This Process also is very well performed by the mediation of Nitre,

_viz._ in this manner. Let the Tin, in which is ☉ or ☽, be reduced

into Ashes, even as Lead is wont to be prepared, for the working of

Minerals; and let there be mixed with it as much powder of Nitre, let

the mixture be put in a strong Pot which will endure the fire, upon

which put subliming Pots, let the mixture be kindled in the lower Pot

(which is under the Subliming Pots, and must have a little hole in

the side for that purpose) with an Iron Rod, red hot, then the Mass

beginneth to burn, and sendeth many Flowers into the Subliming Pots,

the Tin and Salt-peter remaining in the Pot, take out, and melt in a

Crucible, if there be much Lead, then that falleth together with the

☉ and ☽, to the bottom of the Crucible, but the Tin with the Nitre

passeth into Scoria, which if the melted Mass be poured out into a

Cone, they are Separated from the Regulus of Lead, and after cooling

maybe taken out, which Regulus of Lead, by the addition of other Lead,

may again be wrought, and in a strong Crucible be reduced into Scoria

with Nitre; then there will remain a little Regulus of Lead, which

containeth the ☉ and ☽, which was in the ♃. The first and last Scoria

may be reduced by a strong blast in a Probatory Furnace, then the Tin

will be again obtained, better, harder, and whiter than it was before;

the reason is, because the Nitre hath consumed part of the combustible

Sulphur, and also separated the Lead. Although this Process is not

done with any great profit, yet nevertheless it shews the possibility;

but he that knoweth how to handle the matter, will suffer no loss, for

those sublimed Flowers are of greater worth than Salt-peter and Tin,

because they may be prepared into a good Medicine; they are also very

available in those curious red Colours for Cloth [_Scarlet, or Bowdy_]

exalting them in a wonderful manner, and firmly abiding in the Cloth,

shining, and giving it a fiery ground.

_Point_ VI.

_Much Silver may be separated from Bismuth, the Bismuth preserved,

a Secret agreeing to those places which abound with that Mineral._

This Secret is not of so little weight as perhaps it will seem to some;

for no Man even to this day hath proved this in the matter it self and

with effect, yet seeing that it may easily be done, _viz._ in this

manner, melt Chalcitis in a Crucible, and cast upon it successively so

much Nitre, until all the Chalcitis shall pass into Scoria, or green

Glass, pour out the Mass into a Cone, then the Silver will settle to

the bottom in form of a Regulus, which was contained in the Chalcitis,

then put the Scoria of the Chalcitis into a Crucible and melt them well

for the space of an hour, so all the Chalcites will be revived, rendred

Corporeal, and a little will be lost. He therefore that can make the

Salt-peter himself, and needs not to buy it at a dear rate, will hence

reap great profit, otherwise not; however it proveth that the Salt of

the Earth can perform what is here attributed to it.

_Point_ VII.

_From old Copper much Silver is separated, the Copper preserved

unhurt, by which Artifice Regions abounding with this Metal, may

reap no small profit._

That this extraction of Silver from Copper by means of the Salt of the

Earth, may be verified, you are to proceed in this manner: Mix with the

Copper its own weight of Regulus of Antimony, then melt both together,

upon which cast so much Salt-Nitre successively or at times, until

it turn the Copper together with the Regulus of Antimony into green

Scoria, then make the fire stronger, and cause these Scoria to flow

like water, and luit a Regulus, which although it be not sufficiently

pure, it may be depurated upon a Cupel with a little Lead, and it

yieldeth the Silver which the Copper contained. NB. This process is

most true, and will never deceive any Man, but I do not say that he

shall obtain Riches by this means, but only prove to be true, what I

have ascribed to it in my _Miraculum Mundi_. NB. But he that knoweth

how to fix the Scoria, that is the Copper and Regulus of Antimony with

Salt, and to melt them into Artificial Stones, or Enamel, so that

nothing be lost, he shall be sure not to undergo the Labour in vain;

otherwise he may cast in a live Coal upon the Scoria, from which the

Silver is separated, when they are in Flux, and let them flow half an

hour, then it leaveth the Regulus of Antimony together with the Copper,

which the Nitre hath reduced into Scoria, and afterwards another

Regulus, to be applied to use, which if all things be well handled,

from both, _viz._ from the Regulus of Antimony and Copper, (after their

Edulcoration) a green colour for Painting may be extracted, and so the

Labours will be compensated, and the gain will be so much the greater.

_Point_ VIII.

_Every common Silver may in the space of a few hours be exalted

into the nature of Gold._

This Gradation of Silver is performed by the help of a certain Mineral

Sulphur, to wit, of ♂ and Antimony, in this manner. Adjoin to ☽ as much

Regulus Martis, and again let it be separated from it by Nitre, which

labour is performed in the space of an hour, to the remaining Silver

adjoin again as much Regulus, which is again to be abstracted; and let

this labour be reiterated five, six, eight, or ten times, which may be

done in one day, afterwards let the ☽ be dissolved in Aqua-fortis, then

the Gold, which the Nitre by the help of the ☽ hath obtained from the

Regulus, will remain in the bottom, which is to be edulcorated, and

corporify’d with Borax, the Gold will be good in an excellent degree,

but the value thereof is scarce enough to pay for the Regulus, and

Nitre. But he that knoweth how to make his own Nitre, or can obtain it

without price, may reap a considerable profit: Especially if he know

how to transferr the detracted Scoria into further use, which is not

here sought, but is only proved that ☽ may be exalted into ☉ by the

help of Regulus _Antimonij Martialis_.

_Point_ IX.

_Gold may be separated by fusion from every addition of Copper,

Tin, Iron, Lead, Orpiment, Antimony, Arsenick, or the like,

without Cupels, each being kept apart._

This manner of separating of Metals, from one another, and of

depurating ☉ without Cupels, is a most pleasing, fair, and profitable

secret, by which in the separation of Metals, much time and expence

is saved, and no detriment to be feared, which no man, even to this

day could effect, my self excepted: You are to proceed in this

manner. First, the mixt Metal, whether it consist of few or many, is

to be granulated, the grains are to be conjoined with a fourth part

of powdered Sulphur, somewhat moistened, and to be set on fire in a

Crucible luted according to art, which being done, the cover of the

Crucible is to be taken off, and the enkindled Metal to be covered

with the fourth part of its weight of Antimony. NB. That if there be

much ♂pper], or ♃ in the mixture, then the more Antimony is to be

adjoined, that it may draw to it self the imperfect Metals. Therefore

when the Mass flows with the Antimony, inject a little well purified

Nitre, dried and pulverized, and when it flows well, the Mass is to

be poured out into a Cone, and the Regulus, if there be any, to be

shaken out, which will contain the greatest part of the ☉ which was in

that Mass. NB. If there shall be no Regulus, that is a sign that there

was not Nitre enough to suffice the crudity, which is to be remedied

thus: Return the Mass into the Crucible, and permit it to flow, which

being done, throw in as much filings of Iron, as you judge there is

Gold in the Mass, and mix it with the Mass with a red hot Iron, cover

the Crucible, and give a melting fire for a quarter of an hour, pour

it into a Cone, when it is cold separate the Regulus from the Scoria,

which will be about the same weight with the filings of Iron, which

you used in the precipitation, purifie the Regulus in a small new

Crucible, by the injection of Nitre, if it yieldeth Gold without

Silver, then it is a sign there is Gold yet in the Mass, therefore it

is necessary to flux the Mass again, and precipitate with Iron, if the

Regulus be yet golden, then it is to be depurated apart by Nitre, and

to be kept; but if it hath more ☽ than ☉, it is a sign that all the

Gold is precipitated, afterwards suffer the Mass to flow again, and

inject as much filings of Iron, stirring them well with the Mass, with

a red hot iron, permit them to flow well together, then it rendereth

as much Regulus of Silver, as there was Iron put in, afterwards also

the ♀ will be precipitated, and last of all, the Scoria are again to be

fluxed well being mixed with Nitre, that it may appear whether there be

yet any Metal in them. The Regulus of ☽ is also depurated in the same

manner as the Regulus of ☉: Venus, ♃, and other Additaments, are melted

by Bellows, so that nothing is lost. This separation of ☉ and ☽ from

the viler Metals, by melting, hath been long sought by many, but found

by few. _Lazarus Erker_, in his Writings hath taught by what means ☉

may be separated from ☽ by fusion, but that separation is unlike to

this which I have mentioned, because here it is not only shewed how ☉

may be separated from ☽, but also from other Metals.

_Point_ X.

_Every imperfect Metal, without the mixture of other Metals, may

be ripened by this Secret alone in the fire, in an hours space,

so that it will yield Gold and Silver, but without profit; an

indication that the viler Metals, may by Art be promoted into the

Nature of the perfect, to the great profit of Metallurgists._

This is done only by the power and virtue of Salt Nitre, whereby the

Metal is penetrated, depurated, and fixed into a more perfect, or

exalted in maturity, but cannot be performed with much profit in a

great quantity, but it proveth that Nitre hath a virtue of transmuting

every imperfect Metal into perfect, which is done in this manner. Let

the Metal be laminated into very thin Plates, whether it be ♀, ♄, or

♃, ♂ is indeed corrected by this way, but melteth not in any Crucible,

and ☿ also is transmuted into other forms, but not into ☉ or ☽. Make in

a Crucible _stratum super stratum_ with Saw-dust, Sulphur, and Nitre,

as also with the laminated Metal, of which mention is made in the

second part of Furnaces; kindle the mixture at the top, then a great

and suddain flaming fire will arise, by which the laminated metal is

penetrated, partly fixed, and amended, so that if it be wrought on a

Cupel with Lead, it leaveth some ☽ or ☉, which nevertheless before,

would have yielded neither, whence it is manifest, that the flame

excited by the Nitre hath corrected the Metal. NB. That ☿ is first to

be coagulated, and Chalcitis to be pulverized, before they be commixed

with the sudden fire of Nitre, and enkindled. In these Labours,

although they may be esteemed of small moment, a great Mistery is

hidden, which nevertheless will be valued by no man, although it should

be discovered in plain and open words, because the process is mean,

costeth little, and may be performed in the space of a quarter of an

hour.

