12. By the help of this, Iron may be changed into Copper, Copper into
Silver, and Silver into Gold, either by the humid or dry way. Also
every Gold may be brought to the 28th. degree, yea, to a true Tincture.
But of the last I have as yet made no experiment; nevertheless, it
seems not to be impossible, because there is no metal which may not
be changed into another, and indeed more excellent metal; yea, we
know that common ☉ keeping its colour, may be exalted. And although
the way of making this Tincture is not yet certainly known, yet there
will be some one, that shall succeed us, to whom GOD will grant the
knowledge of the same, who shall stop the mouthes of all slanderous and
evil-minded men, and discover their malice.
But some one may say, How shall we know this colour of Gold to be true
Gold, and not Copper? To him I answer; For this Process neither Copper
nor any other Metal is required; only a Vegetable Sulphur with the Salt
of Art absolves that. Whence then should the Copper have access to the
Gold? To say, from the Vegetable Sulphur, is nothing: for that must
be numbred among Miracles. Hence, if that should be Copper, we see it
may well be demonstrated, that all Metals yea, and _The Philosophers
stone_ it self, may be prepared of Vegetables. Which is a saying most
nearly correspondent to Truth: for there is no Plant, yea, I say,
no Excrement, no not humane Dung, which exhibit not true Gold, or a
true Tincture. Therefore this colour, which we find to have access to
Gold, by help of the _Sal Mirabile_, and Vegetable Sulphur, argues
not Copper, but true Gold. The Elementary Rays of ☉ have passed into
Sulphur in the coagulation in Herbs; this, by help of the Salt of
Art, is changed into Tincture, when fixed, and added to Gold, becomes
corporeal.
From these and the like, we judge the certainty of the Transmutation
of Metals to be sufficiently manifest to every one. Indeed many have
endeavoured to demonstrate this, but none more clearly than I have
done, because this appertains to _Sal Mirabile_ only. Therefore let
Ignorants cease to gain-say GOD and the Truth, lest they be severely
punished.
These, and various such-like Transmutations, may be performed with very
great profit; therefore I judge it needless to speak more of them.
Occasion of knowing many things offers it self to Posterity, if GOD
give the Blessing. For the Utilities of this Salt are daily more and
more known to my Disciples, so as it cannot otherwise be, than that
all _Europe_ by the help of this Salt only, shall see true Alchymy
flourish. Whence, and not undeservedly, it is called the _Salt of Art_,
or _Elias the Artist_, who entring into the World, should communicate
various Arts to the same. Here you now have him, teaching those things
which alwaies were accounted impossible.
The World not contented with this _Elias_, must necessarily expect
another. The Jews considering the abject state of Christ, esteemed him
unworthy the Honours of the before prophesied of _Messias_, altho’ with
their own eyes they saw very many Miracles wrought by him. If the same
happen at this day in this case, what wonder is it? It is very hard to
belive, that such a wonderful Salt can be found in most abject Vitriol.
Could such men know the nature of common Vitriol exposed to the eyes of
all men, they would easily understand more to be contained in the same,
than I have attributed to my _Sal Mirabile_. It is better something
should be reserved to Posterity, than all things laid open to our Age.
I have begun, let others proceed.
_Paracelsus_, in that Chapter he writ of Vitriol, saith, By help of
this every Iron may be changed into the best Copper but which way,
something more excellent, _viz._ Iron, may be changed into Gold, _Elias
the Artist_ (which we call the _Salt of Art_) when he comes, will
demonstrate, That the occult virtues contained in Vitriol may be more
known to every man, what this Author left in Writing, touching Vitriol,
I thought good here to insert.
Therefore, since I in this Treatise denominate my _Salt of Art_,
_Elias the Artist_ long since predicted, some one may properly say,
_My =Glauber=, you proclaim your =Sal Mirabile= to be =Elias the
Artist=; but in =Paracelsus=’s Writings we read, That when he comes,
he will teach the way of transmuting Iron into Gold; now shew us which
way your =Sal Mirabile= can do this_. I answer, That here is nothing
of impossibility, I have obscurely in this and other places shewed;
but which way the Operation is to be instituted, I have not declared:
because I my self have not as yet obtained a perfect understanding of
the same. Nevertheless, that it is possible we have often observed; for
Iron hath access to Gold, and so augments it even as it augments Copper.
