The Concentration of Wine, Corn, and Wood, and the more
profitable use of them, than hath hitherto been.
TO
All those Patrons that Love GOD, and favour their Country,
_HEALTH_.
_Ye Pious, Prudent, and your Country-loving Patrons._
The Most Excellent Glorious God, and our most Merciful and Bountiful
Father, hath (out of his great Love unto, and Fatherly Care of us,
from Eternity) set Nature before our Eyes, that he might signifie to
us his Will; which said Nature, is no other thing but the proper,
eternal, and only Will of God. To this Nature, God hath (as to his
obedient and faithful Instrument) absolutely delivered, and committed
his Will and Command to be by her faithfully and diligently performed;
she accomplisheth the Task imposed on her, without intermission, nor
resteth she one moment of time from doing the Divine Will with her
utmost study and endeavour.
Therefore, deservedly ought we to learn to know, worship, and love the
Creator above all things else whatsoever, seeing the Creator is known
by the Creatures.
If his Creatures be great, and unperceivable to our sight, and so
wonderful; certainly it of necessity follows, that the Creator is far
greater, and far beyond all Human Understanding; and this, everyone may
easily understand: ’Tis therefore clearly and evidently manifest, that
God Created all things for the service of man, that he might thereby
acknowledge the Divine Bounty, and Honour, and fear the Creator, and
bestower of all good things, and yield him due Thanks for his Gifts.
But seeing that it may so be, that the most just God will sometime or
other, at last (being provoked by the perfidious malice of men, avenge
himself on the most Impious living of this perverse World, by bringing
scarcity of Food, (War, and the Plague); and seeing that it may so be,
as that the small Company of the Pious, lying hid amongst the Impious
Crew of the wicked, may partake of the same punishment: Therefore I
thought it very expedient, with a cheerful mind to publish (to the
Honour of God, and my Country, and for the comfort and solacing of its
Pious Inhabitants,) the Talent that God hath vouchsafed unto me, by the
help of which, very many such Calamities as may come, _viz._ Famine,
War, and the Plague, may be prevented.
But the way I have pitched on to serve my Country in, doth chiefly
consist in the manifestation and Revelation of those most great
Treasures that lie hidden in _Germany_, being such as by the
regardlessness of Men have been hitherto unknown, unsought, and not
gotten forth. I have therefore endeavoured, faithfully to manifest in
this present Treatise, by what means those Treasures are to be sought
for, and rightly ordered for the profit of my Country; and withal, to
open the Treasures of the Noble State of _Germany_, wherewith it is
most abundantly enriched, beyond all the other Countries of _Europe_,
and hath hitherto enjoyed, and used (but not so well as it should have
done) _viz._ Wine, Corn, Wood, Minerals, and Metals. For Ungrateful
Men have extreamly wasted unprofitably, the most wealthy, and rich
Benediction of God, who hath bestowed Wine and Corn on them, in
abundance, and the Relicks (which they spent not) have they suffered
to corrupt and perish with lying. Nor is there any body that doth in
the least entertain any thoughts, by what means such an abundance of
so great Gifts, might be kept and preserved for future years, which
may be accompany’d with extream scarcity and Dearth. Every one shifts
for himself and his, with that plenty of Goods he enjoys; and leaves
another to take care for himself, and to see for time to come, that he
provide himself for things necessary whereon to live. And it is come
to such a pass, that the overplus which remains of the abundance of
the Blessing of God, is meerly cast away through a careless disregard,
and so nothing is preserved for after times. And yet our Lord Jesus
Christ himself when he fed many thousands of Men with Bread, commanded
his Disciples carefully to preserve the remaining Crumbs, that nothing
might be lost; the which without all doubt he did for no other end, but
that we might have the Gifts of God in high esteem. But where shall
we find such as will imitate, and do the same; certainly no where,
which is inexcusable with God and good Men. Certainly such a largess
of Divine Gifts, is not bestowed on us, that they should miserably
perish, or be cast away; but we should rather labour and take care
of diligent laying up and preserving (like so many Laborious Ants)
all that overabundantness which we cannot make use of. Let it be but
considered, I pray, in what great heaps Corn lies heaped hoarded up,
and is spoiled. And is it not the same with Wine, which being gathered
in such over-great quantities, is become vile and abject, or cast away?
What, cannot there be store laid up out of this very plenty (which
now is grutched at, as ’twere) as so many great Treasures for future
Calamitous Years?
Well however, though as yet this hath been left undone, yet I am
confident, that some good Housholders will be found, that will not
despise this Instruction and Admonition of mine, but will condense the
so much superfluity of Wine, and Corn, and preserve it against future
Years scarcity. Nor do I at all doubt, but that others, after they
have by this Book well learned the manner, will turn the superfluous,
and cast away Wood (which lies and rots, and is reduced to nothing)
into Salt-petre in great quantities; that by its help the Enemies may
be resisted, and the Inhabitants defended. But in the three following
Parts, which treat of the Concentration of Metals, and Minerals,
wherein all kinds of Medicaments resisting natural Diseases, shall be
taught, I know that every one will find refreshment, and help, against
the future Plague, and Contagious Diseases. So then, when we have Food
and Drink necessary for a Livelyhood, and Salt-Nitre to defend us
against our Enemies, and Medicines serving for the preservation of us
in Health, there remains nothing else we can desire, save a little Gold
and Silver, by which we may exercise Trade, or Merchandise, and furnish
our selves with Outlandish Wares. The which, that we also may get out
of those Mountains, we every where meet withal, and out of those
abject, and given-over Mine-pits, I question not, but (God permitting)
to effect it, and clearly to shew it in the three following Books of
the Concentration of Minerals and Metals. Upon this account I would
no longer keep by me this small Book of the Concentration of things,
but publish it to the Honour of God and my Country, (it being a Talent
vouchsafed me by God.)
I do therefore Dedicate it to all Pious, Faithful, and Good
Housholders, hoping that my sincere Admonition, and Instruction, will
find some place, and not be rejected.
