But perhaps this discourse may seem to thee unprofitable, and

superfluous, because this trial of metals is known all the world over:

but for answer, I say that it is not superfluous, because many refiners

erre, supposing that corporeal Lead together with the imperfect metals

that are mixed with it, goes into the cuple, not being yet turned into

Litharge, because corporeal Lead is again melted from thence; for whose

sake this discourse is not properly ordained, as being those that

operate out of use, and custom only without discretion; but rather

for their sakes, who do incessantly seek after, and search into the

secrets of nature, _viz._ seeking after that Philosophical tryal, which

is known to few, by the help whereof more gold and silver is obtained

than by the common way, but it is not to be discovered in this place;

for all must not have the knowledge thereof; It is sufficient that

I have demonstrated the possibility thereof. Yet know this, if thou

knowest how to prepare Lead, Tin, Copper, and Iron, and to fit them for

a radical union, _viz._ that aforesaid water of Saturn, so as they may

endure the force of the fire together, thou mayst separate and attract

gold, and silver from the aforesaid imperfect metals, and with gain

leaving them in the cuple, or else you shall draw little or nothing

from thence [_See Explicat. Mirac. Mundi._] And if you do intend to try

them with Lead after the vulgar way, and bring them into dross, yet you

do nothing, because tin and iron abounding with gold and silver, do not

remain with the lead in a strong fire, but are lifted up like a skin or

dross, by reason of their superfluous sulphur, swimming like fat upon

water, without any separation, unless it be tin or iron, which got gold

or silver from the mine in their first fusion.

And by this means it falls out sometimes, that some may make a good

proof, but out of ignorance, not knowing a reason of their operation,

wherefore they cannot do the same again. For if Chymists, and Refiners

did consider the matter more profoundly, enquiring the cause, wherefore

lead being tryed, deprived of its silver, and melted in a cuple,

should yet contain in it self silver, without doubt they would hit

upon a good foundation; without which knowledge all their labour in

imperfect metals would be in vain. And let this suffice concerning

that Philosophical tryal, which is known to few; There is no need of

speaking any thing of that vulgar, being every where known, of which

_Lazarus Ercker_ wrote plainly and fully.

There is also another proof of minerals, which is without Lead, with

Venice, or any other good fusible glass, where one or two ounces of

the powdered mineral are mixed with half an ounce of the powdered

glass, and being mixed and covered in a crucible, are melted, and

poured out; by which means the glass attracts, and dissolves that

mineral, and is thereby coloured, which shews what metal is contained

in the mine, after which may be made another tryal by Lead, tryal

being first made by the first proof. And this is the fittest proof for

the hardest minerals, which are even invincible, as are the _Lapis

hemititis_, _smiris_, granats, talck black and red, and those which

abound oftentimes with gold, and silver, which because they cannot

be mixed with Lead are not esteemed, but are oftentimes cast away,

although they abound with gold and silver, and this because they

cannot be tryed, Which being tryed after the aforesaid manner, and

consequently the treasures lying therein being discovered, thou mayst

afterward with more confidence handle them, and reduce them to better

profit. Now those colours which follow, indicate the tenure of them.

Glass resembling the greenness of the Sea signifies meer Copper, but

the greenness of grass, signifys copper, and iron mixed together: glass

of a rusty colour signifys iron: yellowish glass signfys tin, glass

of a yellow golden colour, or like a red ruby signifys silver: Blew

glass like a saphir signifys pure gold; a smaragdine signifys gold

mixed with silver: An Amethyst colour signifys gold, silver, copper,

and iron mixed together. Besides these, glass sometimes gets other

colours, according to the diversity of the weight of divers metals

mixed together; which use will teach with a further practise that is to

be made with Saturn.

There is also another precursory tryal of minerals, and metals, which

is made with Salt-peter; where especially tin, iron, and copper do

largely draw forth their treasures hid in them, which they will not

yield being tryed by Lead, the which is not a sign of their poverty,

but rather of not a true tryal made by Lead, which is not the true,

and genuine judge, and tryer of metals. For otherwise (if it were) it

would draw forth their treasure as well out of a greater quantity of

metallick matter, as out of a lesser. Now follows the tryal by Nitre:

Make a mixture of one part of sulphur, of two parts of pure Tartar, and

four parts of purified Nitre, then take an ounce of this mixture, and

one dram of the mineral or metal ground small, mix those together, and

being put into a crucible, put a red hot iron or burning coal to them,

and that mixture will be inflamed, and yield a most vehement fire,

reducing that mineral or metal into dross: And what is not brought into

dross must again be mixed with the aforesaid mixture, and be burnt as

before, until the whole be consumed by the fire. Then make that dross

or salt containing in it the metal that is destroyed, to flow so long

in a strong crucible, untill it be made glass; which being poured out

there are found grains of gold or silver, which came from the mineral

or metal that was tryed. And this opperation (if it be well done) will

be a pleasant sight, but without profit, because it cannot be done in

a great quantity, and by reason of the price of the Nitre. Wherefore I

set this way of tryal only for demonstration sake, that it might appear

how almost all tin, iron, and copper, contain in them gold and silver,

although they do not draw it forth in the Cuple.

Now do not suppose that this is transmutation, which is only

separation; wherefore thou must consider with thy self how that may be

performed otherwise. But take heed that thou do not kindle this mixture

from beneath, being put upon the coals, but from above, by reason of

the danger of flashing: Also metals are easily fusible by the following

mixture. Take one part of the saw-dust of the wood of the teil-tree

being well dryed, two parts of sulphur, eight or nine parts of pure

Nitre. Make _stratum super stratum_ in a crusible, and take to 11, or

12. parts of this mixture; one part of the metal subtilly ground, and

kindle them, and the mine being melted will yield grains of pure Gold

and Silver, if the mine were not too impure, the impurity thereof be

consumed by that most vehement fire. And if this tryal be not for thy

profit, yet it is rational, and may be for thine instruction.

_Of the melting of mines and metals._

The melting of these in a great quantity is not for this place, because

they cannot be done by this furnace, but it is treated of plainly

enough by others in their writings of minerals.

_Of the separation of metals._

This is a most ancient and profitable Art, whereby one metal may be

separated from another: And it is for the most part done 4. ways,

_viz._ by _Aqua Fortis_, by cement, by flux with sulphur, and lead,

and lastly by Antimony; which ways that most witty _Lazarus Ercker_,

hath clearly, and distinctly described, whose description is not to

be found fault with, although some necessary things may be added

thereunto, which being but few, I thought it superfluous to add them in

this place.

And that separation consists in three chief metals, Gold, Silver, and

Copper; he made no mention of other metals, and two of the aforesaid

four ways are in use, as very easie, for they are done with _Aqua

Fortis_ and Cement, the two others most commonly neglected, which are

done by benefit of melting with Sulphur and Lead; and also by Antimony:

that which is admirable, because metals are easier separated by benefit

of these two ways, than by _Aqua fortis_ and Cements, suspected of

wast, whereas not Sulphur and Antimony, but the ignorant worker, not

knowing the nature of Sulphur and Antimony, is rather to be blamed,

because he knows not how to order them, and withall leaves the nearer

way of separation: and I must needs confess it that without this

furnace I would not separate with them, because with that common way

of furnaces and bellows, the stink of Sulphur and Antimony hurtful to

the Liver, Lungs, Brain, and Heart, is received by the Nostrils to the

hazard of health: for which cause I do not wonder that those two wayes

requiring greater diligence than those two former by _Aqua fortis_ and

Cements are rejected. But this Furnace being known, with which without

danger one may melt, I doubt not of excelling the two former ways

hereafter as more profitable than them. For he who knows Antimony, may

not only easily with small cost separate Gold from the addition without

any loss of it, and speedily refine it, but also easier separate gilt

silver, than by Sulphur, Lead, _&c._ in great store without any loss of

Gold or Silver.

And this is the easiest way of the separation of Gold and Silver which

is done by the benefit of melting, requiring no more charge than the

coals; for there is Antimony which hath Gold in it as much as it is

worth, which will be the separators gain: I would have you know this,

how Antimony may again be separated from Gold and Silver, not by

the common way, which is done by bellows, but by the special way of

separation wherewith the Antimony is preserved, so that it may be used

again for the same purpose; which I will treat of in another place.

Besides the four ways spoken of, there is also another way, best of

all, by the nitrous spirit of salt, namely after this manner: ℞ the

spirit of salt (prepared by our first and second Furnace) acuated

with Nitre disolved in it, to which add grain Gold mixed with Silver

and Copper; put it in a glass vial in hot sand to dissolve, and the

Gold together with the Copper will be dissolved in it, and the Silver

left in the bottom of the vial: decant off the solution, to which add

something, precipitating Gold, and make them boyl together, and the

pure fine gold will be separated and precipitated like the finest meal,

serving Writers and Painters; the Copper being left in the water; which

thou mayst if thou wilt precipitate from the water, but it is better to

take away the water, which will serve again for the same use. If the

precipitated Gold be washed and dryed it gives in the melting (by which

nothing is lost) the best and purest Gold. For finer gold can neither

be made by _Aqua fortis_ nor by Antimony.

Therefore this is the best way of all, not only for the small cost, but

also for the easiness yielding the best Gold of all others.

Then take the calcin’d Silver left in the gourd, sweeten and dry it,

which done make a little salt of Tartar to melt in a crucible, to

which by course put a little of the refined silver with a spoon, and

it will be presently made a body without any loss. You may also boyl

that Calx as yet moist newly taken out of the gourd with a Lixivium of

Salt of Tartar, even to the evaporation of all moisture: and melt the

dry remnant, where also nothing is lost. Without this medium the calx

of Silver (drawn from _Aqua Regia_) is not fusible of it self, turning

into a brittle matter, like horn that is white, or of a middle colour

between white and yellow, called therefore of Chymists the _Horn of the

Moon_; in reducing which many have tried much, which reduction we have

already taught. For want of spirit of salt take _Aqua Regia_ made of

_Aqua Fortis_ and salt Armoniack, which doth the same, but with greater

charges. This also is to be preferred before other ways, which makes to

the separation of any Gold of any degree, if so be it exceed Silver in

weight; which is necessarily required in the solution made with _Aqua

Fortis_.

