I will propose the matter by a similitude; a Man is compounded of

three things, _viz._ Body, Soul, and Spirit; The _Body_ is visible,

immoveable, gross, earthy, and corruptible: The _Spirit_ is invisible,

movable, living, and nevertheless mortal; But the _Soul_ of Man, which

is his most noble part, is immortal.

In like manner, there is also a certain _Anima_ or Vital Principle in

Vegetables and Minerals, although there are few who know how to extract

it. Therefore as in Man the Soul is the most noble part; to which the

Spirit is inferiour, and the Body the lowest or vilest; so it is also

with Vegetables and Minerals. To acquire the _Anima_ or Vital Principle

of any Vegetable or Mineral, that fixed and constant _Anima_ is to be

separated by the help of Art, from the gross, unprofitable, and dead

body. For as long as the gross body adhereth to this noble Principle,

so long it cannot move it self in a due manner, nor demonstrate its

nobility, but is held Captive by its gross body, till it be set at

liberty, by some body who knows how to dissolve its bonds. Being freed

from its bonds, and the gross body laid aside, it can presently exert

its power. Therefore let this be the principal care of Physicians, that

instead of a body dead, and destitute of Virtue, they labour to attain

the fixed and living _Anima_ of Vegetables, that using that in the cure

of diseases they may perform far greater things than now they do.

I have here inserted this discourse, only for this cause, that I might

shew that a whole or intire body is of very little moment, and that

that thing whereby any Good is to be effected in Medicine, is to be

found only in the most noble part, to wit, the _Anima_.

And even, as in Minerals, besides a fixed and incombustible Sulphur,

there is also found another, combustible and fugacious: so also there

is found a twofold Sulphur in Vegetables, in the destilling of which,

by a Retort, an Oil is expelled, together with the acid Spirit and

Phlegm, which indeed hath its virtues, but can in no wise perform those

things which that part remaining in the black Coals is wont to effect.

For by how much a Medicine shall be more fixed and constant, by so much

the more do they enter and encounter long and fixed diseases; so on the

contrary, fugacious medicines are found less efficacious in eradicating

the same.

What I have said concerning Vegetables, _viz._ That there is in them

a volatile and fugacious spirit, and a constant fixed _Anima_; the

same is also to be understood of Minerals, which besides a combustible

Sulphur, possess also a fixed and constant _Anima_.

But whosoever knoweth how to conjoin the _Anima_ of Vegetables with

the _Anima_ of Minerals, hath obtained a Medicine which is able, after

a wonderful manner, to corroborate the Vital Spirit in Man. For the

_Animæ_ of Vegetables and Minerals, are the Rays of the Sun coagulated,

which necessarily contain a vivifying or enlivening power, seeing that

the sun maketh all things partakers of Life.

And a man, if he only beholds the sun, or its Vicar the fire, the

earthly sun, although he be in some very deep and cold place under

ground, where he cannot feel its warming and enlivening power; yet he

shall perceive his Heart to be recreated and strengthened by the bare

aspect of it: But how much greater a recreation and corroboration would

he perceive, if he should take the _Anima_ of Wine, or of some other

Herb conjoined with the _Anima_ of Gold, for the curing of his body,

with both which it hath a great familiarity; for like rejoiceth in

like, and desireth to be joined to it: And therefore it ought to seem

strange to no man, that I assert, the _humidum radicale_ of the humane

body may be augmented by the _Animæ_ of Vegetables and of Gold: For the

_Anima_ of Vegetables is nothing else but an essential universal salt,

which is found in all things.

Seeing therefore that Philosophers confess, that the redness of gold

and whiteness of silver may be encreased by its own universal salt, it

is reasonable for us to acquiess in the same opinion, and to maintain

it against those that erre. A visible and palpable demonstration is

to be credited. Nevertheless I easily perswade my self, that this

discourse of mine will not be credited by many, which I cannot help. It

contenteth me, that I have written the Truth, and lighted a Candle to

my Neighbour.

After one and the same manner, of Wood of little or no worth, I have

shewed the making of _Salt-petre_, for _Souldiers_, _Gardeners_,

_Vintners_, and _Husband-men_, fit for the dunging of Orchards,

Vineyards, Fields, and Meadows; of commodious Baths, for the Sick;

of a good Vinegar for Chymists and Apothecaries, necessary for many

extractions. It now remains, that I also offer a Gift to the Owners

of Metallick Mines. If they shall humect or moisten the _Calx viva_,

or Lime made of stones, in the Press, as we have taught, with the

_Acetum_ or Vinegar of Wood, they shall obtain a cheap Flux, by which

those hard and untractable stones digged out of metallick Veins, may

easily be melted; for the acid spirit of Wood is fixed by the Lime, and

converted into a salt, causing an easie Flux. Nevertheless, this salt

will be of greater profit to Husband-men, for the dunging and fattening

their Fields (for whose sake I also describe it) than in the melting

of Mineral bodies. Physicians may use the noble and efficacious juice

of Wood, for the happy cure of many incurable diseases, and to their

own honour and profit. This Vinegar of Wood being exposed in Hogsheads

to the cold in Winter, that it may be frozen to Ice, the Phlegm only

freezeth, but the sharp spirit, with the Oil, is not turned into Ice,

but remaineth in the middle of the Hogshead so sharp, that it corrodeth

metals like _Aqua-fortis_. If Princes and Great men would be pleased to

take care that the Wood in their Dominions (otherwise rotting in the

Woods) might be turned into _Salt-Petre_, they would do well, and it

would not repent them of their labour, seeing there is a time at hand,

in which _Salt-Petre_ will be much wanted.

There is yet another secret, which for the sake of Country-men I ought

to discover, which will yield them no small profit; which is this: If

Hop-poles be burnt at the ends which are to go into the Earth, and

those burnt ends dipt in the Oil of Wood, that they may imbibe or

suck in that fatness, and afterwards set into the earth, they admit

no humidity or moisture, which otherwise they are wont to do, being

every year diminished in that part which standeth in the earth. It

also cometh to pass, that they communicate their fatness to the vines

and stalks of the Hops to which they are joined, and render them more

fat and fruitful, by this means affording a twofold profit, first in

preserving the Hop-poles from rotting a longer time than they are wont

to last. The other is, That the Roots of the Vines and Hops, drawing

fatness and nourishment from the bottoms of the poles grow the faster,

and are more fruitful. Moreover, those ends of the poles, in length

of time growing rotten, yet there is no loss of the Oil, but still

the same profit remaineth, seeing that those rotten ends of the poles

being taken up and planted again in the earth with the Roots of Hops,

they will afford them nourishment for some years, better than if they

had been dunged with dung. In like manner, by the help of this Oil of

Wood, strong and durable quick-hedges may be made for the fencing in

of Vineyards, Orchards, Gardens, and Hop-yards, by which Beasts and

Thieves may be kept out. For this purpose the sharp end of the stakes

fit for the Hedges, are to be put into the Fire till they grow black,

and then whilst they are hot, be dipped into the Oil, that they may

well imbibe the same.

With these, being drove into the ground after the usual manner, an

Hedge may be made by planting a young shoot or set of Thorn, Crab-tree,

_&c._ all along between the Stakes. Those sets or sprigs, which

otherwise, growing but slowly, are many years before they come to a

requisite height and thickness, their roots now obtaining fatness and

nourishment from this Oil, arrive to maturity in less than half the

usual time, and become a thick and strong Quick-hedge before the Stakes

are rotten. Moreover, there is no danger of wild Beasts coming into

those places where the Hedge stakes are imbrewed with this Oil, seeing

that wild Beasts shun all strong odours, and dare not approach them. If

you shall imbibe Hempen-Cords, or such as are made of the Bark of Trees

twisted together with Grass, with the said Oil, and then bind them

about Fruit-trees, it will hinder the creeping up of Spiders, Ants, or

Pismires, Palmer or Canker-Worms, and other the like Insects, which

are wont to damnifie Fruit; inasmuch as those Insects plainly abhor

such hot Oils. _By this means also may Rats and Mice be hindered from

creeping up Hovel-posts, and devouring the Grain._

There is yet another manner of promoting the dunging of Fields, and the

happy growth of Seeds, and not only those Fields which are lean and

sandy, to which Cow-dung may be used, but also those which are hard and

craggy, in which neither sand nor any dust of Earth is found.

But in making manifest this Artifice to the whole World, my intention

is not that the World should thereby be inriched with great profit, as

I have endeavoured by describing the manner of Dunging poor Sandy Land,

by the acid juice of Wood. My Scope or end is only this, That every man

may see and consider how many wonderful things may be effected with

wood and shrubs, which are every where found in great quantity, and

nevertheless are of no use or profit.

Who would credit any man, affirming, that it might be effected, that

not only Grain, but all sorts of Trees, and excellent Vines should

grow in any hard and naked Rock, without the addition of any Earth or

Dung? Truly, I believe that there is no man in the World, to whom this

will seem likely. This will more amaze _Farnner_, with his whole Crew,

than my _Miraculum Mundi_ did. Yet because the thing may be done, I

cannot forbear to divulge the Artifice, only to this end, that I may

subject the Divine Wonders to the eyes of the blinded World. But yet

it cannot be, but that it will be profitable in many places, in those

especially which lie near Rivers, and afford Wine; such are those

which lie upon the _Mœne_, _Mosell_, _Necker_, _Rhine_, _Danube_, and

other the like Rivers, where great and craggy Mountains frequently

occurr; in which having the heat of the Sun all the day, Vines might

be commodiously planted, if Earth and Dung could be carried thither.

Certainly Vines grow no where better than in Rocks and Craggs, into

whose clefts and cracks they insinuate their roots, that they may

thence attract to themselves nourishment, which few other Plants are

wont to do: And because for the most part much Wood grows about such

Rocks, it would be worth while to press out its juice, by which the

hard Rocks might be reduced into a soft Dust, fit for the Reception of

Vines, which might be performed by this operation; which nevertheless

would not be necessary to undertake, but for the manifesting of the

wonders of God to the unskilful, and shewing that such things may be

done. If any desireth to plant in a place of this sort, in which Vines

or Trees growing freely in rocky and stony places, as Cherry-trees,

Plumb-trees, Service-trees, and others, bearing Fruits which have

Stones; at the beginning, a little hole is to be cut in the Rock by

the help of Masons Tools, which is to be filled with the Vinegar of

Wood; which being done, the hole is to be covered to keep off the Rain.

