FINIS.

[Illustration: _Fig:_ I

_Fig:_ II

_Fig:_ III]

THE

THIRD PART

OF

Philosophical Furnaces:

_In which is described the Nature of the Third Furnace; by the

help whereof, and that without Stills, and Caldrons, and other

Copper, Iron, Tin, and Leaden Instruments, various Vegetable

burning Spirits, Extracts, Oyls, Salts, =&c.= by the help of a

certain little Copper Instrument, and Wooden Vessels are made for

Chymical and Medicinal Uses._

A Preface of the Copper Instrument and Furnace.

_Now this Instrument is made of strong Copper plates after the

following manner. You must make two strong hemispheares of Copper or

Latten of the bigness of a mans head (or thereabout) and join them

together with a most strong soder, and that without tin, whereof the

one must have a pipe: Now the pipe must be of a most exact roundness,

that it may most accurately fit the hole that is made with an auger

or wimble to keep the water from flowing out like to a tap, of the

length of one span at least, wider on the hinder part towards the

globe, than on the forepart, which also must be according to the

bigness of the globe, greater or lesser, and be exactly joined with

the best soder to its hemisphear, and the diameter of the forepart

being very round like a tap, and most exactly filling the round hole

must be of two fingers breath. Now there is required to the foresaid

instrument or globe, a certain peculiar little furnace made of iron

or copper, =viz.= most strong copper plates, covered within with

stones or the best lute, into which is put that globe like a retort,

so that it may ly upon two iron bars of the distance of a span, or

span and half from the grate; the neck whereof (that pipe) goeth

forth of the furnace one span at least. The furnace also must have

below a place for the ashes, and above a cover with its hole for the

letting forth of the smoke, and for regulating the fire, as you may

see by the annexed figure. It must also below have a treefoot, on

which the furnace must be set, and on the sides two handles by the

help whereof it may be removed from place to place; the which is very

necessary; for it is not only used for the distilling of burning

spirits by wooden Vessels instead of copper, but also for such

distillation, and digestion that is performed in gourds, bolt-heads,

and other instruments of glass, stone, copper, tin, =&c.= which are

to be set in Balneo: also in the boyling of beer, metheglin, wine,

and other drinks, which are to be performed by the help of wooden

Vessels._

_Of Wooden Instruments that are to be used instead of Stills, Baths,

and Cauldrons._

_In the first Figure_, _A_ represents the Furnace with a Copper

Globe. _B._ The Copper Globe. _C._ The distilling Vessel. _D._

The Refrigeratory with a Worm. _E._ The Receiver. _F._ Stools on

which the Vessels stand. _The Second_, _A_ Balneum with a Cover

having Holes in it for the Glasses, set upon a Tree-foot.

_The Third_, A Wooden Vessel for the making of Beer. _The Fourth_,

A Tub for a moist Bath, which is to be warmed by the Copper

Globe. _The Fifth_, A wooden Box for a dry Bath to provoke sweat

with Volatile Spirits.

In the first place I shall speak of wooden Vessels that are to be used

instead of Copper stills, in the distilling of burning spirits out of

wine, beer, lees, malt, wheat, meal, roots, hearbs, flowers, seeds, and

other vegetables, as also oyls of vegetables.

See that thou hast an oken barrel, like to those wherein wine and

beer are kept, of a just bigness, _viz._ answerable to the bigness of

the globe, as is sufficient for the coction: for a barrel that is too

big will make the coction slow, and tedious. A greater globe may be

fitted to a lesser barrel, but not on the contrary, a great barrel to a

little globe: For by how much the bigger the globe is, and the less the

barrel, so much the sooner is the work hastned. Now seeing that this

Art was invented for the saving of costs, which otherwise would have

been expended in providing of stils, cauldrons, furnaces, _&c._ it is

best not to have too great a globe, which requires a greater furnace,

and is more hardly to be carryed, because it is to be covered within

with lute, or a wall; for it is sufficient if it be big enough for the

coction. Wherefore I will give you a just and due proportion of both,

_viz._ of the globe, and vessel, which in distillations and other

operations, the curteous reader may imitate.

A globe of the bigness of a mans head, containing three or four cannes,

whereof each containeth four pints, is sufficient for the heating of a

barrel of 30, 40, 50, 60. and 100 gallons, which by how much the more

remote from 100 and nearer to 30, so much the sooner is it heated, and

the coction furthered; and on the contrary, by how much the nearer it

is to 100 and more remote from 30, so much the slower is the coction.

I do not therefore advise that a huge barrel be chosen for a small

globe, by reason of a long and tedious operation: And if all and every

thing be not so accurately observed to a hair, yet it matters not much,

because it sufficeth to do the same thing by the help of one small

copper instrument of divers forms. For in this way of distilling,

wooden vessels that are requisite to the distilling of spirits, and

boyling of Bear, and for baths are more easily provided, then so many

copper vessels in the common way. For by this means not only costs are

spared, but also it is in stead of building of furnaces, because when

any barrel hath been used, you may remove it, and set another in the

place of it for another operation, the which cannot be done with stills

and cauldrons fastened into a furnace. And this invention is for those

that want Artificers, as Coppersmiths, _&c._ because wooden instruments

are more easily provided: also by the help of this globe may most

secret operations be performed.

For the furnace with the copper globe may be built in one place, and

in another place the _Balneum_, _viz._ the places divided with a

wall, so that he that looks to the fire may not know what is done in

the Elaboratory; for oftentimes the care of the fire is committed to

heedless servants, that break glass instruments by their carelesseness,

by which means oftentimes a most pretious medicine is lost; which

danger this invention is without.

Wherefore this copper globe with its wooden vessels is more convenient

then those copper stills and cauldrons. But this I would have thee know

that this new invented distillation is slower, then the common way

which is performed by stills, and consequently requires a long fire.

I desire therefore the rich that dwell in large and spacious houses,

that they would use the old way of distilling; but the poor, who have

but little houshold conveniences, and the covetous, that they would use

this little copper globe with its wooden vessels: for although there be

a longer fire required, yet these are not to be compared to those costs

which are otherwise expended upon so many copper vessels of so many

divers forms. Let him therefore keep to his copper vessels, who cannot

understand me, for it concernes not me. Without doubt there are some

whom this my new invented way of distilling will please, before other,

being communicated for the sake of the poor labouring house-keepers,

that cannot boyl Beer, and distill burning spirits for lack of vessels:

for a globe of five or four pound is more easily provided, then other

copper vessels of 60, 80, 100 pound: also those wooden vessels are

more easily provided than furnaces, which some for want of place only

cannot build. Choose therefore which way thou wilt, for these things

which I have wrote, I have wrote for the poors sake rather than for

the rich. Certainly rich men that have spacious Elaboratories need not

to be ashamed to follow this way, for it is free for every man to go

a shorter way, unless they had rather prefer the old way before a new

and compendious, whom I cannot help, being contented with a publication

which is made for the sake of my neighbour, whether it be taken well

or ill, with a good minde, certainly knowing that more profit then

disprofit may be obtained by the help thereof. It shall not therefore

repent him of his labor, who knows rightly to prepare and use this

copper, and wooden vessels.

_There follows now the preparation of the vessel._

The vessel being made is to be placed with one bottom, upon a stool

that is fitted for it, which being done, make a hole with a wimble neer

the bottom, for the receiving of the neck of the copper globe, which

is to be covered over with a linnen cloth: make also about the lower

bottom another hole for a tap, by the help whereof the remainder of the

distillation is drawn forth: also you must make a large hole in the

upper bottom, the diameter whereof must be one span for to pour in the

water to be distilled, with a funnel. Also there must be made a hole

near the upper bottom of two or three fingers breadth, into which is to

be put a copper pipe of a span long, which is to be fastened closely

therein; and to this pipe another oaken vessel with a copper worm and

cold water like to other refrigeratories, must be applyed. Also the

joints of the aforesaid short pipe, _viz._ of the first barrel, and

of the second barrel, _viz._ the refrigeratory must be straightly,

and closely united together, which afterward may be the better joyned

together with a fit lute for the distilling. And this is the form and

fashion of the wooden vessel, that is to be used in the place of copper

vessels, in the distilling of burning spirits and oyls. But thou wilt

object that these kind of wooden vessels are porous, and drink up great

part of the spirit and oyls.

I answer; none of the spirits seeketh a violent passage out, in case

the ways be open. There is no danger therefore, when there is passage

enough given them by a pipe that is wide enough. Neither doth oyl

stick to them in distillation, for whatsoever is by force of the

boyling water to be separated from the spices, and seeds that also

is sublimable by the force of the seething water, so as to distill

in, so that in the refrigeratory no more is lost than in the stills.

Distillation being made, the aforesaid spirits may be rectified in

these wooden vessels, (being first washed) as well as in copper stills.

_The making of a wooden vessel for a Balneum, which is to be used

in stead of copper and leaden Cauldrons for digestion, and

distillation by glass vessels._

Make an oaken vessel as big or as little as you please, according to

the greatness, or littleness, multitude, or fewness of the vessels,

of two or three spans high, a little narrower above then below,

and so fashioned above, that a cover of wood, copper, or lead, may

most closely be joyned to it: the cover must have holes greater or

lesser, according to the glasses, as is wont to be in the making of

a _Balneum_, as you may see by the annexed figure. This vessel also

must be placed upon a stool of the height of an ell, or such height as

is required for the joyning of the copper globe with the _Balneum_,

which must have a hole near the lower bottom, for the receiving of the

neck of the aforesaid globe. In defect of such a vessel, which yet you

may provide easily enough, take a wine or bear vessel divided in the

middle, and make a hole near the bottom for the neck of the globe, make

also a wooden cover with holes, &c. He that will be curious may provide

all things according to the best Art.