But that you may see the prerogative of this separation, mark a little,

when you separate by the _Quarto_ and by _Aqua fortis_ you must put

just two or three parts of refined Silver to one of course Gold, where

first the cost and labour of refining the Silver to be melted and

grained with Gold are required: then a good quantity of _Aqua fortis_

to dissolve, precipitate, edulcorate, dry and melt a great deal of

silver. Consider then I pray, the labours and charges of my separation

and the vulgar. When thou separatest with Cements there is need of

boxes, and continual fire of one degree, which labour is tedious for

times sake, and costly for coals, which labour you must twice or

thrice take in regard of the mixt dross. Now again consider the labour

and charges of both separations. When thou separatest by Sulphur and

Antimony, which is the best way, without great charges, if thou knowest

to separate Gold from Antimony without blowing, but this is tedious

because thrice greater labour than our way, tedious indeed by reason

of the difficulty of a perfect separation of Gold and Silver from the

Antimonial dross. Think therefore what way of separation you will use

to refine Gold speedily, surely you will chuse mine.

This way of separation hath also this prerogative, that it hath no need

of refined silver which is done by the benefit of burning, but only its

granulation, solution or separation by the use of _Aqua Fortis_, where

though copper mixt with silver makes wast, yet by the help of this salt

it is soon precipitated. By this means gilt silver is soon separated,

the gold being dissolved by the nitrous spirit, and precipitated with

the aforesaid matter precipitating. As for the separation of gilt

silver which is to be done by help of fusion, and none is easier

done than with Sulphur and Antimony, where when the necessary manual

(ingredients) are known; a great deal is separated in a short time, but

if thou knowest not how to handle Antimony and Sulphur (for which our

Furnace very well befits) leave them, and use the common way; therefore

lay not thy fault afterward on me, writing for thy good.

_Of separating the courser metals._

The manner of separating Tin from Lead, and Copper from Iron, without

loss of both metals, by preserving both, hath hitherto been unknown,

which seems impossible to me by reason of the combustibility of both

metals; and superfluous for the small profit, and saving charges. But

how Gold and Silver may be separated from Tin with which commonly this

abounds, without any wast, hath been long since sought to no purpose:

but a possibility will appear to a serious considerer; and though I

never tryed in great quantity, being content with a precipitation made

with a little; I am yet perswaded this business will succeed in a

great quantity and with much profit; namely by the help of a Furnace

made on purpose where gold and silver precipitated with lead and _Halb

Kopf_ by extream heat of fire; that tin is extracted to the remanence

of the tenth part, which remainder you must peculiarly take and keep.

Which done you must precipitate new tin in the foresaid Furnace, and

so extract to the remainder of the _Regulus_, which being extracted

from, is to be added to the first and reserved; which labor is to

be reiterated, till thou hast a sufficient quantity of _Regulus_

filling the Furnace; which again thou must precipitate; for by this

means gold and silver are brought together, so that they may easily

afterward be separated from the superfluous tin. By this means I count

the separation profitable, where but little substance is lost, which

is turned into ashes and smoak. Nor doth adding lead and _Halb Kopf_

hinder, because sometime lead is mixt with tin, and the _Halb Kopf_

is separated again. It is good therefore to separate pots and old

dishes, by reason of the mixture of lead, and to precipitate the gold

and silver from them, by the adjection of _Halb Kopf_ only, where the

residue is no way altered by the _Halb Kopf_, therefore thou mayst sell

it, or refine it again: which in my judgment will be to great advantage.

_What is to be held concerning the perfection of Metals._

This knot is scarce soluble, for so many and divers opinions of

so many ages, so that most men slighting the testimonies of true

Philosophers, will not believe the truth, especially, because scarce

one of an hundred can be found who is not impoverisht with this art:

the incredulous therefore is not to be blamed for his doubting, no

signs of truth appearing, yet experience testifies a possibility by art

and nature, though examples are rare. I pray with how great absurdity

should one deny Heaven and Hell never seen? But thou saist we must

believe this as revealed by God, his Prophets and Apostles; but so is

not this, but the Philosophick tradition of Heathens. I answer, though

most Philosophers were heathen (yet some have been Christians) yet

their works are not to be despised, because not handling our salvation:

to whom if CHRIST had Preached, surely they had believed him. For

it appears by their books, that they were pious and honest Men; who

though not Professors of CHRIST, yet they did His Will indeed, which

we, though not in words, in action deny; who if they had been wicked,

why took they so much pains in making books for the good and profit

of their Neighbour about Vertue and Piety? Why spent they not rather

their life time in leisure and pleasure, as is the custom now adaies

with them who are appointed to instruct us? Why should they gull

posterity with trifles and lyes, expecting from thence no profit? For

most of them were not poor, but very rich Kings and Princes. Besides

these, there have been many Christians seriously confirming the truth

of the Art: Men indeed of special note, namely, Bishops, Doctors, _&c._

Such were _Thomas Aquinas_, _Albertus Magnus_, _Lullius_, _Arnoldus_,

_Roger Bacon_, _Basil_, &c. Why should very pious men deceive posterity

with their Works, and lead them into Errors? Although there should

not remain the Works of Famous Worthies, yet there would be a plain

confirming the truth of this Art. For I am perswaded there are some to

be found having this knowledge, and privately possessing it. For who

is so mad to reveal himself to the world, to receive nought but envy

for his reward? Let no man therefore doubt of this secret Art’s truth.

But say you: Why stand you so much for the Art? Did you ever see or

perform any thing in it? I reply, though I never made projections to

perfect metals, nor saw transmutations; yet I am sure of this, I have

often from metals with metals, leaving no gold and silver in the cupel,

extracted gold and silver by the help of fire: But I will not have you

think that one imperfect metal will perfect another, or turn it into

gold or silver, impure and drossy without, in comparison of gold and

silver; for how can such metals perfect another imperfect? Which thus

understand. For as in the vegetable Kingdom, water cleanseth water,

or juice with seething as is wont to be done in purifying honey and

sugar, or any other vegetable juice, with common water, and white of

eggs: so also you must understand of mineral juices or metal, of which

if we know the water and white, surely we might refine the impurity,

in which gold and silver lie hid, as in black shales, and powerfully

extract gold and silver, which is not a transmutation of metals, but

an eduction of gold and silver from the dunghil; Dost thou ask how

Gold and Silver can be educed from copper, iron, tin, and lead, to

wit, by the help of lotion, out of which none is drawn with that best

proof (as ’tis thought) of Cupels? To which we answered before of

the proof of Cupels not to be sufficient for all the several metals.

I need therefore say no more, but I refer the studious Reader to

_Paracelsus_ his Book, the _Vexation of Chymists_, where thou shalt

find another lotion and purification of metals, which heretofore was

unknown to Miners and Dealers in Minerals. As for example: A Miner

finding the oar of copper, useth his skill delivered by the ancients

to his utmost endeavour, whereby he may cleanse it and reduce it to

metal: where first he breaks it into pieces, and boyls it, for to take

away the superfluous sulphur, then by vertue of melting, he brings it

into a stone (so called) which afterward again he commits to fire,

and freeth it by the addition of lead, of its gold and silver; which

done, he blacks and redens it, turning it into copper, which is his

last labour, whereby the copper is made malleable and vendible: which

done, the Chymist coming, tries another separation, by whose help gold

and silver is extracted, as yet tryed of very few, of which mention is

here made. _Paracelsus_ also saith in the same place, that God hath

given some an easier way of separating gold and silver from courser

metals, and indeed without refining the oar, which is a special and

curious Art, which he teacheth not in plain tearms, but only saith it

is sufficiently taught in seven rules of that book, where he treats

of the nature and propriety of metals; in which you may seek it. And

this purification of courser metals I count most easie, which I have

often tryed in small quantities: and I doubt not but God hath shewn

other Artists also other purifications by which imperfect metals are

perfected; for example, if one would purge the fruit of the earth by

distillation, so that the dregs and impurities being taken away, it

would grow up with a new clear clarified body: as if one distil black

and impure Amber by a retort, the separation would be made by Fire, of

the water savouring of an _Empyreum_, of the oyl and volatile salt,

and the _Caput mortuum_ be left in the bottom of the retort; by which

means, in a very short time without great labour, is made a great

alteration and emendation of Amber, though the oyl be black, impure,

and stinking: but if it be again distilled by a retort with some

mundifying water, as with the spirit of salt (namely through a fresh

clean glass retort) there will be made a new separation by that spirit

of salt, and a far clearer oyl will be extracted; the dregs with the

stink left in the bottom of the retort, which afterward may be twice

or thrice rectifyed again with fresh spirit of salt, until it get the

clearness of water, and sweetness of sent resembling Amber and musk.

And this transmutation makes of a hard thing, a soft; unlike the former

in shape, which though never so soft and liquid, oyly, may again be

coagulated, so that it becomes as it was at first, after this manner

following. Take the said oyl very well clarifyed, add to it fresh

spirit of salt, set it in digestion, and the oyl will attract from the

spirit of salt, salt enough for its own recoagulation, and again it

acquires the hardness of Amber, of an excellent clear and admirable

colour; of which half an ounce is worth more than some pounds of black

Amber; of which scarce the eight or tenth part remains in purifying,

all the foul superfluities cast away.

By this means I think one may cleanse and mend black metals, if so be

the manner of their cleaning were known by distillation, sublimation

and recoagulation. But thou say’st that metals cannot like vegetables

be purified by force of distillation, to which I present our first

furnace not given to peasants, but Chymists, purifying metals; so also

the possibility of their perfection is shewn by help of fermentation.

