In the first place it is to be known, that my _Sal Mirabilis_
containeth many great and hidden Virtues, inasmuch as it is not so
sharp and acute as other salts, and therefore its internal as well as
external use, is easily admitted in Medicine. Externally adhibited, it
cleanseth all fresh wounds, and open Ulcers, and healeth them; neither
doth it corrode or excite pain, as other salts are wont to do. Within
the body it exerciseth admirable Virtues, especially being associated
with such things whole Virtues it encreaseth, and which it conduced to
those places to which it is necessary they should arrive: For Salt is
the Conducter and Rector both of good and evil Powers or Virtues, and
carrieth them along with it self, according as they shall be joined
with it. As the nourishment of Vegetables and Minerals consisteth only
in Salt, so also the nourishment of Animals dependeth upon the same.
For if the Herbs, Bread, Flesh, and all other things which we eat,
should be destitute of salt, they could in no wise sustain, nourish,
and encrease the Bodies of Animals, for by such it would forthwith
come to pass, that they should consume and die: Therefore Food also
nourisheth, as it is well and in due manner seasoned with salt, for a
thing that hath no relish, is unfit for nourishment, according to the
common Proverb, _Quod sapit, nutrit_; _And that which hath no taste,
doth also not nourish_. Therefore the Omnipotent GOD hath given salt
to all His Creatures, by which they are nourished and sustained; so
that there would have been no need of salting of Foods with salt,
appointed for the use of Man, had not Sin and the Curse debilitated
and corrupted all things, seeing that they were endowed with their own
Salt by Nature: Therefore for the succouring of Nature, those things
which contain little salt, are to be salted with common and vulgar
Salt, which is appointed by God for this end, that it might afford
nourishment to the humane Body, corroborate and strengthen it, as we
see that Bread, Flesh, and all Herbs or Sallets, may be indeed eaten
without salt, but not to afford so much nourishment: For it is commonly
known, that Flesh, Fish, and Sallets being salted, do far better
satisfie and nourish, than if those Foods should be received into the
stomach wholly destitute of Salt. For this reason men that undergo hard
labours eat Flesh, Fish, Herbs, and other Foods, plentifully seasoned
with salt, whereby their Bodies are preserved in their due strength;
but those who are not exercised with Such labours, feed upon Foods not
so salt, but of a more easie digestion. Salt therefore is the only
nutriment not only of Vegetables and Animals, but also of Minerals;
yea, it universally nourisheth and encreaseth whatsoever existed in the
World.
Seeing therefore that without salt nothing can exist or live, and that
the life of all things consisteth in salt alone, as is witnessed by
daily experience; Wherefore do Fools think Salt to be a thing of so
small moment? I answer, That this happens because very few know what
Salt is, what Powers and Virtues it exerteth, and what is reconded
in its inward Penetrals: As is said a little before, I compare salt
to a Carrier, because he carrieth or conveyeth all those things which
are put to him, whether good or evil, thither to where they are to be
conveyed, without any labour or trouble, but committing the care to
him, who taketh all the burden.
In like manner, Salt being mixed with good things, which administer a
good nourishment, assisteth the nutritive faculty, and is the conveyer,
helper, and strengthener of the adjoined nutriment: Being mixed with
venomous and hurtful things, it encreaseth and confirmeth the Venom
with great detriment to the Body, insinuating it into the Passages and
Members, into which, without salt, the Venom could not have penetrated;
therefore with the good it is good, and with the evil it is evil, and
being addicted to neither part, is subservient to both, according to
the will of the Artist, making good the vulgar Proverb, _Salt and
Wine quicken the wit_: That is, when mixed with good things, they be
moderately used. So also the contrary is true, if it be said, that
_Salt and Wine deprave the Wit_; which I could demonstrate by many
Examples, which for brevity sake are here omitted. Nevertheless, that
I may be the better understood, I will instance in two things: As I
said but now, if Salt be mixed with good subjects, containing a good
nourishment, such are Bread, Flesh, and Herbs, the same are rendered
fitter for nourishment, if daily experience may be credited, which no
man will deny. Why therefore should not the contrary be likely, that it
should render an evil thing yet worse, and corrupt it more, if it be
associated with it. As for example, Common _Argent-vive_ is esteemed
Poison, and indeed truly, and is rendered obnoxious to a greater or
lesser poisonous quality, according as it shall undergo this or that
Preparation. If one swallow half an ounce of it, it operateth nothing
in the Body, and passeth away without hurt; but being sublimed with
salts, and exalted in its venomous quality, being exhibited in the
weight but of two, three, or four grains, is sufficient to kill a man.
In the same manner Orpiment, as digged out of the Mountains, performeth
nothing of good in an humane Body, exciting frequent and intolerable
vomitings and stools, if given in too great quantity; nevertheless
one, two, three, or four grains of the same may be taken without
any danger, causing easie vomits and stools; but being exalted by
sublimation with common salt, becometh so hurtful a Poison, that being
drank, it forthwith killeth Men and Beasts. So also it is with white
Arsenick, which being sublimed with Salt, obtaineth such a poisonous
nature, as is commonly known, although the cause of that evil be known
to few, as the said Examples do sufficiently declare. I will yet add
one thing over and above, for the sake of the Ignorant: They who have
been versed in the Labours of the Fire, know those things, and want not
my teaching, although their number be very small, but of the Ignorant
and Unskilful it is large enough. Arsenick and Cobolt are indeed most
vehement Poisons, but nevertheless are not hurtful to the Body, if they
be taken in their corporal form; but being exasperated by sublimation
with Salts, and reduced into a more fugacious nature, arrive to that
vehemence, that they are able to kill a man only by their odour. Those
who have mixed Arsenick with Vitriol and Salt-petre, for the preparing
of graduating Waters, as they call them, have experienced the Truth of
this. Such Waters are so vehemently poisonous, that they smite the
Heart with a trembling of any one that taketh in their odour by the
Nose, and also extreamly debilitate the Brain. That vulgar Proverb,
which saith, That _Salt corroborateth the Heart and quickeneth the Wit_,
is true, when wholesom and healthful things are associated with it; but
if things unwholesom and poisonous be adjoined with it, it doth the
quite contrary, suffocating the Heart, and weakening the Brain, both
which I my self have found.