_A wooden vessel serving for boyling of bear, metheglin, vinegar,

=&c.= as well as copper, iron, and tin vessels._

Make a wooden vessel, which shall be more high than broad, a little

wider above than below, as you please: or take a wine or bear barrel

divided in the middle, and near the bottom make a hole for the neck of

the globe, which is to be covered with boards, which serves as well for

the boyling of bear, _&c._ as those of copper.

_A wooden vessel for a bath for sweet, or mineral water, which may

be according as you please, kept warm, for the preserving of

health._

Make a long wooden tub convenient to sit in, which is to be set upon a

stool of a just height, _viz._ that the bottom of the vessel may answer

the neck of the globe which is put into the furnace: you may also have

a cover, that may cover the whole tub, which may be divided and united

in that place where the head goes forth, as appears by the annexed

figure, or you may cover it with a cloth, laying it upon small crooked

sticks fastned to the tub, yet so that the head may have its liberty,

especially in a vaporous bath of common sweet, or medicinal water; or

make a high wooden cover shutting very close, for a dry sweat, where it

is no matter whether the head be shut in or no.

_Of the use of wooden vessels in distilling, boyling, bathing,

=&c.= And first of the distilling vessel._

He that will distill any burning spirit by help of the distilling

vessel, out of wine, metheglin, bear, barley, wheat, meal, apples,

pears, cherries, figs, _&c._ also out of flowers, seeds, and other

vegetables, hath need so to prepare his materials, that they may yield

their spirit. Where I thought it convenient, and indeed necessary

to say something of the preparation of each vegetable, for better

information sake, or else a profitable distillation is not to be

expected, but labour in vain to be feared.

_And first of the preparation of the lees of wine, bear, hydromel,

and other drinks._

The lees of wine, bear, hydromel, _&c._ have no need to be prepared,

because they do easily enough of themselves yield their spirit,

unless haply having lost all their humidity they be dryed, which you

may make moist again by the admixion of common water, lest they be

burnt in distilling & stick to the vessel; of which thing more in

the distillation it self. Now flowers, roots, hearbs, seeds, fruits,

apples, pears, cannot be distilled without a foregoing preparation.

You must therefore first prepare them, as followeth.

_Of the preparation of all kind of corn, as Wheat, Oats, Barly,

=&c.= which must go before the distilling of the spirit._

And first of all a malt must be made of the corn, as it is wont to be

in the making of bear. Now the manner of making of malt is known almost

to all, wherefore I need not speak much of that, because in all places

that have no wine, there is scarce any house found in which Malt and

Bear is not made, as well in the country as cities. But however, there

is a great deal of difference of making of it, for a long knife doth

not make a good Cook, nor all drinkers of wine are good planters. For

many have perswaded themselves, that, if they follow the footsteps

of their fathers, they have done well (although they have been in an

errour) and being scornful, refuse instruction. Wherefore something is

to be said of the difference of malting. Although I never exercised

the Art of making Beer, yet I am certain I do in that excel all other

Distillers, and Brewers. For I often saw, and indeed with admiration,

the simplicity of many in their operations, although common, and

dayly, to whom though an age should be granted, yet they would never

be more thrifty, being content with their ancient customes. Good God!

How perverse is the world, where no body labours to find out any good,

neither is there any one that thinks of perfecting, and amending things

already found out: Where all things run to ruin, and all manner of vice

increase: for now almost every one seeks only after riches _by right or

wrong_; for it is all one with them, if they have them, not thinking

that things ill gotten shall perish, and that the third heir shall not

injoy them, and that unjust riches shall devour those that have been

honestly gotten, with danger also of eternal damnation. I pray you, if

our Ancestors had been so negligent, and had left nothing to us: I pray

you, I say, what Arts and Sciences should we have had now? It is come

to this pass now, that vertues decrease, and vices increase.

_Of the difference of malting._

The difference of malt, by reason whereof it yields better or worse

beer, and spirit, consists for the most part in the preparation

thereof: for being made after the vulgar way it retains its tast,

wherefore it cannot yield good spirit, nor good beer, which is observed

of very few, wherefore they could not draw forth good spirit out of

corn, but such as savours of the tast and smell of the malt. Which is

not the fault of the corn, but of the artificer not operating aright

in the preparation of his malt, in distilling and rectifying. For

if it were prepared a right in all things, corn yields a very good

spirit, not unlike to that which is made out of the lees of wine, in

tast, odour, and other vertues. Which Art, although it be not known

to all, yet it doth not follow that it is impossible: Now I did not

say that it is that common way, whereby that spirit, which is like to

the spirit of wine, is distilled, but another which is more subtil,

and witty. Out of all vegetables is drawn a burning spirit, yet such

as is perceived by some difference of the tast, and odour, but that

is not the spirits faults, but of the vegetable, as of hearbs, seeds,

corn, _&c._ communicating their vertues, tast, and odour to the spirit:

whence that spirit deserves to be called not simple, but compounded,

for else all the burning spirit (being rightly rectified from its

flegm) is made out of any thing, having the same vertues with the

spirit of wine, although it seem improbable to some. I do not deny

that one simple may yield more or less sweet spirit than another. For

sweeter wines yields sweeter spirits: Also clear wine yields a sweeter

spirit than the lees of wine, although they come forth out of one

and the same vessel: For clarified wine, and that which is separated

from the fæces yields a sweeter spirit than the Lees, and impure and

heterogeneal sediment, which corrupts the simple, and sweet spirit,

with a strong tast and smell: so that that may deservedly, being as it

were simple, be preferred before this which is accidentally corrupted.

And this is to be understood of all other spirits. What hath hitherto

been said, hath been spoken for the sakes of them, who have perswaded

themselves that they could not perform chymical operations so well by

the spirit of corn, as with the spirit of wine, for I never found any

difference of them in the extraction of minerals or vegetables. Let him

therefore that can, receive my opinion, and experience, seeing I will

have nothing to do with contradicting Carpers: Without hurt to others I

dare not reveal the Art of distilling a sweet spirit with great profit

out of corn, in all things like to that which is made of the fæces of

wine, _viz._ without the preparation or grinding of the malt, which

shall haply be [* _See Explicat. Mirac. Mundi_] communicated elsewhere

at some time or other. For this Book is not written for the publishing

of secrets, but of a new invented distillation. But thou that wilt make

a sweet burning spirit out of malt or honey; know this, that the corn

must be brought after a certain peculiar manner into malt, and lose

its ungrateful savour before its distilling, and fermenting, or else

after the wonted manner a certain ungrateful spirit will be drawn from

thence, that cannot be compared to the spirit of wine. The whole Art

thereof consists in a true preparation; for ungrateful things are by

Art brought into gratefulness, and on the contrary grateful things are

made ungrateful by negligence. And thus much for information sake.

_Of the fermentation of Malt._

Take of Malt ground in a Mill as much as you please, upon which in a

wooden vessel set up right, pour cold water, as much as will moysten

it, and serve for mixtion and comminution; then also pour as much warm

water as will suffice for the making the mixture moist and thin, and

also warm; for it must be neither hot nor cold: which being done mix

with it some new barm, and cover it with a cloth, and in a short space,

being exposed to heat, it will begin to ferment (wherefore the vessel

is not to be filled to the top) and leave it so long in fermentation,

until the mixture descends, which for the most part is wont to be done

the third day, and the malt will be ready for distillation.

_Of the fermentation of Honey._

Neither hath honey any need of a singular Art in its fermentation,

because being mixed with 6, 7, 8, or 10. parts of warm water, it is

dissolved, and unto the solution is added ferment, as has been spoken

concerning malt, which afterward is left covered in some heat for to be

fermented, being fit for distillation when it becomes to wax hot. Now

know that too great a quantity of honey makes a very slow fermentation,

_viz._ of some weeks and months; wherefore for acceleration sake, I

advise that a greater quantity of water be added; although otherwise

it yields plenty of spirits, but ungrateful, which therefore I advise

nobody to distil as being unprofitable, unless any one know how to take

away the [1]ungratefulness thereof.

[1] [_See the Consolat. of Navigators._]

_Of the preparation of Fruits, Seeds, Flowers, Herbs, Roots_, &c.

The fruits of trees, as Cherries, Plumbs, Apples, Pears, Figs,

Juniper-berries, Elder-berries, Dwarf-elder, and Mulberries, _&c._ are

bruised in wooden vessels, with wooden pestils; and upon them being

bruised, is poured warm water, and ferment added to quicken it, as hath

been above said of malt. Seeds are broken in a mill; flowers, hearbs

and roots, are cut small, and are stirred up to fermentation by mixing

of warm water, and barm or yest.

_An Annotation._

Before thou distil the aforesaid vegetables prepared by the help of

fermentation, diligently weigh, and accurately observe whether the

mixture be sufficiently fermented, for sometimes there is too much

cold, or hot water put to it; sometimes the vessel is not well covered,

by which means the cold air is let in, whence the fermentation is

hindred, and consequently the distillation of the spirit: For by the

help of fermentation the burning spirit of the vegetables is set at

liberty, without which it cannot be done; also the distillation is

hindred by too much hast, as well as by too much delay; for if you

begin to distill before the time, _viz._ fermentation not being yet

perfected, thou shalt have but few spirits; wherefore also the better

part is, by many that are unskilful, cast to the swine, but without

any great loss, if the matter were malt, because that swine are fed

therewith; but not so if other vegetables were the matter of the

distillation. Also too much slowness where the matter begins to be

sowre before it be distilled, yields very few spirits, that which often

happens, whilst hearbs, and flowers, _&c._ are out of ignorance left

in fermentation 3, 4, 5. and more weeks, before they be distilled, for

the greatest part of the spirit is then turned to vinegar, which would

not be so very ill done, if so be these men knew how to clarifie the

remainders, and turn it into vinegar, that nothing thereof might be

lost; for the vinegars of hearbs, flowers, seeds, and roots are not to

be contemned. And so often times (a thing to be lamented) the better

part, if they be spices, and pretious things, is lost.

