things, is, daily experience is required, seeing the number of their
years is not written upon them, but it must be divined, as I have said,
by Chiromancy only.
Now Chiromancy doth not consider numbers, letters, or characters, but
lines, veins, and wrinkles only, &c. according to the age of any thing.
For by how much the older a thing is, so much the greater, and easier
to be seen are the lines, and the vertue, and operation of the thing so
much the duller.
[Sidenote: Young hearbs must be applyed to old diseases, and so on the
contrary.]
For as a disease of one moneth or yeare, is more easily cured then that
which is of two, three, four, or five moneths, and years: So an hearb
doth sooner cure a disease of one moneth, or year, then that which is
of two, three, or four moneths, or years. And for this cause young
hearbs must bee applyed to old griefs; and old hearbs or medicines to
young or new diseases. For if an old hearb should be applyed to an old
disease, the blind would lead the blind, and both would fall into the
ditch.
This is the reason why many medicines doe not work, but are taken into
the body, and possesse the members, as dirt sticks to the shooes,
whence diseases are afterward doubled, &c.
Now ignorant Physitians never considered this, but by their ignorance
have destroyed more then ever they cured.
In the first place therefore, you that are Physitians must know, that
the medicine must be younger then the disease, that it may bee stronger
to expelle it. For if the medicine be more powerfull then the disease,
the disease will be overcome as fire is quenched with water. But if the
disease bee stronger then the medicine, it turnes the medicine into
poison, whence diseases are afterward doubled, and increased.
So if a disease bee like Iron, it must be cured with a Chalybeat
medicine. For Steel cannot be overcome by Iron. The more powerful doth
alwaies overcome, and the weaker is overcome.
Although therefore it was not our purpose in the beginning to write
in this place of Physick, yet for the sake of true, and genuine
Physitians, I could not pass over these things in silence.
[Illustration: *decorative divider*]
_Of Minerall Signes._
[Sidenote: How Mineralls differ.]
Mineralls also, and Metalls before they come to the fire have their
true signes, and significations, which they have received from the
Archeius, and the superiour stars, every one of them resembling some
kind of them by distinct colours, and differences of the earth. For the
Minerall of Gold, is distinct from the Minerall of Silver: so also is
the Minerall of Silver from that of Copper: and the Minerall of Copper
from that of Iron: so the Minerall of Iron from that of Tinne, and
Lead, and so of the rest.
No man can deny, but that the Minerall, and all Metallick bodies of
Mines, which lie hid in the earth, may be known by art of Chiromancy
by their exteriour signes. That is, the Chiromancy of Mines, Veines,
and Conduits, &c. by which not only those things, which being hid
within them, are brought forth, but also a certaine depth, and
richnesse of the Mine, and plenty of Metall is manifested. And in this
Chiromancy three things are necessary to be known, _viz._ the age,
depth, and breadth of the veins, as hath been said a little before of
hearbs. For by how much the older the veins are, by so much the richer,
and more augmented are the Mines.
Concerning this we must know thus much, that all Metalls, which as yet
lie hid in their matrix doe constantly grow.
[Sidenote: There are Three chiefe heads of all things.]
Whence also it is manifest, that every thing that growes, although it
be placed out of its matrix cannot be made lesse, but forthwith grows,
(_i.e._) is multiplyed, and according to its substance, measure, and
weight, grows untill the predestinated time. Now this predestinated
time is the third part, of the appointed age of all Mineralls,
Vegetables, and Animalls, which are the three chief heads of all
earthly things.
Now whatsoever doth yet remaine in its matrix, doth grow so long untill
the matrix dies. For the matrix hath its appointed time to live, and
die, especially if it be subject to externall Elements.
[Sidenote: What is the tearme of Elements.]
That which is not subject to them, hath no other time, or term then the
Elements themselves have, with which it also shall die and perish in
the day of Renovation (which is their term.)
Hence it follows, that all things which are within the earth are not
subjected to the externall Elements, neither are they sensible of
cold, or moisture, or drynesse, or wind, or aire, by which they may
bee destroyed. Such kind of bodies therefore cannot bee putrefied, or
contract any filthinesse, or stink, or die, as long as they continue
within the earth, in their Chaos.
