_Of the Renovation of Men._
Some of the first and ancient Physicians in _Egypt_, by this Tincture,
lived 150 years. Also the Life of many was produced and prolonged
for several Ages, according as we find it clearly recorded in divers
Histories, which seems a thing almost incredible. For its Virtue is so
admirable, as it extends the strength and vigour of the Body further
than is possible by Nature, and Conserves it in that degree so firmly,
as it lives safe from all Infirmities. And although it be grown aged,
yet it appears as in a youthful Constitution.
Therefore this Tincture is an Universal Medicine, like an invisible
Fire consuming all Diseases, howsoever they are predominant. Its Dose
is very small, but the Operation of it most potent. With it, by me,
the Leprosie, Venereal Lues, Dropsie, Epilepsie, Colick, Rosy-drop,
[_Gutta Rosacea_] and like Diseases, have been cured and healed; also,
the Wolf, Cancer, _Noli me tangere_, Fistula’s, and other internal
Diseases, more certainly, than can be believed; of which _Germany_,
_France_, _Italy_, _Polonia_, _Bohemia_, &c. will give a Testimony
large enough.
Now, thou Sophister, behold _Theophrastus Paracelsus_, and consider how
your _Apollo_, _Machaon_, and _Hippocrates_, natural Physicians, sought
this Tincture for resisting Diseases, because all Physicians aim at
long Life, and by this Universal, they, for the most part, obtained it,
and that very efficaciously; and according to their own Arbitriment,
named it the Tincture of Naturalists. For in all Medicine, what can be
greater, than such a cleansing of the Body, by which every Superfluity
in it, is totally eradicated, and transmuted? The Seed being found,
all things are perfect. What profits the evilly founded purgation of
Sophisters, since it removes nothing of that, which should be taken
away? Wherefore the most excellent Foundation of a true Physician
is, Regeneration of Nature, and Restoration of Youth: Then, that
new Essence, expels all whatsoever is adverse to its self. For this
Regeneration, the Powers and Virtues of the Tincture of Naturalists
were strangely found out, and until our time used by true Spagyrists,
and absconded as a Secret.
_Of VITRIOL._
Nature generates a Salt, called _Vitriol_. This is a peculiar kind
separated from all other Salts, possessing also Virtues different from
them. Its Virtues are so many, and so famous, as of right they ought
to be described in this Book. For, a perfect Cure of the Jaundice
is latent in Vitriol, also of the Gravel and Stone in the Reins
or Bladder, of all Feavers, Worms, Falling-sickness, _&c._ And in
Constipations of the Body, it is a famous Deopilative: In the mean
while of other Virtues in this Chapter to be mentioned, I here am
silent. The Description of this is to be directed both to Medicine
and Alchymy. For in Medicine, it is an excellent Remedy; in Alchymy
it is profitable for many other things. But the Art consists in the
Preparation of Vitriol for Medicine and Alchymy. For Vitriol crude, is
no such thing. It is like Wood, of which all things may be made. It is
profitable for Medicine of the Body; it profits also in Chirurgery,
or External Diseases, as the Psora, Tetter, Hereditary Leprosie, and
others; where all other Remedies are ineffectual, and as it were dead
to the Disease. Vitriol assaults Diseases of this kind powerfully, and
cures them fundamentally. Therefore the true Preparation of Vitriol is
in a special manner to be known by Physicians. For its Virtues when
crude are other, than when dissolved; and other when calcined, than
when converted into a green, red, or white clear Oyl. This is the
condition of it, that as often as it is reduced into another form, so
often it is made a peculiar _Arcanum_.
This confounds all Apothecaries, and Writers, both _Italians_ and
_Germans_. For this part is such, as it alone _per se_ can fill a
fourth part of all their Shops, and cure Diseases proportionally.
This being present, there is no need of so many Boxes, Pots, Glasses,
_&c._ set all of a row, and disposed in order in Shops. It concerns
a Physician, not to take care for so many Boxes, and Beyond-Sea
Medicines, but to be circumspect, provident, and wise as a Virgin;
since in such numbers of Vessels adulterate Remedies are for the most
part contained. If he use the aforesaid circumspection, at his own
doors he will find more choice Remedies, against all Diseases, than
_India_, _Egypt_, _Barbary_, or _Greece_ can afford.
Let every Physician follow this Basis, for it is now known even to
plain Country-men, that meer Frauds are contained in those Boxes:
Which, as they are for the most part of Wood, so are they that use them
Wooden Doctors and Apothecaries: But like with like do very well agree.
_Of the Species of =Vitriol=._
There are many Species of Vitriol, for they vary according to the
Pits out of which they are taken. The common Probation of this is,
as Coperas is proved upon Iron, but this is not true. The Genuine
Probation is, that it be used crude against the Worms, in that manner
as we will now explain; and accordingly as it expels Worms, so is it
more or less excellent in Medicine. In Alchymy, another Probation by
Cuprosity is more available; yet it may also be thus proved. If Vitriol
change Iron into Copper, and that speedily, and the same be perfectly
well gradated and soft under the Hammer, then is that Vitriol best in
Medicine and Alchymy? For there is a Conjunction of Iron and Vitriol,
where of Iron it makes Copper good and excellent. Of the best Vitriol
the best Copper is made. Let no man wonder, that Copper can be made
of Iron by Vitriol; for there is also this virtue in Nature, _viz._
that the Water of Borax makes Quick-silver of Lead. Also experience
teacheth, that _Cachymia’s_ transmute all Metals into other, no
otherwise than as Vitriol changeth Iron into Copper. Nor is Vitriol,
only the transmuter of one Metal into another, but there are also other
things, which have like effect upon all Metals. The reason why we know
not them all, is, because Sophisters pervert Arts for their private
benefit, using them only to supply their Purse and Kitchin.
In _Hungary_ is a River proceeding from Vitriol, or _per se_ consisting
of Vitriol, not coagulated into Crystals. If Iron be put therein, and
left for its due time, it turns to a Rubigo, or Rust. If that Rust
be melted by a Wind-Furnace, it is presently made pure and constant
Copper, not convertible into its own Nature of Iron. There are infinite
Mines of Vitriol found throughout _Germany_, all which cannot be
described apart. Yet the aforesaid Probations are to be used both in
Medicine and Alchymy. There is besides these another Probation (not
profitable in Medicine, but in Alchymy only) and that is: If the
Colcothar of Vitriol do from it self by Fire, give or yield Copper.
If it give Copper, then in Medicine it is weak, but in Alchymy strong
Vitriol. Likewise the Colours of Vitriol are to be observed: That
which is all over blue, mixed with no other Colour, is not so good in
Medicine, as that Vitriol, which is (as it were) parted, and all over
filled with red and yellow Lines and Veins. What in the Air inclines
to whiteness, is efficacious, and fit for the green and white Oyl of
Vitriol: what turns to a redness and yellowness is more excellent for
the red Oyl. There needs no more to be said touching the Species of
Vitriol, than what is suggested by Probation; which every Physician and
Alchymist should make, according to the use he intends it for. Lastly,
this Probation is never fallacious. If mixed with Galls, or Oak-Apples,
it makes good Ink, then it may be used in all Cases: But if it maketh
an aqueous, or waterish Ink, that needeth many additions, it is not so
good.
_Of the Virtues of =Vitriol= in Medicine: first, of it Crude,
and its Colcothar._
In explaining the virtues of Vitriol, I will first speak of the virtues
of it Crude, and of its Colcothar. Therefore, know ye, Vitriol is a
famous Purgation, in grievous and difficult Diseases of the Stomach.
For it sometimes happens, that the Stomach is distempered by Meats and
Drinks, and falls into a Diuturnal Disease, which continues unto death,
and by depraved Meats and Drinks, it often comes to pass, that the Sick
are either contracted in their Members, or die.