The matter of the distillation, and other choice things, as seeds and

hearbs are cast away with loss; wherefore for admonition sake I was

willing to add such things that the operators may have an opportunity

to consider the matter a little more profoundly with themselves, or at

least of learning the art of distilling from countrymen, who do not

suffer their malt to putrefy, grow sower or mouldy, before they fall

upon their distillations, but presently fermentation being made (the

third or the fourth day) begin their distillation.

But some one will object, that my vegetable spirits are not pure by

reason of the ferment that is mixed, having in it self a spirit. I

answer, there is not so great a portion of the ferment mixed which can

corrupt the vegetable spirit. For although some spoonfuls of ferment

yielding but a few drops of spirits be added to a great quantity of the

vegetables; yet there can come no hurt or detriment to so many quarts

of the vegetable spirit. I have seen some supercilious men that would

not add ferment to the matter of their spirit, but sugar or honey, by

which they would promote fermentation, and so have thought to get a

pure spirit, not considering that honey and sugar, after fermentation

are made to yield their spirit also, whereof one spoonful yields

more than ten or twenty of Barm: But hony and sugar fermenting not

without difficulty themselves, how can they promote the fermentation

of other things? Who also have had experience, that the addition of

their ferment hath been superfluous, whilst their flowers and hearbs

have stood some weeks in maceration, before they begun to ferment,

and that often times they have contracted an acidity, mustiness and

stink, the reason of which was an unsutable ferment. There are indeed

the fruits of some trees that have a sweet and full juice, as grapes,

cherries, apples, pears, figs, _&c._ which need not the addition of any

ferment, having a natural ferment of their own, but other vegetables

not so, being lean, as hearbs, flowers and roots. It is necessary

there to promote the fermentation of them by the addition of a sutable

ferment, lest in length of time these hearbs and seeds lose their

spirit exhaling in maceration. And thus much I was willing to say

for information sake, and indeed for the sake of them who seek after

the best and choicest medicines, wanting a good burning spirit as a

companion applicable to them. For this spirit came not only by it self,

as _Aqua vitæ_, into a medicinal use as well internal as external,

especially that which is prepared of cordial, and cephalick hearbs;

but also being united with the proper oyls of those hearbs in many

desperate diseases, where it could put forth its vertues eminently.

And thus much sufficeth concerning the preparation of vegetables that

goes before the distillation of burning spirits.

_The manner of distilling in general followeth._

He that is going to distil, hath need to stir his fermented matter

very well with a stick, that the thicker parts may be well mixed with

the thinner, and then he must fill therewith his distilling vessel set

upon a treefoot, and joyned to the copper globe in the furnace on one

side, and to the refrigeratory on the other, the joints in all places

being well closed either with Oxe-bladders, or with starch and paper.

Also the interiour part of the globe in the distilling vessel must

be fenced with a copper or wooden basket, that the herbs, seeds, and

other things enter not into the globe, into which only water must

come. Also the upper hole must be close stopped with a fitting stopple

wrapt about with linnen clouts, (_viz._ that hole by which the matter

to be distilled is put in) like to vessels of wine that are stopped.

Which being well done, you must kindle the fire in the furnace under

the globe, until all the matter in the whole vessel boyl well, and that

burning spirit rise, and go out, through the refrigeratory (where it is

condensed) into the glass receiver that is set under it, no less than

that distilled out of a still; and you must continue the fire till all

the spirit be come forth, which you may know by the taste. Which being

done, and all things being cold, let the remainders be taken out by the

lower large tap-hole, for meat for swine, or other uses. The spirit

that is drawn off may be exalted, and rectified at your pleasure in the

same vessel, being first made clean together with the refrigeratory.

Note well, that sometimes there is left a fat oyl with the flegm in

rectifying of the spirit, proceeding from that hearb of which that

was the spirit, which did distil off with the spirit from the matter

with a strong fire in the first distillation, but in the rectifying

could not ascend with the spirit in a gentle fire, but is constrained

to remain with the insipid flegm. And this oyl also hath its vertues,

especially that which is rectified by a glass gourd in Balneo, with the

spirit of salt, and clarified. Now the like oyl is got almost from all

hearbs, roots, seeds, flowers, and fruits, but out of one subject more

than another, according to the hot and cold temper thereof. Especially

the sediment of wines yields a good quantity of such oyl, which being

rectified is a medicinal true oyl of wine, but not before endued with a

sweet savour, and it is an excellent cordial, although I know no body

that knew this before.

And thus I have shewed the general way of distilling, burning spirits,

by help of the aforesaid wooden distillatory. Now also follows,

_The manner of distilling Spices, Seeds, Flowers, Hearbs, Roots,

Woods_, &c.

First, the seeds must be broken in a mill, flowers, hearbs, and roots

cut small, the woods broken or rasped, upon which afterwards a good

quantity of water (in which they may swim) must be poured for the

maceration of them, so that when the distillation is ended there

may remain some water, lest for want of water they be burnt in the

distilling, and yield an oyl savouring of an _empyreuma_, and not

sweet. Neither is too great a quantity to be poured upon them, but as

much as shall serve to prevent the burning of the aforesaid vegetables

in the distilling of the oyl thereof. And indeed fresh vegetables may

presently without any foregoing maceration, being put with their proper

waters into the distilling vessel be distilled. But they that be dry

may for the space of some dayes be macerated before they be distilled.

Also the water appointed for maceration must be salted, for the better

mollifing, and opening the aforesaid materials, that they may sooner

yield their oyl. Now green and fresh need not any salt water, yet it

will not be hurtful to mix some therewith, because salt helps the

boyling water, so as to make the oyl more easily to ascend. It also

helps and furthers distillation as doth Tartar and Allome, if they be

rightly mixed and ordered. Which being all rightly done, the materials

that are macerated must be put by a funnel into the distilling vessel,

and fire must be given as hath been spoken concerning the burning

spirit, and the oyl of the seed, or wood macerated in the water will

come forth in the distillation together with the water. And although

by this way more oyl comes forth, _viz._ Maceration being made by the

addition of salt, than without salt, by the help of the sweet water

alone, as is the fashion in all places almost to distill oyls of

spices; yet much remaines inseparable by the water, and consequently

not to be sublimed with the water. Therefore the better way is that

which I shewed in the first part to be performed with the spirit of

salt, which if you please you may follow. All the oyl being come forth

(which is perceived by the changing of the receivers) the fire is to

be extinguished, and the remainder is to be taken out, which if it be

of seeds, hearbs, or fruits, may, being yet warm, be fermented by the

addition of ferment for the distilling of the spirit, of which there

cannot be so great a quantity by reason of taking away of the oyl, as

otherwise is drawn out of things that have not lost their oyl: For all

burning spirit partakes of much oyl, of the essence, and nature whereof

more a little after. Now spirits must be made without the addition of

any salt, for salt hinders the fermentation, without which the burning

spirit cannot be had. But the water that is distilled together with the

oyl, is to be set in a certain temperate place, until the oyl ascend,

and swim upon the water, from whence it is to be separated with a

Tunnel (of which in the fifth part,) also there are some oyls which do

not ascend, but fall to the bottom, which are also to be separated with

a Tunnel, and kept for their uses. Now how these oyls may be kept clear

long, and not contract any clamminess, shall be taught in the fifth

part: but how they may after they have lost their clearness by long

standing, and are become tenacious, be restored and clarified again, is

taught in the first part, wherefore I need not here repeat it.

_How Oyls are to be coagulated into Balsames._

It hath been the custom a long time to turn aromatical oyls into

Balsams, where always one hath been willing to excel another in this

Art, which nevertheless was nothing hitherto, but for a washing and

cleansing; for they could not be used inwardly, but only outwardly for

their odour to comfort the heart and brain. Now the aforesaid oyls are

coagulated many ways, and are made portable in Tin, Silver, and ivory

boxes.

Some have mixed the fat of a lamb with them by help of heat, and have

turned them into a liniment, which they have coloured with divers

colours; as for example, they have corrupted the oyls of green hearbs;

as rosemary, marjoram, lavender, rue, sage, with a green colour, by the

admixtion of verdigrease (which is noxious to the head and heart) where

one corroborates and refresheth, another destroys. They have tinged the

Balsam of Cinnamon, and _lignum Rhodium_ with a red colour by the help

of a poysonous Cinnabar. Others that are more industrious, have tinged

their Oyls with extracted colours of vegetables, which balsams are more

safely taken inward: But they are not durable, acquiring a sliminess

and stink; wherefore they have mixed white wax to coagulate them: By

which means they are become more durable without stinking; but yet

in length of time so tenacious, that being smeared or rubbed upon the

skin, they stick fast by reason of the wax that is mixed with them: at

last others have found out a better way of coagulating aromatical oyls,

and other things, _viz._ by the addition of the oyl of Nutmeg made by

expression, having lost its odour and colour by spirit of wine; which

they called the _Mother of Balsames_. And this way hath been a long

time concealed by Apothecaries as a great secret, until at length it

is become common, so that balsames prepared after this manner are sold

almost in all shops: But although that be the best way, yet they are

not durable balsames that are made that way, because they lack salt.

I do not contemn and disapprove of Balsames made after this way, for

if a better way had been known, better had been made, for no man is

obliged beyond his power. Wherefore they are not only to be excused,

that have used Lambs fat, Wax, and the oyl of Nutmegs in the making

of their Balsames, but also to be honoured for their communication.

Now seeing the aforesaid Balsames cannot be taken inwardly, nor be so

well outwardly administred by reason of their unctuosity, others have

consulted to congeal the Oyls by the admixtion of their own proper

fix-salts: And Balsames prepared after this manner are made free from

clamminess, or tenaciousness, and may be dissolved in wine, beer, or

any liquor.