The three Parts I promised, shall shortly follow: Furthermore, I
offer my most faithful help to every one in the opening and revealing
the said Concentration of Wine, Corn, Wood, Minerals, and Metals;
for all things being in a readiness, I can easily shew the manner of
Concentration. And seeing I am ignorant, how long a time the most
Merciful God will vouchsafe unto me, the use of life and light; I would
not willingly bury with me a Science so eminent, so Noble, and so
profitable to my Country. But if now it should so fall out, that few or
none should at all mind it, yet have I done my part, and satisfied my
Conscience. Though indeed I do not in the least doubt, but that there
will be some good and faithful Housholders, by whom these Profitable
Inventions of mine, will be regarded, and be made use of for God’s
Honour, and for the Conservation of the Country, and its Inhabitants.
This I certainly know, that if this Counsel, or Direction of mine,
concerning the Concentration of Wine, Corn, Wood, and Minerals (which
proceeds from the simplicity and sincerity of my mind) shall find
any place of entertainment, that our most praiseworthy Country of
_Germany_, will in a few Years space become most exceeding happy, and
be so enriched, that both high and low will be much joyed, and praise
God, and give him thanks.
But I easily conjecture with what various and different Judgments this
Off-spring of my Brain, will be expounded. One will haply give credit
to the things I have said; but another will condemn and disdain them,
as mere Impossibilities, and Dreams. But however, the truth will at
length break forth, and the work it self will purchase to its Master
due Praise, and herein I content my self. The most Blessed, most
Merciful God, and our Father, that great Housholder, bestow on us his
Divine Benediction, that so we may institute in most places of this our
most dear Country this Concentration of Wine, Corn, Wood, and Minerals;
and may by the help thereof obtain such Treasures, as may serve for the
sustaining of our life, in time to come, and for the resisting of our
enemies, and for the Glory of God, and the help and succour of very
many needy ones in Distress.
The PREFACE.
_If the Proverbs of the Ancients are to be embraced as wholsom
Doctrines, then certainly this (being none of the least) is not to
be rejected; and is thus, =That he that will not hear, ’tis fit he
should afterwards feel=. The meaning of it is this; If so be any one be
regardless of a warning, and so come to damage, every one is wont thus
to say of him, He is but justly rewarded, why did he not yield to a
faithful warning? who will help him now?_
_But however, I have endeavoured (for the Honour of God, of the
Magistrate, and of my Country, and the benefit of my Neighbour) to
shew, by good Admonition, and by a profitable Testimony, by what
means, that great plenty we have in these as yet prosperous times,
wherein we have abundance of Corn, Wine, and other things in great
plenty throughout all =Germany=, may not unprofitably be lost; but be
preserved for support in those years of scarcity that are next to come,
according as =Joseph= that most excellent Steward mentioned in Holy
Writ is said to have done._
_And now that there may be as much prevention as is possible, that
the Wine, and Corn perish not with lying, but be preserved against a
future scarcity, I have published this little Book for every ones view,
concerning the Concentration of Vegetables, Animals, Minerals, and
Metals, in which, the prosperity and felicity of all =Germany=, and
indeed the Universal Treasure and Wealthiness of the whole World, is
seated._
_And because such an abundant plenty of all these things begets a
nauseating and loathing, as it were, of those Minerals, Metals, Wine,
and Corn, wherewith =Germany= exceeds all the other Countries of
=Europe=; I judged it well worth while to constringe, or concentrate
this plenty into a little room, and preserve it from the loss and
destruction of the same, arising from Negligence and Contempt. For
when such vile, or cheap things are driven into a small compass, the
baser and unprofitable part goes off, and the nobler and better part is
driven together, and preserved, and doth not so easily become corrupt
as afore, when both good and bad are commixed together._
_And this is to be understood of the Minerals, and Metals, and of
Wine, Corn, and Wood. For where the Water is separated from the Wine
and Beer, and the more Noble Parts are concentred, as it were into a
Centre, you may even preserve them as long as you list. And when you
need either Wine, or Beer, the concentrated parts may be relaxed by the
apposition of Water, and be enlarged, insomuch, that one Vessel will
hold six Vessels of Wine; and this, taking up but one place, and yet
contains six times the quantity, there will not need so much costs, nor
will so much Wine be spoiled by vapouring away, as would be by six Wine
Vessels, which must always be kept full. Besides, this farther benefit
ariseth hencefrom, =viz.= That out of such concentred Juices (if they
be at hand) there may be made every =Autumn= new Wines sooner than
ordinary, 4, 5, or 8 weeks time or more, and be sold at a bigger rate,
than in the very =Autumn= Season, when the Grapes are ripe, and every
Body furnished with Wine._
_=NB.= For such a work there is requisite a certain peculiar
Instrument, and artificial knack, by the help of which the Must may
be holpen to a speedy fermentation; there are also other Conveniences
which arise from these thus concentred Musts, which for Brevities sake
we here omit. So likewise Beer being after the same manner concentred,
doth bring a many more Utilities than ordinary Beer. For that Corn
which eight Barrels were scarce sufficient to contain afore, need no
more but one here, the which being put in the Beer Vessel, will not
turn into Vermin; nor will it flie out of the Barn, but may be used
after 10 or 20 years. Such Artificial Factitious Ales, seeing they are
(in their condensation) boiled a longer while, are far better than the
common sorts which are made of dried Corn, or Malt. Whosoever therefore
shall in a great plenty of Grain, buy up Corn, and condense it by such
Artificial Concentrations, and so lay it by, till a scarcity comes,
will gain abundantly, and will not only get to himself an honest,
and to others no ways injurious profit; but will withal (being thus
studious of Charity and Mercy) deserve exceeding well of his Neighbour,
if he helps him in his great necessity, and he will readily pay him
for his Corn, whereby he may get Money to sustain his Family and be a
profitable gainer._
_So then, no body is injured by this condensation, and concentration
of Ale, or Wine, but both the Buyer and Seller are Gainers, and this
should of right, be in every Man’s heart, what condition soever he be
of. It would be well done of Noble Men, Princes, Kings, Emperors, and
other Magistrates and Common Wealths, if they would provide in their