Also among Souldiers, through Immoderation, it frequently happens,
that burning Feavers, Dysenteries, and other Diseases arise. In all
these Evils, the highest, and most excellent Remedy is a Purgation
by Vitriol, which rightly and Allegorically is called _Gryllum_. Its
Dose is as much as you can take up at six times upon the point of a
Knife. If that Operate not, repeat the same Dose, and if not this Dose
neither, give it a third time, and it will be sufficient. To the Weak,
give it in Wine or Water; but to a strong Man, that is not easily
Laxative, in rich Wine. It so exhibited, will throughly purge upwards
and downwards. Indeed Hellebore, both the Spurges, Coloquintida,
_&c._ do famously purge also; yet not with virtues equal to Vitriol.
The Reason of this is, because in Vitriol is a certain sowreness,
which hath a conjoined Sharpness, Acrimony, and Detersion; by which
saline sowreness the Operation obtains a full and perfect power, which
neither Hellebore, nor Coloquintida, _&c._ hath. For the Nature, or
way of Purgation is here two-fold: One purgeth _per se_, the other
by Saltness. Therefore here the two virtues are better than the only
one in Hellebore. In Saltness a Specifick Form is latent, and that of
such a Nature, as all Worms touched by it die. And that is a singular
power, which destroys Worms, being what none of the aforesaid doth.
Therefore it is evident to every one, that a Purgation, which hath in
it self sowreness and saltness, together with a Laxative virtue, doth
in a double way and manner exquisitely cleanse, evacuate and purge.
Wherefore, for Internal Diseases, it is twice more noble, and more
excellent than other Purgations. But because I intend at large to
declare to you the Nature of Vitriol, there is no need I should also
explain those Internal Diseases: Yet in general I say, that a Purgation
of this kind in all Vices of the Stomach, in the Falling-Evil and
Vermination, is most profitable and most safe, if it be used according
to the condition of time, Disease, Person, _&c._
Touching Colcothar you are to know, that it is not inwardly to be
taken, but only to be applyed in Chirurgick Diseases, _viz._ in putrid
Ulcers, which admit not of Sanation: For in these it discovers the
way to perfect healing. Yet there are many Chirurgick Diseases, as
Grievous, Malignant, Worse and Worst. Against the Worse and Worst,
Colcothar is not conducent, yet is effectual against those, which
consist in the first degree; and therefore to be applied to them. For
the Worse and Worst of all, its Oyl is to be used according to the
degree of the evil, and of the Oyl. All Ulcers of this kind, how many
soever they be, are cured by Vitriol; but according to the degree, the
use of it is, that it be reduced to good Colcothar, which must be
certain times extinguish’d in Vinegar; and being dry, be sprinkled on,
or permixed with some Plaster, which by the Physician shall be judged
apt and fit for that evil. So it makes an Escar, which taken off by
Fatness, a good and easie Cure follows. But the Evil, which is not
obedient to this Cure, of it you shall thus judge, _viz._ that there is
yet more venom latent, which must thenceforth be searched out with Oyls
applied; because the Basis of the Ulcer cannot sufficiently be amended
with Colcothar for an intire Sanation. If crude Vitriol be dissolved
in Vinegar, and the Solution thickened with Colcothar into a Powder,
and so applied, it soon cleanseth the bottom of the Ulcer much more
potently, than of Colcothar is said. But the best way of reducing it to
Colcothar, is to extract the water thereof, and therewith to imbibe the
_Caput mortuum_, until it be consumed, afterwards to dry it leisurely
in the Air. If this be used, it induceth a better bottom in Ulcers. But
whatever you do, mind the degree of Ulcers, Tetters, _&c._ Whatsoever
of these is not cured, set about the Cure of, with its separated Oyl
and Water of which afterwards.
Although Colcothar answer not the desired end, yet by reason of that
the Cure must not be despaired of, but you must think of correcting
it in distilling. For by Preparation the Medicine is brought to the
highest degree, so as it even cures all Ulcerous Affects, as the Wolf,
Cancer, and the like. These are explained more at large where we speak
of the Preparation of them.
_Of the Water of =Vitriol= in Chirurgick, and Internal Diseases._
Alchymy discovers many excellent Arts to Physicians; by which,
wonderful Sanations of many Diseases are made. For this cause in the
beginning of Medicine, Physicians always used Alchymy; because this
was the Mother and Genetress of many Commodities. These two Faculties,
[_viz._ Medicine and Alchymy] as _Sociates_ so long kept together, as
until Deceivers and Humorist Sophisters arose, who mixed Venom with
Medicine, and made her a Strumpet. Such Medicine as this, will always
remain, as long as Humorists live. These things I thought good to
premonish you of, that henceforth you may give the more diligent heed
to this head Chapter, by reason of its famous Medicinal Utility.
But this is always to be premised, _viz._ That as often as unskilful
Men take in hand any Art, so often do they every way defile and corrupt
it, and of a Pearl make a stinking Puddle. The very same is also
committed in Vitriol. At first, the Spirit from Vitriol extracted, was
wont to be gradated to the highest. By this exalted, the Ancients did
perfectly cure the Falling-Evil, whether Recent or Inveterate, both in
Men and Women, of what Condition soever they were. But here unskilful
Laborators rushing in, attempted otherwise to reduce the Virtues of
Vitriol, and thus failing of the first way and _Arcanum_, they suffered
that to expire, and then sought an Oyl in the Colcothar, which could
not any way be made to that end, or have such a Use. For what is to
take away the Epilepsie must have a subtile, sharp, and penetrable
Spirit.
In that consists a faculty of piercing through the whole Body, and
of leaving no one thing untouched therein. And by that pervasion, or
penetration, the Disease is assaulted in its own place. For it cannot
be known certainly and indubitately, whence comes the Seat, or Centre,
or Period thereof. Hence we conclude, that a Physician hath only need
of such Remedies, as can penetrate the whole Body. This is the Reason,
why sordid Humorists heal none, but prostitute all their Doctrine and
Profession. Therefore, I positively affirm, that in the Oyl, which
those Laborators seek, is no penetrating Spirit. A meer Terrestreity
(as I may call it) is by them used, which penetrates not at all, but
where it falls there it lies. Wherefore it is greatly to be bewailed,
that the true Process is suppressed by that unskilfulness, and a false
substituted in its stead. But I am perswaded, the Devil contrived that,
to the end the Sick should not be cured, and the Sect of Humorists
might thenceforth spread the more.
Let us return to the beginning; how the Spirit of Vitriol was found
out. The Humid Spirit of Vitriol was at first distilled from its
Colcothar; then it was gradated, by distilling and circulating _per
se_, as the Process teacheth. This way the Water began to be used for
many Diseases, both Internal and External, as for the Falling-sickness,
_&c._ and thus a marvellous Sanation was effected. But in the
extraction they were wonderful diligent; for they took the Spirit of
Vitriol corrected, as above, and distilled it from Colcothar eight or
ten times, with a most strong fire; so the dry Spirits were mixed with
the Humid Spirits, and the Work so long continued, as until the dry
Spirits came forth together with the Humid, by extracting. Afterward,
both Spirits put into a Phial were gradated to the highest. This
Medicine they found to be of much more powerful Operation against
Diseases, and by that Medicament effected so much, as they confounded
all Humorists in General. Yet here is no Correction added to it (by
Artists) by Spirit of Wine, to render it of greater Penetration. But it
was of no greater degree, than as I shewed.
Now I will Communicate to you my Process, which I commend to all
Physicians, especially for Cure of the Falling-Evil, the singular
Cure of which, consists in Vitriol. For which cause, Charity to our
Neighbour binds us to institute a more diligent Cure in this Disease.
The Process is thus.
I imbibe the Vitriol with Spirit of Wine, and afterward distil it
from the dry and humid Spirits: This being done, I find the following
Addition to be very profitable, _viz._ If Spirit of Tartar, corrected,
be mixed to a third part of the Vitriol, and Spirit of Treacle-water
Camphorate, be added in a fifth part, with respect of the Vitriolate
Spirits. Thus I administer it, before the assault of the Fit, or
certain times in a day. This Medicine is famously efficacious against
this Disease; yea, so excellent, as a better cannot be desired from
Nature.
Therefore, the first Process invented by the Ancients, is to be
retained with the said Correction, _viz._ by imbibing with Spirit of
Wine before distillation, and by adding the Spirits of Tartar and
Treacle-water after distillation, as is said. For so is attained the
Heart of Nature, and every Virtue.
