This manner of operating, by which metals are wont to be concentrated, I was willing to describe in this Enigma, that it may be known to be no Fable, but that the same manner hath been described by other Philosophers before me. This appears from the sixth Key of Basil, where he delivers the like manner. Basilius writeth concerning Salt-Petre speaking of it self; When my End is threatned, &c. From which words it is manifest, that he used the same way for the particular and universal emendation of Metals, as also for the preparing of excellent Medicines. But because this Enigma is a little too obscure for the unskilful, I think good to interpret it word by word.
The Iron man is the destilling Vessel, which I have described in the Second Part of my Furnaces. This is put into another Iron or Stone Furnace, and the fire under it. To the noses or pipes of the upper part, some Receivers are to be so applied, that at least three Glass-Receivers may be applied to one nose, the first of which is to be firmly luted to the nose; the second must enter the perforated belly of the first Glass, by a Pipe; and in like manner the third must be inserted into the belly of the second; the Pipe of the second Glass, which entereth the belly of the first, is to be well luted; the third is not to be luted to the belly of the second, but to remain open, that the expiring gass may go out of the second into the third. To the other nose also three or four Receivers are to be applied after the same manner, but so that the last may reremain unluted. The white Swan is the Amalgama of Tin and Argent-vive, to which Nitre is added; and it is done as presently you shall hear. [See the Figure of this Furnace, before the beginning of this Treatise, noted with pag. 96.]
A is the Furnace.
B, The Vessel in the Furnace.
C, The Hole with an hollow Verge, through which the Swan is conveyed into the Vessel.
D, The Tongs holding the Cover with which the Vessel is to be covered as soon as the Swan is put in.
E, An Iron Ladle, wherewith the Swan is put into the Vessel.
F, The Receiver.
G, The Bench that supports the Receiver.
H, The Laborator.