This my _Sal Mirabile_ is prepared and separated from all vulgar
Salts, by the help of Art, nevertheless more easily from one than from
another: For it may be elicited not only from the Salt of the Kitchin,
but also from other salts, as Salt-petre, Vitriol, and Alum: Alum
and Vitriol abound with many sulphureous and mineral qualities, and
therefore occasion much difficulty and labour in their separation; and
Salt-petre possesseth a fugacious and burning nature. Therefore setting
those Salts aside, we prepare our _Sal Mirabile_ of that common salt
which is used in Kitchins, separating from it, by the help of fire and
Water, whatsoever is earthy and terrene; and the same being prepared,
as much as in us lies, we use it to the Honour of God, and the profit
of our Neighbor.
_Of the external Figure, Colour, Taste, and Smell of =Sal
Mirabilis=._
This _Sal Mirabilis_ being rightly prepared, looketh like Water
congealed or frozen into Ice; it appeareth like the Crystals of
Salt-petre, which shoot into a long Figure; also it is clear and
transparent, and being put to the Tongue, melts like Ice. It tasteth
neither sharp, nor very salt, but leaveth a little astringency
upon the Tongue. Being put upon burning Coals, it doth not leap and
crackle after the manner of common salt, neither conceiveth flame like
Salt-petre, nor being red hot, sends forth any smell; which gifts or
endowments no other salt possesseth.