Store-houses for Warfare, such kind of condensed Liquors, and Juices,
that so the poor may in a time of scarcity be made partakers of that
plenty, and they will have no loss thereby, but rather benefit._
_But the Condensation of Wood, and turning it into Salt-petre or Nitre,
is far more profitable than that of Wine or Ale; for wood may be had
even as it were =gratis=, and be with a very small Cost transmuted
into Nitre, the which may be kept without hurt in the Storehouses for
a long time, seeing it is not wont to corrupt or perish, and be there
conserved until it be made up into Gun-powder with Coals and Sulphur,
both which are also not subject to corruption; so that it is not so
very necessary (nay, rather it is hurtful) to have such vast quantities
of Gun-powder in their Castles and fenced places. There are examples
enough of Towers in which Gun-powder hath been stirred up, which either
through negligence, or else by lightning, being fired, have in less
than a moments time o’return’d whole Cities, and slain abundance of
men. Now this mighty inconveniency may easily be prevented by this
only Remedy, =viz.= If the Powder be not made up, but the matter
thereof (=viz.= Nitre, Sulphur, and Coals) be only kept in readiness,
wherewith the said Powder may be made, as necessity requires: Besides,
herein also doth the concentration of Wood exceed (as to profit) the
condensation of Wine and Ale, not only because there lie vast heaps of
Minerals in =Germany=, (which not containing a fixt and corporeal Gold,
are therefore disesteemed) that admit of a separation of their better
part, and fixation of it by Nitre; but withal, the meaner Metals (their
superfluous Sulphur being burnt up) may be transmuted into better; and
the perfect Metals, =viz.= Gold and Silver, may (by the help thereof)
be destroyed, and be enforced or concentred into a better part; the
which thing the following =Second=, =Third=, and =Fourth Parts= treat
of._
_So then, this Transmutation of Wood into Salt-petre or Tartar, of both
which not only great quantities may be sold, but may be also applied
to sundry uses, will bring to our noble Country of =Germany= (in which
there is an incredible quantity of Wood to be had almost every where
=gratis=) a most notable encrease of Power and Strength, not only
against its future, but its present Enemies._
_Whosoever therefore shall have abundance of Wood, shall likewise be
enriched with store of Wealth, provided he will but set his hand to
the work, and not fear that ever =Salt-petre= will be such a Drug, as
to be of no value, and not vendible: And yet if it should so be, yet
in the Explication of my =Miraculum Mundi=, already published, I have
manifested so much, and will, in the three following parts of this
Book, manifest such things as concern the use of this =Salt=, that
there will never want such, as penetrating into the knowledge of these
Secrets, will not full well know its Use._
_He that hath Eyes, let him look about, and use them, for the time
comes, yea, and by little and little approacheth, in which Knowledge
will be a profitable thing; and it will be well for those who are
seasoned with the knowledge of things profitable. Verily, Knowledge is
better than store of Goods, for no body can carry them with him, nor
(in some cases) help either himself or his Friends with them. Happy
is he that can say with the Philosopher, =All that is mine do I carry
with me=: How injuriously do they speak of the most bountiful Lord God,
who accuse Him for that He hath forborn the bestowing of Wine, plenty
of Corn, Pome-Citrons, and Gold on some Countries, and yet fully as
great Treasures are to be found there, if the Eyes of the Inhabitants
were not darkened? If there were nothing else, yet certainly there
is Wood to be found, which without any labour, costs, or trouble of
Rich or Poor, doth grow night and day, and offers it self unto us, and
as it were, saith unto us in these words; =What! am I of no use? Do
not I come forth to thy view, that thou maist by contemplating on me
acknowledg the Divine Bounty, and make use of me with thankfulness?=
There is not therefore any reason why one Country should exalt it
self before another, because it is better; or contrarily complain,
that the Divine Benediction less regarded it than other Countries;
no, each Country hath enough, if it would but be content with what it
possesseth. As for those Countries which are even destitute of Wood,
they do nevertheless abundantly enjoy the Divine Benediction; witness
=Island=, and other cold Northern Countries, which have their Corn,
and other Necessaries for Life, brought them out of other Countries.
But now on the other hand, these Countries afford Cod or Stock-fish
dried; and so, though they want Trees, Fruit, Corn, and Wine, yet they
do not want, and are equally as well nourished by the Divine Bounty as
the rest be. Though they want Wood, yet have they Pit-Coals; for the
Earth there is very sulphureous, and at the Mountain =Hekla= it burns
perpetually, and casts out fire, smoak, and ashes, and yields to the
Inhabitants a great quantity of Brimstone, which they dig out and sell
to our Country Mariners and Traffiquers, thereby sustaining themselves._
_Some one or other may object to me and say, Seeing that =Salt-petre=
is to be accompted of as an =Universal Subject=, and to be found in
all things, it must necessarily be, that seeing =Island= has no Wood
at all, the =Salt-petre= is to be found in the dry Stock-fish, for
otherwise this Salt can’t be said to be =Universal=, as being not to be
found in such or such a Country._
_Well then, to clear this doubt, I do affirm, (as I said before)
that Nitre is in Fishes also, though not in such plenty as in other
subjects, =viz.= in Wine, Wood, and Corn: But it is found far more
plentifully and potently in Stones, with which those Countries are well
stored; and any one may easily guess what Riches they would produce,
were they but versed in the knowledge how to extract it; for in Stones
which by burning are turned into Lime, (the which may be done without
Wood, even by dried Turf or Pit-coal, and that easily) Nitre is as
abundantly hidden, as in Wood, and in other Vegetables: Nor is there
ought else requisite, save the knowledge of the way of its extraction._
_If therefore that harsh and wild kind of Country, wherein nothing
grows, be put in the Philosophical balance, with the most rich Country,
it would (seeing it contains hidden in its Earth and Stones such great
Treasures) easily exceed it, and obtain the chiefest place. There is
therefore no reason why any one should complain before God: A small
man doth usually exceed, as to swiftness and agility, one that is
big and tall: A weak man may oppose the acuteness of his wit against
the strength of the lusty: A poor man enjoys Quietude, and patiently
undergoes his more hard fortunes; but contrariwise, the rich is
invironed with cares. And this may be also understood of other living
Creatures. These things being well considered, every one may understand
