtain by my not chargeable extraction of Gold and Silver out of the fugacious or flying Minerals.

That my inventions may be in many places profitable for the whole Countrey, I judged it worth while, briefly to declare my meditations or conceptions thereabouts; and to make a declaration of the way or manner which I judge it may most exceeding profitably be done by.

First of all, I suppose it is sufficiently well known that Princes and Noblemen are occupied or troubled with otherguess burdens and business than to employ or busie themselves with the care and enquiry after the metalline mine-pits, that are here and there in the Countries subject unto them. And if they should commit the care of these things to their servants, ’tis likely that they would rather pass their time in feastings or merry meetings, than in a painfull search of Mines and metallick Veins in the woods and mountains. And as for the subjects themselves, seeing they are altogether rude and ignorant of such arts, by what means, and with what success they can undertake such kind of Labours, any one may easily guess. These are the Causes why things of such great moment are let slip without any profit at all, and are plainly neglected. But in my judgment, though it be but slender, any Prince that hath many Subjects under his obedience, may every year gather store of gold and silver, and that without costs, if he would but onely cause a small Laboratory to be erected, wherein the poor Mines may be extracted with due waters; and leave given to such of his subjects as breath after the knowledge of such Arts, to frequent such a Laboratory, and there to learn such Arts, with this Proviso, that every one should bring the gold, silver and copper boiled or gotten out of the poor minerals by the help of the said extraction, into the Mony-shop or Coining-house, at such a rate as they are every where esteemed or valued at, and not transport it out of the Countrey. Now by this means, not only the chief Magistrate would without any cost and labour get no small profit by the mony, but likewise every body would to their utmost, labour in the inquisition after such poor Mines, that he might get Gold and Silver, and other Metals, out of those poor metallick Veins, and get gain for him and his. But now if the Prince or Magistrate will not permit his Subjects the exercise of such a work, but keep all to himself, any one may easily conjecture, that not so much as a man will set about searching after such Mines, but will rather hide them, especially if the Magistrate (as is wont to be sometimes done) would constrain his Subjects to such kind of Labours.

This (according to my simple opinion, no ways prescribing to any what to doe) would be the readiest way, without hurting of any man (nay rather it would help and assist many a man) of furnishing our Country with Gold and Silver Coin, which Foreigners have made it bare of. But this will not be by any way, unless the Magistrates themselves do make a beginning, as to the institution of such a work, by this means inviting and stirring up their Subjects to undertake such like Labours, which will bring great Treasures even to the whole Country. By this means may rich Mints be set up in very many places, instead of those which at this time afford Mony or Coin so sparingly, and no small portion of Copper too, mixed with it.

These few things was I willing to advise for the sake of the good of the whole Country; only laying down my simple opinion without prescribing a rule to any, hoping, that no body of what rank or condition soever they be, will take it otherwise than well.

Secondly, Every Prince and great man would mightily promote the common welfare of his poor, if he would but take the care of shewing the way of so inverting common Salt by one hours heating it red hot, and bringing it to that pass, that it may be made use of instead of Cattles dung, for the fatning and bettering of barren Vineyards, unfruitfull Gardens, and other Fields that are backward or slow in bearing Fruits: for verily, even from this very Art would redound much profit to some Countries. For, many Vineyards here and there, and many Grounds do want due tillage because of the scarcity of Dung, whereas otherwise they would prove very profitable both to the Subjects and Magistrates, if they could be fatned and made fertile by this kind of way.

Besides too, all Wines would be had in much more plenty, and be of a far sweeter and pleasanter taste, by such a medium, than if the Vineyards and Fields were dunged with Beasts dung. But as touching this thing, see more in the continuation of my Miraculum Mundi.

The end of the First Century.

---

The Second Century
OF
GLAUBER’S
Wealthy Store-house of Treasures.

Which doth Illustrate his hitherto published Writings, with a more
evident Explanation, and doth more clearly demonstrate
the Truth hidden in them.

---

The First Arcanum or Secret of the Second Century,

SHEWETH,

By what means such Metals as are imperfect, wild, and in a manner unapt for use or sale, may be ripened or bettered by Common Salt and Fire, so as to yield forth Gold and Silver with benefit and advantage.

I have in the foregoing first Century, as also in the [Appendix to the fifth part of the prosperity of Germany], described the incineration or reduction into ashes, which is to be done with Coals in a peculiar Furnace, fit for torrefaction or calcining.

Though this be a laborious way and tedious, yet is it not without its benefit, provided that a great quantity (as I have already oft times said) of the not vendible minerals and metals be thereto used. But that such an incineration may be done after a more easie and compendious manner, the following way may be made use of.

Build an Hearth of good and fitting earth upon a firm foundation, put thereupon a Furnace [or an Arch] of good stones, adjoyn hereto an Oven, [or side Furnace] out of which the fire may play and emit its flame over all the said Hearth, and pass thereout of by a Chimny made for that purpose. Upon this Hearth put those metalline earths being broken in a Mill, and commix them with the Salt, and Coals reduced into powder, and leave them for twenty or twenty four hours, that they may be all well fired and heated red hot: For by this means, the salt makes the fugitive metal in some sort constant and able to brook the fire; and the wild sulphureousness leaves the metalline mineral, and adjoyns it self to the salt, and converteth it into a vitriol or Sal. Mirabilis. This twenty or twenty four hours heat, gets a constancy and fluxibility to those wild metallick veins, and doth withall by that labour so fit and prepare the salt, that it doth afterwards by an easie mutation pass into good salt peter.

After that the said minerals have gotten themselves a better state by the said Cementation, they are to be drawn out of the Fire or Hearth, with iron instruments fit for such a purpose, and new and fresh minerals are to be put in, and to be dealt withall after the same manner as we said but now.

The minerals that are taken forth are to be broken in a Mill, and then the salt to be washed off with common water, and to be afterwards used about making salt peter, the which we have taught in the Appendix.

The light Coals [or Scinders] and unprofitable earth is to be separated by water, from the metalline part, and this metalline part, or heavier limus, being reduced and molten in the Furnace called Stichofen, yields a beautifull or pure and gainfull metal.

There are sometimes found in many places of Germany, wild, fugacious, and unmeltable minerals of lead, which for that they contain in them Sulphur, Antimony, or Lapis Calaminaris, do not admit of reduction in the Furnace called Stichofen, but do either go off in fume, or turn into dross. But being first roasted after the aforesaid manner, and fitted for liquefaction, the lead, comprehending in it silver too, may be thence gotten with profit, whereas otherwise they are wont to be dealt withall without any fruit, and are therefore given over. This incineration therefore is profitably used to such degenerate minerals.

Now if so be any would deal with vendible and good metals, and would have profit from them by incineration, he must proceed this following way.

II. The manner of reducing lead into ashes, and so handling it with the spirits of salt, that gold and silver may be thence gotten with profit.

I have at large taught in my first Century, that in the ripening of metals and other chymical operations, a greater fire is endued with stronger power than a lesser, which is easie to be understood by those that have any wit.

I just now taught the maturation and bettering of unprofitable and wild metallick earths with crude and gross salt.

But forasmuch as the gross salt and a weak fire cannot of necessity put forth so much strength as a stronger fire is wont to doe, therefore for such as desire a stronger fire than the common salt, the purer part is to be (by the help of Art) drawn out of the crude salt and to be separated from its grosness and impurity, the which is easily brought to pass by distillation. And as for these fires of salts, and the procuring them in great plenty, my writings, but especially the precedent first Century, do clearly and evidently treat of them, and this second Century will yet treat of it more.

III. The operation of incinerating the lead, or reducing it into ashes.

Having built a Furnace such as is for Cementation, put therein a strong iron Pot, just after such a manner as the sand cupels [or pans] are wont to be made, let there be a Grate to make a fire on, let the Furnace be bigger or lesser according to the bigness or littleness of the Pot you would put in, or according to the quantity of lead-ashes you would make. Put fire under the Pot and heat it red hot, and put thereinto so much lead as is requisite for the covering of the bottom of the Pot; the lead being molten, stir it about in the Pot without ceasing, with an iron spoon having a long handle, the which labour will turn the lead into ashes in the space of about two hours. Take these ashes out, and put in more lead into the Pot, and repeat this labour so often untill you have gotten enough ashes. These ashes of lead are fitted to receive an amendment by the spirits of salts, and afterwards to yield their gold and silver by fusion, and that with profit.

IV. The manner of bettering the ashes of lead by the spirits of salts, and of extracting thencefrom the gold and silver with gain.

First of all, you must have plenty of the spirit of salt or Aq. Regis, as concerning the easie getting such spirits, we have mentioned the way at large in the foregoing Appendix, and will yet treat more of them in this present second Century.

Besides, you must also provide your self of red or reddish kind of flints, which (besides iron) do also contain in them a volatile gold. Out of these is the tincture to be extracted by the spirit of salt, or by Aq. Regis; after that manner I delivered at large in the first Century, and in the [Appendix to the fifth part of the prosperity of Germany], and will yet farther teach more clearly and more compendiously in this Century.

These extractions are to be poured upon the lead-ashes, that they may be well moistened therewithall; the unprofitable phlegm is to be evaporated by a gentle heat, and the fire to be augmented that the spirits also may follow; of which more heavy spirits there will be enough remaining in the secret Cementatory Pot, and as much as is sufficient for the due operation upon the lead, that so being bettered it may afterwards prove a gainfull emitter of its gold and silver.

He that has a desire of exercising this labour with greater profit, may satisfie his desire, if he will but pour on such extractions twice or thrice upon the said lead ashes, that they may be con-centrated by them afore they are cemented in the Cementatory Vessel, and may be reduced into the bettered lead. For by this means, all the labours and costs will be more largely recompenced, and the more plenty of gain gotten.

This now is the making the lead-ashes, whether you do either per se, or by the help of the other metals, convert it by Cementation into a better metal.

V. A brief description of the secret Cementatory Pot, which admits not of any spilling, and which is sealed with the Seal of Hermes, of which I made mention in the first Century.

Build with Stones or Clay or Potters earth such a Furnace as that is, which I described in the first part of my Furnaces, as necessary for the making of spirit of salt. But let the lower part thereof be a little broader that so the Metals being cast upon the Coals may not stick to the walls of the Furnace and so be somewhat lost, but may fall directly down on the live Coals. It must be made four square and of such a bigness as may serve the purpose according as you are minded to cement a greater or lesser quantity of metal therein.

VI. Of the Cover of the Cementatory-pot, what it ought to be, that so it may suffer nothing to goe away in fume.

This Cover of this Cementatory Box or Furnace which I told you was to be made of the Lute of Wisedom, is not properly a Cover but a Leaden Cistern, serving for the reception of those spirits which are driven up by the fire out of the Lead-ashes. This Lead receiver is to lie in another Leaden Cistern, which is to be filled with water, and ’tis to be so fitted to a pipe that is to come out of the Furnace, that the ascending spirits passing thereinto may be the better refrigerated by the water, and the sooner condensed, and saved for farther uses.

VII. Of the use and benefit of this secret Cementing Pot.

When any one has a mind to cement the Lead ashes, from which the extractions of the coloured Flints have been sometimes abstracted in the said Cementatory Box, and to graduate them, or so bring to pass that they may contain [or hold the] Gold and Silver, let him first of all fill his Furnace with Charcoal, and let him so order it that his fire may kindle by little and little till the Furnace be well heated red hot; till this is done, the Cover that is at top is to be taken so long off, that so neither the heat nor smoke may pass out at the side through the Pipe into the adjoyned Leaden Cistern.

When the Furnace is thoroughly heated, and that ’tis now time to begin the Cementation, the top of the Furnace is to be shut with its Cover, that the heat may be forced to pass through the Pipe into the Receiver. Having so done, you are to fill an Iron Spoon or Ladle of your prepared Lead-ashes, and put them into the Furnace at the fore-hole which serves for the throwing in your Coals, the which ashes are to be so put in as to cover the Coals over, but not so as to choke them but that they may have air enough to burn, and that the fire be not put out, but doe just in that manner as you are wont to distil the Spirit of Salt. By this means all the Spirits that remained yet behind in the Lead-ashes, will betake themselves into the Receiver, and the Ashes of the Lead will be bettered by the graduating and tinging spirits, and will part of them be reduced into a body, and part will yet retain the form of ashes, and fall down through the Grate to the bottom of the Furnace. Then the Furnace is to be again filled with Coals, and more Ashes are to be put thereon with a Spoon as afore, and this labour is to be continued so long till all the Ashes are consumed.

All the labour being finished, take out your Ashes together with the lead reduced into a body, melt them in the Furnace which is called Stichofen, they will melt wondrous easie, then put some small part thereof to the Test, thereby to try whether or no they are enriched enough, to be turned into a Litharge and undergoe the metallick separation.

If they won’t as yet brook the trial, let the Lead be again turned into Ashes in your Iron Pot, and repeat the whole afore prescribed labour, and that so often till at length the Lead be rendred rich enough in Gold and Silver, the which may be converted into Litharge after the usual manner, and separated from the Gold and Silver. The Litharge being taken away, and gathered together, and broken in a Mill, serves for farther uses in this operation. The Regulus of the Gold and Silver that is left upon the hearth is to be taken out and to be farther mundified in a Cupel after the accustomed way.

This is that more compendious incineration and reduction of Lead, which kind of bettering it, enricheth the operators with Gold and Silver.

N. B. That in this Cementation the sharp spirits do carry over with them some of the Volatile Lead into the Receiver, and there it settles to the bottom; the which powder being freed from all the Acrimony of the spirits by due washings, and being then dried, may be used to all such intents and operations to which the Mercury of Saturn is wont to be used, and which is made by dissolving the Lead in Aq. Fortis, and precipitating it by Salt-water.

N. B. This distilled Mercury hath more hidden under it than the other hath; for it carries hidden in it a Volatile Gold, which may be separated from it and improved about the gradation and Tincture of other Metals, and that with no small profit, concerning which we will say more afterwards.

Thus, friendly Reader, hast thou my more compendious incineration and reduction into better Metals; the which I would not hide from thee, and hereby shall I satisfie those to whom the way prescribed in my Appendix is too tedious and laborious and they may make use of this way instead of that other, which withall is easier and will without all doubt yield more Gold and Silver than that other way.

VIII. Another emendation or bettering of Lead by the graduating extractions of coloured Flints.

Extract either coloured Flints, such as have in them Volatile Gold or Sand or Clay, by the spirit of Salt or Aq. Regis, and draw off the Liquor by Distillation. If you thereto add Salt afore their extraction the dissolvent will receive encrease from the Salt, especially if done in such an instrument, in which a great quantity of extracted matters may be abstracted in a few hours, without either Cucurbits or the other commonly known distilling Vessels, and the same operation may be continued a long while. By this means, there is not onely the least loss of your dissolvent, but it rather gets no small encrease from the Salt. By this instrument also, thou maist not onely prepare great store of sharp spirits necessary for thy operation at the beginning, but likewise commodiously extract your Minerals, and separate the dissolvent again from the Minerals so extracted, so that you shall not lose the least particle of your dissolvent.

But forasmuch as all the Gold, Silver, and Copper may much easier be separated from its Menstruum, by this so unheard of and never seen instrument, than by the way of precipitation, ’tis altogether better and safer for a Man not to precipitate his extracted Metals, but rather draw off the Menstruum from them, that so he may have them dry. And though that all the spirits go not wholly off, so as that nothing of them abide with the Metals, yet they do no hurt, but rather exalt the Litharge that is put unto them into an higher degree, as it also does to the Ashes themselves of the Lead, when they are cemented together in the afore described cementing Furnace; in which Cementation the Volatile Gold is, together with the corporal Gold conserved, and which otherwise would vanish away in the common melting Fire.

But if so be that any one has a mind to precipitate the Metals extracted out of poor Mines, after the manner prescribed in the Appendix, to the intent he may after the precipitation make Salt Peter of the remaining Waters, he may reduce the Calx’s of the Metals, and principally of the Gold very easily and without any loss, by this following way.

IX. The manner of reducing the precipitated and washed Calx of Sol without any loss.

The precipitation of Gold by Lixiviums, Liquor of Flints, Spirit of Urine, Solution of Mercury, hath been clearly enough described in the [Appendix to the fifth part of the prosperity of Germany]; but yet the reduction of the same was past over in silence, because of the too much hast of the said Book. Therefore it seemed unto me necessary to insert the same here, for their sakes, who have but little knowledge, or in a manner none at all in these affairs; for should I go to propound such a thing for the skilfull Chymists, I should but do what is already done, especially because he deserves not the name of a Chymist who is ignorant of the reduction of the solar Calx.

But forasmuch as it may so happen, that even the unskilfull may set about this extracting of the Minerals, and yet be ignorant of the way of reducing the Gold though they should have extracted it; therefore have I judged it not amiss to illustrate that reduction by my describing thereof here, the which being divers, according as the precipitation is made by such or such a means, doth also require different operations.

X. The reduction of the solar Calx precipitated by the Liquour of Flints.

Albeit that Borax reduceth every Calx of Sol to its former body, if it be therewith mixed and melted in a Crucible, yet that would prove too dear, if somewhat a greater quantity thereof be required for the reduction; for there must be of it at least twice or thrice as much in weight as is of the Gold, if you would have a due reduction of the Gold made. The reason is this, because the Flints precipitated to the bottom together with the Gold, and so sticking on to the Gold impead its fusion so that it cannot rightly come together into its due body. Hereupon is it necessary that there should be the double or treble weight of Borax added to the Gold if you would have all your Gold return unto its former body without detriment.

But whereas there are also other matters to be found which make the Gold fusible and are not so dear as Borax is, the use of such things is to be admitted, but especially when a great quantity of Gold is to be reduced. Otherwise if it be but little Gold that is to be reduced, and you have not the aforesaid matters at hand, one may for such a small trial use Borax. But where there is a greater quantity to be reduced the following matter will be found to be far more profitable and beneficial.

XI. How the Gold which is precipitated by the Liquor of Flints, is to be melted without Borax, by the Glass of Lead only, which is of a far meaner price.

Take of your Gold precipitated by the Liquor of Flints and dryed, one part, of Glass made of Lead and beaten into powder, three parts; the which mix well with the Gold and put into a Crucible, which said Crucible let be put into another bigger one (for which operation the Hassion pots are most fit) that so if the Gold chance to flow out of the inner pot, it may stay in the outer and be conserved. For the Glass of Lead is of such a nature that it usually perforates or runs through the pot. Having thus done put your twofold Crucible containing your commixed matters into a wind Furnace, such an one as I have described, and when you have covered it, put Coals under it [or about it] and urge your fire for one quarter of an hour, that all may well flow, then pour it out, and separate the Regulus of Gold with a stroke or two from the glass of the Lead; which said Glass hath attracted to it self all the flinty matter, and suffers the pure and malleable Gold to settle to the bottome into a Regulus.

N. B. If your glass of Lead be still yellow as it was before the operation, ’tis a sign that all the Gold is separated therefrom; but if it be of a green colour ’tis a sure sign that it has as yet some Gold mixed with it. For Gold being mixed with Glass shews its being there by yielding a skie-colour, the which skie-colour is necessarily changed in the yellow glass of Lead into a green; because every yellow and skie colour do in their commixtion beget a green.

Now then that you may get out the reliques of the Gold out of the leaden Glass you must proceed the following way.

XII. By what means the Glass of Lead which as yet contains in it some reliques of Gold is to be dealt withall, that it may let them goe out of its body.

Melt that Glass of Lead in a well covered pot, that I mean in which you suppose some Gold to be, and being well molten cast in a little iron filings, and mix it well by stirring it with an iron rod, and leave it in the fire thus molten, for one quarter of an hour, that the sulphur of the Glass may be killed by its corroding of the iron, and may let fall a leady Regulus wherein the Gold will be, and which (in the first melting) the Glass held up, will separate it by the Cupel from the Lead.

N. B. But here you are to observe that the filings of the iron are to be used very sparingly to this precipitation; for by how much the more iron is added, so much the greater will the Regulus of the lead be, and consequently require a greater Cupel, which is not so necessary.

For put case the Glass of Lead in which the Gold is suspected to be is about one pound weight, and there is but about a Quinta, or certain small weight of Gold; now it is not necessary to have any more than one Lot of Lead or thereabouts, precipitated thereout of into a Regulus, to which precipitation is required no more than one Lot of the filings of Iron. For the Regulus of Lead precipitated out of the Glass, doth for the most part answer in weight, to the weight of the Iron filings used about the precipitation, or to speak more clearly, you will get so much leaden Regulus, as the Iron is you added.

