By this description the stars of the Metalls are to be known, and understood.
Also you must understand, that for the preparation of both tinctures, viz. of the Red and White, you must not in the beginning take of your work the body of Gold, or Silver, but the first being of Gold, and Silver. For if in the beginning there be an errour committed all your pains, and labour will be in vain.
So also you must understand of Metalls, that every one of them receives a peculiar signe in the fire, by which it is known.
Of this kind are sparks, flames, glisterings, the colour, smell, taste of fire, &c.
So the true signe of Gold, or Silver in the test is glistering.
That appearing, it is certain that Lead, and other Metalls that were mixed are fumed away, and that the Gold, and Silver is fully purged.
The signes of Iron being red hot in the furnace, are cleer transparent sparks flying upward. Those appearing, the Iron unlesse it be taken from the fire is burnt like straw, &c.
To know how Metalls have more or less of the three principles.
After the same manner any earthly body shews its peculiar, and distinct signes in the fire, whether it have more of Mercury, Sulphur, or Salt, and which of the three principles it hath most of. For if it fume before it flame, it is a signe that it containes more Mercury then Sulphur.
But if it presently burn with a flame, and without any fume, it is a signe that it contains much Sulphur, and little or no Mercury.