FINIS.

[Illustration: _fig._ I.

_fig._ II.

_fig._ III.

_fig._ V.

_fig._ IV.

_fig._ VI.]

THE

FIFTH PART

OF

Philosophical Furnaces:

_In which is treated of the wonderful Nature of the Fifth Furnace:

Also, of the easy Preparation of the Instruments and Materials

belonging to the foresaid Four Furnaces. Most profitable for

Chymical Physitians._

_Of the Preparation of the Furnace._

As concerning this, of which, though I made no mention in the Preface;

for it was not my Resolution to mention it in the last Part, because

I was purposed only to treat of the Instruments, as well earthen, as

those of glass, and also of the other necessary things belonging to

those four parts premised; yet I am willing now in this Part, (which

I have judged to be the most convenient place for it, for which I

did before design another) to discover the wonderful Nature thereof,

as far as I may for the Studious Artist’s sake. And although I know

that more in this part, than in all my other writings, especially the

ignorant and unskilful, will be offended; yet I will not therefore pass

it by, perswading my self, that by this means I shall do a work, that

will be most acceptable to the searchers of Art, and Nature. For I do

devoutly affirm, That this is the choicest of all my secrets that I

confide in, in which I have already seen wonderful things, hoping that

the Divine Benediction will some time or other be obtained upon the

practice thereof. And as for the structure of it, much cannot be said

thereof, because it is not built as other Furnaces are, but it is every

where found extructed by Nature, being ordained for no other works,

than those of Nature, _viz._ for the making of any _menstruum_ that

shall dissolve gold, silver, and all other metals, and minerals without

any noise, as also pretious, and common stones, and also glasses: the

original of which, is the original of the _Menstruum_. Now what, and

what manner of Furnace that is, that produceth this Royal _Menstruum_,

(coming from the _Menstruum_ it self) and that easily without any

labour, you may easily conjecture, that it is not any common one, by

the help whereof other things are distilled, that can yield such a

_Menstruum_ that is not corrosive: which certainly is not any common

_Menstruum_, because there is but this one _Menstruum_ that I know,

which doth not partake of any corrosive quality, that doth more than

any, or all other corrosive waters whatsoever. For all corrosives

whatsoever they are, as _aqua fortis_, _aqua regia_, spirit of salt,

vitrioll, allome, and nitre cannot together, and at once dissolve the

close union of gold, and silver, and other most hard subjects, that

cannot be dissolved in waters, though never so caustick.

This indeed is wonderful, and stupendous, that a thing every where

found most vile and base, should doe so great a miracle: I know not

what moved me to write of it, knowing that I shall in this part

offend not onely the wise by writing so openly, but also the ignorant

detractors, and slanderers that will accuse me of falsity. And truly

these considerations might justly have deterred me, but that I knew I

might doe a good work, recalling many from their errors: For many are

perswaded that there is no other dissolving _Menstruum_, besides the

aforesaid corrosive spirits; but those are Chymists that are ignorant

of Nature; yet the Philosophers with one consent say, that those

corrosive destructive spirits make a fruitless solution of metals;

for experience testifies, that the solutions made by the help of _aqua

fortis_, and _regia_, and other spirits, colour the hands, being

that which a true Philosophical solution doth not, and furthermore,

testifies, that those, _viz._ which colour the hands, are not to be

reckon’d among the true Philosophical solutions, but to be contemned as

Malignant. Wherefore I was willing to write these things to instruct

those that erre. Let no man therefore perswade himself, that a

_Menstruum_ so vile and contemptible, is of less efficacy, than those

corrosive spirits. I my self did once scarce believe, that so great

Vertues could be in so most vile a _Menstruum_, until I had experience

of the truth in good earnest.

I could here add more things concerning the original of the universal

_Menstruum_, which is so contemptible, which doth by its wonderful

powers and vertues dissolve all metals, minerals and stones radically

without any noise, unites and fixeth them; the solution whereof doth

not colour the hand; the conjunction is inseparable, and the fixation

incombustible; I say, I could add more things concerning it, but that

divers inconveniences, which by this means I might incur, as also

the envy and hatred of others do deter me. For although any one doth

think to discover the possibility of Art, and Nature; yet few would be

content therewith, being very desirous of all manner of revelation;

and if we should not gratify them, we should forthwith incur their

hatred and envy, who would without doubt judge otherwise of the matter,

if they had but any experience of our labours. Be thou therefore

(courteous Reader) contented with this discourse, that shews thee the

possibility of Art and Nature; and diligently seek after it in the fear

of God, and without doubt thy labour shall not be in vain.

_Of the Building of the Furnaces._

How those Furnaces of the first and second part are to be built and

made of Potters Clay, and Stones; I need not say much, because there

be many Books extant, treating of this matter sufficiently; yet this

caution is to be observed in building of the Furnaces, _viz._ that

those Furnaces, in which a very strong fire is not kindled, need not

so strong walls, as those in which we distil, sublime, and melt, with

a most strong fire. And for what belongs to subliming and distilling

Furnaces; you may erect them of those common bricks which are made of

the best clay, and well burnt, compassing them about with very strong

walls, that they may the longer retain the heat: or else you will

continually have something to do in mending them, and closing their

chinks, which hinder the regiment of fire. Wherefore they must be

compassed about with iron hoops, that they may be durable and not gape.

Now what concerns the melting Furnaces, the aforesaid bricks are not of

use in the building of them, because they not being durable melt in the

fire; wherefore you must make other bricks of a very good earth that

is fixed in the Fire, such as is that of crucibles, _&c._ of which,

afterwards; which are to be made in a brazen or wooden mould, and to

be burnt, and it matters not whether they be round or square, a regard

being had of the Furnace, that six or eight of them make one course, or

row. But you need not build the whole Furnace of those stones, for it

is sufficient, if the place only, where the coals still lye, be made of

them, and the other part of the Furnace be made of common bricks.