The remaining Glass becomes black and is unprofitable for any farther melting with Gold, but yet needs not be cast away, because those Scoria’s do yet contain much Lead, and therefore serve to be mixt with such Pots as you have used and broken about Metals, or with other wild and hardly fusile metallick Veins, to render them fusible, being I say commixt with these, and put in the Furnace which the Germans call Stichofen, do not onely yield forth all their Lead, but withall draw out the Metals out of those matters which were mixed with them in the melting. But they are principally profitable for the melting and reducing of those Metals, which do not onely very difficultly admit of fusion by themselves, but withall do, being mixed with the Ashes of Tin, so much the more difficultly suffer themselves to be reduced by melting, unto their former bodies. But in defect of such Metals and Minerals, as are not but with much adoe tamed by Liquefaction, you may put to that black Glass of Lead, one fourth part onely of filings, or Scoria’s of Iron made into powder, that so both the matters thus commixt may be molten in the Furnace Stichofen. So by the addition and help of the Iron, all the Lead will be reduced to its former body, and will withall extract out of the Iron whatsoever of Gold and Silver lay therein hidden; so that by this means there may be reaped a great benefit from this reduction of the Glass of Lead. But yet that Lead is to be tryed by a foregoing tryal, whether or no it be rich enough in Gold and Silver to quit the costs of separation? For if it be not, it must be used to the afore described incineration, that so there may be no loss either of the Gold or the Lead.

XIII. The preparation of the Glass of Lead, for the reducing such Gold as being precipitated by the Liqour of Flints, is of difficult fusion.

Take of white and fusile Flints [or Pebles] one part, and of Minium, or any other Ashes of Lead, or else even of Litharge it self four parts, each of which being powdered apart, you are to commix and melt them well in a strong double Pot, then pour them out, and you will have a Hyacinth-coloured Glass, the which Glass is to be powdered and mixt with the Gold, and it makes the Gold Powder which resisteth melting fusible.

XIV. Another way of reducing Gold precipitated by the Liqour of Flints.

To one part of this hardly-melting Gold which is precipitated by the Liqour of Flints, admix two or three parts of Litharge, which matters put in a strong double Pot, and cover it well, and melt them well down in a Wind Furnace, that the Litharge may draw unto it self all the Flints, and all the Gold may separate. Having separated the Regulus from the Scoria’s of the Lead, you must precipitate these Scoria’s, which do as yet hold in them some small portion of Gold into a small leaden Regulus, with the filings of Iron, as we shewed you but now, that so you may also have even that residue of Gold. The Scoria are conserved by being reduced in the Furnace Stichofen, according to the operation already spoken of.

XV. Another way of rendring the Gold precipitated by the Liqour of Flints fusible.

Take of the said Gold one part, and the fixt Salt made of Salt Peter and Tartar, by combustion or calcination, three parts; commix them and melt them down in a crucible well covered. In this co-melting the Salt swallows up the Flints, and the Gold being at liberty settles to the bottom. Pour out the molten mass, and separate the Regulus of the Gold from the Salt, the which being dissolved with common water gives you your Liqour of Flints, to be again used to precipitate more extracted Gold.

This Salt doth not so easily perforate the Crucibles as those Glasses of Lead do, and therefore is it to be accounted of as the best and easiest of all these three prescribed ways.

XVI. The way of reducing Gold, precipitated by the spirit of Urine.

The spirit of Urine or of Sal. Armoniack doth perfectly precipitate all the Gold out of the Aq. Regis; the which being washed and dried, doth not admit of reduction after the manner of the other Gold, for if it be but onely heated a little before it becomes red hot, it presently takes fire, and fulminates with a far more dreadfull noise than any Gunpowder. For if you put a small portion of the same, and no bigger than a Pea in a Silver, Iron, or Copper Spoon, and put it on the Coals that it may wax hot, it will give such an horrible crack, that ’twill even dull the hearing, and make a dent in the Spoon as if it had been beaten in with a Hammer. From whence it may easily be conjectured, that if somewhat a bigger quantity be put in a Pot on the Fire, it would make Pot and Furnace flie, by its so dreadfull thundring a stroak into most small shivers.

So then there is need of great wariness, to prevent the happening of so great danger, which is easily prevented by the following manner of operating.

XVII. By what means the fulminating force of Gold precipitated by a Lixivium, or spirit of Urine is to be taken away.

Mix with this Gold precipitated by a Lixivium, or by the spirit of Urine, half a part of Sulphur reduced into Powder, and let the said Sulphur be removed therefrom by burning amidst live Coals; for so being despoiled of that fulminating force, it may without danger be reduced by any kind of such matters as promote fusibility.

XVIII. By what means Gold that is despoiled of its fulminating force, by means of Sulphur may be reduced.

Forasmuch as this Gold is void of all impurity, there needs [not] the addition of such matters as promote fusion, seeing it is of it self prone enough to melt. But yet least some grains of the Gold should stick on to the Pot, ’tis expedient to add some portion at least of such a kind of matter as accelerates or hasteneth fusion. And for this work, Borax, and the dry Liqour of Flints are excellent, of which if you add but one half part onely to such Gold, (or, if you take of the Flints prepared with Salt of Tartar) it will by that means presently melt, and the Borax, or Liqour of Flints will not retain the least doit of the Gold.

XIX. The manner of reducing the Metals that are not gotten out of the Waters by precipitation, but are freed from them by abstracting them.

The Metals which are extracted out of the Mines, and freed from the waters by the abstracting of the dissolvent, cannot be so pure as those are which settle to the bottom by precipitation. For it is very rare for Gold and Silver to be found in metalline Veins, Stones, or Clay, without being commixed with other Metals; because for the most part, Copper is mixt with Silver, and Copper or Iron with Gold, the which being unseparated in the reduction makes the Gold and Silver impure. But now in the precipitation one Metal is freed after another from the Menstruum, and are not mixed with each other. But on the contrary, in the way of abstracting it, all the metals remain mixt together without any separation, and require a new separation and consequently a double labour, and more expences.

This inconveniency may be easily remedied by him who is versed in the knowledge of my dry separation of Metals. I have mentioned it in divers places of my writings, So that it would be needless to trouble the Reader with a superfluous rehearsal of the same in this place.

But forasmuch as every one hath not by him all my writings, I believed that it would be worth while, if I should here set down that Laver or Bath which washeth off the Metals with the help of Salt peter by the dry way. For, without the knowledge of this Artifice of separating the extracted Metals from each other, there would be yet requisite much labour, and much costs for the obtaining of the said Metals. But they are very easily, and with little labour, and with small costs separated the one from the other by the way here by us described, and indeed with more gain than is wont to be had by the way of precipitation.

And even as in the precipitation of Metals there is always some [portion] of the Waters, that puts on the nature of Salt Peter, viz. when the Waters that have been used, which are as it were the Seeds of Salt Peter, are implanted in an Alkalisate Salt, and so do multiply themselves in a wonderfull manner.

So likewise in the dry separation of Metals, there is in a manner, yet more Salt Peter gotten, viz. thus when they are separated in the melting Pots, from each other by Salt Peter, and by an artificial precipitation of one Metal after another, the Salt Peter you used is rendred fixt and Alkalizated, which Alcalizated niter is to be accounted of, as the root of Salt Peter. This root being implanted in acid Salts, is in like manner enriched with a plenteous encrease, and reduced into natural and inflamable Salt Peter; for, by it do the sharp Waters get to themselves the nature of Salt Peter, from those Alkalizate Salts. And if so be you seek not after the common Salt Peter, it is better to sow the Seed of Salt Peter (that is, some spirit of niter which you have used) into the appropriate root of Salt Peter, that is, into fixt niter. For by that means you will have (at the encrease) a wonderfull Salt Peter, which, in all operations, doth far more powerfully act than the common Salt Peter, what way soever it be mundified by; which is evidenced in my foregoing first Century.

Therefore forasmuch as in the separation of Metals by the dry way, there remains (after the operation is over) so much fixt Salt Peter as there was of nitrous Water in the moist extraction, it always abundantly supplies both Seed and Root of Salt Peter, so that they may be exceeding plentifully multiplied by other Salts, nor will you have any need of buying any more new Salt Peter for the now spoken of Labour. Verily this is a most compendious way, not onely of separating all Metals even in fusion, but also of somewhat bettering them, as shall be afterwards demonstrated.

XX. By what means such Gold as is commixt with Iron, or Copper, and from which (being extracted out of the Minerals) the dissolvent has been drawn off, is to be reduced.

Let such unclean Gold be commixed with two or three parts of its weight of the Glass of Lead, and melt them in a strong Crucible. If there happen to be much Iron, it will of its own accord yield a leaden Regulus, which being forced by the heat of the Fire in a Cupel will leave your Gold pure, because the Glass of Lead is wont to attract unto it self Iron and Copper. But if so be there is but little Iron mixt with your Gold the Regulus of Lead will not separate or precipitate in the melting, and therefore as it melts some filings of Iron are to be added, and to be accurately stirred with a red hot Iron, that so a Regulus of Lead may fall to the bottom, bigger or lesser according to the muchness or littleness of the Iron you added.

XXI. Another proper and fitting matter to reduce such Gold as hath Iron in it.

Take of Salt Peter one part, and of Antimony four parts, reduce them into a black Glass, by melting them. This Glass being powdered and commixt with a wild or raw and not fusile Gold and so molten, precipitates the Regulus of the Gold to the bottom, and brings the Iron into Scoria’s.

XXII. The separation of the Antimony from the Gold.

Such golden Regulus’s do not admit of separation in the Cupel, like as those do which the Glass of Lead is used to. Therefore Salt Peter is to be used in the melting Pots or Crucibles, to make the separation of them.

Put this Antimonial Regulus in a melting Pot, melt it down in a Wind Furnace, and being molten cast in by little and little some dry Salt Peter, that so it may seize upon the Regulus and transmute it into Scoria’s. The Scoria flowing in the Pot like water, are a sign that the Gold is well cleaned, and that all the Antimony is reduced into Scoria’s. Then pour it forth into a Cone that it may cool, and the pure and malleable Gold will settle into a Regulus at the bottom. Now all the Salt Peter is rendred fixt in this operation, then if you put your Scoria’s again in the Crucible, and put into it some Coals and melt your Scoria down, almost all the Antimony being freed from the Salt Peter will gather into a Regulus, and will again serve for reducing of more Gold; for it will as readily reduce your extracted Gold unto its former body, as the [aforesaid] Glass it self will. But this labour requires a diligent Operator who knows how to handle it with singular skill, though it be easie, and requireth not any great Artifice, but onely an accurate diligence, which use onely makes a Man skilled in.

The Salt Peter used about this labour, gets the nature of an Alkali Salt, and being put on the live Coals doth no more burn, but being dissolved in Water yields a sharp Lixivium, very proper for many operations, and serving instead of a Lye made with Wood-ashes. But the chiefest use thereof is this, viz. seeing it is the true root of Salt Peter, it may be added to other Salts, out of which in process of time, it will be notably augmented and produce new burning Salt Peter. He that has a desire gainfully to augment this fixt Salt Peter with common Kitchin Salt, and again to transmute it into inflamable Salt peter, may accomplish his desire if he makes use of the following operation.

XXIII. The way of making most excellent and inflamable Salt Peter in plenty, and with profit out of common Kitchin Salt and the Lixivium of Salt Peter that has been used.

There is so small a difference betwixt common Kitchin Salt, and Salt Peter, that the Salt may easily be turned into Salt Peter, and that by several operations, as well by the Seed of Salt Peter as by sharp spirits, as we have taught above, or even by fixt niter which operation we will here shew.

We will use for an example, the baking of Bread, and the brewing of Ale. If when the Meal is with Water brought into Dough, there be added unto it but a few grounds of Ale or Leven, the whole mass begins to heave it self up, and becoming thin [or light] is rendred fit to be baked into Bread, the which hath altogether the same property as those few Ale Grounds, or that little Leven had. And so that very self same Dough is likewise fit to make other Meal ferment, even to infinity. The same is likewise observable in the brewing of Ale, so that he who hath but once onely so much Ale Grounds [or Yest,] or levened Dough as served his turn once, may brew Ale and bake Bread even to infinity. So likewise is the same evidently manifest by the encrease of Vegetables, which may be infinitely multiplied by the Alkalizated Salt of the Earth, if you have but once their Seeds and Roots. In like manner may the same propagation be performed by another way, viz. by ingrafting of that which you would propagate into another of the same kind. For example, I have in my Garden excellent Apples, Pears, Cherries, or such like Tree-fruits, and I have a mind to see more of them in my Garden; therefore do I cut off some branch, or perhaps even the Tree it self to the trunk or body; of some wild, or at least not so noble a Fruit-bearing Pear Tree or Apple Tree, and therein, viz. in that branch or stock, do I ingraft according to Art some little boughs or cions of some other Tree that bears excellent Fruit, and which I desire to encrease, the which Tree now doth no more produce the wild and degenerate or bad Fruits, it did according to its kind, but such Fruits as the Tree whence the cion was taken, bears.

By these kind of similitudes may any one that hath understanding easily see, that it is possible by Art, to transmute one nature into another, if, viz. the Seeds and Roots of things are applied to this transmutation. But now if any one should plant a stalk or leaf in the digged earth, and would thereby encrease or propagate it, he will never see any success of his labour; for the stalks and leaves would rot and so no new Herb would again bud out from them as is wont to be out of the Seed and Roots.

Even on this wise is it with Salt Peter, which if it be mixed with common Salt it would not verily produce any encrease, as ’tis wont to do out of its Seed and Root, as we have already laid open.

Such likewise is the nature of Metals, touching the propagation and encrease of which their proper seeds and roots are requisite. What I pray are those Tinctures, (one onely particle of which and that no bigger than a Pea, being cast on an whole pound of Tin or Lead, transmuteth that same Metal into pure good Gold, and changeth and augmenteth it self (as being the true seed of Metals) a thousand fold, out of so gross and earthly a body into so noble and so golden a nature in so short a space of time,) what (I say) are those Tinctures, but the very seeds of Metals, and the very metallick roots. But by what means they are to be obtained, and to be brought under a Man’s power, for my part I do not know. But yet I could not but deliver my simple opinion and conceptions concerning this thing, to the studious of Art.

’Tis certain that all Metals have their rise out of one and the same Seed, but that they differ so very much amongst themselves, and that one becomes more ripe than another, is to be imputed to the diversity of accidents. In one and the same Tree are produced Blossoms, and small Fruits of an unpleasant tast; then afterwards bitter and immature ones, and at length ripe and sweet ones, and are not alike either in form, odour, or savour, nor are they of like effects, and yet do they all arise out of one beginning, viz. out of their Seed and Root. So is it even with Metals.

For as touching their Seed I do verily believe, that if from the most soft and as yet most immature Metals, such as Zink, Lead, Tin, Antimony, Bismute, Cobolt, &c. their stinking combustible and superfluous Sulphur, could by some Bath or other be so taken away, as that nothing may remain save onely a most pure Mercury, that then I say such a Mercury, or such a Seed of Metals may be easily transmuted by pure Gold, as being the most pure Root of Metals into a true Tincture.

But to turn common Salt into Salt Peter, the operation is thus.

Take one part of black or of any other common Salt, and mix it with two or three parts of Calx-vive being reduced into Powder by lying in the Air, and lay it in such a place as lies open to the Air and Sun-beams, but yet keeps off the Rain, as we have taught in the Appendix.

Moisten this heap with the above said Lixivium of Salt Peter, and being dried, repeat the moistening and drying so long, untill the ferment shall have converted all the common Salt and turned it into inflamable Salt Peter, the which doth either sooner or later happen, according as the operation hath been the more diligently or negligently handled. All being turned into Salt Peter, let an extraction be made with common Water, as the usual custom is, and lay the Reliques in the aforesaid place, and again moisten them with the said Lixivium as afore, or in defect thereof sprinkle them with common Water, still moistening them after each drying, untill there be a new encrease of Salt Peter begotten, the which you are to wash off with common Water. And so this operation proceeds, or holds on even to infinity.

XXIV. Another far more compendious way of converting common Salt, by the help of fixt Salt Peter into excellent Salt Peter.

Mix some certain weight of common Salt dissolved per se in common Water, and as much of fixt Salt Peter likewise dissolved in common Water, mix them in a wooden Vessel; in which Vessel the fixt Salt Peter being as it were a ferment will seize upon the common Salt, and turn it by fermentation into excellent Salt Peter.

He that desires a more mature Salt Peter may instead of the solution of common Salt, pour upon the fixt Salt Peter Lixivium, those sharp waters of Salt Peter, which have already been used about other labours, and they will seize upon that Lixivium with a more vehement operation, so that of both the solutions as well the acid and spiritual, as the fixt and corporeal Peter, there will be gotten in a few hours space, the most excellent Salt Peter and such as cannot be by any other way whatsoever purchased.

N. B. If any one has a mind of getting a greater quantity of Salt Peter, he may first dissolve his common Salt in the sharp Water of Salt Peter, and [mix it] in that self same Lixivium, [viz. of Peter,] and after the mixing of these two contrary solutions evaporate the common Water, that the Salt Peter may shoot into Crystals, of which there will indeed be a greater quantity, but then it will not be so good as that which was made by the first operation.

XXV. Another gainfull way of making good and burning Salt Peter out of common Salt, by the help of fixt Salt Peter.

Commix equal parts of the Scoria’s of fixt Salt Peter that you have used, and of the common Kitchin Salt together, and add thereunto twice as much Calx-vive first reduced into Powder by lying in the Air, [as they both weigh.] Of this mixture make up round Balls, and so pile or stow them with Wood, that it may be a Stratum Superstratum, [or a Bed of each orderly,] as the Chymists call it. Kindle your pile of Wood and let all your Balls be red hot for an hour: And the fixt Salt Peter will by a wonderfull inversion transmute the nature of the common Salt, and turn it into Salt Peter, but yet not inflamable till the Salts have been moistned some due time, and so attracted a life out of the Air, and made fit to conceive a flame, or to burn.

N. B. If instead of Rain water you use such Waters as you have already used and extracted your Minerals withall, to moisten your mass with, then will you thence get in some few Weeks space, an inflamable Salt Peter.

But forasmuch as in the extraction of Minerals and separation of Metals, there will be such a great quantity of sharp nitrous Waters, and likewise of fixt Salt Peter offer themselves for the accomplishment of this operation, and so great a benefit and gain is gotten by that so plentifull an augmentation of your Salt Peter (which hath already Sufficiently profitably paid your costs) out of vile and common Salt; hence clearly follows, that all those hitherto described labours and operations are effected, in a manner without any costs or expences, which is indeed an unheard of thing, but yet most true, and exceeds the belief of ignorant Men.

XXVI. The reduction of Silver extracted out of the Minerals, and freed from the Aq. Fortis by abstraction, [or drawing off the said Aq. Fortis.]

The Silver from which Aq. Fortis has been drawn by Distillation, needs not any matter to help on fusibility, for as much as it doth of its own nature admit of a very easie Flux; but that the Fugitive Spirits that adhere unto it would carry away somewhat of the same. So now, to prevent this discommodity, you may add unto such a Silver a little of the fixt Salt separated out of the Lixivium [of fixt Peter,] the which Salt Alkaly will mortifie the acid spirits so, that they shall not be able to carry off any thing at all in the melting.

XXVII. The reduction of extracted Copper.

If the Copper be not mixt with any other Metals, and be but little in quantity, it may be reduced so in Crucibles by it self, but if it be in a plentifull quantity it may be done by blast.

But where it contains Iron or Lapis Calaminaris, (which two the Minerals [of Copper] do frequently abound withall) there it admits not of reduction per se without the help of other matters, because of the Iron, Zink, or Calaminaris; which Minerals associating themselves with the Copper, in the melting are wont to make it brittle. But this inconveniency may be prevented the following way.

XXVIII. The way of making Copper, which hath Iron in it malleable by reduction.

Mix such Copper as hath in it Lapis Calaminaris or Iron, with common Salt, and put it in a Crucible and melt it, that so the Salt may associate or draw unto it self the Iron or Lapis Calaminaris out of the Copper, and turn them into Scoria’s, leaving the Copper, which will settle to the bottom and go into a Regulus.

XXIX. By what means Copper is to be separated from the Silver, if they are both together extracted out of the Mines, and the Silver has not been precipitated out of the solution by the Water of Salt, but the dissolving Menstruum hath been abstracted from them so conjoyned both together.

If the Silver be more in quantity than the Copper, then the Copper is easily extracted out of the other by the Water of Salt wherein a little Tartar hath been dissolved. For Salt and Tartar do readily dissolve Copper, and leave the Silver.

But if the Copper bear the Bell, and there be more of that than the Silver, then will it be better to precipitate the Silver first by the Water of Salt, out of the first extraction of the Minerals; and afterwards the Copper will be likewise freed by abstracting the dissolving Menstruum, insomuch that each of these two Metals are gotten apart.

XXX. If the extracted Copper comprehends in it any Gold, by what means the Gold may be therefrom separated.

Albeit if a solution of Saturn or Lune being poured on the dissolved Copper, and well shook with the same solution will fish out some Gold, yet it gets not all unless it be debilitated by some Lixivium. But now the Lixivium being poured thereunto that so the solvent being debilitated may the easier let go its Gold thereby, hath with it this inconveniency, viz. that the solvent is made wholly unprofitable to be used about any more extractions. Nay more, there’s also this discommodity, that if an error be committed by pouring on a little more Lixivium than is expedient, there will also precipitate some of the Copper together with the Gold.