and perceive, that God hath satisfied every one, and that there is no
Creature that can justly complain._
_It is reported of the =Peruvian= part of =America=, That it is
enriched with the most abounding Silvery Mountain =Potosi=, seated in
a part of that Region, and is about some 50 =German= miles in compass,
and that it doth by its exceeding cold Air hinder the growing of any
Vegetables, and yet notwithstanding, there is such a notable power
and excellency obtained by the Riches of that place, that the City
there founded doth abound with the best Wine, Corn, Sugar, and other
such-like necessary things, and is scarce inferiour in bigness and fair
Buildings to any City of =Germany=, and from this very Mountain only
receiveth it this felicity. It is hence evident, that all such things
are not unprofitable, which (by reason of the meanness of the outward
shape) are not so well known to every body; for sometimes a Countryman
throws a Stone at a Cow, which is far more worth than the price of the
Cow is, and yet it is contemned, because unknown._
_The external and superficial Figure therefore of a thing is not
alwaies to be regarded, but its inward parts are to be search’d into
and viewed; and that we may attain hereunto, =Alchymy= points out
to us the way, (she being the Instrument of the true praise-worthy
Philosophy) and opens the Gate, whereby we may search into the inmost
bowels of every thing._
_He who well knows the fire, and the use thereof, will not be
distressed with want. And he that has no knowledge of the same, neither
will he throughly search into Natures Treasures: From these things it
is evident what Treasures we =Germans= do unknowingly possess, and yet
convert them nor to our use; And were not foreign parts as ignorant too
of these things as we our selves are, they would readily have upbraided
us =Germans=, that we spend more time in eating and drinking, than on
good =Arts= and =Sciences=._
_Now as concerning my writings about the concentration of =Wine=,
=Corn=, and =Wood=, and the condensation of ’em, I shall never be
better able to prove and confirm the Truth of the same, than by
producing it to manifest light, that so the Eyes seeing it, all
admiration may cease, and all incredulity vanish. There is credit
therefore to be given to all the things mentioned in this Book, as to
an experienced Truth, and which are not made publick for any other
ends, save only that those natural Sciences may tend to the utility and
benefit of my Neighbour. Whoever therefore shall believe them, will
purchase Honour and Profit; and contrariwise, he that will not believe,
will get only disgrace and detriment._
_I will therefore predict or foretell, that this one only Artifice of
making =Salt petre= in such great plenty, and the way of using it to
metalline works, will bring incredible Treasures to our Country of
=Germany=, if we be not too negligent, or let it slip by a sluggish
slothful drowsiness. I do verily believe, that if God doth yet
vouchsafe me one years life, that this said Artifice of =Salt-petre=
will be profitable to very many; but if so be that it shall not
please the Divine Majesty to prolong my life so short a time, it may
however be accounted of, that God hath indeed shewed us =Germans=,
as heretofore he did to =Moses=, the =Land of Promise=, but hath, by
reason of our sins and incredulity, shut up the passage against us._
_But that I may absolutely serve my Neighbour, and that he may have
no cause to complain, as if I had served him but by halves, in that I
have not described the Press for Wood, together with the appertaining
Instruments, I do now therefore certifie every one, that all the things
necessary and requisite for the concentrating of Wine, Corn, and Wood,
are to be seen in my custody in perfection._
_If now any one be desirous of receiving benefit from his Wine,
Corn, or Wood, and that he find it highly to concern him to get this
knowledge he will well know, by the inspection of the Work presented
afore him, wherein lay the defect as to the getting this thing, and
what means the said defect is to be holpen by; but the Instruments that
I have mentioned, shall be no longer to be seen, than from the Calends
of =March= to the Calends of =September=, this present year 1656.
=viz.= six months time; for I have purposed to my self, not to render
my life burdensome alwaies unto my self, by carrying such troublesome
burthens about to and fro, but at last to get a quiet seat and abode.
So then it will, by this here spoken, be evidently manifest to every
one, what he is to do as touching this matter._
_The three other Parts concerning the concentration of Minerals and
Metals, shall (if God permit) shortly also follow._
_But because Nitre is the alone Instrument of that work, and that no
body can get any eminent profit, unless he can have Nitre at a very
cheap rate, it is wholly necessary that some labour be bestowed about
the procuring it, which if you can get good store of cheap, then will
the hoped-for profit be perceived, both out of Minerals and Metals:
If not, vain will it be for you to make your search into that Mineral
kingdom._
_Well, I do affirm, That by the benefit of Nitre, things wonderful may
be effected in Metallick Labours; yea, ten times more than what I have
described in my small Treatise, called =Miraculum Mundi=, or dare to
describe for the future; for all things requisite to true =Alchymy=,
may be perfectly accomplished in it, by it, and with it._
_Herewith I conclude this Preface. Whatsoever is here wanting in this
Treatise, for brevities sake, the demonstration visibly exposed to
view, will afterwards compleatly recompence, insomuch that any one will
easily wind himself out of all doubts. And here we rest for this time._
THE FIRST PART
OF
The Prosperity of Germany, &c.
In the Name of the most Holy Trinity do I begin to describe the
most great Wonders of God, that I may manifest to everyone (without
concealing ought) His Grace and Mercy, which He embraceth Mankind
withal; and I pray God, the Father of us all, the merciful Creator of
Heaven and Earth, to guide and direct this Work, that it may serve to
His Divine Honour, and tend to all our welfares. _Amen._
* * * * *
We will enter into _Franconia_, and see what a wealthy and large
Benediction of God is to be found therein: And I will first begin with
Wine, none of the least of the most noble Creatures of God, and will
demonstrate how ungrateful we shew ourselves to the bestower of all
good things, and how basely we abuse His Goodness.
Every one knows what a noble Creature wine is, how strained from the
Grape and made, and therefore this thing needs no further description,
forasmuch as others have heretofore sufficiently enough done this
task and daily Experience is an abundant testifier of the use of the
same. It is behoveful here, that we only signifie how it ought to be
handled better than it has hitherto been, and may so likewise bring
a greater profit and utility to the tillers thereof than hitherto.