_Point_ XI.

_Metals also grow up in this subject, in the form of Vegetables,

before the eye, in the space of two or three hours, to the length

of a Finger, or hands breadth, into many branches and twiggs,

without Fruit indeed, but is a demonstration that even Metals

themselves do germinate in it like Vegetables._

This Point is mentioned only for this end, to shew that Nitre hath a

power of making Metals to grow after the manner of Vegetables. Which

thing the Liquor of Flints also performeth, of which mention is made

in the Second Part of our Furnaces; but the Liquor of fixed Nitre is

better; which is prepared by fixing it with powder of Coals and Flints,

which is also taught in the Second Part of our Furnaces, so that there

is no need here to repeat it. If therefore the metals being prepared in

little bits, be put into this liquor, they will grow and encrease after

the manner of Herbs, and so quickly, that in a few hours space they

will grow to the height of a hands breadth, which is very delightful

to the eye, and worthy of a singular meditation, whence so sudden

an encrease should proceed. Certainly many things might be written

concerning this matter, but because in this place I have promised no

more, but to verifie what I have attributed to the salt of the earth in

my _Miraculum Mundi_; let what is said suffice.

_Point_ XII.

_There is another augmentation or encrease of the Perfect Metals,

very gainful, by the Imperfect, answering to the germination or

growth of Vegetables, =&c.=_

As for this augmentation, it is done by a way far distant from the

foregoing, _viz._ in this _Sol_ and _Luna_ are joined with Lead, Tin,

and _Venus_, or with Tin alone, where it is to be left for a convenient

time, then the Sol attracteth from the Lead or other imperfect metals,

a golden Essence, is encreased and made heavier. The Process is this:

Take one lothone (_or half an ounce_) of Gold, eight or ten lothones

(_which is four or five ounces_) of Lead, let them be melted together;

if you please, you may add Tin or Copper; put the Crucible, together

with the Lead or other imperfect metals, into a strong Crucible, give

a temperate and constant Fire, that the Lead with the Gold may only

flow, but not be white hot; cast into the Crucible upon it half an

ounce of the best Nitre, cover the Crucible well, that no Coals fall

in, and keep it in a constant easie fire, then in such a time the Lead,

together with the other metals, which were mixed with it, will be

turned into Glass, but the Gold being pure, is separated from the Glass

by it self, and will adhere to the bottom of the Crucible, which when

the Crucible is broken, take out and weigh, and you shall find your

Gold encreased, and that it hath taken weight from the other metals.

Although this labour affords no profit, yet it sheweth how the nature

of metals are to be known. There is yet another way of trying this

thing, thus, _viz._ Take half an ounce of Gold, join with it 5 or 6

ounces of Lead, and drive away the Lead again upon a good Test, till

the Gold sparkle and shine, and you shall find your Gold to be made

much heavier than it was before, which weight it hath drawn from the

Lead only.

_Point_ XIII.

_By the mediation of this from all Imperfect Metals and Minerals,

yielding nothing in the usual Examen of Cupels, Gold and Silver

is produced in a manifold manner, being an Argument that the

Imperfect Metals have somewhat of the Perfect reconded in them,

when they are inverted, and shew themselves to our sight._

If we would obtain Gold and Silver from the Imperfect Metals, by the

help of Nitre, an equal weight of Regulus of Antimony is to be added

to them, that they may be rendred frangible, and fit to be pulverized,

so that they may be commixed and fixed with Nitre in this manner: Take

an ounce, or an ounce and a half of Copper, Lead, Tin, or Chalcitis,

melt it with as much Regulus of Antimony; pulverize the mixture, and

mix with it its equal weight of the best Nitre, put the mixture into a

crucible, kindle it with a live coal, then the mixture will be reduced

by the Nitre into Scoria, which must be melted by a very strong fire,

in a Wind Furnace, then the Metal will pass into a Regulus, but the

Regulus will remain in the Scoria, which by the casting in of a live

coal may be precipitated and brought to Regulus again: but weigh the

metallick Regulus according to the Hundred weight, and drive it (if

it be Lead) upon a Test, then you shall find it to contain gold and

silver, which the metal had not before. If the metal be Copper or

Chalcitis, a due proportion of Lead is to be added to it, that it may

be wrought upon a cupel, then it leaveth gold and silver, which without

this Operation it would not have done. This Work may also be effected

by another way, _viz._ Mix ♄ or ♀ with its own weight of Regulus of

Antimony, suffer it to flow well with the metal in a melting Furnace,

inject successively by a little at a time, so much Nitre as both the

Metal and the Regulus did weigh, then let the Regulus and the Metal be

fired by the Nitre, that some of the superfluous sulphur may be burnt

and the mixture reduced to _Scoria_, afterwards give a strong fire,

that the Scoria may be well melted, then the Metal will be separated

from the Regulus, which may be tested, and the correction of the metal,

made by the benefit of the Nitre, will be manifest.

As for these 13 Metallick Labours, they are in themselves very good,

and profitable to be known by every one handling Metals, some of which,

if they be accurately manag’d, and by a skilful Artist, will afford

great Gain, and they are all done by the help of the Salt of the Earth.

But I will not deny, but that those Labours may also be performed

by another way, which needeth no Nitre. But I do not now intend to

say any thing of that, but only to prove that all those Secrets and

Transmutations may be effectually performed by the contemptible salt of

the Earth.

In Mechanicks.

_Point_ I.

_They who Engrave or Etch upon Copper, may of this subject prepare

a good corrosive Water, by which (the Copper Plates being first

smeared over with a Covering fit to defend them, and what Images

or Lines they please, drawn upon them, with a stile or stift) by

an easie and compendious manner, they will be eroded or eaten,

which otherwise would require a long time to be engraven._

That a corrosive and graduating _Aqua-fortis_ may be prepared of Nitre

by destillation, needs no proof, the way of making it being every where

known, as a thing common, only here it is proved, that this shortening

of the Engraver’s Work may be performed by the Salt of the Earth.

_Point_ II.

_Painters by the help of this, may prepare for themselves most

excellent Colours, as =Ultra-Marine=, blue Smalt, fine red or

Scarlet =Lacca=, =Venice= Ceruse, and others necessary for their

Uses, which otherwise they must have from far, as =Italy=,

=Holland=, =France=, &c. and at a dear rate._

That excellent colours for Painting, may be made by the salt of the

Earth, I will thus prove: Blue Smalt is otherwise prepared of flowing

Sand, Chalcitis, and Potters-ashes: But if instead of those ashes, you

take the fixed salt of the Earth, the smalt will not be only rendred

more open, loose, and fine, but also purer, by reason the salt of the

earth is purer than those ashes. _Lacca_ for the most part is made of

Flocks shorn from crimson or scarlet cloth in the dressing, and by a

singular _lixivium_ (instead of which Nitre may be taken) the colour

is extracted, which is to be precipitated, edulcorated, and dryed

upon clean Boards in the sun, or by a stove. Verdigrease and Ceruse

are commonly prepared by the help of Vinegar, in Iron Vessels put in

Horse-dung; but if the Copper or Lead be dissolved in spirit of Nitre,

and the Copper precipitated by a _lixivium_ of salt of Tartar, but the

Lead by salt water, then edulcorated and dried, the Copper will exhibit

a green colour, which may be used in all Paintings, and will not

corrode and destroy other colours, as the common Verdigrease is wont to

do: And the Ceruse is rendered more delicate white, and pure than that

which is prepared by Vinegar, with which oftentimes much Chalk is mixed

to augment it, and is not so conducible to Painting, nor to the shops,

as that which is made _per se_, without any mixture.

_Point_ III.

_Engravers and Statuaries may so harden their Tools, that they may

hold their points long, if they be to cut stones._

That Iron may be hardened by Cementation with Salts, so that it may

serve instead of Steel, is now openly known; but the iron or steel is

to be kept in cementation as long as need shall be, not with common

salt alone, but mixed with the powder of coals and salt of ashes; then

the Iron grows as hard as steel, but steel is rendered harder than it

was before.

_Point_ IV.

_Embroiderers may put any durable Colour they please upon the Silk

with which they work._

It may be known, that Nitre, as being a depurated salt, will easily

induce colours, and constantly preserve them, yea, exalt them, which

many know, they especially who dye cloth with rich grain colours,

as Scarlet, Crimson, _&c._ when they add the spirit of Nitre in

the boiling, to aluminate it, (as the Dyers call it) the colour is

wonderfully exalted, and made much more fiery, so that it may be sold

dearer than common Crimson or Scarlet. This spirit of Nitre also

tingeth Ashes, Nails, or Hoofs, Quills, or Feathers, with a golden

colour, but if the Nitre be fixed by calcination, then it also equally

exalteth, but not into a red, but a Purple; Dyers use Potters ashes for

these Works, but fixed Niter is much purer, and rendereth the Work more

beautiful than those impure ashes.

_Point_ V.

_They who Paint Glass, by an easie Work, may thence prepare all

Colours or Enamels for Glass, so that there will be no need to

have them from =Venice=._

The Painters of Glass sometimes complain, that their fusory Glass or

Enamel will not readily flow, and that the Glass which they are to

colour is melted first; the Salt of the Earth being fixed, remedieth

this, if the colouring Glass be mixed with it in a due proportion,

and again melted, for by this means they will be rendered fluxible at

pleasure.

_Point_ VI.

_They who work in Wax, by the benefit of this, may whiten it

exceedingly; and colour it as they please._

That Salts with Water do whiten yellow Wax, being melted thin, and

exposed to the Air, and often sprinkled with the Salt Water, is

sufficiently known, and wants no proof but not better than salt-Nitre

it self.

