_Jupiter_, when stirred up with anger, doth with his Thunder and

Lightning, strike a terrour into all the Gods, and into whatsoever is

upon the Earth; and yet the rain that falls then, at such a time, is

of an excellent Quality, and makes the Earth more fruitful than the

rain that commonly falls is wont to do; because there is a certain

tinging and penetrating spirit sticking in the Thunder, that tingeth

the air and the rain, and animates it; if therefore we can (by the

virtue of Nitre, and this same ♃) produce such Thunders, & can give to

the Thunder fire & air, by which it might operate; verily there would

nothing hinder, but that we might (_Jupiter_-like) make a Golden shower

too. The purer the ♃ shall be, and the more clear the Air, so much the

purer will the Rain be, and the Air is more impregnated and filled

with the common Vital Spirit.

He now that knows how to separate the life out of the water and air,

rightly animated, gets a true _aurum potabile_, or the Soul of the

world: besides this too, there offer themselves apparently such things

to be done, as are able to exhibit his daily food. And thus much let

suffice for this time.

He verily that perceives (or understands) not these things so clearly

proposed, surely he will not, though all the Gods themselves should

relate them, understand ought of those things that are taught. In

the mean time, I hope that my friends will see with their Eyes, and

feel with their Hands, the most certain truth of these, and the like

operations, and consequently of my writings, in a laboratory, which God

willing, I will in a short time erect, and will then defend me against

all envious, and carping men.

This one thing I will yet add over and above, that the astrum of Gold

doth tinge his own proper Mercury, or (the ☿) of the first _ens_,

(therefore) chiefest of all: The Astrum of ♄ (tingeth) ☽; the Astrum of

♃, common ♀; the Astrum of ♂, ♀; for those three superiours do always

operate upon these three inferiour (Planets;) so that they are, as it

were, upper men, and lower women: ☉ he is left in the midst, which

whosoever adds unto the others for the compleating of the operations,

will perform excellent things.

But he that knows how to make that Astrum of ☉ corporeal and fixt, he

may translate the Astrum of ☉ on this wise prepared, out of one place

into another, and conserve it like a Vegetable seed, to be implanted

into all the Metals, in time and place convenient; which blessing, we

rightly attribute to the blessed great GOD, the giver of every good

thing, in the first place, and then to Salt-petre as being the Northern

Monarch.

It now remains, that we briefly shew, by what means that Nitrous water,

out of which that most noble Pearl, ☉ and Gems are taken with the Net,

may be prepared for farther uses, so that such a fishing may need but

very small costs, and may nevertheless (besides the daily food which it

most plentifully provides us) bestow on us a most excellent medicament.

We have taught in the foregoing directions, how we may by the help

of _Aqua-fortis_ or _Aqua-regia_ most easily extract both the fixt

and volatile ☉ and ☽ out of the Metals, Flints, Sand, Clay, and such

subjects as are every where obvious, and precipitate, coagulate, dry,

and reduce it into a fixt metallick body.

Now in doing these things, part of the separatory water here used,

is as yet good enough, and may be kept for farther uses; but part

thereof (_viz._) that which is extracted out of the Metals by the

help of common water, is, by reason of the mixing sweet or fair water

therewith, rendred too weak for operating withal, and therefore must it

be corrected and amended by some certain singular way, so as it may be

again used about doing the same work.

Were it not for costs and labours we might separate that fair water

from the _Aqua-fortis_ and _Aqua-regia_, by the benefit of a glass

Cucurbite, but forasmuch as there is given us a more compendious way,

we will make choice of that.

For he that intends to get himself riches by the benefit of this

separatory work delivered by me, or by the extraction of ☉ and ☽, will

need a great deal of _Aqua-fortis_ and _Aqua-Regia_, for what profit is

it if you would extract them out of (but) a few Metals or Minerals?

Seeing that scarce the one half of those strong Waters can be separated

by pouring off from those subjects upon which they are poured, but

the chiefest (or biggest) part of them sticks to the said metalline

Matters, and contains in it as much ☉ and ☽, as that which we have

abstracted by decanting it, and requisite it is that we thence abstract

the same by the benefit of fair Water by due boiling, from whence it

comes to pass that there will be also gathered a great deal of (insipid

or useless) Water, (over and above.)

Those _Aqua-fortis_’s that are poured off, and hold in them ☉ and ☽,

when they are mixt together, the ☽ and ☉ precipitates to the bottom

of the Glass like powder, so that there remains nothing of the Metal

in either water, nor is that water arising from the mixing of the

_Aqua-fortis_ wherein the ☽ was dissolved, and of the _Aqua-regia_

wherein the ☉ was dissolved, at all the weaker, but it retains the

virtues of extracting ☉ but not of ☽, because that the _Aqua-regia_

being added to the _Aqua-fortis_ converts it all of it into

_Aqua-regia_.

This precipitation being made, and the clear water separated from the

precipitation by decanting it, you may extract that acid Water, which

yet adheres to the precipitate, with fair Water; but for as much as the

virtues thereof are thereby much weakned, ’tis better to proceed after

another kind of way, and we preferr this way (as best.)

Take the Calxes of ☉ and ☽ as they lie at the bottom of the

_Aqua-regia_ (or the acid mixt Spirits) and put them in a Linen cloth

placed in a Funnel or over a Glass with a wide mouth, and the greatest

part of the _Aqua-regia_ will strain through into the Glass set

thereunder; when no more water drops out, which we find is wont to be

within half an hours space, tie up your cloth with a strong thred, that

so nothing of the calx therein contained may get out; put it under some

weight or heavy matter, that so all the _Aqua-regia_ may be squeezed

out, and the calx only may remain behind like Curd or new Cheese.

But for as much as the Calxes of ☉ and ☽ are not edulcorated, hence it

comes to pass that the Cheese thence prepared, after the manner now

spoken of, is as yet corrosive, nor is it easily dried. Both of them (☉

and ☽) we may easily correct, if we only admix therewith (as ’tis laid

in a dish) a fourth part of fixt Salt, for by the virtue thereof even

the corrosive Spirits sticking as yet therein are mortified, and the

exsiccation, cementation, fixation, & reduction thereof is promoted.

The Reduction being made of ☉ and ☽ which we are now made partakers of,

that goldenish silvery Masse is to be granulated, and to be dissolved

in new _Aqua-fortis_, and be precipitated with that _Aqua-regia_ by

the help of which, ☉ hath been extracted out of the Metals; the Cheese

is to be freed from the water by squeezing it, and is to be sprinkled

over with a fixt Salt, and to be melted. And all these Operations are

to be so often repeated as necessity shall require, and there shall

be at hand any Metal whereout-of Gold may be extracted, and so there

may thence arise a continual Labour, which is beneficial, because

that _Aqua-fortis_ may (when the Labour or Operation is finished) be

used about other such like extractions, and that which is the weaker

sort may be prepared into Salt-petre: out of which may be made anew,

excellent _Aqua-fortis_ by the addition of Vitriol or Copperas, and so

destilling them. The Vessels wherein the precipitation of Metals is

performed, yea and the presses too by whose help the water is squeezed

out of the Cheese, must be framed of strong Glass or of glazing Earth

well glazed.