_A Lute for the erecting of Furnaces._

Lute may be made divers wayes for this business; for men prepare their

Lute several wayes as they please. Some mix with sifted Potters earth,

the beaten hairs of Cows, Oxen, Harts, or the chaffe of Barley, Tow,

Flocks, Horse dung, and the like, that hold together the clay, and

prevent chops, to which they add sometimes sifted sand, if the clay be

too fat, beating the mixture together with water, and bringing it to

a just consistence. And this is the best mixture, that is not subject

to cleaving, yet weak, because in length of time the hair and chaffe

are burnt, wherefore the Furnace becomes thin and weak. Many leave out

combustible things, and mix Potters clay, and sand together, and temper

them with brine, for the making of their Furnaces. And this is the best

mixture, because it is not combustible as the other is, neither is it

subject to cracking, by reason of the salt: and for this purpose, the

brine of fish and salt flesh doth serve, and is very good, because the

blood helps the joining of them together: but if the _Caput mortuum_

of vitriol or _Aqua fortis_, being mollifyed, be mixed with Potters

clay and sand, you go a better way to work: for this Lute is not at

all subject to cracking, but fixed in the fire and permanent. With

this Lute are Retorts, and Gourds very well luted, and coated, also

the joints of Retorts, and Receivers closed: this being mollifyed with

a wet cloth applyed to it, may again be separated, and taken off, as

that also with which salt is mixed: but the other Lutes that want salt

will not be separated, by reason whereof glasses oftentimes are broken.

Wherefore in defect of the _Caput mortuum_ of Vitriol, temper the clay

and sand with brine: But many mix the filings of iron, powdered glass,

flints, _&c._ but you need not them for the building of the Furnaces,

but only for the coating of certain glasses used for separation, and

distillation, because the filings of iron being helped with salt,

binds, and joins together most strongly.

_Of the closing of the Joints, hindering the evaporation of subtle

Spirits._

The aforesaid Lute is sufficient for the closing of the Joints of

the first Furnace, where air is not kept from the Spirits, but not

of the Vessels of the second Furnace, where most subtle Spirits are

distilled, which it cannot retain, penetrating the same with the loss

of the better part: wherefore you must make choice of another; unless

upon the other being well dryed, a mixture made of quick Lime, most

subtilly powdered, and Linseed-oyl, besmeared over with a pencil, which

the porous clay attracting to it, is fortifyed, so as to be able to

retain those most subtle Spirits: but this Lute can hardly be separated

again; because refusing water, it cannot be mollifyed; wherefore the

clay is to be tempered only with the white of eggs, and to be applyed

with linnen clouts: but you must prevent the burning of the linnen, by

reason of the extream heat of the neck of the Receiver, by putting

between an iron or strong glass, _viz._ betwixt the receiver and the

retort. The joints also may be closed with oxe bladders wet in the

white of eggs, also with starch tempered with water, if it be sometimes

applyed, being smeared on paper. For by this means those most subtile

spirits are easily retained, but not corrosive, for which use the

_caput mortum_ of _aqua fortis_ is more convenient which after it is

dryed must be smeared over with a mixture made of linseed oyl, and

quick lime.

And divers kinds of these lutes are had being destined to divers uses.

_Another Lute for broken Glasses._

It happens sometimes that glass vessels, as receivers, and retorts,

have some cracks, but otherwise are whole and sound; which are greater

in those glasses that do again suffer the heat of the Fire, wherefore

at last the glasses are broken, which if you will prevent, make a

liniment or thin lute of linseed oyl, quick lime, and red lead; which

being smeered over a linnen cloth apply to the crack, upon which being

dryed apply another: but if the crack be very great, you may apply

three or four linen cloths, for the greater safety sake: as you may

apply the whites of egges beaten together, upon the cracks with linnen,

and cast upon it quick lime sifted very fine, and press it down hard

with your hand: which being done, you may apply over them more linen

clouts wet in the whites of eggs, and cast upon them quick lime again:

which when the lute is well dryed, retaines the spirits, but sooner

subject to the corrosion of corrosive spirits than the former.

Note well that quick lime is not to be mixed with the white of eggs,

and so used upon linen clouts, as the manner of some is; because the

whites of eggs acquire a hardness from the lime before they be united,

and therefore cannot stick, but linen clouts wet First therewith before

the quick lime be cast upon them, so that the lime doth not immediately

touch the glass, being applyed betwixt two linen cloths.

_How those subtile spirits when they are made, may be kept that

they evaporate not._

Those glasses in which those spirits are kept are for the most part

stopt with cork, or wax, upon which afterward bladders are bound: which

stopping is convenient for some spirits, that do not prey upon cork or

wax: For all corrosive spirits, as of vitriol, Allome, common salt,

nitre, _&c._ corrode cork, and lixivial spirits, as that of harts-horn,

tartar, salt armoniack, urin, wine, _&c._ melt wax, and penetrate it.

And although other stopples might be made, which might retain both

sorts of spirits, yet it would be tedious and laborious to open those

so often, and to stop them again. Wherefore I have found out a fit kind

of glasses, _viz._ of such, whose mouths have distinctions, and are fit

to receive their covers; as it appears by the delineation. [_See the

first figure_]. _A._ signifies the cover: _B._ the glass containing

the spirit. _C._ a drawer by the help whereof the spirits are taken

out of the glass, when there is occasion, into the distinction in the

brim of the mouth; _viz._ of the glass that contains the spirit, is

put quicksilver, and upon this is put a cover; this being done, the

Mercury closeth the joynts of both glasses running in the brim, so

that nothing at all can evaporate: for the spirits do not penetrate the

Mercury, unless they be very corrosive (a thing to be noted) which then

in process of time turn the Mercury into water, but very seldom; and

then the Mercury is to be renewed. But we need not give so much honour

to corrosive spirits, being not to be compared to those volatile ones,

which being abstracted from corrosives not prey upon Mercury; and much

less than these, do lixivial spirits corrode Mercury; and for the sake

of these were these glasses invented, by the help whereof most subtile

spirits are without any loss of their vertues, if you please, a very

long time preserved and kept. And because when there is occasion the

spirits cannot be poured forth by reason of the Mercury in the brim,

you must get a drawer like to that, by the help whereof wine is taken

out of the vessel, but lesser, having a belly with a little mouth made

very accurately. This being let down you may take up as much as you

please, as is needful; the upper orifice whereof being stopped with

the finger nothing drops out; being put into a lesser glass is thence

poured forth for your use. Then you must again cover the remainder of

the spirit that is in the glass, and as oft as is needful take out with

that drawer as much as is useful. And this is the best way by which the

most subtile spirits are retained; which also are very well retained in

those glasses, whose stoples are of glass smoothed with grinding. But

this is a more costly way of keeping in spirits, and it is done after

this manner.

