Well then, to clear this doubt, I do affirm, (as I said before) that Nitre is in Fishes also, though not in such plenty as in other subjects, viz. in Wine, Wood, and Corn: But it is found far more plentifully and potently in Stones, with which those Countries are well stored; and any one may easily guess what Riches they would produce, were they but versed in the knowledge how to extract it; for in Stones which by burning are turned into Lime, (the which may be done without Wood, even by dried Turf or Pit-coal, and that easily) Nitre is as abundantly hidden, as in Wood, and in other Vegetables: Nor is there ought else requisite, save the knowledge of the way of its extraction.
If therefore that harsh and wild kind of Country, wherein nothing grows, be put in the Philosophical balance, with the most rich Country, it would (seeing it contains hidden in its Earth and Stones such great Treasures) easily exceed it, and obtain the chiefest place. There is therefore no reason why any one should complain before God: A small man doth usually exceed, as to swiftness and agility, one that is big and tall: A weak man may oppose the acuteness of his wit against the strength of the lusty: A poor man enjoys Quietude, and patiently undergoes his more hard fortunes; but contrariwise, the rich is invironed with cares. And this may be also understood of other living Creatures. These things being well considered, every one may understand and perceive, that God hath satisfied every one, and that there is no Creature that can justly complain.
It is reported of the Peruvian part of America, That it is enriched with the most abounding Silvery Mountain Potosi, seated in a part of that Region, and is about some 50 German miles in compass, and that it doth by its exceeding cold Air hinder the growing of any Vegetables, and yet notwithstanding, there is such a notable power and excellency obtained by the Riches of that place, that the City there founded doth abound with the best Wine, Corn, Sugar, and other such-like necessary things, and is scarce inferiour in bigness and fair Buildings to any City of Germany, and from this very Mountain only receiveth it this felicity. It is hence evident, that all such things are not unprofitable, which (by reason of the meanness of the outward shape) are not so well known to every body; for sometimes a Countryman throws a Stone at a Cow, which is far more worth than the price of the Cow is, and yet it is contemned, because unknown.
The external and superficial Figure therefore of a thing is not alwaies to be regarded, but its inward parts are to be search’d into and viewed; and that we may attain hereunto, Alchymy points out to us the way, (she being the Instrument of the true praise-worthy Philosophy) and opens the Gate, whereby we may search into the inmost bowels of every thing.
He who well knows the fire, and the use thereof, will not be distressed with want. And he that has no knowledge of the same, neither will he throughly search into Natures Treasures: From these things it is evident what Treasures we Germans do unknowingly possess, and yet convert them nor to our use; And were not foreign parts as ignorant too of these things as we our selves are, they would readily have upbraided us Germans, that we spend more time in eating and drinking, than on good Arts and Sciences.
Now as concerning my writings about the concentration of Wine, Corn, and Wood, and the condensation of ’em, I shall never be better able to prove and confirm the Truth of the same, than by producing it to manifest light, that so the Eyes seeing it, all admiration may cease, and all incredulity vanish. There is credit therefore to be given to all the things mentioned in this Book, as to an experienced Truth, and which are not made publick for any other ends, save only that those natural Sciences may tend to the utility and benefit of my Neighbour. Whoever therefore shall believe them, will purchase Honour and Profit; and contrariwise, he that will not believe, will get only disgrace and detriment.
I will therefore predict or foretell, that this one only Artifice of making Salt petre in such great plenty, and the way of using it to metalline works, will bring incredible Treasures to our Country of Germany, if we be not too negligent, or let it slip by a sluggish slothful drowsiness. I do verily believe, that if God doth yet vouchsafe me one years life, that this said Artifice of Salt-petre will be profitable to very many; but if so be that it shall not please the Divine Majesty to prolong my life so short a time, it may however be accounted of, that God hath indeed shewed us Germans, as heretofore he did to Moses, the Land of Promise, but hath, by reason of our sins and incredulity, shut up the passage against us.
But that I may absolutely serve my Neighbour, and that he may have no cause to complain, as if I had served him but by halves, in that I have not described the Press for Wood, together with the appertaining Instruments, I do now therefore certifie every one, that all the things necessary and requisite for the concentrating of Wine, Corn, and Wood, are to be seen in my custody in perfection.
If now any one be desirous of receiving benefit from his Wine, Corn, or Wood, and that he find it highly to concern him to get this knowledge he will well know, by the inspection of the Work presented afore him, wherein lay the defect as to the getting this thing, and what means the said defect is to be holpen by; but the Instruments that I have mentioned, shall be no longer to be seen, than from the Calends of March to the Calends of September, this present year 1656. viz. six months time; for I have purposed to my self, not to render my life burdensome alwaies unto my self, by carrying such troublesome burthens about to and fro, but at last to get a quiet seat and abode. So then it will, by this here spoken, be evidently manifest to every one, what he is to do as touching this matter.
The three other Parts concerning the concentration of Minerals and Metals, shall (if God permit) shortly also follow.