For as fresh leaven can ferment the vegetables juices, which are

perfected by fermentation, the dregs being cast away as one may see in

wine, ale, and other liquors, whose lasting and perfection proceeds

from no other thing but fermentation purifying the vegetable juices,

without which they could not otherwise withstand the Elements, subject

to corruption in a very short time, which fermented last some years:

so also if we knew the proper ferment of metals, surely we might

refine and perfect them, so that they not being any more subject

to rust, would be able to prevail against fire and water, and be

nourished and fed by them. For so the world heretofore perished with

water, and shall at last perish with fire, and our bodies must rot

and be purified by fire before we come to the sight of God. And thus

far of the fermentation of metals, wherewith they are amended and

perfected. Metals also are purify’d and amended like milk set on the

fire; whose cream the better part (the substance of butter) in the top

is separation from the whey and cheese, and the hotter the place is,

the sooner the separation is made even, so it is with the separation

of metals; where metals put into a Fitted hot place by themselves

without any addition of another thing (the metals being before reduced

to a milky substance or curd) are separated in time, by parting the

nobler parts from the ignobler, opening a great treasure: and as in

winter time milk is hardly separated with a weak heat; just so metals

if not helped with Fire, as one may see in iron, which in a long time

under the earth is turned into gold without Art. For often iron oar

is found with golden veins very goodly to behold, severed from the

course, earthy and crude sulphur, by force of the central heat. And

commonly in such oar no vitriol is found, being separated and bettered

by its contrary. But a long time is required for that subterraneous

separation, which Art very speedily performs; as is wont to be done

with milk in winter when we presently make butter of it, when we put it

to the Fire to part the cream speedily; which separation is helped by

the precipitation made with acid things, mortifying the urinous salt of

the milk, by which means all principles are separated by themselves,

as butter, cheese, whey: so in a quarter of an hour separation is made

by boiling, which else without acid things could not be done in some

weeks. If then it be possible in vegetables and animals, why not in

minerals? For what but gold and silver is found in lead, iron, tin and

copper, though it doth not appear? Why is all goodness denyed to the

courser metals granted to vegetables and animals not equal to them

for lasting? Whence is the natural perfection of lead, tin, iron, and

copper to be proved? Nature ever seeks the perfection of her fruits;

but course metals are imperfect; Why then is not nature helped with

Art in perfecting them? But the bond of metallick parts is worth

observation, which being broken, the parts are separated. Urinous salt

(as I may say) is the bond of the parts making milk, as of butter,

whey, and cheese, which is to be mortifyed by its contrary acid for

separation. But in iron the parts are bound with a vitriolate salt, as

with a bond, which is to be mortified with its contrary, urinous or

nitrous salt for separation. He therefore who knoweth to take away the

superfluous salt of iron, either by moist or dry means, doubtless shall

have iron not soon subject to rust.

Fire also hath incredible force of it self in changing metals. Is

not steel made iron by force of Fire, and iron of steel by different

proceeding? Experience dayly teacheth us also divers kinds of changes

and refinings by Fire; why is it not possible in metals by an expert

Chymist having skill in them? Who would believe that a live bird lurks

in an egg, and an hearb having leaves, flowers, and odour, in the

seed? Why may not then abortive metals, getting not yet perfection, be

perfected by Art, with help of Fire? Is not an unripe apple or pear

ripened by the heat of the Sun? Which some curious and industrious

men observing, have imitated nature in their works; and have found

some metals not destroyed with the heat of Fire, but enriched with a

secret gainful heat; so that melted (digestion being made) they have

yielded double weight of gold and silver. Yea I my self have seen the

common oar of lead digested after the aforesaid manner, which was not

only inriched with silver thereby, but also partaked of gold which

it wanted before in ordinary tryal. Besides one might work this in

great quantity, as with an hundred pounds; which work of minerals will

without doubt bring great profit to the skilful triers of lead: But

know this, that not every tryal of lead will be furnished with gold,

but the oar to be ever enriched with silver, experience being witness.

Many such things are found in Nature incredible to the ignorant, and

those that are unexercised. But if we mortals were more diligent in

reading the book written with the hand of God in the pages of the four

Elements, surely we should Find more secrets and wonders in them, but

skill and wealth is got with sweat of face and not by sloth; therefore

_labour_ and _pray_. Metals are also meliorated by the help of

gradation like to germination.

For it is well known, that the shoot or grass of some fruitful

garden-tree implanted in a wood, makes that tree afterwards to bear not

wild fruits, but very good and sweet like them of the implanted shoot,

as one may see in iron dissolved in an acid spirit, fermented with

Venus and turned into Copper: by which means doubtless copper is turned

into silver, and silver into gold, if the true manner of fermentation

were known.

Now this transmutation is like digestion, making beef or horse flesh of

grass in the stomach of oxe and horse, and mans flesh of beef, in the

stomach of man.

The better parts also are separated from the worser by the attractive

strength of the like, as is to be seen in a metal abounding with

sulphur, to which if iron be added in fusion, the sulphur deserts its

native metal, (by which means it is more purifyed) and joins its self

to the iron, with which it hath more affinity and familiarity, than

with its own metal; for example, if iron be added to lead oar full of

sulphur in the melting, this melted metal is made malleable, which else

would be black and brittle. And if something else to be put to the

melted malleable metal were known to us, to take away in the melting,

the redundant, crude, combustible sulphur, questionless it would yet be

made purer; which thing being unknown, metals remain in their impurity.

And indeed God hath done well in this as in all other his works, that

he hath concealed his knowledge from us: for if it were known to the

covetous, they would buy up all lead, tin, copper and iron, to turn

into gold, so that rurall and poor Labourers could hardly buy metallick

instruments for their use, for the scarcity; but God will not have all

metals turned into Gold.

A Similitude of taking away the superfluous sulphur of some metals

in fusion, being given to keep the purer parts; so likewise is there

another manner of separating, the purer parts from the impure, namely,

by the attractive power of the like, where the purer parts are drawn

together by their like, the impurer and heterogeneous part is rejected:

and that may be shown as well by the moist as dry way; an example of

the moist way followeth.

If quick Mercury be added to impure gold or silver dissolved in its

proper _menstruum_, the mercury draws to it self the invisible gold

and silver from the _Menstruum_ and mixt impurity and associates what

is purest to it self, which separation swiftly succeeds. Mercury

performs the same likewise in the dry way: namely, when some earth

having some gold and silver, is moistned with acid water, and they

are so long bruised together, till the Mercury draws the better part;

which done you must wash the dead earth left, with common water, and

separate the Mercury being dryed from the attracted gold and silver,

by trajecting them through a skin, but the Mercury draws but one metal

from the earth, and indeed the best at one time; which being separated,

it draws another metal; for example, if in some one earth, gold,

silver, copper and iron ly hid, the first time the mercury draws the

gold, the second the silver, but copper and iron hardly by reason of

their dross, but tin and lead easily, but easiest of all gold by reason

of its purity like to mercury.

_Another Demonstration by the dry way._

Put under a tile a cuple with lead, to which add a grain of very pure

gold, most exactly weighed (for memories sake) make the gold in the

cuple to fulmimate, and the lead will enter the cuple, the gold being

left pale in the cuple: of which pale colour there is no other cause

than the mixture of silver, drawn from the lead by the gold. But thou

wilt say, that thou knowest this, that gold fulminated with lead, is

made paler and weightier, by reason of the silver in the lead, left

with the gold in the trial, augmenting the weight, and thence making

it pale: to which I reply, though lead leave some silver in trying in

the cuple, mixt with the gold added to it, augmenting its weight, and

changing the colour; yet it is proved by the weight, that lead leaves

more being mixt with gold in the cuple, than when tryed without gold.

Hence it is proved, that gold in the fire draws its like from other

metals, augmenting its weight: and this also gold doth in the moist

way: for if it be dissolved in its own _menstruum_, together with

copper, and put in digestion, and then separated, it attracts gold from

the copper; which labour, though not done with profit, yet witnesseth a

possibility. But if the _menstruum_ of gold augmenting the attracting

power of gold or multiplying the same were known, but diminishing the

retentive power of copper, doubtless some gain were to be expected; and

indeed more, if gold and copper, together be melted in fire with the

dry mineral _menstruum_; by which means the weight of gold would be

increased according to _Paracelsus_ saying Metals mixt together in a

strong fire, continued a pretty while, the imperfection vanisheth and

leaves perfection in its place.

Which surely well done, is a work not wanting gain. For I freely

confess, that I would sometime incorporate silver with iron, when

as gold from iron gave me a good increase of pure gold, instead of

fixt silver sought after. And by this means often some not thought on

thing happens to Artists, as to my self with fixt silver, not rightly

considering the business. Therefore medling with metals, be sure when

you find some encrease, to weigh well what it was at first. For many

think long trying silver with iron, by the Blood-stone, Load-stone,

Emraud, _lapis calaminaris_, Red-talck, Granats, Antimony, Arsenick,

Sulphur, Flints, _&c._ having mature and immature, volatil and fixt

gold in them, finding in the trying good gold; that this gold is made

of the silver by the help and use of the foresaid minerals, which

is false, For the silver drew that gold out of those minerals, in

which before it lurked volatile. Yet I deny not the possibility of

changing silver, as being inwardly very like gold, but not by help of

cementation with the said minerals, because that gold proceeds not from

the silver, but those minerals, attracted by the silver. This labour is

compared to seed cast into good ground, where dying, by its own power

it draws its like to it self, whence it is multiplyed an hundred fold.

And it behoveth in this work now and then to wet the metallick earth,

with proper metallick waters, being dryed up with heat (which operation

is called of the Philosophers inceration) else the earth will be

barren, and it behoveth that this water be neer in kind to the earth,

so that when they are united they yield a certain fatness. For as it

appears from sandy dry earth, moistened with rain water, not bringing

forth fruit agreeable to its seed, for the small heat also of the Sun

consuming the moisture, and burning the seed in the earth, which mixt

with cows dung or other, keeps the water so as that it cannot be so

soon consumed. By the same reason it is necessary that thy earth and

water be mixt, lest thy seed be burnt up. Which work if well handled,

it will not be in vain, requiring the exceeding diligence of nourishing

the earth with warmth and moisture, when the earth is drown’d with too

much moisture, or hath too little, it cannot increase, and this is one

of the best labours, with which I draw forth good gold and silver of

baser metals, requiring the best vessels, retaining the seed together

with its earth, and water in its proper heat. I doubt not but this

work also in a greater quantity, may be performed, firmly beleiving

that the courser metals, especially lead, the fittest of all not only

to be perfected into gold and silver, but also into good medicine:

which without question is a Philosophick labour granted from God, as a

great comfort to the Chymist, but warily to be used. For that all and

singular Gods gifts he will not have common: as indeed I have found,

when I had invented a very excellent work, that I shewing it to a

friend, neither could I afterwards teach it to him, nor do it again

for my self. Therefore indeed justly men are doubtful in writing such

matters: for many seek with idleness to get the inventions of others,

performed with great costs and labour. Therefore it is safer to be

silent and give leave to seek, than to publish secrets, that they may

undergo the pains and charges to be born in inventing high matters;

nor any more hereafter may the ingrateful so impudently gape after

others Labours. Therefore I would entreat all men both of high and low

degree, that they would not molest and tire me hereafter with their

Petitions and Epistles, and that they would not turn my good will of

benefiting others to the ruin of my self, but be contented with my

writings published for the profit of my neighbour. Nor do you think

that I possess and promise golden mountains. For what I have written,

I have writ to discover nature, in these discourses of the perfection

of course metals in small quantity; For I never made trial in a great

quantity, trying truth and possibility in a lesser only, in small

crucibles: therefore those things which I have writ are written to that

end that the possibility of the Art, may appear, of perfect metals to

be wrought out of Imperfect, therefore he who hath occasion may make

trial in a greater quantity: but as for my part wanting opportunity,

I expect Gods blessing, whereby upon occasion I may make tryal in a

greater quantity, and so receive the fruit of my labour and great

charges.