_How glass stopples are to be smoothed by grinding for the

retaining of spirits in their glass vessels._

First of all order the matter so that you have glass bottles of several

sorts, some greater, some lesser, with strong necks, and mouths, with

their glass stopples, which being smoothed by grinding shut the orifice

of the bottle very close: Now they are smoothed thus. Put the stopples

in the turn, being set or fastned in some wood, bring it into a round

shape, then being moistned with _Smiris_, and water mixed together, let

it be put to the mouth of the bottle, so as to be turned round in the

mouth of the bottle, which you must often take away from the stopples

being fastened to the turn, for the oftner moistening of it, which is

with that mixture of prepared _Smiris_ and water, with the help of a

pencil, or feather; and that so often and so long, until the stopple

stop the mouth of the bottle most closely: which being done, you wipe

off the _Smiris_ with a lint from the stopples and mouth of the bottle,

then smeer over the stopple with a liniment made of some fine washed

earth, and water, or oyl, and again turn it round in the mouth of the

bottle, and often smear it over with this fresh mixture, until the

stopple be most exactly smoothed, which afterward is to be tyed to its

proper bottle; the same also is to be understood concerning the rest,

that one may not be taken for an other, _&c._ And that you may not need

to take away so much from the stopples, and bottles, get some copper

moulds made for the stopples, which stopples must be taken whilest they

be yet warm, soft, and new drawn from the furnace, that they may be

made of a just roundness, as also other copper moulds. Which must be

put into the mouths of the bottles, whilest they be yet hot and soft,

for the better making of them round, whereby afterwards the stopple may

more easily, and quickly become fit to stop the mouths of the bottles

very close, (as for example: _A._ is the stopple, _B._ the glass or

bottle) if thou knowest how to order them rightly, they will quickly

and easily fit one the other.

In defect of a turn, proceed after the following manner, which is

slow, yet safe, because in a turn the glasses, oftentimes waxing hot

are broken by reason of the over great hast; and it is thus, make

an iron or wooden receptacle fit to receive the glass bottle, which

being covered about with linen, and put in, join both parts of the

receptacle warily and softly, with the help of a screw, that the bottle

be not broken, and that that instrument, or receptacle of the bottle

being fastened to a form with the help of the screw, cannot be moved.

Afterwards cause that another wooden instrument be made for the stopple

(as for example, _A._ the stopple with its receptacle _B._ the bottle

with its receptacle) that may be separated in the middle, and be again

reunited with a screw after the putting in of the stopple, which being

smeered over with the aforesaid mixture of _smiris_ and water, take the

instrument with both hands, and put the stopple round about the neck

of the bottle, and grind it round upon the other, as Wine Coopers are

used to do in smoothing the taps; and that so long until the stopple

be fit for the bottle; then reitereate the same labour with the earth

_tripolis_, until it be compleated; and it will stop as well as a

stopple made by the help of a turn [_See the second and third Figures

before the fourth part._]

After this manner also you must work those greater glass receivers of

the first furnace, that without luting they may be closed. Stopples

also of vials or Boltheads for fixation may be wrought after this

manner, which in stead of luting may be put into the mouths of the

vials, upon which are put caps of lead; by which means in case of

necessity they may be lifted up, _viz._ in case the spirits by too

strong a fire be stirred up and rarified, by reason of the danger the

glasses are in to be broken, and may again fall down into the mouths

of the bottles being pressed down with the leaden caps, and so stop

close again. And this way of stopping is better then that which is done

with cork, wax, sulphur, and other things: because in case the fire be

not well governed, and by consequence an errour is committed, you may

preserve your glasses by lifting up of the stopples, _viz._ when the

spirits are too much stirred up. And although this be a better way of

stopping than the other common way; yet that which follows is better

then this, whereby the spirits are easily retained, the glasses being

preserved, and without all danger of being broken. And it is thus,

_viz._ get a glass pipe to be made crooked according to the figure set

down, into the belly whereof is quicksilver to be put from half an

ounce to an ounce, or thereabouts, and let this pipe which hath a belly

be put into the vial containing the matter to be fixed (as for example.

_A._ the pipe with a belly, _B._ is the vial, and again _C._ signifies

the aforesaid leaden cap with the neck of the vial _D._) the joints

whereof afterwards are to be covered over with lute, and the vial will

never be in danger of being broken. _See the fourth Figure._

These foresaid ways of stopping are the best, by which the breakings

of glasses are prevented, _viz._ whilest men are in an errour about

the fixing of spirits of salts, minerals and metals, which although

they are fixed with great costs and labours, yet do not satisfie

what is promised and expected, because those kinds of fixations are

violent and forced, and by consequence contrary to nature: but in

the profitable fixation of spirits, not so, where we must follow

Nature, and not commit our selves to fortune in our labours. For only

fools are wont to break their glasses in their supposed tincture; but

Philosophers not so; for _every violent thing is an enemy to Nature_;

and all the operations of Nature are spontaneous. They erre therefore,

and never shall come unto their desired end, who attempt violent

fixations. I cannot be perswaded that bodies dead, or half dead can

be so mixed together as to multiply: but I could easily believe that

the conjunction of male and female of one and the same species, sound

and nourished with sound and wholesome meats to be natural, and to

make a spontaneous propagation, and multiplication of their species;

_viz._ of those that endure in a good, and adverse fortune, in life,

and death; but the conjunction of dead things, to be dead, and barren.

Do but consider how many and various instruments both gold, silver,

copper, iron, tin, and lead; as also earthen, glass, stone, and other

vessels of other materials have been already invented, and found out

for the fixing of Mercury alone with gold and silver, but in vain,

because they have no mutual affinity. For although Mercury adheres to

metals, or metals to it, yet that is not by reason of any affinity for

multiplication, or perfection sake: for it appears by experience that

Mercury flies away in the fire, and leaves the gold, silver and other

metals. Where it is clear that they have no mutual affinity requisite

for the multiplication of metals, nor is it ever possible: For they

that have a mutual affinity embrace one the other and abide together

for ever, although volatile, yet never leave one the other, like gold

and Mercury, when they are united together with the strongest bond,

so that they can never be separated although with the strongest fire.