To prevent therefore these inconveniencies, the solution of the Copper which contains in it Gold, is to be drawn off even unto driness, in my secret and by me invented distilling Vessel, in which Vessel it may easily and in great plenty be done; and the following Menstruum which dissolveth onely Copper and not Gold is to be poured upon the dried matter, that the Copper may be dissolved, and the Gold (be it either much or little) may remain in the bottom undissolved. The dissolved Copper may be precipitated out of the Water with a Lixivium, whereto is added some of the Liqour of Flints, and be washt and dried, and with strong Vinegar be turned into a most delicate Verdigreace. The Water that is thus made use of, if it be poured on Alkalizated Salts yields good Salt Peter.

He that does not much regard that green colour may separate the dissolvent from the Copper by Distillation, and again use the same for the like dissolving of new Copper.

But now there must be in the Copper So much Gold as to quit the costs of this labour, and to prove gainfull; otherwise it is better to leave the Gold with the Copper than to buy it at so dear a rate.

XXXI. The making of such a Menstruum as dissolveth the Copper and drives from it self, or precipitates the Gold.

This dissolvent is no other than Aq. Fortis, wherein a little Tartar is dissolved. For the Tartar being an enemy to the Gold, is wont to precipitate the Gold out of the solutions like as common Salt doth Silver out of Aq. Fortis. By this way may all the Copper be easily separated from the Gold, concerning which, more shall be spoken in its due place.

XXXII. Another reduction of Copper that hath Gold in it, and the perfect separation of the Copper from the Gold.

Add to such Copper that hath Gold in it, some Silver, and melt it with so much Regulus of Antimony as is twice the weight of the said Metals thus together taken. Separate the said Regulus together with the Copper from the Silver by the addition of Salt Peter, that so the Silver may retain with the Gold that was in the Copper, the which is to be afterwards separated if it be worth the while. Now it is not necessary presently to separate it, forasmuch as it is far better many times to abstract such a Copper that has Gold therein from such a Silver, that so the Silver may be enriched with a great quantity of Gold by so many abstractions; the which abstractions require but very little costs besides the charges of the Fire and Crucibles.

For all the Salt Peter used hereabouts, together with all the Copper and all the Regulus of Antimony may be thencefrom again recovered, by him who rightly knows the precipitation. Besides, there lies hid under this operation, some great matter as concerning the amending of the Metals. For it is a way of arriving to the knowledge of impregnating all Silver by Copper, with Gold, and Copper it self with Silver; concerning which thing there are more instructions to be found in other places of my Writings.

These things may at present suffice, touching the reduction of the Metals extracted out of the poor Mines, and [concerning those things which by reason of the hasty Edition of the [Appendix to the fifth part of the prosperity of Germany] were omitted therein;] the which defects the well minded Reader may from hence supply.

XXXIII. A brief description of the above mentioned artificial Instrument, by the help whereof the spirits necessary for the extraction of the Metals out of the poor Mines that contain in them Gold, Silver and Copper, are plentifully prepared, the Minerals themselves extracted, and the dissolving Menstruums, again easily separated from the Metals.

This incomparable and by me newly found out Instrument, being most profitable and commodious for the easie extractions of Metals, and preparations of the dissolving Menstruums, is made of a peculiar earth, and is almost of the figure or likeness of a Bakers Oven, and is either of a bigger or lesser size, according to the quantity any one has a mind to labour in; In the forepart it hath a Door, and in the end [or top] or very near it, it hath an Outlet. To the Cover serving instead of an Alembick, a great receiving Vessel is to be fitted, fit for the reception of the outgoing spirits. After that the Furnace is heated, the prepared Salts being put in peculiar Pots or Crucibles made of the best earth are to be put with a pair of Tongs prepared for this peculiar use into the Instrument, and all the spirits will be drawn off with a speedy Distillation. Now there is no danger here of breaking the Instruments, and the Distillation may be done in the space of one or two hours, how great a quantity soever of Salt was used to the Distillation. When the Distillation is over, the Pots that were put into that Instrument or Furnace are to be again taken out with your Tongs, and presently other Pots filled with Salts are to be put in the room of them you took out, and the spirits again driven out by a new Distillation. This labour may be kept on as long as one pleaseth, or as long as he hath any matter to distill withall; because the Vessel never cools as long as the Distillation is continued. This Furnace therefore is most notably fit for the Distillation of a great quantity of Salts, and that by a labour which is so exceeding speedily finished.

The same way of Distillation is to be observed in the extraction of Minerals or Metalline Earths, the which can be far sooner extracted and far speedier this way, than by that described in the Appendix which is to be done by heating the Glasses.

After the same manner is the dissolving Menstruum it self speedily again abstracted from the extracted Metals, and being thereby preserved without any loss is to be applied to farther use. This Instrument therefore doth so compendiously and easily dispatch all those said labours, that (set aside your Fire and Salt) the plentifull making your spirits, the abundant extraction of the Minerals, and the separation of your Menstruum’s from the extracted Metals and its preservation, are in a manner done without any costs.

XXXIV. Now follows an explication of some secrets effected by the help of my Sal. Mirabilis, concerning which there is mention made in the second part of Miraculum Mundi.

It is clearly evident from many places of my Writings, and principally in the second part of Miraculum Mundi that my Sal. Mirabilis is diversly prepared; hence it follows of course, that the use thereof is different. For it hath one use when (after the spirit is thencefrom distilled) it is taken out of the Cucurbit, and hath as yet a corrosive nature. Contrarily, it hath another kind of use when this corrosive Salt is dissolved in common Water, and filtred, and set in the cold, that so the best part thereof may shoot into long Crystals, which having no corrosive power, serve for a peculiar use. It hath likewise another use when it is deprived of all corrosivity and turned into a sweetness, as I have shown in many places of my Writings. This is to be known by such as would use it, for this or that labour, that so they may commit no error, but be thereby rendred Masters of their desires the more easily.

We will therefore make inspection into some of those principal secrets which are declared in the second part of Miraculum Mundi, and examine whether or no they can be effected after the same manner I prescribed?

XXXV. By what means any Water, Wine, Ale, Vinegar and other liqours may be coagulated in a few hours space into hard pieces like Ice, by the Sal. Mirabilis.

For such a coagulation of all watery and moist things, well edulcorated (as the Chymists phrase is) Sal. Mirabilis is to be taken and such as is shot into long Crystals, prepared of an equal weight of Salt and good Oil of Vitriol, because a most great driness ariseth from the Oil of Vitriol.

Such an excellently well prepared Sal. Mirabilis, and which is shot into long Crystals, is to be reduced (by calcination in the Sun) into a fine powder, that so it may lose all its moistness and yet not melt. For if it melts, then it would need grinding again; one part of this calcined Sal. Mirabilis is able to coagulate three parts of Water, Wine, Ale, or any other liqour which it is mixed withall, into a dry matter like to Ice, insomuch that it may be carried in a Sack or a Sieve full of holes.

But what use such a coagulation may serve for, would be too tedious to declare in this place. Any one will find what use is to be thereof made, if he well meditates upon the thing.

XXXVI. The separation of the Water, Wine, or Ale, from the Sal. Mirabilis.

The coagulated liquors may be commodiously separated from the Sal. Mirabilis by Distillation; but the aquosity of the coagulated Wine and Ale are to be separated onely by Distillation, and the grosser part remains behind in the Cucurbit with the Salt. But the Sal. Mirabilis is by calcination, again freed from all impurity, and again made white and fit for any other such like new effect.

N. B. I doubt not but that there are other ways of coagulating watery liqours into Ice, concerning which we shall say somewhat in their due place.

XXXVII. How the sharp spirits of Salts, as Aq. Fortis, Aq. Regis, Spirit of Salt, Spirit of Vitriol, of Allum, and the like may be coagulated into hard Salts, not unlike to frozen Water.

This coagulation of sharp Spirits out of Salts, is done the same way as the coagulation of common Water, and other sweet liqours is performed by; but the separation ought to be done in Vessels of the best Earth, or in Glass, because of their sharpness. And certain it is, that with these coagulated Spirits of Salts many things of great moment may be done, the mentioning whereof we for brevity sake do here pass over.

For I have purposed to demonstrate at this time, some secrets onely which are mentioned in the second part of Miraculum Mundi, and to assert the truth of them.

By these two described coagulations any one may easily learn that the coagulation of other moist things are possible to be done.

XXXVIII. How the head of a fountain may be stopped up by this Sal. Mirabilis.

It sometimes happens that there breaks out a Spring of Waters in some places where it proves offensive and hurtfull. And forasmuch as they are sometimes very difficult to be stopt up, I will set down a way in this place of stopping it by Sal Mirabilis, but chiefly to this end, that the nature and property of things may be throughly learned, and besides, that even Arts and Sciences themselves do sometime bring no small help, especially when no counsel avails. Take therefore of your Sal Mirabilis, heated red hot as much as is sufficient, wrap it up in a linnen cloth and thrust it into the hole of the Fountain, and it will be turned with the Water into an hard Stone, and thereby enforceth the Fountain to seek it self some other passage.

XXXIX. The way of separating the Phlegm from subtile Spirits.

Because the Volatile and sulphureous Spirits of Salts are of great efficacy in Medicine, and principally when their Phlegm or aqueous humidities are removed from them, the which thing every one can’t bring to pass, I have therefore judged it worth while, even for the sake of the Sick, to discover an easie way of so doing, by my Sal. Mirabilis as follows.

Fill a Glass Cucurbit half full with Sal. Mirabilis, pour thereupon the Volatile Spirit of Vitriol, Niter, or common Salt, and distill thence by B. the most subtile Spirit, the which will come off, and leave the unprofitable Phlegm behind with the Sal. Mirabilis, the which (by heating red hot) you may again render fit for new operations.

XL. Another and easier way, yea even almost an incredible and miraculous one of freeing Wine, Ale, Vinegar, Brandy, and all other moist liquors from their unprofitable Phlegm in a moment of time, by my Sal. Mirabilis.

The precedent coagulation of moist liquors ariseth from that most great driness which lies hid in the Sal. Mirabilis. But this way we now deliver, proceedeth from the concentrated cold of moist Fires, which Fires we have treated of in the first Century, and ’tis thus.

Take one pound of the abovesaid Sal. Mirabilis, put it in a strong Glass, and pour thereupon two parts or pounds of the con-centrated and cold Fire of some Salts, whether it be of Vitrol, or common Salt, or Salt Peter, whose Fire excells the Fires of other Salts; and let them lie quiet for some hours, and there will be made an Icy mass of them both, the which you shall in the Winter time set out in the Snow or in some cold place which by how much the colder so much the better; where the longer it abides in the cold, the more will the cold Fire be con-centrated, and consequently so much the greater matters may by such a con-centrated body be effected.

XLI. The receiving or catching the breath of Men, as they sit in some warm Stove, and the changing it into the form of Ice.

If thou hast a mind to create a kind of admiration amongst thy Guests or Friends when they are with thee, and to give them some profitable recreation, you may accomplish your desire the following way.

Carry with thee a Glass full of the moist Fire of Salt, and which is coagulated by the Sal. Mirabilis, and hath stood some hours in the cold, into the warm Stove, and hang it up over the Table by a thread or small line, when your Guests are set at the Table, and when they ask you what this signifies, you may tell them that you will for their Recreations sake, shew them some pleasant diversion; after they have made an end of eating and drinking. Upon this they will all of them have a desire to see those tricks and ever now and then cast up their eyes upon the Glass. But after that the Glass has there hang’d a minute or half minutes space, the breath of the Men that sit about it will presently apply it self to the Glass, and stick on to the outside thereof like Snow, and cover it all over; and thicken more and more, insomuch that in a short time it will have a thick and hoary beard, all about consisting of natural Ice; and will so long keep on its encreasing as the con-centrated cold lasts in the Glass. Then at length the Glass growing a little hot, after the internal cold of the con-centrated Fire is consumed, that Icy beard begins again to melt and being resolved, to distill into a Water, for the receiving of which distilling drops some Vessel is to be set under. This is a wonderfull Distillation of Men’s breath, which coming out of their mouths in their discoursing, is reduced by the concentrated Fire of Salt into Ice, and at length, again into Water by the heat of the Stove.

This so speedy an operation or transmutation of a moist and watery vapour into natural Ice, seems indeed at the outside view to be but a vile and unprofitable thing; but if it be but well minded by the sight of the internal mind, it not onely begets a most great admiration, but withall opens the most excellent knowledge of natural things.

Such as greedily hunger after Gold will say, what benefit comes from these tricks? had Gold but distilled from the Glass we would have saved it, what need we any Water? or if it had been noble or generous Wine, we could have prized such an ingenious knack, and drunk it off. Take away that filthy Water and bring us the gallant Wine. Such discourse as this, let one of thy Friends purposely utter, being thereto first suborned by thee, that so thou maist the more delight the rest of thy Friends that are ignorant of these things, by thy presently satisfying him that is so desirous of Wine, saying, that if thy Friends and Guests do desire better Wine, thou art ready to draw it them. Upon this, thy Guests will diligently listen and desire to see what better Wine thou wilt draw them out of thy Celler. The chiefest of these will well know that thou hast not in thy Cellar such variety of Wines.

In the mean while, have ready some small Glasses which contain some Ounces, filled with the concentrated Fires of Salts, and well shut and strings tied ready unto them; now when thou hast a mind to give them a relish of thy Art of bettering Wines, and rendring them more generous, command a Cann of common Wine to be brought thee, and give it to thy Guests to drink. But now when they shall perceive that it is the same sort of Wine they had formerly, and that thou hast not given them any better, thou shalt satisfie them by the following way.

XLII. A momentary operation of rendring any common Wine more generous, and exceedingly bettered by the cold Fires of Salts; and that in the presence of many Men.

Command one of those Glasses prepared for this purpose to be brought unto thee, and let it down by the thread into the Glass full of Wine, which being done, the con-centrated cold that lies in thy little Glass, which thou hang’st in the greater one of Wine will draw to it self the watery and unprofitable parts of the Wine, and change it into an incipid Ice. And by how much the longer you leave that little Glass in your Wine, so much the more Water will be drawn there out of, and the Wine will be made the more generous thereby. But the sooner you take it out, the less Water will be separated; so that out of one Cann of Wine you may by this means give your Guests several sorts of Wine to drink, or rather may let them better the Wine themselves even according to their pleasure. For by this operation the unprofitable Water being drawn out of the Wine and turned into Ice, is separated and taken away; part therefore of the Water being taken away, the remainder must necessarily be much more efficacious and more sweet than it was afore, when it had Water conjoyned as yet with it.

A Master of a Family using this Artifice may make for himself and his Guests, divers Wines though drawn out of one Barrel.

Now such a secret is not onely full of Curiosity, but also of profit, and may prove helpfull and do much good several ways. I could if need required declare a thousand conveniencies, and Commodities proceeding therefrom. But because I judge it needless to spend time in declaring them, I will at present mention onely some few, remitting the rest to the following Centuries, in which shall be made mention of them according as the [matter and] time requires or permits.

XLIII. The amending of any midling or smallish Ale in the Winter Season, as well at Home as Abroad.

It sometimes happens that a Master of a Family hath but onely one sort of Wine or of Ale in his Cellar, the which he is accustomed to drink, and puts not in his Cellar any better Wine or Ale either by reason of poverty, or else because the Cellar lies open to every body, both Men-servants and Maid-servants, and they will to the best Tap, and so he fears it will be too chargeable.

But forasmuch as old Men’s Stomachs, when they sometimes feed on Stock-fish dried, or on Martelmas Beef, or Fish, by reason of its debility through old Age, cannot perform its office of Concoction: The Ale or Wine may by the help of this secret be presently rendred stronger, especially in the Winter Season, in which Season a warmer and stronger draught of Ale and Wine is more beneficial than in the former months, and then they can better brook the want of the same. But some may object and say, where shall I get such a concentrated cold as may enable me to extract the Water out of the Wine? hereunto I answer that there will be many that will prepare it for time to come and will spare it to others; and yet no body needs so great a quantity thereof neither. If a Master of a Family hath but one onely half pound of the same, he may use it his whole life time, if he but keep it so as that the Glass break not and spill it. For when he hath taken away the Water of one or two Pots of Ale or Wine, let him remove the Ice from the Glass, and set it again in the cold till he needs it. For such a cold concentrating Magnet always keeps its virtues, and is never corrupted, but always fit for the effecting of many wonderfull things.

N. B. If you have not those fires of Salts the heavy Oil of Vitriol, Oil of Salt, or Aq. Fortis may be used hereabout; but yet these Oils do not in any comparison perform what those concentrated Fires of Salts are able to effect. But however they demonstrate the thing it self though they bring no great store of profit, and this any one may easily understand.

For there is a great difference betwixt the watery and not watery Fires of Salts, any common and simply bare Water cannot become so cold as the Water of any Salt, and this Salt-water cannot be so cold as a common Spirit of Salt, nor can this Spirit by any means arrive to that degree of cold as a concentrated Spirit usually attains to. So a skin of Leather is never so cold as Wood, nor Wood as a Stone, nor a Stone as an heavy Metal; the difference proceeding from the thickness of the compaction, for verily any thing will concentrate the more cold or heat and fix it with it self, by how much the compacter and thicker body it shall be of. For it is the property of a concentrated cold to kill a thing and to make it hard and stiff. Contrarywise a concentrated heat gives a speedy life, and correction, and emendation, and this experience it self teacheth.

O happy Man is he that can make a Metalline Salt as compact and thick, and heavy as a Metal, and can by conserving it a due time in the heat of the Fire, that the heat may by little and little and gradually be concentrated and fixed therein, make it fusile. Without doubt such an one would get a Tincture that would cure the most grievous Diseases, and change the imperfect Metals into perfect. For it is the Fire onely that begets a maturity to any thing, and by how much the stronger and greater the Fire is so much the speedier and better amending of any thing may be expected.

These things which I have here briefly declared are of greater moment, dignity, and weight than any one can believe; and besides there’s no doubt but that there will shortly some step forth, who will without any fear testifie the verity of Art, by changing imperfect Metals and turning them into pure Gold; so common will Alchymy become in this Age, which was neither heard of nor seen before in this World. Nay more, Men will make this Art so familiar unto them that they will not much esteem even of particular Tinctures.

But why God permits such things to be done, is to us wholly unknown, thus much we see onely, that doubtless there will follow some great change in the World; happy shall they be who having the fear of God before their eyes, and are of a pure mind, cannot be hurt by the Devil nor Sin his Mother.

XLIV. Wherein this secret is beneficial to those that travel in the Winter Season.

Necessity doth sometimes enforce old Men to undertake a Journey in the Winter, which, if no urgent hast forceth, may be so ordered that at Noon and Night quiet rest may be always taken in such a place in which is plenty of Meat and Drink.

But if so be that an urgency of occasion requires a going on forward, whether one ride on Horseback, or in a Coach or Waggon, and that either the Snow render the way difficult, or some Wheel of the Waggon be by chance broken, and so the journying Person hindred from coming to the place aimed at in the appointed time, he is sometimes by this means constrained to turn aside to a poor Peasants lodging, or if his fortune be a little more favourable, he is necessitated to Inn in some poor Village, where he can neither meet with Wine or good Ale; he now that thus journieth may out of the poor Wine or Ale make himself better Wine or Ale, and the better provide for his health if he hath about him, such a magnet in some small Glass that attracteth Ice to it.

XLV. What profit those that sail in the Sea may have by this secret.

It may so happen that a Man taking Ship with hopes of arriving in a short space of time to the end of his Voyage, though he has some little of good Wine or Ale, may be enforced if the Wind prove contrary to stay longer upon the Sea; his good Wine therefore and his Ale being spent, he may make that small Beer in the Ship which the common Marriners drink of, better, and preserve his own health.

XLVI. How by the help of this secret the unprofitable Phlegm of Brandy made of Corn may be taken away, that so it may become equal to the spirit that is made of the lees of Wine.

To the effecting of this business there is required a greater Magnet, which may remove that Phlegm then needed to the Wine or Ale, because Brandy is of an hotter nature than Wine or Ale, which do more willingly let go their wateriness than adust Wine is wont to do.

XLVII. By what means the superfluous waterishness is to be taken away from the weaker or waterisher Vinegar, that so it may be made stronger.

The waterishness of the weaker or more aqueous sort of Vinegar doth suffer it self to be more easily extracted by the help of that Ice-attracting Magnet, and the rather because it, viz. the Vinegar puts on an Icy form much sooner than any other Drinks.

XLVIII. It may be quæried whether or no this bettering of Wine, Ale, Vinegar, Brandy, and other Drinks, and rendring them stronger and sweeter, may be done in great plenty, or whether it is to be accounted of as a curiosity onely?

For answer, verily it is a most excellent secret most aptly satisfying the curious inquiry of mortal Men, which the World as yet never knew, and yet it can effect such unheard of things, which it is not necessary that they should be divulged.