Also metallick bodies are transmuted by another means, namely by

the benefit of a tinging metallick spirit, as one may see in _aurum

fulminans_, sometimes kindled upon a smooth clean metallick plate,

fixing a very deep golden tincture upon the plate, so that it may

bear the Touch-stone. The same also happens in the moist way, where

plated metals put into a gradatory spirit made of Nitre, and certain

minerals, being pierc’t by the spirit, obtain another kind agreeing

to the spirit. But if one doubt of the metallick gradation, made with

_aurum fulminans_; he may try the certainty from the often fireing of

fresh _aurum fulminans_, upon the same plate; for he shall see that

it is not the colour of the metal, and outwardly gilded, but deeply

tinged. Likewise one may try the certainty by a humid spirit, if the

transformed metals are tryed, whence the mutual action and passion

of subtilized spirits plainly appears, for the power of spirits is

very great, and incredible to one not exercised; and this gradation

of inferiour metals, Philosophers both ancient and modern, doe not

only confirm, but also diggers of minerals taught by experience, that

mineral vapours by penetration change courser into purer metals,

_Lazarus Ercker_ being witness, that iron is changed into a good

natural copper in green salt waters, & that he saw a pit, in which

iron nailes and other things cast in, by the penetration of a cupreous

spirit were turned into a good copper. I do not deny that metallick

dissolutions of some metals do stick precipitated to the plates, and

to make them of a golden, silver, or cupreous colour; for it is well

known, that iron cast into a vitriol water not to be turned into

copper, but to draw copper out of the water, of which thing we treat

not here, confirming the possibility of metallick transmutations by

a tinging and piercing spirit; therefore I again maintain that great

power is in metallick spirits; look only upon course and opake earth,

and besides that clear and limpid water with which the clearer and more

powerful air proceeding from the water cometh from the earth. Are not

whole Countries drownded with water, sometimes Towns and Cities taken

away? Cannot the air destroy the strongest Houses; especially shut up

in the Earth, shake the Land for some miles, and afterward demolish

whole Cities and Mountains with the death of Men? all which things

are done naturally. Wind artificially raised by Nitre threatens a far

greater danger, which no man can deny. Although that corporeal Elements

exercise so great power, yet they cannot pierce metals without hurt,

nor stones and glass, and things soon penetrated by fire. Therefore not

by an occult but a manifest power of Sun and Fire, which it hath over

metals, stones and glass, which are easily pierc’t by them without any

impediment: and why should not metals compact of a certain metallick

subtile and piercing spirit be penetrated by help of fire, and changed

into another species? As is already spoken of _Aurum fulminans_ and

_aqua gradatoria_. Therefore there is no doubt of the possibility of

the metallick tingent spirit changing courser metals into finer, both

by the dry and moist way; For Metals may be purified the same way as

Tartar and Vitriol, and other salts, namely by the benefit of much

water. For it is manifest that vitriol is purged with iron and copper

mixt with it, namely dissolved and coagulated in much water, so that

it waxes as white as allom; which purification is but a separation of

the metal from the salt, made by the benefit of much water debilitating

the salt, so that it cannot longer retain the mixt metal, which is

precipitated like some slime, not unprofitable, because the chiefest

part of the vitriol, from which is the greenness, _viz._ Copper,

Iron, and Sulphur. And as by help of separation metals are drawn from

vitriol, more perfect than salts; so also it is with metals when the

perfecter and better part is separated by help of precipitation: as

for Tartar, it is purified by the addition of water, but its better

part is not precipitated as in vitriol, but the courser part which

is its blackness and fæculency. As for example; Common Tartar by

the often solution (made with a sufficient quantity of water) and

coagulation is made very pure and white, because in every solution

made with fresh clear water, it always becomes purer; and not only by

this means white Tartar, but also red and feculent, is reduced into

transparent crystals, and indeed very speedily by vertue of a certain

precipitation; whose limosity is the cause of the obscurity of the

crystalline salt of tartar, and is nothing else but an unsavory thing,

dead and useless, mixt with the tartar in its coagulation in Hogs-heads

of Wine, and separated again by power of solution.

And these examples of the two salts of Vitriol and Tartar, are not

in vain set down, because they shew the difference in precipitation:

For in some Metals, by force of precipitation, the courser part is

separated; but in other, the better and choicer, according to the

prevalency of this or that part.

In Vitriol, the better part (Copper and Iron) is the least, which is

precipitated and separated from the courser and greater part, _viz._

Salt; But, in Tartar, the courser and less part is precipitated and

separated from the greater and better part clarify’d: The like is in

Metals. Therefore, let every one be wary in separating; and consider

before, whether the better or courser part of the Metal is to be

precipitated; without which Knowledge, no Man can meddle with this

Business. Let also the Workman be ware, who expects any profit from his

labour, of Corrosive Waters; as _Aqua fortis_, _Aqua Regia_, Spirit of

Salt, Vitriol, Allom, Vinegar, _&c._ in the Solution from which no Good

proceeds, as utterly destroying and corrupting all and each of them;

proving the same in these words, _From Metals, by Metals, and with

Metals, Metals are made perfect_. Metals are also purified, maturated

and separated from their Vices, by Nitre burning up the superfluous

Sulphur.

And all the aforesaid perfections of metals are but particular. For

every particular medicine, as well humane, as metallick, purgeth,

separateth and perfecteth or amendeth by the taking away the

superfluity. For a universal medicine worketh its perfections and

emendations, by strengthening and multiplying the radical moisture

as well of animals as metals, expelling its enemy by its own natural

vertue. But thou sayst excellent examples indeed are delivered by me,

but not the manner of doing them. _R._ I have delivered more then you

think, although you don’t perceive it: for I am sure after my death

that my books will be in greater esteem, from which it will appear

that I have not sought vain glory, but the profit of my neighbour to

the utmost of my power. But do not, seeing my freeness of writing,

think that you may wrest many things from me. For assure your self,

that although I have written many things for the publick good, yet I

intend not by this means to trouble my self. For I cannot satisfy the

desires of all men, nor answer their Epistles, nor inrich all men, who

neither am rich my self, nor have sought riches. For although I have

gotten the knowledge of these things by Gods blessing, and have tryed

the truth of it in small quantity, yet have I never made experience in

great store for wealth sake, being contented with Gods blessing.

And let this suffice concerning the several purifications of metals

according to my experience; as for that universal medicine so

famous, I cannot judge of it, being a thing unknown to me; but the

possibility thereof I am forc’t to affirm, being moved with the

several transmutations of metals; which being unknown, it behoves

us to be contented with that favour which God hath bestowed on us.

For oftentimes questionless it is better to know little, for Eternal

Salvations sake; for most commonly wealth and learning puff up. And

pride brings to the Devil the Author of it, from whence God of his

mercy preserve us.

_Of the Philosophers Stone._

I have undergon much charge and labour for many years, to extract the

tincture or anima of gold, for a medicine to be made therewith, which

at length I have obtained, where I have observed the remainder of the

gold, the soul or better part being extracted to be no more gold, nor

longer to endure fire. Whence I conjectured, that such an extraction

being fixt again, can perfect courser metals and turn them to gold:

But I could not hitherto try the truth of my conceived opinion living

at this time in a forraign place; therefore against my will, although

greedy of novelty, I have been forc’t to abstain from the work. In the

mean time considering the opinions of the Philosophers concerning their

gold, not the vulgar, asserting the universal medicine to be prepared

therewith. I have again affused a certain Philosophical Vinegar to

Copper for to extract the tincture, where almost all the Copper like

whitish earth is separated from the tincture in digestion, which earth

by no Art I could again reduce into a metallick body.

Which experiment again confirmed me of a possibility of this Medicine.

Which labour though I never followed, yet I doubt not but an humane

medicine, though not also a metallick is attainable thence by a

diligent workman. The soul therefore with all the metallick attributes,

consisting in so small a quantity, which is scarce the hundredth part

of the weight, which being extracted and separated, the remaining body

is no more a metal, but a useless and dead earth; but it is not to

be doubted but being fixt again, it may reassume and perfect another

metallick body. Therefore I am confidently perswaded by the aforesaid

Reasons, that such a medicine is to be made of mineral and metallick

things, _viz._ in the flowing, changing baser metals into better. But

do not think that I writing these things make gold or copper the matter

of this medicine, which I do not hold, well knowing that there are

other subjects easily to be handled, abounding with tinctures.

So thou hast heard now my opinion of the Universal Medicine, which my

experience in Gold, Copper, and other Minerals and Metals hath caused:

which I will not preach for _Gospel_, because it is human to erre.

Therefore no certainty is to be had, before its final and compleat

perfection, and indeed once or twice tryed for certainties sake. For an

excellent way once found out, cannot alwaies be often repeated, which

happens doubtless as well to others as to me. Therefore we must not

triumph before the Victory; for unthought on impediments may frustrate

Hope: but God is rather to be implored in our labours, that he would

be pleased to bless our endeavours, that we may use well his gifts in

this life as good stewards, and afterward bestow the free reward of our

labours, watchings, and cares on us sinners, namely, everlasting Rest

and Salvation out of his meer Mercy.

_Whether Minerals, as Antimony, Arsenic, Orpin, Cobolt, Zinc,

Sulphur, =&c.= may be transmuted into metals, and into what?_

It is long since debated among Chymists, whether the aforesaid Minerals

proceed from the same principles with Metals, and whether to be counted

Metals; in which Controversy they have not agreed to this day, when as

one approves that which another denies, so that a student of Chymistry

knows not to what side he had best assent.

But this knowledge not a little helping, concerning the purifying of

metals, I would put my opinion also grounded upon experience, for the

satisfying the doubtful, the simplicity of them is strange who hold not

one and the same beginning to be of minerals and metals, saying, if

metals might be made by nature, of minerals surely it had long since

been done; but it never was, experience witnessing; for remaining

minerals, they are never transplanted into metals. I Answer, metals

grow one way, also vegetables another, soon budding, and again soon

dying; but it is not so with metals; for all lasting things have long

time of digestion, according to the saying, _That which is soon made,

doth soon fade_; this is to be understood not only of vegetables and

minerals, but also of animals, as appears from the budding of some

vegetables, coming in six Months space to their perfection, and then

again perishing: when as things requiring longer time of digestion and

perfection are much more lasting. A Mushroom in the space of one or two

nights grows out of rotten wood, again soon vanishing: not so the Oke.