But for as much as the Vessels of Glass are very subject to be broken,

and earthen Vessels, unless they have the solidity of Glass, waste

abundance of water, and so moulder away; it would seem more convenient

in my judgment to make the expression of the water out of the Cheese,

between two Plates of Silver, for the water of the Cheese doth not at

all corrode the ☽: Yea and if the Tunnels requisite to this work were

made of ☽, it would not be amiss, nor would there be any fear of their

breaking.

NB. The Extraction also of ☉ made with _Aqua-regia_ may likewise be

put into a Silver Cucurbite, whereby the work may be facilitated, and

all loss and damage which otherwise may be lookt for (feared) from the

using of Glasses, may be prevented. And suppose a Cucurbite, a Press

and two Tunnels did cost one hundred imperials; yet notwithstanding

the certainty and celerity of the Work will repay those costs very

easily, seeing that all things are hereby done much safer, and much

more speedily: Besides too, there’s nothing lost but the price of the

fashioning your Vessels, for the Silver is always of the same value,

and may again be sold at your pleasure. But he that wants suchlike

Silver Vessels or cannot buy them, he may make use of Glass ones so

long till he can get Silver ones; but it is necessary that the Silver

of which these Vessels are made be very pure, and have no Copper in

it; least the _Aqua-regia_ extract the Copper thereout of, and so the

Vessels (especially the Cucurbites) do in process of time get an undue

softness.

The manner of extracting Metals by the help of this Cheese-water,

is already disclosed in the foregoing (writings); however this I am

constrained to advise here, that it is much more expedient, to use

presently at the beginning for the extraction of ☉, rectified Spirit

of Salt actuated with _Aqua-fortis_, than _Aqua-regia_, because that

by thus doing there will be more plenty of ☉ gotten in the reduction

than when the operation is accomplisht by _Aqua-regia_. It would be

too long to reckon up the cause of this thing in this place: ’tis

sufficient that I have shown which is good, which ill. Nay more, Spirit

of Salt is cheaper than _Aqua-regia_, if prepared according to my

description: Nor is there any reason to give credit to that slanderous

fellow, _Farnnerus_, as if such a Spirit made by Vitriol, according to

the manner mentioned in the first part of the Philosophical Furnaces,

were not of any use, or at least-wise could not be prepared in great

quantity by the aforesaid way: For when all circumstances fall not out

as is wisht, the blame is not to be imputed to my description, but to

the ignorance and unaptness of the Chymist himself.

If now those good men cannot accomplish such operations which are word

for word faithfully described unto them: how would they be able then

to arrive by speculations and various trials to the knowledge of any

thing, as I my self have done? I do therefore attest here too, that we

are able most easily to prepare not barely 10 or 20, but even 30, 40,

50 pounds and more every day with one only Furnace.

Nay more, if men did more accurately ruminate upon this business,

they would find, that out of one pound of Salt may be made in a Glass

cucurbite in sand, one pound of the best, most grateful Spirit of Salt

needing no rectification, and that in one hours space: And by the

benefit of a Furnace scarce a span wide, and with a very few Char-coal,

scarce exceeding three pound weight. Verily if there be any artificial

destillation this is it: And now let the Find-faults look about them

and see if they can understand these things we have spoken; we can at

all times demonstrate the truth hereof. It is altogether inconvenient

to shew such an artificial destillation unto swinish Men, it is only

due to the Lovers of the truth, of which sort there are to be found but

a very few in this present age.

And that this is true, _viz._ that a most grateful Spirit of Salt

may most easily be prepared in vast quantity, doth even hencefrom

most evidently appear, in that there are some in these places who

having followed my information, do, because of their making it in

great plenty and without any great Labour, sell a pound thereof for

an imperial. For my own particular affairs do not permit me to take

on me that Labour, yet notwithstanding, I have bestowed the artifice

on such Men as now know it as well as I my self do, and who likewise

do make that Spirit in such quantity as may supply all _Europe_. But

forasmuch as I did not heretofore find out so far, as to see it excel

_Aqua-regia_ in the extraction of Gold out of such Stones, Sand, and

Clay as contain Gold in them, and which are every where obvious. I

could not omit the commending of it in this place, most highly unto

all Men; for that Spirit hath an especial delight in ☉, not only in

that which is fixt, but also with that which is volatile, whereby it

extracts it and renders it fixt. There are some Minerals, Stones, Sand,

Earths, which have in them abundance of volatile Gold, which is not

in the least durable (or fixt,) but is carried up (or forced away) in

the form of a vapour and vanisheth into the air, and so consequently

not at all to be accounted for true ☉, seeing it cannot brook the

force of the melting Fire. Besides this, there do oft-times occur

moil precious Treasures of no profit to any man, which may be brought

to most eminent uses (or benefit) by the Extraction, Precipitation,

Cheese-making, and Liquefaction delivered by me. For such Metals as

the Spirit of Salt do not tie and make fixt in the extractions, ☽ or

♄ makes them such, with which we have taken or fisht the _Sol_ out of

the _Aqua-regia_ or Spirit of Salt; to the obtaining of which this is

also of much conducement. If the Cheese now made be altogether fixt by

the help of an artificial Cement, and the gradatory fluxing matter be

especially reduced in such a Vessel, out of which not so much as the

least volatile part can evaporate: by which it comes to pass, that not

only the volatile Gold you have caught is made fixt, but even a part

of the net of ☽ or ♄ is by graduation made aureous: For every volatile

Gold doth exercise its operations in the Fire upon other Metals, and

makes them aureous, so that the _Sol_ ariseth thence to be of a greater

quantity, than that was which by the help of the silvery or leaden Dart

was taken out of the extract. Heed these things and proceed on in a

legitimate course, and you shall find such things as you cannot as yet

conceive of. The Fishing is clearly enough described in this place, and

so is the Cementation and Reduction of the Cheese clearly proposed, and

may be most easily perfected.

But God (if thou becomest acceptable unto him) can yet shew unto thee a

much more compendious way of perfecting this work with less labour, and

of obtaining greater things.

Be content for this time with what hath been at present taught, give

God the thanks and forget not the Poor, and He will then shew unto thee

more and more compendious ways, of cheerfully managing the work (here)

described, to his Honour, and the Comfort of the Poor, and without any

wronging thine own Conscience, or hurting of thy Neighbour.

You need not be much sollicitous about such kind of Earths, Stones or

Sand, from which you may extract the Gold, for every land is every

where stored with such, nor need we spend much time in searching

after them. Likewise it will be a most easie thing for thee by my

writings to make Salt-petre, of Salt-petre to make _Aqua-fortis_ and

_Aqua-regia_: One bare pound of _Aqua-fortis_ may be sufficient for

thee to begin the operation withal, for there is not much of it lost in

the work it self; and what of it is wasted may easily be repaired by an

addition of common Salt: And as for the extracting both the fixt and

volatile Gold and _Luna_ out of the Earth, and of perfecting it, thou

hast no reason to hope of finding a more compendious way than that is

which I have here exhibited unto thee.

You may leave such Metals (or Ores) as have in them plenty of _Sol_ and

_Luna_, unto others; and take only the scoria as ’twere, and thencefrom

extract your part, and none will forbid you that. But if so be thou

canst be but a partaker of an aureous Earth (or Ore) then will all

things fadge the better.

NB. The ☉ and ☽ that is in the Extractions may be precipitated by the

help of ☿, but much more chargeably and more difficultly than by ☽ or

♄, because the ☿ used in this operation cannot be used a second time.