So much be spoken of Metalls, and as of them, so also it may bee said
of many men, who in the caves of mountaines live some hundreds of
years, as if they were gyants, or pygmies, of which we have wrote a
particular book.
But to descend to the practise of the Chiromancy of Mines, which wee
shall give you to understand in few words; you must know that the
veines by how much the deeper, and broader they are, so much the older.
For where the course of the veins is a great way extended, and at
length decay, and are not hidden, it is a bad signe. For as the courses
of the veins doe decay, so also doe the Mines themselves decay, which
they signifie by their depth. Although sometimes there are good Mines
found, yet by how much the deeper they goe, they doe more, and more
decay, so that it is not worth while to worke in them. But when the
veins are enlarged with other additions, or oftentimes cut off, it is
a good signe, shewing that the Mines are good not only in the top, but
that the same also are increased, and multiplyed in depth, and length
for the most part, the Mines being made more rich, afford pure gold,
and so a most large treasure.
It is without ground, that many Miners commend those veins only which
go directly downward, and incline from the East to the West. For the
nature of the Mines and experience teacheth, that veins oftentimes
which bend from the West to the East, or from the South to the North,
and so contrarily from the North to the South, are not lesse rich then
others are. Therefore there is no vein to be esteemed before another.
But we think it convenient to discourse of this no longer.
[Sidenote: By what signes Mines are discovered.]
Now concerning the other signes of the internall earth, as also the
colours of Mineralls, we shall briefly discourse of them thus.
As oft as Miners fall upon a fat earth, which doth signifie a vein of
a pure, and new metall, that is a very good signe assuring that, that
Metall, of which it is a vein, is not far off.
So also if the earth that is digged have no Metall in it, but be fat,
of a white colour, or black, or like clay or green, or blue, &c. then
that also is a good signe of some good Metall that is hid under it.
Therefore you must continue digging, and not give over.
Miners in the first place have respect to the excellent, beautiful,
and chiefest colours, as are green earth, or Chrysocoll, Verdegrease,
Azure, Cinnabar, Sandaracha, Auripigmentum, Litharge of Gold, and
Silver, &c. every one of these almost doe for the most part signifie a
peculiar Metall, or Minerall.
So Verdegrease, Chrysocolla, green earth, for most part signifie Copper.
So Azure, or white Arsenick, or Litharge of Silver signifie the Metall
of Copper.
So Cinnabar, and Sandaracha do sometimes signifie Gold, sometimes
Silver, and sometimes a mixture of both.
So Auripigmentum, red Sulphur, and Litharge of Gold, for the most part
signifie Gold.
So when Chrysocoll is found mixt with the Azure, or the Azure with
Chrysocoll, and Auripigment, for the most part they signifie an
excellent and rich Minerall.
Where stones, or earth are found of an Iron colour, they doe certainly
betoken an Iron Mine.
You must note, that sometimes it comes to passe, that the Archeius of
the earth doth by some secret passage cast up some Metall from the more
inward part of the earth. And that is a good signe.
Miners therefore must not bee discouraged when they see such certaine
signes, and hope of some excellent Mine lying under. And if thin leaves
of Metalls, like Talke, do adhere to rocks, or stones, that is a most
sure sign.
[Sidenote: What Coruscations signifie in Mines.]
Now concerning Coruscations they must bee diligently, and studiously
observed, for, they are most certain signes of Metalls lying hid under
them, as also of the same extent, and same kind. Where yet wee must
note, that those Metalls are not yet come to perfection, but are as yet
in their first being. And whither soever the Coruscation reacheth, so
far also reacheth the course of Metalls, &c.
[Sidenote: Coruscations are of three colours.]
Moreover you must know, that Coruscation is of a threefold colour, as
White, Yellow, and Red, whereby all Metalls are discovered to us. For
a white Coruscation signifies white Metalls, as Tinne, Lead, Silver,
&c. a red Coruscation signifies red Metalls, as Copper, and Iron, &c. a
yellow Coruscation signifies golden Metalls.