Long ago, when I was young, being occupied with Arsenical Waters of
this kind, it often happened to me, that those strong saline Spirits
had almost put out my Candle. Again, on the contrary, I have found,
when I have mixed corroborating subjects with Salt, that it hath
encreased their strengthening Virtues, and exalted them in a wonderful
manner. Therefore it is not without reason that _Paracelsus_ teacheth,
That Gold exerciseth no power or virtue in the humane Body, but by
the Spirit of Salts, which insinuate the virtues of Gold into the
Members, and augmenteth them. Here some may say, Seeing that other
Metals exert their powers in humane Bodies without Salt, Why should
not Gold also do the same, if it hath any virtues? I answer, That
this is the reason of the difference, because the other Metals being
reduced into small Particles, by filing, do act in the humane Body,
by reason of their own Vitriolate Salt, which they retain in melting,
more easily admitting solution in the Stomach, and performing their
Operations, by reason of that natural acidity, which Operations would
be exasperated by the addition of Salt. But that the imperfect Metals
effect nothing of good in the body of Man, is witnessed by Tin and
Copper, in a Vessel of which, Wine standing all night, and then drank,
causeth Vomitings and Cholical pains, as also Palpitations of the
Heart; in exciting of which, Copper exceedeth Tin, which doth not so
frequently excite Accidents of this kind, especially that which is not
adulterated with Bismuth or Tinglass, but is pure and unmixt. Lead
being swallowed, drieth, and cooleth too vehemently: But the filings
of Iron are used medicinally, not without great profit, because they
kill and expel the Worms in Children; and its _Crocus_ is also wont
to be mixed with astringent Medicines with Fruit. Silver being filed
and taken, is of no use in the humane Body, because it hath in it self
no salt, with which Iron and Copper are endowed. Nevertheless, being
prepared with Salt, it obtains an entrance into the Members of the
Body, and expelleth all hurtful Humours, and strengtheneth the Brain.
But being bitterer than Gall, it is so ingrateful to the Palate, that
it is more difficult to be taken than Vitriol it self. Gold, the most
eminent among all the Metals, in purity and nobility in its own nature,
possesseth no Salt, and therefore hath no Operation at all in the Body,
whether it be taken in filings, or reduced to a subtile powder; for the
_acidum_ of the Stomach is not of so great power, that it can enter
and dissolve Gold as it dissolved Copper and Iron, but dischargeth
it with the Excrements in the same form in which it was taken. Hence
the Unskilful have been so bold, as to exclude Gold from a medicinal
use, as a thing destitute of all Virtue, and altogether of no use;
an errour truly not Philosophick, but foolish, proceeding from meer
unskilfulness and ignorance, seeing that Experience doth altogether
testifie the contrary. He that believeth no Virtues to be in Gold, may
by an easie experiment find the contrary, if he shall dissolve it in
Spirit of Salt well cleansed and rectified, and shall drink a little
of this Solution mixed with Wine or Beer, or any warm Broth or Gruel,
for he shall perceive a very swift and healthful Operation, calling
out all Superfluous fæces, according as they shall offend, either by
Vomit, Stool, or Sweat, or Urine, without any weakening of the Body,
but evidently confirming its strength, as I have shewed in my Book
entituled, _The Consolation of Navigators_, in few words, by reason of
the shortness of time, which did not allow me to treat of this matter
more at large. Nevertheless I here assert, that a solution of Gold of
this sort by Spirit of Salt, is able to perform very much in Medicine,
although by reason of its ingrateful relish, it is not much to be
esteemed: For seeing the spirit of Salt, with which the Gold is to be
dissolved, ought to be very strong from this corrosive Liquor, without
which the Gold cannot be dissolved; first, this incommodity ariseth,
that its use is unpleasant, it blacketh the Lips and edgeth the Teeth;
to which may be added, that a great quantity of Liquor is required
for this solution, and the acidity by degrees bringeth loathing to
the sick, and sometimes the sick cannot bear the sharpness. Moreover,
if this solution be taken in Broth, it hindereth its operation, and
wanteth the desired success, of which it is not destitute when drank
in Wine or Beer. For this reason this Medicament, which in itself is
very noble, and of great moment, is difficultly admitted into use. But
because we have said that Gold without Salts is able to operate nothing
at all, its whole solution consists in such a _menstruum_ which is
neither corrosive, nor of an unpleasant relish, nevertheless openeth
the Gold, and rendereth it apt to become a very wholsom Medicine; which
endowments I have found in no other thing but my _Sal Mirabile_, which
being void of all corrosion and unpleasantness, is it self an excellent
Medicament, and conciliateth a pleasant sweetness to all things which
it dissolveth: For when it dissolveth Gold, it doth not stain the lips
and hands with any colour, like other solutions, which are made by
_Aqua Regia_, or spirit of salt; neither also doth it astringe like
other solutions, but is of pleasant use, and exerteth its gift by a
noble Operation. I have tried many admirable things with this Salt,
and at length obtained a solution, or rather an extraction of Gold,
green as Grass, and is a very wholesom and most noble Medicament: For
he who hath brought Gold to a greeness, hath performed much, in praise
of which, many ancient Philosophers call it _The Blessed Viridity_. But
what this greeness may effect in Medicine, belongs not to this place,
seeing that I intend here to treat of nothing but Salt, and to prove it
to be the Beginning and End of all things, and that it encreaseth and
exalteth the powers and virtues of all things.
