CHAP. XXIV.
The way of extracting an Universal Medicine from common and well-known Lead.
By Calcining reduce four pound of Common Lead to Ashes. With which four pound of Calx of Lead, mix four pound of those Stones or Sand, in which is contained the first Ens of Gold. Melt this Mixture in a strong Crucible into Glass: which reduced to Powder, mix with a fourth part of Salt of Tartar, and in an Iron Crucible reduce it, so you will recover almost all your Lead. This Lead again reduce to Ashes, and mix with it a fourth part of choice Sand and Flints, and melt the Mixture into Glass. Which again reduce by help of Salt of Tartar and Iron: again Calcine it, with Flints turn it into Glass, and reduce it as before; the oftner the better. For in every Operation the Lead extracts something of the first Ens of Gold from the Sand or Flints, and at length becomes very rich with it. That afterward must, by the help of a certain Magnet, be extracted from the Lead, and converted to Medicinal use; as every Man, according to his capacity, is best able to use the same. I judge it not convenient to make a farther discovery touching this matter. Indeed the external face of this Process is simple; because in so short a time, with so little charge, and from so vile subjects, an Universal Medicine may be extracted. Although Saturn is covered with a deformed Ash-coloured Coat; yet within in his interior penetrals is reconded a golden Crown, which is not perceived before that grey Habit is taken off from him. As oft as any one hopes for, or thinks to obtain such a thing, let him read what Basilius, Paracelsus, and other Philosophers have writ touching Lead. Blessed is that Man, who knows how to adhibit to this Operation the Secret Lead of Philosophers instead of Common Lead: for then undoubtedly he will find a most excellent Medicine; according as Ancient Philosophers, by the following Words have expressed:
Arctus est Hominis, qui constat VI. Elementis,
Cui P. si addideris, S. in M. mutare benè scis,
Hoc erit Æs nostrum, constans Lapis Philosophorum.
That Arctus is LUMBUS, before which word, if you set the Letter P, and change the last Letter S, into M, it will be PLUMBUM. Therefore if by the help of Common Lead, (which notwithstanding is very impure, and as it were Leprous) the possibility of Transmutation may be demonstrated and verified, as is manifest by my New Chymical Light, what may not the Secret Lead of Philosophers effect, which is per se pure, and more excellent than Gold? Cosmopolita speaks thus: Although unto him, to whom GOD hath shewed the possibility of that, the Gain be not so great as the Loss, yet unto him is opened an Entrance to the knowledge and finding of all other high things. More of these at this time I forbear to speak. Whosoever is so gross and stupid, as he knows not how to enter through this Gate set wide open, how shall he be able to enter through a narrower passage? Him, to whom this clear Light cannot shew the way, neither the Light of Sun or Moon will profit any thing. Yet I doubt not, but that even Mechanick Artificers, so soon as that my Light begins to shine, will search out the Truth, unto every of whom I wish the help of GOD.
CHAP. XXV.
How Gold may be rendred Volatile, so as to be sublimed into a salutary Medicine.
Dissolve as much Common Salt in Aq. Fortis as you can, in this Aq. Regia dissolve Sol, which precipitate with Spirit of Urine. In Sand abstract all the Phlegm to a dry Salt; if afterward you augment the Fire, the Coagulated Spirit of Urine will carry up with it self part of the purest Sol in the form of a Red Salt. This Salt will yield very profitable Fruit in Medicine. The Dose is from three, six, eight, to twelve Grains; endued with power of expelling Sweat and Urine, and famously conducent against the Stone and Gout. Also since this Salt is void of any loathsome Taste, it may securely and commodiously be administred as a Cathartick to Infants, and Women with Child.