Every one knows, that wine is the noblest amongst all drinks, and
most conducive to health, and may and ought to be called the Purest
drink: It cherisheth old men, and heats the cold, but such as are of
a tender age, should deservedly shun wine, because being drunk too
soon, it easily inflames the Liver, and dries it up, and stirs up
various Diseases, and at last causeth Death it self. So then, there is
nothing so good, but may also do hurt, nor is any thing so evil, but
doth sometimes bring some benefit, according as the difference of the
use is which it is applied unto; as is here evident in Wine; the which
being drunk moderately, and at due seasons, doth not only excellently
well digest and concoct the Meat in the Stomach, but likewise evidently
strengthens the Heart, Brain, and Vital Spirits, and generates pure
and sound Blood and Flesh. Contrariwise, being immoderately taken,
it overflows as ’twere the Stomach, Lungs, and Liver, fills those
Vessels with many evil humours, and obstructs them, so that they cannot
well perform that office whereto they are destinated by _GOD_ and
_Nature_, but are overwhelmed with whole Troops of Diseases; for the
Heart and Brain is set upon by their spiritual efficacy and hot nature
and property, and is weakened, and the vital spirit is overcome and
suffocated, as we see in the fire, the which when greater doth alwaies
suppress and overcome the lesser.
Hence it comes to pass, that men that load themselves with daily
drinkings, do little differ from new-born Calves and Geese, and are
wont to be neither profitable to God, nor to Men, nor to themselves.
* * * * *
_In the Name of God_, therefore we will proceed on in the matter we
have proposed, and see by what means more profit may be reaped from
Wine than hath hitherto been.
In the first place, he that aims at the bettering of any thing, must
know what the thing is which he studies the amending of, and of what
parts it consisteth.
Therefore, as concerning Wine, it consisteth as well as the other
Vegetables of three principles, _viz._ of _Salt_, _Sulphur_, and
_Mercury_ (that I may use the Philosophers terms). The _Mercury_ is
its insipid moisture, and the _Sulphur_ is that burning Spirit which
is extracted or drawn out thereof. You shall thus know the thing, by
this following Experiment. Put a Cucurbit full of Wine in a B. and
with a gentle heat draw off what will come, but yet so, that the parts
which in the destillation alter or change themselves, be each of them
received apart in its peculiar Receiver. For example; If there were
12 parts of wine, or 12 measures, there ascends first only one part
of spirit, which is the soul and life of the wine; after it, come ten
parts or measures of insipid water; the remainder in the bottom of the
Glass is a thick and austere or harsh matter, which being the Tartar or
Salt of the wine, is also almost one part or measure of the wine. Of
these three parts all wine is compounded, but yet partakes of one or
the other of the Principles, more or less, according to its being more
or less mature, or its growing in such or such a place. As for example;
The Austere Wine hath alwaies more Tartar and less Spirit than the Ripe
Wines; and contrarily, the ripe wine doth abound with more Spirit than
Tartar, as the _Spanish_ and other extraneous wines witness, which do
alwaies abide sweet, and plainly have no Tartar in them; the reason is
this, Because in those warm Countries they are brought by the Sun to
meer sweetness, and so are ripe; so that the austere Tartar or Salt is
throughly changed, and concocted into a sweet Sugar. Hence it comes,
that the said wines do not in the afore-proposed Examen leave any
austereness, as our wines in _Germany_ do, but rather yield twice as
much spirit, and scarce the half part of insipid water: Whenas austere
Wine yields about a twentieth part of spirit, the ripe _German_ wine
yields almost a twelfth part, and the _Spanish_ a sixth part of spirit,
four parts of water, and one part of fæces without Tartar. So that from
good _German_ wine there comes (as I said afore) one part of spirit,
ten of water, and one part of austere or sowrish matter.
He that knows these things, will easily contrive and prepare for
himself by the help thereof, at all times, be it hot or cold, good and
constant, or durable wine. Neither is there any room left a man here
of complaining, as if God shewed greater bounty to men one year than
another. The fault of this defect is not to be imputed to God, but to
our own selves, who know nothing, nor are willing to know, nor study
how to help Nature; for Art can bring an assistance and help to Nature
when she is impeded in her work, and is unable to bring her Fruits
unto a maturity, provided the Artist removes away that which the wine
naturally abounds withal, and addeth thereunto what it is destitute of.
For example, Let us examin a thin wine, which being not sufficiently
concocted and ripened by the Sun, is endowed with too much sharpishness
and water, and contrarily has but little of spirit; if now to such a
wine, when it begins to boil or ferment, some spirit shall be added,
so that it may work together with it, it will be even as well ripened
in the wine-vessel, by the benefit of this fiery spirit, as if it had
been ripened by the Sun, as it hung upon the Vine; insomuch, that by
this means there mought be made excellent wines every year, if any had
but the knowledge of thus helping them.
NB. But now such a spirit must not be such an one as that common Adult
or Brandy-wine is, but a grateful and pure Essence of wine; the manner
of making it I have described in my _Vegetable Work_. Now by how much
the more this Spirit shall ferment or work with such a wine, so much
the stronger and more efficacious doth the wine become: Forasmuch as
all the Virtues of all the whole wine consist in the Spirit only, and
the Tartar or Salt doth by its muchness make it austere and sharp. But
_Musts_ being by such an Artifice made stronger and more efficacious,
do keep a longer time afterwards without corrupting, and may be carried
or transported whithersoever one please; whence it comes to pass, that
they are never spoiled, as they are otherwise usually wont to be, when
’tis not of ripe growth.
From these things ’tis evident, that out of one Must, grown in one and
the same _Autumn_, there may with ease be made wines of 3, 4, or more
kinds, according as there is more or less of this spirit added to the
_Must_ and fermented with it.
There is also another way, by the help whereof every austere wine
is easily corrected and amended, thus: In the Vintage time, let the
liquor of the _Must_, or of the expressed juice of the Grapes, be so
boiled in peculiar Vessels, that the unprofitable moisture or tasteless
water do exhale by little and little, until thou hast as much as thou
wouldst, or as the efficacy of the wine, or the degree thou wouldst
by correcting reduce it to, shall require: For, in the exhalation of
the superfluous moisture nothing goes away, save that insipid water;
but the sweetness and the austereness remains in that thick and
condensate juice, like to Honey; so that that boiled mash comprehends
all the strength and virtues of the wine, concentrated as it were, and
condensate, and will again disclose them, if it doth again work, with
water thereto added in a due proportion; but the use of this condensate
_Must_, which as yet hath not wrought or fermented, is this, That it
can be at all times carried, and most profitably sold in far remote
Countries, which thing could not afore be done.