Wherefore they may be not only conveniently taken inward, but also more

fitly than those old, be rubed outwardly for the odours sake, because

they are easily washed off again with water. They do not only give a

most sweet odour being rubbed, but also by reason of the admixtion

of the fixed salt, having the nature of salt of Tartar, do beautify

the skin. Wherefore they are to be commended, being dissolved in fair

warm water for a lotion for the head, and face; not only because they

beautify, but corroborate with their excellent odour; which those fat

Balsames cannot do. Wherefore this way is to be preferred far before

the other.

Let him therefore that will, receive what I have said, for _rare and

new things are not alwayes accepted_, especially _being obscure_: but I

hope for the approbation of the age to come.

_The manner of preparing follows._

Take the remains of the burning spirit, and being put into a sack,

press it hard: reduce the water pressed out into vinegar, and of roses

thou shalt have a rose vinegar, and of other things another, being the

best in a Family for to season meats: then take the remains out of the

sack, and reduce it to white ashes in a potters furnace, upon which

pour the flegm of its own burning spirit (being separated) to extract

the salt, from which evaporate again all the humidity in a glazed

earthen pot: calcine the coagulated salt gently in a clean crucible,

and it will be white and be like to salt of tartar in tast; from which

abstract, sometimes its own proper burning spirit, calcining the salt

first every time; and the spirit will be so exalted by its proper salt,

that it will presently assume its proper oyl, and will, being poured

upon it, associate it to it self so as to be perceived no more in the

spirit, which will remain very clear: Which being done, calcine the

salt yet once more very well in a crucible, and dissolve so much of

it in its proper flegm, as sufficeth for the coagulation of the oyl,

then mix this solution with the burning spirit, mixed with its oyl, and

set it in a vial of a long neck well stopt, in Balneo, that the spirit

may not exhale, in the coction of it, and in the space of a few hours

there will be an union of the mixture which will be as white as milk.

Which being done, let the glass cool, for there is a conjunction of the

spirit, oyl, and salt, so that neither can be discerned from another,

which is to be poured into a vessel of a wide mouth, and it will be

congealed in the cold like a white ointment, not only to be anointed

withal, but also to be dissolved in any liquor, being of an excellent

odour, which may also be given inwardly very conveniently, and being

used outwardly it makes the skin beautiful and sweet; wherefore this

is that most desired balsame of Princes and Ladies. And by this way

the three principles of vegetables, being separated, and purified, are

again reunited, in which union there is found the whole vertue, tast,

and odour of the vegetable.

Note well, That he that will colour balsames, must draw the colour out

of vegetables with spirit of wine, which he must make to be coagulated

together with it. After this aforesaid manner, therefore you may draw

out of any vegetable that hath in it salt, spirit and oyl, soluble and

well smelling balsomes without the addition of any other strange thing,

which are not to be contemned.

And because here also is taught that most odoriferous balsame of

roses, for roses yield but a little oyl, without which that cannot be

done, know that not only roses or rose leaves also are to be taken

for the making the aforesaid balsome, but also together with the

leaves those whole knots; for that yellow that is in them yields that

oyl, not the rose leaves, _&c._ And let what hath been said suffice

concerning our preparation of balsames, which if they be rightly made,

are not I suppose, to be contemned, neither do I reject those that

are made without salt: Let him that hath better communicate them, and

not carp at ours. And so I would that all and each process should be

comprehended under some one general, _viz._ of distilling burning

spirits, and oyls, by the help of a wooden distilling vessel, and their

conjunction by the help of their proper fixed salt, I could here add

more things concerning the use, and vertues of spirits of wine, and of

those most sweet vegetable oyls; but because they are clearly enough

spoken of by others, I account it a superfluous thing to repeat the

sayings of others, being contented with the description of one only

general process, which you may imitate in other particulars.

_There follows now the use of the second wooden vessel, which

is to be used instead of those of copper or lead, serving for

distillations, digestions, extractions, and fixations._

The vessel being made ready according to the prescription set down

before, there is nothing else to do, than to fit the furnace with the

globe, and at your pleasure to heat water in it, with a government

of the fire in the furnace. Now all things may here be done, which

otherwise are done in a common _Balneo_; where there is no other

difference but of vessels; here is used a wooden vessel, there a

copper, leaden, or iron, _&c._ In this operation also is used the same

furnace with the same globe, which was used above in the distillation,

wherefore you need add nothing else beside, for nothing is more common

than a _Balneum_ in distillation; let the demonstration therefore of

the use of the copper globe suffice. Now I thought it worth while to

set down some Chymical medicinal extracts, not common, which may be

made by the help of this _Balneum_, which being rightly prepared do

many things in many diseases.

_And first of a vomitive Extract._

Take an ounce of the flowers of Antimony, of purifyed Tartar ℥ ij. of

sugar-candy ℥ vj. of rain water two pints, being mixed together, set

them in a strong vial in _Balneo_ for to be cocted, and make them to

boyl strongly the space of ten or twelve hours. Then the _Balneum_

being cold, take out the glass, and pour forth the decoction, and

filter it through a brown paper put into a tunnel; the filtred water

will be reddish betwixt sweet and sowre, which take (the fæces in the

filtre being cast away) and in a small gourd glass draw off all the

moisture with a gentle fire in _Balneo_ unto the consistency of honey

of a brownish colour, upon which again pour a pint of spirit of wine,

poured forth into a vial with a long neck; and set it on _Balneo_ with

a moderate heat the space of eight or sixteen hours, and then the

spirit of wine will separate, and extract the essence, which will be

more pure and noble, the fæces being left in the bottom; which after

all things are cold are to be separated by the Help of Filtration

through a double brown paper. Then take the red tincture that is

filtred, and in a gourd glass in a gentle Balneo draw off almost all

the spirit of wine until there remain a matter like a very sweet

syrup, which being taken out keep as a most excellent vomitive, most

profitable in many diseases, where other Catharticks can do nothing.

For this medicine works most gently, wherefore it may be given to

children of a year and half old without danger, and also to old men.

This medicine purgeth and attracts all humors from the nerves, and

veins, opens all obstructions of the liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys,

by which means many most grievous diseases are cured.

I never found a vomitive comparable to this, which works quickly

and safely. The dose of it is from grain 1, 2, 3, 4. to 10. and 30.

according to the age and sickness. It may be taken by it self, or in

wine, beer, _&c._ and it will within a quarter of an hour begin to

work, and ceaseth within two hours. Sometimes it doth not provoke

vomit at all, but only stools, where a glyster is very helpful if it

be given a little before the administring of the aforsaid medicine,

being made of two or three spoonful of oyl Olive, and salt water; for

the glyster prepares the way below, so that it seldome then works by

way of vomit: when also the patient may presently after the taking of

the medicine hold hot tosted bread to his mouth and nose, which hinders

vomiting and promotes the operation by stool. But in my judgment it

is better not to hinder the medicine seeking a spontaneous way of

operation, and not forced: For vomiting is more convenient for some,

than purging by stool. Now these things I have spoken for the sake of

those, who although they abhor vomiting, yet desire to be purged by the

essence of Antimony, which is of all that I know the most safe, and

sweet Cathartick. For it searcheth the whole body far better than all

others, and frees it from many occult diseases, the which all other

vegetable Catharticks could not do. It hath also this commodity in it,

that although by littleness of the dose, or the strong nature of the

patient it doth not work by vomit or stool, yet it doth not like other

medicines hurt the body, but works either by sweat or urine, so that

Antimony being rightly prepared is seldome administred without profit.

When as on the contrary, vegetable Catharticks being given in less dose

or by reason of some other causes do not work, although they do not

make the body swell, and produce manifest diseases, yet they threaten

to the body occult sicknesses.

Now the _Arcanum_ of Antimony doth not onely not do hurt, if it do

not sensibly operate, but by insensible working doth much good to the

body of man. Wherefore there is a great difference betwixt purging

minerals, and vegetables. For minerals are given in a less dose without

nauseousness, but vegetables with a great deal of nauseousness,

and sometimes with danger to the sick in a greater dose. Now that

nauseousness also proceeding oftentimes from the great dose of the

ungrateful bitter potions does more hurt than the potion it self. I

wish that such kind of gross medicines were abolished, and the sweet

Extracts of Vegetables and Essences of Minerals were substituted in

their place.

_A purging Extract._

Take of the roots of black Hellebore gatherd in fit time, and dryed

in the air, one pound, the roots of Mechoacan, Jallap, of each four

ounces; Cinnamon, Annisseed, and Fennelseed, of each one ounce; of

English Saffron a dram, powder all these Ingredients, then pour upon

them the best rectified spirit of Wine, in a high glass gourd, and upon

this put a blind Alembick, and set it in digestion; in Balneo until

the Spirit of wine be tinged red, which then decant off: and pour on

fresh, and set it again in digestion; until the spirit be red, then

pour on fresh again, and do this so often until the spirit will no more

be tinged red, which commonly is done at three Times. Mix these tinged

spirits, filter them, and in Balneo by a glass Alembick, with a gentle

heat draw them off from the Tincture, and a thick juice will remain

at the bottom of a brownish colour, which you must take out whilst it

is yet hot, and keep it in a clean glass for its uses. The Spirit of

Wine drawn off from the extract may be reserved for the same use. Now

this extract is given from grains 3, 6, 9, 12. to 31. according to the

age, and strength, being mixed with Sugar, it hath not an ungrateful

tast, and it works gently, and safely, if it be not given in too great

a dose. And if thou wilt have it in the form of a Pill, mix with it

being yet hot, an ounce of clear Aloes, and half an ounce of Diagridium

powdered, being mixed bring it into a mass for Pills, and keep it for

your use. The dose is from grain 1. to a scruple. It evacuates all

superfluous humors, but it is not to be compared with the medicine of

Antimony. And this extract I put down for the sakes of those that fear

Minerals, and abhor Vomits, which in my judgment is the best of all

vegetable Catharticks.