NB. The ☉ and ☽ may be also extracted from the water without

precipitation; by abstracting the _Aqua-regia_ from the ☉ and the

_Aqua-fortis_ from the ☽: but besides this kind of proceeding being

full of Labour, we should receive but little fixt Metal, and scarce the

one half of what is gotten by the aforementioned way: For the ☽ and ☉

do retain with them some part of the _Aqua-fortis_ and _Aqua-regia_,

and thereby become sharp or sour which is a thing contrary (or an

Enemy) to all Fluxes, and which also does not only cause an evaporation

of such Volatile Gold and Silver as is therein, (but withal some part

of that which is fixt too,) in the melting. But now in this Fishing

trade that I have described, being caught it is either edulcorated, or

the corrosive power is extinguisht by the addition of a fixt Salt; so

that hereby the ☽ or ♄ holds with it self as well the volatile as fixt

Gold and ☽.

NB. He that shall institute this operation aright, will find that the

volatile Gold will (in the secret Reduction) yet farther transmute part

of the ☽ and ♄ into ☉ by Graduation, and so will reap a double (portion

of) ☉ for which God is deserved to be thanked.

I have herein been more prolix than I intended, which I entreat others

to accept in good part: It could hardly be that the things I have

delivered, could be couched in fewer words. Wise Men indeed need not

many words, but where are such? Better is it therefore to set down

things at large.

_Now it follows that we shew by what means we may have benefit out

of the edulcoratory Water, and not be forced to throw it away._

We have taught in the precedent discourse, how those waters which ☉ is

extracted and precipitated with, may be used for a farther extraction

of ☉: For when the _Aqua-fortis_ in which ☽ or ♄ is dissolved is

mixt with the _Aqua-regia_ wherein ☉ is dissolved, there ariseth

not any mutation or changing, but that ☽ or ♄ only which was in the

_Aqua-fortis_ settles to the bottom, so that this water wherein such a

precipitation is made, may afterwards serve instead of _Aqua-regia_,

and so consequently with it may ☉ be extracted out of the Metals.

But seeing that the precipitated ☽ or ♄ must be excellently well

edulcorated by often pourings on of water, afore it be dried, hence it

comes to pass that there is gathered a vast deal of such edulcoratory

Waters. Now that even this may not be thrown away as useless, and that

nothing may be lost in so noble a work, I have here determined briefly

to declare, by what means we may likewise catch some benefit even out

of that too.

To do this, ’tis necessary that the useless water be separated from the

_Aqua-fortis_; now such a separation cannot be effected in metallick

Vessels because of the sharpness of the _Aqua-fortis_; least in length

of time they should be dissolved: But to perform the same in Vessels of

Glass would take up much time and fire; there is therefore of necessity

another way here required to perform the same; and a better than this,

which I will here deliver, I think can hardly be contrived. Make you

therefore an Arch of Lime, Ashes, and Horse-dung, according to the

afore prescribed manner, where we treated of making Salt-petre (about

the beginning of the book) dry it by putting fire thereunder, _&c._ The

Arch being dryed, pour on, by little and little, so much edulcorating

water, as the Arch is capable of attracting, and until you shall find

it to be made thoroughly moist; the Arch being on this wise moistned,

dry it again: and being dryed moisten it again as afore. And so repeat

this work of moistning and drying so long till the Arch will receive

into it self no more water. This done, there remains no more, but to do

thus, _viz._ Let the said Arch be broken to pieces, and be ground with

a Mill into fine powder; upon the powder let be thrown fair water, and

so let there be made a Lixivium, out of which by due boiling may be

made most excellent and delicate Saltpetre.

But here must be very good heed taken, that you use about the building

of the Arch, Wood-Ashes, and Lime made of Stone (or Chalk); whereby the

sharpness of the edulcoratory water may be extinguisht (or mortified)

by the fixt Salt inherent in the ashes and lime, and the corrosivity

be taken away, and most excellent Nitre may arise thencefrom; for if

_Aqua-fortis_ be permixt with the fixt Salt of wood-ashes, both of them

lose their Nature, and Nitre is made thereof.

But that the operation may more luckily succeed, and we may be the

more certain of the event, it will be the best way, to put in, by

little and little, some Lee of wood-ashes first of all, (afore the

edulcorating water be thrown upon the Arch) and this putting on, to be

so long continued till all ebullition and noise cease, whereby all the

sharpness of that water may be taken away; this done, that water is to

be poured upon the Arch, and you are to proceed on according to the

afore-prescribed method; and so shall you have excellent Salt-petre,

whether your Arch be made of Lime and Ashes, or of Mud and Ashes.

NB. If this taking away of the sharpness of the edulcoratory water by

the benefit of a wood-ashes Lee, be not finished, and done before it be

poured upon the Arch, it is clearly requisite that it be done in the

Arch it self, by the goodness of the Lime and the said ashes, by which

that sharpness may be extinguished.

It is, I confess, all a case whither that sharpness be extinguisht

with a _Lixivium_ afore; or else be done in the Arch it self. Yet

nevertheless, seeing that Operation is the safer which hath a foregoing

taking away of the sharpness afore it be poured on the Furnace,

therefore it is better so to institute it; specially, seeing it then

matters not at all any thing, what condition the matter is of which

the Arch is made with; because then such a water needs no more but

an unfolding (or evaporation) and coagulation, and this may as well

be done by the help of an Arch made of mud, as by one made of Lime:

Otherwise if the sharpness of the edulcoratory water be not taken away

by the _Lixivium_, an Arch made of mud is of no use, for by this means

you would not get any _Salt-petre_ at all, but rather all the water

would be consumed by evaporation, which need not be at all feared, if

we use an Arch made of Lime and Ashes, seeing that that water is by

this means mortifyed.

And so, by this means, that edulcoratory water may be most commodiously

prepared for farther uses, and the Salt-petre which is extracted

thence, is exceeding good to make _Aqua-fortis_ with; and we may gather

as much in quantity thereof as the extraction of ☽ and ☉ out of the

Metals, Stones, Clay, and Minerals requires.

NB. If any one be desirous of more excellent benefits, let him

dissolve, in that edulcoratory water, (_B._) or (_C._) and in the

Lixivium (let him dissolve) (_D._) then mix both Solutions: When the

fermentation is over, he will have double the quantity of Nitre, than

what he would otherwise have from the bare mixtion of the contraries

together, and pouring them on the Arch; the reason of which thing is

this; because (_E._) is nothing else inwardly but Nitre, but it cannot

come forth to light before the body be broken, and till that salt which

sticks (or lies hid) within, be wholly freed (of its bonds) whereby it

may be turned, together with the Corrosive Spirit into Nitre.

The like is to be understood of (_F._) because even that also is broken

(as I may say) to pieces by the Lee of the wood-ashes, and so the Salt

that lies hid within, and which is nothing else but Nitre, shews it

self to sight, and passeth with the other Salt of the Lixivium into

Nitre.

Certainly this labour, _viz._ the mortification of the edulcorating

water by a Lee of wood-ashes, and the concentration of Nitre, upon the

Arches made of lime or mud, is an egregious invention; nor do I think

that this business can be better managed any kind of way, than by what

hath been here shewn, especially if the Species, here notified, be also

thereto adhibited (or made use of) (I know not I say, any way) by which

greater plenty of Nitre may be gathered; for the coagulation cannot

be done in a Copper or Iron pan, because not only the Pan would be

corroded and wasted, but the Nitre would be rendred impure. But if now

the operation be instituted aright, we shall get more Niter than indeed

is requisite for the extracting ☉ and ☽ out of the Metals; so that we

may get us ☉ and ☽ without any costs: which invention verily is a most

noble one even in all parts of the World, and a most high gift of God:

for which, we have good reason above all things to render Him deserved

thanks, and next Him, to those who open such a Noble and Unheard-of

Invention, and which is so profitable to all Men.