And seeing that this is agreeable to Truth it self, and cannot be
disproved by any man, it must necessarily be granted, that a Salt
brought to the highest degree of Purity, (as mine is) must be far
better, and more noble than any gross and impure Salt. Also because it
amplifieth and exalteth the virtues of all Vegetables, Animals, and
Minerals, and that Gold exceedeth in nobleness all other Creatures
which are found under the Sun, it is easie to conjecture, that if the
purest and most noble part of Salt shall be associated with Gold, that
also a most noble Medicine must thence arise: For Salt and Gold, being
the Off-spring of the Sun, are (as it were) immortal and incorruptible,
and therefore afford help to all mortal and corruptible things, and
defend them from putrefaction and corruption.
Nevertheless, I would not have any man perswade himself, that in
these words I go about to assert any Immortality, my purpose tendeth
not thither, seeing that I am not ignorant that there is no Medicine
against Death. I would only signifie this, that from the association of
Salt and Gold, there must necessarily proceed an excellent Medicament.
If Salt carrieth and promoteth the Virtues of other things, wherefore
also should it not promote and convey the Virtues of Gold? Truly
there is found no Herb so abject, no Stone so vile, nor no Bone so
contemptible, that doth not possess its own Virtues: Who then can deny
that Gold, as the most Noble Creature of God (after the Sun and Salt,
of which it is generated) should possess Gifts and Endowments, to be
preferred to those of the more vile Creatures? That nothing of evil
can proceed from two excellent subjects, to wit, Gold and Salt, every
unskilful Rustick can understand; Wherefore then cannot those proud
and idle Scoffers perceive it? I think it to be, because they would
not be numbred among rude and ignorant Asses, if subscribing to my
words, they should confess such a Medicine to be _in rerum natura_, and
notwithstanding to be ignorant of its Preparation. But it were better
for them not to envy those who have received such Gifts, nor to assault
the Innocent with so many filthy Calumnies and Slanders, but to leave
those things to them which exceed their own Capacities.
I now make mention of my Green-Lyon, whose wonderful Virtues are to be
declared and manifested to the whole World; although I well know, that
this Green-Lyon will not find fewer enemies than my white or red _Aurum
Potabile_ hath done: For the Devil can in no wise suffer, that any
thing which is profitable to Mankind should be made manifest, therefore
he useth all his power and arts to hinder the knowledge of the Truth,
by casting stumbling-blocks in its way. What various Arts have been
excogitated, to bring my _Aurum Potabile_ into Contempt, and indeed by
such a sort of men, who might easily think that I should not grant one
drop of it to such haters of the Truth, although they should petition
me for it.
And seeing those Pot-Companions could not ask it of me, they have
endeavoured to extort it from me, under pretence of the sick, not that
they would serve the sick, but only get an occasion of contemning it,
and of bringing it into an Odium with the Sick, lest by it they should
recover their former Health. Have they not taken counsel together in
their Meetings, one offering this, another thing, so that by every way
possible they might oppugn my _Aurum Potabile_? But, this Hatred and
Envy, carried on against me with great study, I leave to the Divine
Vengeance; and although many watery and obscure Clouds may endeavour
to hide the Sun, and to overspread his warm and vivisick Beams with
darkness, nevertheless they shall effect nothing; for at length being
dispersed into vapours, and vanishing in Clouds, they will give place
to the Solar Rays. There is nothing able to extinguish the Truth, which
may indeed be prest, but never overcome, and is therefore like the
Light, never wholly extinguished. The Air is never filled with so many
dark Clouds, but at length they being dissipated, the Sun again appears
to sight. By a like reason also the Truth at length freeth it self from
the snares of lyes, and cometh forth into the Light: Therefore I may
without fear propose the Truth, although there be many that can but ill
bear my liberty of speech; for GOD is to be obeyed rather than Men and
the benefits due to Good men are not to be omitted for the sake of
those which are Evil.
Therefore (in the Name of God) I will go on in declaring the Virtues of
my _Sal Mirabile_; because I have said in the precedent discourse, that
Salt is the Rector or Disposer of all things, carrying their virtues
conjoined with it self, to their due place; therefore it is not fit
that evil and venomous things should be adjoined to it, but such as are
good only, if any thing of good be expected from it.
But there is no Creature under the Sun more noble, excellent, and
pure than Gold, nor which more resisteth the destruction of all the
Elements, which without a true solution, as we have said, cannot render
the Body of Man partaker of its Virtues, and all corroding solutions
are found to be unfit to dissolve it; therefore such a solution is
required, as may be performed by the help of a _Salt_ which is not
corrosive; therefore taking such a one in hand, we will see what good
is to be expected from it.
_Of the Use of my =Sal Mirabilis=, as well in the Solution of
Metals, as in the Preparation of Medicines._
First, it is to be noted, That not only Metals, but also all Stones,
and Bones themselves, refusing the solution of all corrosive Salts,
may be radically dissolved by my _Sal Mirabile_, and most things so
dissolved, whether they be Metallick, Vegetable, or Mineral, put on a
green colour, of some of which the greeness remaineth, but of others,
in process of time, is changed into a yellow or red colour.
Concerning this wonderful mutation and solution, I could write a
great Volume, if I had not designed this Labour for another place,
intending here only to describe the solution of Gold, because another
better cannot be found. I have found the solution of the rest of the
Metals which are adhibited, to be unfit either for the preservation or
recovery of Health, as I have admonished a little before; but I have
found Salt and Gold to be most noble subjects, of which an excellent
Medicine must necessarily be prepared: For Salt exalteth the Powers and
Virtues of all things to a high degree of perfection, and insinuateth
them into the humane body: This seems to me not unlike the volatile and
fugacious Spirit of Vegetables, as of Wine and Beer, _&c._ which coming
into the Body of Man, addeth strength to the Animal Spirit, that it
moveth it self more readily, and with greater alacrity. Indeed every
other Meat and Drink, whether it be Bread or Water, communicateth some
strength to the Body, but not so powerfully and efficaciously as any
generous Wine, whose Spirit is very pure, efficacious, and subtile;
so that its too plentiful use awakeneth all things that lie hid in
a Man, and brings them to light. In the same manner Salt encreaseth
and confirmeth all things, & being united with them, maketh manifest
all their hiden Virtues, which without Salt would remain in darkness.