After some daies, let him see whether the Vinegar hath insinuated it

self into the Rock, and again fill up the hole with fresh Vinegar, and

cover it with a Stone, as before. And this Labour is to be repeated in

the Summer time so often, till the Rock hath drunk up much Vinegar,

and be thereby so softned for the space of an Ell in length, breadth,

and depth, that it may be easily dug up with a sharp Instrument, and

become a great hole; the matter digged out is again to be cast into

the hole, and to be again filled with the Vinegar of Wood, and covered

with stones, and so left till all the matter grows so soft, that it

may be crumbled to pieces with the fingers. And in the _Autumn_, when

Trees have lost their Leaves, or in the _Spring_, before the Leaves

come forth, _viz._ in the Month of _March_, Vines or Trees are to

be planted in the matter contained in the hole, and the matter to

be trampled close down about their Roots, then all to be wetted by

the pouring on of Water, and the event to be committed to God. So

the Vines or Trees grow as well as if they had been planted in other

manured ground. The reason is this; Because the Rocks consisting not

of Sand, but of stones, fit for the making of Lime, do contain much

_Salt-Petre_, as also the acid juice of Wood, partaketh of the same

nature, this, by corroding the Rock, dissolveth the _Salt-Petre_ in

the stone, and setteth it free, and at the same time loseth its own

corrosive Acrimony, so that it cannot hurt the Roots of Vegetables, but

is like to Cow-dung or rather better, for it fatteneth and nourisheth

the Roots better. Therefore a Tree or Vine planted after this manner in

a Rock, if it shall once put forth, afterwards dieth not, but the Roots

insinuating themselves into the Clefts of the Rock, seek their own

nourishment. Nevertheless every Winter when the Leaves are fallen off,

some of that acid juice is to be poured to the Trunk of the Tree or

Vine, that during the Winter, it may again soften some Portion of the

stone, which will afford new matter of nourishment to the Roots. And by

thus affusing of fresh juice every year, there will be no need of Earth

or Dung, seeing that the Stone is changed into earth and dung by the

juice of the wood.

Although this _Arcanum_ will seem a thing impossible to many, yet it

is most true, of which, if any will make trial, he may easily do it in

this manner: Let him get a stone which doth not consist of sand, but

of such of which Lime is made, which being exposed to the Sun, let him

pour upon it the acid Liquor of Wood; which when the stone shall have

well imbibed or drank in, let him pour on more, and repeat this labour

so often, till the stone be rendered so soft, as it may be rubbed to

powder between the fingers. In this matter, rubbed or ground small, let

him sow any Seed, which will sprout forth thence, as if it had been

sowed in any good earth: The reason we have already declared, _viz._

because the stone is converted into earth, having its own _Salt-Petre_,

or proper Dung in it self, and moreover, changing the juice of wood

into _Salt-Petre_. He who rightly understandeth and followeth my

Doctrine, and shall set about the Work with diligence, will without

doubt attain his end. But if he tries with a Sandy stone, he will

effect nothing. For stones of this sort want a nourishing Salt, and

they wholly refuse solution by the Liquor of Wood, so far are they from

imbibing, coagulating, and changing it into a Dungy Salt. But after the

following manner any one may prove, that natural Salt-Petre may be made

of the stones of which Lime is made, and the juice of Wood. Let him

take some pieces of this sort of Lime-stone, not yet burnt (for when

burnt, it is much more facile, as I have taught) and immerge or dip

them all over in the Vinegar of Wood, and dry them in the heat of the

Sun, or some other warm place, and let him repeat this labour so often

until they be so soft that they may be rubbed or ground to pieces like

Earth. From this ground matter extract the Salt with Rain-water, which

will be plainly like to Salt-Petre. So of the Stone is made Earth; of

the Salt of that Stone, and the Vinegar of Wood, Salt-Petre; or a salt

equally Serving with the Dung of Cows or Sheep, for the dunging of all

Vegetables.

Nevertheless we have not written these things to that end, as if it

were necessary to plant Rocks with Vines, by the help of the Vinegar

of Wood. Our purpose is only to set forth how the great efficacy of

the juice of Wood may be known, and how by its help, fertility may be

procured even to the hardest Rocks, which being hitherto unknown and

unheard of, my diligent search and enquiry hath now brought to light.

Let it not seem absurd to any, that I ascribe so great power to the

Vinegar of Wood; for common Vinegar doth the same thing in softening of

hard Rocks: Why then should not this acid juice of Wood do it, which

far exceeds the common in strength and sharpness? It is said, that

_Hannibal_ made a passage through the _Alps_, for himself and his Army,

softening the Rocks by the benefit of Vinegar; what Vinegar that was,

Histories do not mention. Perhaps it was the Vinegar of Wine; but if he

had had the Vinegar of Wood, he might sooner have attained his desire.

This _Arcanum_, without doubt, will give occasion of finding out many

other profitable things, by the help of this Vinegar. I have opened

the way, let another come, who by searching further may enlarge it,

that thereby some perfection may the sooner be acquired. There are many

things lie hidden in Nature, which through our sloth and negligence not

being sought after, yield no profit to Mankind. But I doubt not but

time will produce sedulous men, who will make a further progress in

this Vinegar, so that much profit may redound from it.

There is found another kind of stones, which for the most part is used

for the building of Houses, which being soft, is easily cut, so that

steps or stairs, and Window-frames are made of it. It is to be reduced

by the help of Fire into a Calx of a white, ashy, and reddish colour;

it also refuseth to be melted; nor is it like to Sandy stones, but is

Partaker of both natures, and contains much Salt-Petre. But neither

by its reduction into a Calx, nor by the pouring on of water, can it

be extorted from them, except it be first prepared after a singular

manner, for then it yields to water; concerning which thing I have

written a peculiar Treatise, which God willing shall shortly come

forth. There are whole Mountains of this sort of stone, containing a

great Treasure of Salt-Petre, which hath hitherto been known to none.

These few things I was willing to offer to Country-men, concerning

the pressing of wood, and the utility thereof. The Circulatory

Vessels in which the juice of the wood, and all the salts of the Air

are animated by an uncessant motion, and converted into Salt-Petre,

I will not divulge at this time, but reserve them for my self and my

Friends. [_These are described in the Third Part of =The Prosperity of=

Germany._]

In the mean time this excellent Art will not sleep, but will be

exercised in many places. Now whosoever shall need the same, he will

know what is to be done. For I have determined to bestow the same for

the good of my Neighbour, lest it should be buried with me in oblivion.

I have also an Artificial Invention (_which is taught in The Prosperity

of_ Germany) of turning common salt in the space of a few hours, so

that it shall be plainly like Salt-Petre, for the enriching of poor,

lean fields; and yet an hundred weight of it will scarce cost a

_Doller_ (_which is about_ 4 _s._ 6 _d._) Which is indeed a singular

Gift of God in these last times, which will be highly profitable both

to the Rich and Poor, in all places of the World. For if the Culture

of Wine and Corn shall every where become better, and more profitable,

by the help of this Art, it cannot be, but that all men will receive

profit, and obtain a more commodious way of living.

For by this Art, not only all Fields, whether they have lately brought

forth Fruit, or whether they have lain fallow, and for some time

brought forth nothing, are brought to that condition, that they may

bear Fruit every year: but also barren places, which would never bring

forth any Fruit, are rendered fertile, and fit to bear Fruit; so that

no place can be found in the world, how barren soever it be, which by

this _medium_ may not be rendered fertile. Moreover, this Art is to be

greatly esteemed, because by it ground may be fattened in those places

where no Cattel are found, and therefore afford no dung; seeing that

hitherto no other than the ordinary way of dunging hath been known.

So also in places far remote from the Dwellings of men, to which

Dung cannot be carried, this Art may be exercised with great profit;

especially when Dung is difficult to be procured, or costs dear, and

is not carried to those remote places without great charge, for which

reason they cannot be tilled, but are forced to lie uncultivated.

Seeing that one Hogshead of my fattening Salt can effect more than some

Cart-loads of common Dung. Nevertheless this is to be noted, That when

any Field dunged with the said salt, is to be sowed with Corn, the seed

is first to be macerated or steeped for one night in water, in which

that salt is dissolved. For being so prepared, it will grow faster than

if it had been committed to the Earth, without any foregoing maceration.

Consider, when the Souldiers have taken away the Horses and Carts,

carried away the Oxen, devoured the Cows and Sheep, and wasted the

whole Country, by what means shall the wasted Fields be dunged

and restored to the Husband-man, that returning to their former

fruitfulness, he may reap from them the expected Fruit.

Indeed, in time of Peace, when Horses and Oxen abound both for the

ploughing of the ground, and making of Dung, Dung is alwaies of worth,

there never being too much of it, and therefore this my Invention may

bring not a little profit. Whence it may be of a far greater advantage

in those places, where (by the Divine permission) those Locusts have

eaten up all things. Ought we not then to receive so excellent a Gift

of God with all Thankfulness?

_The Omnipotent GOD give to us all His Grace, that we may shun all

temporal and carnal Security, as the deceitful snare of the Devil, and

seek after that which is eternal, constant, and perpetual._ Amen.

Arcanum II.

_Being a Gift presented to rich Merchants, =&c.= that they may

improve their Money and Estates without Usury._

Although I had determined to treat of this _Arcanum_, with other

excellent uses of _Salt-Petre_ in the emendation of Metals, in the

Third Part of _The Prosperity of_ Germany; yet for certain reasons

I have deferred the publishing of that Book for some time; but

considering my profitable Inventions of making _Salt-Petre_, and not

doubting but that there will be found men who will put _Salt-Petre_ to

better uses than that of making Gun-powder, I could not forbear here to

describe one good and profitable use of the said salt in the emendation

of Metals, which is free for any boldly to experience, seeing that

I have written the very Truth. He that shall follow the sence of my

words, and hath some skill in metallick Labours, will not lose his

pains, but will thence reap no contemptible profit. But if any man

would perswade himself that such a work is to be done without labour

and trouble, and great Masses of Gold to be obtained with idleness,

he will be greatly deceived, not considering that this requires his

putting his hand to the plough, and using great diligence.

I have described the following Operation openly and clearly; affirming,

that it will succeed to the Operator, according to my description. If

any shall erre in the performance, let him blame himself and his own

ignorance, and not me. For in this process all things are plain, and to

be understood according to the Letter, and may also be performed by an

easie imitation.

_The manner of the Operation._

R. of Copper one part, of Gold or Silver two parts, and of _Regulus

Martis_ three parts, all which melt together in a good and well-covered

Crucible, taking great heed that no Coals fall into the Crucible and

corrupt the Work. All being melted, and the cover taken off, yet warily

that no Coals fall into the Crucible, cast in as much _Salt-Petre_,

well dried and powdered, as there is of Copper and _Regulus_ in the

Crucible, to the melted matter, and again cover the Crucible, with

the same caution about the Coals, which so put about the Crucible,

that they may not lie upon its Cover, but it may be at liberty, to be

commodiously lifted up with the Tongs for the inspecting the Mass in

the Crucible. For if the Fire should be too great, the _Salt-Petre_

would boil over the Crucible, and inferr loss. And this may easily

happen, seeing that the _Salt-Petre_ entring and working upon the

_Regulus_ and Copper, swelleth and riseth up. Wherefore it is

necessary, that this Work should be done in such a Furnace, as I have

described in the Fourth Part of my Furnaces, having its doors, by which

the Fire may be governed, and rendered stronger or weaker.

