Indeed I confess, one pound of our Salmiack (if a Man onely follow the literal Sense, or bare letter of the Description) will cost several Imperials, because for one pound of Oil of Vitriol prepared, four or six pound of Spirit of Urine are required for coagulating the Oil with the same, which notwithstanding, in respect of those famous things which are acquired by the benefit of it, it is not to be judged costly. If a Man cannot prepare his Spirit of Urine, and Oil of Vitriol himself, but must buy them of another, he then indeed may complain of Dearness. But to one perfectly well skilled, the Sal-Armoniack will cost him little more than his manual Labour, insomuch as no Man hath any just cause to complain of charges.
If the divine Grace shall be pleased to prorogue my Life a little longer, I purpose to publish greater Arcanums. Therefore let God do as he pleaseth, his Will is always best, and better than the best Wills of all Men. Amen.
A Corollary.
Well-meaning Reader,
In this small Treatise I have in few words revealed great Secrets, such as were known to no Man before me, except Paracelsus, who very briefly speaks of the chief of them. And Helmont, touching the great Virtues of that, hath writ many things. And since my Sal-Armoniack performs the same in all Operations, which Helmont ascribes to his Alcahest, I am able to ascribe somewhat more to my Sal-Armoniack, than he ascribed to his Alcahest, yea, many things, which may profitably be performed by the benefit thereof, among which the chief is this, viz. that by help of it all Metals and Minerals may be reduced to their first Matter, that is, into a Spiritual Mercury, which is the highest Magistery in Chymistry.
I, in this little Book, have onely prescribed a few ways of preparing Medicaments, and that in a Laconick-Style, became I writ these things in my Sick-bed. Indeed I could willingly and gladly forbear Writing, both now and heretofore; for by all that ever I writ, I never gained one half-peny. But Christian Charity inflamed me to consecrate this great Arcanum, and the fruitfull use thereof, (before I dye, knowing in the Grave nothing can be done) and to publish the same for the good of Mankind remaining in the Earth; being full of great Hope, there will not want some Religious Spagyrists conscious of Piety, that will prove themselves faithfull disposers of this bequeathed Gift, and heal the Diseases of the Poor gratis. But if the great troop of Malignant Spirits presume to abuse the Practicers of this most noble Art, they may find Nemesis ready swiftly to punish them.
Every one, as he pleaseth, may prepare most present Medicaments. For all Herbs, the way is almost one. Also in respect of Animals, Minerals, Metals and Stones, you will find but little difference. Every Man may himself more profoundly search into the Art. For my own part, I am at present so weak, as Strength faileth me to proceed farther in this discourse. Therefore, by every good Man, I shall be readily excused, because I have given sufficient occasion of searching into other high Secrets. If this my benevolent Communication suffice not any Man, he may himself search farther elsewhere. For it is easier to add to things already found out, than to become the first Authour of new Inventions.
I had purposed in this little Book to signifie the most fruitfull use of my Secret Alcalisate Spirit of Wine; which is so great a Secret, as no Man before me did ever discover to the World; but my Sickness hath prevented and hindred the doing of that. If God prolong my Life, that may be done in another small peculiar Book.
Truly, I highly prize my secret Sal-Armoniack, yet I more esteem the use of my Spirit of Wine Alkalizate; that being a Spirit of so great potency, as from all Minerals, Metals and Stones, it extracts a most pure Tincture, and by Alembeck brings the same over the Helm with it self. What shall I say? Even fixed Gold it self cannot resist it, but suffers it self without a Corrosive (like sweet Water coloured yellow with Saffron) to be drawn upwards. In a word, this Alkalizate Spirit of Wine is an admirable Instrument for a Physician, of it to prepare efficacious (yea incomparable) Medicaments; and he may easily acquire abundance of it, and that for no more charges, than after the common manner any other common Spirit is prepared. He that seeks shall find. Wherefore rise from your soft Pillows, and with smutted Hands touch black Coals, and accurately give heed to the institutions of Art. For with Idleness, Eating, Drinking, and playing on Musick, you shall never approach to great Mysteries. I would have you always think of this that is now once spoken. It is indeed impossible for a most unskilfull Man to believe or comprehend, how great things may be prepared by help of this burning Spirit.