_A Diaphoretical Extract._

Take the wood Sassafras, Sarssaparilla, of each six ounces; Ginger,

Galengal, Zedoary, of each three ounces; long Pepper, Cardamoms,

Cubebs, of each an ounce; Cinnamon, Mace, of each half an ounce;

English Saffron, Nutmeg, Cloves, of each a dram: Let the woods be

rasped, the roots and spices poudered, pour upon them, being mixed,

the spirit of wine, and let the tincture be drawn forth in Balneo, as

hath been abovesaid of the purging Extract, evaporate away the spirit

to the consistency of honey, which keep for your use. It is good in

the Plague, Feavers, Scorbute, Leprosie, Frenchpox, and other diseases

proceeding, from the impurity of the blood, curing them by sweat. The

Dose of this Extract is from a scruple to a dram with proper vehicles:

it provoketh sweat presently, driveth away all venenosities from the

heart, and mundifies the blood.

And although it be a most effectual vegetable Diaphoretick yet it may

not be compared to those subtile spirits of minerals, of which in the

second part. Also animal diaphoreticks have their commendations, as the

flesh of vipers, the fixed salt of spiders and toads, in their peculiar

operations, where each alone without the mixture of any other thing

puts forth and sheweth its operations; neither are animal and vegetable

diaphoreticks to be compared to the mineral, as _Bezoarticum minerale_,

_Antimomum diaphoreticum_, and _Aurum diaphoreticum_.

_A Diuretical Extract._

Take the seeds of Saxifrage, Carraway, Fennel, Parsly, Netles, of

each 3. ounces, the root of liquorish, the greater burr, of each an

ounce, the powder of woodlice half an ounce. Let these being mixed and

powdered be extracted with spirit of Juniper according to art: then

mix these following things with the extracted matter: Take the salt of

Ambar, Soot, Netles, of each half a dram, purified Nitre a dram: Let

these be powdered, and mixed with the extract and this mixture be kept

for use. The dose is from a scruple to a dram, in the water of parsly

fennel, _&c._ This extract forceth urin, opens the ureters, purgeth

the reines, and bladder from all viscous flegme (the mother of all

tartareous coagulation) _viz._ if it be used timely: In this case is

commended also the solution of flints, and crystals, made with spirit

of salt. A greater commendation have salts of nephritick hearbs made by

expression, and crystallisation, without calcination, the preparation

whereof shall not here, but elsewhere be taught.

_A somniferous Extract._

Take of _Thebaic opium_ four ounces, of Spirit of Salt two ounces,

purified Tartar one ounce, set them being mixed in maceration in

Balneo in a glass vessel for a day and night, and the spirit of salt

with Tartar will open the body of the _opium_, and prepare it for

extraction, upon which pour half a pint of the best spirit of wine,

set it in a gentle Balneo to be extracted. Decant off the spirit that

is tinged, and pour on fresh, set it in digestion till the spirit be

coloured. Then mix the axtractions together, and put to them in a

glass gourd two drams of the best Saffron, of oyl of Cloves a dram,

and draw off the spirit of wine in Balneo, and there will remain a

thick black juice, which is to be taken out, and kept in a clean glass

vessel. The dose thereof is from one grain, to five or six, for those

of a mans age, but to children the sixth or eighth part of a grain. It

may be used in all hot distempers without danger. It provoketh quiet

sleep, mitigates pains as well outward as inward, it causeth sweat; but

especially it is a sure remedy for the epilepsie in children that are

new-born; for as soon as it is given to them to the quantity of the

eighth part of a grain in wine, or womans milk, there presently follows

rest, and sweat with sleep, by which means the malignity is expelled,

the children are refreshed, and desire victuals, and the fit returns

no more afterwards. Although haply the like symptomes may be perceived

again, yet if the aforesaid dose be administred again, the children are

refreshed, and cured wholly, whereas otherwise they would have dyed,

_&c._ whereof I have not restored few with this medicine. Moreover also

there are very effectual anodine medicines, as those volatile spirits

of vitriol, allome, Antimony, and other minerals, with which, as also

with that narcotick sulphur precipitated from the volatile spirit of

vitriol, nothing may be compared.

_A Cordial Extract._

Take red roses four ounces, of the lilly of the valley two ounces, the

flowers of borage, rosemary, sage, of each an ounce; cinnamon, lignum

aloes, of each two drams; cloves, mace, nutmeg, galangal, cardamoms

the lesser, of each half an ounce; the shavings of ivory, hartshorn,

of each an ounce; of _English_ saffron a dram, of _nux vomica_ a dram:

Mix them and reduce them to a fine powder, and let the tincture be

extracted with spirit of wine in Balneo, which is to be drawn off

again, unto a just consistence. Let the extract be kept for use. It may

be used in almost all faintings, and other affects that are not joyned

with a preternatural heat. The dose thereof is from grains 3, 6, 9. to

a scruple with proper vehicles; being often administred it refresheth

the spirit, corroborates the brain, and other parts of the body. It

is made more efficacious by the adding of the essences of minerals,

especially of gold, of which thing see the first part concerning the

sweet oyl of gold.

_Of an odoriferous Extract._

I need not teach the making of any odoriferous vegetable extract,

because the manner of drawing forth, or distilling oyls of vegetables

that have sweet odores, hath been shewed a little before, as of

hearbs, flowers, and seeds, which are the most noble, and sweet

essences of vegetables, by the odour whereof the heart and brain are

corroborated, which being reduced into balsams are made transportable.

Better extracts therefore, and more excellent cannot in my judgment

be made out of vegetables, then those aforesaid oyls, unless any one

would mix aromatical extracts made with spirit of wine with metallick

solutions, and being mixed digest them, then there will a certain

most odoriferous oyl go from the extract not only more efficacious,

but more excellent than that common distilled oyl by reason of the

admixtion of the spiritual metallick vertue, especially of gold and

silver, dissolved in the acid _Menstruum_ communicating its vertues

to the Aromatical oyl. Moreover any vegetable oyl may be exalted in

vertues and odour by the help of spirit of urine, or salt Armoniack,

by the help whereof not only odoriferous oyls are exalted, but also

the inodorous oyls of vegetables are made odoriferous, if they be a

while digested in spirit of urine: and not this only but every mineral,

and metallick sulphur, although the odour thereof be bound up with

most strong bonds, is opened by the benefit thereof, and is reduced

by digestion in a very little time into a most sweet and odoriferous

essence. Lixivial spirits exalt the odours, and colours of sulphurs;

acid purge sulphurs, but change their colours and odours. Musk and

Civet get the sweetness; and excellency of their odour from the subtile

urinous spirit of a certain Cat, digesting some certain fat and

converting it into such a kind of most odoriferous matter.

And let this that hath been said suffice concerning Extracts, which

might have been omitted, because many of these kind of Extracts are

found in the writings of other authors in many languages: but I was

willing to set down these, lest this book might seem to contain in it

nothing else besides the new way of distilling, being furnished also

with good medicines.

_Of Baths._

A little before hath been given a description of a Tub for a Bath in

which any one may sit with his whole body except his head, not only

to be washed in sweet warm water, whether medicinal and mineral, but

also to sweat in without water, where the vessel is heated by warm

vapours, either of sweet waters, or minerals. And every one may provide

such Baths for himself according to his necessity at home, whereby the

same diseases are cured as those that are cured by the help of natural

Baths, so that he need not for the baths sake go a great journey,

but may stay at home with his family and follow his Calling without

trouble, when he hath occasion and need to used them.

And whereas it cannot be denyed, that by the use of the Baths most

grievous diseases which cannot be cured by Physitians, are happily

cured; I was willing for the sake of my neighbour to publish this

instrument together with the preparation of mineral waters; which

publishing will not without doubt be without profit, and advantage.

Wherefore I will in brief shew you the preparation of mineral, and

sweet waters, and their use, and first,

_Of a Bath of sweet or common water._

There is no art to make a Bath of sweet water, for you have nothing

else to do, then to fill your vessel with river or rain water, and

to make a fire, which by the help of the copper globe will heat the

water, which being sufficiently heated, you may sit in it, and cover

the Tub, that the hot vapors evaporate not, nor the cold air enter in,

and cool the exteriour parts of the body: Wherefore also you must apply

a clean linnen cloth about your neck, lest the warm vapors evaporate

there: which being rightly observed, you may sit the space of 1. 2.

3. hours, or as long as you please or your sickness require. You must

keep a continual heat as much as is necessary, which may be done by the

help of that globe. If you be thirsty in the mean time you may drink

some proper distilled drink according to the nature of your disease,

of which thing nothing now, because I am resolved to write a peculiar

_book de Balneis_, and here only to shew the use of that copper globe

in heating of Baths. And although there be not a perfect instruction of

all, yet of some Baths, and their uses there shall a short instruction

be given in this place.

_Of the nature, and property of natural Baths._

Know that the greatest part of medicinal waters in _Germany_, and

other countries as well hot as cold carry with them from the earth a

certain sulphureous acidity more or less: in which acidity consists

that medicinal faculty and vertue of this or that water. And if those

waters lose their odour and tast by the exhaling of their subtile

spirits, then also they loose their vertues; although also there be

found some waters, which have not only a spiritual sulphur, but also

are impregnated with a certain mineral, or metallick body mixed with

Allome, or Vitriol, which comes not elsewhere then from the common

water running through the mines. There are found also other baths, the

power and vertue whereof consists not in any spiritual sulphur, nor in

any metallick body mixed with salt, but only in a certain spiritual

salt mixed with a certain subtil fixed earth, which waters do not

run through metallick mines as others do, but rather stones of the

mountaines calcined with a subterraneal fire, whence also they borrow

their subtil acidity with their insipid earth. And this no man will

deny that hath the knowledge of volatile and fixed salts of minerals,

and metals: the which I am able to demonstrate with very many, and

most evident reasons, if time and occasion would permit; but it shall

be done sometime or other as hath been said in a peculiar treatise.