After that the _Salt-Petre_ hath imbibed the _Regulus_ and Copper, and

turned them into a reddish _Scoria_, which is wont to be done in the

space of a quarter or half an hour, the lower door being opened, the

upper one must be shut, that the Fire becoming stronger, may melt the

_Scoria_, till they flow like water; which when you see, by lifting

up the Cover a little, remove the Coals about the upper part of the

Crucible, and take off the Cover, and having taken good hold of the

Crucible with your Tongs, lift it out of the Furnace, and pour out the

melted matter into a melting Cup or Cone, [_Such a one is described by

its Figure in the Fourth Part of Furnaces_.] being first heat, and well

smeared within with Wax; in the bottom of which, when cold, there will

be a _Regulus_ of pure Gold, which being freed from the Scoria, will be

so much encreased in weight, as it hath attracted from the Copper and

_Regulus Martis_, which will be the fiftieth part of the weight of the

Gold.

The red Scoria, which have a fiery taste upon the Tongue, contain the

Salt-Petre, Copper, and _Regulus_ reduced into a Scoria; which if you

would separate from the Salt-petre, as soon as you have parted it from

the _Regulus_, put it again into the Crucible in the Furnace, put a

Coal to it in the Crucible, which being well covered, let it again

flow well for a quarter of an hour. In this Operation, the Coal or

Coals put to the Metals, _viz._ the Copper and _Regulus_ of Antimony,

will separate them by precipitation from the Salt-Petre, so that

they will become a _Regulus_ together, and the fixed Salt-Petre will

be separated, and rest upon the _Regulus_, from which being cooled,

it may be removed by knocking it off. If the operation be rightly

performed, you will recover almost all the _Regulus_ and Copper: but

little also of the Salt-Petre is lost, which hath now put on another

nature, becomes fixt, and answereth in virtue to the salt of Tartar.

NB. Because those Scoria cannot be so perfectly removed from the

Salt-Petre by the Coals, but it still retaineth somewhat of the Copper

and _Regulus_, which the Coals could not precipitate; they may be kept

in some warm place, lest they be dissolved by the air, till you have a

quantity of them; which being reduced by burning Coals, may yield their

Metal. Of which more shall be said anon.

* * * * *

This Labour, although it squares not with the capacity of the rude and

unskilful, nevertheless it is easie to be done by those who have any

knowledge in the melting of Metals. But all the manners of operating

cannot be so accurately delivered, that every unskilful man should

presently be rendered capable of understanding them; I write the

Truth openly, and he that well understandeth me, may rejoice with

profit. I write not to unskilful _Tyro_’s, but only to those who

know how to handle Metals in the Fire. It may be here asked, Whether

this augmentation of the Gold, ariseth from the Copper, or from the

_Regulus_ of Antimony? I answer, from both, but more from the Copper

than from the _Regulus_. For there is no Copper or Antimony found,

from which Gold is not elicited after the aforesaid manner, seeing

that there is in both an invisible and spiritual Gold, nevertheless

one containeth more than another; and being melted with Gold, give

it forth to the same, which also attracteth it. Therefore as often

as Copper, and Regulus of Antimony, and Salt-petre shall be melted

together with Gold, so often will the Gold receive an encrease; so that

this Labour being repeated eight or ten times every day, there will be

an augmentation of the Gold not to be contemned, for besides all the

Cost, it will afford the daily Gain of one Floren out of an hundred.

(_A Floren is 2 s. in =Germany=, about two and twenty pence value in

our Money_.) This is certainly a profit to those who will put their

Money to Usury, much more honourable and safe than their trusting it in

the hands of others.

But seeing that this Labour is to be performed in Crucibles, (and that

too in large ones, if the gain aforesaid be expected) it doth not want

its trouble and difficulties; for if a man will use great Crucibles,

he can hardly perform the Operation above three or four times in a

day; and if he use small ones, although it be ten or eleven times

repeated in a day, yet the profit will be very small. I will therefore

here appoint a way to do it without Crucibles, upon Hearths instead of

Crucibles, which neither let out the melted matter by running over,

or by their cracking or breaking, as Crucibles are wont to do, but

alwaies remaining in the Oven or Furnace, save the trouble of putting

in and taking out of the Fire. For Crucibles, how good soever they be,

being exposed to the cold Air, by taking out, and thence being suddenly

again put into a great heat, are very easily broken. From whence it is

manifest, that great danger of losing some of the Gold attends the use

of great Crucibles, so that their use is to be abstained from, altho’

the Work it self be of great profit. But good strong Hearths may be

used for this Labour, without all danger; for as long as they are left

in the Furnace, so long they are good, and the melted Mass doth not

flow out. If I had not found out this way of working with Hearths, I

should not have divulged this operation, which is as followeth.

_The manner of preparing the Hearths or Tests._

An Iron Ring or Hoop is to be made, either square or round, of the

thickness of one finger, and four fingers high (or deep) one side being

a little narrower or lesser in compass than the other; being well

smoothed or polished on its inside, having two ears or handles, whose

magnitude and space will be known by the quantity of the matter which

is to be daily handled. To prepare the Focus or Hearth, place your Ring

or Hoop upon some smooth stone, and then put into it, so standing,

your Earth, being first rightly prepared, (_for this purpose our

=Stafford-shire Clay= is excellent, as also for making of Crucibles to

abide the Fire_) so that it may a little exceed the upper superficies

of your Hoop, force it down strongly with a broad Iron Hammer, by

beating or knocking it in, and what riseth above the top of the Hoop,

cut off with a Knife, that it may be even with the Ring; then remove

it with the Ring, and strew upon the stone some fine sand, or rather

the fine powder of broken Crucibles, upon which set the Ring, with the

bottom upwards, that the other side, which before lay upon the stone,

may be wrought in with the Hammer, as the first, so that the Ring or

Mould may be exactly filled with the Earth. The Focus or Hearth being

prepared in this manner, the larger side thereof is to be so excavated

or hollowed away by a bowed or crooked Knife, having two handles, so

that the rotundity declining from the Superfices of the Ring, even to

its middle, where inclining it self, it may keep the thickness almost

of a finger at the top or superficities of the Ring, and so it will

become like a Vessel or Pan, having a round or spherical Cavity, such

Hearths or Tests are wont to be prepared of Ashes, for the bringing of

Gold and Silver to a purity in Metallick Mines, Mints, _&c._ at length

that hollowed roundness is every where to be smoothed with a smooth and

round Hammer or Mallet, and after the smoothing, the whole Test being

inverted with the Hoop, is to be set upon a Board, without stirring

it; if the inside of the Hoop or Ring were before besmeared well with

Oil, it will the easier come off of the Test, which being exposed to

the Air, and dried a little, is then to be set in the heat of the Sun

or warm Furnace, that all the humidity being taken away, it may obtain

its requisite dryness, before it be put into the Furnace to endure the

Fire; for except it be very well dried, it will crack or chap in the

Furnace, and be wholly unprofitable for this Work.

The Test being taken out of the Ring, and set by, the inside of the

Ring is again to be anointed with Oil or Grease, for the making of

another Test, of which so many are to be made as need requires, or the

quantity of the prepared Earth will allow. The earth that was left in

the hollowing of the first being mixed with the rest, whilst it is yet

moist, serveth again, so that there is no waste or loss of the Earth.

The same earth also serves for the making of the Covers or arched Roofs

with which the Tests are to be covered, to keep the Coals from falling

into the melted matter. NB. There is no need of having two Hammers,

seeing that one sufficeth, having one end of a hands breadth, and

smooth, and the other end round.

_The way of making the Covers of the Tests, which are called

=Muffles=._

First, a Type or Mold is to be made of Wood, answering to the bigness

of the Test, but not with one Handle, as those are made for the

purifying of silver, but with two oblong Necks, and without Chaps or

Chinks, which otherwise are wont to happen, that so the Cover may

remain entire. Then to this wooden Mould the Earth is to be applied,

and the Cover to be wrought in the usual manner.

_Of the Figure of the Furnace._

The Furnace is so to be built, that it may have within-side the space

of an hands breadth all round the Test from its Walls, for Coals, the

Test standing in the middle; so that the magnitude of the Furnace is

to be proportionable to that of the Test, and may be either round or

square, provided it be built with good Bricks, or fit Stones, and Lute,

or Earth rightly prepared. There ought to be at least a span between

the bottom and the grate, which also ought not to be fastened to the

Furnace, but standing upon four Feet, that it may be taken in and out

by the foreside of the Furnace (when need requires) being alwaies

open. Let the Furnace rise above the Grate the heighth of a span,

being every way close, having no door. Upon this heighth of a span a

hole is to be left of an hands breadth and heighth, by which the Test

may be inspected, and the mixed Metals put in and taken out, and the

Fire may have its passage. NB. But if the Test should be above a span

over, which would also cause the Furnace to be the greater; then that

hole being too little, would not allow a sufficient passage for the

Fire; therefore the hole is to bear a due proportion to them. From

this hole, nourishing the Fire by its ventilation, the Furnace is yet

to be carried up the heighth of two spans, to its upper hole or top,

where the Coals are to be put in. Moreover, an Iron Cover is to be made

with hollow Superficies, with Iron Buttons, or little Knobs infixed,

by which the Lute being put on, may stick fast; the Convex or upper

part of the Cover must have a Handle, by which it may be lifted up

when the Coals are to be put in, and afterwards put down again to shut

the Furnace. _See the Figure of this Furnace, in all its parts, at the

beginning of this =Continuation of Miraculum Mundi=, noted at the top

with Pag. 62._

A, _The Furnace, as it is working_.

B, _The lower part of the Furnace open_.

C, _The upper part of the same_.

D, _The Grate_.

E, _The Hearth or Test_.

F, _The Muffle that belongs to the Hearth_.

G, _The Cover of the Furnace, with which it is to be covered when

the Coals are in and at work_.

H, _The Vent for the Smoak_.

When you will work with the Furnace, first put in the Grate, and upon

it the foot or prop made of firm Lute, and upon it the prepared Test,

and upon the Test its Cover or Muffle, the foremost neck of which

ought to come close to the hole on the foreside of the Furnace, and

the hindmost neck to touch the back of the same. The foot also which

supports the Test, ought to touch the fore-part of the Furnace, that

the space between the Test and the Wall of the Furnace, may be well

stopt or closed. Also, if the neck of the Cover or Muffle doth not fit

close enough to the foremost Wall, the joints are to be well closed

with Lute mixed with Hair, that the Fire may have no passage by them,

but may pass through the hindmost neck of the said Cover, and under

the Cover it self into the Test, and thence out of the foremost neck.