But this Invention will be especially profitable in those places of the

World, where _Aqua-fortis_ is much used, and is presently after the

first using thereof, thrown away as unprofitable, as it usually happens

in the Mint houses, where abundance of ☽ and ☉ is separated in great

quantity, and consequently abundance of _Aqua-fortis_ consumed, so that

by the benefit of this invention of mine, we might get much every year;

but most of all in those places where are found such Stones and Sand

which are endued with Gold, but yet will not yield any by the help of

the usual melting.

Besides too, this invention is exceeding profitable for such kind of

Metals of ☉ and ☽, that have not as yet gotten their due ripeness

or fixity, and so fly away in the melting, and yield either none at

all, or at best but very little of Gold. For the common melting fire

forceth away the Volatile Gold, and ☽ that resides in the Metals (or

Ores) which is not at all so here, for all (of it) is made fixt by the

_Aqua-fortis_, and preserved.

I do believe that there is not a place to be found, where such kind of

Stones, Sand, or Clay may not be gathered, as hold in them Gold and ☽,

either fixt or Volatile, and which may be extracted thencefrom most

easily, and with exceeding profit according to the way aforespoken of.

But, for as much as there are many, who pretend that such like Stones,

Sand, Clay, and Minerals as have Gold in them, are no where to be

found, and that consequently this invention of mine is altogether in

vain: To such as these I thus apply, _viz._ That such like Subjects

are therefore unknown, because few there are that seek after them, or

are willing to experience ought, but remain contented with such things

only as the Ancients have taught, and perswaded themselves that ☉ and ☽

cannot be separated out of the Metals, but only by the force of fire,

where as notwithstanding the operation may be far easilier, and more

profitably instituted, according to the method by me prescribed, but

especially in those Metals (or Ores) of ☉ and ☽, which either require

too much expence for their melting, or are as yet unripe and volatile,

and so fly away in the melting; for a great quantity of ☉ and ☽ may be

extracted with a little quantity of _Aqua-fortis_; yea the extraction

being duly made, and to the best profit, there may be thereof made

Salt-petre; so that such an extraction of ☉ and ☽ requires but very

little costs.

If any one desires an easier way of extracting ☉ let him use Spirit

of Salt prepared after the manner by me delivered, which said Spirit

he may fortify by adding a fourth part of Salt-petre, which very same

(when the Extraction is finisht) may be reduced into Salt-petre, like

as we have said of _Aqua-fortis_ that hath been already used.

NB. An easier operation yet then all these, is this, which may be

performed the dry way.

Take the Metal, Stones, or Mineral, reduce them into powder, mix them

with the Salt (G) and make them with clay into Balls about the bigness

of a little Head. Make these balls red hot, and by this means the Salt

will dissolve the _Sol_ in the Fire, and attract it out of the Metals.

This done, grind the Balls or Pellets, and extract thencefrom in a

large Pot or Vessel a Lixivium with boiling hot water, for the Salt

which hath attracted the ☉ in the Cementation, mixeth it self with the

Water: Out of this Salt-water mayest thou afterwards catch the ☉ by

the help of a Solution of ♄, added for the precipitation; now out of

the Salt it self mayest thou make excellent Salt-petre. So that you

may most easily extract out of the Earth both fixt and volatile ☉ and

☽ without any melting it. Nay not only ☽ and ☉ but even Copper too,

whether we proceed the dry way or the moist way: For we may extract

good _Sol_ out of the scoria of _Sol_ and _Luna_ and _Venus_ which are

cast away, yea and out of _Mars_ it self too, and by the afore-shown

way.

NB. The reason is this, because the Iron being purged in a strong Fire

is heapt up as it were into goldenish Scoria which but few know of,

and will believe, though it be most true. For when a Metal is so burnt

with such a vehement Fire as to referable glassy Scoria, it hath gotten

to it self a more noble nature, and thenceforth is able to exhibit or

yield good _Sol_: Yea though they be the Scoria of ♀ or ♂, which thing

that excellent _Metallurgist Isaac Hollandus_ did also know, when he

said, _If any one makes ☽, ♁ or ♂ into Glass, and reduceth it, it will

not be ☽, ♀, or ♂, but ☉: And if any one full turn ☉ into Glass, and

then reduce it, it will not be ☉, but Tincture_.

Nor was this knack unknown to _Bracescus_, who taught the making of the

Philosophers stone out of the scoria of Iron, but he is laught at, by

another Philosopher, though undeservedly. Though I do not know the way

of extracting the Tincture out of Iron, yet this I know; that there

have been many who have extracted good _Sol_ by _Aqua-regia_ out of

the very green Scoria of Iron, when notwithstanding, the ♂ it self out

of which the _Scoria_ came was destitute of Gold; the cause whereof we

showed but now.

Now if they had but known my invention of most easie preparing a

convenient Menstruum for the extracting of the Tincture, and then the

manner of afterwards separating the _Sol_ again, without losing the

Water, certainly they would have been able to perfect that Extraction

with a great deal of benefit, whereas (not having this) they only

beheld the possibility of the thing without profit.

For if this Labour be instituted according to my invention

afore-written, we may extract the _Venus_ (which commonly is in the

poorer Minerals) out of them, and that with much profit and in great

quantity, and the extraction being made, (whether it be done the

moist way or the dry) we may by the benefit of the solution of ☽ or

♄, get out the ☉ thence whilest it is yet mixt with the water, yea

and afterwards by the benefit of ♂ the Copper it self. He now that

well understands the reason of this Fishing and reduction needs not to

search after the Metals (or Ores) of _Sol_ and _Luna_, for whatsoever

Metals (or Ores) of _Venus_ contain but even a very little portion

of them, will be able to furnish a man with necessaries sufficiently

enough.

But that the Reader may not think that these sayings of mine, _viz._

that there are subjects to be in all places found that are endued with

Gold, are fictions, and are not founded upon any experiments, (for I

doubt not but that abundance will not only account these sayings for

falsities, but deride them too) I thought it not much from the purpose,

if I shewed some little place only, where you may find such Metals (or

Ores) as are endued with Gold, which notwithstanding were never brought

into use, that so it may hence appear that such Golden subjects must be

likewise found in many places.

Let us therefore cast an eye to a part of the _Mhene_, and let us get

out those Treasures that are there hidden, and at present are not

profitable to any, which nevertheless may be of mighty conducement and

benefit to the whole Inhabitants of those parts.