Oxen, and Horses in the space of two or three year come to perfection,

scarce living the twentyeth, or twenty-fourth year: but a Man requiring

twenty four years to his perfection, lives sixty, eighty, or an hundred

years. So also we must conceive of lasting metals requiring many ages,

and also very long time of digestion and perfection; metals therefore

requiring a very long time of digestion to their perfection, it is

granted to no man ever to see the beginning, and end of them; the

transplantation of minerals into metals by nature cannot be denyed;

especially, because that in the oars of metals, especially of course

ones, minerals are also found; wherefore diggers of minerals, when

they find them, conceive good hopes of finding metals, of which they

are termed the _Coverlids_, for seldom metals are found without

minerals, or minerals without metals; nor also are ever minerals found

wanting gold or silver; therefore minerals are properly termed the

_Embryo_ of _Metals_; because by art and fire a good part of gold and

silver is drawn out of them by fusion; which if they do not proceed

from the metallick roots, whence proceeds that gold and silver? For an

Ox is not born of an Infant, nor a man of a Calf; for alwaies like is

produced of its like.

Therefore minerals are counted but unripe fruits in respect of metals,

not yet obtaining their ripeness and perfection, nor separated from

the superfluous earth; for how should a bird be hatcht of an egg by

an heat, not predestined for the generation of a bird? For so we must

understand of minerals, which if they be deprived of their metallick

nature, how should by fire metals be produced from thence? But thou

saist that thou never sawest the production of perfect metals out of

courser; therefore that it is neither likely, nor credible to thee,

to whom many things as yet lye hid, as from most men, perversly and

foolishly denying things unknown; for daily experience witnesseth, that

the viler minerals and metals by taking away the superfluous sulphur

(however it be done) obtain a greater degree of perfection, therefore

should not thy heart believe, and thy tongue speak what thou seest

with thine eyes? For experience shews that good gold and silver might

be drawn out by art almost out of all course minerals and metals, yet

more out of some than of others, and speedier; for there is not that

dark night, that is altogether depriv’d of light, which may not be

manifested by a hollow glass; nor is there an element (though never so

pure) not mixt with other elements, nor any malignity depriv’d of all

good, or on the contrary. And as it is possible to gather the hidden

beams of the Sun in the aire, so also hidden perfect metals dispersed

in imperfect metals, and minerals by fire, and an expert Artist: if

once they are placed in fire with their proper solvents, where the

homogeneous parts are gathered, and the heterogeneous separated; so

that there is no need to go into the _Indies_ to seek gold and silver

in those new Islands, which is possible to find plentifully here in

_Germany_, if so be the merciful God would please to turn away those

present cruel Plagues, and bring them out of old metals, _viz._ Lead,

Iron, Tin, and Copper, there left by the Dealers in minerals; indeed

without the culture of minerals. Let no man therefore judge himself to

be poor, because he is only poor and in want (although otherwise very

rich and abounding in wealth, which yet in a moment he is forc’t to

forsake) that being ungrateful, neither knoweth nor acknowledgeth God

in his Works.

What I pray is in less esteem in the world, than old Iron and Lead,

which are acceptable to the wise to use in the Lotion of Copper and Tin

with the mineral White? But how they are to be washed, is a difficulty

to the unexercised in the fire, and shall be delivered by similitudes:

You see Antimony fresh digged out of the earth, very black and impure;

which by fusion separated from its superfluity (which, though nature

gave to it not in vain, but as an help to its purification, according

to that: _GOD and Nature do nothing in vain_) is made more pure,

and endowed with a body nearer to metals than its mineral, which if

afterwards melted with salt of Tartar, the crude and combustible

sulphur is mortified thereby, and is turned into dross, and separated

from the pure mercurial part, so that hereby is made a new and fresh

separation of the parts, of which one portion being white and brittle,

sinks to the bottom, the other lighter, to wit, the combustible sulphur

is on the top with the salt of Tartar; which poured out into a Cone,

when they are cold, may be separated with the hammer; the inferior

part of which is called by the Chymists _Regulus_, which is purer than

Antimony cast the first time out of its mineral; and this is the usual

purging of Antimony used by Chymists; to which (_Regulus_) if afterward

any thing should be added, for a third purification, without doubt it

would not only be made purer but more fixt and malleable. For if white

Regulus be preparable out of black Antimony, why not as well malleable

metal out of the _Regulus_.

_Another way of separating the superfluous Antimonial Sulphur_,

℞ Antimony powdred one part, Salt-peter half as much, mingle them, and

kindle the mixture with a live coal, and let that Antimonial sulphur,

with the nitre be burnt up, the darkish mass being left, to wit, of a

brown colour; which melted for the space of an hour in a strong fire

yeilds an Antimony like to that which is made with salt of Tartar, but

somewhat less in quantity: in like manner the parts of Antimony are

separated, _viz._ if Antimony, Nitre, and crude Tartar be mingled in

an equal weight, and being mixt are kindled and melted. There is also

another separation of the Antimonial parts; when of small bits of Iron

one part is pat into a strong crucible, in a wind Furnace, to which

being red hot, cast two parts of ground Antimony, for fusion, and the

superfluous combustible sulphur will forsake the Antimony, and joyn to

the Iron, a metal more amicable to it; mixt with which, it forsaketh

its own proper pure Mercury, and sulphur or _Regulus_, which is almost

the half part of the Antimony.

And these four ways, by which the superfluous combustible sulphur of

Antimony is separated are most common, not set down as secrets, but for

demonstration sake, that it may appear how sulphureous minerals are,

to be perfected and purified, which are little amended; yet shewing

a better way not only for Antimony, but also for Arsenick and Orpin,

although these two cannot be so done with Iron, Nitre and Tartar,

by reason of their volatility; but with Oyl, or other fat things in

close crucibles, giving a _Regulus_ like to the Antimonial; and these

_Reguli_ make Tin hard, to sound and be compact; if to one pound one

ounce be added in fusion, for making good houshold stuff. And in tryal

they give good Gold.

And as it is said of purging Antimony, so also it is to be understood

of the rest, as _Wismuth_, _Zinck_; _Lapis calaminaris_, Lead, Tin,

Iron and Copper, to be purged from their superfluous sulphur, if thou

wilt draw more perfect metals, _viz._ Gold and Silver out of them

with gain. And so I make an end of metallick lotions; recommending

to Chymists, _Nitre_, _Tartar_, _Flints_ and _Lead_; for who knoweth

to use them, shall not lose his labour in Chymistry; but ’tis to be

lamented, that every where good earth and fixt in the fire, is not

to be gotten, retaining Lead and Salts; for without our old Saturn

little or nothing can be done in refining metals; therefore who goes

to try any thing in this Art, let him seek the best earth retaining

Lead twentyfour hours space; afterward let him consult with Tin, what

_Vulcan_ has to be done with Iron; who will tell him what he must

suffer, before he obtain the Crown.

_Of the tincture of Sol and Antimony._

Sometimes an alteration happens to mans body, from the attraction of

mineral vapors (which cannot be done by my Furnace) in the tryal;

therefore here I will set down a certain medicine for the Workmans

sake, as well for preserving as curing, namely, a clear rubin fixt,

and soluble of Gold and Antimony. Take of pure Gold half an ounce,

dissolve it in _Aqua Regia_; precipitate the solution with liquor of

Flints, as before is said in the Second part; edulcorate and dry the

calx, and it will be prepared; take _Regulus Martis_ (of which is

spoken a little before) beaten fine, to which mix three parts of the

purest Nitre; place the mixture in the crucible between burning coals,

putting to fire by degrees: which done make a stronger, _viz._ for

fusion; for then the Mass will be made purple; which taken forth and

cooled grind very small, of which take three or four parts and mix

with one part of the aforesaid golden calx; place it mixed in a strong

crucible covered over in the aforesaid winde Furnace, and make the mass

to flow together like metal, and it will assume the Antimonial Nitre in

the fusion, and will dissolve the Gold or the calx of Gold, and a mass

of an Amethyst colour will be made therewith, which so long leave in

the fire, till it get the clearness of a Ruby, which one may try with

a clean wire or iron bowed and put therein, although the mean time the

mass deprived of fusibility, is thickened; it is meet to add some Nitre

or Tartar, for speeding fusion, and that as often as shall be needful.

Lastly, pour the mass, when it shall come to the utmost redness of

a Ruby, hot into a clean copper morter, which there leave until it

cool, and it will be in colour very like to an Oriential Ruby; then

bruise it hot into powder, for taking air it would melt, and extract

the tincture by the affusion of the spirit of Wine in a Vial, and the

Gold together with the Antimony will remain very white like the finest

Talc, to be washed with clear water, in a glass, edulcorated and dryed;

which melted with a stronger fire, gives a Yellow glass, in which no

Gold appears, yet separable by way of precipitation with the filings of

Iron and Copper, from which it recovers its ancient colour, but without

profit, by reason of the wast, the tinged spirit is to be taken away

from the tincture, which is a very soveraign medicine in many grievous

diseases.

Although thou mayest suspect this not to be the simple tincture of

_Sol_, but of Nitre and Tartar mixt, be sure that the quantity of Nitre

added not to exceed; and suppose that tincture of Tartar and Nitre,

I pray what waste is there? since that is so good a medicine by it

self, & I am perswaded, this tincture of _sol_ to be better than those

set down in the Second part. That Ruby may be so used by it self with

proper vehicles, seeing it is a soveraign medicine of it self; or else

exposed to the air and resolved to a liquor; for the medicine is no

less than a tincture, because the Gold in it, and the purer part of

Antimony are made potable without corrosives. Wonderful is the power

of salts in metals to be destroyed, perfected and changed by fusion;

for it happened to me one time making this Ruby, placeing two other

crucibles also with metals, by this containing gold with the prepared

_Regulus_ of Antimony (for easily two or three, or more crucibles may

be placed in this furnace, to be ruled with one fire, which cannot be

done in a common furnace by that means) about to put in a certain salt

into the crucible next to the crucible of gold, that by a mistake I

cast it into the crucible with gold only, whence so great a conflict

arose, that there was danger of boyling over; therefore forced to

remove it out of the furnace presently with tongs, and to effuse

it, supposing that the Ruby was left by my rash putting in of salt;

therefore I would only save the gold. And I found the effused mass red

like blood, purer than a Ruby, but no Gold; but white grains like Lead

dispersed here and there in the salts, by reason of their smalness,

not separable but by the solution of the salts, which being separated

by the solution of water from the red tincture like blood, remained

in the bottom of the glass, which afterward for fusions sake I placed

in a new crucible in that furnace, but willing to try the fusion, I

found the crucible empty, and all the Gold vanished, a little excepted

sticking on the top to the crucible and the cover, which I took away

and melted for experience sake in a new close crucible, but all of it

presently feeling heat flew away like Arsnick, no sign being left in

the crucible; and so I was deprived of my Gold.