Wherefore a great care is to be had in the fixation of things joined

together; which if they have a mutual affinity, will embrace and retain

one the other, without the help of any curious glasses with long necks.

Of which things if thou art ignorant, abstain from medling with them,

as being more hurtful then profitable, as dayly experience both mine

own, and others do witness. But that thou mayst the better understand

what things have a mutual affinity one with the other: attend a little

to what I shall say.

Is not he to be laughed at for his folly who will pour rain, or common

water on gold, silver, and other metals to fix them? See therefore the

unwise actions of many covetous Alchymists in so hard a matter, that

spend their time in trifles, reaping according to what they have sowed,

and at last leave off their work which they have undertaken, after they

have expended much cost, and spent their labour in stenches, watchings,

and cares. For I have oftentimes seen those, that although they have

not chosen common water for their _menstruum_, yet have made choice of

_May_-dew, snow or rain gathered in _March_, and water distilled out

of Nostock, or excrement of Stars; vegetables and animals for their

solvent, in which they have lost their labour.

For as the radical union of the aforesaid things with metals is

impossible: so never is any good to be produced from thence, by reason

of their difference. And such may deservedly be compared to those,

who ascending a very high ladder that hath many steps, doe presently

endeavour to fly from the lowermost to the uppermost; which is a thing

impossible: so neither can there be any conjunction of things that do

so much differ. But as any one may easily ascend the highest step by

degrees, so also any one may (which yet he need not do) join together

extreams, by adding first a thing that is most near to one of the

extreams, and then to this another next to it, and so by consequence,

until you come to the other extream, which is a thing that requires a

very long time, and is a work without profit. And if things be joined

together that have the next affinity, the one will be delighted in

the other, and the one will embrace the other, will overcome, and

retain it. As for example, there is a certain salt, and that only,

that can coagulate, and turn into a body like to it self, even common

water, which can be fixed in a very little time, with, and by one only

certain mineral, which is very volatile. Minerals also may be fixed

by metals, and metals, (a thing which I never yet tryed) by a certain

thing more excellent than metals, without all doubt. But therefore it

is needful in the fixation of minerals to begin with the coagulation

of water, whereby it is turned into salt; and this afterward into a

mineral; which would be too tedious; but it is sufficient to begin in

things most near, in which nature hath begun to operate, but hath left

imperfect; for then there is hope of gain, if contrary things are not

joined together, else not. Behold how ready Nature is at hand to help

any thing that is administred to it, which it can help: as for example,

make salt of calcined Tartar by the help of solution and coagulation

(but do not take that for it, of which a little before mention hath

been made, which is far better than salt of Tartar) of which after it

is calcined, observe the weight; upon which afterwards pour half the

weight of most pure rain water; distilled to avoid the suspition of

impurity; then draw off the water gently in _Balneo_, or Sand, which

again pour upon the remaining salt of Tartar, and again draw it off;

this do so often as is needful, until all the water be consumed. Which

being done, take out the salt, and weigh it, being first made red hot

in the Fire, and thou shalt find it to be increased in weight, which

increase came from the water, and not elsewhere.

Note well that the cohobation of the water is to be reiterated often

upon the salt of Tartar. Observe, that by this means, the water is

convertible into salt by Art, _&c._ And if thou dost not believe the

conversion of things material and corporeal, how wilt thou believe

the conversion of things immaterial, as of the Sun, and Fire into a

material fixed substance; of which thing, something shall be treated

in our Treatise of _Aurum potabile_, and more at large afterwards in a

Treatise _De Generatione Metallorum_, if God permit: For you must know

that the circulation of the Elements, and things elementated, _viz._

how one is converted into another; and how they nourish and cherish

one the other: as for example, the Earth yields Water, the Water Air,

the Air Fire, and the Fire again Earth; which if it be pure, yields

pure Earth. But that thou maist understand aright how any thing to be

fixed, may be retained by another, by reason of affinity, observe the

following example. The Husbandman casting seed into the Earth for to

multiply, doth not choose any Earth, but that which is convenient for

multiplication, _viz._ an Earth that is neither too dry, nor too moist;

for the seed cast in sand cannot grow, but is lost: For whatsoever is

to be preserved, is to be preserved by an equal temper; which, by

how much it is more equal or like, so much the more perfect substance

it doth produce. Humidity therefore being necessarily requisite for

the growth of vegetables, without which, they can neither grow, nor

multiply, but the seed being cast into moist sand, and the Rayes of the

Sun acting upon the sand, and suddenly consuming the humidity thereof,

whence follows the burning up of the seed in the dry sand, because

there was no affinity betwixt the water, and sand; without which, the

water could not be retained by the sand, and consequently, the seed

deprived of its nutriment; it follows necessarily, that some _medium_

be required, or bond joining and binding the rain, and sand; _viz._

salt, by the help whereof, the rain water is retained by the sand, that

it be not so easily consumed by the heat of the sun.

The sand therefore retains the salt, and the salt, the rain water for

the nutrition of the bud: but every salt is not convenient for this

business; for although Christ saith, _Luk. Chap. 14_, Verse the last,

that earth without salt is barren; yet any common salt is not to be

understood thereby: [_See more de Natura Salium._] for some salts, as

common salt, salt of Vitriol, Allome, _&c._ do not only not do good,

but do hurt to Vegetables, hindering by reason of their dryness their

growth and increase. Now lixivial salts promote them, that which

Country-men do better understand, than our supposed Philosophers:

for they know how to help their barren ground with the excrements of

Animals; which are nothing else but a lixivial salt mixed with Sulphur,

making the earth fat and fertile. And by this means a _vehiculum_

(rather a bond) is administred to the rain water, that it may the less

be consumed by the heat of the Sun. Moreover, all seed (consisting in

a lixivial salt and sulphur) loves its like, from whence it borrows

its Nutriment, which is observed but by a few Learned or Unlearned.