_Point_ VII.

_Printers also may add this subject to their Ink, which will cause

it to adhere very firmly to the Paper, and render the Letters

very fair._

That fixed Salts will readily conjoin Ink with Water, is not unknown,

and none better than fixed Nitre, which also excelleth all sharp

_lixiviums_, having a power of cleansing Lead, Tin, Copper, or other

Vessels.

_Point_ VIII.

_It is convenient for Clock-makers, or Watch-makers, if a Water be

destilled from it, which soldereth Iron or Steel, without fire,

if a drop of that =Aqua-fortis= be dropped upon it, whence the

Iron growing hot, it presently waxeth soft, as if it had been

soldered in the fire by the help of Copper._

If an _Aqua-fortis_ be destilled from Niter and calcined Vitriol (NB.

that there must be no Water or Phlegm in the Spirit) and two little

pieces of Iron be melted with it, (between which there must be little

Filings of Iron) then the Iron groweth hot by the _Aqua-fortis_, which

acteth upon it, and the one will be joined to the other by melting, as

if it had been done by the fire. But he that will use that water, must

know how to prepare it himself, because such is no where to be found to

sell.

_Point_ IX.

_All Smiths may by it harden their Files, and other Iron Tools, as

durable, as if they had been made of the hardest Steel._

Fixed Salts being mixed with ashes and powder of coals or sand, after

that they have remained 24 hours in a close Fire, do harden iron like

steel; as is proved before in the third point.

_Point_ X.

_Pewterers may harden their Tin or Pewter, and give to it an elegant

whiteness, so that it will resemble Silver both in colour and sound;

neither will it easily tarnish, and by reason of its hardness, will

last longer than common Pewter._

If Tin be often melted, and extinguished in a _lixivium_ of fixt Nitre,

it is made harder than it was before; but if it be put to Nitre in

Flux, and suffered to melt in it; then also it will be more hard. NB.

But if the Tin be reduced into Scoria by Nitre, and the Scoria again

reduced, it will be rendered harder and fairer, than by the two former

ways.

_Point_ XI, XII, XIII.

_Cabinet-makers may strike an excellent Black upon Pear-tree,

Cherry-tree, Box, Walnut-tree, and other hard Woods, which may

be used for curious Works instead of Ebony. Skinners or Furriers

may dye their Ermins, Fox-skins, Wolf-skins, and the like Furs,

with a scarlet, crimson, or deep black colour, far exceeding

the natural. In like manner Feather-dyers may swiftly give any

lasting colour to their Plumes._

If an _Aqua-fortis_ be destilled from Nitre and Vitriol, and a

little silver dissolved in it, and Rain water poured thereon (for

the weakening of the _Aqua-fortis_) then not only all hard Woods,

are blacked by it, so that they represent Ebony, but also skins and

feathers are made black as a coal, a ground being first laid upon the

feathers, skins, or woods, that the Colours may remain and endure firm.

Therefore the 11, 12, and 13 points are thus verified together.

_Point_ XIV.

_Taylors may take out Spots or Stains, out of Woolen, Linen, or

silk Garments, and restore their Beauty._

Of fixed Nitre is made a Soap, so subtile and pure, that by it all

Spots may be taken out of Garments.

_Point_ XV.

_If Shoemakers put old Iron to this subject, they may therewith

adorn their Leather with an excellent Black._

If Nitre be dissolv’d in Vinegar, and old Iron lie some time in it,

it will make an Ink with which Hides may be blacked with an excellent

Black. But there is no need of Nitre for this use, for if Iron be put

to Aqua Calcis, it effecteth the same thing; only mention is made

of this in _Miraculum Mundi_, that it might be manifest, that this

Universal Subject may be of use, to all and singular Artificers.

_Point_ XVI.

_Weavers may render their Linen Threds so fine and soft, that they

will emulate silk._

All Men know that the boiling of Thread in a strong Lixivium renders

it soft and delicate, but seeing that fixed Nitre is better than a

strong Lixivium, it will also perform this work better than any common

Lixivium.

_Point_ XVII.

_Dyers by this may give so firm and unchangeable a ground, to their

Cloth, that the superinduced Colours shall not be corrupted, or

spoiled by any Wine, Vinegar, Urine, Pickles, Air, or Sun._

If the Spirit of Nitre be put into the first boiling with the Alum

and Tartar, for the aluminating the Cloths, it will give a permanent

ground, as is already proved in the fourth point.

_Point_ XVIII.

_Potters may thence prepare a Glassy Colour, not unlike to the

=Indian Porcellane=, of which Vessels may be made having the

aspect of Gold, Silver, or Copper, a singular Ornament for

Noblemens Tables, hitherto unknown to the World._

The Glasing of Earthen Vessels, that they may appear like a natural

Metal, is an egregious art, but it doth not always succeed, for the

Colours are easily burnt and destroyed by too much heat, so that no

Metallick Vitrification can be discerned. Vessels therefore, ought to

be glased not in a common Potters Furnace, but in a peculiar Furnace,

that the fire may be oftner observed. If the Vitrification be to

represent Gold, or Silver, or Copper, then Gold, and Silver, and Copper

is also to be taken in this manner: Take one part of Gold and Silver,

or Copper, Regulus of Antimony two or four parts, melt the Regulus

and the Metal, pulverise them in an Iron Mortar, and mix them with an

equal portion of Nitre, suffer the mixture to be fixed in a Crucible,

with which mixture the earthen vessel is to be rubbed over or gilded,

afterwards to be committed to a Furnace fit for this purpose; if you

proceed right, you will obtain a very beautiful Vitrification, as if

the Vessel was gilt with Gold, Silver, or Copper, which will not vanish

or decay, and will far exceed in beauty and splendour the Vessels which

are gilt with those Metals, for those in process of time lose their

splendour, but these do not as long as the least bit remains.

_Point_ XIX, _and_ XX.

_Souldiers, Merchants, Travellers, Carriers, Fishermen, and others,

who are much in the open Air, may of this prepare a Varnish in

which they may dip linen Cloth, which will not permit either Air

or Water to pass through it, with which they may defend their

Boots or Cloths, so that they may travel dry in the rain. They

who make Tapestry, may restore their faint and faded Colours, so

that they shall be strong and beautiful._

Here mention is made of a certain mixture in which if Linen Cloth be

dipped and dryed will not permit water to pass through, and it is done

in this manner. There is nothing wanting in Linseed Oyl, but that

the humidity be taken from it, which always hindereth its dying; now

to effect that, there is no better way, than to boil the Linseed Oyl

gently and gradually with the Flowers of _Lapis Calaminaris_ or Saturn,

(which are sublimed by Nitre) so long till the Oyl be tenacious, and

groweth hard enough for this use. NB. That a Linen Cloth immersed

in this mixture, and shining Talk being finely laid upon it, may be

coloured of any colour, which will very strongly adhere to it, and

may serve for the making of Tapestry. Therefore in this manner the

nineteenth and twentieth Points are confirmed.

_Point_ XXI, _and_ XXII.

_Mistresses of Families, may of it prepare fine Soap or Wash:balls,

far exceeding the =Venetian=. Houshold Maids, may with it scour

their Metalline Vessels, so as to render them neat and beautiful._

That fixed Nitre will wash and purifie Linen cloth beyond all Soap, no

Man will deny, who comprehendeth the matter, concerning which thing,

the Ancients have written much, and not in vain, calling Nitre the

Soap of the wise, but not for the washing of Womens Linen, but for the

intrinsecal purifying of the imperfect Metals: Their External Purgation

may also be performed by help thereof, so that the twenty second Point

is also verified.

_Point_ XXIII.

_Women may change the Yellow, Pale, or Brown Colour of their Face,

and hands, into a beautiful whiteness._

That an Egregious Cosmetick may be made of Nitre, calcined with

white Talk (by which ill coloured skins may be whitened) is not to

be doubted. For if Nitre fixed by the Regulus of Antimony alone,

performeth that, why should it not yet do it better, if it be conjoined

with some white Mineral Talk in the Calcination?

_Point_ XXIV.

_Old Women may by an easie way, take away the Wrinkles of their

Face and Hands, as also the Corns of their Feet, and boil their

Linen to such a softness, that it shall come but little short of

Silk._

It is easie to verifie this, to wit if Nitre be fixed with Regulus of

Antimony, and set in a moist Cellar to run into an Oyl, which Liquor

will be so fiery, that if any hard Skin, or Corn, be often anointed

with it, it will so soften it, that it may be cut away with a Pen

knife, and afterwards other smooth and soft Skin will grow in its room.

_Point_ XXV.

_Gardeners by this subject may destroy all Insects, by mixing it

with water, and pouring it into those places where they breed,

for they will either die in their holes, or run out to die,

because they are not able to abide that fire. It also ripeneth

Fruits, if a little of this Menstruum be applied to their Roots,

at the entrance of the Spring; and if a large quantity of Apples

be well covered over with it, they may thence prepare a lasting

Wine, Vinegar, or burning Spirit._

It is not to be doubted, but that fixed Nitre will kill all Worms

in the Earth; I have often tried it with good advantage, and found

it true, in this manner: Many years ago, I had a Garden, in which

was a Bed of Asparagus, which I covered all over in the Winter with

Horse-dung, to defend it from the Frost, which occasioned the breeding

of many small Worms like Threads, sticking to the Roots of the

Asparagus, so that they could by no means grow or increase, only by

reason of the great quantity of Worms, which took away the nutriment of

the Vegetable for themselves. And once by chance throwing some fixed

Nitre exposed to the Air, and turned into a Liquor, out at a Window

into the Garden, it fell upon that place where these Worms were, the

fixed Nitre was dissolved by the following Rain, and penetrated the

earth; which done, the Worms in great numbers crept out of the earth,

because they could not abide that fiery Liquor, the Asparagus grew up

in the same place more plentifully and perfectly than before, which

moved me also to apply this Liquor in other places; by this means the

whole Garden was in a very short time freed from Worms.