I hope I shall not be blamed, but commended rather by every good Man,
that considers the horridness of this Disease, which would even move a
stone to Commiseration. Since so great is the vehemency and horridness
of this Disease, as almost any Man may lawfully say, Cursed be all
Physicians, who passing by such Sick, yield them no relief, but like
the _Priest_ and _Levite_ in _Jericho_, who forsaking the wounded
man, left him to be cured by the _Samaritan_. I pray here give your
judgment, what Condemnation were that _Priest_ and _Levite_ worthy of,
who passing by the distressed, _stopped their Nose_, as the Proverb is;
surely they were worthy of Hell Fire, from which is no Redemption.
And who can judge any other of all Physicians, none excepted, that
look upon this Disease, and yet pass by with their Nose stopt? Who
can otherwise say, than that they must render an account of it at the
last day? Notwithstanding, all these men are generally so disposed,
as they will not wag their hand, or bestow one penny, for acquiring a
more certain Foundation for the cure of this Disease. Did they not, as
it were, by compact imitate _Priests_ and _Levites_, but would rather
study to imitate the _Samaritan_, GOD certainly would recompense their
fidelity with a manifestation of the Secrets of Nature, with which they
might be helpful to the Sick. And if such Virtues were not incited in
Nature, the Almighty would undoubtedly create them anew. Therefore I
testifie, together with you noble and ignoble men, that all Doctors
generally have basely erred and deviated from the Truth. Whatsoever
those Seducers, _Galen_, _Avicen_, _&c._ foolishly devised, to that
they adhere, and relie upon those Lyes, so far are they possessed with
the Devil, that they cannot exercise Charity towards their Neighbours;
and in this manner they make themselves the Sons of Damnation; for
their only study and drift is to heap up Wealth. The Kingdom of GOD is
first of all to be sought, yet not after the fashion of the _Priest_
and _Levite_, but according to the _Samaritan_ nature. If we be
merciful, and follow the example of the _Samaritan_, GOD is with us,
who will presently help us with a Remedy not yet created in Nature.
In the mean while, since Physicians deal with the Sick _Levitically_
and _Priest_-like, the most Wise GOD withholds Medicine, and reserves
it to himself. The Sick flie to the Kingdom of GOD, but Physicians to
the Infernal Abyss, prepared for _Levitical_ Doctors of the same sort.
Therefore open your eyes and look, the way is two-fold, one leads to
infernal shades, this the _Levites_ follow; the other way leads to
Heaven, unto which the _Samaritan_ directs his Feet.
That Vitriolate _Arcanum_, and its extraction, is not only excellent in
the _Falling Evil_, but is also conducent in other species like unto
it, as in _Swounings_, _Extasies_, _&c._ Also it is after the same
manner beneficial in all Oppilations and inward Imposthumes, and is no
less efficacious in precipitation and suffocation of the Matrix. Yet
in it are many more Virtues acquirable than are here commemorated, if
greater diligence in inquiring be bestowed thereabout, and Physicians
themselves would be better men. But the Devil, whom they serve,
possesseth them, and stirs them up to the hating of Him who loves
Verity. Even thus things are acted about the Health of Good Men.
It is further to be known, that the aforesaid Receipts of the
preparation of the humid spirit of Vitriol cannot more clearly be
described; for to understand that, a sufficient Artist is required;
those sordid Decocters cannot understand a thing of so great moment.
Therefore you are only to expect all-sufficient Information from true
_Artists_, and _Alchymistick Laborators_; so also by them you must
be fully instructed about the correction of spirit of Wine. For the
Doctors of Academies are so very rude, as they can scarcely discern
_Agarick_ and _Manna_. Yet this kind of Asses are created Doctors. You
have Treacle-Water contained in my practice, in the Chapter of the
Cure of the _Falling-Evil_; what others there are of this kind, are
not here to be recited. By this Chapter you may learn, That the Art
and all Virtue of Vitriol, consists in well-extracting the Spirit,
and graduating it to the height, and by addition deducing it to
Penetration, whereby it may search out the center, root, and seed of
the Disease. For ’tis impossible so exquisitely to find the places,
as those Doctors babble of Humours. Certainly, the Foundation is not
yet known, as what it is that makes a Disease, or where that lies,
or what that is, which casts a man into so grievous a Fit. Therefore
every Operation is only to be committed to that _Arcanum_, which
Nature hath directed to the Disease; that _Arcanum_ searcheth out his
Disease, as the Sun penetrates all the Angles of the World. Briefly, I
say, whosoever endeavours to be a true Physician, ought first of all
to learn to be a _Samaritan_, not a _Priest_ or _Levite_. If he be a
_Samaritan_, all things he hath need of will be given him; nothing
will be occult to, or hidden from him. But to him who will first be a
_Priest_ or _Levite_, nothing will be given, unless it be Infidelity,
which he also had before. Thus are such men paid in their own Coin.
_Of the Red Oil of_ Vitriol.
You are also to understand, how of the _Colcothar_ by a Retortive
Destillation, in a Chymical manner, a blood-like and most sowre Oil
may be prepared. This Oil Laborators have judged more efficacious
in the aforesaid Diseases than the Spirit, but that their judgment
was erroneous. The vulgar Process of preparing it I think not to
mention here; for every thing of moment is cited in manual Operation
and diligent Inspection, also in convenient Instruments. As touching
the Virtues you are first to understand, that it is a sowre thing,
so far exceeding all sowreness, as nothing than it is more sowre. It
likewise contains a corrosive nature, for which cause it had need be
used circumspectly and warily, _viz._ not _per se_, but in a good
Concordancy and suitable mixture, with respect to that against which it
is exhibited. We will explain this by Example: The Viper is a Serpent
most venomous, therefore of no use alone, but in Composition it is most
excellently useful; for of it Treacle is made. The very same is also
to be judged of this Oil, _viz._ That it is not to be used alone,
but in a Composition suitable and fit, as of Treacle we have said. By
reason of its sowrness, it profits a Stomach free from Choler and an
Imposthume; but if either an Imposthume or Choler be present, it is
manifest by Experience, that it hath no good effect. For the Imposthume
is inraged by it, and exasperated by such sowrness, passeth into an
unquiet matter. And if Choler be present, a mutual Ebullition and
Strife is caused, no otherwise than as is seen between _Aqua-fortis_
and _Tartar_, neither of which can remain or persist with the other.
Therefore diligently and circumspectly consider, lest you erre to
the damage of the Sick. In Composition this Oil is profitable for
other Affects, as in all Fevers and want of Appetite, if given in the
aforesaid manner, _viz._ in a good concordancy. There are many other
Virtues said to be in this Oil, but Experience confirms few of them.
I have seen and proved those to be egregious Lyars, who have boasted,
that they could do Wonders with this Oil. It is true, it is useful
in the _Stone_ and _Gravel_, yet I have known no man cured by it. In
all it doth something, but not to purpose: Yet in my Practice, in the
Chapter of the Cure of _Gravel_, you shall find a Composition thereof,
for this and other diseases. But as I said of the Corrosion of this
Oil, used by it self, so I do also affirm, that the same Corrosion hath
power of diminishing or breaking the _Stone_, and expelling _Gravel_;
yet that is done with so great difficulty, as there is need of some
other Invention, than hath hitherto been practised; for otherwise it
may not safely be used. As much as any man hath gained by Experience,
so much I allow of. This Medicine is new; wherefore it daily ought to
be proved anew, and as oft as need is permixed with new Compositions.