As touching the plentifull separation of Water from Wine, Ale, or other Drinks [in great quantity] the same may be done and that with profit, and in some places bring no small gain to him who knows how rightly and artificially to accomplish the same. I have done enough as to my affairs in laying it open; we must not boil meat for the slothfull and thrust it into their mouths. Let them get it themselves if they will, and rightly take care of their own matters.

XLIX. Whether or no likewise a great quantity of cold Fires out of Salts may be easily prepared.

For answer, yes, so great a quantity of them may be prepared as a Man would wish for, or as his necessity shall enforce him to desire. But because such cold Fires of Salts are the effecters of admirable and incredible things which the World never knew of, therefore the copious preparing and getting of them deserves to be concealed. Let therefore every one be content with those things which I have published in the first Century: haply in process of time more may follow.

L. How my Sal Mirabilis can free watery Oils of their superfluous humidity.

Mix one pound of this my Sal Mirabilis reduced by warmth into a fine Powder, with ten or twenty pounds of good Oil Olive, or new Linseed Oil; the Sal Mirabilis is to be commixt warm with the Oil, and being well stirred about with it, draws to it self all the Water, and settles to the bottom of the Vessel, from which the clear Oil is to be separated by pouring it off; and all the Water and impurity of the Oil is to be severed from the Sal Mirabilis, that so it may be recovered and be again profitable for such like operations.

LI. The way of taking off the mustiness or stink from a Vessel corrupted or grown musty by lying, that it may be again fit to put more Wine into.

Smear over the inside hollowness of such a Vessel with the concentrated moist Fire of Salt, that it may be every where wetted, and sprinkle thereupon so much of the Sal Mirabilis as will stick thereunto. For so that cold Fire of concentrated Salt, with the attracted Sal Mirabilis will become hard and not run, and stick on to the Vessel; and that said Fire will in a few days space burn up all the mouldiness and stinch, just as if the common Fire of Wood had been used thereabouts. The Vessel being washed with boiling Water is again rendred fit and convenient to put Wine into.

This operation is not here taught for some stinking Vessels sake that is not worth the while, but to this end, that other secrets of greater moment, and which are profitable, may be learned thereby and known. For under these operations lie hidden many wonderfull things, and such as the greatest part of the Readers will not consider. But to what end is it to light up a Torch before such Men, that are left by God in blindness and darkness, and hath not vouchsafed to bestow on them any Eyes.

LII. The manner of preferring all kinds of Fruits, Eggs, Onions, and other moist Fruits of the ground a long time from corrupting.

The sweet or dulcified Sal Mirabilis is to be well dried by the help of the Fire, and being put in some Vessel with Fruits, Eggs or such like, with a thick and close laying [or bed of one upon the other] doth by its driness so preserve all things, and by its attracting virtue of all corrupting humidity, that for a long time they feel not the least corruption.

LIII. Question. Why doth the Sal Mirabilis, which Corn has been macerated withall afore its sowing, and some whereof is mixed with the Earth, [or sown] attract the Rain, coagulate it, and hold it with it self longer than other Salts?

For answer, this is to be imputed to its most great driness which it abounds withall.

LIV. The preparation of the Sal Mirabilis, so as that it may become an universal Medicine for all Vegetables.

The Sal Mirabilis as it is of it self, is by reason of its corroding virtues which it as yet retains plainly unfit for the multiplication of the Vegetables, for that being so used would prove more hurtfull than profitable. Upon this account it is necessary that to one part of it be added two parts by weight, of the best Calx-vive, which being moistened with Water and made up into Balls, are to be well heated red hot for an hour, that so all the corrosivity being introverted the Sal Mirabilis may be Alkalizated, and used to the Vegetables for an universal Medicine; for it conserves its attracting force, and loseth it not in the heating red hot.

LV. What’s the reason that Wood lying long in the Water wherein Sal Mirabilis is dissolved, is turned into an hard Stone?

For answer, this operation is to be ascribed to the incredible astringent property and nature, that the Sal Mirabilis is endued withall.

LVI. To reduce an half dead Tree to life again by the help of Sal Mirabilis, that it may revive and begin again to sprout out.

Mix with the digged up Earth, with which the Roots of the Trees are covered, one, two, three or more pounds of the Sal Mirabilis, according to the bigness or littleness of the Tree, and again, cover over the Roots with the same, and pour upon the Earth it self, some Rain water, that being thereby moistned, the Roots may the better partake of the Salt that is mixed with it.

By this means, the Tree will attract to it self the Medicine or good nutriment out of the Salt, and will be cherished and refreshed just as a piece of bread or other food being given to an hunger-starv’d Man restores him his strength again.

LVIII. How by the help of Sal Mirabilis most hard and insoluble subjects may be very easily dissolved.

Let the nature and property of a Char-coal of Wood be considered, the which is such, as that if it be kept in the greatest Fire for many years, and all external air kept out from it; it will neither ever melt, nor ever lose ought of its body, but will come out again in the very same form as it had at your putting it into the Fire.

So likewise a Wood coal is able to endure an hundred, yea a thousand years in the Earth, Water, or even the most sharp corrosive Waters unhurt. This so most sharp a tryal, neither Gold nor Silver though they be the purest and most constant are able to undergo. And although a Coal be thus durable, yet nevertheless will I dissolve it in half an hours space, and convert it into a red fusile Salt, which is dissolvable with Water, and yields a wonderfull liquor which is the effecter of incredible operations both in Medicine and in Alchymy.

LIX. What Sal Mirabilis is to be used to dissolve the Coles.

The Sal Mirabilis is diversly prepared, as appears in the second part of Miraculum Mundi; but what way soever it be prepared by, it may be commodiously applied to the solution of Char-coals, nor needeth it any farther preparation, but even just so as it is taken out of the Cucurbit and is as yet corrosive is to be used to dissolve all things.

LX. The manner of reducing any Char-coal in half an hours space to its first matter, that is, into a sulphureous Salt, by the Sal Mirabilis.

Melt two or three ounces of Sal Mirabilis in some Pot or Crucible, and throw in a peice of Wood-coal or Char-coal, and cover the Pot with its Cover, and let it flow for one half hour, that so the Salt may dissolve as much of that Coal as it can, and may leave the rest of it which it cannot dissolve, undissolved. Then pour out your matter and you shall find a red Stone of Salt, which being tasted upon the Tongue burns it like Fire, as all Alkaly Salts do. For the corrosive force is inverted by the Vegetable Sulphur, and changed into an Alkaly.

This red Carbuncle being dissolved in Water yields a green Solution, which being filtred, and let stand still for some hours, appears of a white colour, and being let alone quiet longer, acquireth a yellow colour. One drop thereof gilds over an imperial as Sulphur does, if it be therein put. For the Char-coal is no other thing but a Sulphur of the same nature as the Mineral Sulphur is of, and penetrating all the Metals, suffers it self to be fixed with them, and doth after another manner perform all those things that the Mineral Sulphur is wont to do.

The very well skilled Sendivow in his Dialogue concerning the Sulphur of the Wise Men, saith he is strongly guarded, and sits Captive in a dark Prison, and is not easily freed; but Salt gives him a deadly wound.

A Sulphur therefore sits in this black Coal in a dark and obscure Prison, shut up with strong Bands, and is a Captive, nor can any one free him from those Bands but onely Salt. But being once released out of Prison, he is wont to come in view, and not before.

Thus now have we brought forth Sulphur out of his obscure Body. And now will we also bring him forth to publick view.

LXI. How the Vegetable Sulphur is to be made visible.

If you pour into the white Solution of the Coals some Acidity, as Vinegar, Spirit of Salt, of Vitriol, or some Aq. Fortis, and that leisurely and by little and little as much as is requisite for the killing of the Sal Alkaly; the Sulphur will settle to the bottom like a white Powder, which being separated from the Salts, and washt with fair Water, and dried, will burn and exactly answer to the virtues of the Mineral Sulphur.

LXII. Another way demonstrating that a Mineral Sulphur lies hidden in all Vegetables.

Put this green or white juice of the Wood or Coals expressed or squeezed out by the Salt, in a Glass Cucurbit upon some Sal. Armoniack powdered, put on an Alembick and draw off all the moisture by Distillation, in which Distillation the spirit of the Sal. Armoniack will bring over the Helm, the Vegetable Sulphur of a golden colour. It is a most penetrative Spirit and of wonderfull efficacy in Alchymy and Medicine, and this will easily be credited by him, who knows its penetrating and graduating virtue and property, in which it excels all other penetrative Spirits, you must keep it very warily because it easily vanisheth.

LXIII. There is yet another way of making the same Sulphur of Coals visible.

When you have poured out our Carbuncle out of your melting Pot, beat it into Powder and mix therewith half its weight of Sal. Armoniack powdered, draw off by a Glass Retort, both matters exactly commixt by Distillation, that the Sal Armoniack may bring over with it that Sulphur. Wash off this red matter drawn out by Sublimation, with common Water, the which being freed from the Sal. Armoniack, is a Sulphur inclining from its reddishness to a yellow colour, and is altogether like to the Mineral Sulphur.

LXIV. There is likewise another way of extracting the same Sulphur out of Coals.

First of all, exactly melt the Coals by the Sal Mirabilis in a melting Pot, that the Salt may be accurately Alkalizated by the Coals, and burn the Tongue like Fire. Then pour it forth and beat the Coals into Powder and put them in a Glass, and pour upon them Spirit of Wine freed from all its Phlegm. Then set the Glass in warm Sand and ever and anon take it out and shake it well that the Spirit of Wine may extract the Sulphur, and leave the Salt untoucht. Your Spirit being as red as bloud, pour it out into another Glass, and again, pour on more Spirit of Wine upon the matter, and repeat the former operation; these pourings on, and cantings off are to be so often repeated, till the Spirit of Wine when poured on will extract no more. Put all these red extractions into a Glass Cucurbit, and separate the Spirit of Wine by a B. and it will leave behind in the Cucurbit a sweet Oil of the colour of bloud; a Medicine of so great moment in all Chronical Diseases, as that none is to be preferred afore it. For this Sulphur is far better than the Mineral Sulphur, which for the most part is mixt with some Arsenical property, whereas this is extracted out of the Coals of Wood, and is therefore far purer and necessarily more conducive to Man’s health.

And as touching the whole operation of this precious balsamical Sulphur, which is but little inferiour to potable Gold, the chief knack of duely making it consisteth in this, viz. that the Sal Mirabilis be well and accurately Alkalizated by the Coals. For if not, the Spirit of Wine would dissolve the Sal Mirabilis, and would not extract the Sulphur, nor would it answer thy wishes, if it be not deprived or despoiled of all its humidity.

He that shall be well skilled in the due handling of this Operation, will obtain a most excellent Medicine not much inferiour to potable Gold, of a sweet and pleasant Tast, and of an admirably gratefull Odour and Colour. By such a means as this, is extracted out of a dead Herb, or dead Wood, its greenness in the first Solution made by Water; and after the Extraction with Spirit of Wine, the most delicate red Colour thereof, with a most sweet vegetable Odour; all which lay hidden in the black Coal, and are again brought forth to light.

The use of this most delicate Oil of Sulphur is not small both as to the metalline Operations and other Arts; and this so speedy a putrefaction and revivification of the dead Vegetables into a living medicine carries in its Intrails a great mystery.

LXV. It may be demanded, whether or no the Coles themselves are to be onely made use of for this revivification of the dead Vegetables, and not the green or dry Wood they are made of, and the Herbs too, may also be thus dealt with.

For answer, even the Herb it self, or the unburnt Wood it self may be changed in a Crucible into a red Stone by the Sal Mirabilis. For the operation tends to the same end be it Herb or Wood, green or dry, or made into a Cole.

LXVI. It may be queried, what Wood or what Herb being changed after that same manner by the Sal Mirabilis, yields the most excellent Medicine.

For answer, the Woods that are weightiest do excel all others; for they are riper and have in them a better Sulphur, than those Woods or those Herbs have which are lighter, and grow up in half a years time, the older the Trees are, the more fit for medicine they are; such as are the Roots of Vines, Juniper, Box, Beech, Oak, Cedar, and such like.

LXVII. A Demonstration, that out of dead Herbs and such as are again restored to life, may new Herbs be produced without the addition of the Seed of other Herbs.

Fill some Pots with some Fertile Earth or Clay, void of all Herbs or Seeds, and moisten it with the green or white Juice of the Coals. If now you expose these to the Sun and Rain, there will spring up thencefrom divers new and unknown Herbs.

LXVIII. How by the help of Sal Mirabilis, Metals are to be dissolved by the dry way, and to be converted into most excellent Medicaments, and first of Gold.

When you would make your trial of Gold take a piece of golden Money, and bow it, and add thereunto so much Sal Mirabilis as may be 5, 6, or 8 times the weight of the Gold. Melt it in a Wind Furnace, and pour it out into a Vessel fit for to receive molten Metals; and you shall find your Salt to be of a purple Colour. If all the Gold should not be dissolved but some part thereof should settle to the bottom, separate that Regulus from the purple Salt, and dissolve your remaining Gold in a Crucible with new Sal Mirabilis, that so all the Gold being dissolved may colour the Salt with a purple Colour. With this purple Salt may be performed many very profitable things, which appertain not to this place. ’Mongst which those are chiefest which respect the emendation or bettering of Metals, concerning which, I will here add onely one Operation.

LXIX. The graduating of any Iron into Gold by this purple Salt.

For the due performing of this, you are to have stone-like melting Pots, and the best that can be, such as by no means may drink in the Salt, or let it run through, for that the Solution of the Gold with the Salt is otherwise wont to hide it self in such Pots as are not strong enough.

If thou canst not get such, ’tis better for thee to abstain from this labour, than to lose thy Gold, unless haply thou hast a mind to try the possibility of the same.

If therefore thou desirest to encrease the Quinta, [or small weight] of thy Gold which thou hast added to thy Salt, with some Augmentation; put two or three Quinta’s of Iron bits or pieces into a good Crucible, and having put thereto your purple Salt, melt it very accurately for one half hour, in which time, the Gold will precipitate it self out of the Salt into the Iron, and graduate some of it by turning it into Gold. For whilst the purple Salt doth eat upon the Iron and consume it, it doth together therewithall make some of it participant of a golden Nature by graduation.

I do not insert this Operation here, to the end that by the help thereof a Man should think of getting Masses of Gold, no; for the sole end of my proposing it was this, that I might confirm the possibility of the thing by ocular Demonstration.

Now as here the Iron is graduated by the help of the Gold or golden Ferment, into Gold; so likewise may Copper be graduated and exalted into pure Silver; by the application of a silvery Ferment, as followeth.

LXX. The manner of exalting Copper into Silver.

Dissolve Silver in a Crucible by the Sal Mirabilis, made of Salt-peter and Oil of Vitriol; in which Solution you shall get a green Salt, fit for the graduating of Copper into Silver, after the same manner as we taught but now of the Gold.

And albeit the Silver augmentation be not so great, yet the possibility of the Art is thence apparent and demonstrateth, that one Metal admits of being converted into another. But yet he that has good skill in handling this labour, will, if he be fraught with good and apt Crucibles, which can hold the Sal Mirabilis and not swallow it up, receive no small benefit by this same Operation. The Scoria which are remaining in this, and the precedent Operation are not to be thrown away, but to be mixed with Litharge, that so being reduced by blast, they may graduate the Lead, and enrich it with no contemptible Portion of Gold and Silver. For great are the Vertues of this Salt in graduations, which the Ancient Philosophers have openly enough hinted at, saying that their Salt augments the redness of the Gold and whiteness of the Silver, and that this is a thing most true, he who shall in a due manner perform the Operation will learn that so it is, by his own Experience.

But least an Errour should be committed and some of your Gold and Silver lost, it is better that a Man exercise himself in making his Experiments in the lesser Metals; and omit the dealing with Gold and Silver so long till these lesser Metals make him a sufficiently experienced Master for the dealing with the greater.

LXXI. How Iron may be exalted into Copper in the melting by the help of Sal Mirabilis.

Dissolve one or two whole Lots of Copper in melting it by Sal Mirabilis, which Solution will yield thee a Salt enclining from a green, to a black colour.

Into the same Pot which contains your Copper dissolved by the Sal Mirabilis, put three or four Lots of bits of Iron, and adjoyn them to the Copper dissolved in the Sal Mirabilis, and force it with the Fire, so that they may be kept in flux together for one half hours space. By this means the dissolved Copper will adhear to the Iron by precipitation and exalt some particles of the Iron into Copper. All being well molten, pour it out into your Cone that the Copper may settle in a Regulus. The Sal Mirabilis and Iron being turned into a Scoria, are usefull for the inriching of Litharge, in the strong melting by blast, with Gold and Silver.

N. B. If the Mercury of Saturn be mixed with these, or else with those other Scoria’s which were left by the Gold and Silver and are far better, and so be melted together with a strong Fire, the Lead will be bettered and that by an encrease not to be contemned, and will abundantly pay for the labour and costs. But yet I would not put any one upon the undertaking of this work; except he be well versed with meltings in Crucibles and without them, by the Bellows upon Hearths. For I write not these things for young Beginners, but onely for such who well know what belongs to the Art of melting.

But yet that he may have some manuduction into these labours, I will declare the general use of the Sal Mirabilis in the emendation of Metals.

LXXII. The universal use of Sal Mirabilis in the emendation of Metals.

Though the wonderfull Salt of Art dissolveth all Metals, and conjoyneth them in a spiritual manner as it were, and renders them efficacious to better each the other in the Fire, yet is there a difference to be observed in that thing, by him who desires to follow the nearest way, and to decline all diversions, or goings about. For example.

He that has a mind to dissolve and conjoyn the Metals, Gold, Silver, Lead, Copper, Tin, and Iron, by the Sal Mirabilis, that they may display their virtues in operating to the perfection of each other, must take for the Gold, Iron, Copper, and Tin, such a Sal Mirabilis as being prepared of common Salt doth easily dissolve those Metals. But now the same Salt used about Silver and Lead, would effect nothing as to their Solution, because there is no familiarity or friendship between common Salt, and Lune, and Lead, for it is an enemy to those Metals, kills them, and reduceth them to nothing.

N. B. But when those Metals are by the help of Salt reduced into their Mercuries, then may it come so to pass, as that they may be conjoyned with Gold, Iron, Copper, and Tin; for without a foregoing preparation, they enter not into the Salt, unless the Lune and Saturn be dissolved in that Sal Mirabilis which is prepared of Niter, and be adjoyned to the Solution of Mars and Venus; of which Solutions the one doth very willingly embrace the other, insomuch that one Metal doth easily operate upon the other, and consequently a profitable graduation, fixation, and emendation succeeds.

But now if you would have your Metals, not constant in the Fire, but volatile and made flying, then, that Sal Mirabilis is to be used, which is made of Salt Peter or Kitchin Salt, by the help of Sulphur.

This is the universal use of Sal Mirabilis, serving for the Solution, Graduation, Fixation, and contrariwise Volatilisation, or the conversion of all Metals into a volatile nature. But the special Solutions, Fixations, or Graduations of them by the Salt of Art, require an addition of some Vegetable Sulphur, which being adjoyned to the Metal, yields some help to the Sal Artis in the Graduation of a baser Metal, which help the conjunctions of Metals that be of a sulphureous nature, do not at all need; though indeed ’tis better if you help them with some Vegetable Sulphur. For Sulphur and Sal Artis are like Male and Female, they bear a mutual love to each other, and beget a rich Off-spring; when they lovingly court each other in the Fire, even alone and without the addition of any Metal, and are brought unto perfection. So then, thus by these operations may gain and profit be divers ways, and in divers manners gotten, as well particularly, as haply also universally, (but this last way I am not as yet acquainted with.)

All these things do sufficiently, yea abundantly shew one the way of arriving by the help of the Salt of Art, to the attainment of such things as are of some moment. Enough to the wise.

Although that the Metals do admit of a most easie Solution by the Sal Mirabilis in the dry way, yet notwithstanding, that Solution may yet more commodiously be perfected the following way, viz. thus, when the Metals are put into the Cucurbit or Retort, in the distilling off the Spirit. For whilst the Spirit is driven off, out of those distilling Vessels, the Metal is dissolved during the Distillation, and remains in the bottom with the Sal Mirabilis. But whatever of the Metal remains undissolved, is to be removed; but the golden Lunar, Venerial Salt, &c. is to be kept for such uses as it is necessary for.

N. B. If so be any be minded to pour on again that distilled Spirit, upon the Metalline Salt abiding in the bottom he may so do, and ’tis profitable; because that Metalline Salt is by this means rendred far more commodious and apter for Transmutation.

But that none may err from the right way, it is necessary that we first shew how the Metals (out of which being bettered, Gold and Silver are to be extracted) are to be afore prepared, that so they may admit of being the more easily exalted and amended. For all things are to be done by the prescribed method, and to be managed by [promoting them to] their appointed limit and scope, if any profit is thence sought.

Lune and Saturn do not by any commixion associate themselves to the Metalline Salt, unless these same metals be first reduced into their Mercuries, concerning which thing we have treated at large in the third and fourth part of the prosperity of Germany.

