Of the Vitriolate Oyl to be used in Alchymy, and also of the Crude.
Now to speak of the Alchymistick Virtues absconded in Vitriol: I will first propose to you the Virtues of Crude Vitriol: How every Crude Vitriol of Iron makes Copper. For the Alchymist doth not this, but Nature, or Vitriol, by the Operation of the Alchymist performs the same. And this is the sublime power of Nature. And in the light of Nature it is done, but not without admiration; to see any Metal, as it were put off it self, and become another; which is almost, as if of a Man, a Woman should be made. But in these things Nature hath her singular Privilege granted by GOD, for the sake of Man. I speak this of Transmutation, that you may understand, that the foolish Philosopher Aristotle, was not well grounded in his Philosophy, but was meerly fatuate. Now I will give you the Receipt, that you may know how, in all places of Germany, to make Copper of Iron; whence we may easily gather, what the power of Transmutation is, and that many other Transmutations may be made; although they as yet be unknown to Us.
To change Iron into Copper is not of so great moment, as to turn Iron into Gold. Therefore, what is least, GOD manifests, but the greater is yet hid, until the Elias of Sciences shall come: For Arts also, want not their Elias. The Receipt of this Transmutation is thus.
R. Of the Scales, or Filings of Iron (without all other Metals, as Copper, Tin, &c.) ℔ j. Quick-silver, ℔ ss. Put both into a large Iron Pan, or Pot, and pour on them one Measure of Vinegar, and of Vitriol ℥ iiij. Sall-Armoniack, ℥ j. ss. Boil them together, and continually stir them well with a Wooden Spatula. If the Vinegar vapour away, pour on more, and add new Vitriol.
By this Decoction, Iron is changed into Copper: If it be made Copper, it all passeth into the Quick-silver, the boiling being continued for ten or twelve hours. After the Cocture is ended, separate the Quick-silver from the Iron (as much of it as is left) and well wash it, that it may be clean. Put that Quick-silver into a Bag made of Leather or Cotton, and press it out; so you will see an Amalgama left. Suffer that Amalgama to expire by Vulcanick Heat, and you will find pure and good Copper. Of this Copper, R. ℥ ss. of Silver as much, make them flow, or melt them together, and the Silver will presently ascend to the sixteenth degree. This way you may prove, that such Copper is made of Iron: But that the degrees are fixed, is not true. Yet he, who in Regal Cement is able well to operate, may thence receive a sufficient Recompence for his pains. The whole business consists in the Operation, and in Judicious labouring: Yet in this most men erre. Nevertheless, by the aforesaid Process, you may always make Copper of Iron. I so often inculcate this, only to confirm the transmutation of one into another.
Also of Vitriol such is the Nature, as if the Colcothar thereof be calcined, it with easie liquefaction is turned into Copper. For in it is a wonderful Coppery Nature, and in Copper also a Nature of greatest Affinity to Vitriol. If Copper be dissolved in Aquafortis, and Crystallized, it makes every Copper Vitriol, and it is no more Copper: So also of Vitriol, Copper is made; and that is no more Vitriol. Therefore the Reason of such Affinity in Vitriol and Copper is very strange. What is Cuprous or of Copper, makes good Vitriol. So Verdigrease, which is good and highly gradated, gives a Saphyrick Vitriol.
Although it may seem ridiculous for us to discourse of these things; yet it cannot be deny’d, that in Vitriol a Tincture is latent, which is of greater efficacy than many can believe. Blessed is he that understands this. But touching the Oil of Vitriol, further note. If the Oil of Quick-silver, and this Oil be conjoined, and so coagulated in their Process, a Saphire of wonderful Nature and Condition is produced: Not indeed a Saphire stone, but like unto it, of an admirable Tincture; of this I will say no more. Hence it is evident, that stupendous, and to be admir’d Arcanums are treasured up in Nature, and in many other things created by GOD, and produced by Nature. Now, it would be more commendable for us to search out these things with an indefatigable labour and study, than to consume our days in Luxury, Drunkenness, Whoredom, &c. But at this time, Lascivious Whoremongers, are in greatest Honour, and so are like to be, until with these Vices one third part of Men be suffocated, and another third part destroyed by Pestilence; so as one part of the World, will scarcely remain untainted, or unconsumed. For with this abomination the World cannot long endure, nor good Arts flourish. Therefore, of necessity these evil Courses must be annihilated and cut off, otherwise no good can have place. But when this evil time is expired, the Golden age shall flourish; that is, Man at length shall use his own Understanding, and live as a Man, not as a Brute, nor act as a Swine, or lie in the Caves of Murtherers or Robbers.
Therefore, since I have communicated to you these things of Vitriol, out of my good affection to all; I do earnestly entreat all Physicians in general, when they shall see the unhappy and miserable sick so afflicted with that most grievous Disease the Falling-Evil, seriously to confider, what GOD the Creator, their own Consciences, and Charity to their Neighbour, command and require of them in such a deplorable State as this; and not contemn, or slightly esteem of the Virtues, which by GOD himself are insited in Vitriol. Let Charity move you night and day to be diligent in these things: Let none be found idle, but every one make it his business to help his needy Neighbour: But be not you deterred herefrom, because Lawyers do not this. Hear what Christ said: Woe to you Lawyers. Surely this is not a light Saying. Nor take you any offence at Theologians, because they rather seek Rewards and Salaries, than take care for the sick: These are they, which in Jericho passed by. Be ye Samaritans, and press after the Samaritan Virtue: So GOD will conferr on you such profound and necessary Gifts, as in curing the sick you shall be sensible of no Deficiency. All things you have need of shall be given you, do you only search out this Treasure.
Thus far Paracelsus.