Husband-Men may well be excused of their ignorance, because they

work only out of Use and Custome. But others that bear the Title of

Learning not so; whose Duty it is to Render a reason of Germination,

who may deservedly be Ashamed of their Ignorance, being less knowing

than Husband-Men. It is manifest, that Dung makes the Earth Fruitful;

but how, and for what reason, not so; but if it did want nitrous salt,

it would neither make it Fertile, nor promote Germination: for it is

not unknown, that Nitre is made out of the excrements of Animals. The

goodness therefore of the dung consists only in the lixivial salt

contained in it, and not in the straw.

But you will ask perhaps, why doth not any other salt help Germination?

Why is the salt of dung required to Germination, and no other? We have

already answered that, like are helped with like; and contraries are

destroyed by contraries: For experience doth testify, that every seed

consists in a lixivial salt and sulphur, and not in any acid salt;

wherefore also it doth desire and embrace its like. Let him therefore,

that will not believe it, make tryal of the distillation of the seed of

any vegetable; of which, let him force over a pound by a retort; and he

shall see by experience, that not an acid spirit, but a flegm together

with plenty of oyl, and volatile salt whitening the whole Receiver,

comes over; being that which no root or stalk can do: for the chiefest

vertue, odour, and tast of vegetables, animals, and minerals is found

in the seed, in which thing provident Nature hath done very well,

whilest she attributes the chiefest faculties to the seed, being

more obnoxious to injuries then the rest, which is also preserved,

nourished; and cherished by its like.

Now this discourse which might otherwise have been omitted, was

therefore appointed, that the cause of the germination of vegetables

might be made the more manifest; and that what things have been spoken

of the attraction, and fixation of all things might the better be

understood. The germination therefore, and multiplication of both

minerals, vegetables and animals must be spontaneous, and not forced,

as is that barren and frustraneous of the false Chymists, because

preternatural. Wherefore when you fix any thing be cautious in the

adding of any thing that should retain it, with which nothing can be

fixed. Fire indeed doth always do its office; but it knows not how to

help any preternatural thing; which it doth wholly destroy, against

which nothing can be prevalent, unless it be rightly ordained according

to Nature.

And thus much is spoken for instruction sake, to thee that intendest to

fix any thing, lest otherwise thou losest thy labour.

_Of the making of the best crucibles._

The best crucibles that are requisite for the fourth furnace, not being

found in every place, I thought it worth while to set down the manner

of making them: for I am not ignorant how oftentimes many for want of

these are constrained to be content with those that are useless, and

truly with great loss of metals, whilest the crucibles are broken in

the fire, and consequently with a tediousness in drawing them out of

the ashes.

Chymists have been in a great errour a long time, and not only they but

also goldsmiths, and they that separate metals, as also others that

need the help of crucibles, who perswade themselves that the best earth

that is fit to make the best crucibles is to be found no where but in

_Hassia_; and therefore with great charges have caused that Gibsensian

crucibles be brought over; not considering that almost in every place

in Germany such earth is to be found, which indeed is a very great

folly of men, proceeding from the not knowing of good earth which is

to be found almost every where. I do not deny but that the earth of

_Hassia_ is very good for crucibles, tyles, retorts, and other vessels

which are to be set in a very great Fire, for which cause also is

commended Gibsensian, and Waldburgensian crucibles.

A few years since some have made their crucibles, and other vessels

that will endure the fire well, of earth brought out of _England_, and

_France_ into _Holland_, which have retained metals very well in the

fire, but not salts, because they are too porous and not so compact

as those of _Hassia_, wherefore those of _Hassia_ are still preferred

before others, retaining better, metals, and salts. But although this

earth be brought from thence to other places, yet such strong crucibles

could not be made thereof, the cause whereof being not the constitution

of the air, and place to Which some have falsely imputed it, but an

error in the making and burning of them. For in _Hassia_ there is a

great abundance of wood, of which there is no sparing in the burning

the crucibles even to a stony hardness, which could not be done by a

smal Fire of turffes.

The like errour is committed about stone pots, and other vessels which

are made at _Frechemium_ and _Siburgus_, and other places near _Colen_,

which are carryed almost through all Europe, the goodness whereof is

ascribed only to the earth, and not to the making. But now experience

hath taught us that any good earth doth become stony in a violent

fire, without respect of the place where it is taken. Wherefore it

is very probable, being a thing possible, that such vessels are made

elsewhere: for every earth being burnt retaining a white colour, _viz._

with an indifferent Fire, makes pots, and crucibles porous, but with a

stronger, and with a longer delay, compact like glass, especially if

common salt be cast in a plentiful manner upon them, being burnt with

a very strong fire, because it addes to them being very well burnt

within an external glasy smoothness, by which means they will be the

better able to retain spirits in the Fire. Wherefore let no man doubt

concerning the making the foresaid vessels of any other earth that is

white in burning, with the help of a very strong Fire: which by how

much the greater whiteness it gets in burning, by so much the better

and excellent pots it makes; and seeing there is a great difference of

making crucibles to be set in the Fire, and of stone pots retaining

liquid things, I shall shew the manner of making both, _viz._ of stone

pots belonging to the first and second furnace, and of crucibles to the

fourth, and thus it is.

He that will try the goodness of white and pure earth, _viz._ whether

it grows stony in the fire, let him cast a peice of crude earth of the

bigness of a hens egge into a very strong Fire, observing whether it

doth quickly or slowly cleave and break in pieces; which if it doth not

cleave and become powder, although it may have some cracks, is good

earth, and fit for burning, if so be the mixture be well made, in which

lys the art.

The earth that is to be burnt, for pots, receivers, and bottles, needs

no other preparation then that for bricks, which because for the most

part it is too fat, you must mix with it clean sifted fusible sand,

tread it with your feet, and knead it with your hands before vessels be

made thereof; which being made are to be dryed in the heat of the Sun,

or in some other warm place; and being dryed are to be burnt in a very

strong Fire for the space of twenty four or thirty hours, on which in

the mean time you may cast salt if you please, which being thus burnt

do like glass retain easily all liquid things. But let him that makes

crucibles, tyles, bricks and other vessels appointed for a very strong

Fire, use more diligence in the making of them. And truly first he must

beat very small with a wooden hammer, the earth being dryed well in the

Sun, or elsewhere, and being beaten searse it through a great searse,

and to one part of the sifted earth mix two, three, or four parts (the

fatness of the earth being considered) of the earth burnt in a potters

furnace, and powdered, which being mixed with a sufficient quantity

of water he must tread with his feet, and afterwards knead with his

hands, and the earth will be prepared for the making of vessels, and

when he makes crucibles and tests, let him provide for wooden moulds

both greater and smaller, made in a turn, by the help whereof they may

be made, for the aforesaid vessels cannot be formed by the usual art of

the potters; because the matter of them must be very lean, appointed

for a most strong fire; wherefore commonly they are made by the help of

moulds after the following manner.