The _Mhene_ is a River most abounding with Boats and Fish; it hath

its rise out of a very high pine-bearing Mountain, it is in some sort

conjoined with three bordering well known Rivers, _Sata_, _Adrana_, and

_Nava_; which again spread themselves unto the ¾ quarters of Heaven,

as _East_, _South_, and _North_. (_This piniferous Mountain is not

barely one Mountain, but consists of many which are exceeding full of

=Pine-trees=, =Beech=, =Oakes=, =Birch=, and other Trees set very thick

together, and so yields an Harbour for both wild and tame Beasts._)

This Pine-bearing Mountain, and which is the highest in all _Germany_

(and of which _Gaspar Bruschius_ wrote a particular Treatise, which

is exceeding profitable for such as study metallick affairs to read,)

is stored with many notable Metals (or Ores.) For there was not only

Gold digged out plentifully in various parts of that Mountain, many

years since, (and thereupon there’s a City called _Goltgangh_ by the

_Germans_, as if you should say a Vein of Gold:) But withal the other

more common Metals that lie here hidden do for the most part all of

them contain Gold, with notwithstanding is not at this day by reason of

the ignorance and unskilfulness of Men separated from them. Nor are the

bare Metals only of that place all of them endued with Gold, but almost

all the Earths, Sand, and Stones have _Sol_ in them. Yea even in this

time even Antimony the first _Ens_ of Gold is digged out in that place.

Therefore it may most easily be proved, that this Mountain out of which

the _Mhene_ flows forth is stuffed with _Sol_ both in the outside and

inside parts, with which proof I must at present in this place rest,

least I should be too tedious. All such as are skill’d in metallick

Affairs do well know, that all the metalline Ore, that they get in and

about this Mountain, is endued with Gold.

The most studious searcher of nature _Mathesius_ in _Sarepta_ testifies

that he saw an Iron Stone or Ore endued with Veins of fixt and

malleable Gold.

The afore-praised _Gaspar Bruschius_ in the description of this

Mountain, mentioneth amongst other things, that in a little Town called

=Einsiedel=, situate near the said Mountain, was a Tin mine heretofore

found, by the Treasures of which the aforesaid little Town was built.

There did a certain Metal-man called _Sigismund_ =Wans= learn from an

_Italian_ Woman, whom he married after the death of her former Husband,

how _Sol_ was to be separated from _Jupiter_: From whence he got him so

much riches, that even afore he died, he caused an egregious Hospital

to be built, and withal contributed thereto many thousands of Crowns,

with which twelve ancient Men, and three Priests should be always

nourished; to the performance of which there is verily a great deal of

Gold required yearly.

This now is not to be at all accompted as a meer fable, but the

very pure truth: For in that edifice, the Effigies of the Founder

_Sigismund_ =Wans=, and the Foundress _Barbary_, are yet to be seen

even at this very day. Of which likewise _Matthew Merianus_ in his

Description of _Franconia_, maketh mention. But it is sufficiently

enough evident (besides these Testimonies) that this Mountain is

repleat with Metals (or Ores) and especially with Golden ones, both

within and without, and hence arose that Proverb of the ancients,

_viz._ That the Country-man doth in this Pine-bearing Mountain

oftentimes throw a stone at an Ox (or Cow,) that is more worth than the

Ox it self. Strangers give credit hereunto, as _Italians_ and others,

and do yearly visit this Mountain, and dig the Gold out of those places

where they know there lies much hidden, and take it up at their backs,

and carry it away with them: And many such there have been with me,

who have afforded their help to strangers in digging out Gold: Who

forasmuch as they knew not the manner of extracting it (and that they

understood by others that I also dealt in Metals,) brought me various

kinds of Earths, Stones, Sands, Clays, that I might try what was in

them: and they did all of them abound with Gold.

The Country-men that live about that Pine-bearing Mountain do daily

for Gaine’s sake carry such earths and stones, endued with Gold, unto

_Norimberge_; which one or other likewise buys, extracting thence by

melting excellent Gold.

But now if so be these men did but know the extraction of ☉ by the help

of _Aqua-fortis_ only (without melting) out of the earths and stones

(as is here taught): the needy Country-men might live like the richest

Citizens, the Citizens like the Nobles, and the Nobles like Princes;

which seeing it hath not so pleased God (to have it) all (these) things

have remained hidden. Every one may easily believe the things I here

utter, Seeing it is already taken for granted that this Mountain doth

abound with egregious Metals (or Ores,) and especially with Golden

ones. Upon this accompt therefore the most Noble Marquess of _Arspach_

who is Lord of this Pine-bearing Mountain hath prohibited any Foreigner

from exporting such Earths (or Ores) thence for the time to come; and

though he hath thereby done something to it, yet he cannot wholly

hinder it, forasmuch as that Mountain is too vast and large.

But now when I pass down from this pine-bearing Mountain along the

_Mhene_ downwards, to such places as are more plain (or even ground)

where Wine and Corn grows, there’s no body seeks after _Sol_ and _Luna_

there, but each man professeth himself well enough content with the

Wine and the Corn, nor hath there been any Metal digged thence or

there sought for many years: Because they thought that no plains can

produce Metals, which thing I judge to be false, and do gain-say it;

and contrary-wise affirm that there are some parts in plains, that

as to the production of Metals may be compared with the most high

Pine-bearing Mountain. Now, elsewhere there ly high Mountains of each

side of all the _Mhene_, out of which there comes a mighty quantity of

Wine, but the Metals ly hid to all.

Besides these, I my self tried, that there are Ores of all kinds to be

found on both sides the _Mhene_ throughout all the East of _Franconia_

even to _Maguntia_ where the _Mhene_ runs into the _Rheine_, but yet as

far as I know, there is not any Metal anywhere digged but Iron only;

and therefore neither can I positively shew and direct to such or such

Mine-pits, out of which you may apparently get Gold and Silver, but

as is said, there are every where found some footings (as ’twere) that

contain Gold and Silver, and that such Stones in the _Mhene_ are rarely

without Metal: But no body proves or tries them, or puts them to use.

At _Bamberg_ (which is an Episcopal Metropolis) men are become more

diligent, insomuch that they have found out several places wherein is

to be had the Metal (or Ore) of _Sol_: Such as this Metal (or Ore) of

_Sol_, hath been very oft-times brought me by the Inhabitants of that

City, but all of it in a manner did contain a fluxile and immature

Gold, which cannot be extracted by the common way of melting, but

vanisheth away into the Air, and so I did not at that time much esteem

it, but left it as an unprofitable Ore. But now I have found that such

fluxile Metals (or Ores) of _Sol_ may be brought in use, not by the

help of a vehement melting, but only by a nitrous Water, in which this

kind of fluxile Metal (or Ore) of _Sol_ is fixed in the extracting it,

and then stays in the melting, and yields perfect _Sol_.

Concerning such a fixation of fluxile _Sol_ in stones, by a nitrous

Water, I did not at that time know it, otherwise this knowledge of mine

would have been extraordinarily profitable to the Inhabitants of those

places. Yea and the Bishop of _Bamberg_ himself who is a great Lover

of the Metals gave me some proofs of his Clemency for services of no

moment that I did him, so that I would then gladly have bestowed my

utmost power in lieu of his favours, but nothing could be effected by

the way of melting, because of the volatility of such a Metal. But now

there may be gathered very considerable Treasures by the benefit of

nitrous Water. For not far from _Bamberg_, there is found a Stone of

great bigness that is exceeding full of Granates, which are about the

bigness of Millet or Hemp-seed: Besides too, all the Mountains of that

place do most plentifully abound with Metal (or Ore) of _Sol_.

There is such a Vein of unripe Gold, not far from _Bamberg_, that lies

thwart the _Mhene_, which much hinders the Vessels, and especially

those Boats which are wont to bring vast quantities of Boards, Beams,

_&c._ yearly; insomuch that they cannot always get over it, but at such

time only when the waters are increased. Now in the Summer time, when

Rain hath not fallen awhile, this Vein is seen bare, when the water

is fallen away some Ells height; and hereupon the Mariners have smote

against it with force, and Tools thereby to remove it, if possible, but

all in vain.