For every one knows, that when there is a cold Summer, Wines become
immature and acid, and are not wont to keep; for as soon as they come
to be a year old, they are covered over with a filmy skin, and being
mouldy, corrupt, because they have not in them spirit enough. From
whence it comes to pass, that many times Vintners, or Vineyard-keepers,
suffer great loss, after that they have diligently betook themselves
to dress the Vineyards for an whole year, and have lived sparingly
and hardly, and working hard, have sustained their lives with Bread
and Water, hoping that upon selling their wine they should scrape
together a little Money, to buy them some Clothes and other Necessaries
for their Family’s supportation; for the expected plenty of the wine
hoped for, and of the profit accruing by the store of Money for it,
when sold, hath prop’d them up with this hope; but now the wine fading
and deluding their hopes, and turning into an acid and austere taste,
they cannot sell it, seeing ’tis scarce worth the carriage; or if it
be sold, ’tis at such a mean rate, as scarcely sufficeth to discharge
the Cost of dressing it; and what shall now be done for Food, Drink,
Raiment, and other Necessaries to sustain the Family?
And yet the Vines must be dressed for the next year too, and more
Monies laid out upon them; but from whence shall Monies come for Food
and Raiment, in the mean time? Alas, what course will they take if some
such-like years should follow one another together? Either the poor
miserable men must, together with their Wives and Children, famish,
or else turn Souldiers, and be kill’d, or be made so desperate, as to
betake themselves to thieving and robbing, and so finish their daies by
an Halter: For the present world is so much estrangd from Mercy, that
one will not use so _much_ Christian Charity, as to help another in his
necessity.
And besides, the ingratitude it self of men doth sometimes make others
slow and fearful of administring and affording a mutual help; forasmuch
as very many, when they are rid out of their incumbrances, do refuse to
restore those things, or by labour to requite or make amends for the
things by which they were delivered out of their Straits.
Hence it comes to pass, that he who does a friendly good turn, for
such an ingrateful man, loseth his Money, and by reason of that so ill
placed formerly, abhors the lending his helping hand again.
Now, that such great inconveniences may be removed, and the
Vine-dressers somewhat holpen, so as that they might every year sell
their wines at a beneficial price, and may never be oppressed with
that foresaid detriment; it may very conveniently be done by the help
of this concentration or condensation, by evaporating the _Must_ to
the consistence of Honey, the which may profitably be carried into far
distant places, in which no wine is accustomed to grow, and be there
sold. Such now as buy up such Must thus condensated by boiling, do now
know how by dilating it with Water, to reduce it again into good wines.
This Artifice therefore being so laudable, will be helpful to both, to
the Vine-dresser, in yielding him presently ready Money for his Must,
and to the Merchant, in easilier furnishing him with Wine, and quitting
him of so much Charges in the Carriage.
But that the business may be yet the better and more clearly
understood, let us see by making computation, what the benefit and
profit of this condensation is.
Let us suppose then, that a Wine not ripe remains acid and weak, and
that a _Franconian_ Urn, or half an Hogshead of _Frankfort_ measure,
yields scarce a Florin, or a Doller at the utmost. Such a Wine as this
will not quit the Costs of the Carriage, though but for 12 miles; [_a
=German= mile is three of ours_.] for it degenerates by the carrying
it, and becomes mouldyish, as ’twere, and turns sowre, so that the
Huckster can’t sell the same, and he’l have a care how he buys such
wines another time; and the Vineyard-keeper is even enforced to keep
them to his great loss, forasmuch as all his safety or dependance is
built thereupon.
As for the Rich men, tho’ they have some acid wine, they are not undone
by the loss, for they have still by them other better wines, which
they mix those worser and more acid wines withal, and so sell them
off; or else they keep such thin wines till the Autumn comes, with
more plentiful and riper Grapes, and to the Must proceeding from them,
do they pour this thin Wine, and let it work therewith anew, and by
this means it becomes vendible. But yet the Gain arising hencefrom, is
sufficiently poor and mean: For by how much the thinner the acid wine
is than it ought to have been, tho’ it be mixt with good Wine, yet
doth this become so much the worser; nay, it sometimes happens, that
both are corrupted and lost; for as much of help as the acid Wine gets
from the good wine, so much of goodness doth depart even from the good
wine. So that such a kind of bettering after what manner soever it be
instituted, cannot be very profitable or advantageous.
For example, that I may be the better understood, let us instance in
two pieces of Gold, each of which should be the value of 25 Imperials:
Let them be put in the Balance and examined, and being examined, let
one of them be the due weight, and let the other be less in weight or
price the value of four Imperials. If now you are minded to take so
much away from that piece which is of current weight, as to make them
both of alike weight, you may indeed so do, but yet you are no waies
benefited thereby, but rather suffer loss: Forasmuch as you took away
from that piece that was of due weight, and added unto the other piece
that wanted of weight, so much of its value is departed, and both
pieces will be unfit to go in payment, as wanting their due value and
weight. What profit therefore can hence redound unto any man? Even so
is the case with the Wine, for if one should get some two load of wine,
and could sell one of them for 20, and the other but for 10 Imperials,
and yet should not be accounted of as vendible Wine, and now the
Merchant should mix that thin wine with the better, that they may both
be equal, would not that better wine become worse, and that thin wine
be rendered not much the better? For my part therefore, I cannot see
that such a kind of meliorating can bring much profit.
But as for my bettering and correction, it is always profitable,
whereby the acid wines are not corrupted by the acid, but the good and
superfluous humidity only is separated by the benefit of Art, and the
good part being condensate in it self, and by it self is reduced into a
narrower compass.
_NB._ He that is so minded, may separate from the sweet Must, a fourth
part only, or a fifth or sixth part, by evaporation, and presently
bring it to such a pass, as to work or ferment; for they become so
much the better, by how much the more water hath been consumed by
evaporation: If the Quintessence of wine be added to that working Must,
the wines become the better, and the more generous. This kind of way
may be made use of in those places in which the wine doth for the most
part remain acid; for there needs not this Art to those Vines that
Nature hath ripened.