Who could have manifested to us that great Poison which lies hid in
Arsenick, if Salts had not revealed it? If any melancholly Person
(who otherwise in his own nature is prone to stilness, like one dead)
shall drink any spirituous Wine, or strong Drink, his Spirits, that
were before dull, and as it were buried in a Dream, will presently be
awakened, and his Tongue set at liberty. The same doth Salt perform,
which addeth an encrease to the powers of all things, especially of
the Metals, which it rendereth manifest and known. And indeed without
Salt Poisons could not have been known, as I have said a little above,
concerning Arsenick and _Argent-vive_: If Salt worketh those things in
evil subjects, by dilating and encreasing their malignity, Why should
it not effect the same in good subjects, by augmenting their goodness?
Therefore, because among Animal, Vegetable, and Mineral subjects, there
are none more noble and eminent than Gold and Salt, which have their
original from the Sun, it would be ill done to pass them by, and to
seek viler subjects, for the making of an excellent Medicine, seeing
that if we take Wine, Salt, and Gold, there are no other things which
afford us so excellent Virtues. Therefore acquiescing in these, we will
endeavour of them to make a most noble Medicament.
_The PROCESS._
Take three or four parts of _Sal Mirabile_, and one part of Gold
(rightly fitted or prepared for this Operation) mix them, and put the
mixture into a strong Glass Retort, well luted, which place in an open
fire, encreasing the fire by degrees, until the Glass be red hot,
urge the fire, and continue it stronger, for an hour, then cease, and
let all cool, take out the Retort, and free it from the Lute, that it
may not be mixed with the matter contained in the Glass, but that may
remain pure, which is to be accurately separated from the Glass, and
together with what is sublimed into the neck of the Retort, to be put
into a clean glass; which matter will look of a greenish colour: To
this matter pour some Rain-water, that it may be dissolved in an easie
heat, and the Salt, with part of the Gold, may be mixed with the Water.
Filter this grass-green Solution through Paper, and draw off some part
of the water by destillation, that the green Liquor may remain, not
corroding nor tasting sharp, nor yet too urinous, but fit to be drank
in all Vehicles. The Gold which the _Sal Enixum_ hath not dissolved,
you will find after the solution, which you may again use for the like
Work; but the green Liquor you may presently use, as well in Medicine
as in Alchymy, which will afford you many profitable things. He that
will draw off all the Phlegm to a green Salt, and then extract that
salt with an alkalized Spirit of Wine, will obtain a Medicine yet
more efficacious: For the Spirit of Wine will not be tinged with a
green, but a red colour, and will be very sweet, rendering the Golden
Virtues of the Salt more efficacious, and more commodiously and readily
insinuateth them into the Members of the Humane Body.
NB. This is to be noted, That the _Sal Enixum_ doth not imbibe the
whole mass of Gold in dissolving, but only its purer part. Now, if you
repeat this Operation upon the same pure mass, as yet once more, you
will extract the greatest purity, and without all doubt obtain a most
noble Medicament, which no man can refute, although he be a capital
Enemy to the Truth. This is the Operation, no less compendious than
true, of preparing a great Medicine of Gold, Salt, and Wine, meriting
the name of an _Aurum Potabile_, whose great Powers and Virtues are now
to be manifested to the necessitous Sick.
_Of the Powers and Virtues of my =Green-Lyon=, =Vitriol of Sol=,
or Wonderful =Golden Salt=._
This green golden Liquor may be safely and pleasantly used by all,
whether young or old, sick or in health, without any difference of
Persons, because it containeth nothing which is evil or prejudicial:
For a cleansed Salt and Gold, never inferr any ill, but are alwaies
profitable, exercising their wholesom Operations, as well in
Vegetables, as Animals and Minerals, as in the following Treatise shall
be clearly demonstrated.
First, This green liquor, only by its external aspect, cheereth the
Heart, Brain, and all the vital Spirits, seeing that of all colours
there is none superiour to the Green in pleasantness, of which all men
are witness, who have overcome the intense cold of a sharp Winter,
behold the renewing greenness of the Trees half dead, and Herbs
extinct, in the Spring time, with great delight and pleasure, and feel
all the Blood in their Body to be renewed and revived.
Secondly, This Golden Liquor being drank, strengtheneth and confirmeth
the whole _humidum radicale_, Stomach, Brain, and all the inward parts
of the body, beyond all other Medicines which I have hitherto known.
Also it expelleth Melancholly, and all anxieties of Mind, taketh
away Palpitations of the Heart, openeth Obstructions of the internal
Vessels; it healeth the hurts of the inward parts, as Liver, Lungs,
_&c._ and cureth all inward Exulcerations; it cureth Gravel and Stone,
whether in the Reins or Bladder; it keepeth the Body soluble; expelleth
Wind, with the pains of the Cholick; preserveth the Blood from
Corruption; cureth the Leprosie, Scabs, and Fevers of all sorts; in
process of time it taketh away the Gout; to the insulting Apoplexy and
Epilepsie it affordeth present Cure; it cleanseth the Blood infected
by the Scurvy, Plague, and other contagious Diseases; it preserveth
and freeth from all internal Ulcers; defendeth the Lungs, Liver, and
other parts, and removeth Exulcerations already arisen, and takes
them away radically. It so tingeth all the inward parts of a Man with
its Balsamick Virtue, that not being easily obnoxious to Diseases,
they enjoy a sound and long Life. Outwardly used, it healeth all
fresh wounds, no less than old and open Ulcers, without any Ointments
or Plasters; for in curing Ulcers of this sort, there is nothing in
Animals, Vegetables, or Minerals, which answereth to this in Virtue; as
also inwardly it cureth Ruptures.