But for as much as I never was minded to run thither, nor yet am so

conditioned, as that envious Dog, who having hay under his possession,

could neither eat it himself, nor would suffer the Ox to eat the same;

therefore I was willing to lay open these things: I cannot at present

say any more of this fluxile Ore of ☉; yet if any one desires more, let

him repair to an Inhabitant and Citizen of _Bamberg_, by name _N. N._

a Farrier, who many times delivered to me that kind of ore during my

aboad at _Kitzing_. This man will satisfy every ones request, and will

shew where it is to be found.

There have verily been others that have brought unto me various kinds

of Ores; but I have long since forgotten their names. If you only

seek, you will find in that place, abundance of such Golden Metal (or

Ores) but all of them in a manner, fluxile (or crude,) and possessing

but little fixt Gold, and although they should not have in them any

fixt ☉, and that not any thing could thence be extracted by the way of

melting, yet notwithstanding it is now known to _D. G._ by what means

(by the liquid way of Nitrous water) all the fluxile (or crude) ☉ may

be abundantly extracted out of the stones, be fixed, and be turned into

good ☉ with abundance of profit.

The _Mhene_ near _Bamberg_ is occupied with Vessels or Ships, and I my

self have sailed along the _Mhene_, and on both sides of the _Mhene_

from _Bamberg_ even to _Wirtzberg_, did light upon various kinds of

Metals (or Ores) which were not void of ☉ and ☽, out of which much ☉

and ☽ may be extracted by the help of this invention of mine, by the

moist way by Nitre water, if men would but only apply themselves to the

work.

But indeed the Corn and the Wine which God hath so abundantly

vouchsafed to those Countries, is the cause that no body minds any

thing else, for they have enough to suffice them, and therefore leave

the Metals (or Ores) of ☉ and ☽ untoucht.

Without doubt, the whole Wood that reacheth from _Wirtzberg_ or

_Kitzing_, even almost to _Bamberg_, is full of Metals (or Ores) and

yet (as far as I know) there is not digged any of the Metal (or Ore) of

_Sol_ or _Luna_ therein.

It is reported that there was _Sol_ and _Luna_ digged up heretofore

at _Cassel_; at the other side of the _Mhene_, towards the Town

which the _Germans_ call =Koningshoefen=, in the Mountain they call

=Hasbergh=, there was heretofore, Copper digged, which now is left of,

because the Copper is not fusile enough, nor hath it any sulphureous

flint joined with it, by the help of which it is made fluxile (but

is) inclosed in a Sandish Stone. Now out of 100 weight of this, there

can hardly be extracted, by the help of a strong melting fire _iiij._

℔. for the Sandy Stone being destitute of a sulphureous flintiness,

doth in the melting turn the Copper it self together into Scoria; yet

notwithstanding we are able by the help of Vinegar to extract above

_xij._ or _xvj._ ℔. of Copper, and this I have tryed more than once.

But whether or no that Metal (or Ore) of Copper, contains in it any

Volatile Gold, I never tryed, but that there is some ☽ therein, is

true; yea, and the Copper is very malleable, and we can thence extract

by the help of Vinegar, that which is most fair, and this I humbly

declared to the most noble _Moguntine_ Elector, he being at this time

Bishop of _Wirtzberg_; but by the Tryers (or Refiners) of that place,

it is haply accounted of as unprofitable because it yields but little

by the help of Fusion.

I must needs confess that but little can be gotten out by melting, but

such Copper may be profitably extracted by the Acetum of the Wood,

which Grows in the places all about in abundance, and may be had for

nothing.

The _Mhene_ doth every where yield such kind of Flints as are endued

with Gold. Near _Carlstadt_ there offers it self in a Wood a certain

white and fat Earth, and after some sort silverish, otherwise firm (or

strong,) and is fit for making of Crucibles, and other Instruments (or

Vessels) to be used about the Fire.

You may likewise find such conditioned Earth at _Klingenberg_ upon the

_Mhene_, where most excellent Wine grows, which the _Glass-makers_ of

_Spechart_ use to make the Crucibles or Pots in which they melt their

Glass.

It hath not as yet been known that there hath been any Ore found in

the County of _Wertheimen_ where great plenty of _Russellein_ Wine

is gathered; yet nevertheless I have proved several Earths, which I

found about _Breiberg_, which is the inexpugnable Castle of the Lord

_Charles Ferdinand_ the Count of _Wertheimen_, in which I found there

was contained much Gold.

Besides these, I found opposite to _Wertheimen_ where there are

Vineyards, an Iron stone (white like snow, covered over with other

stones,) which is endued with ☽ and ☉: as to the external shape it

resembles a white Flint, very weighty, so as that it scarce yields

to the weight of a piece of Iron of like bigness: But it is nothing

regarded, and is accompted of as a common stone.

The County of _Erbach_ doth indeed yield plenty of Iron, but there is

nothing at all found of other nobler Metals; yet my opinion is, that

even in this Iron are contained both ☉ and ☽: because that there is

sand found in several places thereof which yields good Gold, as I have

observed more than once; the extraction of which may be excellently

well performed by the benefit of Salt-petre.

Likewise Talk of sundry kinds is found in the said places, which is

endued with ☉ and ☽: and it would easily yield them forth, were it but

rightly handled, and dealt with according to the way by me prescribed:

which hitherto we never heard to have been done by any.

The County of _Erbach_ and likewise of _Wertheimen_ do abound with Iron

Metal (or Ore) and all kinds of Minerals, which contain in them, ☉ and

☽.

Nor are the Metals (or Ores) of less goodness that are in the

_Specharten_ Wood, and the bordering Countries; and yet notwithstanding

’tis evident that it yields nothing at all save this, _viz._ That there

is excellent Salt made there and Glass, in great plenty. It is a thing

well enough known to all men that here are various Metals (or Ores)

found, but never hath any so procured as to have them wrought upon, and

thereby to enjoy them.

We find in Several places, an Earth impregnated with white, black, and

yellow Talk, especially (in that part) which is near to _Aschiburg_,

and which contains both ☽ and ☉: which notwithstanding by reason of the

smalness of the quantity thereof have never hitherto been thencefrom

separated.

Not far from a Village which the _Germans_ call _Schiltkrop_ there

offers it self a stony Talk, Somewhat ruddish, which besides Copper

contains also volatile ☉, and of no use at all because there’s but

little ♀ therein contained, and that the ☉ is volatile and cannot be

obtained by the means of melting. Perhaps this Talk was known even

of old time, for the place where it is found in plenty is by the

Inhabitants of that place called the Gold-pit even to this day: for it

is not incredible but that there was Gold found there.

However there is not at this time any extracted out of that Talk. I

have very often extracted thence most beauteous Verde-grease by the

help of destilled Vinegar. For seeing that there is plenty of Wood to

be had in that place, and consequently requires no costs, we may get us

vast quantities of Acetum _gratis_, (or for nothing): and by the help

thereof extract the Copper out of the said Talk: Verily many noble Nen

would have (thencefrom) whereon to live honourably.