Add moreover, that a thin, and subtil Coruscation is the best signe.
For as you see it is in trees, that by how much the fewer flowers there
are, so much the better, greater, and more savory are the fruit: so
also small and subtile Coruscations signifie subtile and excellent
Metalls, as the contrary doe the contrary.
Moreover you must know, that as long as those Coruscations appear,
whether they be great, or small, or of this or that colour, the Metalls
in those Mines have not yet attained to perfection, but are yet in
their first being as the sperm of a man in the matrix of a woman.
[Sidenote: What Coruscation is.]
But now what Coruscation is, wee must consider in this place: and we
must know that it appears in the Mines by night like a sparkling fire,
no otherwise then gunpowder that is laid in a long train, and being
kindled at one end makes a long flashing.
After the same manner is Coruscation carried along, from the East to
the West, or from the West to the East, from the South to the North, or
contrarily.
All these Coruscations, how ever they appear, are a certain signe of
Courses of Metalls, that by them they may be known, and Metalls as
certain gifts of God may be brought forth out of the earth. For what
God created for mans use, hee put that nature into it that it should
not be hid: and although it were hid, yet he made peculiar externall
signes which conduce to the finding of it out, by which the wonderful
predestination of it may be known.
In the same manner if men hide treasures they marke the place with some
certain marks, and bury them by some bound, statue, or fountaine, or
any other thing, that when there is occasion they may find, and dig
them up again.
[Sidenote: How Chaldeans and Grecians hide their treasure.]
The ancient _Chaldeans_ and _Grecians_, if in times of war fearing to
be driven away, or banished, they would hide their treasure, would
marke the place no otherwise, then propose to themselves a certain day,
hour, and minute of the year, and did observe in what place the Sun,
or Moon should cast their shadow, and there did bury, and hide their
treasure.
[Sidenote: What Sciomancy is.]
This Art they call _Sciomancy_, _i.e._ the Art of Shadowing. By these
shadowings many Arts have had their ground, and many hid things have
been revealed, and all Spirits, and Astrall bodies are known.
These are Cabalisticall signes, that cannot deceive, and therefore
diligently to bee taken notice of.
[Sidenote: Divining Rods uncertaine.]
You must therefore take heed, that you suffer not your selves to be
seduced by the divinations of uncertain Arts; for they are vain, and
fruitlesse, especially Divining rods, which have deceived many Miners.
For if they shew a thing truly once, they faile ten times.
Also wee must not trust other fraudulent signes of the devill, which
are made, and appeare in the night, and at some inconvenient times
preternaturally, such as are ghosts, & visions. For I would have you
know, that the devill can shew, and cause signes, but out of meer
fraud, and deceit.
So there is no Church built, but the devill hath his Chappell there.
There is no Chappell built, but hee sets up his Altar. There is no
good seed, but hee sows amongst it his tares. The same is the nature
of Visions, and supernaturall Apparitions, in Crystalls, Berills,
Looking-glasses, and Waters, as they are by Ceremoniall Negromancers
contrary to Gods command, and the power of the light of Nature basely
abused.
Visions indeed are not absolutely to be rejected; for they have their
place, but then they must bee done after another processe. For now wee
are not any longer in the first generation, but the second. Ceremonies
therefore, and Conjurations are not any longer to be used by us
Christians in the regeneration, as the Ancients in the old Testament,
who lived in the first generation used them. For those prefigurations
were for us who were to live in the New Testament.
Whatsoever things therefore the Ancients that were under the Old
Testament, and in the first Generation did doe by Ceremonies,
Conjurations, &c. wee Christians of the second Generation, and in the
New Testament must doe by prayer, knocking, and seeking, and procure by
faith.
[Sidenote: In what chiefe points the foundations of Magick and Cabalie
consists.]
In these 3 chief points consists all the foundation of the Magicall,
and Cabalisticall Art, by which wee may obtain whatsoever we desire, so
that to us Christians nothing is impossible.