This is the nature and property of Gold, that it most potently taketh
away all filths, and also astringeth; which two things are necessarily
required in the Cure of all Ulcers. This Salt, by its own help,
commodiously doth the same, and also wonderfully promotes the Virtues
of the Gold: The said Liquor very quickly taketh away the Ulcers of
the Mouth and Throat, with all their scorbutick Infection, which are
wont to give way but very slowly to other Medicines: And this it
doth, although the Tongue, Uvula, and all the Palate should be full
of Pustules. In short, for the taking away all internal and external
Ulcers, I think no Medicine preferrable to this Liquor; but all other
defects of the Body which it cureth, for brevity’s sake, I will pass
over.
Moreover, this green and golden Liquor hath this nature and property,
that beyond all other Medicaments, it conciliateth a wonderful
fertility to all things, as its signature, the wit, the green colour,
and my diverse infallible Experiments, do truly testifie. Hence the
seeds of all Vegetables being macerated in the same Liquor, and set in
meer naked Sand, they put forth golden Sprouts and Plants, having a
smell much stronger and pleasanter, a fairer colour, and greater length
than those which grow out of a fat Earth. Therefore this green Liquor
holdeth the chief place in rendering Vegetables green and fruitful, and
augmenting their growing faculty; so also among all the Medicines, I
know it hath no equal in conciliating and preserving fertility in the
humane body: For in all the Diseases of Mankind it bringeth great help
and comfort, and effecteth more in assisting the fruitfulness both of
Male and Female, than can be believed, and is so great an exciter of
Venus, that it bringeth great solace not only to Old men, who being
baulked by their younger Wives, are forced to lie still, but also to
such Women who are barren in their flourishing age, and therefore
destitute of Heirs.
I write not dreaming, but am taught by Experience, having seen some men
so strengthened by this Medicine, that they have seemed to themselves
never to have been weak, the which also some Women have experienced.
Nevertheless such Medicaments are not to be administred too frequently
to this Sex, seeing that without this sort of help they are wont to be
sometimes exagitated by a more salacious Itch than is convenient: Its
use is more safe to Old men, inasmuch as it cannot do them the least
damage. Nor ought those things which I here deliver, to seem a wonder
to any, for they have their certain and undoubted causes of Operation.
Let those two Subjects, of which the Green-Lyon is composed, to wit,
salt & gold be inspected; they are the best of things, & necessarily
required to the generation of all things; for, what herb can be brought
forth without seed and salt? not indeed the least: for if the earth or
sand wanteth salt, the seed of the Herb can neither have nutriment nor
production: Yea, if the seed it self be also sowed in a fat Earth, and
yet be destitute of the Rays of the Sun, it can in no wise grow out
of the Earth, but will be suffocated and perish; the which thing is
not hid to Rusticks, who after they have sowed their seed, do ardently
expect the warm Sunshine. Therefore, for a desirable coming up of
Vegetables out of the Earth, and their encrease, there is required a
fat and salt Earth, as also the warm and fruitful heat of the Sun, with
necessary Rain; which also is to be understood of the generation and
multiplication of Animals.
NB. In _Aurum Potabile_ salt supplies the room of fatness, Gold is
the Sun, and the Spirit of Wine performeth the Office of the warm and
fruitful Rain; so also no Minerals are procreated, but by the help of
the sun, and labour of salt. They exercising their operations upon the
Water, generate Minerals, as the Writings of the ancient Philosophers
teach.
Some ignorant man may here object and ask, How it can be, that the
Sun, by operating in the depth of the Earth, should generate Minerals
and Metals of salt? Let him know, that the Sun, by his hot Rays, doth
excite the central fire in the profundity of the Earth; which central
fire is not unknown to those who are occupied in digging Metals out
of the Earth, who sometimes feel so strong a heat, that laying aside
their Clothes, they are constrained to labour very leisurely, yea,
sometimes wholly to intermit it; as I have taught in _The First Part
of my Mineral Work_. Therefore no man of a sound mind will dare to
oppose these things, seeing that it is wholly agreeable to Truth, that
generation and encrease in all Animals, Vegetables, and Minerals, do
arise from the sun and salt, to which water is wont to be an help.
Seeing therefore that my golden Liquor is prepared of such subjects, it
can operate no other thing than fertility, and thereby signed by Nature
with that beautiful greenness, by which it signifieth its endowment
to render all things fruitful: God adorneth nothing with His marks
and signs in vain; from which, as from His signatures, the powers and
virtues may be more clearly known, than from Books. For the signature
with which things are signed by GOD and Nature never erreth; but the
Books and Writings compiled by Men very often erre. Wherefore did the
ancient Philosophers and Poets worship _Venus_, the Goddess of Love and
of Generation, and attribute to her a beautiful green, generated of
the spume or foam of the sea? What is the foam or froth which the sea
calleth out upon the shore, but salt, which being dried up by the heat
of the sun, is reduced to salt? And the Poets, especially _Virgil_ and
_Ovid_, who were men of great literature, would not have handled such
things with so prolix an ambage of words, but that they were willing by
their Fabulous writings to reveal that great Philosophick Mystery to
the world: Therefore I constantly assert, That this green Liquor is the
chief Medicine of all things to grow or be encreased, as its pleasant
Viridity and infallible Experience do testifie. The Ocean, the Mother
of all fertility, sheweth also its greenness, especially in those
places where it is rich in salt, and strongly irradiated by the Beams
of the Sun. This is well known among Seamen, who from the change of
the water into a greener colour, presently collect, that they are near
to hotter Regions, in which the Sun-beams are more strongly projected;
for in such places the Sea is so salt, that it shineth like fire: The
Urine of those pissing out of a ship, falling into the Sea, sheweth
like sparks of fire; there four parts of water are found to contain one
part of salt. The Mediterranean Sea is not so full of Salt, as that
which is between _Spain_ and _France_; and again, in this it self is
found not a little difference, seeing that the _Spanish_ side exceedeth
the _French_ in saltness; and the Ocean it self, by how much the nearer
it is to the North, by so much it is less salt; for which reason also
the salt is weaker, and of less Virtue, being more remote from the
beams of the Sun. Therefore the _Danes_, _Sweeds_, and other Nations,
inhabiting the Northern parts, although they have plenty of Sea-water,
nevertheless they do not make salt of it, but fetch it from _France_ or
_Spain_; which is a Testimony evident enough, that salt is elaborated
in the water by the most ardent Beams of the Sun, and produced for the
sake of an universal fertility.