But as to Chirurgery, of this Oil you are to note, It doth indeed
excite great dolours, yet it inferrs present Health, even in the most
difficult diseases. For in the Hereditary Scab of the Head, called
_Achores_, it is so effectual, as it takes the same off in one whole
piece, as a Man pulls off an Helmet from his Head. With this Oil the
whole Head is to be anointed with a Feather, where it is hairy, for
3 daies continually; then expect its Operation. If you see it not
sufficient, anoint it more often, according as the Scab shall be. The
same Oil may also be co-tempered and mixed with Water of _Selandine_,
and the Head often washed therewith. Yet he who would be healed,
must not think that his Cure can be effected without dolour; for
the condition of the Sick is the same as of a pregnant Woman, which
brings not forth without exceeding great pain. So Meat, without pain,
cannot be prepared for us; with dolour and sweat also we are freed
from diseases. This way all _Tetters_, _Scabs_, and _Itch_, together
with all other Vices of the skin, howsoever arising, are healed; and
likewise the depraved _Tentigo_, by anointing herewith, is cured, and
the _Wolf_ and _Cancer_ expelled and mortified; yet in this case you
must diligently observe, if the Evil be very forcible (that the Venom
so deeply penetrate, as the quick and sound flesh be in success of time
like to be eaten away and fall off) to apply a good _Oppodeloch_ for a
defensive.
But in whatsoever estiomenous Ulcers, other Remedys be deficient,
this Medicine yields relief, by reason of the degree it holds. It
will not be improper to mix this Oil with some fat Unguent, and so
apply it. This way it will cause less pain, but it is not so swift in
operating: _Dolour_ can by no means be avoided, no more than a Woman
in Travel can be delivered without pains. The best, and most sublime
way of preparing this Oil, is to destil it into spirit; so a very small
weight will be sufficient in all the aforesaid diseases, which are then
removed with little trouble.
These things I have found out by experience of the Red Oil of Vitriol,
which in grievous diseases is an excellent and famous Medicine; for
fetid and contagious diseases of this kind, as are the _Scab_, _Itch_,
_Tetter_, _Achores_, and other like Affects, which are of affinity to
the _Leprosie_, may be cured by this great Gift of Nature, which is
here offered to the Physician, by which he may effectually cleanse
and heal diseased men. There is not an abundance of Remedies of this
kind, therefore I will carefully preserve this Oil, _&c._ for all
other Coctures are nothing worth, nor do they remove these loathsome
diseases, but with their fatness do cause them to be reincrudated and
encreased.
_Of the White and Green Oil of =Vitriol=._
It is worthy of consideration, that from crude Vitriol an Oil is
destilled by descent, sometimes white, and sometimes green, according
to the condition of the Vitriol. This Oil deserves a singular
commendation; for since it is prepared of crude Vitriol, therefore
it also contains the spirit of the same, touching which I have above
treated. This Oil, made by descent, demonstrates by those its Virtues
that it is an excellent and admirable Remedy for the before-mentioned
internal diseases. The same Oil whether it be white or green, (but the
green is better) if circulated and mixed with the above-commemorated
spirit of Vitriol, is a certain and indubitate Remedy against the
Falling-Evil, and all its species. But it is worthy your observation,
that this disease is seldome so solitary, as not to have other Evils
concurrent with it. Indeed, that such a concurrency is, is evidently
manifest by all diseases. Hence it is now clear, that a Remedy against
the principal Evil is not sufficient, but Secrets against concurrent
symptoms are also required. For this cause in my Practise I have
designed a peculiar Chapter of the Falling-Evil, not for the principal
Remedy sake, which in this place is sufficiently described, but only
for the understanding of those things, which concurr together with
the first Affect. If other Accidents do not concurr together with the
first Affect, there is no need of exhibiting other Medicaments than the
principal, which is sufficient. Therefore, touching the green Oil, thus
do ye: Graduate it to the highest, that it may be separated from its
terrestreity and fæces, in _Balneo_ first, afterward in dry Fire. So in
_Balneo_ the phlegm is taken away, and the terrestreity removed by dry
Fire, and the spirit of the Oil only is collected, which in it self is
circulated. Afterward you may make addition with spirit of Wine, but
there is no need of adding more, if it be only to be used as a Primary
Remedy, without Medication of coherent diseases.
It is to be given in Water of Pæony, alwaies before the coming of
the Fit, whether it be frequent or seldome, _&c._ Therefore mind the
Paroxisms. As soon as the spirit of the Oil finds out the center of
the disease, then the Fit is pacified, and thenceforth waxeth more and
more gentle. But when it exerciseth a power of Healing, it first of
all excites a _Vertigo_ sensible to the Sick, who notwithstanding do
not fall nor foam, nor are shaken, or quake, nor deprived of reason,
but are seized with a gentle sleep, and are much better presently. At
length the _Vertigo_ also ceaseth, and the sleep is ended; yet in the
mean while the Medicine must continually be applied, several times
reiterated, according to the condition of the Disease and Patient. This
way the Cure is to be followed, and all things diligently administred.
This belongs not to a drunken Physician, or _Doctor Levite_.
_Of the =Vitriolate Oyl= to be used in =Alchymy=, and also of
the Crude._
Now to speak of the Alchymistick Virtues absconded in Vitriol: I will
first propose to you the Virtues of Crude Vitriol: How every Crude
Vitriol of Iron makes Copper. For the Alchymist doth not this, but
Nature, or Vitriol, by the Operation of the Alchymist performs the
same. And this is the sublime power of Nature. And in the light of
Nature it is done, but not without admiration; to see any Metal, as
it were put off it self, and become another; which is almost, as if
of a Man, a Woman should be made. But in these things Nature hath her
singular Privilege granted by GOD, for the sake of Man. I speak this of
Transmutation, that you may understand, that the foolish Philosopher
_Aristotle_, was not well grounded in his Philosophy, but was meerly
fatuate. Now I will give you the Receipt, that you may know how, in
all places of _Germany_, to make Copper of Iron; whence we may easily
gather, what the power of Transmutation is, and that many other
Transmutations may be made; although they as yet be unknown to Us.
To change Iron into Copper is not of so great moment, as to turn Iron
into Gold. Therefore, what is least, GOD manifests, but the greater is
yet hid, until the _Elias of Sciences_ shall come: For Arts also, want
not their _Elias_. The Receipt of this Transmutation is thus.
_R._ Of the Scales, or Filings of Iron (without all other Metals, as
Copper, Tin, _&c._) ℔ j. Quick-silver, ℔ _ss._ Put both into a large
Iron Pan, or Pot, and pour on them one Measure of Vinegar, and of
Vitriol ℥ _iiij._ Sall-Armoniack, ℥ _j._ _ss._ Boil them together, and
continually stir them well with a Wooden Spatula. If the Vinegar vapour
away, pour on more, and add new Vitriol.
By this Decoction, Iron is changed into Copper: If it be made Copper,
it all passeth into the Quick-silver, the boiling being continued
for ten or twelve hours. After the Cocture is ended, separate the
Quick-silver from the Iron (as much of it as is left) and well wash it,
that it may be clean. Put that Quick-silver into a Bag made of Leather
or Cotton, and press it out; so you will see an Amalgama left. Suffer
that Amalgama to expire by Vulcanick Heat, and you will find pure and
good Copper. Of this Copper, _R._ ℥ _ss._ of Silver as much, make them
flow, or melt them together, and the Silver will presently ascend to
the sixteenth degree. This way you may prove, that such Copper is made
of Iron: But that the degrees are fixed, is not true. Yet he, who in
Regal Cement is able well to operate, may thence receive a sufficient
Recompence for his pains. The whole business consists in the Operation,
and in Judicious labouring: Yet in this most men erre. Nevertheless, by
the aforesaid Process, you may always make Copper of Iron. I so often
inculcate this, only to confirm the transmutation of one into another.
Also of Vitriol such is the Nature, as if the Colcothar thereof be
calcined, it with easie liquefaction is turned into Copper. For in
it is a wonderful Coppery Nature, and in Copper also a Nature of
greatest Affinity to Vitriol. If Copper be dissolved in _Aquafortis_,
and Crystallized, it makes every Copper Vitriol, and it is no more
Copper: So also of Vitriol, Copper is made; and that is no more
Vitriol. Therefore the Reason of such Affinity in Vitriol and Copper
is very strange. What is Cuprous or of Copper, makes good Vitriol.
So Verdigrease, which is good and highly gradated, gives a Saphyrick
Vitriol.