If the Fire shall have any other passage by the foremost neck, the

heat will not be Sufficient to melt the Metal. Therefore the chief

Artifice concerning this thing, is the building of the Furnace in due

form and proportion. An Iron door is to be fitted to the Furnace under

the Grate, for the governing the Fire, by which it may be encreased or

diminished, as need shall require. And the other hole in the superiour

and fore-part of the Furnace, by which the Metals are put in and taken

out of the Test, is also to have a door, that necessity requiring, the

fire may be governed, and if too great, it may be restrained. To this

also a little Chimney or Funnel is to be fitted, which may receive

and carry away the noxious fumes of the Metals and Coals, that they

may not hurt the Operator. All these things being rightly prepared,

the Furnace being well dried, is to be filled with Coals, and to be

covered with its Cover, a lighted Coal or two being put next the Grate,

the doors are to be shut, that the Fire may kindle by degrees, by

which the danger of breaking the Test, and its Cover, the Muffle, by

a sudden heat, may be avoided. The Furnace, Test, and Muffle, being

all red hot, the Metals (_viz._ the Gold which is to be augmented, and

the Copper and _Regulus_ of Antimony, from which the augmentation is

expected) are to be put upon the Test with an Iron Ladle, the great

door below, and the little one above, are to be opened, that the Fire

growing more powerful, may forthwith melt the Metals on the Test,

which being rightly melted, a little dry Salt-petre in powder is to be

cast in upon them with an Iron Ladle, which will presently change a

portion of the melted matter into a Scoria: When it flows no longer,

but ceaseth from operating on the Metals, lying upon them like Dross, a

little more Salt-petre is to be cast upon the melted Metals, which will

again change part of them into Scoria. This Injection of Salt-Petre

is to be continued so long, until the Scoria shall be no longer hard,

but remain liquid like Water, which is a sign that the Salt-petre hath

abstracted the Copper and _Regulus_ of Antimony from the Gold, and

its operation to be finished. And so much _Regulus_ of Antimony and

Copper is not to be put upon the Test, [I believe the word _not_ is an

errour of the Printer, in the Copy, and ought to be left out] that it,

when a due portion of Salt-Petre shall be added, may be full to the

brim, and the Coals not be burnt out in vain, in the empty Test, which

is well to be noted. The fluid Scoria of the Salt-Petre, Copper, and

_Regulus_ of Antimony, are so long to be kept in Flux upon the Gold,

as you think the Test can suffer it; for by how much the longer the

Gold shall remain in its Flux, under these Scoria, so much the more of

spiritual Gold it will attract from them, and render it corporeal; and

the Gain will be so much the greater. Nevertheless, for the greater

certainty sake, after the Scoria have lain ten or twelve hours in Flux

upon the Gold, they may be taken out of the Test, to see whether the

Test be yet strong enough to sustain them longer in flux, because in a

continual flux they are wont to attenuate and perforate the Test with

holes, especially if they were not prepared of good Earth, which is

able to endure the Fire. Therefore, if you find the test yet strong

and thick, and not perforated with holes, you may again add the Scoria

to the Gold lying in the test, and keep them so long in flux, as you

think the test will hold good. When the Scoria condense themselves,

and flow with difficulty, a little fresh Salt-petre is to be added, by

which being reduced to a thinner flux, they may give nourishment and

encrease to the Gold, which in this operation hath the place of a seed,

as the Copper and _Regulus_ of Antimony supply the place of the earth,

by affording aliment and augmentation to the Gold; the Salt-petre is

in the stead of Rain, which moisteneth the Earth, and rendereth it

fruitful; therefore by how much the longer the Gold lieth and groweth

in this Earth, so much the more encrease it obtaineth. After the test

is no longer fit to bear the fire, or you would leave working, open the

lower door of the Furnace, and take off the Cover from the top, that

the heat of the fire may be diverted from the test, and the Scoria grow

thick, and the Gold under them hard, draw out the Scoria by degrees

with an Iron Hook, from the Gold, that it may remain in the test

intire, and in one compact Mass, and not be mixed with the Scoria, like

Grains, and occasion loss. All the Scoria being taken out, the Gold is

to be freed from the test with a thin sharp-pointed Iron, then taken

out with the tongs, and weighed, to see what encrease it hath got.

NB. That as long as the Test keeps firm and good, it were better not to

take out the mass, but to be left upon the Gold in continual flux. This

is a Labour not to be despised, seeing that the first Coals being burnt

out, more are to be added only; so that this operation may be continued

for some daies, without intermission, provided the Tests be well made,

which also ought to be done if you expect any profit; of which you need

in no wise doubt, if the operation be rightly instituted; especially

if the Antimony and Iron, of which the Regulus is made, be good: For

the more Gold the Antimony, Iron, and Copper shall contain, the more

volatile Gold the fixed Gold which is melted under them, will attract

to it self. But if you want such Metals as are rich in Gold, and are

forced to be content with the common, the Gold will nevertheless get

an encrease in the Operation. NB. When Metals containing Gold are to

be had, there is no need to keep the first _Scoria_ in so long a flux

upon the Gold, seeing that presently after the Copper and Regulus of

Antimony shall be turned into Scoria by the Salt-petre, they may be

removed from the Gold with an Iron Hook, and new Metals forthwith

added, and again reduced into Scoria by the Salt-petre. This labour of

removing the Scoria, and adding fresh Metals, being long continued,

will add the greater encrease to the Gold, because Copper, Iron, and

Antimony contain much corporeal Gold, which in their reduction into

Scoria, associateth it self with the Gold. Therefore when those Scoria

are withdrawn, and new Metals added, it cannot be, but the encrease

of the Gold must be greater than proceedeth from the first Scoria,

in which only the spiritual Gold is rendered corporeal. The addition

of fresh Metals, and the abstraction of the Scoria repeated 10, 15,

yea 20 times a day, must necessarily give a great encrease to the

Gold, if the Metals contain both corporeal and spiritual Gold. The

abstracted Scoria may be reduced in a Test of the same Furnace (of

which Tests there ought to be many in readiness) and the Copper and

Regulus precipitated from them, and put to other uses, of which my

other Writings every where make mention. And they are precipitated by

the Powder of Coals, or Antimony. The way of precipitation is this;

the Salt-petre hath absorbed the Sulphureous Metals, _viz._ the Copper

and _Regulus Martis_, and changed them into Scoria. Now, if to these

Scoria some other Sulphur be injected, which the Salt-petre coveteth

more than the Copper and Regulus of Antimony, it layeth hold on that,

by which those Metals which it had first absorbed, are dismissed, and

fall to the bottom. But the Regulus and Copper cannot be so separated

by precipitation, but that somewhat of them will yet adhere to the

Salt-petre. These may be fixed together, that they may render Gold

again in fusion, or the fixt Nitre may be extracted from the Scoria,

with Rain-water, to be used for other Labours; as shall be taught

hereafter. The residue of the Scoria will be yet of use to Potters, to

glaze their Earthen Vessels. But if the Scoria and Salt-petre be not

separated, but left together, they may be used with greater profit for

the making of Salt-petre, or for the dunging of Land (of which we shall

presently speak) than if they be separated. The manner of doing these

things shall be described in their order. But first it seems good to

me to exhibit a proof, by which every one may know the certainty of

this matter, _viz._ that this work doth not only afford a profit to

the Operator, not to be contemned, but also that the Gold doth obtain

a true and certain encrease from the Copper and Regulus of Antimony,

whereby the Work may be undertaken with the greater boldness and

confidence; which I thus demonstrate. Take a small piece of silver,

freed from its gold by _Aqua fortis_, that you may be sure there is no

Gold in it: to which, in fusion, adjoin so much Copper and Antimonial

Regulus, as being reduced into Scoria by Salt-petre, and again

separated from the silver, may leave it malleable and ductile. This

being dissolved in _Aqua fortis_, will leave at the bottom undissolved

a reddish powder of gold, which it hath attracted to it self from the

Copper and Regulus of Antimony. Now, so much as there shall be of this

Gold, so much and no more corporeal Gold did the Copper and Regulus

contain, which the Silver hath absorbed. The Scoria possess no more

corporeal Gold, but yet abound with spiritual, which you may find by

the following Experiment. Cover those Scoria put into a new Crucible

with Powder of Coals, and set the Crucible into a small Wind-Furnace,

that they may melt. In this melting, the Nitre will rather enter the

Sulphur of the Coals, than that of the Metals; and associating it self

to that, dismisseth the Copper and Regulus. Which being done, pour out

the melted Mass into a Cone, and when it is cold, separate the Regulus

separated to the bottom, which will be the same Copper and Regulus

of Antimony which the silver hath deprived of their corporeal gold;

which is demonstrated as followeth: Take a bit of Silver, cleared from

its Gold, which join with the said Regulus by melting, and reduce the

melted mass by Salt-petre into Scoria, as before, pour the mass into

a Cone, and being cold, separate the Silver. This being dissolved in

_Aqua fortis_, leaves at the bottom no reddish powder, as the first

silver did. By which it clearly appears, that the Copper and Regulus of

Antimony had yielded all their corporeal Gold to the Silver in fusion,

which nevertheless can afford no gain, except the Labour be many times

repeated with fresh Copper and Regulus. But because this repetition is

wont to require no small quantity of Copper, Regulus of Antimony, and

Salt-petre, to bring the silver to a golden nature; and moreover, every

one knoweth not how to make profit of the Copper and Regulus, deprived

of their Gold, or to put them to other uses, and that Salt-petre is not

seldom sold at a great price, no great profit can accrue by this Labour

to such. Nevertheless, they will obtain no small gain, who after the

extraction of the gold, know how to use the Copper, Antimonial Regulus,

and Salt-petre, which I have shewed in many places of my Writings.

But those Metals being melted with Gold, and turned into Scoria by

salt-petre, bring far greater profit than when wrought with silver. For

somewhat of the silver is consumed, as well as somewhat acquired by it;

but nothing of the gold is lost, if the Crucible be firm, that nothing

run out. NB. If any gain be expected from silver, such Iron, Antimony,

and Copper are to be used, as are pregnant with Gold, and to be often

abstracted from the silver, and the metals themselves afterwards to be

put to other uses, bringing profit, to say nothing of the Salt-petre,

which may be made at a far cheaper rate (that it can be bought) by

those who seek profit from Silver. I have instanced these Experiments,

to demonstrate that every Copper, and every _Regulus Martis_ contain

somewhat of corporeal Gold, and being reduced into Scoria, do yield it

to the adjoined Gold or Silver; and that nothing more can be extorted

from them, except being reduced into Scoria by Nitre, they be for some

time kept in Flux upon the silver, or Gold which is better, that their

spiritual Gold may insinuate it self into the corporeal, and augment

it, which the following Experiment sheweth.