This is indicated by the _German_ name of the Sea, _Meer_, which is all
one as if we should say _Vermeer_, that is, _Encrease_, _Enlarge_. An
Appellation very well agreeing with the thing, because without the Sea
nothing would encrease in the Earth, but on the contrary, all things
live, and are encreased by it.
Hence the green colour is a manifest Index and Signature of
Fruitfulness, which might be demonstrated by infinite examples, which,
for the avoiding of prolixity, is not here necessary, seeing that the
thing it self is so manifest.
Some profligate Deriders, who love to oppose the Truth, may say, That
this green colour doth not proceed from Gold, but from Copper, that so
they may draw honest men away from the Truth, because no Gold seemeth
to them to be of use in Medicine; with which Cavil they have before now
accosted my _Aurum Potabile_. That I may stop their impure mouths and
obviate the frivolous Objections of this sort, I say, that I indeed
confess, Copper among the Metals doth obtain a green colour, if it be
dissolved in _Aqua fortis_, and other corrosive Liquors of that kind:
But Gold being dissolved in the same, appeared in a yellow colour, and
not a green, which is known to every body. But who would think me to
be so stupid and rude, to impose upon any so open a Cheat? Who also in
any wise could hide such a Cheat? For Copper being dissolved in salt
waters, would presently discover the Fraud, by its evil nauseating and
Vitriolick taste, of which but one drop being swallowed down, would
excite violent Vomitings, and would not be a Medicine, but rather a
Poison. Moreover, if you put a Knife into such a solution, it will
be presently covered over with the Copper, and appear to be Coppery.
The contrary plainly happeneth, if any pure Iron be dipped in my
Green-Lyon; for it will presently appear to be gilt with the colour of
Gold, and that more fair and eminent than any Ducat, or other piece
of golden Mony exhibiteth. If any Iron-Wire be put into it, and there
left for a certain time, it will at length be changed into a pure Gold,
which is an infallible testimony, that that Liquor doth not draw its
original from Copper, but from Gold. Again, it may be objected, that
a vulgar solution of Gold by _Aqua Regia_, also tingeth Iron with a
golden colour, and adhereth to the same; therefore this is no strange
thing, forasmuch as it is common and known to every man. I answer, That
such a Solution, not green, but yellow, doth indeed by precipitation
adhere to the Iron, and dissolved the Iron it self, and reduced it
into a Mud, but doth not penetrate it, and preserve it in its form,
as my green Liquor doth, which therefore is not to be numbred among
those corrosive solutions; but that which is done by the _Sal Enixum_,
is rather to be called an Extraction than a Solution: For my _Sal
Mirabile_ is of that nature, that it doth not throughly dissolve any
fine Powder, or Calx of Gold, but only extracted from it whatsoever
is most pure, and leaveth the rest like a black Powder. Moreover,
that Solution is not corrosive; for if it were, it would corrode and
dissolve the Iron, and not tinge it with the colour, and advance it
to the degree of Gold, the Iron remaining whole. By a like reason
the green Solution of Copper, made with the vulgar corrosive waters,
associateth it self with the Iron, in a green colour, corrodeth it,
and forsaketh the Copper. But if Copper be dissolved with my _Sal
Mirabile_, that solution doth not penetrate Iron, but transmuteth the
whole in its own form into Copper, yet not presently, but in a long
progress of time.
From all these things may be seen the great difference between the
vulgar corrosive solutions of Gold, Copper, and other Metals, and
mine, void of all corrosion, which is performed by my _Sal Mirabile_,
dissolving the Bodies of the Metals, after a far other manner than
those corrosive solutions are made. Therefore it is not to be reckoned
among vulgar solutions, seeing that it possessed far other Virtues.
The vulgar solution of Gold, made by _Aqua Regia_, hurteth all things,
as a corrosive Poison; a little of it being put to any Vegetable seed,
deprived it of all its growing faculty, and throughly killed it. Some
drops of it being drank by a Man, would corrode his throat and stomach,
like Poison. A Liquor of this sort, by its corrosive and gnawing
faculty, converteth the Metal put into it into slime or mudd. That
solution which is made by the rectified Spirit of Salt, may safely be
taken by any, when a sufficient quantity of Water is mixed with it; but
it is not sweet, it constringeth the Tongue, and staineth the Hands;
this doth not my green Liquor, for it neither coloureth the Hands, nor
astringeth the Tongue, nor yet corrodeth the seeds of Vegetables, but
rather exciteth them to fertility.
Whence it appears, that my said _Sal Mirabile_ is not corrosive, but by
it self is a good Medicine for all Vegetables, Animals, and Minerals,
which Experience it self most evidently argueth: Therefore it can
work nothing but good, because prepared without any Corrosive, and
represented to the eye by a wonderful signature, to wit, the fair Green
colour.
