CHAP. II.
Of Gold, and the Comparison betwixt it when living, and when dead.
It is so well known as that nothing can be more known, that Gold being so compact and corporeal and without any opening, doth not when used inwardly to man’s Body emit any Vertues at all. I will instance in one Example of Mercury; This being living and unbroken and undissolved, doth not, though used inwardly in a great weight, bring any hurt, but passeth out again as ’twas before taken in without any alteration of the Body. But if it be sublimed with Salt, or shall be dissolved by some other corrosive Water, and be administred to a man to drink the quantity of 1, 2, or 3 Grains it will shrewdly hazard his Life, because the Salts have made its hidden lurking Poyson manifest. Thus stands the case with Gold, which cannot shew forth its hidden force and vertues as long as it remains bound and tied with the fetters of its own compaction, but (on the other hand) displays them, assoon as ever it shall be released from its bonds, be vivified by Salts, and rendred efficacious. You see in a black Coal, whiles it is not fired, there is not any heat at all perceived, but being kindled, and being by the Air rendred living, it discovers the fire and heat being therein hidden, the which you may likewise consider of concerning Gold.