Now therefore I will only teach how by salts, minerals, and metals,

artificial Baths may be made, which are not only not inferiour to the

natural in vertue, but also oftentimes far better, and that without

much cost or labour, which any one may use at home in stead of the

natural for the expelling of diseases, and recovering of health. And

although I am resolved to set forth a book that shall treat largely of

the nature, and original of Baths, and of their use; yet I am willing

now also to say something in brief concerning it, and that from the

foundation, seeing that there are so many different opinions of learned

men, and those for the most part uncertain.

As concerning therefore the original of the acidity as well volatile,

as corporeal, as also the heat of Baths, know that is not one, and

the same; for else each would have the same properties, but daily

experience testifies the contrary: For it is manifest that some Baths

help some diseases, and others are hurtful for them, which comes

from nothing else but from the difference of the properties of the

mineral waters proceeding from a diversity of mines impregnating those

waters. In a word, sweet waters attract their powers, and vertues

in the caverns of mountains from some metal and minerals of divers

kinds, that have naturally a most acid spirit of salt, as are divers

kinde of marcasites containing copper and iron, and sometimes gold

and silver; also kinds of vitriol and Allome called by the ancients

_Misii_, _Rarii_, _Chalcitis_, _Melanteria_, and _Pyritis_, whereof

some are found white like metals, but others dispersed in a fat earth,

of a round figure in greater or lesser pieces: which sulphureous salt

mines whilest the water run through, and humectates, that spirit of

salt is stirred up, having got a _vehiculum_, and falls upon the mines

by dissolving them, in which solution the water waxeth warm, as if it

had been poured on quick lime, or like spirit of vitriol, or salt mixed

with water, and poured on iron, and other metals; where continually and

daily that water running through the mines whose nature and properties

it imitates, carrys something with it: wherefore there are so many,

and such various kinds of Baths as are the mines by which the water is

heated. Let him that will not believe take any mineral of the aforesaid

quality, and wrap it up in a wet linen cloth for a little while, and

he will see it experimentally that the mineral stone will be heated by

the water, and so heated, as if it were in the fire, so as thou canst

scarce hold it in thy hand, which at length also by a longer action

will cleave in sunder and be consumed like quick lime.

I will publish some time or other (God willing) more fully, and clearly

in a peculiar treatise this my opinion, which I have now delivered in

very few words. Although to the sick it be all one, and it matters not

them, from what cause the baths come, and whence they borrow their

vertues, if so be they may use them; this controversie being left

to natural Philosophers that will controvert it, which none of them

can better decide than a skilful Chymist, that hath the knowledg of

minerals, metals, and salts.

_And first of sulphureous Baths that have a subtil acidity._

In the second Treatise I have demonstrated the manner of distilling

subtil, volatile, sulphureous spirits, _viz._ of common salt, vitriol,

allome, nitre, sulphur, antimony, and other salts of minerals, and

metals, and their vertues, and intrinsecal properties, now also I will

shew their extrinsecal use, as they are to be mixed with waters for

Baths. The vertues therefore of Baths proceed not from insipid water,

but from those most subtile, volatile, sulphureous, and salt spirits;

but these being of themselves not mixed with water unfit for Baths,

to be used for recovering of health, by reason of their too great

heat, and subtilty; the most high God hath revealed to us unworthy

and ungrateful men his fatherly providence shewing to us by nature

the use of them, and the manner of using of them for the taking away

of diseases; which (nature) being never idle, works uncessantly, and

like a handmaid executes the will of God, by shewing to us the various

kinds of distillations, transmutations, and generations. From which

teacher we must learn all arts and sciences, seeking a certain, and

infallible information, as it were out of a book writ with a divine

hand, and filled with innumerable wonders, and secrets. And this is a

far certainer knowledg then that empty, and imaginary Philosophy of

those vulgar disputing Philosophers. Dost thou think that that true

Philosophy can be sold for a hundred Royals? How can any one judge of

things hid in the earth, who is willfully blind in things exposed to

the light of the Sun, hating knowledge? I wish knowledge were sutable

to the name: how can any one that is ignorant of the nature of fire,

know how to work by fire? fire discovers many things, in which you

may as in a glass see things that are hid; The fire shews to us how

every thing, waters, salt, minerals, and metals, together with other

innumerable things are generated in the bowels of the earth by the

reflexion of that central, and astral fire: for without the knowledge

of fire all nature remains vailed, and occult. Fire (always had in

great esteem by Philosophers) is the key for the unlocking of the

greatest secrets, and to speak in a word, he that is ignorant of fire

is ignorant of nature with her fruits, and he hath nothing, but what he

hath read, or heard, which oftentimes is false, according to that; _He

easily speaks untruths that speaks what he hath heard_.

He that is ignorant knows not how to discern betwixt the truth and

falshood, but takes the one for the other. I pray thee, thou that art

so credulous, dost thou think that thy teacher writ his books from

experience, or from reading other Authors? May they not be corrupted

and sophisticated by antiquity, and frequent description? Also dost

thou understand the true, and genuine sense of them? It is better to

know, than to think; for many are seduced by opinions, and many are

deceived by faith that is without knowledge.

And thus much for youths sake I was willing to say, that they would

not spend their tender years in vanities, but rather would make tryal

in the fire, without which no man obtains a true knowledge of natural

things; which although it seem hard in the beginning, yet it is

pleasant in old age.

_Now follows the mixture of those subtile mineral, sulphureous, and

salt spirits with water._

As concerning the weight of the aforesaid spirits that are to be mixed

with sweet water, giving it the nature, and property of natural baths,

I would have thee know, that of those, which in the second part I

shewed to be various, and divers, being, _viz._ not equal in vertue,

the same weight cannot always be so accurately observed: seeing also

there is a consideration to be had of their strength, and of the

strength of the patient.

Now you may at the beginning mix one or two pound of the spirits with a

sufficient quantity of the water, and then by sitting in it make tryal

of the strength of the artificial Bath, which if it be too weak is to

be increased by adding a greater quantity of the spirits, but if too

strong, then it is to be diminished by abstraction; of which more at

large in _Arte nostra Balneatoria_. Now this observe, that it is best

to make Baths in the beginning weak, then stronger by little and little

by degrees, as the nature of the sick is accustomed to them, that it

be not overcome by the unaccustomed use of them being too strong.

Wherefore Baths are to be used with discretion, and cautiously, for

which matter I refer the reader to my _Artem Balneatoriam_, in which

he shall find plain, and perfect instruction; let it suffice therefore

that I have shewed the use of the Copper Globe, in heating Baths, which

let the sick take in good part, untill more come. Now follows the use.

_Of Sulphur Baths._

Apply the furnace with the Copper Globe to the Tub after the manner

aforesaid, and pour in a sufficient quantity of sweet water, which make

hot with the fire kindled in the furnace by the help of the globe:

which being sufficiently warmed make the patient sit in it, and pour

into it so much of the sulphureous spirit as is sufficient; which

being done cause that the tub be covered all over, that the volatile

spirit vanish not, and as necessity requires, continue the heat till

the patient come forth. Know also that the water is to be changed every

time, and fresh spirits to be mixed. And this is the use of the Copper

globe, in heating baths of sweet or medicinal water, and that either

of vegetables, or mineral, and this made sulphureous by art or nature;

whereby most grievous, and otherwise incurable diseases are happily

cured: Of which enough now in this Treatise.