LXXIII. By what means the imperfect Metals may (by the Sal Mirabilis) be turned into perfect ones.

Take of Sal Mirabilis four ounces, the filings of Venus half an ounce. Put this matter in a strong, double, and well covered Hassiack Pot, set it in a wind Furnace, melt it strongly for half an hour, that the Sal Mirabilis may rightly dissolve the Copper and make it spiritual. To this Copper thus made spiritual, add half a part in weight of the Mercury of Saturn, and melt together both metals by a repeated melting, for an half or even an whole hour. In this conjunction and operation, the spiritual Copper will get to the Saturn by graduation, no small bettering and fixation. For by how much the longer they are kept in flux, so much the greater amendment doth Saturn purchase. But yet no Regulus can thus per se settle to the bottom, unless some Iron be added in the melting, concerning which, no certain weight can be prescribed. For when some small bits onely thereof, or some little particles are put in the Crucible, the Salt is mortified by corroding of the Iron, and lets fall the amended Lead which in the Cupel leaves the Gold and Silver.

This way shews you the manner of using the Sal Mirabilis for the amending of metals

N. B. Other metals may also be rendred spiritual by the Sal Mirabilis, by which not onely Saturn but likewise Luna may be graduated, or exalted to a golden degree. But yet Saturn is more commodious and fitter for this operation than Luna is. For when the Mercury of Saturn is graduated and reduced, there needs no other labour than the separating of that Regulus on the Test, where the Gold and Silver is left behind in the Cupel. But if the Lunar Mercury be amended by graduation, and precipitated into a Regulus, it is first to be separated by Lead in the Cupel, and afterwards the Gold and Silver are to be separated by Aq. Fortis; so that there is requisite a twofold labour, which in the operation by Saturn is but one; and therefore it is to be preferred as to these operations before Lune.

N. B. All such subjects as have a graduating virtue, as Lapis Calaminaris, Hematitis, Smiris, Granate, Talk, &c. may be used to these labours. But however Gold is the best of all, which if so be that any one is minded to use, it behoves him to be furnished with such Pots and Crucibles, which do not drink up the Gold, and so rob you of more than the produced gain amounts to.

Thus have we demonstrated the use of the simple Sal Mirabilis, in the bettering of metals.

If some Sulphur be added to the Sal Mirabilis, it exalts the metals with a far more profitable graduation, and brings more gain than that single operation, which is instituted by the Sal Mirabilis simply and alone per se.

LXXIV. The manner of conjoyning Gold contrary to its nature, with any burning and Volatile Vegetable Sulphur, and of amending the other Metals, all done by the help of my Sal Mirabilis.

Every body full well knows that there is no affinity or familiarity betwixt burning Sulphur and Gold, which is a fixt Sulphur; forasmuch as they are exceedingly inimicitious to each other, and yet this enmity may be at length changed into the greatest amity.

For ’tis usual with all such as are wont to separate molten Gold from Silver by precipitation, to use common Sulphur about that precipitation, which by its innate Antipathy thrusts out the Gold from the Silver; the same thing is likewise done in the moist way, when the same Gold is precipitated out of Aq. Regis or Spirit of Salt, by sulphureous Salts, such as are Crude Tartar, Salt of Tartar, Spirit of Urine, and other Alkali Salts.

These are to shew that Gold hateth and shuns Sulphur worse than any thing, as being its Capital Enemy; and yet these most bitter enemies doth the Sal Mirabilis easily reconcile and convert this so great an enmity into sweet friendship. This operation hiding in its Bowels great Mysteries deservedly, and by all right lies hidden to this ungratefull World, if these Mysteries could be excepted which fell into the hands of mine enemies, in my Laboratory, unwittingly to me, who without any regard had to the Writings given me by way of an Oath under their Hands, do now make merchandise of such secrets, and so basely abuse my good Will. Although the manifold use of this great Treasure hath escaped them, upon this account it hath seemed good unto me to reveal unto the whole World, those things that fell within their reach, that so it may be known to all, that such great secrets proceeded from me onely, and not from others, nor from those mine enemies themselves.

Take one Quinta or small weight of Gold, more or less, reduce it into thin leaves or plates, and bow them in the fashion of a Cilinder, and add thereunto six, eight or ten parts of Sal Mirabilis, which matters you must melt in a Crucible with an accurate and strong fusion: When they flow, throw in some pieces of Coals into the Salt and Gold as they are melting in the Pot, that the Sal Mirabilis may dissolve the Gold and Coals in the melting, which usually is done in half an hour or thereabouts. The matter being poured out will shew you whether or no you have well operated for all the Gold, as likewise the Sal Mirabilis and Coals will be dissolved and changed into a red Stone, that bites the Tongue as if it were Fire.

This Fire and red Stone, is the golden Carbuncle of the Ancients, for it shines in the dark like a burning Coal, and produceth such wonderfull effects in Medicine and in Alchymy, which we have no mind at present to reveal. For this Gold being thus conjoyned contrary to its nature with Sulphur and Salt, is by that means unlockt, opened and prepared; as that it may by an easie business [or labour] be made spiritual, and that divers ways by divers Menstruums, either Acid or Urinous, and be distilled over the Helms, and the pure separated from the impure.

And albeit that I here make use of no Circumlocution and speak no plainer, yet have I spoken enough to the Wise, and have shewed them such a way to go in, as that whereby they may without labour, as ’twere arrive to the most happy and wished end, unless God for some singular causes prohibit it.

But that I may not altogether shut the door of Art upon the Son’s of Art, I will teach them the making of a most excellent Medicine out of this Carbuncle.

LXXV. The way of making a most excellent Medicine out of the Carbuncle of Gold.

This Carbuncle is to be beaten into Powder, and the best Spirit of Wine is to be poured thereupon, which may extract the Tincture. This tinged Liquour is to be poured off into another Glass, and more fresh Spirit is to be again poured upon the matter, that it may again extract in the heat more Tincture; these Labours you must repeat so often till all the Tincture is extracted, and the Spirit will be no more coloured. The Spirit being drawn off by distillations in a Bath leaves behind a most red Tincture in the bottom, in the form of a Liquour named C O S, for here are present, Colour, Odour, Savour or Tast; the Colour and Odour from the Gold, and Sulphur; the Savour from the Salt. The remainder which is left after the Extraction of the Tincture is not to be thrown away as unprofitable, but to be converted with new Sal Mirabilis, and Coals made of Vine wood into a red Stone, by fusion, and to be so long extracted till all the Gold be converted with the vegetable Sulphur into a Medicine. For one onely labour serves not to extract the whole Gold by the Spirit of Wine; but the oft repeated labours attain to the end proposed.

Thus hast thou friendly Reader a Medicine of great moment and of great efficacy, in which the most pure parts of the Gold and of the Vine are conjoyned, nor can they be other than a most profitable Medicament for men and metals.

LXXVI. How by the help of this Medicament, there may be conferred on the Seeds of Vegetables, such an excellent faculty of growth, that they may be as it were seen grow, and may obtain a much nobler Nature, Colours, Savours, and Vertues, than they are wont to get out of the most stinking Dung.

Mix with one part of fat Lome, Clay, or Earth done into Powder, four parts of Sand, that so the fatness of the Earth may be somewhat allayed. With this mixture fill a Pot, such a one as the Gardeners are wont to keep their Flowers in; pour thereupon some Rain-water wherein is mixt [or dissolved] a little of that Medicament made of the Carbuncle, and plant or sow in that Earth some of those Herbs which abide unhurt by the Winters cold. Set the Pot with the implanted Herbs to the warm Air, but so, as that no Rain come at it, for the Rain may wash away that medicinal nutriment. When the Earth becomes dry, you must pour on more of the Medicine prepared of the Carbuncle, and that so often as need requires. So will the Herbs begin to grow, which if they meet with no other nutriment besides the Rain-water, they cannot attract any other whereby their faculty of growing may be promoted and encreased. And for as much as the Golden medicament was adjoyned to the Rainwater, the Herbs must necessarily draw it to themselves together with the Water, and obtain other properties than if they grew from the stinking Beasts Dung.

N. B. Under your Pot that contains your Herbs is to be put a Dish made of good and firm Earth, or else of some Metal, which may serve to catch the medicinal Water, that flows through the bottom of the upper Pot, or distills thence, and having received it may not drink it up but conserve it. Besides, it would not be amiss if some of that medicinal Water were put in the under Platter, which might always keep the bottom of the upper Pot moist, and so may supply the Herbs with an uncessant nutriment. It would be better also, if the Pot it self were made of some Metal and not of Earth, that so it may not drink in that precious Water, but rather conserve it.

LXXVII. What is to be observed in this Operation, that a good effect may proceed from thence.

In the first place, diligent heed is to be taken, that the Lome or Earth you take, partake not of any salt faculty, nor hath any other corrosive Property, for many such Earths there be which would hinder and spoil the faculty of growing.

Secondly, there must regard be had to the moistening of the Earth, lest the Seed be choked with too much humidity, or in defect of sufficient moisture, dry up and wither.

Thirdly, there must be observed a measure of the Medicament it self, that neither too much, nor too little of the same be commixt with the Rain-water. For an overmuch quantity thereof burns up the Seed, and a more sparing Portion cannot yield nutriment enough to the Herbs.

Farther, some Musk or other things that emit a fragrant Odour may be therewith mixed, which addition is wont to get to the Herbs a most fragrant Odour. If so be a man fears to apply the aforesaid precious Medicament to this Operation, because of the Costs of the same, he may use that Tincture which we taught a little afore, to prepare of Coles onely without Gold; and which indeed will perform all those things, (as in reference to the growing faculty) which that Golden medicament is wont to perform; this onely excepted, viz. that the Herbs will nor partake of that golden Property which they obtain by that Golden medicament.

The things we have here written and published concerning the promoting the faculty of growth in golden Herbs, though they seem not of any great moment, yet hide they under them mysteries of great moment, the which many Artists will apprehend, and convert unto their Use.

LXXVIII. How any Wood or any Wood-coal may be so prepared by the Sal Mirabilis, as to be capable of a long while resisting the Fire.

Dissolve some Sal Mirabilis in common Water, put some Wood or Wood coal therein, let it lye in it for some days, or so long till it be well glutted with the Liquor and become ponderous. Then take it out and dry it very well at the fire, that all the moisture vanishing away may leave the Sal Mirabilis in the Wood: Then put it in the said Solution yet again, and take it out and again dry it, which labour will render the Wood so much the solider by how much the oftener it shall be repeated. By this means, all the Pores will be filled with the Salt and the Air will be shut out, that it can penetrate it no more; without which Air no Wood can ever take fire or burn. If now you put such Wood or such Coals with other Wood and Coals in the fire, these [un-imbibed Coals, &c.] will be consumed by the Fire in a short time and be reduced into Ashes, but those others will remain untoucht, and may be taken out unhurt, though indeed even they too will be burnt if they lye over long in the Fire. This is certain concerning Coals, that those that are made of more weighty Wood, and which abound with a greater Quantity of Salt, such as are the Oak, Beech, Juniper, Vines, and other Trees whose Wood is ponderous dure far longer in the fire than those Coals do which are made of Firr, Pine, Alder, Willows, and such like lighter Trees, and which have a lesser Quantity of Salt, and this now I do not mention barely for fashions sake, but to this intent, that occasion may be given from this kind of knowledge of drawing some profitable matter therefrom; as for Example.

LXXIX. How such kind of Woods which are always so near the Fire, as that they are still in danger of being burnt, and thereby threaten damage may be conserved from firing.

Dissolve some Sal Mirabilis in Water, and with a Pencil smear over such Wood which by reason of its nearness to the Fire is always in danger of being burnt. When the Water is dryed up, moisten it again with the same Water, and repeat this moistening so often, till it hath drunk in a sufficient Quantity of the Sal Mirabilis, and become able to resist the heat. By this means might men be often freed of many fears and cares, in ships dawb’d with pitch and in other places, where by reason of the too nearness of dry Timber there is danger of firing.

LXXX. How by the help of Sal Mirabilis any Wood may be conserved so, as for a long time to remain unhurt in the Water.

He that desires to preserve Wood, that it may not be detrimented by the Water nor rot in a long time, may be master of his wishes, the following way. Dry your wood very well, and being dry moisten it with strong Oil of Vitriol very exactly, and being moistened sprinkle it with the Sal Mirabilis beaten into Powder, that it may stick well on to the Oil of the Vitriol. For the Oil of Vitriol doth in its penetrating of the wood carry in the Salt thereinto, and makes in the outside thereof every where about a black Crust, just as if that wood had been burnt by the Fire. Now because Coals resist putrefaction, it must necessarily follow that the wood being in that wise ordered must remain a long time unhurt in the water.

LXXXI. The Preparation of the Sal Mirabilis for this Work.

There ariseth no small difference amongst the Salts themselves from the different way used in making the Sal Mirabilis.

If the Oil of Vitriol wherewithal this Sal Mirabilis is prepared, be not by reason of the superfluous humidity strong enough, any one may easily conjecture that a good Sal Mirabilis cannot be made thereof, because the Kitchin Salt would receive therefrom but little alteration. To prevent this inconvenience therefore, you are to take equal weights of Salt and Oil, that so one may be assured that the common Salt is well inverted, and made a good Sal Mirabilis.

LXXXII. By what means trial may be made, if the Sal Mirabilis be duely prepared, and how it may be fitted for this and other Uses.

Its Colour ought to be white and transparent; its figure is in long Stria’s or Chrystals; its tast is like Ice melting upon the Tongue and yields some bitterishness. Being dryed in the Fire and all the moisture gone off, it will loose three parts of its own Body, and retain a fourth Part onely; being dissolved in Water it will recover those three Parts again.

But on the contrary, if it shoot into a square Figure, and hath as yet a saltish tast, and being dryed loseth but little of its weight; it is not worth a rush. and shews that either the Oil of Vitriol it self was not good, or that there was not enough used to the Operation. These things we would not bury in silence, that so we might well advise young beginners, and withdraw them from their Errours.

LXXXIII. It may be queried, whether the Sal Mirabilis serves for the use of Artificers and Craftsmen.

For answer, yes. For this Sal Mirabilis is not onely able to perform things of great moment, and those too, such as are not common; both in Alchimy and in Medicine; (a rehearsal of which, we shall for brevities sake omit) but withall it may be used in other Arts and Handycrafts with great admiration and profit; and this we cannot neither at this time demonstrate because of the but now mentioned brevities sake. We will onely shew here, that even the poorest Husbandman, might (if they knew its preparation use it to notable advantage and profit.

LXXXIV. How every Countreyman may encrease any kind of Corn or Seed with a thousand fold encrease, by the Sal Mirabilis if he can get it.

We have aforetold you, that the Sal Mirabilis being so, as it is per se, is plainly unapt for the multiplication of the Vegetables, unless that corrosive Faculty be taken therefrom by lime or other Alkali Salts, [the which must be done] if you would expect therefrom any good concerning this multiplication. Here now will I disclose a business of no small moment; yet not to this end as if I would perswade the Countreymen, to get for the future, or afford to their Corn so plentifull a faculty of encreasing. No, no, I well know that they know not how to make the Sal Mirabilis, and if they did, yet would they not depart a Nails breadth from their Ancient Custom. For ’tis a common Proverb, Old Dogs are very difficultly tamed; and this, the common Course of mens Lives doth clearly teach; wherein you’l find, that a man hardly unlearns that in his old Age which he learned in his Youth; so that an Old man doth very difficultly suffer himself to be withdrawn from those things whereto he hath been accustomed when young. Neither is it my purpose so to do, for as much as I insert the things here mentioned by me, for this end onely, viz. that the possibility and wonderous Properties of the Sal Mirabilis may be brought out of Darkness unto Light, and may be made evident to the whole World.

I would likewise be thus understood as touching other Workmen, for whom these things are not delivered or treated of, that they should desist from their old Custom, and obey my admonitions and instructions; but for this end it is onely that I publish these things, viz. that they every one may know that my Sal Mirabilis can be an helper to men of all ranks, and also may bring even to the Craftsmen themselves and to the poorest Husbandmen, great fruit and benefit.

Now when you hear it mentioned that some Grain of Corn is augmentable beyond the usual Custom, by an unheard of multiplication, it must of necessity be, that it emit more than one, two, or three Stalks, for as much as so few Stalks, cannot yield so great an Encrease. But now if one Grain is to put forth so many Stalks, it is wholly necessary that it be done by some certain singular and strong efficacy of expulsion; and that too, even presently and at the beginning when the grain is at first sown in the earth. For whatsoever is not here done even at the beginning, will never be done afterwards.

For all the stalks that spring forth after are small, and quite unfit to bring forth Corn. So then, seeing that many stalks are to break out at one and the same time out of one grain, if an eminent multiplication is expected to follow, then verily ’tis even necessary that some help be administred to that same grain afore it be put in the earth, that so it may plentifully grow and be speedy, in presently sending forth even at the very beginning, good store of stalks.

The Countreymen know not any thing serving to such an operation but onely Dung; but I do even now again say as I have often done afore, that this effect of the usual and common multiplication ariseth not from the Dung it self, (as being but the outside Husk) but from that sulphureous Salt that lies hidden in the Dung. Hence it is, that by how much the purer and better the Salt is so much the speedier and more efficacious an operation ariseth therefrom. If then, that such a Salt can be made by Art, which performs the same that Dung does, it altogether follows that we are able to do the same without Dung, and that far better than by Dung, in which the salt is so much dilated, and which (by the benefit of Art,) we contract into a narrow compass.

I hope the well minded Reader will not be displeased that I use so many words here, about the stinking Dung of Animals, because I can’t indeed use in this place any other manner of speaking, seeing I intended the laying open of this thing, and therefore am I even compelled to speak of the same: For he that minds the publication of any thing, cannot do it, unless he speaks of the same. And although that Dung may seem to some finical Men a very contemptible thing, yet notwithstanding it is the onely and principal Medium, by the help whereby our daily Bread and the necessary sustaining of our Bodies is had. But as for the stinking Dung of Animals, I even remit it to the Dunghill, and return to my Sal Mirabilis.

LXXXV. Whether or no a thousandfold encrease may be had of Corn by the Sal Mirabilis.

Melt one or two pounds of Sal Mirabilis in a Crucible, then throw in some Coals and dissolve them, and reduce them by Solution into a red and fiery Stone; which matter being compounded by melting of them both, beat into Powder and pour thereupon common Spirit of Wine, that it may wax red by extracting out the Tincture. Pour this out into another Vessel, and pour on other Spirit upon the aforesaid matter. And this pouring on and canting off, is to be repeated so often till all the redness is extracted. By this extraction you shall get a sulphureous Salt, fit to steep or macerate Corn withall; because it agrees very well to the properties of that Salt which sticks hidden in the Dung of Beasts: Now I use Spirit of Wine to the extraction for this cause, for that it hastens the germination or budding of the Seeds even as well as the Salt doth, and enricheth it with an emission of many Stalks. But yet your Spirit of Wine must not be over strong, for then it would hinder the faculty of growing, the which thing even the Salt will also do if too great a quantity thereof be added to the weaker Spirit of Wine, because it would by burning up the Seed, be an impediment to the faculty of the Seeds growth. It is therefore necessary that a good regard be had (in those operations) to a due measure. For an overmuch access of any thing is wont to be no less hurtfull than a defect or clearly wanting of the same.

This is the preparation of the Sal Mirabilis, necessary for the macerating of Corn, that so it may produce many Stalks; now follows the true and genuine use thereof in macerating of the same.

LXXXVI. The true and right way of macerating Corn in the Sal Mirabilis.

There are several kinds of Corn, and of these various and different sorts. Hence is it, that one Seed is longer a macerating than another is; and that because one becomes soft sooner than doth another, or attracts humidities to it self quicker than another, so that regard is to be well had to the difference thereof. Rye and Wheat are encompassed with thin Skins, and therefore are the sooner macerated, Oats require a longer time, and so doth Barley which has a yet harder Husk than the Oats hath, and therefore requires a longer time for its maceration. But as touching these things, every one may find them out by his own understanding and often experience, because it is impossible to mention all things so clearly and perspicuously. But this is a general rule, your Corn is to be so long left in steep, untill you may easily bite it a pieces, for you must beware of softning it too much, for then it would presently putrifie, and by that its putrefaction corrupt and spoil all the growing faculty. But experience will instruct you far more commodiously and more perfectly herein, than a larger description can.

LXXXVII. The true and right way of sowing your macerated Corn in the Earth.

Any one may easily conjecture that if the Corn macerated by the aforegoing way, be sown in the Fields the usual way and so thick as the Husbandmen are wont to do, it will not succeed because of the overmuch thronging and thickness by which the Corn would hinder each other and so choak themselves. This incommodity therefore is to be prevented, and such macerated Grain to be thinly sown in the Fields that they may have room for the freeness of Air, and so may grow up and not spoil each other by a mutual suffocation.

Nay rather that the more accurate diligence may be had or used about this sowing, a Man may make him some wooden Instrument, whereby together and at once many grains of Corn may be sown in the earth in good order and at a certain distance; concerning which labour I have purposed to speak more at large in another place. For so no grain will unprofitably perish, and with one Sack of Corn may be sown more Ground than six, eight or ten Sacks are wont to do otherwise; my too short time constrains me to break off my discourse concerning these things.