Take of Copper, and Regulus of Antimony, deprived of all corporeal

gold, by the addition of other gold, what quantity you will, melt them

with gold, and convert the Copper and Regulus into Scoria, after the

usual manner, with _Salt-Petre_, which keep in Flux upon the Gold for

6, 8, or 10 hours, and then pour all out into a Cone; the gold being

separated from the scoria, and weighed, will shew what it hath gained

in this operation. This encrease from the twofold matter added, _viz._

the _Copper_ and _Regulus Martis_, is profit; which notwithstanding

proceeds more from the one than the other, as this Experiment will

prove. Take one part of silver, which holds no gold, and one part of

_Regulus Martis_, being melted in a Crucible, reduce them, as hath been

often said, by salt-petre, into scoria, and being well melted, pour

them out into a small Ingot; which when cold, separate the scoria from

the silver with a Hammer; the silver will be pure white, and of very

easie fusion, but will contain nothing of gold. NB. If to the silver

and Regulus of Antimony, you shall also add Copper, and then turn all

into scoria by the help of salt-petre, and when well melted, pour them

into an Ingot, so that the scoria flow upon the silver. This silver

being separated from the scoria with a Hammer, or by lying a while

in water, you shall find that part which was covered by the melted

scoria, to be all over so gilt, that you can scarce rub it off with

your fingers, which Gold hath adjoined it self to the Silver, chiefly

from the Copper. For if more Gold had proceeded from the Regulus, the

melted Silver would also necessarily have been gilded by that, which

yet without the addition of Copper is not wont to be. Nevertheless, let

no man perswade himself that the Regulus of Antimony being omitted, the

same augmentation would happen, because the greatest part of the Gold

proceeds from the Copper. For without the Regulus, the Copper would not

suffer it self to be reduced into Scoria by the Salt-petre; so that

necessity requireth, that all those matters should be conjoined in the

said manner, to acquire any profit.

Here thou hast, benevolent Reader, Specimens sufficient for the trying

the truth and certainty of this thing: It’s free for every man to enter

upon the prescribed way with greater and longer Operations, that he may

attain the desired profit.

What I have many times said, I say again, That this Operation is true,

and brings great profit, provided it be instituted in a due manner.

The Salt-Petre is the chief thing required in this Operation, which

he that knows how to prepare with small cost, and understands what I

have written, may boldly undertake the Work; but he that must buy it

at a dear rate, I will not advise to meddle with it. He that cannot

understand what I write, ’tis better for him to spare his labour and

charge, and employ himself in those things which do not exceed his

capacity.

It behoveth me now to shew the use and benefit which the scoria which

are left in this Operation are of, that there may be no waste or loss.

But the quantity of scoria in this Operation will be more or less,

according as it shall be exercised. If good Antimony, Copper, and Iron,

which contain corporeal Gold, may be had in plenty, and Salt-petre

also cheap, the loss will not be great, if the scoria should not be

altogether put to the best advantage. For if there be enough of the

Copper, _Regulus-Martis_, and Salt-petre to be had, they are to be

reduced into scoria, flowing upon the Gold, that with it they may leave

the Gold contained in them. But here no regard is had to the spiritual

or fugacious Gold which they contain, which is laid aside with the

scoria, and new Copper and Regulus is put to the Gold, and the scoria

again laid aside for other uses, so that in one and the same day, this

labour of adding new matter, and as oft separating the scoria, may

be repeated ten or twelve times. Whence it comes to pass, that the

Gold is every time inriched, and attracteth more corporeal Gold from

those matters in one day, than it could do in fourteen daies, if they

contained only spiritual Gold. But on the contrary, a great quantity of

Copper, Regulus, and Salt-petre are required for this labour, which if

they cannot be had cheap, the charge will be the greater, seeing that

those Metals which are pregnant with corporeal Gold, will abundantly

compensate the charge, especially if benefit be made of the scoria,

which we will presently shew. But if a quantity of the said matters

be wanting, and vulgar Antimony and Copper be used for the extracting

the spiritual Gold only, there will not be made so many _Scoria_; but

it sufficeth, that the first scoria be left so long in flux upon the

gold or silver, until they have yielded some augmentation to the same.

And in the mean time, the addition of no other thing is required, but

Salt-petre, of which a little is to be injected to the hardened scoria,

to render them more fusile, and to cover the Gold the better with

their flux. This way will not cost so much, besides a good quantity of

Coals: Nor will the Work it self be so troublesome, seeing that it need

be inspected only once in two or three hours, and any Boy may govern

the fire. Or if the Furnace be so built, that (like a dull _Henry_)

the Coals constantly sliding down, the fire may feed it self, the

Operation may be continued night and day without any looking after. In

the working the other way with Metals containing corporeal Gold, there

is more labour and care, seeing that every hour the scoria ought to be

removed, and new metals to be added. Therefore every man may chuse that

which is most convenient for him.

Moreover, where neither Antimony, Copper, or Iron abounding with

corporeal Gold, are to be had, the Operation may be instituted in

another manner, and applied to the making of salt-petre in abundance,

and with small costs. For after the Regulus and Copper, in flux

upon the gold, are reduced to scoria, they are not to be removed,

as otherwise they are wont, but the Copper with the Regulus must

be precipitated from the Nitre, by the Powder of Coals, in which

precipitation the gold taketh to it self the metal reduced into scoria,

so that the fixt Nitre only is to be removed, which is afterwards to be

put to other uses: And the Copper and Regulus, by the addition of new

salt-petre, are again to be reduced to scoria, and to be precipitated

from the Nitre by the Powder of Coals, and the Nitre again removed. So

the Copper and Regulus will alwaies remain in flux upon the gold in

the Test, and nothing but the added Nitre will be every time separated.

NB. This Labour doth not indeed draw forth so much gold as that which

hath new metals added every time to the gold; but yet it excelleth that

in which the Metals are kept in a continual flux upon the gold, without

the addition of new; for as often as the Copper, with the Regulus, are

burnt by the Nitre, so often the Nitre burneth and consumeth somewhat

of their superfluous sulphur, and by how much the more the combustible

sulphur is burnt and consumed, by so much the more the spiritual gold

in it is dissolved, and adjoineth it self to the corporeal gold, to get

it self a body.

And this is the difference of those Operations, of which a man may

chuse which he pleaseth, or rather that which fits the matters, he hath

at hand. Whichsoever he shall undertake, it will afford a profit not to

be slighted, especially if he pay not too dear for his Nitre, or can

make it himself at a cheap rate.

_How Profit may be made of the =Scoria= which remain after this

Operation._

It behoveth the studious of Art to know, that there is a difference in

the scoria removed from the gold by the forementioned Operations. Those

which are removed from the gold only remaining in the test, and in

which the Nitre, Antimony, and Copper remain mixt, are metallick, from

which the Copper and Regulus may be precipitated and separated, by the

casting in of crude Antimony or Powder of Coals. The scoria from which

the Metals are already precipitated in the test, are nothing but fixt

Nitre. The scoria also differ, in which the Metals are precipitated by

Antimony, from those which are precipitated by Coals; those partake

more of sulphur, these less; for the sulphur of coals differs in its

nature from the sulphur of antimony, and requireth that a difference be

observed, and that either scoria being put to its due use, it may bring

the desired profit. And this is the difference: When the Copper, with

the _Regulus-Martis_, is precipitated by coals, that the Copper, with

the Regulus of Antimony, is precipitated, but the Iron which was in the

Regulus admitteth not of precipitation, but remaineth in the scoria;

whence it comes to pass, that the Regulus, after precipitation, is

found to be lighter than when it was put into the Crucible. Therefore

what the precipitated Regulus hath lost, necessarily remaineth in the

scoria; for which cause those scoria are of more hard and difficult

fusion than those which remain after the precipitation with Antimony:

For when the metals are precipitated by the casting in of Antimony,

to one pound of scoria, an ounce, and sometimes more, of Antimony, is

cast in, which precipitateth all the Copper and the Regulus attracted

by the Nitre, and giveth a more ready fusion to the scoria. But nothing

more plainly sheweth the difference, than the pouring of water upon

the scoria, to make a _lixivium_. The scoria upon which the coals

were cast, yield a clearer and sharper _lixivium_ than those on which

Antimony was cast. On the contrary, the Antimonial Scoria, by reason of

the Antimonial combustible sulphur, are of a drier nature and property.

The best thing in both the scoria, is the fixt Nitre, which is to be

drawn out of them by Water, and may be put to various uses, with no

small profit.

In the first place, from those scoria a good Medicinal Tincture may be

drawn by the affusion of spirit of Wine, of which mention is made in

divers places of my Writings. Those scoria far excel all Dung, and also

common salt-petre it self, in promoting of vegetation. Nevertheless,

they are first to be made more temperate, because they are too fiery to

be used alone. They also effectually promote the augmentation of Gold,

and also the health of the humane body, by their most pure Essence

extracted by the spirit of Wine.

They may without injury be called _The Philosophick Dung_, because they

augment the growing power in Vegetables, Animals, and Minerals, neither

in Operations of this kind is there any Equal in the world.

Their smell is like that of humane Excrements; nor are they unlike

to them in Aspect, but most efficacious in their use. There are many

things of great moment yet lie hid in them, all which it is not for me

to describe. Those things which I have hitherto written, I have often

done with my own hands, and proved by many Experiments. What I deliver

is not from hear-say, or the reading of others Books, being resolved to

publish those things only, which an infallible Experience hath taught

me, so that every man may boldly, and without any doubting, give credit

to them.

Moreover, this fixed Nitre is endowed with the same virtue with other

strong _lixiviums_: Nevertheless, it is more efficacious than that of

any common Wood, inasmuch as Nitre exceedeth the fixed salt of Wood in

its maturity. The residue of the scoria from which the _lixivium_ is

extracted, serveth for the glazing of earthen Vessels.

He that desireth to know more of fixed Nitre, may find it in my

_Furnaces_, as also in my _Pharmac. Spagyric._ and especially in _The

Explication of Miraculum Mundi_; where he will meet with many things

worthy of admiration. For the Philosophick Dung, see the 35 Article of

_The Explication of Miraculum Mundi_, my Apology against _Farnner_, and

the Description of my Press for Wood, in this Treatise; in which places

he may find those things which will abundantly satisfie him. Concerning

this Universal (tho’ contemptible) subject Nitre, we will treat more,

God willing, in the following second part of _Miraculum Mundi_.

Here we have shewed the well-minded Reader, how by this one only

Operation, he may encrease or augment his Gold, inrich his Fields with

a fruitful soil, and preserve his health; so that there will be none

who may not receive profit from it.