At length I took the red solution, and abstracted the water from the

salts, and I found the salt red like blood, which I put in a clean

crucible in the furnace for to try whether any metallick body might

thence be extracted; but I found the effused salt deprived of all

tincture and redness, which seems strange to me even to this day, that

by help of this salt the whole substance of gold, _viz._ the tincture

together with the remainder flew away, having so great volatility.

Which labour afterward I would reiterate, but it happened not so at

all as at the first time; there was indeed some alteration of the gold

made, but its volatilization was not so great, the cause of which

thing, I think was the ignorance of the weight of the aforesaid salt,

cast in at the first time against my will.

And two reasons chiefly moved me to insert this history, First, that

it may appear how soon one may mistake in a small thing frustrating

the whole process. Secondly, That the truth of the Philosophers may

appear writing that gold by art is reducible into a lower degree, equal

to lead (which happened to me in this work) and that it is harder to

destroy gold and make it like to an Imperfect metal, than to transmute

an imperfect metal into gold; therefore I am glad in my heart that I

saw such an experiment; of which thing our phantastick Philosophers

will hear nothing, writing whole volumes against the truth, stifly

affirming, gold to be incorruptible, which is an arrant lye; for I can

shew the contrary (if need be) many ways. I wonder indeed what moves

such men to slight a thing unknown, I do not use to judg things unknown

to me.

How dare they deny the transmutation of metals, knowing not how to

use coals and tongs? truly I confess those rude and circumforaneous

Mountebanks, not a little to defile and disgrace true Chymistry, every

where cheating men by their fraud, being needy and opprest with penury;

unless peradventure they find some credulous rich man giving them food

and raiment for the conceived hope of Gain and Skill, of which also

some being furnisht with gold, go clad like painted Parrots, whom I

judg to be hated worse than a Dog or a Snake; but innocent Chymistry

is not therefore to be despised. Some covetous men besotted with

folly and madness, laying out their moneys with an uncertain hope of

gain, who afterward the thing ill succeeding, are forced to live in

poverty, whose case is not to be pityed, destroying their money out of

covetousness. Some seek wealth not out of covetousness, but rather that

they may have wherewith to live, and may search nature, which are to be

excused if they are deceived by knaves, yet not to be praised if they

spend above their ability.

_Another tincture and medicine of Gold._

Dissolve gold in _Aqua Regia_, being dissolved, precipitate it with

liquor of the salt of flints, pour some more of the aforesaid liquor

to the precipitated gold, then place them in sand to boyl for some

hours space, and the liquor of flints will extract the tincture of the

gold, and be dyed with a purple colour, to which, pour rain water, and

make it to boyl together with that purple liquor, and the flint will

be precipitated, the tincture of an excellent colour with the salt of

Tartar left; from which it is necessary to extract the water even to

driness, and a very fine salt of a purple colour will remain in the

bottom of the glass, out of which with the spirit of wine, may be drawn

a tincture as red as blood, little inferior in vertue to potable gold;

for many things lie hid in the purple salt, of which more things might

be spoken if occasion permitted; therefore let it suffice to shew the

way of destroying gold, for that golden salt may in a very short time,

_viz._ an hour, be perfected with small labour and transmuted into a

wonder of nature; confuting the slanders of the noble Art of Alchimy;

for which gift we ought to give immortal thanks to the immortal God.

_Of Looking-glasses._

I have made mention in the treatise of _Aurum potabile_, not only of

the material heat of fire, but also of turning the finest beams of the

Sun into a material bodily substance, by help of certain instruments by

which they are collected. I have also mentioned there a concave Glass,

whose preparation I will here give, it being not known to all men, the

best that I know is as followeth. First, patterns are to be made of

the best matter, namely, hair and Potters clay, of which thing in the

Fifth part, conformable to the glasses, in form and figure circularly

round; for else they cannot gather the Sun-beams together, and again

put them forth; the fault of which thing is to be ascribed only to

the pattern or mold; for the fusion and polishing of glasses is no

singular Art, being known even to Bell-founders, but to melt them when

very well shap’t of the best matter and rightly to polish them, this

is Art: and first to cut the patterns round, being very well shaped

by the use of a sharp Iron Instrument cannot briefly be demonstrated;

therefore I will send the Reader to Authors prolixly handling this

thing, _viz._ _Archimedes_ and _Johan. Baptist. Porta_, and others; but

if thou wantest those Authors, or dost not understand them, see thou

have a Globe exactly turned for making the Molds as followeth: first

make a mixture of meal and sifted ashes, which spread equally between

two boards, as the manner is to spread past made of Flower and Butter

for Pyes and Tarts, answering in thickness to the glass to be shaped,

then with a Compass make a circle as big a you please, which cut with

a knife, and put it on the Globe, and sprinkle quick lime on it out of

a searce or sive, and put clay well prepared with haire over it of the

thickness of two fingers breadth; and if it be a great piece you must

impose cross wires strengthning the Mold, least it be bent or broken.

Afterward one part being hardned with the heat of the Sun or fire,

take away all that from the Globe, and put it on some hollow thing,

on which it may on all sides stand well, and also sprinkle quick lime

or the powder of coals on the other side, and put upon this the other

part of the pattern, and again expose it by degrees, to be dryed by

the heat of Sun or fire, lest it crack; which done, take away the ends

making those parts of the Mold or pattern from the inward or middle,

which ends set one against another to the inward parts, the distance at

least of a hands breadth, and put between in the top a few live coals

to harden the Mold all over; to which put on other coals, and then

more, and so by degrees even to the top, that they may be well kindled

in their lighter parts; but if the Molds are very thick, one fire will

not suffice, but it will be necessary to add more coals, until they be

throughly kindled in the inner parts; afterward, let the fire go out

by degrees, that the types may grow cold, but not altogether, but so

that you may touch them; and presently besmear finely the sifted ashes

mixt with water, with a pencil, to stop up the chincks arisen from the

burning the hair, and for smoothing the types; then again make both

parts (after thou hast first framed a hole in them for a Tunnel) clean,

being wary lest any foul thing fall upon them; and carefully bind them

together with iron or copper wier; and very well lute over the joining

with clay prepared with hair; and put on an earthen Tunnel, and place

the Mold in dry sand up to the top: And thou oughtest in the mean while

thou burnest and preparest the Mold, to melt the metallick mixture,

that it may be poured into the hot Mold, the Metal being well melted,

cast in a bit of searcloath, which burning, pour out the melted Metal

into the hot Mold, being wary lest coals or some other thing fall into

the crucible, and be poured with the Metal into the Mold, spoiling

the glass; then let the glass cool of it self in the Mold, if the

matter do not moulder in the cooling: And if it should moulder in the

cooling, which indeed would lessen it, it behoves that the cast glass

be presently taken out of the Mold, and covered over with a hot earthen

or iron vessel, that it may cool under it, which otherwise, cooling

shut up in the Mold not being able to moulder, is broke in pieces, but

a little below you shall perceive, what be those mouldering metals.

And this is the common way (and the best) of melting, if so be thou

art exercised; there are also other ways; first, when molds are made

of wood or lead, agreeing to the glass, to be impressed with sand,

or the finest powder of tyles or other earth, as is the custome of

copper-smiths; and this way only serveth for lesser glasses.

The third way which is the best of all, but hardest to one not

exercised, is as follows; make a waxen Mold with a Cylinder to be

placed between two boards, as is aforesaid of the first way, which put

upon the globe for to shape it, and let it be hardned in the cold; then

take it away, and spread over it the following mixture with a pencil;

which see that it be dryed in the shadow, then apply potters clay,

prepared with hair, the thickness of one or two fingers breadth; then

take away the wax in manner following from the earth: make a round

hole in the earthen mold with a knife, coming even to the wax; which

done, place it near a coal fire, the mold being bending down, and the

melted wax will run through the hole, into which pour the hot (not

burnt) metal, _&c._ that liniment which is anoynted on the wax must

be very well prepared least while the wax melt, it fall and melt away

with the wax, nor let the wax pierce the earthen mold and spoil it.

Now the liniment follows: Burn potters clay well washt in a Furnace

even to redness; afterward grind it and take away its finest part with

washing of water, so that you may have an impalpable powder, which dry,

and again burn with a strong fire: after grind it with rain water and

salt Armoniack sublimed, upon a stone, as Painters use to prepare their

colours, bring it to the just consistence of a paint, and the mixture

will be made; the salt Armoniack keeps that fine powder, lest it melt

away with the wax: and the prepared earth makes a tender and fine

fusion.

_The metallick mixture for the matter of the Looking-Glass._

There are divers of these mixtures, of which one is alwaies better than

the other, which by how much ’tis the harder, by so much the glass is

the better; and by how much the harder the metal is, by so much the

better it is polisht; nor doth the hardness of the mixture suffice, but

its whiteness is also required: for red proceeds from too much copper;

black from too much iron, or duskie from too much tin, and doth not

make the true representations of things, but changeth the shape and

colour of them: for example sake, too much copper rendereth the Species

redder than they are to be, and so of the rest; let therefore the

metallick mixture be very white; but if burning glasses are to be made,

it is no matter what colour it be of, if so be that the mixture be

hard. I will set down one of the best, ℞. of Copper plates the thinest

beaten to pieces one part, of white Arsnick a quarter part; first

moisten the plates with the liquor of the salt of Tartar, and make a

Stratum super Stratum, with plates and Arsnick powdred, by sprinkling

this on them, until the crucible be filled; to which pour the oyl of

Linseed, as much as sufficeth to cover the copper and Arsnick; which

done put on the cover with the best lute, then place the crucible

(the lute being dryed) in sand, so that only the upper part of the

cover may stick out and administer fire by degrees, at first little;

secondly somewhat stronger, till at length it be hot, that all the

oyl may evaporate; in the mean time, the oyl will prepare the copper,

and retain the Arsnick, and will make it enter into the plates, like

oyl piercing dry Leather: Or place the crucible upon a grate and put

Fire to it, which administer by degrees, until the oyl evaporate in

the boyling. Lastly, when it shall coole, break the crucible, and thou

shalt find the copper of diverse colours, especially if thou shalt take

Orpin in stead of Arsenick, and twice or thrice increased in magnitude,

and brittle.