Although it may seem ridiculous for us to discourse of these things;
yet it cannot be deny’d, that in Vitriol a Tincture is latent, which
is of greater efficacy than many can believe. Blessed is he that
understands this. But touching the Oil of Vitriol, further note. If the
Oil of Quick-silver, and this Oil be conjoined, and so coagulated in
their Process, a Saphire of wonderful Nature and Condition is produced:
Not indeed a Saphire stone, but like unto it, of an admirable Tincture;
of this I will say no more. Hence it is evident, that stupendous, and
to be admir’d _Arcanums_ are treasured up in Nature, and in many other
things created by GOD, and produced by Nature. Now, it would be more
commendable for us to search out these things with an indefatigable
labour and study, than to consume our days in Luxury, Drunkenness,
Whoredom, _&c._ But at this time, Lascivious Whoremongers, are in
greatest Honour, and so are like to be, until with these Vices one
third part of Men be suffocated, and another third part destroyed
by Pestilence; so as one part of the World, will scarcely remain
untainted, or unconsumed. For with this abomination the World cannot
long endure, nor good Arts flourish. Therefore, of necessity these
evil Courses must be annihilated and cut off, otherwise no good can
have place. But when this evil time is expired, the Golden age shall
flourish; that is, Man at length shall use his own Understanding, and
live as a Man, not as a Brute, nor act as a Swine, or lie in the Caves
of Murtherers or Robbers.
Therefore, since I have communicated to you these things of Vitriol,
out of my good affection to all; I do earnestly entreat all Physicians
in general, when they shall see the unhappy and miserable sick so
afflicted with that most grievous Disease the Falling-Evil, seriously
to confider, what GOD the Creator, their own Consciences, and Charity
to their Neighbour, command and require of them in such a deplorable
State as this; and not contemn, or slightly esteem of the Virtues,
which by GOD himself are insited in Vitriol. Let Charity move you
night and day to be diligent in these things: Let none be found idle,
but every one make it his business to help his needy Neighbour: But
be not you deterred herefrom, because Lawyers do not this. Hear what
Christ said: _Woe to you Lawyers_. Surely this is not a light Saying.
Nor take you any offence at _Theologians_, because they rather seek
Rewards and Salaries, than take care for the sick: These are they,
which in _Jericho_ passed by. Be ye _Samaritans_, and press after
the _Samaritan_ Virtue: So GOD will conferr on you such profound and
necessary Gifts, as in curing the sick you shall be sensible of no
Deficiency. All things you have need of shall be given you, do you only
search out this Treasure.
Thus far _Paracelsus_.
An Admonition.
Although all things we have in the foregoing Discourse proposed,
touching our _Sal Mirabile_, be consentaneous to Verity; and the
Virtues, which we have ascribed to it in Medicine, Alchymy, and
various Arts, do powerfully discover themselves, yet we find very
much diversity in it, according to the diversity of matter, of which
it is made. For, that which is prepared of Vitriol, is of a far other
Nature, and endowed with far other Properties, than that, which is made
of _Salt-Nitre_. And what is made of common Salt, agrees with neither
of these: For one possesseth a greater sharpness than another; yea,
this more than that, dissolves Metals. The more potent, are fit for
Transmutation and Solution of Metals; the more weak subservient to
Medicine; the weakest, and most sweet, profitable for multiplication
and propagation of Vegetables.
These things, he who would reap the desired Fruits of his Labours,
ought necessarily to know, and consider accurately of. For if any one,
in hopes of future Multiplication, committed to the Earth the Seeds of
Vegetables imbibed with the stronger Salt, he will indeed never obtain
his desired end, nor will the Earth give forth any Plants, because
such sharp Salts do rather destroy, than augment Vegetables. In like
manner, Metals are delighted with a convenient Salt, _viz._ with the
more sharp, as Vegetables are with the more sweet. Therefore, when we
find our labour to be frustrated, we must not impute that to the _Sal
Mirabile_, but to our own Unskilfulness.
Indeed these Salts are endowed with far more noble Virtues than we
mentioned in the precedent Discourse; but the high Ingratitude of Men
of this Age, permit us not to discover the same. For if you communicate
your Secrets to those Men, from whom you cannot require a promise of
Secrecy; be assured, the knowledge of those Secrets will presently come
to others, who will proudly use the same to thy Disparagement.
If you do the contrary, and keep to your self, whatsoever you have
purchased by your own Labour and Costs; you will create Enmities to
your self. So as which way soever you take, you will sustain loss.
The Consideration of these things, have caused me to resolve to
expose my Laboratory, with all my Arcanums, to the view of others.
The end of this only was to exhibit to the sight of all, the truth of
those things, which I have purchased with indefatigable Labour, and
communicated to the World by writing; that this way, the Mouths of the
Malevolent and Ignorant may be stopped.
I could, if it were needful, give various other Reasons, by which I was
moved to make my Laboratory common to those that desired it.
Now the year is past, in which I promised _in my fourth part of the
Prosperity of_ Germany, I would build a Laboratory, and exhibit
the Wonders of GOD to my Friends. I then publickly and privately
demonstrated various most excellent Inventions, not without labour
and very great Charges, all which I value not, since I know, that by
this means I have discovered the Truth to many, which they also will
publickly own to the honour of the most high GOD, and Correction of
envious Detracters.
I did purpose also, in the following year, to continue my Labours
for the sake of faithful Friends, but (besides other hinderances) my
Age prevented that, Nevertheless, those, to whom I have committed my
Laboratory, will perform the same, and exhibit a Light to this blind
World. This I was willing to signifie to all, that they may for the
future cease to trouble me with Letters.
But whilst I exhibit the Virtues of my _Sal Mirable_, and to it
(prepared in Glasses after the above recited manner) ascribe the virtue
of changing imperfect Metals into Silver and Gold, I would not have
this matter so understood, as if we could by the help of it acquire
to our selves Gold in a very great quantity, it is sufficient to have
demonstrated the possibility (of Transmutation) and the same to be
proved by a small quantity.
It is most certain, that very many Medicaments may be prepared, by the
help of it, against various effects of the Humane Body. Also it is most
certain, that it is very conducent for a particular gradation of the
Minor Metals into better. Believe me, that have experienced the same;
if you rightly proceed, you will reap no mean Fruits.
But touching the true Universal, I do question, whether by the help
of it, it may be procured. Assuredly, if common Gold, as to its
degree, can be changed above what is Natural, Why should it be judged
impossible, to exalt it further, in length of time? time? My decrepid
Age forbids me to put my hand to this Work; yet to Posterity (better
able than I to sustain the heat of fire) occasion is given, by Prayers
and Labour to search further; perhaps, GOD will grant to them, what he
hath denied to us.
This Operation, by which we peculiarly draw profit from the Minor
Metals, cannot be performed in common Crucibles, as we before said;
because they are obnoxious to breaking, and so the Liquors are easily
lost; but in such as will not easily break, unless after a long time,
and will not permit the humid Salt to run out. Here it will be needful
to peruse those things (relating to this matter) which I mentioned in
the Third and Fourth Parts of the _Prosperity of_ Germany.
To prepare these Crucibles is a great Work, greater to make some Pounds
of Salt, or rightly to use the same; but greatest of all, (and in which
the summ of all consists) to know what Metals are to be joined, or in
what quantity. Here many will have enough to do, and be at a loss,
although they enjoy my Secret Furnace, and know how to make the Salt of
Art in abundance.
Besides all these, we must needs crack the hard Nut, if we will eat the
sweet Kernel. It is required of us to know an easie way of separating
Gold or Silver from fixed Metals; for such a Metallick Mass, altogether
untameable, cannot be separated by the help of Lead, _per se_, as
Ductile Metals; but here is need of another Separation; which is the
principal thing.
Nor should any Man perswade himself, that all things are here so
clearly written by us, as he can by their literal sence most easily
institute the Operation. For there is need of a long time, and a
skilful Master. It would be a very inconsiderate thing to set about
those things, of which we have no knowledge.
Although this is my Admonition, here often repeated, yet there will be
some, who neglecting it, will set about the said Operation, and perhaps
find out various profitable things: In like manner, there will be
various found, who following my Prescripts, will reap much benefit from
the Minor Metals.
