CHAP. XVIII.
How from Gold its Tincture may be extracted by another Method, or by the benefit of a certain other Chalybs.
First, prepare the Green Lyon of Ancient Philosophers (by help of my mineral Salt) of sulphureous Subjects. To this Green Lyon cast Sol, that is, pure Gold; which he, through his greedy desire of devouring always, will swallow, and thereby acquire to himself notable Strength, Power and Beauty. For his whole Body will be thence renewed. His head, with the fore part of his Body will shine with a Grayish Hair, very like a Crows Head; but his Tail with the hinder part of his Body will acquire many various and beautifull Colours, resembling the genuine form of the Rain-Bow, or the Tail of a Peacock. And as soon as the Green Lion hath sufficiently concocted and digested the yellow Lion or Sol in his Stomach, he by Seidge expells the Residue, which will be void of Colour or Bloud. Then the Lion, proud and adorned with various and beautifull Colours, walks to the Waters, in which he immergeth himself, and washeth away all his Colours, and becomes totally white like a Swan, which white Swan the Cook roasteth at the Fire: where that white Swan first waxeth yellow, then more and more Red, untill he is able at length to bear the Fire, and, like a Salamander, live in it without any peril or hurt. This Red Salamander is one of the most noble Medicaments that can be prepared by Art. This Operation I performed but once; and then unto me appeared all those Colours one after another, untill I obtained a Red Salamander, which is a most present Remedy against all Diseases. But what it is able to effect in Chymistry, as yet I have not known, being onely content with a Medicine for Health.