LIII. Question. Why doth the Sal Mirabilis, which Corn has been macerated withall afore its sowing, and some whereof is mixed with the Earth, [or sown] attract the Rain, coagulate it, and hold it with it self longer than other Salts?
For answer, this is to be imputed to its most great driness which it abounds withall.
LIV. The preparation of the Sal Mirabilis, so as that it may become an universal Medicine for all Vegetables.
The Sal Mirabilis as it is of it self, is by reason of its corroding virtues which it as yet retains plainly unfit for the multiplication of the Vegetables, for that being so used would prove more hurtfull than profitable. Upon this account it is necessary that to one part of it be added two parts by weight, of the best Calx-vive, which being moistened with Water and made up into Balls, are to be well heated red hot for an hour, that so all the corrosivity being introverted the Sal Mirabilis may be Alkalizated, and used to the Vegetables for an universal Medicine; for it conserves its attracting force, and loseth it not in the heating red hot.
LV. What’s the reason that Wood lying long in the Water wherein Sal Mirabilis is dissolved, is turned into an hard Stone?
For answer, this operation is to be ascribed to the incredible astringent property and nature, that the Sal Mirabilis is endued withall.
LVI. To reduce an half dead Tree to life again by the help of Sal Mirabilis, that it may revive and begin again to sprout out.
Mix with the digged up Earth, with which the Roots of the Trees are covered, one, two, three or more pounds of the Sal Mirabilis, according to the bigness or littleness of the Tree, and again, cover over the Roots with the same, and pour upon the Earth it self, some Rain water, that being thereby moistned, the Roots may the better partake of the Salt that is mixed with it.
By this means, the Tree will attract to it self the Medicine or good nutriment out of the Salt, and will be cherished and refreshed just as a piece of bread or other food being given to an hunger-starv’d Man restores him his strength again.