_Point_ XXVI.

_Bakers may use it in stead of Ferment or Yeast, if they dissolve a

few hops therein._

If pure Nitre with flower be throughly moistened with warm water and

set in a warm place, then, by its own proper power and virtue, it

beginneth to ferment, especially if some fresh Hops be put to the

water, by which also other things are promoted to fermentation.

_Point_ XXVII.

_Brewers by its help may have very strong Beer, if they extract

their Hops therewith._

In the like manner also warm Beer may be excited to fermentation.

_Point_ XXVIII.

_Mead, and Metheglin, as also Beer, and Canary wine, which are upon

the turn, and growing sowre, may by this be rendred drinkable._

Any kind of Drink, whether it be Canary, Metheglin, or Beer, which

easily sowre in Summer, if you would amend them, to a Tun of the Liquor

put about two or three Ounces of fixed Nitre put up in a Linen Rag

into the Bung-hole at the top of the Cask, and let it hang down into

the Liquor, then in a short time the sowre Liquor will be rendered

drinkable.

_Point_ XXIX.

_Comb-makers, and others who work in Horn, may by this so soften

their Horns, that they may imprint upon them what Images they

please._

That every Horn, or Bone may be softened, if it be sufficiently boiled

in a Lixivium of Nitre, may easily be apprehended; which thing another

strong Lixivium, not so fiery as that of Nitre, will also perform.

_Point_ XXX.

_Keepers of Armories may preserve their polished Arms, or Harness

free from rust, by anointing them over with this Subject._

It is credible, that fixed Nitre will preserve Iron from Rust, seeing

that it is equally contrary to Corrosives, with a simple Aqua-Calcis

which performeth the same.

_Point_ XXXI.

_Bird-catchers, may by the help of this prepare such a Birdlime, as

will not be altered by Cold or Heat._

If a Spirit be distill’d from Nitre, and Lapis Calaminaris dissolved

in it, and the Spirit again drawn off, there will remain a thick and

heavy Oyl, with which the Glue for Wood being throughly humected and

dissolved, it becometh tenacious and viscous, which will not be dried

by the heat of the Sun, but keepeth its unctuosity in all Seasons. N.B.

That Spirit of Salt, or Vitriol, also performeth the same thing, if any

Glue be dissolved therein.

_Point_ XXXII.

_Souldiers may by help of this prepare a fulminating powder from

Gold, of which the magnitude of a Pea, put upon a red hot Iron

Plate, will give a greater Clap, than half a pound, yea a whole

pound of Gun-powder; the same may also be prepared without Gold,

by the addition of Salt of Tartar and Sulphur, as it is described

in the second part of Furnaces._

As for this point, it needeth no proof; for it is sufficiently known,

that of ☉ dissolved in Spirit of Nitre (in which also was dissolved

Sal Armoniack) and precipitated with Salt of Tartar (or Spirit of

Urine, which is better) then edulcorated and dryed, such a powder will

be made, which being put upon an Iron, Copper, or Silver Plate, and

enkindled by a light heat, fulminateth more strongly than half a pound

of common Gun-powder, concerning which, I have treated at large in

other of my Writings.

_Point_ XXXIII.

_Engineers, and makers of Fire-works, may perform many wonderful

things, by the help of this Subject._

That common Nitre is used in the making of Gun-powder, and other

Fire-works, wants no Testimony, being a thing every where known.

_Point_ XXXIV.

_Many new Works belonging to the Weavers, and Smiths Art, may

be made thence, which may be Communicated to Neighbouring

Countries, in lieu of which, money may be brought into a Country

impoverished by War._

As for this point, it is most certain, that by the mentioned Subject,

various Manufactures may be perfected, which thing let no Man doubt;

but there is no need here to particularize; let it suffice that I have

verified (by the assistance of God) those things which I have named,

and proposed to explain in that place.

_Point_ XXXV.

_If Keepers of Vineyards, pour a little of this Subject to the

Roots of their Vines, they will have ripe Grapes, and new Wine

sooner than the rest of their Neighbours, of which they may make

a good advantage._

Plebeians, Country-men, Gardeners, Vine-dressers, and the like, who

are conversant about the propagation of Vegetables; do say, and

believe, that Dung causeth Fertility, and the increase of things: But

a Philosopher, penetrating farther into Nature, and who is a most

diligent Searcher of her Works, attributeth that to the Salt which is

hidden in the Dung, and the matter it self is no otherwise, for by

digestion in the Stomachs of Men and Bruits, the essential Salt, as

well of Animals, as of Vegetables, is transmuted into a Nitrous Salt,

which together with the Excrements passeth out by the Belly, and is

used by Men for the propogating of Vegetables of all kinds, but another

Salt which doth not participate with that, is separated by another

way, to wit, by Urine, the greatest part of which Salt is acid, and

contrary to the growth of all Vegetables, (although it carrieth along

with it some volatile Salt) it destroyeth, mortifieth, and taketh away

from them the power of growing, yea, Life it self, if they be often

moistened with it; but the Nitrous Salt reconded in Excrements, on the

contrary, vivifieth all Vegetables, and maketh them to encrease, grow

strong, and bear Fruit, which all men know. Therefore if it be probable

that it is not the Dung, but the Salt which is hidden in the Dung, that

causeth fertility and encrease, it will be possible, that an encrease

by such a Salt may be procured in all Vegetables equally as with Dung

it self, and indeed better, for there is Urine also conjoined with the

Dung; which if it be not for some time exposed to the Air and the Rain,

for the washing away that sharp Salt, the Dung would avail nothing to

the fattening of the Earth, which Country-men know, and therefore they

do not presently use their fresh Dung, but lay it in the Fields before

Winter; Vine-dressers in their Vineyards; and leave it there all the

Winter, to that end, that the Rain may wash out that sharp and hurtful

Salt; and this being done, then at length they mix it with their Earth;

and the event teacheth them that this fattens more than Dung carried

fresh out of Stables, and full of Urine. Therefore if I know how to

make a Nitrous Salt, which is reconded not only in the Excrements of

Men and Brutes, but also in Rainwater and common Earth, I may use this

instead of Dung, (being first purged from its contrary acid) one pound

of which will perform more than an hundred weight of Dung; yet in the

mean time it conduceth to that purpose, if a little Sheeps-dung be

dissolved together with the purified Nitre, in Water, with which the

Roots of the Trees are to be moistened or Seeds throughly wetted with

the same. And this I have proved more than once, and found, that by

the help of Nitre well depurated, an encrease is most powerfully and

swiftly promoted, yea, more than can be believed. NB. That I would have

none understand me, as if common Nitre were to be taken, which is not

at all profitable in these matters.

_Point_ XXXVI.

_Nevertheless Must and Wine may be ripened after another manner in the

Hogshead, without this Art, so that they who understand the way may

have alwaies good Wine, when others have it sowre, =&c.=_

This is a very fair and profitable Secret in those places, where Wines,

by reason of cold, cannot come to maturity, but are forced to remain

crude and impotent, which by this Remedy may be brought to maturity

in the Hogshead; so that Wine which is eager and sowre, may be made

delicate, friendly, generous, and durable. And although I here write

nothing but the truth, and what I have often effectually proved, yet I

very well know, that but a very few will apprehend or believe it, which

matters little to me; I am satisfied, that I have verified what I have

written in this point.

_Point_ XXXVII.

_There remains yet another thing very profitable to Countrymen. The

juice of Apples or Pears being pressed out, by the help of this

subject, such an effervescency or working is promoted, as Wine may be

thence made, having the relish of the natural, and but little inferiour

in durability and strength, =&c.=_

In this point mention is made how the juice of Apples, and Pears,

may be corrected, that it may be like to Wine, keeping many years

uncorrupted: which certainly is a Secret of great moment and profit.

Apples, when ripe, of their own accord fall from the Trees, every

thing hath its period; what advantage may be made by this Art in those

places, where a great quantity of Fruit groweth; whether is it not

better to make this use of them, than to leave them to rot and be

lost? I will do what lies in me, and not bury my Talent, that I may

be rendered excusable before GOD and the World, although that which I

teach may not be received, as becometh it to be used. At length, after

my Decease, it will be observed, what is hidden in my Writings, but

the _Phrygians_ were wise too late. Therefore I again affirm, that all

things contained in this point, are purely true, and may be perfectly

effected. [_See Apology against_ Farnner.]

_Point_ XXXVIII.

_If Husband-men moisten their Seed with this =Menstruum=, it will

sooner be ripe, and have larger and fatter Grains than ordinary:

which being done, I will shew by what means they may make great

profit of their Grain, =&c.=_

The 35 Point confirms the truth of this, That Grain will grow the

more plenteously, if it shall be humected with the Nitrous Water

above-mentioned, before it be sown, but common Nitre is not here to

be understood. The other is also consentaneous to Truth, which is

written about the most profitable use of Grain, which none need doubt;

for as yet more may be done in that than I have here spoken of, for

without much labour and cost, by that water, every good and kernelly

substance, as I may so speak, of Grain, is extracted, which Extract

may be kept for many years, as a Treasure of great moment, of which

afterwards, at any time or place, (by the addition of Water of Hops)

good Beer may be made, and Vinegar, and burning Spirit; it is also of

such a very Nutritive substance, that in case of necessity it may be

used instead of Bread, one pound of which will afford more nourishment

than two or three pound of Bread made after the common manner. It may

also be kept in Garrisons with great commodity: Also it may be used at

Sea, by those who sail to the _Indies_, and trade about in Ships, when

they want Bread; of which by the addition of warm water of Hops, may

be made very good Beer, at any time of the year, for it is easily and

wholly dissolved in warm water. For this reason also it may be most

commodiously carried from place to place by Armies in time of War,

which in the Field, at any time, Winter or Summer, with the water of

Hops, it may be boiled into Beer, and there is no need to carry the

water far, because it is to be found in all places; neither are Hops

of any great burden; therefore in one only Tun there may be carried of

this Extract as much as sufficeth for the brewing of six or eight Tun

of Beer; and which is more, by this means, wholesome Beer may be made

in the _Dog-daies_, as well in Camps, as in Cities and Ships, without

any fear of impediment or future sowrness; at which time good Beer is

not otherwise made, because then it is wont presently to grow sowre;

and many other Commodities are procured by this means, all which to

declare, would be superfluous. Let what hath been said suffice.