NB. But if we make a Spirit of Salt, and with it being fortified with

a fourth part of Nitre, extract the Copper and the ☉ out of the said

Talk, and then first catch the ☉ by ♄, and then precipitate the ♀ by

♂, we shall not only have very malleable Copper, but shall likewise

receive even pure ☉; and this I testify upon my own knowledge.

He that hath determined the experimenting of these things, and yet sees

that he does not rightly perceive the things we have here mentioned, I

advise him to come unto me in a friendly way, and I will not be wanting

unto him to serve him and the Country by any farther information.

Verily there lie hidden incredible Treasures in those places,

which none know of, and which yield nothing at all by the help of

Liquefaction, and which we are constrained if we would have them fixt

and metalline to make them so by the benefit of a sharp Water, and this

I was willing to open and notifie for the Countries sake.

O thou Zoilist or Carper that understandest not this knack, pass

not thou thy judgment hereupon, but rather examine thy Wines, and

tell us which is best:, either the _Heubachen_, _Klingenbergick_, or

_Wertheimen_ sort: Verily neither of these Liquors though they are

strong, are convenient for the extracting of _Venus_ and _Sol_ out

of that Talk: There is a far stronger required, to wit, some nitrous

Spirit of Salt, or Spirit of Nitre acuated with common Salt. When the

extraction is ended there may be gathered plenty of Nitre out of the

remaining Menstruum. Insomuch that there is nothing else required but

labour, for the costs expended on the work are not at all considerable:

And thus in a little space of time, we may get a great quantity of

Copper and _Sol_.

After the same manner as we have shown that it is a thing possible

to extract Volatile _Sol_ by the help of Salt-petre out of such

a disregarded Talk and other Stones, and to make it fixt, so we

can also extract the same out of several other Minerals, that are

plentifully enough lying on both sides of the _Mhene_. So that now,

no body hath any ground to say that the Ores cannot be found in this

or that Country, or such convenient Minerals, as out of which we may

extract the volatile and also the ripe Gold acording to _Glauber_’s

prescription.

If now such may be found in those places that are adjacent to the

_Mhene_, which we always judged to be void of such treasures, what

shall we not find in those places, which have already yielded us

various kinds of Metals for some hundreds of years successively,

and do yet daily exhibit them; such as are _Hassia_, the Dukedom of

_Brunswick_, _Saxony_, _Thuringia_, _Moravia_, _Bohemia_, _Hungary_,

and that such like parts of the Earth abound with Metals. Therefore,

Friendly Reader, do not thou perswade thy self that there is any place

in which we are not able to extract many good things out of the Earth.

I have likewise found various Metals in our _Holland_, and yet never,

did any one ever hear that there was the least particle of them

therein found, especially in that place that they call _Velauw_; yet

notwithstanding it yields Veins of Iron, and a Yellow Sand which hath

in it ☽ & ☉.

Neither doth that, place afford only such Sand Stones, & Earth, out

of which volatile ☉ & ☽ may be extracted, but withal there offer

themselves at the Sea-shore in those Sand-hills, which the _Hollanders_

call _Duynen_, which the stony Sea heaps up, Stones of a Sky colour,

which contain ♀. They are called by the _Hollanders_, _Ultramarine_.

In this place, is likewise gathered plenty of Ostiocolla it is about

the length and thickness of ones Finger; yea and sometimes is as big as

ones Arm; and as in a clear Season it is easily noted, (or met with) so

in a Rainy Season it is not to be seen: It is in some sort hollowed in

the inside; it is of a white colour, like stone-lime, and thereupon the

Chyrurgions use it to consolidate the broken bones of their Patients.

Some (as they have related to me) have extracted ☽ thereout-of. There

is not therefore, any place that does not contain some Metal, and

especially ☉ and ☽.

Thus Friendly Reader, you see that there are in all parts of the Earth,

such Subjects, as do contain, if not fixt, yet at least wise volatile

Gold; insomuch that no body may on good ground, complain that nature

hath denyed him ☉ and ☽, so he but knows how, and be willing to extract

it.

Did _Germany_ but know those Treasures which the Earth contains, and

did use them aright; certainly they need not give place to the power

of any Monarch. But it seems as if God had cast a blindness upon men,

or at least keeps them blind, even until the due time approacheth of

helping those that are his.

I have here shewn the way for the Country to get riches and power by;

but as concerning the way by which we may extract both the volatile

and fixt Gold out of Stones, Sand, and Clay, without any considerable

labour & costs, according to this invention of mine; I will shew it in

my Laboratory, which by Gods permission, I have begun to erect for the

sake of Friends.

But whereas I have omitted some words in the description of this

invention; you are to know that it was done upon this account; least

otherwise such a noble Artifice should fall into the hands of my

enemies; I will never be wanting to illustrate (or explain) such

things as are somewhat more obscure, unto my friends. The main things

are delivered clear enough, to such as are in any measure skill’d in

Chymistry, but the unskilful may not hope for any thing else (thereby)

but labour in vain. The thing in it self is easie, and without rubs, so

as that any one who hath but once seen the way, may understand it, and

manage it.

I could have exhibited the things I have delivered, in a briefer stile,

but upon consideration of the common good I would not; he that cannot

from these things perceive and learn ought, let him think that God is

not willing to vouchsafe him the Grace of understanding them.

And now, if I had been minded to have exalted this work with mighty

praises, I should not have done unseemly at all, for as much as this

labour shines even in the dark, and makes many doubtful things firm and

clear.

For by the means of this labour, we may get us, not only abundance of ☉

and ☽ very easily, but likewise most excellent medicaments, and which

are not to be accompted common; nay, even the off-drawn Salt-petre

it self, is a most excellent medicine for all Vegetables, because it

is capable of multiplying them abundantly, in so much that he who is

skilful in this kind of work and does not forbear from setting about

it, will never want any thing.

What greater things can a man desire from God, than a sound Body, daily

Bread, and as much ☉ & ☽ as necessity requires? now these gifts of God

do abundantly flow in upon us by this labour; if it were not for the

wicked Farnnerianists who are not worthy of any good thing, and do

contemn every thing that they understand not, and (so consequently)

restrain me from treating of these things, with any longer and clearer

discourse. The whole world would be amazed to see the so exceedingly

easie method of bettering of the Metals, and of making them perfect,

and which method but few there are that know. But whatsoever we have

omited here, shall, God willing, be shortly delivered in my work of ♄,

where we will demonstrate by what means ☉ and ☽ may be extracted with

exceeding profit out of vile (or common Lead, so that we need not any

other Subject, but Lead and the Salt of the Earth or a Mineral fire (by

whose help, nature bringeth (or advanceth) all Metals to maturity) for

the performing this work; and hence the word Alchymy (which signifies

nothing else but the melting of Salt) seems to have taken its original.

He therefore that knows how by the help of Salt, to make Metals

volatile, and again fixt (which is not to be done but by solution and

coagulation) such an one knows the true and unsophistcate Alchimy, and

follows the universal exhortion of the Philosophers, where they say,

_Make the fixt Volatile & the Volatile fixt, Dissolve & Coagulate_, &c.

He that hath in any measure meddled with Salt-petre, easily perceives

what my meaning here is, and what I drive at. He whom Nitre obeys, him

do all things else obey. I have determined (by God’s permission) to

erect a Tryumphant Chariot for Nitre, & to set it thereupon, as the

greatest Monarch of the Word & to exhibit it to the ignorant.