But wee shall desist to treat here of more things concerning these
and other monuments of Cabalie, spoken of sufficiently in the book
of _Visions_. I refer you thither, that you may see how wonderfully
Christ the Son of God works by his Angells in us Christians, and the
faithfull, and how brotherly he is conversant with us. Whence we are
the true Angels, and members of Christ, as hee is our head, as hee is
in us, so we live in him, as is taught in the booke of the Lords Supper.
[Sidenote: What is the vertue of the Tincture of Philosophers.]
But to returne to our purpose concerning Minerall signes, and
especially concerning the Coruscation of Metalline veins, we must know,
that as Metalls, which are yet in their first being, send forth their
Coruscation, _i.e._ Signes, so also the _Tincture of Philosophers_,
which changeth all imperfect Metalls into Silver, and Gold (or White
Metalls into Silver, and Red into Gold) puts forth its proper signs
like unto Coruscation, if it be Astrally perfected, and prepared. For
as soon as a small quantity of it is cast upon a fluxil metall, so that
they mixe together in the fire; there ariseth a naturall Coruscation,
and brigthnesse, like to that of fine Gold, or Silver in a test, which
then is a signe that that Gold, or Silver, is freed and purged without
all manner of addition of other Metalls.
[Sidenote: How the Tincture of Philosophers is made astrall.]
But how the Tincture of Philosophers is made Astrall, you must conceive
it after this manner:
First of all you must know, that every Metall, as long as it lies hid
in its first being, hath its certaine peculiar stars.
So Gold hath the stars of the Sun, Silver the stars of the Moon, Copper
the stars of Venus, Iron the stars of Mars, Tinne the stars of Jupiter,
Lead the stars of Saturne, Quicksilver the starres of Mercury.
But as soon as they come to their perfection, and are coagulated into a
fixt Metalline body, their stars fall off from them, and leave them, as
a dead body.
Hence it follows, that all such bodies are afterwards dead, and
inefficacious, and that the unconquered star of Metalls doth overcome
them all, and converts them into its nature, and makes them all Astrall.
[Sidenote: Gold that is made by the Tincture is better then naturall.]
For which cause also our Gold, and Silver, which is tinged, and
prepared with our tincture, is much more excellent, and better for the
preparation of Medicinall secrets, then that which is naturall, which
Nature generates in the Mines, and afterwards is separated from other
Metalls.
So also the Mercury of a body, is made Astrally of another body, and
is much more noble, and fixt then common Mercury. And so of the other
Metalls.
I say therefore, that every Alchymist, which hath that star of Gold,
can turne all Red Metalls into Gold by tinging of them.
So by the star of Silver all White Metalls are changed into Silver: by
the star of Copper into Copper: by the star of Quicksilver into Mercury
of the body; and so of the rest.
But now how all these stars are prepared according to the Spagiricall
Art, it is not our purpose at this time to declare: but the explication
of them belongs to our bookes of the Transmutation of Metalls.
[Sidenote: The nature of the red Tincture.]
But as for that which concerns their signes, I would have you know,
that our Red tincture, which contains the stars of Gold to bee of a
most fixt substance, of most quick penetration, and of a most intense
redness, in powder resembling the colour of Saffron, but in its whole
body the colour of a Rubie; I say it is a Tincture as fluxil as Wax,
as transparent as Crystall, as brittle as Glasse, and for weight most
heavy.
[Sidenote: The nature of the white.]
The white tincture, which containes the star of the Moon is after
the same manner of a fixt substance, of an unchangeable quantity, of
wonderfull whitenesse, as fluid as Resine, as transparent as Crystall,
as brittle as Glasse, and for weight like to a Diamond.
[Sidenote: The star of Copper.]
The star of Copper is of a wonderfull citrine colour, like to an
Emrald, as fluxill as Resine, much heavier then its Metall.
[Sidenote: The star of white Tin.]
The starre of white Tinne is as fluid as Resine, of a darke colour with
some mixture of yellow.
[Sidenote: The star of Iron.]
The star of Iron is very red, as transparent as a Granate, as fluxil as
Resine, as brittle as Glasse, of a fixt substance, much heavier then
its Metall.
[Sidenote: The star of Lead.]
The star of Lead is like Cobaltum, black, yet transparent, as fluxile
as Resine, as brittle as Glasse, equall to Gold for weight, heavier
then other Lead.