Let a piece of the prepared earth be applyed with your hands to the

mould, which you must hold in one hand, applying and fitting the earth

thereto with the other, or hold it with your legs, that the earth may

be applyed with both your hands. Also you must first rub the mould very

well with clean sifted sand, for else the earth will so stick to the

wooden mould, that a crucible can scarce be taken off without danger,

which being done, it is further fitted by striking it with a wooden

instrument smoothed for the purpose, by which means the crucible lyes

very exactly upon the mould, for by this means crucibles are made very

strong; which being done also let the crucible be taken off, and set

upon a board, and be dryed, first in the air, then by the heat of the

fire, or sun, and then be burned in the first chamber of our fourth

furnace, or in a potters furnace. And if you intend only to melt metals

and not salts, you need not burn the crucibles if they be well, and

exactly made.

Now this caution is to be observed in melting by the help of crucibles

not burnt, that you must give fire above by little and little, for fear

of breaking the crucibles feeling a suddain heat.

Now that they may be made equal in strength, weight, and thickness, you

must weigh one crucible rightly made by the help of the mould in one

scale, and a piece of the prepared earth, which is to be put into the

other scale, and if they be equal in weight, take out that piece, and

put in another; and this do so often, till you be come to the number of

the crucibles which you would have made: By this means they are made

equal, and you need not cut off any overplus of the earth when it is

fitted to the mould, because all are made equal, by reason of the equal

weight of the matter of each of them, and the work is sooner done then

otherwise.

This indeed is the best way but tedious and laborious, wherefore

considering the matter a little more seriously, I found at last that

the following way is far better than the former: whereby not only

stronger crucibles are made, but also more in one hour, then in that

former common way in three or four. Where first, the mould is made of

latten (on which I advise you to apply the earth) signified by the

letter _A._ _viz._ that being the best, which is made by the help of

fusion. Then the counter-mould answering this, signified by the letter

_B._ yet so that that do not enter too deep into this, not touching

the bottom by the distance at least of one fingers breadth; but in

greater crucibles a greater thickness of the bottom is required, as the

practise will teach thee.

Let him therefore that is making crucibles apply the earth to the

mould, as hath been above said in the First manner, which being done,

let him again take off the crucible that is formed or cast, and set

it in the air to be dryed. Then having First made a sufficient number

of crucibles, let him make the mould clean from the earth or sand,

and annoynt it with grease, or oyl Olive taken up with a sponge, as

also the counter-mould, into which let him put the crucible being half

made and dryed, and into this the mould, which he must strike above

twice or twice or thrice with a heavy wooden mallet, that the earth

may be rightly, and exactly applyed to the mould; which being done let

him take off the mould, and turn the countermould together with the

crucible, which let him knock a little against the form (where the

crucibles are made) and let him take in his hand the crucible falling

from thence; which he must afterwards dry and burn, as hath been above

said in the First manner. And by this way are made the best, and the

best proportioned crucibles, Fixed and smooth, not only for melting of

metals, but also for minerals and salts; the like to which I never yet

saw, as being without all danger, if so be rightly made of the best

earth. And that they may be made equal in weight and strength, they

must be weighed as before hath been said, And this labour is easie and

pleasant, when they are made with ones own hand, and that greater or

lesser at pleasure.

After the same manner also are made tests _viz._ by the help of the

like kind of moulds, which must not be long but plain like shells as

appears by the annexed Figure, _A._ and _B._ Not only tests but also

cuples are made by the help of these moulds. [_See the fifth and sixth

Figures._]

Now tests are made more easily this way then crucibles, because the

earth only is weighed, and being handled with the hands is put into the

counter-mould, which then you must with the upper-part press hard; that

it may be made conformable to the mould, _viz._ plain, not long, that

which may easily therefore be made; and for this cause those crucibles

are easily again taken out, _viz._ if the mould be turned, or the

counter-mould be a little knocked against the sides of the form. And if

the earth be beaten in too fast that it goes out at the sides, you must

cut it off with a knife, or else the crucible, or test is hardly taken

out, sticking to the brims, which practise will teach thee. For all

things cannot be so accurately demonstrated by a pen.

And take this for a caution, that thou do not make thy tests and

crucibles of earth that is too soft, but of that which is half dry,

otherwise they are hardly taken out of the moulds; for that is more

easily and rightly applyed to the mould. And if thou proceed rightly

according to the prescript, scarce one crucible of a hundred will be

lost.

This also is to be observed, that the superfluous earth which is cut

off must not be mixed again with the mass for crucibles, because it

is spoyled with the fat, or oyl that is smeared over the moulds, and

therefore cannot be so well mixed again, and being burnt cleaves, for

which cause bad crucibles are made. Wherefore it is to be kept apart

for mending of furnaces that are spoiled with an extraordinary heat of

the Fire; or for covers of crucibles that are to be made by the help of

the hands only, or of moulds, which we cannot want, if we would work

all things exactly.

Now for tyles, and other vessels that serve for distillation, and

melting, they are made by the help of wooden moulds after this manner.

Let the mould be made exactly like to the tyles, and other vessels,

then cut off leaves from the earth being very well prepared, with a

copper wier upon two equal tables of wood, and then a piece of the

earth is to be laid with a knife upon the mould, that it may there get

some hardness; which afterward is to be taken away, dryed well, and

burnt. And if any thing further is to be done, _viz._ by cutting off,

or adding, it must be done by earth half dryed, or a little hardened.