LXXXVIII. By what means the Sal Mirabilis may bring profit to the Dressers of Vines.

If there could be a good quantity had of Sal Mirabilis, and that without great costs, ’tis without doubt but the Vines might be made very fruitfull therewithall.

But because they are ignorant of the preparation thereof, who dress Vines; ’tis expedient for them to acquiesce in their Beasts Dung, or make use of that onely for the fattening and dunging of their Vines, which is made of common or Kitchin Salt by inverting and Alkalizating it by Calx-vive. Unless a man has Vines about his House or in his Garden, and would make them fruitfuller than ordinary. For to make tryal thereof in great Vineyards would be too costly.

But yet I will propound another way to the Vine dressers, by the help whereof they may get plenty of Wine every year. I have at large taught in my foregoing Writings, and that by various descriptions, by what means one may be Master of noble and ripe Wines every year, yea even in those times, in which by reason of the coldness and unseasonableness of the Air, and the want of the Solar-beams, the Grapes cannot attain their due maturity: and withall, how in those places where they seldom or never grow ripe, [they may be ripened] by concentration by the help of the Fire, or else by fermentation with their own vinous spirit distilled out of the Lees, and added to the said Wine; [having I say already taught this] there’s no need of repeating it again. Yet nevertheless if God lengthen my life out so long, I have purposed to write a peculiar Book of the propagating and bettering of Wines.

But that I may ingratiate my self with those who not much caring for poor thin Wines, desire to have some noble Wine in their Cellars, I will here reveal a certain secret which may not onely refresh the body and spirit of many thousands of Men, high and low, rich and poor, throughout all Germany, yea and all Europe too; but also administer them no small profit.

I have taught a little afore, how by the help of the Sal Mirabilis, and of the concentrated and cold Fire of Salts, a Man may make his Guests different Wines out of one Cup, and therewithall refresh them; and I have likewise shewed, that such a bettering of Wine may be exercised in most places, with notable profit.

The truth of which thing, it hath seemed good unto me to demonstrate divers ways, for the sake of my Neighbour.

I have frequently laid open in my Writings some excellent secrets, and have withall made a discovery of the most great benefit which one may thereby receive.

But because I have not pointed out with my Fingers where and whence such notable profit is to be gotten, the most part could not apprehend or find the same, and have therefore rejected the thing it self being it was not so perspicuously and clearly laid open, as unprofitable and worth nothing. And now least it thus happen to this secret, if I should not shew and point as it were with my Fingers, the benefit thereof, and if therefore such secrets lying in the dark should not come forth to the profit and use of mankind, (which would be a grievous thing and to be lamented, if it should not,) it hath seemed good unto me to manifest the utilities of the same.

LXXXIX. By what means notable profit may be gotten by my Water-attracting Magnet.

First of all, it is no small benefit when the overmuch Water is taken away from the poorer sort of Wines, with which Germany doth every where almost abound, and the Wines made nobler, stronger, more efficacious, and more durable, and do get a far more acceptable savour.

For the unripe and watery Wines are not of any long lasting, but do in a while lose all their savour and all their strength, and become mouldy, and corrupt with lying, and ’tis not seldom that they grow tenacious, or ropy, thick and muddy, reddish and filthy: all which incommodities doth my Magnet cure in the space of one onely hour, by the drawing away the overmuch waterishness.

XC. The second benefit.

If the plentifull Vintage or large encrease of the Wine should be more than you have Barrels to fill, nothing can be more acceptable than that the Wine may be concentrated by the Magnet, (which draws to it self the Water and turns it into Ice) by extracting the overmuchness of the Water, that so by this means the more contracted Wines may be laid up the more commodiously, and may if not very good, be rendred better.

XCI. The third benefit, and which is most acceptable to all Masters of Families.

If so be that the Master of the House had a whole Cellar full of Wine, and every Vessel filled with the like or self same noble Wine, without any difference; then verily the Master and Servant would be of equal degree, nor should the Master have any prerogative above the Servant. But now using the help of the said Magnet, he may have his Wines bettered as he pleaseth, and have divers Wines in his Cellar, as we taught a little above; if, viz. he shall draw from it the unprofitable watery part.

XCII. Another way of getting profit by the Magnet’s drawing the Water out of Wines.

The Anatomizing and examen of Wine discovers, that in twelve measures thereof, there is about one of more noble spirit, and almost one measure of Tartar. The residue are nought else but an insipid water altogether like to common water. Now when the Wines are to be transported out of the Countries wherein they grow, into more remote places, what need is there of carrying the water with it so long a Journey? would it not be better to separate some part thereof from the Wine, and so transport the Wine, and let the water alone, and thereby shun a great deal of charges disburst for the carriage of water into such places as have enough already? would there not redound a great benefit hereby, both to the Buyers and Sellers of Wines? yea verily, I believe that there will not onely redound unto them a great conveniency, but withall a great deal of Treasure.

XCIII. There’s yet another way of getting notable profit by the said Magnet, viz. if the ill tast and fetidness be taken away from the Brandy; usually made of Corn.

There is some mention made in what went afore concerning this amending; but ’tis not done so clearly and manifestly. I will therefore open it more clearly and more perspicuously in this place.

Mix one part of your Brandy made of Corn, with two parts of common water poured thereunto, that the stench and ungratefull savour may diffuse it self into the added water. Having so done, you must again free this Brandy thus tempered with water by putting your Magnet thereinto, and so will you draw therefrom all the stinkingness, and ’tis just as if you had washed that Wine, and rinsed off all its filth.

XCIV. The benefit purchased by separating the Water from Vinegar.

If you would have benefit by this liquor, the same may be done by the same reason; in those places out of which it is transported into other Countries; if, viz. the unprofitable water be removed after the same manner as we taught to be separated from the Wine.

XCV. By what means good Wine and Vinegar may be every year prepared by the help of this same Magnet, in those Countries in which the Grapes do not ripen.

Although that in all the Coasts scituated upon the Rhine, as in Rhingovia, Moguntia, Wormatia, Algentorati; in Alsatia, the Palatinate, Franconia, Austria, and the Dukedom of Wurtenberg, (in which places, the Wines do for the most part arrive to their perfection every year) this Art be not so very necessary; yet nevertheless Saxonia, Misnia, Thuringia, Suevia, and Bavaria do stand in need thereof; in which Countries the Wine doth for the most part remain acid, unless the Summer hath by a singular chance hapned to be very hot. For in these places it is no less profitable than pleasant to drink a sweeter and nobler Wine instead of the more acid Wine, if so be one could get it by the help of the said Art. Besides, this same Art yields no small profit and benefit in those Countries, in which though the Wine is (as we said but now) wont to be noble. For it may happen that some unseasonable Weather may hinder the ripening of the Grapes, and that the Vineyards wanting the due heat of the Sun cannot arrive unto maturity. For oftentimes in one and the same Countrey, there are divers Wines produced, so that one sort exceeds another in nobility and goodness. Those therefore that are good and generous need not the help of this Art, but contrarily the smaller and less noble Wines want it. Hence I conclude that in all the Countries of the World, wheresoever Wines are made, this Art may be serviceable and profitable to any one.

XCVI. How in those cold Countries; as in Poland, Denmark, Suedeland, Norway, &c. Which by reason of the Coldness of the Air admit not of making Wine, there may nevertheless good Wine and Vinegar conducive to the health of Man be made.

Though the Cold may so hinder as that Vines will not grow, nor Vineyards be, yet notwithstanding those places so obnoxious to the Cold, have plenty of Apples, Pears, and such like Tree-fruits; whose Juice being pressed out, and fermented, and after the Fermentation, freed of the greatest part of the unprofitable water, will give a better and more durable Drink, than that which is made the usual way of Apples and Pears. For this drink cannot last long because of the muchness of the humidity, but becomes ropy, acid and muddy, and so corrupts.

So likewise may those Countries that abound with Corn be rendered partakers of most excellent and wine-like Drink, which may be used and drunk instead of Wine, to the great benefit and advancement of the health of the Body; and it is to be thus done.

First of all, let very good Wheat be made to germinate [or sprout] by stewing in some gentle heat; [as in making of Mault] then after the sprouting let it be put in some warm Furnace, or in great Coppers, and stirred about with some wooden thing without ceasing till it be dryed. In this Operation you must have an especial care, that the Corn smatch not of the Fire, which is then brought by drying to a sufficient hardness, when it is not soft in biting it with your Teeth, but leaps as ’twere in pieces; this is a sign that you have done your work well. Having prepared it thus, let it be broken [or ground] and boiled after the manner of other Ale, without Hops; and then after it has fermented let it be freed from its superfluous moisture by our Magnet. So will you have remaining a sweet Drink not much unlike to Wine; which Liquor if you would yet have more near in its likeness to Wine, you must put in for every Tun or every Butt about a pound of Tartar in the Fermentation, that so it may ferment together with the Corn, and may give unto this Drink a winy Tast.

After the same manner may excellent Metheglin be made of Honey and Sugar, or such a kind of Drink as but little differs from the Savour of Wine. An Art, verily, most profitable in those places which have no Wine, but have that defect supplied by the great Quantity of Honey and Sugar. The manner of making such a kind of Drink is this.

Let there be added to the Honey so much water as is sufficient, for their boiling together in a Copper, and let them being boiled be diligently scummed so long till the Honey becomes thick again, and gets a duskish or a reddish Colour, which is a sign, that the less sweet, and less honied Savour is removed away, by the boiling.

To this Honey reduced to the said thickness, let be again added as much water as is sufficient, that they may be boiled together, and being boiled put up in Barrels. Whilst it is yet warm some Ale yest must be added, which being fermented, renders this Liquor so sweet that it is but little inferiour to Wine; moreover it will come nearer to the Tast of Wine, if a due part of dissolved Tartar shall be added thereunto in the Fermentation, that so being fermented together herewith, it may acquire to it self a winy Tast.

N. B. But here good heed must be had, that in the last Solution there be not taken too little water, but rather more than is wont to be taken in the making of common Mede. The reason is this; because the Honey gets not its due fermentation, but retains its usual and a kind of nauceous Sweetness, and cannot be made partaker of a winy Savour.

But now, water enough being added, promotes the Fermentation, and causeth that it gets its Purity and Clarity much sooner, and is of an excellent sweet Savour. After that this Metheglin hath gotten the requisite Clarity, the superfluous water is to be abstracted thencefrom by your Magnet, which water being removed, the remaining ungratefull Savour of the Honey going away together with the water, vanisheth, and this Wine of the Honey, gets its strong Spirits from the Honey, and has a winy Savour from the Tartar. If any one be so minded, he may add to the Honey in the first boiling, some Spices, or which is better, may hang them in a little Bag in at the Bung, that so they may be fermented with the Metheglin, and give it a sweet Savour. The Spices are these that follow: Cardamoms one, Coriander two, Orris Roots three parts; the which will give the Metheglin a fine Tast. The Flowers of Elder make it tast just like Wine made of the Apian or Muscadel Grapes. Cinamon and Cloves also do give it a delicate Sweetness. But every one may use such Spices as he thinks best, according as he fancieth this or that Tast. Of such Metheglin is made most excellent Vinegar, which scarce is inferiour to wine Vinegar though of the very best Sort.

XCVII. Whither or no, there be any other benefit, which our Magnet can bestow.

He that shall onely diligently enquire by trials made, will without doubt, find, that such a Magnet as attracteth water, can be profitable many ways; which to treat largely of here, the time will not permit. For because that this Magnet draws out of all Liquors, their superfluous water, it doth certainly bring much Benefit, and manifold Fruits, very many of which, we would here declare if need required. But the time admits not of any longer dwelling about these things. But yet, however, I will reveal an Art for the Poor’s sake who have no Wine growing, nor any money to buy it, and are therefore enforced (but especially in the winter Season) to drink cold water after their hard Labours;) by the help of which said Art they may have good Wine to drink all the year both in the Summer and Winter months; I mean in those places in which theres plenty of Wine made, and is in the Autumn Season squeezed out with wine Presses.

In all those places in which store of Grapes are prest out with Presses, there is great store of the husks, the which is partly kept for the Beasts to nourish them in the Winter, and partly thrown away as unprofitable, especially in those Seasons which afford a great Quantity of Wine. But if so be that the Wine Harvest be somewhat poor and not so plentifull, then they pour water upon all the husks or on some part of them, and leave it so for some days, and again press them; and thereby is made a Drink that has some kind of wine-like Savour which is given to the Servants, and other Labourers to drink instead of bare water.

But now in such Years wherein they are thoroughly busied in curing or making much Wine, they have not the time to bestow about making that Drink then. Nay sometimes they have such a deal of Wine that they have not Cask to put it in, but are compelled to give away their smaller Wines to others, and stuff their Cellars with the more noble.

If therefore the poorer sort would have now and then a good Draught of Wine, they must get them some large Vessels which they must fill with the Offal of the Grapes, and with water poured thereupon, and leave them thus, so long untill the rich People have done with their wine Presses and stowed their Wines in their Cellars. Then may they also press out their second Wines in the rich mens wine Presses, and by the oft-spoken of Magnet separate the unprofitable water therefrom, and so lay up their Wine, the which will last and abide good and durable all the Year about, which it will not otherwise do. For such kind of second Wines dure only (for the most part) but the Winter and Spring, and part of the Summer, and the utmost time they remain any thing good is but till the Month of July, afterwards they grow ropy or musty. But now the unprofitable part of the water being separated, they get a shorter or longer durability according to the moreness or lesness of their Concentration. This advice and secret was I willing to bestow upon the poor that they may also drink good Wine.

But they may demand where should we get us such a Magnet, by the using of which we might make our second Wines good? I answer, they may borrow it of the Rich men who have Vineyards, for so long; and when they have done with it may restore it them again; for it is so lasting that it never loseth any thing of its Body nor of its Virtue, but always remains good. The rich men therefore will buy it of the Chymists, the preparation whereof is clearly and perspicuously delivered in my first Century. If now this be done (which I doubt not of) the Chymist by preparing, and the Merchant by using of the same will reap no small Benefit and profit. And questionless, there will be found some men that are studious of new things, who will make trial of this Concentration of Wines in small experiments; that so they may fish out the possibility of the thing. But I know not whether they will exercise this Operation in a greater Quantity or no. For its neither here nor there to me whether they will exercise this Art or let it alone. For this is the natural disposition of most men, they would very willingly get store of gain, provided it could be done without great labour and much trouble. From hence it is certain, that this Art of Concentrating Wines by cold Fires will not be so soon common, especially because I have not here delivered how such a Magnet may be made in great Quantity, and applied to use.

But yet I think I have sufficiently done [or hinted at] those things I have revealed. Let others draw out of their own store too, if they have any thing. More things I could not reveal, for many weighty causes which I count it needless to mention here. Very many men will commit many Errours, e’re they attain the right Scope. Verily it would be much better if there were a greater Number of such Persons as readily understood this Art; especially in those places of Germany in which the Wines are so acid, that it will make ones Eyes run with water if a bigger Draught than ordinary be drunk to quench Thirst. And therefore in those places Ale is in the most esteem, and indeed it is no contemptible drink, if good, but yet it is not at all comparable to the noble Wine, concerning which noble Liquor these Verses may rightly be pronounced.

With what a lovely gift are all things blest

By th’ noble Wine from tender Vines exprest,

To sick mens pains it doth an easement bring,

It joys the Countrey Peasant, makes him sing.

}

And you shall see that that man whom to day

By means of Wine lies tumbling in the way,

Will on the Morrow have his t’other lay.

There are many Songs in the praise of Wine, but Ale is not celebrated with any ditty, though it be never so good. Upon this account therefore the noble Juice of Wine is not undeservedly preferred before all the rest, provided it has its due generousness and excelling goodness. But if it be not good, ’tis wholly expedient to help it, lest by keeping its Sourishness and waterishness it perish. But filthy covetousness bears too great a sway upon mortals, insomuch that there are too many to be found that would rather pour water to their Wine and spoil it, than better it by abstracting of the water.

I have often heard the complaints of Vineyard Masters in those Seasons, in which they have had whole Cellars full of small and poor Wines, which have not arrived to so much ripeness as to be able to be sold and transported into other Countries. Hence comes it to pass, that if they lie a long while and be not drunk up, they degenerate more and more, and become exceeding poor, and at length corrupt by lying and so perish for altogether; unless it happens by chance that some years of a more happy Vintage do succeed, with which more noble Wines they may mix their small ones, and so sell them off, but yet with a poor profit, because the Merchants are not wont to buy midling Wines, but the very best of all. But they may have noble Wine every year by that means that I have shewn. For if one eighth part of water were extracted from the Wine, it might have the name of good Wine. But now if a fourth part of that water should be taken away thencefrom it would become far more excellent, for a little water is able to make a most noble Wine smaller and more base, a tryal whereof you may make as follows.

A Hogshead of rich Wine, containing some six Renish Oma’s or Aulms, costs an hundred imperials; yea [sometimes] more, an hundred Duckets; Now if you take thencefrom one eighth part of the measure, and put in the room thereof one eighth part of water, you will find by the tast, that its goodness is so much diminished, that that Vessel will be scarcely valued at fifty imperials. But if a quarter part be taken away, and so much water put in its room, any one may easily conjecture that such a Vessel filled with such Wine will be hardly judged worth twenty imperials.

So then by this way that I have told, any Wine might be brought to such a nobleness by taking away one fourth part onely of its water, that a Vessel which afore would have yielded but twelve imperials, will afterwards yield three times the price.

By all this that hath been spoken may any one easily conclude the truth of the true Alchymy, and what incredible benefits may be reaped thencefrom. From this ground I say, that that delicate sup of Wine which I have here taught the preparation of will so inflame many, even of the enemies of Alchymy, that they will for the future put their hands to the Coals, and try to get thereby such a delicate Magnet, and to have it by them.

This Magnet will also help not a few Alchymists themselves that are in straights and want, and afford them a good Cup of Wine; whose Vineyards, House, and all their substance, the smoak and hot fire hath already driven up the Chimny, and [in lieu thereof] this cold fire will recover them again with no contemptible increase. For this Leap-year 1660 is the first year since the World’s Creation, in which the miserable Coal-blowers may arrive to a way of getting their Bread, if they will but stretch out their hands. And that I may be here well understood, I don’t onely mind the concentration of Wine, for there are other most profitable uses to be found out of these cold fires; which time will manifest.

It seems good unto me to add by way of an overplus (because I have taught the making of a Cup of good Wine, and there is a great familiarity ’twixt Wine and Corn,) the showing away how one may get a most delicate sort of Bread and of an excellent savour, that so he may be furnished with the choicest of Food and Drink.

Let some part of the water be extracted by the cold Magnet out of new Milk, that it may be made better than the common Milk. This would be a most excellent nutriment for the sustaining of Infants, whose Mothers die too soon. For every Infant cannot bear raw Cows Milk; and if the superfluity of the Water be removed by boiling, the Milk (not brooking much boiling) doth easily tast of the fire, which would not be if it were freed of its water by the oft mentioned Magnet, for it would remain sweet, and be of an excellent Tast. With this fat Milk, moisten your Wheat Meal, (which must be of the best) in the stead of water; and let the Bread be baked, and without doubt the Bread will be of an excellent Tast, which could not be by the common baking, although that Butter were added thereunto. One may feed upon this Bread alone, without Cheese and Butter, because the Cheese and the Butter are with the Milk in which they lie hidden, added unto the Bread. Such Bread is strong nourishment and far better for filling and nourishing than the common; and in eating thereof one may easily commit excess, because it notably pleaseth the Pallat by the sweetness of its tast. For so it happened on a time to me, for eating such Bread as was made up with fat Sheeps Milk I exceeded a mediocrity in my eating. But verily this is wont to happen to such as in their eating and drinking, abuse the delicate Meats and Drinks, and so fall into the hands of the Physicians, because indeed the most Diseases do arise from too much fulness and surfeiting. And therefore good reason is it that a most special regard be had to a mediocrity and temperance in all things.

XCVIII. How the Water attracting Magnet may be serviceable to Physicians.

In my opinion a Physician may very well examine the Urine of the Sick, and Anotamize the same, and that more easily than by an external bare aspect or looking-on onely, if, viz. he separate and take away therefrom a part of the water by the Magnet. For by this means he will discern a great difference betwixt the one and the other part, and know the causes and properties of Diseases; and that far better and more certainly than by a bare outside view, after the Gallenical fashion, or by the weight, and by Distillation according to the custom of Paracelsus and Turnheiser; But I leave it to every ones pleasure to enquire which of these three ways is to be preferred.

And now follows by way of Corrolary or Surplusage, a description of certain most excellent Medicines to be administred, for the curing of most greivous Diseases both in Men and Beasts.