I cannot but here commemorate what some time happened to me in

this Operation. When the Copper and _Regulus-Martis_ were mixed by

melting together, and reduced into scoria by Nitre, the matter thence

proceeding was wonderful, appearing in variety of fair Colours,

emulating a Peacocks Tail. Therefore when I saw such various colours,

I presently thought with my self, whether that matter might not be fit

for making a Tincture, which might change the imperfect Metals into

Gold; seeing that I had read in some Philosophers, that there is more

Tincture in Iron and Copper than in Gold, which gave me an occasion of

considering whether this conjunction of _Mars_ and _Venus_, might not

be the Adultery spoken of by the Poets, or rather the Vitriol of the

Philosophers; for this matter retaineth a very fair greeness, not only

in the fire, but also out of it, as well wet as dry. Whence I began

to perswade my self, that Iron was the Gold of Philosophers, Copper

their _Luna_, and Antimony their _Argent-vive_, and Nitre to perform

the Office of a _Solvent_ or Bath, in which they are dissolved and

digested. Being moved with all these things, that I might make a trial,

according to my simplicity, I put all the said matters into a Glass,

and committed it to _Vulcan_, (or the Fire) which being administred by

degrees, all the matter passed together into a black colour; to which

a very fair greenness, with variegated colours resembling the Tail of

a Peacock, succeeded, which continued in the fire for some weeks. But

seeing that it would not at all be changed, I being wearied with the

tediousness, took the fair matter out of the glass, and put it into a

Crucible, which I set in a Glass-makers Furnace, that I might perform

this Operation with the less Labour: And after three daies I again took

it out, and I found all the matter changed into a glass of a bloody

colour, but not transparent. The Crucible being broken, I found in the

bottom a little Regulus of an Iron-like colour, which being tested with

Lead, yielded white Silver, which being dissolved in _Aqua-fortis_,

left no Gold at the bottom. Being strook with admiration, I began to

think whence that Silver should proceed, seeing that I did not expect

Silver, but Gold; at length being satisfied in that, I was of opinion,

that from this subject by one and the same labour, might be made both

a red and a white Tincture; but I have not hitherto had time and

opportunity to try the truth of the matter experimentally. Whatsoever

I have here written, is only that I might afford matter to others who

are desirous of seeking, by whose diligent searches some good may

be obtained. This Admonition I also think necessary, That they who

endeavour to bring any subject to a constancy in the Fire, by fixing,

as the Chymists call it, that they lute and close well their Vessels,

lest the Air (which is a great impediment to the Operation) should

hinder the Work.

For Example. A Wood-coal, for the greatest part, consisteth of a

fugacious and immature Sulphur, mixt with a few fæces, being put into

an open Crucible, and set in a small Fire, it is presently burnt,

and being all consumed, leaveth nothing in the Crucible, but a few

Salt-ashes; but being put into a Crucible well closed and defended

from the Air, and committed to a great Fire, and therein kept for many

years, yet would lose nothing of its weight, colour and body, but would

remain a black Coal, without any alteration. But on the contrary,

if any Mercurial salt be added to the Coal in a due weight, and be

enclosed with it in a crucible but one day, and kept in the fire, the

coal will be changed into a red, fiery, heavy stone, more Metallick

than Vegetable, whose admirable Virtues the Tongue cannot declare.

Seeing therefore that from any fugacious and volatile Vegetable in so

short a time a constant fixed thing may be made by Art, Why should not

the same be made much better of some Mineral or Metal, which is much

nearer to Fixity? And although these coals black the hand, nevertheless

they contain much good, which he that knows how to come at, will by

the same easily make his hands white again, and draw that from it

which is more conducive to the health of Man’s Body, than from all

the costly and fading things in the whole World. _A Word is enough

to the Wise._ Although I have here shewed, that sulphurated Nitre is

a true Medicine for Animals, Vegetables, and Minerals, yet I would

not be understood as if I affirmed there was no other, which is not

my intention, seeing that if this Medicine were to be generally used

for Vegetables, it would be too costly, [_and there are other things

described in this Book for that purpose, which are far cheaper_] and I

have shewed it only to the end that the wonderful Works of GOD might be

manifest to those who are willing to try. For if any one will macerate

the seed of any Vegetable in the Tincture drawn from sulphurated Nitre,

by the Spirit of Wine, in a warm Bath, he may from that macerated seed

produce a growing Herb, in a few hours space.

A Tincture of this sort will effect more in curing of Diseases, than a

whole Apothecary’s Shop. But he that knoweth how to join some spiritual

Gold with this Tincture, that the Gold may thence attract to it self

nourishment and encrease, as a Vegetable doth from the Earth, will

easily obtain a Universal Medicine. But if any think that I mean such

a Medicine as changeth the imperfect Metals into Gold, in flux, he is

mistaken, for that is to be attributed to the Stone of Philosophers

only. But I call it Universal, as it is the chief Medicine of Animals,

Vegetables, and Metals, which I intend alwaies to keep by me, ready

prepared, that I may render others partakers thereof. I intend also

this Winter to prepare a great quantity of the Universal Medicine

for Vegetables, by the benefit whereof Grain may be made to grow

in meer Sand, that so this Invention may become profitable to many

men, provided they will but undertake the work: Not that I intend to

prepare this of Nitre, which is too costly for the Dunging of Fields.

For common Salt, which is abundantly cheaper, in a few hours, may be

so changed, that losing its corrosive Nature and Property, it becomes

plainly like Nitre in taste, figure, and virtue, but not inflamable,

and excelleth the Dung of Cattel for dunging of Land. Neither let any

man fear that this Preparation of common Salt requireth much labour

or trouble, or is difficult to be done; for he that shall see the

Operation but once, will easily be able to understand and imitate the

same.

Hence, seeing that in all places there are many barren Fields to be

found, it cannot be, but that great profit may be acquired by it.

Arcanum III.

A Gift offered to all diligent Physicians.

_The profitable use of =Salt-Petre=, in the Concentration of

=Metals=, and Preparation of Excellent =Medicines=._

Although in the First Part of _Miraculum Mundi_ I have described

divers concentrations and emendations of Metals; nevertheless in those

there is nothing common with that _Arcanum_, which I intend here

to describe. For those _Arcana_ concern only the emendation of the

imperfect Metals; but this also treateth of the Preparation of many

excellent Medicines.

_The manner of concentrating and amending of Metals by =Nitre=._

First, a Man is to be made of Iron, having two noses on his head,

and on his crown a mouth, which may be opened, and again close shut.

This, if it be to be used for the concentration of Metals, is to be so

inserted into another man, made of Iron or Stone, that the inward head

only may come forth of the outward man, but the rest of his body or

belly may remain hidden in the belly of the exteriour man. And to each

nose of the head, glass receivers are to be applied, to receive the

vapours ascending from the hot stomach. When you use this man, you must

render him bloody with fire, to make him hungry and greedy of Food.

When he grows extreamly hungry, he is to be fed with a white Swan: When

that Food shall be given to this Iron man, an admirable Water will

ascend from his fiery stomach into his head, and thence by his two

noses flow into the appointed Receivers; a Water, I say, which will

be a true and efficacious _Aqua-vitæ_; for the Iron man consumeth the

whole swan by digesting it, and changeth it into a most excellent and

profitable Food for the King and Queen, by which they are corroborated,

augmented, and grow. But before the Swan yieldeth up her spirit, she

singeth her Swan-like song, which being ended, her breath expireth with

a strong wind, and leaveth her roasted body for meat for the King, but

her _anima_ or spirit she consecrateth to the gods, that thence may be

made a _Salamander_, a wholsome Medicament for men and metals.

This manner of operating, by which metals are wont to be concentrated,

I was willing to describe in this Enigma, that it may be known to

be no Fable, but that the same manner hath been described by other

Philosophers before me. This appears from the sixth Key of _Basil_,

where he delivers the like manner. _Basilius_ writeth concerning

_Salt-Petre_ speaking of it self; _When my End is threatned, &c._

From which words it is manifest, that he used the same way for the

particular and universal emendation of Metals, as also for the

preparing of excellent Medicines. But because this Enigma is a little

too obscure for the unskilful, I think good to interpret it word by

word.

The Iron man is the destilling Vessel, which I have described in

the Second Part of my Furnaces. This is put into another Iron or

Stone Furnace, and the fire under it. To the noses or pipes of the

upper part, some Receivers are to be so applied, that at least three

Glass-Receivers may be applied to one nose, the first of which is to be

firmly luted to the nose; the second must enter the perforated belly

of the first Glass, by a Pipe; and in like manner the third must be

inserted into the belly of the second; the Pipe of the second Glass,

which entereth the belly of the first, is to be well luted; the third

is not to be luted to the belly of the second, but to remain open,

that the expiring gass may go out of the second into the third. To the

other nose also three or four Receivers are to be applied after the

same manner, but so that the last may reremain unluted. The white Swan

is the _Amalgama_ of Tin and _Argent-vive_, to which Nitre is added;

and it is done as presently you shall hear. [_See the Figure of this

Furnace, before the beginning of this Treatise, noted with =pag. 96=._]

A _is the Furnace_.

B, _The Vessel in the Furnace_.

C, _The Hole with an hollow Verge, through which the Swan is

conveyed into the Vessel_.

D, _The Tongs holding the Cover with which the Vessel is to be

covered as soon as the Swan is put in_.

E, _An Iron Ladle, wherewith the Swan is put into the Vessel_.

F, _The Receiver_.

G, _The Bench that supports the Receiver_.

H, _The Laborator_.

R. one part of Tin, melt it in a Crucible, when it is melted, take the

Crucible out of the Fire, and pour out the melted Tin into another

earthen Vessel, and mix therewith one part of _Argent-vive_, which

will presently be absorbed by the Tin, but the Tin will become so

brittle and friable, that it may be ground upon a stone to fine powder.

With this fine powder mix two parts of good and pure _Salt-Petre_, by

grinding them well together, till the _Amalgama_ cannot be known from

the _Salt-Petre_, but one white powder be made of both. This powder is

_The Swan of Basilius_, of which he prepareth Meat for the King; but

I call it _The Fulmen of Jove_, by which all Metals are destroyed and

reduced into nothing. And from this nothing, Metals much better and

more noble are generated _de novo_. Concerning this destruction and

regeneration of Metals, consult _Paracelsus_’s Book of _The Vexation

of Alchymists_, and the Third Part of my _Mineral Work_, and you shall

find, that _Paracelsus_ hath involved this Operation in obscure words,

as also _Basilius_, who delivereth the same in his sixth Key, with the

same obscurity, which here, without any covering, I have openly and

clearly made manifest.

NB. I would have the studious of this Noble Science know, that

_Jupiter_ alone, or Tin mixt with Glass only, in this artificial

destillation by the fiery man, yields that medicinal spirit, without

the addition of _Argent-vive_, and leaveth the meat or augment of ☉

and ☽ in the bottom. But that our Ancestors have adjoined _Mercury_

or _Argent-vive_, I also by experience have found it profitable. But

it is chiefly done for this end, that the Tin being rendered friable

and fit for grinding, may the better be mixed with the Nitre; for it

would be laborious and troublesome to file the Tin to mix and destil

with the Nitre, as _Baptista Porta_ teacheth in his Natural Magick.

This reduction into Powder by Mercury, is performed in a very short

time, and wonderfully promoteth the Labour, whilst the Mercury acting

upon the porous Jupiter, penetrateth him, and rendereth him compact. On

the contrary, _The Fulmen of_ Jove burneth the wings of Mercury, and

maketh him remain stable, so Jupiter is an help to Mercury, and Mercury

to Jupiter, and both become more noble by the power and efficacy of

Salt-petre; for Jupiter possesseth much combustible sulphur, which

nevertheless burneth not _per se_, without some help; in the effecting

of which _Salt-Petre_ is a Master, having neither superiour nor equal.