_Point_ XXXIX.

_I have yet one thing to add among my Wine-Arts, concerning Grain,

and the Fruits of Trees and Shrubs, which is to be received

with Thankfulness, as a great Gift of God to Mankind, =viz.= It

is found by industry and manifold experience, that from Rie,

Wheat, Oats, Rice, Millet; also from Apples, Pears, Peaches,

Cherries, Plumbs, Sloes, Damscens, Quinces, Figgs; as also

from Goose-berries, Mulberries, Barberries, Black-berries,

Elder-berries, and other like Fruits of Trees and Shrubs; from

all these, I say, may be prepared with little labour and cost,

a Drink very like to Wine, both in taste, smell, and strength,

being grateful, wholesome, and durable, =&c.=_

In this point mention is made, That of the Fruit of Trees and other

Bushes and Shrubs, a clear Drink may be made, which is also grateful

and durable, being like to Wine in taste, colour, and virtue; which

thing, although it may seem strange to those who are ignorant of the

matter, nevertheless it is most true; so that those things which are

contained in this point, may be boldly credited. For what should it

profit me to write those things which I am not able to prove, it

would only turn to my disgrace and detriment. For this reason I have

determined to have such a Laboratory prepared, in which not only the

owners of Metallick Mines (if they desire it of me) may learn the

manner by me newly invented, for the compendious melting of Minerals,

so that they shall yield more Metal, than by the known and common

manner; but will also shew other Secrets, that the _Magnalia_ and

wonders of God may be made manifest, and We stirred up to give Thanks

to the Giver of all Good: Which Elaboratory shall continue open for one

whole year, which being past, it shall again be shut up and cease; for

I purpose not to render the whole course of my Life obnoxious to those

great Labours, but at length to enjoy a quiet tranquility; which thing

I am willing that all men should know, that they may spare me with

their Letters, which it is impossible for me to answer, much less that

I should see the Persons, seeing that the burden of journying is to me

altogether insupportable; but whatsoever I may perform at home, I will

not refuse. [_See for this point Apology against_ Farnner.]

Here thou hast, benevolent Reader, a fundamental Explication of my

_Miraculum Mundi_, (as for those last points, to wit, 36, 37, 38, and

39, they might indeed have been very commodiously explained here, but

because this is done at large, in a peculiar Treatise, entituled,

_The Prosperity of_ Germany; there is no need to explain them in this

place; therefore what the benevolent Reader finds wanting here, there

he shall find it at large, to which I remit him) whereby it will appear

to all men, unless to those who are wilfully blind, that I have not

ascribed too much to the Salt of the Earth, as a universal subject,

but that I have proved to the whole World, that every thing which I

have attributed to it, is possible, and plainly agreeable to Truth.

But that these Secrets which I have proved, may be performed by the

benefit of the Salt of the Earth, may not be done by other waies, and

perhaps nearer, I go not about to deny, but do necessarily affirm, that

the mentioned Metallicks, as well as the Mechanicks, may be performed

after other manners. Only here it is verified, That the Salt of the

Earth is deservedly esteemed a universal subject, which no man will

deny, nor will be able to refute by Arguments, supported by truth, how

wise soever he may seem to himself. Therefore let its vileness offend

no man, for the best of things is oftentimes hidden in things of small

price. Wherefore all men erre, who attribute good to outward splendor,

in which yet it is not, but is only to be sought, found, and obtained

in things vile, and of low esteem. =Note this, believe this, otherwise

thou wilt never attain to any Good.=

But here some Man may object in this manner: If Nitre be a Universal

Menstruum according to my praises of it, it will thence necessarily

follow, that the stone of Philosophers should be made by it, of which

nevertheless I have here made no mention. To obviate this Objection, I

do indeed readily confess, that I have not proceeded in this subject,

any further than those things which I have now proved; but without

doubt it containeth in it self greater things, than are manifested

to me and others. I have made a beginning, I have strowed the way,

let others follow me, and prosecute the thing further, if God shall

grant it to them; as for me I am content with small things, and do not

anxiously, or sollicitously aspire after the highest. Yet in the mean

time, this I freely confess, if I were not so old as I am, I should

not leave this Matter unessay’d. It is not to be doubted, but many men

have sought the Universal stone in Nitre, but what they have found,

that themselves know; and of this I am the more assured, because there

Matter in the end of the Work taking fire, hath vanished like a Clap

of Thunder; hence the ancient Philosophers have performed their work

in Winter, lest they should be hurt by Corruscations; it is most

true, and void of all errour, that a most noble essence of this sort,

obtaining a power of expelling all the Natural Diseases of Mortals, and

of transmuting all the imperfect Metals into Gold cannot be prepared

from an impure Metal, or Mineral, nor also of Gold it self. Much

less of viler and more unlikely things in which Fools are miserably

Occupied, prodigally, and unprofitably wasting their Goods; but in

my judgment, it should be no other thing than a Concentrated Astral

fire, exalted by Art, into the form of a stone, without any other

Adventitious matter. For in the nature of things, no purer Essence

can be found, than fire, exercising a very great power in all things,

especially in Metals: For if we had not fire (I pray consider it) all

Arts, and Mechanicks would grow cold, and be involved in the dark

silence of Cessation. Arts were invented, and draw their Original from

the fire, otherwise how should Metals be got out of their Minerals,

and prepared for use? truly they would be of no use at all. Therefore

the fire containeth more than can be believed. He that doth not know

fire to be a most powerful Element, knoweth nothing, nor without this,

can he find out any thing, neither by any just right can he assume the

Name of a Philosopher. The fire alone, without the addition of other

things, is sufficient to make Metals of stones, and particularly, the

best Metals out of the vilest stones, provided we know how to use it;

but universally, being concentrated into a stony matter; which last

although I have not experienced, nevertheless I have observed, if (by

the favour of the Almighty) a man could exalt the fire into a Corporeal

fixed substance, he would certainly have a Tincture for men, and the

imperfect Metals. But some man may object, by what way is this Crown

to be obtained? Truly by no other than by Divine Revelation. For the

Secrets of God of this sort, are not so easily to be found out, nor

will they be manifested to Impious men, although the whole World is

infected with a foolish madness, who doatingly think by force to extort

Gold from things in which it is not, and one that hath understanding

of the fire and Metals, cannot sufficiently admire those foolish and

doltish Labours, which they who are Captivated by the hunger of Gold,

undertake for the making the stone of Philosophers; many being willing

to ascend the Ladder, are presently sollicitous about the uppermost

Round, when notwithstanding they are as yet far from the lowermost

step: But this is a matter of a higher and more diligent search. In the

fire, I say, are contained Secrets of great moment, yea, insomuch that

some Philosophers (among whom _Plato_ is the chief) write that God is

most clearly discerned and apprehended in Fire and Salt. Fire, and the

Immortal God alone can make light of darkness, which is granted to no

Mortal to do; without fire is darkness and death: Without fire nothing

can live, nothing groweth or encreaseth.

In sum, Fire is the most Noble, and most Potent Work of God in the

whole Universe, he that knoweth how to use it rightly, will have need

of no Art. Let the Benevolent Reader also take with him my small

judgment concerning the great stone of the wise; let every man believe

what he will, and is able to comprehend. Such a work is purely the gift

of God, and cannot be learned by the most acute powers of an humane

mind, if it be not assisted by the benign help of a Divine Inspiration.

And of this I assure my self, that in those last times, God will raise

up some, to whom he will open the Cabinet of Natures Secrets, that they

shall be able to do wonderful things in the World, to his glory, the

which I indeed heartily wish to Posterity, that they may enjoy, and use

to the Praise and Honour of God, _Amen_.

The _EPILOGUE_.

I doubt not but many Men considering the great good that may be

effected by the benefit of Nitre, will be desirous of knowing how they

may attain it in great quantity, that so they may not be forced to

buy it at a dear rate; which certainly would be a great help not to a

few who labour in the fire, and I could wish from my Soul, that all

honest and pious Chymists might be able to recover some compensation

for the Coals they have consumed without fruit. But seeing that I have

made mention of the production or preparation of Nitre, in a peculiar

Treatise entituled, _The Prosperity of_ Germany; it is needless here to

repeat it. But this I will say by way of prediction, that Nitre, being

thoroughly known by my Writings, true Alchymy, or the Transmutation of

the imperfect Metals into better, will in a short time be as common, as

it was in _Egypt_ long since in the time of the Emperour _Dioclesian_,

who could not overcome or subdue the _Egyptians_, until he had by

many Cruelties extorted their Books from them, which he burnt, and so

brought them under the yoke of servitude. NB. That it is no wonder

that the Transmutation of Metals should have been so common with the

_Egyptians_ only, seeing that Nitre is found in all places of the Land

of _Egypt_, and the famous River _Nile_ is impregnated with Nitre,

which only by its overflowing (which it doth twice in a year) so

fateneth the whole Country, that it is made very rich and fruitful in

all things without dung; for the _Nile_ aboundeth with Nitre, as the

Sea doth with common Salt. For at certain times of the overflowing,

_viz._ in the beginning, the inhabitants are wont to dig deep Pits,

that they may remain full of the water, which being afterwards dried

up by the Sun, Nitre is very Copiously prepared, as common Salt is

made in _Spain_, and other hot Regions. This therefore I was willing

to discover for the information of the Reader; if he be wise, and God

be propitious to him, he will believe that I have said enough; but if

not, an Explication ten times clearer will not help him. Therefore let

it suffice, that what is here desired, shall be had in those Treatises

which are entituled, _The Prosperity of_ Germany, whereby a man filled

with the Love of God, will be greatly delighted.