Besides, the wines may be condensated to the thickness of Honey,
that they may be thereby rendered the fitter for Transportation. Six
Hogsheads, or _Oma_, of Must, may be so condensated, that one Hogshead
will hold them; the which (if need be) may again by the apposition of
5 Hogsheads of water, which quantity it lost in the condensation, make
6 Hogsheads of wine of the very same goodness and efficacy as it would
have been of before the condensation, if it never had been condensated,
but been presently put out of the Press into the Barrels, to have
fermented and work’d into wine after the usual manner.
_NB._ But now if any be desirous of making his wine better and more
noble than it would have been afore the Concentration, then he must
not put five, but only 4 parts of water; for should he add but three
Hogsheads or parts, it would be yet better and nobler by one degree
than the others: Hence is it manifest, That it is in the hands of the
Artist to make and alter these wines at his pleasure, and to render
them strong, stronger, and middling, and by the addition of water to
give them even what efficacy and what virtues you list. But now, to all
the mixtures he may add the soul of wine, if he has it, that the wines
may thereby be the sooner clear and pure. For the Quintessence of any
wine being conjoined with new Musts, and working with them, brings them
in a short space of time to clarity and purity, so that they become
transparent, but principally when they are tartarized, or full of
Tartar, for the spirit of Wine brooks not any Tartar, but precipitates
it in the fermentation to the bottom, or drives it away from it self,
and so by consequence makes the Wine clear and transparent. But as
concerning, what means the Tartarized (Spirit or) Essence of Wine is to
be artificially prepared by, ’tis needless to repeat here, forasmuch as
it is already described in divers of my Writings hitherto published,
but especially in the Vegetable Work.
Besides, it is not so convenient, that every one should know, by what
means the concentrated Musts may be prepared with water, and the
Tartarized Quintessence. It is sufficient in this place, to know how
the Musts are to be concentrated, or brought into a narrow compass,
that so they may be transported and sold. Let this be the care of the
Merchants to know how to use them when they have bought them. For the
Brains of the Vineyard keepers are incapable of these things. Yet
nevertheless, there will be some Men who will know how to make a due
use of such boiled and condensed Musts, if they can but get them, and
every one may be Master of this Affair, if he has but Coppers and
Kettles, necessary for such an Operation; whereby he may make store
enough of Juice. But yet every Countryman can’t get such Kettles,
neither will it be worth while, forasmuch as a small Portion of Wine,
will not be able to quit the Costs. But whosoever bestows his Study and
Moneys in exercising this Artifice, will reap thence from a great deal
of Utility and Advantage. But whether he does these things, or does
them not, he neither benefits, nor injures me. ’Tis sufficient, that I
have evidently demonstrated to the Vineyard Masters, by what means they
may always sell their Wines, whether they be ripe, or have come short
of their Maturity.
But for the better instruction of the Courteous Reader, I will compute
the Charges of this Operation, and show, what gain is to be expected
from the Condensation of these Musts.
In the first place therefore, let us buy some Musts in those places,
in which they are thin, and are sold for a mean price, _viz._ twelve
Urnes, or six Hogsheads, or Oma’s, for _xij._ Imperials; [an Imperial
is about 4 _s._ 6 _d._] this Must we will condense to the Consistency
of Honey, so that there may be but one Hogshead, or Oma remaining.
Let the Costs requisite to this Concentration (always provided you
are furnished with the Copper Vessel) be valued at half a Dollar,
or thereabouts; and the charge of the Wood we’ll count an Imperial
for. The Wine Cask which is to be filled with this condensate Juice,
we will value at half an Imperial, its carriage forty Miles, we’ll
reckon six Imperials for. All which Charges being summed up, make
nineteen Imperials and an half. And so much will be the Charges of one
Hogshead, or one Oma of this Condensate Must, and its Carriage forty
Miles. This Must now being brought into such a place where Wines are
dear, you may at any time of the year, by the addition of Water, and
by Fermentation, transmute into good Wine. And that one only Hogshead
being the condensate Juice of six Hogsheads of Must, will yield thee
so many Hogsheads of such Wine as the Must would have been afore its
Concentration. And if thou desirest to have thy Wine stronger and
nobler, than as it comes out of the Press, and than it could be afore
this Condensation, you may omit the putting thereunto so much water
as it lost in the Condensation, and lessen it proportionably, that so
those six may make no more than four Hogsheads, and they will be the
more generous; the which thou shalt far better have by this means, if
_viz._ You know how thereunto to adjoin a Quintessence.
If now, that one Hogshead of juice, which afore its Condensation was
six Hogsheads, doth again yield four [and no more] it must of necessity
be much better, and more noble than otherwise it would have been, had
it been made after a Natural manner, (_viz._ just as it came from the
Press.) And by this means too, it will last the better, and may be the
easilier transported and sold.
So then, if in such a place as is 40 Miles distant from Wine-making
Countrys, an Hogshead, or Oma, is sold but for twelve Imperials, and
you have of six Hogsheads of thin Wine, made four of better, and
each of these you sell for but 12 Imperials, yet you shall have 48
Imperials, out of which substract your 19 and ½ Charges, you shall have
clear Gains 28 Imperials, and ½. But I have set a most low price on
this Wine, for in such places which are about some 40 Miles from those
Countries, in which abundance of Wines grow, an Hogshead, or an Oma,
is not usually sold at the Rate of 12, but of 24 Imperials. The gain
therefore of about a Wayn-load of such a thin Wine, which haply would
have corrupted with lying, and never yielded any profit, doth at the
least yield above fifty Imperials.
Every one now may easily see how much Gains this Artifice of the
Concentration of Musts doth bring. For besides this Commodity arising
from this Labour, _viz._ That the Musts being presently sold, yield
ready Money; there is this also, that the Money being again presently
disburst, opens the way for the next years profit. The Merchant also
has this benefit by this Labour, that he is not enforced to pay so
much Water’s carriage so long a Journey; and that he may even at his
pleasure make his Wine more or less strong and efficacious; for what
a deal of profit is this, for to have all the Wine of six Hogsheads,
carried in one Hogshead.
Besides, the Merchant doth not only gain the price of the carriage of
those five Hogsheads, but also is quitted of the fear of the Carter’s
corrupting, or spoiling that Juice by the way, as is usual with them
to do with Wine, drawing it out, and filling up the Vessels again with
Water. This danger these Juices are not subject unto; and may be kept
in great plenty in fruitful years of Wine, until you need them. For
they are not wont to be corrupted, if they are but kept in pure, and
well shut Vessels. By this means every Vintner may in such exceeding
plentiful years, furnish himself with a great Treasure, and store of
Wines, and so afterwards, when a dear year comes, reduce his Juices
into Wine, and enjoy a great deal of profit.