Well doth _Basil_ say, that sulphur only is Nitre’s best Friend, and

also its worst Enemy, which we have found to be most true, in this

operation.

When the Tin and Nitre grow hot together, they take Flame like

Gunpowder; the purer part, like some subtile spirit, vanisheth into the

Air, and the more fixed, stable, and better remaineth at the bottom;

for the noxious and superfluous Sulphur of the Tin is burnt by the

Salt-Petre, which being separated, the rest of the Tin acquireth a more

compact and better body. The Mercury also adjoined in this operation,

yieldeth whatsoever good he hath, offering his Spirit for Medicine,

and his Body for the encrease of Gold or Silver; so that more profit

accrues by the addition of Mercury, than if Jupiter were fulminated by

Nitre alone. Very few will believe how noble a Sulphur there is hid in

Jupiter, which can be made manifest by Nitre only. Truly Mercury can by

no way be better deceived and overcome, than by the Fulmen of _Jove_,

which casts a terrour upon all the gods. Therefore they are very wary,

lest they be touched with that Thunder, and slain with sudden death.

If Jupiter were destitute of his most efficacious Thunder, neither his

father ♄, nor ☉, nor ☽, with the rest of the gods, would be subject to

him. Mars, Venus, and Mercury would only sport themselves with him.

Mars would shew him his Sword, ♀ would intangle him with her amorous

Net, and ☿, the deluder of all dreaming Alchymists, would fly away, and

laugh at him. _Volens nolens_ they all fear Jupiter, and must allow him

the Empire; the conversation of _Iove_ is perilous to all the Metals,

even as it often brings subjects into no small danger, to converse

with their Prince. Hence the vulgar Proverb, _Procul a jove, procul a

fulmine_; He that keeps from the fire, is not in danger of being burnt.

But leaving those things, we will now address our selves to the

operation it self, and plainly shew how it is to be performed. And

first, let the studious know that this Work requires a diligent and

skilful Operator; but he who knows not how with skill to handle the

Fire, I advise him to abstain from this Work. The Art is true and

excellent, so that he that understands but a little, may see the

whole Work to stand upon a firm foundation drawn from Nature. He that

knows the nature of Metals and Minerals, knows that the goodness and

perfection of Gold and Silver, the best of Metals, consists in a

stable, fixed, and incombustible matter, and on the contrary, that the

imperfection of the imperfect Metals, proceedeth from a combustible and

stinking Sulphur only; which superfluous Sulphur, if it shall be any

way separated from them, that which remaineth, ought necessarily to be

purer, more fusible, and constant in the fire. There are many waies

by which that superfluous and combustible Sulphur is separated from

Metals; of which mention is made in the Mineral Work, and the fourth

part of Furnaces. In this operation, the manner of separating it by

combustion, is performed by Nitre. In this Treatise also other waies

are indicated, yet Nitre is to be used in them all.

But the studious of Art ought to know that in this Operation, not only

the superfluous Sulphur of Jupiter and ☿ may be separated and consumed

by burning and each Metal concentrated and amended, but also to both,

or to ♃ alone other Metals may be added, and by the help of Salt-petre

may be fulminated and concentred; for the Fulmen of _Iove_ doth not

only concenter and amend his own proper body, but also other Metals

adjoined to him. Nor do I know a nearer way of destroying Gold and

Silver quickly, than the Fulmen of _Jove_, which so destroyeth all the

Metals, that afterwards without the addition of other things, they

cannot by any force of fire be reduced to their former fusile bodies,

inasmuch as in melting _per se_, they alwaies pass into Glass, every

one being tinged with that colour which is proper to the metal. Gold

is changed into a very elegant glass, like to a _Ruby_; the glass of

Silver hath the colour of a _Chrysolyte_; the glass of Copper hath a

green and red colour like a Jasper; the glass of Mars differs not much

from it; the glasses of Tin and Lead remain white. These Glasses being

(by an artificial reduction) reduced into their bodies, are much better

and nobler than they were before. This sudden fire also clippeth the

wings of Mercury, so that part of him is constrained with the ♃ to

abide the fire. That swift fluxing powder which is compounded of Nitre,

Tartar, and Sulphur, mentioned in the second part of my Furnaces, is

also not to be contemned, for when that mass is mixed with ☿, and

kindled by a live Coal, the ☿ is altered, as when it is to suffer the

fire, it maketh a cracking noise, till it breaks through the fire, but

being apprehended by the Fulmen of _Jove_, it hath no time allowed

it to cry out; for when it beginneth to feel the heat, it singeth a

Swan-like song, but before it can break out from the Fulmen it is

killed. _Basilius_ calleth this _The Song of the Swan_, alluding to

what the Ancients have delivered concerning that Bird, _viz._ That when

she is old, and ready to die, she sings a song, which being ended, she

presently dieth. This Saying the vulgar believe of that Bird, which yet

is false, seeing that I never yet heard any man say that he had heard

the Song of a dying Swan. The ancient Philosophers hereby meant our

Metallick Swan. But let any one enquire, whether the _Amalgama_ of ♃

and ☿ may be compared with a Swan; because it may every way be broken,

within and without, it is like to the Feathers of the said Bird, and

therefore the Philosophers have not unfitly called it a Swan. As for

its singing, it is thus; When the _Amalgama_ is mixt with Salt-Petre,

and wrapt up in Papers, and one after another of them cast into the

Iron man, the ☿ with the ♃ beginneth to sing a Song like the fine Note

of some Bird, which endureth no longer than the crowing of a Cock,

seeing that the flame presently followeth, which maketh the separation.

But that any one may be more certain of this matter, I will openly and

clearly expound the Operation word by word.

R. of Tin and ☿ each ℔ j. make an _Amalgama_, as I have taught above;

grind this with ℔ ij. of pure Salt-Petre, freed from all its fæces,

reducing the whole mass into a minute powder, till the _Amalgama_ can

be no more felt by the fingers. This fine powder distribute into sixty

equal parts, more or less, and put each part into a Paper, so that

every Paper may contain about two lothones, or an ounce, wrap them up:

This quantity is not to be exceeded, especially if the Iron man and the

Receivers be not large; for the lesser Vessels require the less of the

matter: For the matter being cast into the red-hot Vessel in Papers,

when it taketh flame, giveth a crack or puff like Gun-powder, which is

kindled with a Coal. The Labour is easie, which may be called _The Work

of Women_, or _Play of Boys_. For as soon as one Paper is enkindled,

the vapours ascending with smoak and wind, pass into the Receivers,

which being quietly settled, another Paper is presently to be cast

in that it may sing its Swan-like Song, and pass into the Receivers

in a fume. This casting in of the Papers is so long to be continued

till they are all spent. You can scarcely put in above ten Papers,

or fifteen at the most, in an hour; for if one Paper be cast in too

soon after another, the ascending Spirits of the ♃ and ☿ would not all

settle, but some would fly out at the hole of the last Receiver, and be

lost. By this means the Iron man is nourished by degrees with his food,

_viz._ the white Swan, even as Infants are successively fed by their

Mothers.

After all the Papers are in, the fire is to be let go out of its own

accord; and when all the Spirits are condensed in the Receivers, the

Receivers are to be removed one after another, in which is the _Anima_

of Tin and Mercury, and of that metal which was added, of a white or

ashy colour, if Tin and Mercury only were used. But if Gold was added,

it will be of a purple colour; if Silver, of a yellow; if Copper,

the colour will be reddish. And this is not only to be understood of

the matter which passeth into the Receiver, but also of that which

remains in the bottom of the Iron man. The _Anima_ hideth it self in

the corporeal flowers which ascend into the Receivers, by which it is

the more easily acquired, and which otherwise, perhaps, by reason of

its great subtilty, would be very difficult to obtain. If you can put

your hand into the Receivers, you may take out the flowers with a bent

spoon, which hide the _Anima_; but if not, with an Iron Wier fitted for

the scraping them off, or by washing them out with Water, which are to

be handled further, as you shall presently hear.

The mass remaining in the stomach of the Iron man, being taken out

when it is cold, hath a fiery nature and a white colour, if it were

only of Tin and Nitre, but if any other metal was added, the colour

will be varied, as above. This mass cannot be reduced to its former

body by Fire alone, how vehement soever it be, seeing that when it

is melted, it runneth into glass, and that too very difficultly.

Nevertheless, by the following operation it may be reduced to its

pristine Body: Put it into a very strong Crucible, which cover, and

set in a Wind-Furnace that will give a very strong Fire (such as is

my Fourth Furnace) the Fire being raised by degrees, let it be made

white-hot, and when it is so, the Cover being a little removed, throw

into the fiery mass a little Sulphur, Antimony, or Coals in fine

powder, put on the Cover again, and lastly, cover the Crucible over

with Coals, that all the matter may flow well. In this operation the

combustible Sulphur will enter the fixt Nitre, and separate it from the

fixed Metal, and with the same, whatsoever of Sulphur, Antimony, or

Coals was added, will be turned into black Scoria. The Tin, with the

Mercury, and the Metal, if any were added, separateth it self from the

Scoria, and returneth into a metallick body, which after it is poured

out and cold, is to be Separated from the Scoria. Jupiter hath the

aspect of his former body, but is amended, as the proof will shew him

that pleaseth to make it; the remaining Scoria are to be kept, because

an excellent universal Medicine may be made of them. The _Regulus_

being melted again, is again to be amalgamated with its own weight of

Mercury, which _Amalgama_ is to be mixed with its equal weight of

Nitre, and put up into Papers, and again cast into the Iron man, as

we have shewed before, that the Flowers and _Anima_ may be collected

and added to the former. The remaining mass is to be precipitated with

sulphur, as before, and the Scoria being separated from the Regulus,

to be added to the former, and the Regulus to be again brought with

Mercury to an _Amalgama_, that with Nitre the Flowers and _Anima_ may

be again elicited. This Labour is to be so often repeated, until half

the Regulus be converted into scoria: That part which remains being

examined by the Cupel, will shew how much gold and silver is generated

by this Labour. Which profit will serve to buy other Coals and Metals

to carry on the Work. The _Anima_ which passed into the Receivers

yieldeth a most excellent medicine; so do also the scoria which were

reserved at divers times, afford one little inferiour to that; and

how they are to be handled, we will teach in order. Therefore by this

only operation a universal medicine for humane and metallick bodies is

acquired particularly, and from the remaining part, an amended metal

paying the necessary costs which are required for the continuing the

great Work.

How therefore particularly of Tin and Copper often fulminated, one may

get a profit not to be contemned, I will clearly shew; forasmuch as

I have not performed that labour only once, but many times; in like

manner I will deliver the way and mode whereby an excellent medicine

may be prepared for the curing of all curable Diseases, which also I

have often done. But how a Universal medicine may be prepared of the

_Anima_ of metals, for humane and metallick bodies, I cannot teach; for

I have not hitherto had time and opportunity of perfecting so great a

Work. Nevertheless, I do not at all doubt, but that the Philosophick

stone may be made of this _Anima_: But by what means I think this may

be effected, (saving to every man his own judgment) I will not conceal

from the studious of the Divine Wonders. What I have done with my

hands, I can render others the more certain of; those things which I

have not done, I leave as they are. The beginning of the Labour I have

clearly enough proposed; from which, if any man cannot learn more, ’tis

best for him to abstain from this kind of Labour.