_The use of the Copper Globe in dry Baths, which are more excellent

than the moist in many cases._

I might have put off this matter unto its proper Treatise, where all

things shall be handled more largely, and clearly: yet by reason of

some unthought of impediments for a while procrastinating the edition

of the promised Treatise, I am resolved to say something of their use,

after I have made mention of the humid, and indeed not only of the use

of those subtile, sulphureous, and dry spirits, but also of the use

of subtile, vegetable and animal spirits which are medicinal, because

in some diseases dry baths are more commodiously used, than moist. He

therefore that will provoke sweat by a dry bath without water, let

him provide a wooden box, or wooden instrument convenient to sit in,

standing upon a stool boared through that you may raise it up more

or less according as you please, and having boards appointed for the

armes and feet to rest upon. This box also besides the great dore

must have also a little dore serving for the putting in of a burning

lamp with spirit of wine, or of any earthen vessel with coals for to

heat it. [_See the sixth figure._] The box being well warmed, let the

patient go in, and sit upon a stool, let the box be very close shut

all about, and the furnace with the Copper Globe be fitted thereunto,

under which let there be a small fire kindled, by help whereof the

volatile spirit growing warm, goeth forth into the box like a most

subtile vapour, penetrating all about the patient. But when this spirit

is not sufficient to heat the box, set in it a burning lamp with spirit

of wine, or some earthen pot with coals (the best whereof are made of

Juniper or the vine, especially of the roots as being such that will

endure long, and cannot easily be extinguished by the vapours of those

spirits) that the patient take not cold, and the vapours of the spirits

may the better penetrate the body of the patient. Let the wick for the

spirit of wine in the burning lamp be incombustible made of the subtle

threads of gold, of which thing more in _Arte Balneatoria_. In the mean

time that volatile spirit penetrates, and heats the whole body, and

performs its office, being this way used better than by being mixed

with water. When the patient hath sate there long enough let him come

forth, and go into a warm bed to sweat. Now before he go into the box

let him take a dose of that volatile spirit, inwardly which is used

outwardly to provoke sweat, and accelerate the action. And by this

means not only those volatile sulphureous spirits of salts, minerals

and metals, are used outwardly without water to procure sweat, but also

the spirits of many vegetables, as of mustard seed, garden cresses,

crude tartar, also of animals, as harts-horn, urin, salt Armoniack,

_&c._ for the expelling of most grievous, and desperate diseases. Now

the aforesaid spirits have divers properties, the volatile spirits of

salt, minerals, and metals have some, those of vegetables and animals

have others; those have a sulphureous and fiery essence; these a

mercurial, and aerial; wherefore they serve for different uses. In some

diseases those sulphureous are preferred; but in others vegetable and

animal, where also a consideration is to be had of the sickness, and

bath it self, that one be not used for the other, to the great dammage

of the sick. For almost all natural baths, and volatile spirits of

salts, minerals, and metals, partake of some most subtle, penetrating,

heating, and drying sulphureous salt spirit; but the spirits of

vegetables, and animals partake of a certain volatility that is most

subtle, penetrating, heating, opening, cutting and attenuating, both

urinous and nitrous, _viz._ contrary to the former; as appears by the

pouring on of any volatile sulphureous spirit, as of common salt,

vitriol, allome, minerals, and metals, upon the rectified spirit of

Urin, or salt Armoniack: where presently the one mortifies the other,

and takes away its volatility, and subtilty: so that of both subtle

spirits of divers natures there cometh a certain salt of no odour and

efficacy. Whence it is manifest that all spirits partaking of divers

natures, and essences have not the same faculties. Therefore be thou

cautious in giving most potent spirits, lest thou give an enemy instead

of a friend, and learn their natures, vertues, and essences, before

thou usest them in medicine. But thou dost ask, whether is that great

force of those spirits gone as it were in a moment? Did it evaporate

in that duel? No I say, but transmuted into a corporeal substance,

for of a most pure, mineral, subtle, and most volatile sulphur, and a

most penetrating animal _Mercury_ is made a certain corporeal salt,

which is wonderful, and deserves to be called _Aquila Philosophorum_,

because it is easily sublimed with a gentle heat, in which many things

lye: for it doth not only conduce to the solution of metals, especially

of gold, but also of it self by the power of maturation doth become a

most efficacious medicine: Of which no more at this time, because I

will only advise the reader, that he be diligent in searching out the

nature of spirits, which although they change their bodies, yet are not

therefore to be called dead, but rather reduced to a better perfection.

And let this suffice concerning the dry use of baths in provoking

sweat for the expelling of diseases: now for what diseases this or

that spirit serves, thou shalt find in its proper Treatise, of which

there hath been mention above, but in a word, know that those volatile

sulphureous spirits of salts, minerals, and metals, are good in all

obstructions of the inward parts, _viz._ of the spleen, lungs, and

liver, but especially are most excellent in heating the cold nerves,

because they do most efficaciously heat, attennuate, cut, expel, and

mundify, wherefore they are good in Contractures, Palsies, Epilepsy,

Scurvy, Hypochondriacal Melancholy, Morbus Gallicus, Itch, and other

corrosive ulcers, and Fistulaes, _&c._

But the spirits of another kind, as of Tartar, Harts-horn, salt

Armoniack, Urine, _&c._ are hot also, but not so dry, and besides

the heating vertue, have also a penetrating, cutting, mollifying,

attenuating, absterging, and expelling power; wherefore also they work

wonderfully in all obstructions of the inward and outward parts: for

they do better than all others, open the pores of the skin, and provoke

sweat, mollify, and open the hemorrhoides; provoke the _menses_ of

young and elder women, purge and heat the womb, and therefore cause

fruitfulness; they heat and purge a cold and moist brain, acuate the

intellect, and memory, let they that be great with child take heed

of them, and also they that have a Porous open skin. Such and other

more properties, and that deservedly are ascribed to these spirits.

Now those two aforesaid baths (in one whereof those spirits are used

in a humid way, being mixed with warm water, for the whole body to be

bathed, and sweat in, but in the other in a dry way where the vapours

are by force of the fire made under the Globe, forced up into the

sweating box towards the patient, which being used after this manner do

oftentimes penetrate, and operate more efficaciously than that humid

way) are not to be slighted for the recovery of health, as doing things

incredible. Now those spirits not being found in shops, nor being

made by any according to the manner that I have shewed in the second

Part, I would have thee know that there is yet another matter, which

needs not to be distilled, and it is mineral; which being put into

the Copper Instrument, doth of its own accord without fire yield such

a sulphureous spirit, which penetrates very much, and goeth into the

sweating box, like in all things to that which is made out of salts,

minerals, and metals. Nature also hath provided us another matter that

is to be found every where, which being in like manner put into the

Instrument doth by it self, and of its own accord without fire yield a

spirit, in vertue not unlike to that which is made out of crude Tartar,

or salt Amoniack, Soot, Urine, _&c._ Of which in the second Part,

doing, _viz._ the same things with that which is made with costs and

labours. Those foresaid two matters therefore can do the same things,

which are required for a bath and sweating, which those two foresaid

kinds of spirits, _viz._ mineral and sulphureous, vegetable and animal

can do, _&c._ Now what those two matters which are easily every where

to be found are, thou desirest to know; but I dare not if I would, for

the sake of the pious to reveal them because of the ungrateful, and

unworthy. For it is an offence to cast pearl before swine, which yet

the pious may, by the blessing of God find out by the reading of the

rest of my Writings.

_Now follows a wooden vessel which is to be used instead of a

Cauldron in boyling of Beer, Metheglin, Vinegar_, &c.

[Illustration: _fig_: I

_fig_: II]

Many things might be said concerning this matter, for although men

may be found in any part of the world, who know how to make malt

of corn, and of this beer and vinegar; yet many things may be said

of this matter for the correcting of it; but because it is not my

purpose to shew such things now, yet I shall say something of the use

of the copper globe which any one may provide instead of Caldrons, and

which is to be used with a certain wooden vessel in the boyling of

Beer, which by this way he may, as hath been spoken above concerning

the operations, make as well as by the help of Caldrons. Moreover I

could here also teach some other most profitable secrets, _viz._ [_See

Consolat. of Seamen_] how honey may be freed from its ungrateful odour,

and tast by the help of precipitation; and how afterwards a most sweet

spirit is to be drawn out of it very like in all things to the spirit

of wine: also how the best and sweetest wine clear, and durable like

to Mallago, may be made thence: also how after purging it is to be

crystallised, so as to resemble Sugar-candy in goodness and tast: also

how the sweetness thereof may be converted into Tartar, very like to

the natural: [_See Explicat. Mirac. Mundi._] Also how out of fruits

of trees, as cherries, apples, pears, _&c._ a very good, and durable

wine in goodness, colour, tast, and vertue, like to the natural, may be

made; also how out of unripe grapes, that are not maturated either by

the inclemency of the country, or air, their acidity being changed into

sweetness, very good Wines like to the Rhenish may be made: also how

out of sorrel, and other vegetables, a very good Tartar may be made,

and that in a great quantity without much costs, resembling the Rhenish

in colour, tast, and other vertues: Also how out of Corn, (whether

malted, or ground in a Mill) a very good spirit is to be made, and also

a very good vinegar like to the Rhenish; also how out of Corn, (ground

in a mill) or Meal, a very good spirit is to be distilled without any

loss of the Meal, continuing yet fit to make bread. Such and more of

this sort might be taught in this place, but because it is not good to

divulge all things together, and at once, and this book would by this

means grow bigger than I am willing it should, if such things should be

here taught, I shall make an end of this Book (omitting other excellent

possible secrets of nature) which although it be but little, yet will

without doubt be profitable to many. And so Reader farewel.

THE

FOURTH PART

OF

Philosophical Furnaces:

_In which is described the Nature of the Fourth Furnace; by the

help whereof, Minerals and Metals are tryed, and examined after

a more compendious way, than hitherto after the common manner;

also the separation of Metals by the force of Fusion, and other

necessary things that are done by the power of Fusion or Melting.

Most profitable for Chymists, Tryers, and Diggers of Minerals._

Of making the Furnace.

In the first Figure, A. _represents the Ash-hole with its door_.

B. _The Register appointed for governing the fire._ C. _The Hole

with its door assign’d to receive the Crucibles and Coals._ D.

_The Hole with the door of the First Story._ E. _The long Pipe of

Iron in the top of the Furnace._

The second Figure, _A Cone or Casting Vessel belonging to this

Furnace_.

This furnace may be made greater, or smaller, as you please, according

to the matter to be tryed: and if the _Diameter_ thereof within, be

but of one foot, you may set in it a crucible containing two or three

pound; but greater crucibles require a greater furnace. Now this

furnace must be quadrangular, and be built of stones, and lute, such

which abide the fire, of the height of one or two foot from the bottom

to the grate, which must be such as may be cleared from the dross mixed

with coals, or such as was the grate of the first furnace, consisting

of too strong cross iron bars fastned in the furnace with certain

distances for the receiving of 5, 6, or 7. other lesser iron bars

which are to be moveable, so that when they are obstructed they may

be removed, and cleared from the dross; the lower part of the furnace

must have near the bottom a hole (in the forepart) of the heighth,

and breadth of a little span, with an iron or copper door, shutting

close: the lower part also must have another hole near the grate on

the other side with its register for the government of the fire, and

for the attracting of wind. Above the grate, and a hand breadth from

the grate must be another hole for putting in of coals, and crucibles,

sutable to the proportion of the furnace, and the height thereof must

be of one foot, and the latitude of half a foot, if the inward Diameter

of the furnace be of one foot, whereby the crucibles may be the more

conveniently handled, and the coals be cast in with a fire-pan: Let

this hole also have a very strong door of stone covered over with lute,

either of which may endure the fire, and shut very close, that the fire

may thereby (when the crucible is placed in the fire) attract air, but

only from the collateral hole under the grate. Let the height of the

furnace (being coated above) from the hole appointed for the putting

in of coals and crucibles, be of one great span: Let there also be a

round hole in the furnace, having the third part of the intrinsecal

diameter of the furnace, appointed for the flame and smoke; to which

if you will use a very violent fire, put to it a strong iron pipe of

the height of 5, 6, 8, or 12. foot, for by how much the higher you set

your pipe, the stronger fire may you give, and if you will you may

erect above the furnace 1, 2, or 3. partitions with their doors serving

to divers uses according to the flame that is gathered into them, by

reason of divers degrees of fire, which is in them, for the lowest is

so hot, that it can easily contain in flux fusible metals, minerals,

and salts; and serve for cementation, calcinations, and reverberations;