I have to this end described this so famous an Art, that the common
Vine-Masters, may have present sale for their Musts, and not be
enforced so long to keep them, till some Carrier comes and enquires
after Wine, but may presently get their Moneys, and may profit
themselves by bestowing them to the use of their Family. So then,
it fares not only well, which the Vine-Masters, and the Merchants,
but also with all such as dwell in those places which yield no Wine,
because by the benefit of this Medium (or Artifice) they may also drink
Wine at a cheaper rate. For if any Honest Citizen provides himself with
an whole Hogshead, or half an Hogshead of this Juice, he may turn it
into stronger, and weaker Wines, and all times of the Year make new,
and as yet fermenting sweet Musts, whensoever he pleaseth, and as oft
as his need requires; and may by the apposition of Spices, or Herbs,
make Aromatical, or Physical Wines; which thing cannot be effected
without these Condensate Juices; forasmuch as Sweet _Musts_, cannot be
carried by Land to any other place, for that they presently ferment,
and boil up, and will either break out of the Vessels, or rend the
Cask, and be lost, which (by having these Juices) is not at all to be
feared. I do therefore think that I deserve exceedingly well of very
many, by the faithful manifestation of this Artifice; which deed of
mine, whether it be praised, or dispraised, yet will it not be despised
by such men as shall apprehend, and perceive the benefit and Commodity
of so great an Artifice.
It remains now, that we also describe, and set afore your Eyes the
Instruments and Vessels serving to this Condensation, (without which,
this Concentration cannot be effected) and withal shew the manner of
proceeding, which is to be thus ordered.
In the First place, provide a Copper of such a bigness as you shall
judge needful for the great, or less quantity of Juice you have; let it
have a plain and even bottom, and let it have the sides about a Span
high, and get it well Tinned over in the inside, and not Leaded, the
which Vessel you must put in a Furnace of a sizeable bigness, and so
order it, that being set in the Furnace, the Flame may come but only
to the bottom, and not be able to touch the sides. The Walls of the
Furnace are to be some two foot high, and must have an Iron front, or
Stone Door, serving for the putting in the Wood, and registring the
fire, by opening and shutting it. At the backside is to be an hole of
such a bigness, as may suffice for making the fire burn by the access
of the Air, and for carrying away the Smoke and Flame. But it must be
so ordered, as to be covered with a broad stone, if need be, that so
the fire may on such wise be registred, that the Juices may not boil
over by the overmuch fire, or taste of burning. These Juices are to
be so long boiled with the wood, until they begin to wax thick, and
then more new Must is to be thereunto added, this addition is to be so
long made, and so often repeated, until the Copper be almost filled
with those thick Juices. Then the holes of the Furnace that serve for
giving air, are to be shut both above and below, that there may be no
flame under the Copper, but the bare _heat_ of the fire, and a sweet
and gentle warmth, which will bring the Juices by a sweet decoction to
the consistence of Honey, and will condense them without any adustion,
insomuch that they will become as sweet as Sugar.
These Juices, you may let out by a Pipe, or Cock placed near the bottom
of the Vessel, and shutting it again, pour in more to be condensed
after the same manner, until all the Musts are condensed, but you must
not presently put the Condensate Juices, as soon as ever they come hot
out of your Copper, into your Barrels, but let them run first into
some wooden Vessel, and be there left so long till they are cool, then
put them up in your Barrels, and shut them up tight, and so may you
keep them whole and sound, and free from Corruption, even as long as
you list: For if you should put them hot into your Barrels, and so shut
them up, the Barrels would burst, or else when you open them, would (by
reason of the pent-up Vapours, which can have no exhalation) break or
run out.
NB. And here comes a notable Secret, which I think good to add. When
the Juices have rested some two or three weeks, and be afterwards
dissolved with warm water, the residue of the Tartar which would have
made the wines acid, will fall down undissolved to the bottom, in the
form of small and big Crystals, and being washed with common water,
may be used instead of Tartar forasmuch as it is nothing else than a
meer absolute Tartar. Now this separation of the Tartar, is of great
concernment as to the Wine, for it thereby becomes much better than if
those Crystals had remained dissolved with it. Nor is any thing lost by
this means, for that the Tartar is of as much value as the Juices: And
besides, the Wines will be by this means freed from their acidity, and
rendred better and sweeter; which thing verily deserves to be esteemed
of as a great and profitable Artifice; and which, many there are that
will know to use it to their great profit.
Verily, he that is of so dull an Apprehension, as not to be capable
of understanding these things, that are so clearly, and evidently
manifested, will not be any whit the better by larger Discourses. But
he that has a desire of setting about this work, will insinuate, or
work himself by a farther Meditation into the inmost centrality as
’twere of this so great an Artifice, and will with a far juster mind
bear with me, in that I have not so much time at present, as to use a
more prolix, or larger Stile.
But if so be, any do desire to have this Artifice declared unto him,
by a more clear delivery, let him read my Explication of the Appendix
adjoined to my Fifth part of the Philosophical Furnaces; as also the
Vegetable work, and there he shall find more such Artifices. Or if
haply it concerns him, he may see in my Laboratory, the Furnaces and
Coppers requisite to such a work, together with the Manual Operations.
I am even constrained briefly, and as it were by the bye, to insert
thus much, that if some more than usually unskilful Men cannot
understand those things which I have declared concerning the three
Principles, _viz._ That all Wine must needs consist of the same, to
wit, Salt, Water, and Spirit; I dare boldly and confidently averr, that
he who knows how to conjoin (according to art) these three Principles,
may every where make good Wine.
NB. But yet I would not have such an one perswade himself that he can
do any good, if he mixeth Tartar, Water, and Spirit of Wine together,
no, no, that is not the way for him to be Master of his desire. There
are far other-guise Manual Operations, requisite to this Artifice, and
such as I think it inexpedient to manifest in this place. Let every
one be content with the things at present shown him, haply God will
sometime or other bestow (on him) better.