THE

CONTINUATION

OF

Miraculum Mundi.

_In which Nature is clearly laid open to the Eyes of the whole

World; demonstrating, that the chief Medicine of Vegetables,

Animals, and Minerals, may be prepared of Salt-petre, and that

Salt-petre truly merits the Name of an Universal Menstruum._

The PREFACE, to the READER.

_This Treatise, to which I have given the Title of the =Continuation of

Miraculum Mundi=, containeth four excellent =Arcanums=, which I doubt

not, but will prove very profitable to the publick. The first of these

I offer to Country-men, as Husbandmen, Vine-dressers, Gardiners, and

all such who are occupied in Tilling and manuring the Earth, that they

may learn a new Method of fattening and enriching their Fields and

Gardens, without the usual and customary way of dunging, and thence

yearly acquire a greater profit._

_The Second, I give to all Citizens, Merchants and others who have time

and leasure, and abounding in riches, know not by what means to augment

or improve their Gold and Silver. Which way I will shew them, and how

to effect it after a much better and honester manner than putting it to

Usury, or incommoding or oppressing their Neighbours._

_The Third, I present to all Conscientious Physicians that they

may learn to prepare Salutiferous and Efficacious Medicines with

small charge, little labour, and in a short time; that (as becomes

Christians) they may help and succour the Miseries of the sick, and

acquire to themselves an honest livelihood._

_The Fourth, I dedicate to all persons of great Name and Authority,

by the benefit of which, they may preserve their Health entire, and

recover it when lost._

_The Omnipotent God give us his Divine Grace, that we may make such use

of his fatherly bounty, as may tend to the promoting of his Honour, and

the Love of our Neighbour. =Amen.=_

Arcanum I.

_Being a Gift given to Husbandmen, keepers of Vineyards, Gardeners,

=&c.=_

Although I had determined with my self to reserve the Press, mentioned

in the first part of _The Prosperity of_ Germany, (by which the

juice might be pressed out of great Trees, the searching after which

hath wearied many Mens Brains) for the third part of the same work;

nevertheless, it seems good to me to describe it in this Treatise for

the good of the publick. And that chiefly for this reason, because the

Omnipotent God hath now revealed to me other manners of extracting

Salt-petre, in plenty, out of all Wood, and that without a Press;

and not only from Wood, but also from all Vegetables, Animals, and

Minerals, so that by an easie business, and in a short time, without

a Press and putrefaction, Wood, and Salt may be converted into

Salt-petre: Yea, in the space of three or four hours, every Vegetable,

or Animal, as also Salts of every kind, may be so transmuted, as that

they pass into a Fatt, fervid and sulphureous Salt, which afterwards by

the benefit of the Air is animated, and converted into Salt-petre. Such

a Salt, although it doth not presently conceive flame, and burn like

Salt-petre, yet it is now brought to that pass, that in the manuring or

dunging of poor and barren ground, it doth the same thing as the dung

of any Cattel is wont to effect. Hence by the same Salt every pure Sand

destitute of all fatness, is quickly so fatted, that it is rendered

fit for the sowing and bringing forth Corn. Few will believe what Salt

can perform, when spoiled of its Corrosive force. Therefore Christ

saith not in vain to his Disciples, _Ye are the Salt of the Earth_.

That Earth which wanteth Salt is dead; nor can it bring forth Fruit:

For this inverted Salt serveth not only for sandy and plainly barren

Fields, but also for those which are fruitful, that they may be sowed

every year, and bring forth Fruit. Truly it is a great Gift of GOD,

of which this ungrateful World is not worthy. It often happens, that

a Husbandman, through want of Dung, is forced to let his Fields lie

unsown, till he can have an opportunity to sow them; but what a loss is

this to those who in the mean time must pay the Magistrates, Taxes, or

Duties, for them, and yet make no benefit of them. Were it not better

for such to possess only the Third or Fourth part of what they have

of such Land as would yield him every year an encrease. Certainly by

this means, that Land which otherwise is scarce able to maintain one

Country-man, would be sufficient for the keeping of ten, if it were

fatened after this manner by an inverted wood or salt. In like manner

also Vineyards [_and Hopyards_] might be so fattened, that the Labour

bestowed upon them might not be in vain, but they might abound in

Fruits.

So also Fruit-trees, and Meadows, and Pastures, which bear but little

Grass, may by the same Salt be so amended, as to bring forth better

Fruit and richer Crops of Grass. But let this suffice, concerning those

things in this place, more shall follow (God willing) in the Third

Part of _The Prosperity of_ Germany. In the mean time the Plenty of

Corn and Wine will be in part consumed. But I doubt not but that this

excellent Gift of God will be sought into by good Masters of Families,

be had in esteem, and even from this time to the World’s end, be put to

use for the promoting of the Divine Honour, and the well being of many

Thousands of men.

[Sidenote: Vid. _Prosp._ Germ. _p._ 3.]

But the manner of expressing of Wood by its proper Fire, and again of

coagulating this acid juice, by the benefit of the fixed Salt remaining

in the burnt Coals or Ashes, into a Salt fattening of barren ground, or

of reducing it into _Salt-Petre_ by the benefit of the Air, is indeed

an excellent and singular Artifice, which rendereth all unprofitable

Wood highly profitable and beneficial; yea, these are Inventions so

profitable, as the like hath been yet published by no man. And this

Invention is much better than that of reducing Wood into Pot-ashes, in

which all the acid juice passing away in smoak, wholly perisheth, and

is lost, and from a great quantity of Wood a very few ashes remain, and

out of them there is found but a little Salt (scarcely the Tenth Part)

fit for the fattening of ground, or to be turned into _Salt-Petre_. For

it is not the ashes, but the salt contained in them, that serves to

both those purposes. Therefore this my method of extracting the juice

of wood, and converting it into a good salt, is far to be preferred to

the making of Pot-ashes of Wood. Nor doth this press serve only for the

pressing out the juice of Wood, where Wood is plenty, but it may be

also used with great profit in Moorish places where Wood is wanting,

and which abound with Turf, which may be used instead of Wood. For

the juice of Turf is equally fit with the juice of Wood for enriching

of Land; so that no Country hath cause to complain that the Creator

of all things hath not plentifully provided it with some part of that

_mundane_ Treasure. Countries that lie high abound with Wood, and the

low afford abundance of Turf. Therefore, as in Regions of an higher

scituation, an unspeakable quantity of Wood perisheth by putrefaction,

and growing, and again rotting, serveth for no use or benefit; so also

it is in places lower scituated, with Turf, in which very often vast

Tracts yield not the least profit to any man, although in their inward

Penetrals are hidden great Treasures. Seeing that it is so in Moorish

and Marshy places, if they are overgrown with Grass, and Beasts should

be sent to feed upon that Grass, what profit will thence accrue to men?

But if they shall be invironed with too much wet or plashiness, (too

boggy) so that they are impassible by men, they are of no utility at

all.

There are Marshy tracts which are covered over (or swerded only with

Moss) which neither afford Turf, or nourishment for Cattel, inasmuch as

the growth of Grass, and Turf fit for burning, is hindred, either by

too much Sand, or large Moss. And yet those very tracts being pressed

by Fire, yield a fertile juice, by which the neighbouring Fields

(especially the Sandy) may be rendered fruitful. For those Moors or

Marshes contain nothing but that fatness which the Rain-water hath

collected from the neighbouring, high, and sandy grounds, and washed

down with it self into the Valleys, where it concreteth into Moss;

whence of right it should be restored to those barren sandy grounds, to

fatten them. And by this means it may be brought to pass, that great

fruitfulness may be conferred on much desert and waste Land, which

brings no profit at all to Mankind. What I say, is agreeable to the

Truth it self, and perhaps in Process of time, will be found most true,

and come into use in very many places. But at this time, these things

seem to Country-men, meer Dreams, and far exceed the Capacity of their

maulted Brains. But as every fat Marsh is able to fatten the adjacent,

barren, high, sandy grounds; so the Ocean is the Universal Medicine,

and nutriment of all high and barren Regions, through which it passeth,

and by the salt contained in it, bestows upon them fruitfulness. [_Vid.

Nat. Salium._] Whence the incredible Providence of the Divine Goodness

manifestly appeareth, for which uncessant Thanks are to be given to the

Almighty by all men, for His Fatherly Care, and great benefits never

to be forgotten. But how the Sea-salt fatteneth, and maketh fruitful

sandy-ground, which is destitute of all fatness, shall afterwards be

exactly demonstrated. Here, by the way, in the Description of my Press,

for the pressing of wood, I was willing to mention this thing. How much

better therefore is this my Art and Invention of preserving the juice,

and almost the whole _pondus_ or weight of the wood (the unprofitable

Phlegm only excepted) in that transmutation, than the invention of

reducing it to Pot-ashes? For any man of Understanding may easily see,

That in that open burning of the wood the noble Sulphur is consumed

by the Fire, and can be of no benefit. But if the business may be so

ordered, that the wood shall burn, and not consume it self in burning,

but be converted into a sulphureous Salt, it will be a thing of great

moment. He that knoweth how to perform this, hath indeed attained the

scope, and arrived to the desired end. Although a Coal be deprived of

its juice, nevertheless it retains almost the same quantity that the

wood had, whereof it was made. One pound of such Coals being burnt,

scarce yields an ounce and an half of ashes, which ashes afford but

a third or fourth part of Salt, fit to be changed into _Salt-Petre_,

or to fatten the Earth. Therefore it is no small Art to preserve the

Sulphur of the Coals (whose Virtues are great) and to convert it into

so noble a Salt.