R. of this copper one part, and of latton [_Orichalcum_] two parts,

melt it with a very quick Fire, and first indeed the latton, to which

afterward add the friable copper; pour out the mixture melted and thou

shalt have a very hard metal unfileable, yet not so brittle, but like

steel, of which diverse things may be formed serving in stead of iron

and steel instruments; take of this hard metal three parts of the

best tin without lead one part, melt and effuse it, and the matter

of looking-glasses will be made. This mixture is a hard white metal

making the best looking glasses, but if this labor seem tedious, take

of copper three parts, of tin one part, of white Arsenick half a part

for the matter of looking-glasses, which are fine but brittle, as well

in the melting as polishing, therefore carefully to be handled. I must

here set down a thing worthy to be observed, and known to few; _viz._:

a false opinion of many, especially of those who attribute knowledge

to themselves of the proprieties of metals. In the second part (of

subtile spirits) mention is made of the pores of metals, for experience

witnesseth, that those subtile spirits as of harts-horn, tartar, soot,

and sometimes those sulphureous ones of salts and metals do evaporate

through pewter vessels, which at the first hearing every man cannot

conceive, for whose sake this discourse is made. Make two balls of

Copper, and two of pure Tin not mixt with lead, of one and the same

form and quantity, the weight of which balls observe exactly, which

done, again melt the aforesaid balls or bullets into one, and first the

copper, to which melted add the Tin, lest much Tin evaporate in the

melting; & presently pour out the mixture melted into the mold of the

first balls, and there will not come forth four nor scarce three balls,

the weight of the four balls being reserved; if then metals are not

porous, whence I pray doth that great alteration of quantity proceed?

therefore know that metals are porous more or less; gold hath the

fewest pores, silver hath more, Mercury more than that, Lead more than

Mercury, Copper more than Lead, and Iron than copper, but tin hath most

of all.

If we could destroy metals, and again educe them destroyed from power

to act, surely they would not be so porous. And as a child without

correction is unapt to any goodness, but corrected is endued with all

kind of vertue and learning, so also we must understand of metals

which left in their natural state, namely drawn out of the earth

without correction and emendation remain volatile, but corrupted and

regenerated are made more noble, even as our bodies destroyed and

corrupted, at length shall arise clarified before they come into

Gods sight. Well said _Paracelsus_, that if in one hour metals were

destroyed an hundred times, yet they could not be without a body,

reassuming a new species and indeed a better, for it is rightly said,

_Unius corruptio, alterius generatio_; for the mortification of a

superfluous sulphureous body is the regeneration of the Mercurial soul,

for without a destruction of metals perfection cannot be; therefore

metals are to be destroyed and made formless, that thereby the

superfluous earthy combustible sulphur being separated, the pure fine

Mercurial species may spring forth. Of which thing more, when we Speak

of Artificial stones.

_Of the smoothing and polishing of looking-glasses_

A looking-glass, though it be very exactly melted and proportioned, yet

is of no value if not rightly polished and smoothed; for easily in the

smoothing any part it may suffer some dammage hurtful to it, and it is

necessary to take from them first, the grosser part by the wheel, as

the custom is with Pewterers and Copper-smiths with a sandy stone, then

to apply to them a finer stone with water, until they are sufficiently

smoothed by grinding; which done, the looking glasses are again to be

taken from the wheel and to be moved to the small wooden wheel covered

with leather, rubbed over with a fine prepared glazing stone until the

crevises contracted in the turning no more appear, having got a cross

line, afterward another small wheel covered with leather is required,

to which a bloodstone prepared and washt with the ashes of tin rubbed

on, to which likewise by the aforesaid means, according to the same

line, the looking-glasses are so long to be moved till they get a

sufficient fineness and brightness. You must keep such looking-glasses

from the moist air, and breathing, and to wipe them when infected with

air and breathing not with any woolen or linnen cloth, but with a Goats

or Harts skin, and not any way, but according to the cross line, with

which the looking-glasses are smoothed. They may also be smoothed by

lead artificially melted, by first rubing them with a smiris and water,

and then with a finer smiris and lead; lastly with a blood stone and

ashes of tin: likewise also with whetstones, by changing for a finer

every time, whence at length also they acquire a splendour by the ashes

of tin.

Also the outward part of the looking-glasses (convex) may be smoothed,

which represents the species short, and spreads the dispersed rays:

but the inward part (hollow) gathers and multiplies, and puts forth or

exposeth the Image.

Let these things suffice concerning the melting of looking glasses,

& polishing requisites, for the collection of the Sun beams, and

although from the aforesaid mixture other kinds of looking-glasses

might be made representing wonderful shapes and several excellent

things, as Cylindrick, Pyramidal, Parabolick, _&c._ they are omitted as

impertinent to this place, yet I could shew a way to make them, because

I have undergone no small labors and charges in the searching of their

preparation and use, if it were necessary. But of all looking-glasses

that is most useful whose preparation we have shewn, whose diameter is

at least two or three spans, if thou wilt perform any special thing;

although it be but of one or two spans, yet it gathers abundance of

beams, so that thou maist melt tin and lead with it, if it be well

shaped: yet the larger are the better. Nor ought they to be too deep,

that they may cast their beams the further, and better perform their

actions or functions, let them have the twentyeth or thirtyeth part of

the sphere (the section being exactly observed) which is the foundation

of the Art.

_Of Artificial Gems, and Metallick Glasses._

As for metallick glasses pertaining to Alchymy, and much conducing to

the perfection of metals, and esteemed by the Ancient Philosophers, I

would not omit to say somewhat in this place, because they are easily

made by this furnace.

And indeed the Ancients have found these glasses questionless by

chance, in reducing the calcined bodys into glass by a strong fire,

for very many secrets by this means not sought for are found out.

Oftentimes it happens to our labors, that past hope we find somthing

better or worse, than the thing sought; and I think it hath thus

happened with these glasses, but however it be, I am sure these glasses

have stood us in much stead; for _Izaak Holland_ saith plainly, That

vitrified metals being again brought to metals, by that reduction do

give better and nobler metals than the first vitrified; and indeed

gold gives a tincture, but silver gold, and copper silver; and so

consequently the glass of other metals give better metals in reduction,

the truth of which experience proves, and although I have not yet made

great tryal in this work, yet I know that metals brought into dead

ashes to be turned into clear glass cannot be again reduced into metals

without great profit: yet one metal is more pliable than another,

nor are our glasses the Artificial stones of gold-smiths fixed to

other large ones for ornaments sake, made by the addition of glass

made of fusile sand; but ours are made of the juice of metals. But I

do not deny the vertue of Venice glass, and others in the mundifying

of metals, chiefly copper and tin, which yet is not comparable with

metallick juices. I freely confess I have tryed this thing twenty

times, and I never was deceived by it: but I know not whether it may

prove so in a greater quantity, because I never tryed it, doubting of

my vessels not fit to retain fusible glasses a requisit time: for I

have spent much labor in making these kind of vessels, but hitherto in

vain. For there is very great hope of gain, if thou hast very strong

crucibles, nor is this perfection of metals without reason, for whilest

the metal is burnt to ashes, much of the superfluous combustible

sulphur is burnt (as you may see in Lead, Tin, and Copper, from the

sparks appearing in their calcination whilest they are stirred and

separating) which if again reduced (_viz._ being calcined) its better

and heavier part (by benefit of melting) sinketh to the bottom, the

worser flowing on the top is changed into dross or glass. And so

the separation of metals is made by the help of the Fire alone, to

the ignorant and unexpert incredible: but consider gilt silver to

be separated in fusion, which is as it were corrupted by the common

sulphur, and the metallick species, being lost, it turns to a black

dross before that in melting it forsakes the gold: which way also

silver is separated from copper, and this from iron. Observe also that

black and crude Antimony, being reduced into ashes by calcination,

and melted is separated by a strong Fire, the purer parts descending

pure and white like silver, but the impure parts ascending are changed

into glass or dross, which separation would never be made without

incineration although the Antimony should have stood long influx.

Thou seest therefore the power of Fire alone in melting metals,

wherefore believe thou that thy labor shall not be in vain if thou

knowest how to help the Fire. Exercise thy self therefore in it,

for thou art sufficiently instructed, and this furnace will help

thee; without which it is impossible to manage such things well, as

experience testifies, confirming my words.

Mention being made of metallick glasses, which belongs to the

perfection of metals, I am forced to say somthing also of other

_Amausa_, or coloured glasses, which are called Gems, and are worn for

beautifying, which though it be not profitable, yet it is a delightful

labour, which knowledge, as well noble as ignoble have long sought,

not for gain, but recreation sake, erring from the true way (although

prolixly described in many tongues) through ignorance of the art to

render crystal or flint fusible, and colouring it, being content with

lead glasses made of one part of crystals, or flints, and three or four

parts of minium or ceruse, glass of no worth, as not only very soft

and unapt for polishing, but also heavier than it ought by means of

the lead, and having a yellow or green colour, for every glass made of

crystal or flint, and minium or ceruse by themselves, _viz._ without

the addition of other colours, gets a yellow colour from the Lead,

hindering and altering other mixt colours; therefore a good stone is

not made this way of lead and flint, but Leaden glasses of this sort,

Venice glass, Ashes of tin, and colours being added to them, be used

diversly of the goldsmiths, namely to colour gold, otherwise of no

moment.

Therefore I will give another preparation, namely out of flints _&c._

crystals alone without minium and ceruse, with metallick colours,

having the colour and elegancy of excellent stones; but not harder than

glass; for although crystal is harder than iron, yet by melting it is

deprived of its hardness in some measure, and is made like to glass,

yet so much hardness reserved, as serves to write on another glass,

which glasses are easily polished, and in all things and by all, most

like, hardness excepted, to natural stones; with which not only various

kinds of stones may be made, and other gold, silver, and wooden works

or pictures adorned; but also diverse supellectils, as salts, hafts

or hilts, cups, _&c._ and also images and antiquities may be formed

(by fusion) like to those cut out of gems by the hand of an ingenious

workman, most delightful.

They are made after this manner: first you must look for flints and

crystals not coloured, but very white, gathered out of sand or streams,

which you must heat in a covered crucible, and quench them glowing hot

in cold water, that they may crack and may be pulverised; otherwise

they are so hard that when they are powdred, they take part of the

morter and so are defiled; therefore it is worth your labor to handle

them well. Afterward ℞ of flints prepared, and the purest salt of

Tartar, made in glased vessels, but not in copper or iron, equal parts,

mingle them and keep them for use.