For when Copper is dissolved in a certain salt, and the solution is
poured upon thin Iron Plates, not only the Copper and Iron settle to
the bottom, and so becomes Copper again, but also whilst the coction
is performing, a great quantity of the Iron hath access to the Copper,
so as you take out more Copper than you put in. I bring for a true
Testimony of this Experiment, the Saying of that most true Writer,
_Lazarus Ercker_, in his Probatory Book, where he saith, He had often
observed, that Iron Instruments in length of time were changed into
Copper, without any depravation of their Figure. Yet it is credible,
that this Mutation is from Spirits, not from Bodies, because Spirits
are endowed with a greater penetrative power.
Since the Writings of this man are in the hands of few, I thought good
here to insert what he hath left written, touching the Transmutation of
Iron into Copper.
_Whether =Copper= may be made of =Iron=._
Courteous Reader,
_I did for a long time persist in denying, That Iron in Coppery Waters,
such as are made of Vitriol, green Tartar, and the like, could be
precipitated into Copper; nor could I in any wise believe, that any
encrease could come to Copper, from Iron; but daily Experience hath
taught the contrary, =viz.= That in Mines and Mountains of Vitriol,
were left Iron Instruments, which after long time were changed wholly
into Copper. For although precipitation of Copper is made, by the
benefit of Iron, yet the same quantity of that, as is put in, is not
taken out again. Notwithstanding this, here it is to be observ’d,
that together with the Copper, which is so precipitated, Silver also
(if any be) settles to the bottom. Therefore they seem to do well,
who for Precipitation of Silver, besides Copper cast also into the
=Aqua-fortis= Plates of Iron: And so in one and the same Operation,
Silver and Copper settle to the bottom, and we save all, which the
separatory Water did contain._
As it is manifest, Copper may be made of Iron, so also that the same
may be changed into Gold, is most easily demonstrated. That it is
possible, I have often observed, although without profit, because the
true way of Operating was then unknown to me.
Iron is not changed into Copper in every solution, but in that which
is in certain Determinate Salts. For, if you dissolve ℥ ss. of Copper
in _Aqua-fortis_, and to repress the sharpness of the _Aqua-fortis_
add a little common Water, cast in Plates of Iron, or duly institute
coction; ℥ ss. of Copper will indeed be precipitated by the Iron,
but the Iron not changed into Copper. The certain reason of this, we
believe, is, because no Salt having power of Graduation, was added to
the _Aqua-fortis_. Of Gold, the reason is the same, if it be dissolved
in _Aqua-regis_; for the Gold is here found to be precipitated alone,
and the Iron not changed into Gold, because of the defect of salt
convenient for gradation.
But if a solution of Copper or Gold be made in spirit of salt, and Iron
cast into that solution, then not only the Copper or Gold settles to
the bottom with the Iron, but also in this solution part of the Iron
passeth into Copper or Gold, because the spirit of salt more potently
acts upon the Iron, and introduced Tincture better than _Aqua-fortis_.
Although any Iron, as you see, may be changed into Copper or Gold,
yet no profit is thence to be expected, for commonly some part of the
Gold remains in the solution, and is not precipitated; and which way
this may be separated from the Water is not known to all. Therefore
it is better to omit this Operation, than to labour and be at charge
to no purpose: For reduction of this Gold, mixt with the solution,
experienced men are required, which will do all things with judgment,
and are not contented with that only which exposeth it self to sight.
Yet I do not in any wise think that such gradation cannot be instituted
without profit. If we can really transmute a very small Particle of
Iron into Gold or Copper, Why may we not also do the same in a greater
quantity? It is our faults if we do it not, who are ignorant how to use
rightly Salts of gradation, sufficiently able to compleat the work.