Who can deny, but that _Mary Ranta, a Brittain_, hath Prophesied truly,
_viz._ That true Alchymy should flourish in the Year of Christ, 1660?
I my self have not seen this Prediction, but have it from the Relation
of others, whereunto I refer the Reader. And add, that if such a
Prediction were not, daily Experience doth abundantly witness, that
egregious things are here and there performed in Metallicks, by help of
my _Sal-Mirabile_. And there is no doubt, but that all Darkness will
daily more and more be dissipated by the power of this Light.
I have unto some communicated the use of this Light for their proper
benefit; but these, contrary to my Intention, have caused what I
thought to have kept secret, to be spread abroad in publick and many
have hit on the right way leading to Verity. If this be done without
my knowledge, what would not have been done, if my Laboratory had been
open for a year longer? Certainly the World would have shewed it self
other than it is, and altogether new; which the new and great Star
extending it self from the South to the West, seems to indicate.
Let the most high GOD grant what are necessary, and salutary for us,
turn the Ungodly into the right way, and give to his own Children, Rest
and Peace, that his most Holy Name and Truth always to be magnified,
may not be totally suppressed by the Impious. _Amen._
ANNOTATIONS
UPON THE
CONTINUATION
OF
Miraculum Mundi.
Explaining and Defending the _SECRETS_ therein contained;
As also the True _Aurum Potabile_ therein mentioned.
It is truly said, that He who builds an House by the Highway exposeth
his Building to the judgments of all sorts of men, and to their
censure especially who have not skill enough in Architecture, to erect
a Country Cottage. The same is wont to happen to those who write
concerning things not common or unknown. For you shall presently
hear People saying, _Who knows whether this be true or not?_ thereby
signifying that they cannot perceive those things which exceed their
Capacity; but nevertheless they will not altogether reject them,
because they are yet in doubt concerning the truth of them. This their
doubting is not to be taken ill, because it proceedeth from ignorance,
but not from envy. On the contrary, there is another sort of perverse
men, who being puffed up with their own putatitious knowledge, despise
unknown things, not out of simplicity or ignorance, but out of a meer
diabolical envy to those who have a greater knowledge and experience of
things than themselves.
This hath also happened, and doth daily happen to me, especially since
the publishing of my _Miraculum Mundi_, in that I have there disclosed
Secrets of great moment, of which the Vulgar, nor yet the bubbles
of Envy, have plainly no knowledge; and therefore out of meer Envy,
reproach them for Unprofitable and False.
But to stop the mouths of such persons, I intend shortly to build a
spacious and well-furnished Laboratory, and in it to place a good
Laborious Operator, who being occupied therein with continual Labours,
shall shew the Divine Wonders to those who desire to see the same.
Which being done, I shall have no farther need to defend my Writings
against every Calumniator; seeing that I know there will be those (GOD
willing) hereafter, who will defend the truth which they have seen with
their eyes and handled with their hands.
In this Laboratory shall be seen not only those Artificial destilling
Furnaces, and my Press for Wood, with the circulatory Instruments
necessary for the easie making of Salt-Petre; but also those things
shall be shewed, which I have treated of in my _Miraculum Mundi_, and
its Continuation, yea, and much more than I have there declared.
Those things also which I have ascribed to my _Aurum Potabile_ shall
be demonstrated to be the very truth, _viz._ That crude Mercury, in an
hour or two’s time, may be by it converted into pure Gold. Nor shall
this only be proved, but also that after my _Aurum Potabile_ hath
tinged and changed the ☿ into pure and constant Gold, that nevertheless
it hath yet great Virtue, _viz._ that any Arsenick, whether white or
yellow, being digested in it for some hours, is so changed, that its
poisonous quality passeth into a good Medicine, resisting all Poison.
Nor doth it only become a powerful Medicine against venomous and
incurable diseases, which cannot be eradicated by purging, bleeding,
sweating, and the like Remedies, whilst it Tinctureth the evil Humours
in the Blood and other parts of the Body, and changeth them into good
Humours. But this also being changed into Medicine, and its Venom
converted, sheweth its power in Metals; if it be cast upon melted
Copper, then the Copper poured out and proved on a Cupel with Saturn,
leaveth behind it some good Silver and Gold. These two proofs are
sufficient for the defence of my _Aurum Potabile_. But that any one
may be yet rendered more certain, after those two Experiments, _viz._
the coagulation and transmutation of Mercury into pure Gold, and the
conversion of poisonous Arsenick into a safe Medicament, he may yet try
a third, and that indeed incredible, with the same _Aurum Potabile_
that hath been twice used, as before, and this not upon mild or slight
Poisons, but upon the most dangerous and indefensible both to Men,
Beasts, and all living things, to wit, Mercury sublimate, which being
digested for some hours in the said _Aurum Potabile_, layeth aside all
its horrid and formidable Venom, and passeth into a safe Purging and
Diaphoretick Medicine, and losing its former white Colour and corrosive
Venom, it becomes a sweet red Powder, purging out the _Gout_, _Pox_,
_Leprosie_, and other detestable diseases, and impregnateth Saturn in
some measure with a Golden Tincture. So also white Arsenick, after
digestion, putteth off its white colour, loseth its corrosive faculty,
and is changed into a sweet and yellow powder.
These Experiments and Proofs ought not to be hidden to the Studious of
good Medicines, but to be made manifest to the everlasting and immortal
testimony of the Truth, against all ignorant Sophisters whatsoever.
I have, for my defence, the most sharp Sword of Truth, whose edge, if
any desire to feel, let him come forth; the defence of the Truth will
be grateful and easie to me, although the malice of the whole world
should oppose me. I here challenge all those Calumniators who being
moved by a diabolical envy, have endeavoured to oppose my most true
Writings; let them come forth with their Lyes into the open light,
and into the view of the whole World, and shew any Experiment like to
those which I here promise to shew, that we may see how filthily or
basely they will appear, like the darkness vanishing by the light and
splendour of the Sun. If they cannot, as indeed it is not in their
power, (_for he that hath any knowledge of things never contemneth a
good one_) nor will be possible for them to do; forasmuch as they know
nothing, it is but reasonable that for the time to come they should
restrain their virulent tongues, and cease to calumniate those things
which they neither know nor understand.
I do not wonder that those Slanderers, attempting the coagulation of
Mercury into Gold, have erred, seeing that it hath sometimes happened
to my self, that I have erred two or three times together, and could
not effect that Transmutation, until the cause thereof was known to
me: For if through too much haste the humidity of the _Aurum Potabile_
shall exhale or evaporate too fast, the Mercury being dried up, cannot
be sufficiently penetrated, nor throughly tinged.
An errour also may be committed, if the glass containing the Mercury
and the _Aurum Potabile_ grow hot too fast, so that the Mercury with
the _Aurum Potabile_ boil, and leaps, disperseth it self by too
much motion, and exhibiteth it self in form of a powder, when it
ought to remain in the bottom, concreted into a round mass. So will
he also greatly erre, who shall use Mercury that is not pure and
clean, but adulterated, and defiled with many sordes or impurities,
which Impediments deny ingress to the Tincture, and render the trial
uncertain and precarious. Therefore it is necessary that the Mercury
be first well ground with Salt and Vinegar, in a _lignum vitæ_, or
Stone or Glass Mortar, and by a diligent washing freed from all its
blackness, whereby it more easily admitteth the Tincture. I have found
that Mercury very fit for this Operation, which is sublimed by the
_Fulmen of Jove_, into which my _Aurum Potabile_ hath a swift Ingress,
and tingeth the whole of it.
Truly it shews the great ignorance and boldness of those Calumniators,
to dare to spread such false clamours and rumours, saying, _That
Mercury cannot be indeed tinged into Gold by my =Aurum Potabile=, but
that the Gold which was before in my =Aurum Potabile= applieth it self
to the Mercury, and in some sort coagulateth it, but doth not render
it fixt and constant_. But this is indeed a very rude and ignorant
Assertion, which every one but meanly versed in the handling of Gold
and Mercury, is able to detect of Folly.