For the acid juice of wood being pressed out, and reduced to sweetness,

will effect far more in the manuring and fattening of Fields, than

any one can easily believe. Hereafter, if I shall see it necessary, I

shall publish yet more and greater things; but I shall yet for some

time suspend the publication of the Third Part of _The Prosperity

of_ Germany, till I see how things will prove; being assured that my

Writings for time to come will be more grateful, than to this present

Age. I will now enter upon the description and use of the Press so

often mentioned, for the expressing and again coagulating the juice of

Wood.

_Of the Figure, Use, and Utility of the Press, by whose help the

Juice is plentifully pressed out of Wood, without great labour,

fit for the making of =Salt-Petre=._

_The Form or Figure._

First, Let a round Furnace be built with Bricks of the same form with

that in the first Figure, noted with the Letter A. It must be like a

Glassmaker’s Furnace, large at the bottom, and rising round by degrees

to a small point at the top; in the top must be a round hole, opening

about a foot broad, by which the Wood may be put into the Furnace. To

the hole is to be fitted a Cover or Stopper, made of the same matter,

with the Bricks, and burnt as they are, to shut up the hole. On one

side of the lower part of the Furnace, is to be a door, by which the

Coals may be taken out. On the other side is to be a little hole, to

which an earthen Channel or Pipe of about three or four cubits long,

is to be fitted, in which the smoak or fume of the wood, forced out by

the fire, may be condensed into an acid juice, and may destil into a

wooden Vessel or Barrel, which is to be fitted to the Pipe, to receive

the destilling acid juice. See the first Figure noted with _pag._ 13.

at the beginning of this Treatise.

A _is the Furnace or Oven wherein the Wood is char’d_.

B, _The Cover of the Furnace_.

C, _The Door at which the Coals are taken out_.

D, _The Canes or Pipes wherein the sap or juice of the Wood is

condensed, and from thence runs into the Receiver_.

E _is the Vessel or Receiver into which the Vinegar of Wood runs_.

All things being prepared in the manner aforesaid, let the Furnace be

filled with wood up to the top, and if the wood be not dry enough,

intermix with it, in the putting in from the bottom to the top, some

dry Shrubs or Bushes, or small Faggot-sticks, by whose help the wood

may be the more easily kindled. After the wood is kindled, and burns

well, the hole in the top of the Furnace is to be close shut with its

Stopper, that there may be no exit for the smoak, but that it may be

forced to descend and seek its passage through the lower hole, by the

Channel or Pipe. Therefore when the wood begins to burn, and yet can

emit no flame, the heat presseth out all the juice, and forceth it into

the pipe, in which, from the smoak, it is changed into an acid Juice

or Liquor, which destilleth by the Pipe into the appointed receiving

Barrel. All the wood being turned into Coals, and emitting no more

fume, the whole Furnace, wheresoever it may admit the air; and also

the hole to which the Pipe is fitted, is to be smeared over with wet

ashes, that the Coals in the Furnace being suffocated or choaked, may

remain entire. The Coals being taken out, may be put to necessary uses,

being equal in goodness to other Charcoal which Colliers make in Woods.

NB. I would have this understood, of such wood as is of a pretty good

thickness, and suffers its self to be reduced into Coals; for if you

cast into the Furnace Bushes or small Brushy wood, to press out the

juice, you will obtain only a Powder of Coals, which after the juice

is pressed out, is to be left in the Furnace open (not smeared over,

as we taught above) till it pass into ashes, which is required for

the coagulating the expressed juice; as shall appear by and by, when

we come to speak of its coagulation. NB. When you have no occasion

for Coals, or cannot sell them, it is necessary, that letting the

Furnace be open, you suffer them to burn to ashes. If this operation

be instituted in a place where there are stones fit to make Lime of,

it would be worth the while to fill the Furnace with a layer of Wood,

and another of Stones, from the bottom to the top, which Chymists call

_Stratum super Stratum_, and after the juice is pressed out to open

the Furnace, that the wood may be turned into ashes, by doing of which

at the same time the stones will be calcined, and changed into Lime,

which being exposed to the air, (yet so that the Rain cannot come to

it) will fall to pieces into a fine powder. To this Powder, being mixed

with wood ashes, the acid juice is to be poured, which was pressed out

of the wood, that those two contrary natures may mutually work upon

each other, and well unite: in which operation the sharp spirit of the

wood loseth its Acrimony, and the fixed Salt of the wood and stones is

altered, so that from both there proceedeth a contrary middle nature,

and a sweeter salt; which being long exposed to the air, draweth from

thence a Life, and is transmuted into the best Salt-Petre. NB. This

mixture is so to be exposed to the air, that lying under a Covering or

Roof, and being open on the sides, it may be defended from the Rain,

and nevertheless attract the air. If it shall be dried by the air, it

must be moistened again with the Urine of Men or Beasts, that it may

never be throughly dry. If these things be rightly performed, you shall

have plenty of the best Salt-petre, from this matter, in the space of

a year and an half, or two years at the most; which being extracted,

purified, and boiled up, shooteth into very pure Crystals. The rest of

the matter being again laid in its former place, under the covering

or shed, and being ordered in the same manner, as before, will in the

space of two years produce new Salt-Petre, which may be extracted and

boiled up as before; for that mixture still remaineth good, provided

it be moistened with Urine when dry, as was said. NB. He that desireth

to acquire Salt-petre sooner, after the conjunction of the acid spirit

with the ashes, and the precipitation and mortification of both, from

that conjoined matter, by the pouring on of water, he may extract and

boil up the Salt, and then dissolve the Salt in Urine, and digest it by

Circulatory Vessels; by which means he may obtain the best Salt-petre

in the space of one year. This labour of pressing the juice out of

Wood, and at the same time of making Stones into Lime, may be used

in all those Cities and Places where wood and stones are plenty. But

if this operation were to be instituted in a Wood, there would be no

need of a Furnace built with stone, seeing that the Pile of Wood might

be covered all over with green Turfs, after the same manner which

Colliers use in making their Charcoal, only with this difference,

that here must be a hole in the side, to which the duct or pipe is

to be adjoined. The juice being pressed out, the pile or stack is to

be every where well closed, that the Air may have no passage, if you

would preserve the Coals. All being cooled, the Coals may be taken out

and sold, or put to necessary uses, so that the expressed juice, which

being received in no Vessel, would have vanished in smoke, plainly

costs nothing; but if you do not desire Coals, let them be burnt into

ashes, that they may serve for the coagulating the spirit into salt,

and afterwards by the help of the air, in a certain space of time

transmute it into good Salt-Petre.

[Illustration]

[Illustration:

_A. Ist der Ofen darin das holtz gebresset wirdt._

_B. Der deckel darmit der Ofen geschlossen wirdt._

_C. Die thur an dem Ofen dardurch man die kohlen aus nimbt._

_D. Seind die röhren darinnen sich der holtzsafft Condensirt vnd

heraus rinnt._

_E. Ist ein fas darin der holt essig laufft._]

[Illustration:

_A. Ist der Ofen._

_B. Das distillier gefäs in dem Ofen._

_C. Das loch mit einem faltz dardurch das swänge eingetragen wird._

_D. Die Zange mit deckel darmit das gefäs nach dem eintragen

geschlossë wirdt._

_E. Ein Eisen löffel darmit der schwan eingetragen wirdt._

_F. Die recipienten._

_G. Die banck darauf die recipienten ligen._

_H. der Laborant._]

[Illustration:

_A. Ist der Ofen wie er in der arbeit stehet._

_B. Ist der Vnterste theil des Ofens wie er offen ohne die vorder

wand anzusehen._

_C. Ist das obertheil des Ofens._

_D. Der rost in dem Ofen._

_E. der Herd._

_F. der Müffel so auff den herd gehöret._

_G. der Deckel dar mit der Ofen oben gedecket wird wann kohlen

darin sein vnd in voller arbeitstehet._

_H. das rauch fanglein an dem Ofen._]

NB. It is here also to be noted, that the expressed juice carries along

with it a sharp hot Oyl of a dark reddish colour, which is not to be

cast away, but is to be poured upon the Ashes together with the acid

Spirit, that putrefying with the Salts, it may with the rest put on

the nature of Salt-petre. But he that will may apply the same to other

uses; forasmuch as it is profitable for other things. Any Wood exposed

to the Rain, or standing in the Water, easily rotting, being anointed

with this Oyl, will be preserved, so that it will not so easily rot,

seeing that the water cannot adhere to the Wood, but is forced to slide

off, or is hindered from penetrating the Wood. Carters, or Waggoners

may use the same instead of Grease to their Wheels and Axle-trees,

especially when it is a little thickened with Suet or Rosin. But

the best use of it that I yet know (if you except Salt-petre) is to

dissolve and boil it with a sharp Lixivium made of Lime and Ashes, by

which it becometh a very hot and penetrant Soap, procuring fertility;

if a poor sandy ground be sprinkled with the same and moistened: For it

rendereth it very fruitful; which thing it doth not only in Fields, but

also in Trees and Vines, insomuch, that one Tun of it avails more in

the fatening of Fields, than ten Cart Loads of Horse-dung or Cow-dung:

And a Hogshead, or Tun of this Soap may be carried into Fields and

Vineyards, far remote, more easily than ten Loads of Dung, which is

carried to Vineyards situate in Rocky places with great labour, and no

small charge.

NB. If this Soap be used for the fattening of Vines, too much of it is

not to be used at a time, least the Vines grow too fat and luxuriant;

therefore its moderate use is required, which needs not that exactness

in the dunging of Arable Land: Although in that an excess brings

damage, and indeed it is the excess of good things that doth harm.