That the way of effecting that was known to _Paracelsus_, I doubt
not; yet he would not communicate it to the ungrateful World, but
referred the divulgation thereof to the coming of _Elias the Artist_,
and that not without Reason. I doubt not, but that this gradation may
be performed with very great profit, by help of my _Sal Mirabile_,
or _Salt of Art_; yet I cannot subscribe to it as an infallible
certainty. I have other things now in hand to speak of: My Labours and
almost incredible Charges have discovered various secrets, which I
publickly communicate for the profit of my Neighbour. Other things may
be effected in time, by which (Darkness being discussed) Light may be
given to the World, and the Miracles of the Omnipotent GOD be exposed
to the view of all. _Here is need of Labour._
That Gradation of Iron may be made by the help of appropriate salts,
so as to be changed into Copper, Silver, or Gold, our _Sal Mirabile_
plainly enough declares, whether the gradation be instituted in an
humid way, or Cementation made in the dry.
Now it remains, that we demonstrate, that such gradation may be made by
spirits, having power of perfecting and fixing, so as no consumption
of the Iron be, as we see done in the addition of _Aqua-fortis_. It is
sure that the same gradation which _Lazarus Ercker_ said, he observed
in the aforesaid Mountains, is of like condition; and since we possess
such Spirits, we also, remote from Mountains, may effect the same. I
cannot believe that any other can (if he would) teach us the way of
preparing such spirits, besides _Elias the Artist_.
In what relates to me, I say, that this gradation of Iron may be the
better performed, Copper, Silver, and Gold must first be reduced into
Vitriol, having power to effect gradation, and that indeed by the
benefit of the _Salt of Art_. I have more than once, by the help of
the _Salt of Art_, changed silver or gold into a green Vitriol: I need
not speak of Copper, the mutation of which is far more easie, yet the
other is not very difficult, and indeed in an humid way. For I have
not seldome (when it happened that the Iron being consumed, my labour
was to no purpose) had one end of an Iron Wier changed into Copper,
and the other into Gold. If time will permit, for my Friends sake, and
that they may be mindful of me, I will repeat the same labour. But the
principal thing, which infers difficulty in this Operation, is a too
great corrosion of the Iron by the Vitriol.
Note. Besides this, there are other things, which cause difficulty, and
so render the labour invalid, in the dry way as well as in the humid,
_viz._ the aptness of Glasses to break in the humid; and of Crucibles
in the dry way; whence it comes to pass, that the _Sal Mirabile_ cannot
be kept in them a due time, but runs out.
The gradation of iron into gold, in what way soever made, without gold
can very difficultly be perfected; and if a glass happen to break, Who
shall be able to gather up what runs out? The loss of one gradation, by
the breaking of the Vessel, and outflowing of the Liquor, will scarcely
be repaired with 5 or 6 other gradations compleated without loss.
Therefore it is best to desist from such Works.
Of that Operation, which is performed by the dry way, the reason is the
same. For here the gold, which is added for gradation, is almost all
lost, without regard to the breaking of Crucibles, which by that means
cannot contain the _Salt of Art_ its due time: And besides all this,
the substance of the Crucible will imbibe some of it, and together with
the same part of the Gold; and, Who can without loss extract it thence?
Yea, we think the Crucibles drink in a greater quantity of the gold,
than we acquire by the gradation, although our Work succeed well. By
Experience it is manifest to me, that when there are eight parts of
Gold, but one part of Iron in gradation is changed into Gold, which way
soever the Work is performed. What will it avail to spend our time in
perfecting those things, the event of which is very uncertain? This is
the reason why very many with me have refused this profitable Operation.
We considering the possibility of the matter, whether it was possible
to prevent those difficulties, began to labour, but to no purpose, a
great while, until at length it pleased the Highest Giver of all Good
things to hear our Prayers, and opened to us the way of preparing such
Glasses, as (although not luted) are able to bear the vehemency of Fire
without coating; and Crucibles also we know how to harden so, as they
will continually keep Metals in Flux. I now hope, if GOD hinder not,
for better success.
A man not fearing the breaking of Glasses and Crucibles, might perform
egregious things, this way handling Metals, according to his will
instituting gradations and fixations, and so reduce Metals to due
maturity, even as the sun, by continual digestion, ripeneth Fruits:
For no man, if he fear breaking of his Vessel, and loss of his matter,
is able to keep the same till its final compleatment in a Glass or
Crucible.