For if common Gold, dissolved in Water, would readily coagulate
Mercury, what should we further seek or desire? But this is greatly
wide of the matter, seeing that in all such Solutions the Gold in
digestion adheres to the injected Mercury by precipitation, and passeth
with it into a white _Amalgama_, the Mercury constantly persevering in
its pristine Nature, not admitting the least transmutation into Gold,
the which exceedeth not the knowledge and capacity of Rusticks, but is
difficult to be understood by those putatitious Doctors, who believe
such things to exceed all Belief.
It is well known, that the purest Gold hath no more of perfection than
what it needeth for its own defence; that hath not the least power to
amend any other metal, and to render it fixt and constant, much less
that it can coagulate Mercury, (the derider of all Alchymists and
Sophisters) into Gold. Of both is made a white _Amalgama_, but not
hard yellow Gold constant in the Fire. He that believeth not me, let
him make trial himself, and he shall find it answerable to my words.
Besides, all corporeal Gold refuseth solution by fixt Nitre, of which
my _Aurum Potabile_ is prepared, the which, if it were yet possible,
the Gold would not be hid in it, but the solution would be yellow,
and would colour the skin with a subrubid or blackish colour, which
my _Aurum Potabile_ doth not. Therefore its tinging Virtue consisteth
not in corporeal Gold, but in a golden Tincture, from the first _Ens_
of Gold, converted into an Astral Essence, by the benefit of Art. By a
like reason the _Astrum_ of _Luna_ impresseth Mercury with the nature
of Silver, the _Astrum_ of _Venus_ transmuteth it into Copper, the
_Astrum_ of _Mars_ converteth the same into hard Iron, the _Astrum_
of _Jupiter_ of it maketh Tin, and the _Astrum_ of Saturn investeth
it with the nature of Lead. For Mercury is transmuted into that
Metal, whose _Astrum_ it shall receive. So the _Astrum_ of Mercury
changeth all the metals into a running _Argent-vive_, although this
transmutation brings little or no profit. Nevertheless, I intend to
prepare the _Astrums_ of all the metals, and thereby to shew the power
of Nature and Art to the studious of the Truth, and so to manifest it
to the World. The _Astrums_ of metals being extracted from their first
_Ens_, they are no longer metals, but their tinging Anima’s, which at
length with Mercury, become corporeal metals.
This is the true and genuine Foundation, upon which the whole structure
of my _Aurum Potabile_ is built. Therefore, as pure Gold, cannot render
Mercury partaker of its own golden nature; so neither Silver, nor
Copper, nor any other metal, will communicate its nature to Mercury,
but being precipitated, attracteth it to it self, but in no wise
changeth it. Hence the Philosophers say, That the Tinctures of Metals
are not to be sought in the metals themselves, but in their first
_Ens._ As _Basil Valentine_;
_Quod prima Entia non efficiunt,
Hoc Aurum & Argentum non faciunt._
Which is to be well regarded by him who desires to attain his wishes.
From all these things it appears, that my _Aurum Potabile_ being
made of the first _Ens_ of Gold, by Art, into an Astral Tincture,
ought to be an excellent Medicine; as also, that it is such, I have
largely demonstrated: For if it were not better than a common Solution
of Gold, it would not change Mercury into true Gold, neither also
would it have the power of transmuting a most potent Poison into an
excellent Medicine. Without doubt, such Medicaments, which by the
help of my _Aurum Potabile_, from most violent Poisons, are changed
into so salubrious a nature, as Antidotes, do powerfully refill other
Poisons and pertinacious Diseases, and may be used in Physick with
great admiration. What would it profit, if the Body should be purged
by an hundred stools, and at the same time the Disease doth not
consist in the matter of stools, but still keeps its place, and gives
no way, except it be attacked in its own quarters? Neither will it
avail anything to let all the blood out of the body, if the fear of
the Disease be not in the blood. Yea, if it were there fixed, and the
whole mass of blood wholly corrupted, it would be in vain to undertake
to amend the same by bleeding; for all the blood cannot be drawn out,
without peril of Life. And if, for example sake, two or three pounds of
twenty should be left in the body, to be amended by sanguifying Meats
and Drinks, and good Blood to be encreased, yet the event would not
be answerable, because the encreasing blood would be corrupted by the
former. E. g. An Hogshead of sharp Vinegar, out of which, if you should
draw all the Vinegar, leaving only the fæces or Lees, and should by
degrees pour into it noble and generous Wine, the Wine would be plainly
corrupted by those few fæces. Even so it is with those fixed Diseases,
which have taken such deep root in the humane body, that they cannot be
taken away neither by Purging, Bleeding, nor Sweating, nor by outward
Anointings. Therefore they are to be tinged and amended in those
places, to which they pertinaciously adhere, by the help of Tinctures
or Astral Medicines, as above is done with Mercury, and Mercury
sublimate, that remaining there, they may put on a better nature and
quality, and no farther molest the humane body. And this is the true
and genuine way of Curing radicated and incurable Diseases. Yet I would
not be so understood, as if I condemned all Purgation; for Purging
being used at a due time, brings no small profit. Blood-letting also
being seasonably used, wants not its utility; but being often abused,
is the cause of great mischiefs, and not seldom hastens on untimely
death.
Moreover, the following Experiment, for the trying the Truth of my
_Aurum Potabile_, is not to be contemned. Rub some _Argent-vive_ upon a
small Silver Plate, and what is superfluous, and doth not adhere, wipe
off with a Linen cloth, after the manner of Goldsmiths, (or Gilders)
who gild with the _Amalgama_ of Gold and Quick-silver: Digest the
Silver Plate in my _Aurum Potabile_, for half an hour, or an hour, then
take it out, and you shall see with how, fair a Golden Colour it will
be gilt. For in this digestion the Mercury is not so heated, that it
can vanish in smoak, and therefore adhereth to the Silver Plate, and
is tinged by my _Aurum Potabile_ into the best Gold. Now try the same
operation with another Silver Plate, rubbed over with _Argent-vive_,
and digest it in a solution containing corporeal Gold, to see if that
Plate will be gilt like the other. For the Plate coming out white, you
will see a very great difference.
I could here add more such Experiments, if I thought it needful. If
Goldsmiths (or Gilders) could gild their Silver Vessels, by such a
coction (or digestion) in a solution of corporeal Gold, without doubt
they would soon leave the common way of gilding by the _Amalgama_ of
Mercury and Gold, because by its poisonous Mercurial fume, affecting
the bodies of those who handle it, it is wont to cast them into
dangerous and lasting Diseases. But because they can effect nothing by
such golden solutions, they are forced to supersede their Use, and to
acquiesce in the old usual way.
These few things of my _Aurum Potabile_, which is the Fourth and Last
Article in my _Continuation of Miraculum Mundi_, I am constrained to
publish for its defence, that every one may know I have not attributed
too much to it, but that it can perform much more; the truth of which I
am ready to exhibit. Therefore this is a Medicament most worthy to be
presented to Great and Noble Men, as a precious Gift.
As for the Third Process in the same Work, which is offered to
Physicians and Citizens, that they may by an easie labour obtain good
Medicines for Mankind, and an honest livelihood; it is openly and
clearly described, so that in it not the least thing is hidden or
concealed, I cannot force any to believe or try the matter; I have
enough to do with my own affairs; but if in my Youth I could have
obtained such a Manuduction, as I have hitherto and still do administer
to others, I should not have been forced to the searching out of Nature
with so great charge and labours, heavy stinks, and great danger of my
Life, as I have. I here again assert that which I have often asserted,
_viz._ That by the fulminating of Salt-Petre with Tin and Mercury,
much Gold and Silver is acquired; which thing I have often done, and
as yet can do it, and do promise that in due time I will demonstrate
it publickly in my Laboratory to Friends. The other point, in which I
have taught how Rich men may augment or improve their Gold and Silver,
much safer than they are wont to do by putting it to Usury, I have
truly and candidly revealed, and have kept back nothing. NB. But that
there are other waies of acquiring Riches, without great Cost and
Labours at the Fire, the troublesome Exercise of Merchandise, or other
things, disturbing or hurting the mind, I do in no wise deny. For the
like things are every where obvious, in divers place of my Writings,
especially in the 2, 3, and 4 parts of _The Prosperity of Germany_,
where mention is made of an Excellent Work, by means of which an honest
livelihood may be obtained in tranquility, without noise, meltings, and
blowings of Bellows, and that by the help of a certain Water extracting
Gold and Silver from Sand, Earth, Clay, Stones, and Minerals, without
great labour and costs. And although there should not be at hand any
such Earth, Sand, or Stones, which contain Gold and Silver, from which
these cannot be elicited by common melting; (yet there is hardly any
place in the World, where these matters do not occurr) nevertheless
there is no want of Lead and Tin, from which two at all times, and in
all places of the World, Gold and Silver, by the help of the said Water
of Salt-petre may be extracted; which is an excellent and profitable
Art, the which, lest it should die with me, I have already shewed it to
some Friends.