For by this means any one may get for himself earthen vessels that are

necessary, without much cost or pains for certainty sake. For those

that are sold, are negligently made, in which oftentimes in the drying,

the cracks which are made, are filled up with some earthen liniment,

before they are burnt, which therefore are not durable in the fire,

but are broken, and that oftentimes not without great loss of the

metal, which is again to be gathered out of the ashes by the help of

a tedious washing. It is better therefore to work those vessels with

ones own hand for certainty sake. For not all and every crucible can

alwaies and every where be made equal, and be of a like durableness

in the Fire, though they are made most diligently: and therefore a

consideration being had of their goodness, they may be used for divers

uses, and the better may be used in the melting of the better metals.

But let no man perswade himself that all these can indifferently hold

in the Fire, although they be the best of all, how many soever you

make; for I never yet saw any earth which could hold litharge in the

Fire and salt of Tartar, because the best that ever I saw is not free

from penetration of them, which is the greatest impediment of some

profitable operations, which therefore are omitted.

And let this which hath been spoken, suffice concerning the making of

crucibles: let every one therefore that hath a care of his business,

use better diligence for the time to come in the making crucibles for

more certainty sake, and he will not repent of his labour. Now how

Tests and Cuples may be exactly applyed to the aforesaid Molds, is

not my work at this time to shew, because many years since it hath

been done by others; especially, by that most ingenious Man, _Lazarus

Ercker_, whose Writings concerning the manner of making of Tests and

Cuples I cannot mend, to which Authors I refer the Reader, where he

shall find sufficient Instruction and Information concerning this

matter. But there are also other Tests, of which I shall say nothing in

this place, but elsewhere happily I may, by the help whereof, lead is

bettered in tryal if it be sometimes melted again.

_Of the vitrification of Earthen Vessels belonging to the first and

second Furnace._

In the defect of glass Instruments belonging to our first Furnace,

you may make such as are very useful, of the best Earth, which being

well glazed, or double glazed, are sometimes better than old Glass;

especially, those that are made of Earth that do not drink up the

spirit, such as is found almost every where, which becomes stony being

burnt: Now the Art of burning hath not hitherto been so well known, of

which something hath been said already, where the Earth being burnt

with a very strong fire, is made so compact, as that it becomes hard

and solid as a stone. The Potters Furnaces being too weak for this

strong burning, there is required a peculiar Furnace for this Work;

in which, the strongest fire for the burning of them may be made: But

because no body thinks to build such an one, only for some few Vessels

not worth the spending of costs and labours: there is yet another way

of vitrifying of any sort of Earth (red Clay only excepted) not to be

slighted if well done; especially, if the matter vitrifying when it is

cold after the burning is ended, doth not cleave and chop, and it is

not hurt by corrosive spirits as the glass made of lead, retaining

spirits, as well subtle as corrosive, as that white vitrification

of the _Italians_ and _Hollanders_: you must therefore in defect of

a fitting Furnace, wherein Vessels being burnt become stony, make

them of the best Earth, and glaze them with the best Glass of Tin,

but not of Lead; and by how much the more the calx of Tin goes into

the vitrifying mixture, so much the better is it made; for Tin being

reduced into a calx with Lead, hath no more affinity with corrosive

spirits; wherefore it is more fit for vitrification. But he that will

not be at so much costs, let him vitrify with Venice Glass powdered,

which vitrification also is not to be slighted, requiring a very great

heat for the burning, and therefore flowing with great difficulty in

these common Potters Furnaces; wherefore you must mix some Borax with

the Glass, that it may flow so much the more easily in the Potters

Furnace; else you must pour upon the earthen Vessels being burnt, Water

mixt with Glass, so that it the Glass may stick to them every where

exactly, which afterwards being well dryed, shall be gathered together

into one heap artificially, lest they take up too great a space, like

earthen Dishes that are to be burnt, and afterwards compass them round

about every where with burnt Bricks, an hole being left open above

for the casting in of coals, yet so, that the Bricks be distant from

the Vessels the breadth of an hand, whereby the coals being cast in

above, may the more freely go round about down to the bottom; which

space being filled with dry coals, you must put upon them other living

coals, that the fire being kindled above, may by little and little burn

downward and perform its work; which being so done, the Vessels will be

out of all danger, if so be they are all well dryed.

The fire being kindled and burning, you must cover the hole with

stones, until the fire of its own accord be extinguisht; the coals

being spent and the vessels become cold.

N. B. Now if there be a great heap of vessels, you must first, the

coals being burnt, add fresh coals once more; for else the vessels

being placed in the middle, cannot be sufficiently burnt, nor the glass

sufficiently flow; wherefore caution is required in the governing of

the fire in this manner, where, if all things are rightly done, the

vessels are better and more truly burnt and vitrifyed than in any

common Potters Furnace whatsoever; yet with greater danger to the

vessels than in a Potters Furnace compassed about with walls. But

let him that burns crucibles and other smaller vessels, burn them in

our melting or distilling Furnace, being covered with coals, giving

Fire first above, for so I my self was wont hitherto to burn all my

crucibles, and burn and glaze all other distilling vessels; and this in

defect of fitting Furnaces is the best way of burning and vitrifying,

where in three or four hours space, the vessels are exactly burnt and

vitrifyed. Now the earth that is to be burnt quickly, must be the best,

and durable in the Fire, for fear of breaking of some of the vessels.

Let him therefore in this case for security sake, use our fourth

Furnace, who hath built it with his chambers, in the first wherereof

he may burn and vitrify without any danger. But that foresaid way of

burning and vitrifying, is not to be slighted; wherefore I would have

thee be admonished to be cautious in giving of Fire, that you give no

more or less than you should, lest afterwards you impute the cause

of your errour committed, to me, whilst the vessels are broke as if I

had not wrote the Truth, but to thy self that errest, and must for the

future be more diligent, and cautious in this work.

I know other vitrifications of divers colours hitherto unknown, and

indeed most secret, not to be communicated to every one indifferently:

but he that knows how to reduce metals into a true glass, retaining the

colour of its metal, is indeed the inventor of a very great secret; to

whom, if he consider the matter more profoundly, and exercise himself

therein, a Gate is open, with the blessing of God, to a greater light.