By the benefit of either of these inventions, such things may be
effected in Medicine and Alchymy, as before were impossible to be done.
Yet let no man sollicite me (considering the great labour and vast
charge I have expended thereon) to divulge this secret. Nevertheless,
that it may not be buried with me, I purpose to communicate that to two
of my most loving Friends, adding (besides many other _Arcanums_) a
succinct Explanation of this second part of the _Miracle of the World_.
It will concern these men to use the same for the Honour of GOD, and
good of their Neighbour. I did not this to profit our selves, because
they are rich enough and I live contented with what I have, but only
that the sustentation of the Poor might be chiefly regarded.
Iron may also another way be changed into Gold or Copper, _viz._ by
the help of fiery spirits, which _Salt-Petre_ (the Cousin-German of our
_Salt of Art_) exhibits, and of which I have very plainly discoursed
in a special Treatise, not yet published. That you may see the
possibility, I will declare the matter by example.
Make a Fulmen of Tartar, Sulphur, and Nitre mixt, to this add of the
_Minera_ (or Ore) of Copper, Silver, or Gold, never exposed to the
vehemency of Fire, but still endowed with its own Sulphur, endowed with
power of tinging and perfecting Gradation an eighth part. Put ℥ fs. or
℥ j. of the mixture into a Crucible at one time, and set this Crucible
under the Receiving Vessels of our fifth Furnace, and with a live Coal
kindle the Fulmen, and then the Orifice being well closed, you will
find and observe the Gradation of Iron unto Copper, Gold, or Silver,
according to the diversity of matter added to the Fulmen. Here most
commodiously may be used Steel-Needles; these I have often drawn out of
a Crucible, wholly changed into Gold.
Note. He who intends to make Gradation with Gold, must necessarily
apply Receivers, in which he may collect the volatile Spirits of Gold.
If a man be contented with a very small quantity, he needs not use
Receivers, afterward (being first assured of the certainty of the
Operation) he may build a Furnace fit for it. I built such a Furnace,
in which the last Summer, for my Friends sake, I performed this
Operation.
Note. If a sufficient abundance of good Metals be wanting, that your
labour may not be in vain, it will be requisite to make the same
spiritual with Salt-Petre, before they be added to the Fulmen. If you
would make trial of graduating into Gold, to ℥ j. of the Fulmen, you
may add ʒ j. of fulminating Gold (precipitated with spirit of Urine,
not with _Lixivium_) and your endeavour will have good success, if you
proceed right.
By help of this Fulmen, all Metals may be changed into Gold or Silver;
that is, the true Regal Cement of ancient Philosophers, which they
alwaies kept secret; only _Paracelsus_, in his Preface to the Book
of Cements, was willing to make some small discovery; _You must not
=(saith he)= so much regard the Ingredients of the Cement, but the way
of cementing is only to be considered, the Fire only, which is in it,
must be endowed with power of fixing and graduating._ Yea, in his Book
of Vitriol he almost speaks the same.
But some one may say, What is that Regal Cement, or what is the way
of using the same? Although this hath been alwaies kept as a Secret,
yet I in these last times communicate the same to All. There is indeed
no Metal, which may not (even without the addition of any other thing
having power of perfecting Gradation) by the help of this only, be
turned into gold; as in our work of ♄ we largely shew. Yet this
Operation is not done with so great profit, as that which adds Powders
perfecting gradations to the Cement; nevertheless it is sufficient to
shew the possibility.
But that the Doctrine of _Elias the Artist_ may be more manifest by the
aforesaid _Paracelsus_, we thought good here to subjoin his own words
at large, which take as follows.
THE BOOK
OF
Philip Theophrastus Bombast
_Of =Hohenheim=, Monarch of Philosophers, Prince of Spagyrists, Chief
of Astronomers, Paradoxical Physician, and great Master of Mechanick
Secrets_.
TOUCHING
The TINCTURE of Natural Things,
Against Sophisters born since the Flood, in the Age of Our LORD
JESUS CHRIST the Son of GOD.