This signature is an undoubted token of its extraordinary Virtues, in
rendering all living things vegete and fruitful, which lie absconded
in its inward Penetrals. And this I think sufficient to be said to
those foolish and idle Cavils of ignorant Scoffers, with which they may
insult over me.
Whatsoever I have here ascribed to my Green Lyon, my red _Aurum
Potabile_, extracted with Spirit of Wine, also performeth the same, and
that as well in Vegetables and Animals, as in Minerals; for the Spirit
of Wine can hurt none of them, but rather insinuateth the virtues of
Gold into Vegetables and Animals, and rendereth them more efficacious.
But concerning the solution of Gold by my _Sal Mirabile_, and its
efficacy and operation, this may suffice for the present.
As for the solution of the other Metals, there is no need to make many
words, or to write a large Volume about it, seeing that from what hath
been already said, any man may easily conjecture, that solutions of
this sort, made by the help of _Sal Mirabile_, are far better than
those made by Corrosives. The Vitriol of _Venus_ made by its help, doth
not hurt Vegetables, as common Vitriol, which killeth the same by its
corrosion; but the Vitriol made by _Sal Mirabile_ wonderfully promoteth
the growing faculty in Vegetables, so that Lunar, Venereal, Martial,
Jovial, and Mercurial Herbs may be produced, which will have wonderful
effects, especially if the Vegetative faculties of Lunar Herbs be
encreased and promoted by the Salt of Luna; of Venereal, by the Salt of
Venus, and so of the rest.
Enough hath been spoken to the Wise, but he that hitherto cannot
apprehend what I have said, is an Ass, and unworthy of such _Arcanums_.
From this Foundation a diligent Physician may erect a far other method
of Curing, and may prepare for himself such Medicines, by which he may
obtain Honour and Wealth. I have for many years observed, that Herbs
are wont to acquire Martial faculties and properties, if they grow
out of a reddish Martial Earth, although they were not before of a
Martial nature, but of a Solar, Lunar, Venereal, Jovial, Saturnine, or
Mercurial Property.
But how much more would the innate properties and virtues of Herbs be
strengthened and encreased, if they were not nourished by the Dung
of Animals, but set in pure sand and watered with _Sal Mirabile_
impregnated with the virtues of Metals, and thence acquire the
promotion of their growing faculty. Truly other Herbs of far greater
Virtues, and other odours and tasts, would be brought forth, than the
common, which are wont to be produced by the Dung of Animals, and the
simple Salt of the Earth. By this means so strong an attractive Power
may be conciliated to the Seeds of all Herbs, that by a Magnetick power
they may attract to themselves the Astral powers and influences, and
so encrease their Virtues, that without any Preparation they might be
able to cure all Diseases to admiration. NB. That it is necessary, that
he that would exactly understand the nature of Herbs, should know how
to promote the vegetative faculties of Solar Herbs, with Solar Salt; of
Lunar with Lunar, and so of the rest, and not that he should intermix
the one with the other, without any consideration; which without doubt
would be a hindrance to the desired success.
Consider these things with an accurate Meditation, as great Secrets and
_Arcanums_, which will not be revealed to the perverse World. A word to
the Wise is enough; therefore I will add no more; but I make no doubt,
but that this Revelation of my _Sal Mirabile_, in process of time, will
be accepted by diligent Physicians, and bring so much benefit, that
they will by the same effect much good in comforting and curing the
Sick. All things have their time, so also this Arcanum, which in its
time will be in vigour; but I would not have any man perswade himself,
that he may fish out of me the Preparation of my _Sal Mirabile_, I will
not _cast Pearls before ingrateful Swine_, but will reserve them for
Friends. But lest an occasion should be given to ignorant Deriders, and
those that hate me, of calumniating and slandering me, as if I my self
were ignorant of preparing of a Salt of this sort, I have determined
to deliver some small portions to divers prudent men, not of this Salt
only, but also of those Salts which are endued with the Virtues of
Gold, Silver, and other Metals, that at any time they may be able to
exhibit a clear Testimony of the Truth: And I will produce those Herbs
themselves, that I may have them in readiness to shew to others.
Therefore let no man trouble me with his Letters, to ask of me this
salt, or other Medicines, for I will communicate them to none, but such
as I know, and with whom I am familiar.
Great Thanks are to be given to Almighty GOD, who hath made this
present unworthy World partaker of such _Magnalia_. I have sought, and
have opened the way to others; let another also seek, and enter by the
way I have shewed, that insisting in my footsteps, he may by the easier
labour, obtain a greater light of Nature.
But that I may omit nothing which pertaineth to the good Institution
and Doctrine, and concerneth the glory and honour of Salt, I will yet
over and above add one infallible Testimony, by which any rude and
ignorant man may evidently see, that all fertility consisteth in Salt
only, and that it is the most precious Treasure of the whole World, for
the health of the Body, and that in it lie hid most ample Riches.
Fertility is indeed already demonstrated in many foregoing Testimonies;
but because the History of the Prophet _Elisha_ agreeth more than a
little with these my sayings, and may be a clear Testimony to them, I
have thought fit here to adjoin it. We read in _2 Kings_, 2. 19. that
the men of the City said to _Elisha_, _Behold, it is good to dwell in
this City, as my Lord seeth; but the water is naught, and the ground
about it is barren: Bring hither to me =(saith he)= a new Vessel full
of Salt_. Which being brought, he went to the Spring into which he cast
the Salt, saying, _Thus saith the Lord I have healed this Water, from
henceforth there shall no dearth and barrenness arise thence_. So the
Water was healed even to this day, according to the word of _Elisha_
which was spoken.