All the Philosophers cry out with one voice, _Fix the volatile, and

volatilize the fixt_, and you shall have the true universal medicine.

From which scope he will not erre, who shall take good subjects for

his work. Therefore, because in this our operation, Gold (besides the

rest of the metals) being endowed with a most pure body, is rendered

volatile and fugacious, and stript of its _Anima_, verily it will

be credible, that of the _Anima_ of Gold, if the _Anima_ of Mercury

shall be joined with it and digested to fixation, may be made the

_Salamander_ constant in the Fire. The purple _Anima_ of Gold and

Mercury which hath passed into the Receivers, I free from the Flowers

of Tin, by washing it out with the sweet universal Water, known to

every one, filtring it through Paper, coagulate it, and then fix it

into a tinging stone. And I doubt not, but some good thing will thence

proceed.

From the scoria remaining after the reduction, you may easily extract

a medicine. Nevertheless, those scoria are divers, and have a diverse

nature; for those which remain after the operation with Tin and

Argent-vive, are of another nature and property than those which

proceed from the working with other Metals adjoined to those two, as

Gold, Silver, Copper, or Iron. Every Metal hath its own proper powers

and virtues, which in the extraction of the Scoria go forth together,

and render that Extract more noble, or else diminish its virtues. Gold

and Silver have a different nature and properties from Copper and

Iron. Nevertheless Copper and Iron are not malignant or hurtful in

the Scoria, but also possess great virtues. Nevertheless the greatest

virtues which are elicited from the Scoria, are to be taken for a

Tincture of Sulphur; for the Metals being destroyed by fulmination,

and again reduced into a body, leave but a very small part in the

Scoria, seeing that their greatest part returneth into a metallick

body. Therefore the Scoria principally consist of fixt Nitre, and

that Sulphur by which the destroyed Metals are again reduced into a

metallick body from the Nitre. The Scoria of the Metals destroyed and

precipitated by Coals, or common Sulphur, have one and the same nature,

virtues, and properties. The Scoria of that reduction made by Antimony,

partake of another nature, to wit, of a grosser and stronger than those

which are made by common Sulphur or Coals, for they sometimes cause

vomiting, which the other do not.

And this I would note, that because Antimony as yet containeth many

Arsenical qualities, common Sulphur containeth but few, and Coals none

at all; that therefore also the Scoria made by these, are safer than

the other; nevertheless, I confess that those are somewhat cruder,

and more immature than those made with Antimony; but being extracted

with Spirit of Wine, yield an excellent Tincture, which is a kind of

a Universal Medicine; for it is sufficiently known, that no subjects

(Gold and Silver excepted) are found fitter for Medicine, than

Antimony and common Sulphur. And because Wood-Coals exactly answer to

this common Sulphur in their nature, properties, powers, and virtue,

therefore I commend the Scoria’s made by them, and prefer them to those

prepared by Mineral Sulphur and Antimony; not that there is a greater

efficacy in Coals than in Antimony and common Sulphur, but because

those of Coals dissolved by fixt Nitre, are rendered more apt and

easie to render their virtues to spirit of Wine, are of a more easie

extraction, and are somewhat more familiar to the animal nature, than

common Sulphur and Antimony. But the Medicine prepared of either of

those scoria, is efficacious, and differeth but little in its external

species and colour. All the difference in those Tinctures, is, That

that which is extracted from the Antimonial scoria, if it be taken

in a little the larger dose, before fixation, causeth vomiting, and

operateth more forcibly than the other two. All three after the manner

of sulphurs, gild silver, help the growth of Vegetables, by dunging,

and nourish and augment Gold being made spiritual, and closed up in the

moist way.

And although I do not yet know what it can perform in the transmutation

of Metals, yet I am perswaded, that if it were fixed and rendered

constant in the Fire, and made to have ingress into metals, that it

would effect something in transmutation. It sufficeth me at this time

to have indicated the way by which a universal Remedy against all

curable Diseases, is to be prepared of the remaining scoria. He that

desires to know more, let him set to his hand, and search farther;

the way is opened to him: But if he desires somewhat better, let him

set upon the Spirit of Mercury and Gold, which is forced into the

Receivers, and search for it in that. As for the remaining parts,

_viz._ the metallick flowers, and the running Argent-vive, which

passed together into the Receivers, the running Argent-vive may be

separated from the Flowers, and used again for the like labour, by

amalgamating it with Jupiter. The Flowers are again to be reduced with

the fulminated metals, that nothing of the Gold and Silver may be lost;

so this labour being continued, will give a perpetual encrease of Gold

and Silver, besides the tinging _Anima_, and the Expences will be only

for the Salt-Petre, which will be little to those who know how to make

Salt-Petre themselves, for the making of which, I have shewed the way;

so that without any great labour, trouble, and cost, not only an honest

livelihood may be gotten, but also a good medicine, for the relief and

comfort of the forsaken Sick.

But before I conclude this my concentration of metals by Salt-petre,

I think fit here to adjoin some admonitions for the benefit of the

studious of these Labours. When in the reduction of the metals

destroyed by the Fulmen of _Jove_, the scoria are left too long upon

the gold, and not poured off in due time, they (after a certain

magnetick manner) attract the remaining _Anima_ which the Fulmen

hath left in the Gold, and leave the whole pale. If Argent-vive be

amalgamated afresh with this pale Gold, and this Labour sometimes

repeated, the Gold will be wholly spoil’d of its _Anima_, being partly

driven into the Receivers, and that which is left attracted by the

scoria, then the gold loseth all its colour, and the scoria put on a

bloody colour. From this red scoria the Tincture is to be extracted, by

a certain singular Artifice, and to be used in the known manner. The

pale Gold recovereth its yellow colour by Iron, Copper or Antimony.

Moreover, this is also to be observed, When by the Fulmen of _Jove_

the _anima_ of ☉ and ☿ is propelled into the Receivers, the Receivers

being taken off, the Flowers which hide the _Anima_, are to be taken

out, and kept in Glasses close stopt. For the said _Anima_ of ☉ and ☿

is so spiritual, volatile, and fugacious, that like a Bird it presently

flies away, and leaves an empty Nest; the truth of which thing I have

experienced. _He that will not believe what I say, let him try, and he

will find it to be true._

But that I may shew the studious of the Hermetick Medicine how he may

experience this matter, I will declare by what chance I my self came to

know it.

At a certain time, when I had taken the _anima_ of Gold and Mercury,

made by the Fulmen of _Jove_, out of the Receivers, not clearing one

Receiver so well, but that somewhat of the _anima_ remained therein;

I put in some ounces of Water, that I might thereby the better wash

out the remaining Flowers: In the mean time, some more urgent business

called me away, I set the Receiver with the Water in it, upon a Table

in my Laboratory, before or near a Window, and forgetting it, left

it there for some daies; the Cold being then very sharp, in that

time had frozen all into Ice; I coming into my Laboratory, to see if

some Glasses, in which were Water, were not broken by the Ice, as is

usual, I found some wholly filled with Ice, and seeing this Receiver

to lie there, I presently believed that Receiver to be broken by the

Frost; but taking it up in my hand, I found that the Water in it was

not frozen, but remained clear, therefore I rejoiced that the Glass

remained unhurt, and wondered much whence it should proceed; but I

could impute it to no other thing, but to the hot spirit of Gold and

Mercury, of which notwithstanding there could not above three or four

grains remain in the Glass, which although so very little, preserved

some ounces of Water from freezing. From that time weighing the matter

more diligently, I found an incredible heat in that _Anima_. Let others

enquire and search what may be performed by such a heat; this I know,

that hereafter there will be sedulous Artists, who will thank me for

this my faithful Institution.

For it is very likely, that this subtile and fiery Spirit of Gold and

Mercury, such as it yet is before fixation, may be presently used with

great profit, in the taking away many occult Diseases of the Body.

Moreover, it is to be observed, That if Metals, whether Gold, Silver,

or Copper be to be conjoined by amalgamation with Tin and Argent-vive,

they ought first to be reduced into pure and shining Calces, that they

may be the more readily received by the Mercury: But only a fourth or

sixth part of the Calx is to be added in the Amalgamation, lest the Tin

(by too great a quantity of the Calx) be hindered in fulminating, for

the whole operation consisteth in a right fulmination. But lest any

should erre in working, he may first make trial, whether all things be

well mixed and prepared, by putting half a dram of the mixture into a

small Crucible, and upon that a live Coal, and beholding the Fulmen

with an intent eye, that he may see what colour it gives: If it riseth

so white and clear, that it dazleth the eyes, as the looking upon the

Sun is wont to do, all things are rightly and orderly mixt; the smoak

is tinged with the colour of the adjoined Metal, as Purple from Gold,

Blue from Silver, Green from Copper, but Tin and Argent-vive only give

White. Also from the Mass remaining in the Crucible, it may be seen

whether the Fulmen be rightly performed, _viz._ if the _Caput Mort._

or residing Mass be porous, and fiery upon the Tongue, being touched

therewith. The Colours also of that Mass are various, according to the

added Metal; Tin and Argent-vive alone leave a fiery white matter.

Neither is this to be passed by, being of no small moment, _viz._ If

you seek not a Medicine, but only the emendation of Metals, it is

not necessary to add Mercury with the Metals, but the Gold, Silver,

or Copper may be melted with Tin, for so they become a brittle Mass,

which may be powdered in a Mortar, and mixed with an equal weight,

or a little more, of Salt-petre, and put into a strong Crucible, and

covered, then put into a circular fire, so that the fire may approach

it by degrees, till the Crucible and Matter be hot, and at length

taking flame, may be enkindled and dispersed. In which operation many

Flowers flie away, and a fiery Mass remaineth in the bottom, which is

again to be reduced into a metallick body in a strong Crucible, in a

Wind-Furnace, by the addition of some combustible sulphur, and after

the reduction, to be reduced again into powder, and mixed with fresh

Nitre, and again treated in the same manner, by sometimes repeating the

former Labour. At length that Mass being reduced in a Crucible, the

Gold, Silver, or Copper will be found augmented by the Tin.

NB. Because in this operation, not a little of the Metals flies away

in fume, the Crucible may be set in some Wall, and on the Wall over it

some Vessels or subliming Pots capacious enough may be fastened over

it, that the Metals being kindled by the Fulmen, the elevated Flowers

may be preserved and advanced to a purer Metal than they were before.

This Labour doth not differ much from the Operation of _Basilius_, in

which Salt-petre saith, _My Lover is a cheerful or pleasant Woman_, &c.