I also here promise, that in my publick Laboratory I will shew and
demonstrate various Secrets. But let no man perswade himself that I
will do this to all men, without descrimination, or admit every unknown
Person to this demonstration, but only those whose Piety and Candour I
my self have long known, or such as shall be recommended by them, or
other known Friends.
Moreover, besides my publick Laboratory, I will also have a private
one, in which shall be shewed to my Friends the more curious and
excellent things which I have mentioned in my Writings.
There shall be shewed rare and hitherto unknown Wonders of Nature, as
Vegetable and Mineral Plants. As for example.
_Vegetables of a Metallick Nature_; of which we have spoken in the
Treatise of _The Nature of Salts_.
_Herbs springing up or growing out of hard Flints, yea, out of
pieces of Iron._
_Metals in a few hours growing up like Vegetables, by the help of
a certain Water_; concerning which, see my Description of the
Liquor of Flints, in _The Second Part of Furnaces_.
_Metals in a few hours space, like Herbs, without the addition of
any foreign matter, growing up, so that they lose nothing in the
trial of the Cupel._
Also divers manual Operations, and Compendiums not common in the
Destillation of excellent Spirits, profitable both in Alchymy and
Physick, such are Spirit of Nitre, Spirit of Salt, _Aqua-fortis_,
_Aqua-regis_, and the like, by which they are so easily and swiftly
destilled, that with two or three pound of Coals, by a Body and Head,
in Sand, every hour may be destilled one pound of spirit, and that so
pure, sweet, and clear, that it needs no rectification.
But seeing that this is a thing unheard of, and therefore will be
look’d upon by the common Chymists as a thing incredible, I cannot
forbear here only to point at the way, by which it may appear possible
to be done.
Suppose that I have need of some pounds of spirit of salt, and want the
opportunity of preparing it in a long time, by the force of fire, I
use the following preparation. Instead of a great and continual fire,
I use a separatory Art, severing the pure from the impure, dissolving
common Kitchin-salt, or salt-petre, in common Water, and adding to the
solution put into a Cucurbit a separatory sulphur. The Cucurbit, with
a Head or Retort, (by which also the Destillation may be made) being
set in sand, I kindle a fire, by which the water containing the salt
may boil, and so by the sulphur, in the boiling, the pure parts are
separated from the impure; the purer parts are rendered very fugacious
and sweet clear spirits; the grosser, more earthy and fixed salt
remaineth in the Cucurbit or Retort, of a very wonderful Nature and
Property. And after this manner, from one pound of salt or salt-petre,
may easily be destilled one pound of spirit of salt, or spirit of
Nitre. From a pretty large Cucurbit, in ten hours, may be made ten
pounds of spirit of salt, or spirit of Nitre, which two spirits being
mixed together, make an _Aqua-regia_. The quantity of your spirit in
each Destillation will be greater or lesser, according as your Cucurbit
is larger or smaller. He that desireth to make _Aqua-regia_ by the
same destillation, must dissolve equal parts of salt and salt-petre in
Water, and destil by a Body or Retort.
This is indeed an excellent Compendium for all those that need a great
quantity of those Spirits. Gold, Silver, as also all the other Metals,
may be dissolved without _Aqua-fortis_, or _Aqua-regis_, and the
like spirits, by the help of certain salts dissolved in water, which
truly is also a famous Invention. So also it is with those other rare
Experiments above mentioned; as for example, If a metal ought to grow
in height, something contrary is to be added to it; for this, while it
flieth from its contrary, arising out of the mass, groweth up as well
in the dry as the moist way.
If we would have an hard Metal or Flint bring forth an Herb; the Metal,
whether it be gold, silver, copper, iron, tin, or lead, are first to be
reduced into a tender Powder by salts, and that Powder being put into
an Earthen Vessel, is to be moistened with a certain peculiar Water,
and the seeds of the Herbs to be sowed or set therein, which after they
are grown to perfection, are to be no longer moistened, but the powder
is to be exposed to the Rays of the Sun, which again becoming a metal
or an hard stone, plainly like to another metal or stone, containeth
the inhering Roots of the Herb, and causeth the Ignorant to admire how
an Herb should grow out of a piece of Gold, Silver, Iron, Copper, or an
hard Flint. This is also certain, and not to be doubted, that the said
Herbs so growing out of the Metals, do obtain the nature and properties
of those out of which they arise.
Although these Experiments of Herbs thus growing afford no profit, yet
they are noble Operations of Nature and Art, having more in them than
they promise at the first sight, therefore I have not here brought them
in vain, inasmuch as they are of no small moment.
But that I may here (at least) mention somewhat of this growing
faculty of Vegetables and Metals, be it known to every one, that in
my publick Laboratory shall be seen the seeds of all sorts of Herbs,
and especially of Grain, as Wheat, Barly, Oats, and others, _viz._ by
what means they may be so prepared, as to acquire a swift faculty of
growing, and that one grain may produce ten, twenty, or thirty strong
stalks, with full ears, and fruit an hundred fold.
In like manner shall be shewed to some Friends, how Salt-Petre, as the
only promoter and helper of the growing faculty, may be sowed it self,
so that it shall recompence the labour an hundred fold; for salt-petre
multiplieth it self, and groweth up out of common salt, like other
Vegetables; whence that old Proverb of sowing of salt might perhaps
take its Original.
It behoveth that I here make mention of yet another wonderful thing
concerning the growing faculty, to be shewn (God willing) in my private
Laboratory. And it is this, that Gold and Silver do grow, are encreased
and multiplied out of gross Saturn, even as the seeds of Vegetables,
out of a dunged and salt Earth, so that in fifty ounces there is daily
an augmentation of one ounce, if not of two. He that shall be here a
good Husbandman, and skilful in ploughing of Saturn, and rendering him
fertile, and of sowing or planting in him a fit seed, he will have a
plentiful Harvest, answerable to the seed which he sowed, and will
easily gain three or four times as much.
Therefore, because the growing faculty of Vegetables, Animals, and
Minerals, or Metals, taketh its rise from the only and Universal Salt
of the Earth, and this from the Salt of the Sea, and the Sea Salt, from
the Sun, if the Divine Goodness shall grant me Life, I will shew to my
Friends, how by small labour and charge, the Universal Salt fatness,
fit for the rendring all barren and sandy ground fruitful, instead of
Dung, may be copiously separated from Sea Salt. Yea if need require, I
can easily demonstrate, that also the natural Seed of Gold, the true
Universal Medicine may be prepared of the same, or that it may be
acquired from the visible Ocean which is known to every Man. But seeing
that belongs not to this place, we referr the Reader, desirous of such
subtile knowledge, to the Treatise of the Nature of Salts, where he
will find those things which will satisfie his desire.
These, and the like Experiments shall be shewn in my Laboratory, among
all which, that is the most excellent, by which a Man, without the
incommoding of another, and with great quietness and Tranquility, may
honestly get his Food and Raiment. There shall be also demonstrated
those four _Arcanums_ treated of in _the Continuation of_ Miraculum
Mundi, and many other things treated of in my Writings, which
many believe cannot be effected. That so I, by giving an occular
Demonstration, may vindicate my Writings from the Injuries and
Reproaches of the ignorant, and also leave behind me somewhat for the
good of Posterity.
A
TREATISE
OF THE
Nature of Salts: