CHAP. XIV.
Of the Preparation of the volatile and subtil Spirits of other Metals, and of their Use.
Note: This labour of preparing subtil Spirits of fixed Metals, and of reducing volatile Spirits, into fixed Bodies, so fully explains the Table of Hermes, as even Children may understand it. Also it proves the verity of that Aphorism unanimously used by all Philosophers: The fixed make volatile, and the volatile fixed. He, whom GOD favours, will easily understand this; but to all others it will remain most firmly locked, although it be described to them with great clearness. I doubt not, but that this Work (when these my Writings in time to come shall fall into the hands of most diligent Searchers) will be more throughly sought into, and a nearer way found, than this here described by me, by the benefit of which, the Sulphur of Philosophers may be released out of that dark Prison, in which he is kept bound with most strong Iron Chains. It would amaze a man to think, that from such a tenebrous and shadowed black Tree, such fair golden Branches should be cropped. Although they (who are not Philosophers, but would be accounted such, whilst they walk magnificently adorned with splendid cloathing) by reason of their blind Pride cannot see what I have here clearly written; yet those Artificers, who wearing Linnen Frocks, labour in their simplicity, will see; because to their Endeavours GOD gives his Benediction.
As I have here taught the way of extracting penetrating volatile Spirits from contemptible old Iron, and of reducing those Spirits into fixed tinging Bodies; so also from other Metals the same may be prepared. Indeed one Metal is more apt for such an Operation than another, and one gives forth its spirits more readily than another: yet such Spirits may be extracted from all Metals, but with the help of divers Solutions. For that Water which dissolves Gold, leaves Silver undissolved, and what will dissolve Silver, dissolves not Gold. Common Salt, and Salt Niter, with the Water and Oil of Vitriol, (but rather of Sulphur) dissolve Sol, Mars, Venus and Jupiter. Niter the Water and Oil of Sulphur dissolve Lune and Venus. Most sharp Wine Vinegar dissolveth Saturn. The Spirit of Gold coagulates Mercury into Sol, the Spirit of Silver coagulates it into Lune. Both these Spirits are Medicinal. The Spirits of Venus and Jupiter are of a loathsome Taste and Odour, and therefore unfit for Medicine. Spirit of Saturn is a mere penetrating Venome, or a Water, which by its Odour suffocates the vital Spirit, wherefore every man should studiously avoid it, since its use cannot be without Peril; otherwise that Spirit in metallick Works excels all. Nor do I believe we can easily prepare a Tincture, whereby to coagulate Mercury, unless by the help of Saturn cold and killing all living things, yet it must be warily handled.
With these I close up my discourse of these Spirits; because, although of them much more might be spoken, yet it will not be the part of a considerate man to cast Pearls before Swine. Besides, I judge I have already divulged more than is fit. But it is worthy of all observation, that GOD is a faithfull Defender and Governour of all most subtil Arts and Things.