That this great Mystery may the better be understood, it will be
necessary first a little to consider the History it self, from which it
may be known by what means the Salt of _Elisha_ became so strong, that
it expelled Death, and rendered the Water good, and the barren Earth
fruitful.
When _Elias_ was to be carried up into Heaven, he said to _Elisha_, Ask
of me what I shall do for thee, before I am taken from thee. _Elisha_
asked of _Elias_, that he would grant to him a double portion of his
Spirit: _Elias_ answered, _It is a hard thing which thou hast asked;
if thou shalt see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be as thou
desirest, but if not, thou shalt obtain nothing_. And when they went
on together talking, behold, there cometh a fiery Chariot with Horses
of Fire, and parted them asunder; so _Elias_ was carried to Heaven in
a fiery Chariot; and _Elisha_ seeing this, cried out, _My Father, my
Father, &c._ Listen therefore, Wherefore did _Elias_ say to _Elisha_,
_If thou shalt see me when I shall be taken from thee, thou shalt have
thy desire, otherwise not_? And why with this condition? Could not
_Elias_ at his own will have rendered _Elisha_ the possessor of his
wish? Perhaps very easily, but _Elias_ would not without some _medium_,
because _Elisha_ was to be doubly seasoned with the Celestial Fire, by
which he was separated from _Elias_, for Fire bringeth forth Salt; the
Celestial Fire bringeth forth a Celestial Salt, and the Elementary Fire
an Elementary.
In this History is set before our Eyes the eternal Divine Light, and
also the natural, although few discern either of them, inasmuch as
their hearts are hardened and obscured by a horrid blindness. And
both the Old and New Testament are full of such Mysteries; so that
I dare boldly affirm, That all the Treasures both of Soul and Body
may be found in the Holy Scriptures, if we will; and that we have no
need to read the Writings of the Heathen Philosophers. I add this
one thing, That it is of God alone to open the Eyes of those who
desire to understand Divine and Natural Mysteries; for without divine
illumination, all things are dead and buried in darkness. This Truth
putteth to flight the diabolical Cavils and Slanders of all scoffing
Mountebanks and Jack-puddings. But which of them will oppose this, and
seek fertility from any other thing than Salt? Truly, I believe no man,
except that most profligate _Farnner_, with his wretched Followers,
who determine, That Salt doth not fatten, but Dung; when nevertheless
this is to be ascribed to the former, and not to the later. But those
Ass-like Brethren of Ignorance, being convinced of their filthy Lyes
by the most evident Truth, will I hope have their impure and shameless
mouths more than sufficiently stopped. I therefore acquiesce in this
demonstration, in which I think I have evidently proved, That the Sun
and Salt are the most noble Creatures of God, and that Salt is by me
rightly and deservedly called the greatest Treasure, and the greatest
Riches of the World; because after an earthly manner of speaking,
nothing can be more desirable for fruitfulness. Salt is the Original
of all fertility, the Sun is the original of Salt, and God the Creator
of all things, of the Sun, to whose Name be Honour and Glory for ever,
_Amen_.
But although this demonstration, which doth evidently shew, that salt
is the greatest Treasure in the world, be most clear, and beyond
all doubt; nevertheless, I doubt not, but it will not satisfie the
Covetous, who will say, Where is the _Stone of Philosophers_ which we
expected from thee, as the greatest Treasure of the whole world, that
it being known and acquired, we might lead a brave life? But stay,
my friend, until some man shall come and render sordid men partakers
of so great a Gift: For thinkest thou that if I its possessor, that
I would describe so great a Mystery, in such clear words as I have
described the fertility of the Earth: Not at all; nor have I the power
of doing that, seeing that a man cannot give to any those things which
are not his own, but God’s. Nevertheless, that the pious searcher
after Truth may have some manuduction to a Work of so great moment,
I cannot but hold forth to him that small Light granted me by Divine
Grace, provided he hath not Owls eyes, shunning the light of Nature,
because they cannot bear its splendour; which if he hath not, it
cannot be, but he will give credit to a manifest Truth. And concerning
so great a work, this is my opinion, That it is altogether possible,
that the most noble universal Pearl, to wit, the Medicine and Stone of
Philosophers, restoring the diseasie Bodies of Men and Metals to their
pristine health and state, may be prepared of common salt: But of the
Preparation, which is unknown to me, I can affirm nothing certain; but
that it may be done, manifold and infallible Experience hath caused me
to believe; which Experience I keep to my self, and will not part with
it to any, although I could very freely, if I might or durst make pious
men partakers of it: But because Faith is effected in us by God alone,
it is to be sought from Him by Prayer, and not to be expected from Men.
Therefore that (according to my promise) I may demonstrate, That
the Stone of Philosophers, lying hid in salt, may be got out of it
by the benefit of Art, I desire only this thing of the studious of
divine Mysteries, that he would search after those things, in my
Writings lately printed, which I have spoken concerning the little
Fish _Echineis_, _viz._ by what means he may be taken with a Net out
of the salt Sea, for there he will find a sufficient manuduction, of
which it is not necessary that I should here say any more. Those are
the things which I was willing to add in honour of that noble creature
salt: He that will not believe the most noble Pearl, of a universal and
particular Medicine, to be included in the inward Penetrals of Salt, I
cannot help him; it is free for every man to seek and walk in another
way.
Would it not be too tedious, I could also plainly prove, that from
marine Bodies, (as Coral, Mother of Pearl, Oyster-shells, and the like
things, being dissolved into water, and precipitated) may be extracted
corporal Gold, which I have done with my own hands, and therefore can
boldly witness it.
But I will shut up the Tables, what I have hitherto spoken being
sufficient for this time; from which I hope and believe that others
will receive benefit: Which I heartily wish, together with the divine
benediction to all pious men. _Amen._
A
TREATISE
Of the Signature of
Salts, Metals, and Planets.