There are also other vitrifications, with which the earth being

covered doth appear, as if it were adorned with Gems; but because it

is not our purpose now to treat of such kinds, I shall make an end of

vitrifications, one only excepted, which I shall communicate for the

sake of the Sick, and Physitians; and it is this:

Make little earthen Cups very smooth and white of the best earth

being burnt: then make the following glasse to flow in a very strong

crucible, in which dip one cup after another, being held with tongs,

and first made red hot in some little Furnace, letting them lye covered

therein for a while, that the earth may the better attract the glass;

which being done, let them be taken out, and be set again into the

foresaid collateral Furnace, where they were before made red hot, when

one is taken out, dip another in the molten glass in its place, which

also is again to be set as the first into the aforesaid Furnace; and

this is to be reiterated so often, until all the pots be covered over

with glass: all which being done, the Furnace is to be shut close every

where, that the wind enter not into it, and so it is to be left until

it become cold of it self, and the glass covering over the cups remain

intire, which otherwise cannot be if the cups be set in a cold place;

now the glass is made after this manner.

Take of crude Antimony two parts, of pure Nitre one part; grind them

well being mixt together, kindle the mixture being put into a crucible

with a red hot iron, and the Sulphur of Antimony will be burnt together

with the Nitre, a mass of a brown colour being left behind, which you

must take out while it is hot with a spatle that it may cool, which

afterwards being melted in another strong crucible for the space of

half an hour, or an hour, makes that glass with which the aforesaid

cups with their covers are covered over.

_Of the use of the aforesaid Cups._

There is no one that can deny that Antimony is the most excellent of

all vomitives, wherefore, so many and so various preparations have been

invented by Physitians for the taking away of the malignity thereof;

whereof I have shewed some, together with the use thereof in the First

and Second Part of this Book, where alwaies one is better than another;

yet notwithstanding ’tis confest, that Antimony reduced into Glass, is

sufficient to purge the Stomack and Bowels from all corrupt Humors, and

that without all danger, (being rightly administred) as well by vomit

as by stool, by which means many grievous imminent Diseases are not

only prevented, but also presently are cured.

But you infer, that this is yet a crude and imperfect preparation, and

therefore not so safe. To which I answer, that Antimony that purgeth,

needeth no preparation, for if all the crudity thereof were wholly

taken away by fixation, it would no more cause vomiting or stools;

wherefore the aforesaid glass of Antimony is not to be feared, because

it is not dangerous, but may safely be given to Children that are one

or two years old, but not in form of a powder, but in infusion or

extraction of its chiefest vertue made with honey, sugar and wine,

sweet or sowre. After which manner being given, it attracts from all

the bowels all vitious humours, and evacuates them as well upward as

downward, without danger; of which thing elsewhere more at large. Let

him that useth the aforesaid Cups, infuse one or two ounces of wine,

and set them a whole night in some warm place, and the wine will

attract from the glass so much as doth suffice it, which afterwards

being drank in a morning, doth perform the same as an infusion made

with the powder of Stibium; and this is a more delicate way than the

other, because a Cup is sent to the Patient that he may infuse in it

the space of a night, two or three spoonfuls of proper wine, placeing

it in some warm place, which he may drink up blood warm in the morning,

with a due ordering of himself afterwards: Which, in my judgment is a

more delicate way, being made with ones one wine, and ones one hand,

than that tedious way of potions, both large, bitter, and nauseous. And

this Cup may oftentimes be used, and if at length the wine should not

attract sufficiently, the Cup with the wine is to be set in seething

hot water for a little time, that the wine might the better attract,

and work, when need shall require. Now he that gives such kind of Cups

to others, must instruct them concerning the ordering, and administring

of the same. One Cup is sufficient for the Master of a Family, with

his whole Family for all the daies of their life. It is not to be used

by all, and every one, and in all Diseases indifferently, but only by

those that are strong and young; and where the principal parts are

not hurt. Cups may also after another way be covered over with Glass

without Antimony, as follows.

Sublime _Auripigmentum_ in a Glass or Earthen Gourd; and take the

gallant golden coloured Flowers thereof, which being after a peculiar

manner melted, yield a red and most beautiful Glass almost like an

Oriental Ruby, which being broken in pieces, may be used in stead of an

Ornament; but this is more soft, and brittle, than Glass of Antimony.

This Glass, or those Flowers of _Auripigmentum_, which are not yet

reduced into Glass, do notably glaze the aforesaid Cups with a red

beautiful Colour.

He therefore that will vitrify the aforesaid Cups, must first heat them

red hot in a Fire made with Coals; and being thus hot, dip them in the

aforesaid melted Flowers, and being taken out thence, put them under

an earthen, or iron red hot vessel, and there let them cool which do

perform the same things as those which are said of the Antimonial Cups.

These Cups are not dangerous, as to be feared, because as Antimony is

corrected by calcination, so _Auripigmentum_ is by sublimation: from

which, if all the malignity be taken away either by Fire, or by nitre,

the vomitive vertue is taken away, as afterward shall be demonstrated

more at large in these five parts, when they shall come forth again

with enlargements, _viz._ what purging things are, and how they put

forth their vertues, a consideration being had of their malignity.

There are also other ways of vitrification, and indeed very fine, and

most desireable by all, if they should be communicated; but because it

is not now my purpose to treat here of mechanical things, but only of

some particular vitrifications of vessels belonging to our furnaces, I

am resolved to omit them at this time, and make an end of these things.

I am resolved, God willing, to set forth these parts more corrected,

and in a larger manner, where many excellent things now omitted for

some reasons, shall be published, and communicated.

Wherefore I will now put an end to this fifth part, where although

I might have added something that is singular concerning artificial

furnaces, yet because time will not now permit, it shall be deferred to

another time and place, where we shall treat further of the examining,

trying and separation of metals: For the best way of melting of metals

in a greater quantity hath not yet been known: And although they that

deal in minerals perswade themselves of the perfection of their art,

yet I can demonstrate an easier, and more compendious way of melting of

metals in a shorter time, in a greater quantity, and with less costs

and pains. Of which more at large elsewhere, wherefore (Courteous

Reader) be contented with these things, and if I shall see that these

few things shall be acceptable to thee, I will sometime hereafter for

thy sake and to thy profit communicate _wonderful secrets_ which the

world will not believe, and which hitherto are hid, either out of envy

or ignorance.