XCIX. The Cure of the Stone in the Reins and Bladder, and likewise of the Gout.

The Stone of the Reins and Bladder, and the Gout, are judged to be the most greivous Diseases, and in very deed they are most grievous Sicknesses, but especially the Gout, which being various and manifold afflicts the Body of Man with most grievous Pains. Now for the cure and removal of these Diseases, I will prescribe a certain and safe Medicament, easily preparable, and of small charge.

Take one or two pounds of white Tartar, and pour upon every pound beaten into Powder about some eight or ten pound of common water, which set over the Coals in a well glazed earthen Pot, and boil it so long, till all the Tartar shall be dissolved by the water, which you may try if done or no with a clean wooden Spoon, putting it to the bottom and seeing if there be any left undissolved. In the boiling you must very diligently take off the Scum with a wooden Scummer, that so there may remain no impurity. After that all the Tartar is dissolved and that there appears no more Scum, evaporate the water so long till a thin skin appears at the top. Then take off the Pot from the Coals, and set it in some cold place, and leave it there unstirred for a day, and there will stick on to the sides of the Pot, delicate Crystals like a Dye, having a Cubical form Paracelsus calls this mundified Tartar Ludus, and that very properly, and without doubt he did so, because it gets (after its purification the shape of the square Dice. Out of this pure and Cube-like Tartar is prepared an universal Medicine against all tartarous Diseases, as follows.

If you have one pound of this pure and Cubical Tartar, reduce one pound of Crude Tartar into a white Salt by Calcination; the which you are to dissolve with so much common water as is necessary to its dissolution; filter the dissolved Salt through Cap-Paper, that you may have your sharp Lixivium freed of all its Fæces. Pour this Lixivium into the glazed Pot wherein your pound of the said purified Tartar is, and boil it accurately therewithall; in which boiling the Tartar will be easily dissolved by the Lixivium, and be turned with the same into a ruddish coloured juice; though that your Lixivium and Tartar had each of them a white and clear colour. The reason is this, because the Tartar is as yet defiled with many hidden and black Fæces, and doth at length after its solution with the Lixivium render them visible and manifest. Pass this muddish solution through a filter, and it will be a yellow liquor, and leave many Fæces in the Philter, good for nothing but to be thrown away, for they are of no virtue more. Verily ’tis a thing worth the admiring, that there should yet be so many Fæces left in so well purified a Tartar. This liquor being thus prepared is very profitable for the taking away and curing of all kinds of Tartarous Diseases, by being daily used, or however, it doth at least strongly tame their violence, but you must first purge the Body by Antimonial Medicaments, one of which we will presently shew you.

N. B. This Medicament will be yet far more noble, if all the humidity be vapoured away and the reddish Salt that is left be dissolved in good spirit of Wine and filtered, and the said Spirit of Wine be again separated therefrom by a gentle Distillation. For so by this second solution, there will be severed yet more Fæces and the Salt it self will get a yet greater purity.

This Salt may be safely used as a most precious Treasure against all the abovesaid tartareous Diseases; For it expells Urine, and drives out all the impurities out of the Reins and Bladder, and hinders the gathering together, and generation of Sand or Stones in those Members.

But if there be already Stones generated, and that they be not too hard, it consumes them by little and little, and carrys them off; provided that Antimonial purges be (as we said but now) afore used to purge the Body with.

I have in these few words taught thee how the Ludus, that is, the Dye-like figured Tartar is changed by its own proper liquor Alkahest, or its own Alkalizate Salt into a Medicine resisting all Tartareous Diseases. The Dose thereof is a Scruple in Wine, Ale, or other Vehicles, oftentimes every day, or twice at the least, viz. Morning and Evening, for such as are fifteen or twenty years old and upwards, and they must fast after the taking of the medicament, for some due time.

Such as are younger, from three, four, to ten, or twelve may take at one time, three, four, six, eight, or ten grains, according as they are older or younger.

This so excellent a medicament have I described for the benefit of mankind, nor is there as far as I know, a better, though it seems to arise of so vile a Parentage, and be so mean. Suffer not thy self to be affrighted by any one, but use the same boldly, whensoever necessity requires; and firmly believe me that thou wilt not find a better, I do not deceive thee; and the truth hereof will be demonstrated by its use.

This is a quick and wonderfull purification of Tartar, and a changing it into a sweet Salt, which is neither sweet nor sour, but a midling tast ’twixt both, and it gets a middle nature, from the Acid and the Alkalizate Tartar. Now follows the Antimonial Purge.

C. An universal Antimonial Purge to be used in all grievous Diseases, with, a very happy success.

Take of Crude Antimony, Tartar, and Niter, of each alike, Powder them each apart, commix the Powders, being mixt, put them in a melting Pot or Crucible, and kindle them with a live Coal, that by this kindling they may flame up, and go into a ruddish kind of coloured mass. Your Pot being yet hot set it into your Wind Furnace, and melt it, that all your matter may flow in the Crucible like water, then pour it out into your Cone, and being cold take it out, and separate the Regulus therefrom, and lay it by for other uses, because ’tis not serviceable for the operation here minded. Now out of one pound of Antimony, you’l have eight Lots, or four ounces of Regulus, so that of your one pound you will get a Regulus of four ounces or the fourth part of the pound. The Scoria’s which will be of a reddish colour and of a fiery tast upon the Tongue must be again melted in the same Pot they were melted in, if it be whole, or in some new Pot, and when they flow, put a live Coal into the Pot. The Salt peter will seize upon the Coal, and being occupied about corroding the same, will let fall the remainder of the Regulus it as yet held up. Then the matters being poured out into your Cone, and cool, strike off the Regulus at the bottom with the stroke of an hammer, and beat the Scoria’s which will be of a red colour and fiery tast, into Powder, and being thus poudered let the Salts be extracted [or dissolved] in the heat with common fair water; the which holding in them the most pure Sulphur of Antimony do turn the water into a red Lixivium, in which is hidden the Medicine that we seek after; and is to be gotten thence by the following way. For after that the Sulphur is dissolved, by dissolving all that will be separated by the Salts or Lye, the Reliques or Remainder are good for nothing.

Having so done, dissolve white and purified Tartar in fair water, in some glazed Pot, and thou shalt have an acid Solution; being thus hot as it is (for when ’tis cold the Tartar will again shoot in it) pour it by little and little into the Antimonial Lixivium, and it will debilitate the same, so that the Sulphur of the Antimony will fall down to the bottom in the form of a yellowish or reddish Powder. When all the Sulphur is setled, separate the clear Water of the Salt, from the Sulphur, by canting it off; then pour on some warm Water and wash it so often till all the Salt be gone off. Then philter it, that all the Water may be separated and the Powder stay in the Philter, which you shall put upon new and dry Cap-paper thereby to remove all the wateriness, and then dry it in the heat of the Sun. This is that Universal purging Medicament which drives out all malignant humours by all the Emunctories, viz. by Vomit, Stool, Sweat, Urine, and Spittle, out of the whole Body; and that very safely if warily administred, and the Dose thereof not too much encreased; in which case even the Galenical medicines themselves do hurt, if their due Dose be exceeded. Hereupon it is better that there be used at the beginning rather a lesser Dose than too much, that so no errour may be committed, and a safe trial may be made, how much the strength of the Patient will bear or not bear. And albeit that the Dose of this medicament should be given in so small a Quantity as not to work, or have any visible Operation at all, yet nevertheless it well performs its Office, and drives out the Distempers, but yet more slowly than when ’tis administred in a due Dose, such as may give about one, two, or three Stools. And to such as are strong and youthfull Persons, the Dose may be given in such a Quantity as to cause Vomit, in such I say as can brook vomiting. The usual Dose for those that are above fifteen Years of Age is, one, two, three, four, or five Grains, according as they are older or younger. To Infants and such as are a little elder an eighth part, a quarter, or half a Grain even to an whole Grain, may be administred, with regard had to the Age and the Disease. This medicine is of good use in all kinds of Diseases, and in all kinds of Men, [and Women] save onely Women with Child; and to them you must administer either none at all, or at least wise so little as to be sure it provokes not to any inclination of vomiting. And the like is to be observed by such Persons who are so weak, as that they clearly want strength requisite for this Operation [of vomiting.] But yet it may be used even to new born Infants, viz. for Convulsion Fits with which a great many of them are wont to be snatch’d away without any remedy. The Dose must not exceed the bigness of a Rapeseed, and it must be administred in the Mothers milk. But if the Infants are grown already up to be somewhat stronger and are above half a Year old, the Dose of the said medicament is to be a little encreased, that it may operate visibly, and so cast forth all the malignant humours out of their Bodies; and they themselves may not be afterwards afflicted with the Small-pox, and other such like Diseases as Infants are subject unto. Verily, all the Children whom I have given this medicine unto, have not hitherto tasted of those Diseases; the which truth the Parents of such Infants and others can confirm by their Testimonies. But especially this medicament is a most present remedy against the Epilepsie both in young and old, and a most certain Secret in the Plague and all Feavers; and a most excellent purge in the Gout, Leoprosie, French-pox and other most grievous Diseases; and likewise in external new Wounds, in Fistula’s and old Ulcers, what Name soever they are called by, if it be but used inwardly to purge them. Briefly, this medicament hath scarce its fellow, so that we have no reason at all to regard such men as out of meer ignorance, oppose and slander Antimony in their learned bawlings, and say that it is nothing else but Poison, and therefore no ways profitable. But let no body believe their barking, but first try the same, and he will clearly find the contrary.

This indeed I readily confess that Antimony is of no use in the body of man, nor can it be, afore it is prepared; but after preparation I do boldly affirm it to be a most admirable medicine.

Concerning which, reade but the chiefest of the Ancient Philosophers, especially Basil Valentine, who in the honour of Antimony wrote the Triumphant Chariot [thereof.] Do but see what Paracelsus, Alexander Suchten, and several others have recorded in writing, concerning the incomparable Vertues and Power of Antimony; by all whose Writings is clearly evinced, what things lie hidden in Antimony, I forbear to speak of other Physicians as well modern as ancient. For it possesseth the Vertues and Powers of all Vertues and Powers concentrated. What need many words? Let it be brought but to the Test, and it will most apparantly testifie by its trial, what Treasures it carries in its bosom. The things that I speak of here proceed out of meer pity and love to my Neighbour, that I might help his sickness and miseries. A very small Portion of the said medicament may be able not onely to preserve a whole Family for a whole Year free from all the Diseases that might befall them, but also to rid them of them. So likewise it sends packing all the sicknesses of beasts by its effectual Virtue. I was willing from a faithfull and good mind to bestow this comfort and help upon mankind, against all incident Diseases, whether external or internal; In the third following Century shall be described more very excellent medicines against all kinds of Diseases, which may be made use of by such as without cause are afraid of Antimony.

And as touching that Salt which is made by the mixtion of the acid Water of the Tartar, and the Lixivium made of the Tartar calcined; it is not inferiour as to its excellency and eminency to the but now spoken of Sulphur of the Antimony it self; herein onely is the difference, that there is to be administred a bigger Dose thereof. And therefore it must not be thrown away, but after that the Sulphur is separated, the insipid Water is to be evaporated, and there will then remain a yellow Salt behind, which has even yet in it no small Portion of the Antimonial Sulphur; and therefore ’tis in a manner better than the Sulphur it self, because of its own peculiar Nature, which by the discharging its own office [or proper work,] may be even per se reckoned up amongst those most excellent medicines which strongly resist all Tartareous diseases.

For that reason therefore do I commend this Salt most highly to all such as are burdened with grievous Diseases. The preparation thereof is altogether easie, for it is not made of any chargeable matters, but mean ones, and therefore not without cause to be highly esteemed of.

The dose of this so excellent a Salt is to be encreased or diminished according to the Quality of the Persons and the Diseases. To such as are of ripe Age, one Scruple or somewhat more is sufficient. To Infants, and to such as are a little older, from one to twelve Grains may be given, regard being had to the difference of their Years. It gently purgeth the belly, without any kind of Danger, it draws out all evil humours, and especially it helps the gouty and stony Persons with a most wisht for Easement.

The weight of those two contrary Salts, viz. of the fixt Salt of Tartar by which the Sulphur is extracted out of the Antimony, and of the common and acid Tartar dissolved in Water, and which precipitateth the Sulphur of the Antimony out of the Lixivium, cannot be certainly defined and limited. For according to the greater or lesser Quantity of the Lixivium, is required more or less of the Tartar water to be poured upon the Lixivium, that so being mortified it may let go that Sulphur of Antimony it holds up in it self. The Lixivium it self will shew you if you have not poured on Water enough of the Tartar by its being not yet freed of all the Sulphur, and that there is more Water of Tartar required to allay all its Acrimony that all the whole Sulphur may be turned out. A bigger Quantity of the Water of Tartar poured on the Lixivium [than just enough] doth not spoil it; it takes in as much of the dissolved Tartar as it can, and what is overplus remains an acid Tartar, and is not changed in its Nature. But whatever of it is dissolved in the Lixivium is no more Tartar, because it becomes a midling Salt of the two, neither acid nor sweet, but partaking of both Natures, and dissolves in cold Water, which the acid Tartar will not do.

This Salt therefore is able to perform great matters in medicine, and not onely in medicine but in Alchimy too, and in other Arts can it exhibit abundance of riches; concerning which thing, more shall be spoken in another place.

Thus finish I now this my second Century, wherein I have not onely abundantly supplied those things which by reason of the overmuch hast, I could not insert in the [Appendix to the fifth Part of the Prosperity of Germany], but have withall laid open some part of the Use of my Sal Mirabilis, as much as the shortness of my time would give me leave to do.

If by the Grace of God I have a yet longer Life vouchsafed me, I will about half a Year hence, bring so great a benefit not onely unto my own Countrey, but perhaps even to the whole Christian World, as ever they received from any man, in so much that the World shall seem as if ’twere new, and so for the present I rest and make an End.

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The Third Century
OF
GLAUBER’S
Wealthy Store-house of Treasures.

Wherein many Profitable Chymical Secrets are discovered.

Faithfully translated out of the High-Dutch of the Authour.

Courteous Reader,

Having some Years since begun to communicate to the World my manifold profitable Inventions in Centuries, but of late been hindred by sickness and other impediments from continuing the same: yet now being sollicited thereto by many Lovers of Art, I could do no less than to endeavour to give them some satisfaction by the publishing of these; and withall assuring them, that, in case God be pleased to continue my Life (notwithstanding that because of great Age and Sickness I am fain to keep my bed) I intend to compleat the rest of my promised Centuries, desiring the kind Reader in the mean time to accept of these three, and to pardon the confused manner of writing them, having for want of leisure, set them down as I found them in my Notes, being chiefly the occasional discoveries and inventions during my Chymical Labours. Neither would I have the Reader offended that in some places I break off so abruptly, especially where I am speaking of the matter which Adam brought with him out of Paradise, for whatever may be wanting in this fifth Century shall God willing be supplied in the sixth: I also desire the Reader not to be moved by the Calumnies of any Envious ignorant Persons, to think that the things here set down (being most of them new and unheard of inventions) are mere Fables and invented matters, and no real experimented Truths, but rather remit the verification of them to time and his own Experience, which will not fail to satisfie him of the Truth of the Particulars herein contained. Farewel.

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THE THIRD CENTURY.

1. To wash common Tartar Snow white in a few hours time, and reduce it to a pleasant Salt which dissolves in cold Water, and wherewith of Sugar, Honey, or any sweet Fruits at all times, yea all hours of the day, and in all places Liquors may be prepared like to Wine in Tast, smell, colour, strength and virtue, and of which afterwards good Brandy and Vinegar may be made with great profit.

2. To purifie common Salt in great quantity, in one days time, so as to become very white, pure and transparent and of a pleasant Tast, shooting into cubical Crystals fit for the Tables of great Persons, its tast being very agreeable, and the meat season’d with it much more wholsome than that which is drest with the common Salt. See the Treatise of the nature of Salts.

3. A secret to preserve all sorts of Wine, and make them durable, whether of Grapes, Sugar, Honey, Apples, Pears, Quinces, Figs, Plums, Cheries, Malt, Wheat, &c. and is of great use to a House-keeper.

4. Any of the forementioned Wines may with ease be turned into very good Vinegar, not inferiour to that which is made of French or Rhenish Wine. See my Vegetable Work.

5. To make good Sal Armoniack of several contemptible matters which are trod under foot and cast out on the Dunghill very easily and in great quantities, so as one Man every day may prepare one hundred pound weight of it with ten shillings charges. See my Treatise of the Mineral Squill in order to long life.

6. A secret water wherewith in an hours time the yellow colour in Diamonds may be drawn from them, which makes them ten times more worth than they were before. See my Treatise of the Divine Character.

7. In like manner may the dark red colour of Granates be extracted, leaving them onely so much colour as makes them like Rubies. For Granates and Rubies resemble each other in their bodies and colour, the onely difference between them being, that the Granates abound with too much colour, which makes them less valued, when therefore some part of their colour is extracted from them, they do in virtue, hardness and beauty, equal Rubies, one Karat of which is more worth than ten pound of Granates, so as this extraction must be very gainfull to him that is Master of it. See my third Appendix to the seventh part of my Pharmacopœa Spagyrica.

8. In like manner also may be extracted the colours of blue Saphyrs, yellow Jacinths, Topaces, and Purple Amethysts, by which means they become white as Diamonds, and when brought to the same degree of hardness are every whit as valuable as they. See my third Appendix as before.

9. In a moments time to rob Sol of its colour and make it white as Silver. See my Treatise of the Seal of God.

10. To separate from Mars and Venus when dissolved in Water as well as from any other Vitriol, by means of an artificial Precipitation, their hidden spiritual Sol or Tincture, and that in a moment; a thing of great use in Physick, as well as in the transmutation of Metals. See the second Appendix.

11. To extract Sol out of Sand and Stones with great ease and little charges, which by precipitation is afterwards separated from the dissolvent, retaining its former strength, and may be made use of again for the like extraction. See the prosperity of Germany the seventh part, or Novum Lumen Chymicum.

12. To extract Sol from Luna with a small quantity of dissolvent, which, after precipitation of the Sol, remains in its full strength, and may be used as before to the great gain of the Artist. See Glauber’s Laboratory, and prosperity of Germany, 7th. part.

13. In one days time to prepare a particular, whereof one part will tinge three parts of Venus into Lune. N. B. This Tincture is a white Stone which being placed in a fit Furnace, and a due fire administred, within few days the whiteness will be changed to a yellow colour, and that into a fix’d red, whereof one part being cast upon four parts of Lune in Flux, exalts it so far that in the separation it gives a fourth part of Sol. Which sudden fixation is performed by the proper Agent of the matter which is white of it self, and yet affords a red Tincture, when handled, as is here set down. See my Treatise of the secret fire of Artephius.

14. In a short time to prepare a particular Tincture of a red subject, which exalts Silver to that degree, as to yield much Sol in the separation. See my explication upon Pontanus his Letter.

15. A good graduating water which being digested with Lune, makes it yield much Sol in separation. See the Treatise concerning the most secret natural Sal Armoniack every where to be found.

16. Another graduating water in which Mercury being digested, becomes coagulated into Sol and Luna. See the fiery Alkahest.

17. Another fixing water, which being once or twice abstracted from Mercury makes it lose its property of making Sol and Venus white, and on the contrary gilds Luna when rub’d upon it. I have as yet carried this experiment no further, but am of opinion that if Mercury were long enough digested in the same, it would turn the Mercury into Tincture, coagulating and fixing each common Mercury into Sol. See Hastecal.

18. A volatilizing Water which being abstracted from Sol highly exalts its natural colour, and carries it over the Helm, which done it is no more common Sol, but may in a short time be fixed into a transparent red Carbuncle. See my third Appendix, &c. concerning the Griffins Claws, and Eagles Wings.

19. A water of like nature that volatilizeth all fixt matters, wherewith in one single Distillation, the Tincture or Soul may be extracted from Mars, Venus, and all coloured Stones, and carried over the Helm; which Tinctures afterwards with one rectification are highly purified, and have their Medicinal and tinging virtue doubled, which exalted and multiplied Tinctures, notwithstanding their great volatility may within twenty four hours time be concentrated, by means of a secret Magnet, and fixed into a Stone, penetrating all compact Bodies, with which incredible things may be done in Alchymy and Physick. See my third Appendix, &c.

20. To prepare a Salt in an hours time, and without extraordinary charges, which makes all fixt matters volatile, and is of such virtue that when a little of it is joyned with Spirit of Wine it makes it so strong and fiery, that it dissolves all Metals, Minerals, Animals and Vegetables, carrying their Q. Essence over the Helm, and is the effecter of wonders in Physick and Alchymy: so that he who knows how to prepare and make use of this wonderfull Salt, needs never want either bodily health, or a competent supply of maintenance. See my Treatise of Elias Artista in Quarto.

21. A wonderfull, to all Men known, but withall contemptible matter, which every where may be had for nothing, which whosoever knows, together with the use of it, needs never want, because thereby he may effect whatsoever is necessary for Soul or Body. See my first, second and third Appendix of Pharmacopœa Spagyrica.

22. The manner of preparing a running Mercury out of all Minerals and Metals, and that in one days time, which joyn’d with Sol becomes fixed into Sol. See my third Appendix.