A Tree, or Vine being made too fat by dunging, grows luxuriant, and

putteth forth more fruit than it can bear and bring to Maturity. The

Wood it self becomes too fat and soft, so that in the Winter it is

easily injured by the cold. Whence in all things a Mediocrity ought

to be observed. This Black Soap made of the Oyl of Wood, is truly a

very great gift of God, in those places where Sand renders the ground

barren. Hence the admirable Wisdom of our Creator appeareth, as it were

thus speaking to us: _Ye rude, and unskilful men, wherefore do you

leave this place uncultivated? Because you cannot sow it with any kind

of Grain, I will that it shall produce wood, and afford you a matter,

with which, if you will, you may render it fat._ For it is sufficiently

known, that Animals, and Vegetables rotting, dung the earth, and render

it fat; which thing even the Rusticks have now learned, that they do

the same without putrefying or rotting, when they cut down, and burn

the Trees and Bushes, which had grown up in the Fields, during the

long time of the War, and spread the Ashes on the ground, by which it

is fatned. But that they know not how to save, invert, and use with

the Ashes for dunging, the acid Spirit, and hot Oyl, which vanish in

the burning, ought to seem strange to none, seeing that no man hath

hitherto declared it to them. Nevertheless, I perswade my self that

this way of dunging of Land, will come into use, in process of time,

but I believe not quickly [here in _Germany_] by reason of that great

quantity of grain which every place affordeth in this time of Peace.

But if hereafter, a new War should happen (which God avert) and the

Fields should lie many years untilled, through the want of Men, Horses,

and other necessaries, then I believe, and not before, this necessary

Art will be sought after.

But what other things the said juice of Wood is able to effect, we

cannot here declare, by reason of our intended brevity: Yet this I

will add, that if this acid Spirit be rectified, it may be used in

the preparation of good Medicines, in Mechanick Arts, in the making

of many fair Colours, from the extraction of Metals, Minerals, and

Stones, and for all things for which common Vinegar is used; yea, far

more commodiously, because it much exceedeth the common Wine, and Beer

Vinegar in sharpness. And even it self alone is a Medicine which cureth

many incurable Diseases; being mixed with warm water, and used in a

Bath for washing the Body, is far more efficacious than those Baths

which issue out of the Earth; especially in all Scabs, in Members

relaxed by the _French_ Palsie, _Paralysis Gallica_ [I suppose he means

the Venereal Lues] in Fistulous and stinking Ulcers in the Legs and

other parts of the Body. Also in the Gout, Stone, Cramp, Sciatica,

Palsie, Diseases of the Womb, and all sorts of sickness otherwise to be

cured by the help of Baths, which this Vinegar pressed out of Wood, far

exceedeth in Salubrious Vertues.

The same also doth the hot Oyl which is expelled by expression with

the Spirit, which exerteth wonderful Virtues in curing those Ulcers

and external affects. For which certainly, as a great gift, and to

be easily found in all places, none of those who are burdened with

grievous Diseases, can render sufficient thanks to the Almighty: But

especially the Poor, who have not Money to buy Physick.

NB. Here also it ought to be observed, that those who use the Bath

tempered with the juice of Wood, should before they enter into it drink

some spoonfuls of this Vinegar. For this Vinegar by penetrating the

whole Body, casteth out all things superfluous and noxious to nature by

sweat, and openeth all Obstructions of the Liver, Spleen, and Lungs:

And especially when the Vinegar is elicited from a Wood, or Herb, which

is endowed with peculiar Virtues for the eradicating of those Diseases.

As for Example: The acid Spirit of the Vine, Beech, Birch, and the

like, taketh away the Obstructions of the Internal Bowels. That of the

Oak, and other hard Woods, cureth the Corruption of the Blood, and all

Diseases proceeding thence, as the Pox, Leprosie, external Ulcers of

all sorts, Scabs, Fistula, and all open Sores. Also all Contractures

or Cramps, Falling-sickness, Apoplexy, and Palsie. So the Vinegar of

Ash, Cherry-tree, Plumb-tree, Sloe, or Bullace-tree, Medlar-tree,

Arbute-tree, and the like Trees, which bear Fruits having Stones or

Kernels, cure the Gout, and the Stone of the Reins and Bladder. That

of Balsamick Herbs, as St. _John_’s Wort, Sage, _Paul_’s Betony, or

Fleuellin, Sanicle, Betony, Lung-wort, Liver-wort, Saxifrage, and

other like, taketh away the internal Hurts of the Liver and Lungs, and

all inward affects arising from Blows, Falls, _&c._ So efficacious

a Medicine is this juice of Wood, that the most costly Galenical

Compositions are forced to give it place. In making the Bath one Pound

of the acid Spirit is to be added to ten pints of water, and this

quantity to be augmented, or diminished, according to the condition of

the Patient and the Disease.

Before the use of the Bath, some drops of the Oyl may be adjoined to

the spoonfulls of Spirit, which so fortifieth the Spirit, that it more

readily penetrateth the body, more forcibly accosteth the Disease,

and the sooner expelleth it. In Gouty Pains, and in the stone of the

Kidneys, the same Oyl being rubbed upon the part with the Spirit, gives

a relief not to be contemned. In brief, this juice of Woods and Herbs,

if it be duly prepared and used, is able to shame and confound all the

Apothecaries Shops of Galenical Medicines, notwithstanding their proud

Furniture of Painted and Gilded Glasses and Boxes.

And I do not doubt but in process of time, that Physicians out of a

good Conscience, will explode those unprofitable Coctions, and in their

room institute better preparations, that God may have his due praise,

and the miseries of the sick receive succour.

For although this acid water doth not contain the Virtues of the whole

Herb, nevertheless it is to be reputed and used as an efficacious water

of Herbs, in Medicine, seeing that that which is used in the Shops hath

very little virtue, as daily experience witnesseth: It being nothing

but the pure Phlegm of the Herb, the chief Virtues and Essence of the

Herb remaining in the supposed fœces, although the water hath carried

along with it something of the Smell and Taste. Look upon any dry Herb,

which the heat of the Sun or Air hath deprived of all its Phlegm and

Humidity, and see whether it be also deprived of its Smell, Taste, and

Efficacy. And although in length of time it will lose all its Taste and

Smell, nevertheless its chief Virtues yet lie hid in it. Yea, although

its _acetum_ be drawn from it by distillation, that an unskilful man

would think that there remained no virtue at all in the remaining black

Coals of Wood or Herbs, yet the most efficacious Virtues yet lie hid in

the best Sulphur and Salt. And that great Virtue doth yet remain in the

Coals, is not unknown to Rusticks, who in the Winter burn them to warm

themselves, and boil their food, which thing they could never do by the

Phlegm separated by distillation. Those black and contemptible Coals

are of so great vertue, that they emulate the powers and properties of

the most Noble Creature the Sun, for which cause they merit the name of

Terrestrial Suns. For whatsoever the Astral and Sydereal Sun effecteth

in the superiour Firmament, the same doth the Terrestrial Suns, _viz._

Coals, which are its Vicars, also effect. The superiour rendereth all

things partakers of Life and Growth, the same doth also the inferiour

Suns. In the Winter time when the Sun is far distant from us, all the

Vegetables of the Earth are as it were dead: In the Spring upon his

return, all things revive, grow, move, increase, and are nourished.

Insects themselves which have hid themselves in Holes and Caverns of

the Earth to fly from Cold, and have lain as dead, do again come forth

into the light. All which effects are produced by the superiour Sun.

The same things also the inferiour Sun can effect. For when Flies,

Spiders, and other like Insects in any Parlour or Chamber, to shun the

cold, betake themselves to Holes and Chinks, and there lie as it were

dead; the first heat they perceive by the making of a fire in that

room, recover their former life, and again creep out of their hiding

places, as upon the Suns approaching us in the Spring. Yea, if in such

a Room made hot, there had been before reposited great Insects, as

Frogs, Snakes, Lizards, and the like, as also Herbs killed by the cold,

they would revive, recover strength and grow equally as if they had

been illustrated by the Rays of the great Elementary Sun. Therefore

if this Contemptible Coal, which in the judgment of the unskilful is

deprived of all its Juice and Virtue, can perform these things; what a

Medicine think you may be prepared by the help of Art of such a Coal?

But some Putatious Physician may here ask; who can prepare any Medicine

from so dry and insipid a Coal? It can neither be dissolved by the

strongest Corrosive Liquor, nor by the most intense fire, if no air

come to it: of which, if the least Portion shall touch it, it presently

conceiveth flame, and is consumed, so that nothing of it remains but

a few ashes mixt with a little Salt. And those Virtues which refresh

all things living, and revive the dead, all perish by Combustion,

and vanish in smoak, which could they be taken and preserved, might

doubtless afford a Medicine of great moment. To this I answer:

wherefore cannot so great an efficacy be preserved, and used for the

making of a good Medicine, before that it vanisheth by burning, and

flieth into the air? Whatsoever Philosopher is ignorant of the manner

of effecting this, truly he is a weak Philosopher, who ought to blush

in that he setteth himself before others, and contemneth them who

exceed himself in Learning and Science. He that knoweth not how to use

any palpable and coagulated matter, before it be consumed by burning,

and vanisheth away, by what means will he elicit the same out of its

Chaos, and concentrate it? But that the way of freeing this Noble

Sulphur from its Bonds and Keepers, is not known to everyone, is no

wonder. For it will not come at every call. Of all the Philosophers,

there is none who more clearly and openly teacheth by what means it may

be delivered from its Bonds, than _Sandivogius_, who expresly saith,

_That this Sulphur lies hid and is held Captive in an obscure or dark

prison, and kept by very strong keepers. But that Salt only in the

conflict or fight, gave him a deadly wound._ No Man hath spoken more

clearly than this worthy Author. Therefore he that knoweth not how

to extricate that Vital virtue from its bonds, and how to use it in

Medicine, let him read the above cited _Sandivogius_, who will clearly

instruct him. If he cannot learn of him, there is no reason why any one

should labour to help him.