also for burning of crucibles, and other earthen vessels, made of the

best earth (of which in the Fifth part) and for vitrifications, and

sometimes for trials and burnings, _&c._ The second division of heat,

which is more remiss, serves for the burnings of minerals and metals

as of lead, tin, iron and copper, that are necessary for calcinations;

also for the necessary calcination of Tartar, and the fixed salt of

other vegetables, that is required in chymical operation, as also the

calcining of bones, and horns for cuples, and the ashes of wood. The

third division or chamber is yet more remiss, and serves for the drying

of crucibles, and other vessels that are made of the best earth, and

afterwards to be burnt in the first partition. There may also other

things be done by the help of these partitions, so that thou needest

not for their sakes kindle a peculiar fire. But if thou wilt give a

melting fire the strongest of all, put a long pipe to the lower hole

appointed for drawing wind, and having a register; for by how much the

fire attracts the air more remotely and another flame is forced to

beat upon the metals, so much the greater power of the heat is there

in the fusion of them. For which business sake thou hast need to have

as that inferiour pipe, so also that superiour pipe in the top of the

furnace. And if thou hast a fit chamber, in which another may go up

from below by the proper chimney, thou mayest build another furnace

in the superiour chimney, and perforate the wall with the applying of

a register, that the fire may be forced to attract the air from below

through the collateral chimney, where you need not that long pipe but

only may open a door, or window of the lower chamber, that the air

may come into the chimney; and the fire attract the wind out of the

collateral chimney, which it doth very vehemently, yea and stronger,

than if it were helped with bellows, so that even the furnace, unless

it were built of very good and fixed earth, would by too great a heat

be destroyed; for oftentimes the strongest crucibles melt with too much

heat, wherefore a register is made for the governing of the fire.

And by the help of this furnace, with Gods blessing, I found out my

choisest secrets. For before, and indeed from my youth I underwent the

trouble of those vulgar labours performed by bellows, and common vents,

not without loss of my health, by reason of the unavoidable malignant

and poysonous fumes, which danger this furnace was without, not only of

poysonous and malignant fumes, but also of all excessive heat: For our

furnace sends forth no fume (but above, so drawing, that the door being

opened for the putting in of coals, it attracts by the vehemency of the

fire, another fume, that is remote by the distance of half an ell. And

because the fire doth so vehemently attract, it keeps its heat within

it self, so that there is no fear of burning; yet you must cover your

hand that holds the tongs with a linnen glove twice double, and wet in

water, and with the other hand a wooden fence that is perspectible to

preserve your eyes; otherwise it wants all danger of vapours, or fumes,

as hath been said, and all excessive heat; the which is a great benefit

in Art. I do ingenuously confess, if I had not found this a few years

since, I had not without loss left off all Alchymy together with its

tedious labours. For I had spent many years of my life in great misery

of labours, in superfluous cares, and watchings, as also in stinks, so

that going into my Elaboratory with loathing, I should behold so many

materials in so many, and such various pots, boxes, and other vessels,

and also as many broken as whole instruments of earth, glass, iron,

and copper, and did judg my self so unhappy that I had made my self a

slave to this Art, and especially because scarce one of 100, whereof

I was one, did get his victuals and cloths thereby. For these reasons

I was determined to bid farewel to Chymistry, and to apply my self to

Physick, and Chirurgery, in which I was always happy. But what? Whilest

I thought to do as I resolved, and to cast forth of the doors all and

each vessel of divers kinds, I found some crucibles broken, and in them

many grains of gold and silver, formerly melted in them, which together

with others gathered together, I thought to melt; but seeing I could

not melt such things being very hard to be melted, without the help of

bellows (which I had sold) I began to consider the matter with my self

more seriously, and so I found out this furnace, and being invented, I

presently built and proved it, which in tryings I found so good, that I

did again take hope of my labours, and would no more despair.

Seeing therefore an easie, and compendious way of melting metals, I

began to work, and to begin a new search, and every day I found more

and more in nature, _viz._ the greatest and most pleasant secrets of

nature; wherefore I did without ceasing seek, until God had opened mine

eyes to see that which I sought a long time for in vain. Where also I

observed, that although I had before had more knowledge of nature, yet

without this furnace I could scarce have done any thing that had been

singular. And so God willing, by the help of this furnace, I found out

more and more dayly, for which blessing I give to the immortal God

immortal thanks, resolving to communicate this new invention candidly,

and faithfully for the sake of my neighbour. Judge therefore O Chymist!

whether this, or that which is made by the help of bellows and common

vents, be the best? For how long doth he that will melt a hard metal

in a wind furnace give fire to it before it will flow, and with what

loss of time, and coals? He that doth melt by the help of bellows hath

need of a companion to blow, with great danger of breaking the crucible

with the winde, and of making it fall when the coals are abated, or of

impurities falling into the crucible in case the cover thereof should

fall off, although there can be no detriment by impurities falling in,

if the matter be metallick, but not so if it be a salt or mineral,

(without which that cannot be perfected in the fire) not induring the

impurities of the coals, but boyling over by reason of them. Now our

furnace is free from this danger, because the wind comes from beneath

and crucibles come always into sight, not being so overwhelmed with

coals as in the common way, _&c._ For by this means the matter to be

melted is flowed, although the crucibles be not covered over with

coals, nor with a cover, and although thou hast not a companion to

blow, for you may at pleasure give any degree of fire by the direction

of the register. When therefore thou makest any trial in the fire have

this furnace which is recommended to thee, which build rightly with its

register for the governing of the fire, and for the drawing of wind,

and without doubt this labour shall not be in vain.

_How minerals are to be tryed._

The manner of trying minerals hath been already made known, wherefore

it is not needful here to write many things, because divers Authors,

as _Georgius Agricola_, _Lazarus Ercker_, and others have sufficiently

wrote thereof, to whose writings I refer thee, especially to that most

famous _Lazarus Ercker_ which is so much commended, _De Probatione

Mineralium_, as well maglignant (obstinate) as mild. But thus much

know, being that which experience hath also taught us, that neither

he nor his predecessours had a perfect knowledge of all things, nor

would reveal all things they knew. For many excellent things do yet

lye hid, and perhaps shall yet for a while lye hid by reason of the

ingratitude of the world; although the most famous Philosophers do

with one consent affirm that imperfect metals, as lead, tin, iron,

copper, and Mercury, are intrinsecally gold, and silver, although it

may seem very improbable to many that are not curious, but contented

with the opinions of their parents; supposing those minerals to be

barren that leave nothing in the cuple, when they are tryed with lead:

when as yet that proof by cuples although famous, is not yet that

true Philosophical trial of metals, but only vulgar, according to

the testimony of Philosophers, as of _Isaac Hollandus_, and others,

especially of _Paracelsus_ in many places treating of metals, but

especially in his book _Vexationum Alchymistarum_, containing a true

description of the properties, and perfection of metals. Which although

not being to be understood by all, matters not; for a very easie art

is not to be communicated to all, according to _Paracelsus_ saying.

Imperfect metals being freed from their impurities have in them

abundance of gold, and silver. But how metals are to be purged, and

separated he doth not teach, but only commends _lead_ to be the Author;

which made the Alchymist believe that it was common lead, not knowing

that the water thereof (lead) did not only purge other metals, but also

lead it self; supposing also that the trial of tin, copper, and iron,

made in a cuple with lead to be that true genuine bath thereof; not

observing that lead hath no affinity with iron, and tin in a stronger

fire, but to reject what is black, and unclean, without any perfection.

Now this lead can do, if _viz._ it be mixed with a mineral that hath

gold or silver in it, and be melted in the fire being incorporated with

it, it may together with their impurities enter into the Cuple, the

good gold and silver being left in the Cuple, which is the proof of

minerals that are digged, and used; and it is done upon this account,

_viz._ gold and silver may be naturally purged of their superfluous

sulphur, so as never to be any more radically united, and mixed with

those that be imperfect, as being polluted with abundance of crude,

impure sulphur, although they may be melted together in the fire; yet

that mixture being retained in the fire, the combustible sulphur of

common metals, acts upon its own proper argent vive, and turns it into

dross, which being separated from the metals enters into the porous

matter of the cuples, that which doth not happen in tests, fixed in the

fire, which that dross being separated from the metals cannot enter

into, being made of an earth that is durable in the fire, the dross

remaining in them, which otherwise was wont to enter into those cuples

that are made of the ashes of bones, or wood. Wherefore by little and

little it goes away into the cuple, _viz._ as much as the fire reduced

into a Litharge, or dross, until all the Lead mixed with the Gold and

Silver together with other imperfect metals mixed with it go into

dross, and hide themselves in the cuple, the pure gold and silver being

left in the cuple. For Lead in a plain vessel, feeling the heat from

above, but beneath cold, is turned into a Litharge, which if it be in

an earthen fixed vessel, the Litharge remains, and goes in a yellow

transparent glass at last, if it be not mixed with other metals, as

iron, copper, tin; which being mixed therewith, give to the glass a

green, red, black, or white colour, according to the quantity of the

metallick matter: but in a porous cuple made of ashes, the Litharge, or

dross finding pores, enters into the cuple by little and little, and

successively, until all the Lead be entred in, which could not be if it

were not turned into Litharge. This vulgar trying is therefore nothing

else but a transmutation of Lead, with the imperfect metals mixed with

it, into dross, which entring into the cuple leaves in the cuple pure

gold, and silver, that cannot be turned into dross by reason of their

purity.