[Sidenote: The star of Quicksilver.]
The star of Quicksilver is of a wonderfull white, sparkling colour,
like to snow, in the extreamest cold weather, very subtile, of a
penetrating, corrosive acrimony, as transparent as Crystall, flowing as
easily as Resine, very cold to the tast, but very hot within, as if it
were fire, but of a very volatil substance in the fire.
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.
[Sidenote: 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.
This you see in fat substances, as Tallow, Oyle, Resine, and the like:
but if without any flame it goes all into fume, it is a signe that
there is in it much Mercury, and little or no Sulphur.
This you see happens in hearbs, and flowers, &c. and other Vegetable
substances, and volatile bodies, as are Mineralls, and Metalls,
remaining yet in their first being, and are not mixed with any
sulphureous body, which send forth a fume, and no flame.
Mineralls, and Metalls, which send forth neither fume nor flame, doe
shew an equall mixtion of Mercury, and Sulphur, and a perfect fixation.
[Illustration: *decorative divider*]
_Of some peculiar Signes of Naturall and Supernaturall things._
Wee must yet further speak of some peculiar signes, of which hitherto
we have said nothing.
In which Treatise it will be very necessary for you, that boast your
selves to have skill in the Art of Signatures, and desire to be called
Signators, that you rightly understand mee. For wee shall not in this
place write theoretically, but practically, and shall declare our
opinion in few words.
[Sidenote: What the art of signing is.]
And first know, that the Art of signing doth teach how true, and
sutable names are to bee put upon all things, all which _Adam_ truly
knew. For presently after the Creation hee gave to every thing its
proper name, as to Animalls, so to Trees, Hearbs, Rootes, Stones,
Mineralls, Metalls, Waters, &c. And to all the fruits of the earth,
Water, Air, Fire, &c. And what names he put upon them all, were
ratified, and approved of by God. For from the true, and intrinsecall
foundation he tooke them all; not from opinion, or from a predestinated
science, _viz._ the Art of Signing.
[Sidenote: Adam the first signator.]
_Adam_ therefore was the first Signator. And it cannot be denyed, that
also from the _Hebrew_ tongue true and proper names doe flow, and are
put upon every thing according to its nature, and condition.
[Sidenote: The nature of the Hebrew tongue.]
For what names are put upon them from the _Hebrew_ tongue, doe with the
same labour signifie their vertue, power, and property.
So when wee say, this is a Hog, a Horse, a Cow, a Beare, a Dog, a Fox,
a Sheep.
[Sidenote: The signification of a Hog, Horse, Cow, Beare, Fox, Dog,
sheep, in the Hebrew tongue.]
The name of a Hog signifies together with it a filthy and unclean
Animall: so a Horse signifies a strong and patient Animall: a Cow, a
devouring, and insatiable beast: a Bear, a strong, victorious, and an
untamed brute: a Fox, a shifting, and crafty beast: a Dog, an animall
false to those of his own kind: a Sheep, a mild and profitable beast,
and hurtful to none.
Hence it is that a man is called a Hog, for his sordid and swinish life.
And a Horse for his bearing, for which hee is eminent.
And a Cow, because shee is unsatiable with meat, and drink, and knows
no measure of her belly.
And a Bear, because he is mishapen, and stronger then other men.
A Fox, because he is a turn-coat, and deceitfull, accommodating
himselfe to all, and offending none.
A Dog, because he is faithfull to none, but his own mouth, is false,
and inofficious to all.
And a Sheep, because hee hurts no body but himselfe, and is usefull to
all, rather then to himself, &c.
[Sidenote: In what hearbs there is a signature.]
After this manner also many Hearbs, and Rootes have got their name.
So Eye-bright is so called, because it cures weak, and sore eyes.
So the Root Bloudwort is so called, because it stops bloud better then
any other.
So the Hearb Pile-wort is so called, because it cures the piles better
then other hearbs.
The same also may be said of divers other hearbs, of which sort I could
reckon a great number, all which were so called from their vertue, and
faculty, as shall more largely be declared in our Herball.