23. How such a Mercury may be prepared in an hours time of the martial Regulus of Antimony, without any charges to speak of, which is a true Tincture, fixing the imperfect Metals into Sol. See my Treatise concerning the secret Fire of the Magi.

24. A water made of a particular sort of Chalk which changeth a yellow or brown skin into white, and which cannot be wash’d off with water, of valuable use for Ladies and Gentlewomen. See my 4th Century in Folio.

25. A water prepar’d of Sol, which turns white hairs into a yellow gold colour. See my Laboratory.

26. Another water made of Silver, which tinges hair cole-black, good for such as are gray hair’d, and endeavour to conceal their Age. See Glaub. Concentrate.

27. A water made of Sol, which colours the hair and skin of Man, as also the bones and horns of Beast, and feathers of Birds, of a fair lasting Purple. See Glauber’s Laboratory in Quarto.

28. A water into which when any Metal is put, it begins to grow within twenty four hours time in the form of Plants and Trees, each Metal according to its inmost colour and property, which Metalline Vegetations are called Philosophical Trees, both pleasant to the Eye and of good use. Vide my fourth Century.

29. A water made of Sand and Flints, having the property of changing Wood that is laid in it, in a short time into hard Stone of several colours according to the pleasure of the Artist.

30. A dry water, or rather Stone, upon which if any volatile saline Spirit be poured and set in the Sun, it presently sucks in the volatile mineral Spirit and in one days time makes it so fixt that it may be made red hot in the Fire, without any evaporation. See my universal Coagulator.

31. By this means also may the combustible stinking Sulphur, the greatest enemy of Metals be fixed, which afterwards being cast upon the imperfect Metals in Flux, doth meliorate them, and make them afford Sol and Luna on the Cupel with profit. See my second Appendix.

32. In like manner may Antimony without any loss of weight be fixed, so as no more to cause vomiting, but casts all evil out of the Body insensibly by sweat, restoring health, and renewing youth. See my proper Agent.

33. In the same manner may Orpiment be fixed, so as no longer to be a Poison, but a Meliorator of imperfect Metals.

34. Likewise also may Arsenick be fixed within two or three days time, so as it may safely be taken inwardly, being an excellent Diaphoretick for the cure of Diseases, and good to exalt Metals, so that in separation they afford Gold and Lune. See my proper Agent.

35. Much after the same manner may Mercury, without any considerable loss of weight (though with longer time and more patience) be fixed, so as to suffer himself to be melted and hammer’d like any other Metal, and on the Cupel leaves Sol and Luna. See my Treatise of the universal Coagulator.

36. In like manner may the martial Regulus of Antimony be fixed into a tinging Stone, that meliorates all imperfect metals.

37. A wonderfull Magnet which being put into any watry Liquors or Oils, draws the water to it self leaving the Oils more pure, subtile and penetrating. See Elias Artista.

38. By means of this Magnet, we can separate from the highest rectified Spirit of Wine, one half of insipid water, which Spirit of Wine after this separation is an effecter of wonders.

39. This Spirit of Wine when poured on pulverised Coral and thence abstracted, brings their red Tincture over the Helm, being a wonderfull Cordial and purifier of the Blood.

40. By means of this Spirit of Wine, may the Cordial Virtue of Pearls be brought over the Helm, being of great efficacy for the recovery of sick and weak Persons.

41. This Q. Essence of Wine being poured upon clean washed Egg-shells, dissolves them, and distilled from them, brings over with it their Stone-breaking and dissolving virtue, and is a singular remedy in the Gout, and the Stone of Kidney or Bladder.

42. The same also dissolves the Lapis Lyncis and Judaicus, as also Crabs Eyes so called, and other Stones found in Fishes, carrying their virtues with it over the Helm. See my fifth Century.

43. The same Spirit of Wine dissolves, extracts and brings over the Helm, the inmost virtues of all Animals and Vegetables carrying them over the Helm, whence incomparable medicaments may be prepared.

44. Black Snails such as are found in May on the Grass dissolved in the same, and brought over the Helm, and duely exhibited to those that have the Gout or Stone, carries off all tartareous slimy matter from the Kidneys, Bladder, and other parts of the Body by Seige and Urine.

45. Aloes, Saffron and Myrrh dissolved in the same, and their Tinctures carried over the Helm, affords an excellent Elixir Proprietatis, very conducive to long Life. See Paracelsus concerning Elixirs.

46. Cantharides dissolved therewith, and brought over, are a powerfull Diaphoretick, above all others, cleansing the Kidneys and Bladder, but ought to be heedfully used, because it is a vehement Medicine, which being overdos’d will hurt the Kidneys, Bladder and Ureters.

47. The Leaves of Helleboraster, extracted and brought over with the same, affords an Excellent Aqua Vitæ, conducing to long Life. See Paracelsus.

48. Sea Squills being dissolved in this Spirit of Wine, and spiritualized by being brought over the helm, is of great use for removing of Diseases, and maintaining of health.

49. Nux Vomica, being first grated and then dissolved therein, and their restorating Vertue being brought over the Helm, doth wonders in restoring the decayed strength and health of man, but must be used with understanding.

50. Common Mercury dissolved and brought over with the same, is the highest Medicine against the French Pox and all venereal Diseases.

51. Mercury of Antimony prepared after the same manner, affords a Medicine against all Diseases of mankind.

52. Fixed Antimony thus extracted and brought over is a Diaphoretick curing all Diseases, and restoring the highest degree of health.

53. In like manner may many excellent Remedies be prepared, out of all Vegetables and Minerals, for restoring and preserving of health.

54. A further use of our Water attracting Magnet is this. Abstract the Oil of Tartar, Hartshorn, Amber, Soot, or that which is distill’d from Smiths Coals, and the Magnet will attract all the Water and bad Smell to it self, which remains with the Magnet, and the pure clear and subtil Oil, onely comes over, which Magnet being made red hot, loseth its water and stink and may be made use of as before.

55. In like manner may the Oil of Wax and Bricks, commonly called the Oil of Philosophers, be deprived of their bad Scents, and made exceeding penetrative and pleasant.

56. So also may all Vegetable and Animal Oils distill’d by retort, be purified and made pleasant.

57. Likewise all the Oils of Herbs, Seeds, Woods and Spices, which with the addition of Water are distill’d by a common Still, may by distilling them from our Magnet be made much more subtil, and their sweet Smells much more strong and piercing; so that a little of these Oils set in an open Vessel, perfumes not onely the Room in which it is but also the whole house, they being so volatile that without any Fire they vanish in the Air.

58. And as by means of this volatalizing fiery Spirit, the pleasant and well scented Oils of Spices may be greatly meliorated and exalted; so likewise may all stinking and poisonous Vegetables, Animals or Minerals, thereby be made much more stinking and venemous, so as their Smell alone will be sufficient to kill men, doing it with far greater expedition than any Corporal poisons whatsoever. See Elias Artista.

59. All well scented Oils, may by means of our volatile saline Spirit, be purified to the highest Degree, and afterwards be reduced to a hard Body: which Body then is no common gross Body (as being a coagulated Spirit) but a clear, transparent spiritual pure Body.

60. This Labour may with profit be practis’d on Amber, whose Oil being by rectification made clear and transparent, and then digested with our fiery salt Spirit, becomes hard again as it was before distillation; by which means we may make pieces of Amber as big as we please, and may mix with it some small Threds of Sol, and so shall have the old highly esteemed Stone called Chrysophoros; or else we may put into it, whilst yet it is soft, little Worms, Flies, Spiders, Pismires, or whatever else we please, which is a notable Curiosity and shews as if they were grown there, to those that are ignorant of this Art.

61. In the same manner may the Oil of Turpentine be reduced to a hard Gum, to very good use and purpose.

62. All distilled Oils of Seeds, Woods and Spices, when by long standing, they turn yellow, red or thick, may by means of this fiery salt Spirit be again made clear, thin and transparent, when some of the said Spirit is poured on the said Oils and so distilled, some part of the Oil comes over clear and transparent, the other part remaining in the Glass, in the form of an hard Gum, in which small Insects may be inclosed as before said of the Amber.

63. Amongst all Oils these following are apt to grow thick and ropy, viz. the Oils of Lignum Rhodii, Oranges, Limmons, Juniper-berries; those of Cloves and Cinamon are apt to grow red. The Oils of Fennel-seed, Anniss, Coriander, Caroway and Cumin-seed, and all other Oils distill’d from Herbs and Seeds, that have hollow Stalks, and are umbelliferous, forasmuch as they abound with much volatile Salt, are apt to turn thick: If any of these be rectified with an acid saline Spirit, it immediately destroys the volatile Salt, and the Oil becomes clear and transparent, and the remaining part of the Oil becomes hard as a Gum, and is a special inward and outward Medicine.

64. And forasmuch as a fiery saline Spirit can make old and red Oils clear, thin and transparent, we may conclude, that such a Spirit is able also to volatilize and bring over by distillation those Oils which by length of time are become hard and dry in Seeds, Herbs and Woods, and cannot by maceration in water be brought over, but must by this more powerfull means be made thin and volatile, that they may afford their Oils as easily in distillation, as green Seeds and Woods are used to do.

65. Now as thick and ropy distill’d Oils may be made thin, by means of saline Spirits; so there are some salt Spirits wherewith we can coagulate all thin and subtil Oils, in the form of a volatile pleasant strong scented Salt, of great use in Physick.

66. In this manner, viz. by pouring a strong saline Spirit upon them, we can distill subtil and powerfull Oils from all rosins, gums and thick juices, and afterwards reduce them again to the hardness of Amber.

Thus Mastick, Frankincense, Benzoin, Storax, Camphir, &c. afford very pure clear and transparent Oils, which when hardned to the consistence of Amber, draw straws and other light matters to them like it.

67. In like manner also can all sulphureous Minerals be purified to the highest degree, when distill’d with such a Spirit, and then may be reduced again to hard transparent clarified Bodies: and amongst the rest Antimony and Orpiment do afford in this way most powerfull and superlatively penetrating medicinal Stones.

68. And as these fiery saline Spirits do bring over by distillation all unfixt sulphureous Subjects, and purifie them; so they do the same in fixt Sulphureous Metals, e.g. Mars and Venus, which Metals being thus purified may be fixed into tinging medicinal Stones.

69. They who know the art of the metallick purification and fixation, are possessours of an incomparable Treasure, forasmuch as by this means in three days time with the charge of one Crown, a true universal Medicine may be prepared, for the Bodies of men and metals, not in great quantity indeed but sufficient to assure the Possibility of it, and may afterwards be tryed in greater quantity.

70. By means of such a fiery salt Spirit fixt Chrystals, Flints, and other hard Stones may be made volatile and spiritual, and then may tinge them with what colours we please, and coagulate them again into hard transparent colour’d Stones, and that of what form and fashion we please. This is a very gainfull Art, because fair transparent colour’d Stones are always preferrable to Sol.

71. And as we have understood that by means of volatilizing waters, nor onely Vegetables and Animals, but also minerals and fixt metals may be made volatile, and their purest parts brought over the Helm, and by this means do wonders as well in Physick as Alchymy. Now though this separation of the pure part from the impure, by means of Distillation be high’y to be valued, yet there is a better, easier and less chargeable way to separate the purer parts from all Metals, Minerals, Stones, Sand, and coloured Earths containing Sol and Tincture, by means of a Magnet, which being laid in the Solutions of Metals, and extractions of Stones, within a few hours time draws to it all the spiritual as well as fixt Sol and Tincture contain’d in the said Solutions; so that after abstraction of the dissolvent by Distillation, we find the dis-animated dead Body, which being put aside, we separate the attracted Sol or Tincture from the Magnet, and thus obtain whatsoever good was hid in the foresaid gross Bodies. N. B. Though indeed this extraction of Sol and Tinctures be very easie, as hath been said, yet I shall here, for further information of the Reader, set down what ought to be observed in the extracting of Sol from each Metal, Mineral, Stone, or Earth. And first of fixt Sol.

72. When there is fixt Sol in Sand or Stones, we need onely to pulverize them, and pour upon them Aq. Regis wherein common Salt hath been dissolved, and let them boil together a quarter of an hour, by which means the Aq. Regis draws the Sol out of the Sand and Stones, in which extraction if we then put the Sol attracting Magnet, it will draw the Sol to it self, which being separated from the Magnet, is melted down with fluxing Powder, the Aq. Regis continuing good to be employed on the like occasion.

73. But when in the Sand or Stones there is no fixt but onely a volatile unripe Sol, then we must put the Sand or pulverized Stones into a Glass Retort, and pour upon them of our volatilizing fiery Alkaliest, and abstract the same from the Sand or Stone, by which means it carries the Sol over with it, which hath been attracted by the golden Magnet, which being reduced will be found good and fix’d Sol. The dissolvent may again be used to the same purpose.

74. But if the Stones besides the Sol, do also contain Lune, then an Aq. Fortis must first be poured upon them to extract the Lune, and afterwards precipitate it by casting some common Salt into the Solution, by which addition of Salt the Aq. Fortis is turned into an Aq. Regis, and being poured upon the Stones, it extracts the Sol also.

75. For if at first we should pour an Aq. Regis upon these Stones, it would indeed extract the Sol, but withall so alter the Lune, that it would be impossible afterwards to extract it with Aq. Fortis, and therefore we are to proceed in the manner abovesaid.

76. In like manner also we are to proceed with white, yellow and red Earths, for to extract the Lune and Sol that is in them. And if it be a fat Earth and contains fix’d Sol, it must first be made red hot to rob it of its fatness, because else it would devour too much Aq. Fortis.

77. But when the Earth contains onely volatile Sol, as the yellow Earth of Silesia and the red Terra Lemnia Sigillata, it must not be made red hot, but pour some Alkahest upon it, and so bring the Sol over the Helm.

78. Yellow and red Earths do commonly contain Sol or Lune or both, and therefore we may boldly make trial of them; for oftentimes a great treasure is shut up in very contemptible Earth, such as might serve to maintain many thousands.

79. In the same manner we may extract the fixt as well as immature Sol out of Ruddie, red Jasper, and red Blood-stones, which in some parts are found in great quantities.

80. With our Sol attracting Magnet, we can extract much Sol out of any common Vitriol, and after the Sol is extracted, reduce the Solution to Vitriol again, which is as good for the Dyers use as it was before.

81. With the same Magnet, good Sol may be extracted out of those yellowish, reddish, and greenish waters which flow from some Mountains, which waters being to be had for nothing, must make this work very gainfull.

82. And in case we should not be able to meet with this sort of running waters, then we may take the Copperas Stones which are often found in Sand, but for the most part grow in fat Earth, which when they are expos’d to the Air, fall in pieces, and having water poured upon them afford a good Vitriol, which easily yields the spiritual Sol it contains to our Magnet. So that an Artist can scarcely be to seek for subjects, from whence unripe volatile or fixt Sol may be had with profit.

83. N. B. But when we have a mind to bring the volatile Sol which is in red Sand, Stones and Clay, with volatilizing waters by Distillation over the Helm, it is good to add to our Eagles Wings, or volatilizing water, some of our most secret Sal Armoniack, by which the same is extreamly strengthned and animated, so that like a Griffin for strength, it carries the Man on Horseback away in the Air to his Nest.

84. N. B. This Griffin is the Artist, that prepares this fiery water, wherewith he seizeth as with his Talons the Man armed Cap a Pe; that is, red Stones, Sand and Earth, abounding with a martial Tincture, extracts and carries them to the young ones in his Nest, that is, provides a good maintenance for his Family thereby.

85. But because to these operations of extracting Sol volatile and fixt, and Tinctures from the subjects just now mentioned, when we work them in quantities, much Aq. Regis, or other like waters are required, which every one hath not an oportunity to prepare for himself, and therefore must buy them, which encreaseth the charges of the operation; wherefore I am willing to teach a near way to prepare these corrosive waters.

86. Forasmuch then as we know that Vitriol is an universal acid, and the chief of all Salts, and the Spirit it yields by Distillation, much more fiery than that which is forc’d from other Salts, therefore we may make use of the Oil of Vitriol, for a Basis with the help of others Salts, to prepare several sorts of saline Spirits, with small labour and charges, in manner as follows.

87. Recipe two parts of Niter dissolved in water and one part of Oil of Vitriol, distill them in an Allembick, and you will obtain a good Aq. Fortis to dissolve Lune, Saturn, and Mercury. This operation spends little Fire and comes over easily.

88. And if we dissolve one pound of Salt, and as much Niter in three pound of Water, adding thereto one pound of Oil of Vitriol, and distill it in Sand, by Alembick or Retort we shall get six pound of good and strong Aq. Regis to dissolve Sol, Venus, Mars and Jupiter.

89. But when we take two pound of Salt, and dissolve it in three pound of Water adding one pound of Oil of Vitriol, we get five pound of good Spirit of Salt. The Salt that stays behind is called Sal Mirabilis or wonderfull Salt, because wonders may be done with it, as appears from several parts of my Writings, these Salts being of divers vertues according to the nature of those Salts that are added to the Oil of Vitriol in Distillation.

90. These Salts are commonly added to metals, and melted down with them in Crucibles, by which means they become dissolved in the dry way, which is much easier and readier than the wet way of dissolving.

91. In particular by this way we can dissolve Sulphur, which resists all corrosive saline Spirits, and remains undissolved by them.

92. Now to obtain Oil of Vitriol with ease and in great quantity, we may proceed several ways, and especially thus, by dissolving Vitriol in water, adding a contrary to it, which separates all its impurities, by which means the purified Vitriol may with a small Fire be reduced to Oil, so as one pound of Oil of Vitriol will not require above ten pound of Coals.

93. And because Oil of Sulphur is of the same nature with Oil of Vitriol, yea is more proper for some operations than it, therefore we may make use of the same Oil of Sulphur, to prepare strong saline Spirits, especially because the same may be prepared in quantity and very compendiously, according to a particular way described by the Ancient Philosophers.

94. They have taught us the preparation of Oil of Sulphur in their wittily devised Fables, giving to this Oil the name of Venus, whom Vulcan when come to Man’s estate took to Wife: by the word Vulcan, we are to understand every combustible Sulphur, and by the word Venus, its incombustible corrosive Oil, which for this reason probably they called Venus, because when a drop of it falls on burning Coals, it gives forth a red smoak like to Venus, or because this acid Oil like a wicked Woman, has sharp Teeth, and a keen deceitfull Tongue, wherewith they lay hold of Men, and lead them astray in the same manner as this Oil cleaves to, and enters a League with every metal to which it is joyned, forasmuch as all metals proceed from Sulphur, and have great affinity with it, as the Woman hath with Man.

Here follows an Explication of the Poetical Table, teaching us to make the Oil of Sulphur in quantity.

95. We reade that Vulcan, that is, a combustible Sulphur, took Venus to Wife, by which is meant the incombustible Oil of Sulphur; now whilst Vulcan was busie at his work in the Caves of the Earth, for he was a Miner and a Black-smith, Venus betakes her self to Mars, who lies with her; now when Vulcan found his Wife in the embraces of another Man, he calls all the Gods to his help, who appearing, cast an Iron Net over Mars and Venus that they might not escape, but with great shame be exposed to the derision of the Gods.

96. When Vulcan is kindled in a Furnace made for that purpose, that is, labours in metals, the flame carries Venus, i. e. the Oil of Sulphur into Mars his lodging, that is, into the Recipient, which must be fill’d with Steel Wire, where she commits Adultery with Mars, that is, begins to dissolve the same, and produceth a Vitriol, which when exposed to the moist Air, becomes resolved into a clear sweet water, which from the Steel Wire runs into the Vessel appointed to recieve it, which sweet water is nothing else but Arostrus the Son of Mars and Venus, or the martial Oil of Sulphur, or to speak more plainly, the Vitriol of Mars.

97. This Vitriol of Mars is called by the Philosophers the juice or water of the Birch Tree, and of which they say the Philosophers Stone may be prepared, for many of them have writ concerning it, and pointed to this sweet Iron Juice, which they have termed Birch Tree Waters, because of the likeness it has therewith, for when in the Spring-time we make a hole with a Piercer, reaching to the Pith of the Tree, and thrust into it a Quill or Faucet, much sweet water proceeds from it, which some make use of to brew Beer, because the same is accounted very good against the Stone in the Kidneys and Bladder.

98. This Vitriol also is Virgil’s Arbor Opaca, or dark Tree, whose Branches he declares to be easily flexible; now what is more flexible than Iron, or Copper Wire, which are therefore compared to the Birch, which is a very juicy Tree, and hath very flexible branches.

99. That this shady Tree is the fittest, according to Virgil’s Doctrine, to break off one golden Twig after another is also certain, for I have tried it divers ways and found it to be true, that it affords its golden Twigs very freely to him that knows how to handle Proserpina.

100. But if the Artist be acquainted with the use of our Sol attracting Magnet, he may then with ease and more profit, without Distillation or Fire, break off the said Twigs, than he could do with the help of Proserpina.

And thus I conclude this third Century, the fourth and fifth follows, which will be found of better use than this.

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