And if thou wilt make this mass into a gem, you must first mingle some

colour (what you desire) afterward so long place it (being put into a

clean covered crucible scarce half full) in a very strong fire, till

all the salt of Tartar hath evaporated, and the flint together with

the colour come into substance fusible like glass: you must then put

a small clean iron wier, and draw out a little of the melted mass for

tryal; whether it have stood long enough in the fire, whether there

be yet pustles and little sands, or whether it being exactly melted,

it shall descend to the bottom, which done, you must take off the

crucible, and place it under some hot iron or earthen vessel, that it

may wax cold with the melted stone; otherwise the mass will be broken

in the crucible into very small parts, and would be unfit for greater

works: neither must you pour out the melted mass for fear of the

attraction of aire, and pustles to arise thence. But being willing to

make out of the Mass by Fusion, not Engraving Money or Images; there

is no need to leave the mass in the crucible to cool, but presently

to pour it out hot in a copper morter, and nothing will stick to the

crucible, but all the mass will be poured out without any waste: And

this mass, if thou wilt, thou maist powder or break into very small

bits for fusion and impression. But the mass when cooled in the

crucible, is to be taken by breaking the crucible, and to be reduced

into greater or lesser stones by cutting: but melting for money or

images; you must place the money or image, which you will imitate,

with the backside or hinder-part downward in an iron Ring, a Fingers

breadth broad of greater capacity than the money, upon a stone or plain

wood, and sprinkle on a little Tripoly, or fine Sand, through a cloth,

namely, as much as sufficeth to cover the mold, and upon this to put

more, well moistened with water, like ashes of cupels, and to press it,

being most tenacious, firmly to the mold, but warily, lest the mold be

moved; which done, you must turn the ring, and with a knife lift up the

mold, and to take it, being lifted up with ones hands or tongs, the

image being left in the sand, to be dryed by heat of the Sun or Fire.

Afterward to cast the image, place the ring with the image impressed

in the sand under a tile, and administer a strong fire, that the whole

ring, with the sand, and the image in the sand may be very hot: then

take off the ring, to see if the image have suffered any loss; which,

if it have not, you must put upon it so much of the aforesaid glass,

coursly beaten, as sufficeth in the fusion to fill the image impressed

on the sand; which done, put the ring again under the tile, and

administer a fire of fusion, till the glass melt in the ring; to which,

touch with a smooth iron and light, (with a handle) being hot the ring

being taken first out of the furnace with tongs, pressing the glass

well to the mold; and then place it under a hot iron, or earthen vessel

to cool; and being cold, take the image from the mold, which answers to

it in all things, if thou hast aright proceeded, exactly representing

the Carvers art, or a seal impressed on a jewel, which excellent work

is most fit to feign, and represent Antiquities and Rarities.

_The colouring of the aforesaid mass follows, by which it is made

most like to Gems._

It behooveth that colours be taken from metals and minerals, namely

from Copper, Iron, Gold, Silver, Wismuth, Magnesia and Granate; of

other colours I know nothing of certainty, Copper commonly makes a

colour green like the Sea, Copper with Iron, grass-green; Granate a

smaragdine colour, Iron yellow or jacynth; Gold the best skie colour;

Wismuth common skie colour; Magnesia Amethystine, mixt, they give other

colours; E. gr. Gold mixt with Silver gives an Amethyst colour; Iron

and Copper, a pale green; Wismuth and Magnesia, a purple; Silver and

Magnesia, various colours like an Opal.

Images are also made of divers colours, if the masses of diverse

colours be broken into bits and mixt, be put upon the Mold, _&c._ And

if thou desirest an opac mass (green, red, skie colour, _&c._) add a

little calx of Tin darkning, on which as on a Basis the colours insist.

For example; in making a Turcoise stone or a Lazulus, mingle with the

Azure made of the silver Marcasit or Zafora (to colour the mass) the

calx of Tin, that they may melt together, and before the impression be

made, put upon the Mold some prepared gold, then spread and put upon

this the aforesaid glass; and the fusion and impression being made,

will be made thence a stone having golden veins like _lapis Lazulus_

very delightful; But there must be a _calx_ of Gold not losing its

splendor in the fire, such as is made by Mercury, or that which is

better, which is precipitated out of _Aqua Regia_: of which above.

_Of the preparation of the colours for colouring the mass of Flints

and Crystals._

The plates of copper often heated, are to be quenched in cold water of

which more in the Fifth part, from three to six grains of it may be

mixed with ℥ j. of the mass for a Sea-green colour. Iron is reduced

into crocus by reverberation; of which from four to ten grains are

added to the mass for a yellow or Jacynth colour; Silver is dissolved

in _Aqua fortis_, and precipitated with the liquor of Flints after it

is edulcorated and dryed, whereof from one to six grains, added to ℥ j.

of the mass, they make mixt colours.

Gold is dissolved in _Aqua Regia_, edulcorated and dryed, precipitated

first with liquor of Flints, whereof from grain four to ℈ _ss._ mixt

with one ounce of the mass, make a most elegant Saphire. And if from

three to six of that soluble ruby made of the Gold, and the nitrous

_Regulus Martis_ be added to ℥ j. of the mass, they make a very polite

ruby: Magnesia pulverised, whereof, from six to fourteen grains, to ℥

j. of the mass, make an Amethyst.

Marcasit dissolved in _Aqua Regia_, precipitated with the liquor of

flints, edulcorated and dryed, whereof from one to five grains, to ℥ j.

of the mass, give a Saphire, but not comparably so polite as one made

with gold.

But being unwilling to calcine Marcasite, let him take Zafora, and

mingle to ℥ j. from five to ten grains; Granates of _Bohemia_, or

Oriental pulverised, add from six grains to ℈ j. to ʒ j. of the mass,

for little green stones like to the natural smaragd or emrald: other

things which remain of the mixture of the colours, are to be learned by

experience.

To what uses coloured flints and crystals are appointed, is not here to

be treated of; one use excepted, which I set down for the eyes, which

are weakened by too much watching, the heat of fire and smoak; see

thou have a waxen mold circularly round, of the bigness of a dish or

trencher; (the Optiques are wont to call such _lentes_) to which, put

the best clay well mixed with hair: anoint the waxen type with oyl, and

exactly apply the best prepared earth of crucibles (and durable in the

fire) the thickness of a finger; which being dryed, perforate in some

part, that the wax being melted by the fire, may flow forth: afterward

burn the mold in an earthen furnace; being burnt, fill it with prepared

glass, and place it in a wind furnace till the glass melt; which at

length being cooled, take off the type by attrition, and there shalt

thou have the crystal resembling the form of the type; which afterward

thou must make and polish like spectacles in an iron dish on both

sides; and take it out with a strong iron wier, and thou shalt have a

good crystalline _lent_ for a small price, which otherwise is scarce

made of crystal of so great a bigness. And if thou wilt, thou maist

colour the glass green, very pleasant to the sight, and fit a foot

to it for greater benefit. And the glass doth not only serve for the

Multiplication of light in the night time, that you may see a thing a

far off in a chamber, but also for the fixing and calcining minerals by

the Sun-beams, and melting of Metals, and multiplying of Pictures, like

an hollow glass, and also for other uses it may be compared with an

hollow looking-glass, which doth the same of an equal bigness with the

hollow glass; nor is there any other difference of them but reflexion.

This glass-instrument is made likewise another way, and by less cost

and labor, if it be of a polisht looking-glass, if two great orbes are

cut out with a diamond, and if they are somewhat softned with Fire, and

are left there so long in the heat, until they shall stick like wax

very close to the stone, which done, let them be cooled again, which

afterward taken out, will represent the form of an hollow glass; to

which, it behoves to fix a leaf on the convex part. And the glasses do

the same that an hollow metallick looking-glass doth, the reflexion

excepted, which is not so strong as of the hollow glass: And although

the glasses are sooner broke, yet they are very fit for the making of

the following Instrument.

And they are bound together with a strong wier, applyed across on the

concave part, and an hole is cut in the brim with a diamond on one

side, of the bigness of a pea, then the crevises are exactly closed in

every place with the best lute; which done, a silver or copper ring

is to be tyed about it, holding those glasses straightly, so that the

Instrument may be fitted to the foot, all which well done, those strong

wiers are separated or cut off, with which the glasses were bound at

first, namely, near the copper ring: afterward very pure _Aqua vitæ_ is

to be put in through a funnel, as much as is required for the filling

it up; the Instrument being filled, the hole is shut up, which is to

be kept for use; and this Instrument is better than the hollow glass;

especially, if it have in its diameter the breadth of one foot, and

may be applyed to prospective pictures, it doth excellently represent

and multiply them.

Behind which, if you place a candle in the night, it gives so much

light in the Chamber, that you would think it came from the Sun. It

doth also many other things which are here omitted as superfluous. And

you may gather the dispersed light in the aire in the night time with

it, so that you may read the smallest writing. Such and others of the

like things may be done by this furnace, all which to set down, would

swell the Book too much. Other things of the metals examination and

purification by fusion, in another place.

Take this, Reader, which is given to thee, in good part, at another

time thou shalt have better; and do not mistake my writings, as if

I did reprove the examinations of metals by the Ancients, fusions

and separations, who only would communicate my opinion, and yield my

assistance for further proceeding; for I know that dealers in metals

giving too much credit to their small proof when they find nothing,

do, contemn oars as barren, often abounding with gold and silver;

when nevertheless, _John Mathes._ says expresly in his _Sarepta_,

that minerals oftentimes tryed in a small quantity do yield no gold

and silver, which in a great quantity, yield a great deal, wherefore

credit it is not always to be given to such tryals, often deceiving, as

experience testifies.

And this not only in those minerals which are digged out of the earth;

but also in those clayie and sandy minerals, abounding with silver and

golden flames; out of which neither by the less nor greater proofs, nor

ablution nor Mercury is drawn with gain that thin and fiery dispersed

gold: which by some waters is done without fire easily; for I know such

mines are found neer many rivers of Germany, and many places in other

Nations of Europe, out of which honest gain without much cost and labor

may easily be gotten. Neither are they dreams, which I have spoken

parabolically of the perfection of metals, for it is possible by art to

help nature in the perfecting things. There is therefore no more need

of any thing than of knowledge; therefore the nature of metals being

known, and their properties, they are easily separated, purged and

perfected.

But what I have written of the universal medicine, I have done for

the aforesaid causes, which have made me believe the thing, not as

professor of the Art. The other things of coloured red glasses and

looking glasses I have added, because they are easily prepared by this

furnace, as sometimes necessary in some works. Other things of the

handling metals are not without cause now omitted, which happily may be

sometime delivered in another place, wherefore now we end.