Whereas now I had written down this most noble way of compendiously

extracting volatile and fixt Gold out of Stones, Sands, and Earths,

and of farther augmenting other ☉ and ☽ thereby, I found nothing

pretermitted of what may any waies help to the profitably accomplishing

the Work, save this, _viz._ Whence such aureous Subjects are to be

taken, out of which we may extract volatile and fixed _Sol_; or by what

means they (_viz._ ☉ and ☽) may be prepared by such like labour in

great quantity.

To satisfie such as these I neither will, nor can deferr it. So then,

as touching the Golden Materials, there hath been enough shewn already

to prove that they are every where to be found, and put case there

were none to be found, is there not a Golden Silver every where to be

found, and that Silver may be separated from the Gold, be Cemented, and

again made aureous, as often as one shall please. Yea, and Gold may be

profitably extracted out of a certain (sort of) Tin, especially the

_Geyersbergick_ and so likewise out of some Iron too.

Now that such, (_viz._ Gold) may be made in great quantity we may

dissolve the ☉ that sticks in Stones, with Spirit of Salt, acuated

with a little quantity of Nitre; for such a spirit will not be so

costly as Nitrous water is. and besides this too, it will (after it

hath been used in the said separation) yield excellent Salt-petre, of

full as much price and value as the Spirit of Salt it self was of. So

that by this means we may extract the ☉ without those costs (too): And

this moist extraction may be excellently well performed in a Vaporous

_Balneo_.

But if we seek after the dry way (of doing it) then the Stones are to

be mixt with Salt and a fourth part of Nitre, and being mixt are to be

made up into little balls by the help of some fat Earth, so as to stick

together: Then are they to be dried in a peculiar Furnace, or else even

in the open field, with a Fire of Wood, the which may be done in one

hours time. The Cementation being made, they are to be powdered, and

out of the powder is a Lixivium to be extracted by the means of Water,

and you shall have the ☉ permixt with the Lixivium, which is to be

thence extracted by the help of the solution of ♄, out of the Lixivium

may Nitre be afterwards made. And now by this means may a most easie

and no ways costly operation at all, be instituted with some hundreds

weight.

[Sidenote: * _Mentioned in the Second =Century=._]

But as concerning the melting and reduction of the ♄ which contains

in it the ☉ which it caught, it may easily be done, but ’tis by the

benefit of a peculiar[*] Tigil or Pot, the making of which is known

only unto my self; which said Tigil or Crucible lasts a long time,

and doth not at all let any thing of what is thereunto put, run out,

because it has its cover made of the Lute of Wisdom.

But now again here may arise another doubt, and it may be demanded, how

we may have so much Spirit of Salt for the moist way, or so much Salt

and Nitre for the dry way, as is requisite to make this extraction of

the Metals. Salt-petre is chargeable, and the Spirit of Salt will be

difficultly gotten in such plenty; and haply they will stand us in more

than the Gold thereby extracted would be worth? To such I answer, It

is not so precisely necessary to buy Salt-petre for this work, seeing

that the said dissolvent when it hath done what you would have it, both

in the dry and moist preparation, may be again turned by the help of

common Salt and other mean Subjects, into excellent Nitre: so as we may

thence have more Nitre, than it was afore. And farther, as concerning

the Spirit of Salt it may be made in great plenty, insomuch that (by

the benefit of one Furnace) there may be daily made 50, 60, 70, yea

100 pounds thereof, and out of every pound of Salt may you extract a

whole pound of rectified Spirit of Salt with the help of two or three

pounds of Coals: So that, that Spirit will in a manner cost nothing

at all save Salt and Coals, which doth again after it hath been put

to its appointed use, yield more Nitre than the Salt and Coals cost.

This operation therefore may be done without any costs as it were. The

things I here mention are true, although I well know that scarce one

of a hundred will believe what I say; however I matter it not, but

it is sufficient to me that I know these things, and can exhibit (or

demonstrate) them to any Friends.

Albeit that this be a most easie Labour and of no expences to extract

volatile and fixt Gold out of Ores, Sand, Clay, according to the

prescribed rule; yet I question not but that many men that are given to

slothfulness will desire here, a yet easier way, whereby they may heap

up a great deal of Gold without any trouble at all. To such as these,

I verily could shew an easier way of extracting ☉ out of the Minerals

without melting, did I not count it wholly an unbeseeming thing, to

detect all these secrets both to Friends and Enemies alike without any

distinction. I will not be at all wanting to communicate my more secret

way to those who deserve well, & thankfully acknowledge towards me and

mine, the benefit they have received.

But yet, that the knack may be in some sort manifested, and it may be

somewhat known by what means ☉ and ☽ may be gotten even out of the Ores

and Minerals themselves, I will a little stretch out the thred of my

discourse, and will in some sort delineate the very work it self.

You are therefore to know, that all those Minerals which contain

fluxile (or unripe) or volatile Gold, whether they be stony or not,

do for the most part contain in them some Iron: Now then, when a man

would thence extract the ☉ by the Spirit of Salt, it cannot be but

that together therewith the Iron would be dissolved too, to the doing

of which there is much spirit required: And albeit you may make the

said spirit most easily according to the way by me delivered, yea

and may besides, by the addition of some even the most mean matter

again make excellent Nitre, so as that the Nitre thence extracted

shall be of more value, than the costs expended about the operation;

yet notwithstanding, this business is not void of all kind of labour

and trouble, and it requires diligent men (not drones) of which sort

there’s more scarcity than plenty. But now this which we treat of at

present, may a beardless Country Boy of about some 10 or 12 years old

perform: It requires but little Fire, and all the (Metals) may be

extracted in great plenty. Which to do, you must know that where the

Metals (or Ores) are sulphureous, that _Sulphur_ must be taken away by

the force of the fire, for else the Spirit of Salt leaves all untoucht.

NB. However it is your best way not to force away by the fires violence

the _Sulphur_ out of the goldenish Flints, because that so, there goes

off part of the Spiritual ☉: but rather extract every such aureous

_Sulphur_ with a strong Lixivium made of fixt Nitre, and precipitate

it with ☿ dissolved, and so the aureous _Sulphur_ goes to the bottom,

and is to be edulcorated, and ♄, ♀, or ☽ is to be thereto added, and

so they will seize upon the volatile (Gold) and the ☉ is by the means

of the Lixivium made in some sort fixt, and is to be separated by

destilling of the ☿: The edulcorating waters do again yield Nitre. So

that the extraction requires no costs at all, at leastwise but very

little.

NB. When we have extracted the aureous _Sulphur_ (by the help of fixt

Nitre, or some other very strong Lee of Wood-ashes,) out of the Flints,

and have precipitated it with the solution of the ☿, and edulcorated

it, and sublimed it by a Retort, there is thence made an elegant (or

delicate) Cinnabar, which by the addition of the filings of Silver

may be changed (by Cementation) into fixt ☽ which ☽ is aureous, by

reason of the volatile ☉, which was permixt with the _Sulphur_. Whereas

otherwise, other Cinnabar is by this way (of proceeding) wont to yield

only ☽: For the filings of the ☽ thereto added, become volatile, and

vanish away into the Air, for the Cinnabar hath extracted the soul

thereout-of, and hath by it made it self fixt; so that there redounds

no profit at all thence-from, save only that the possibility of nature

is laid open. But now when the Cinnabar of this place (or mentioned in

this place) is mixed with fusile ☽, edulcorated and precipitated with

Salt, or with the Calx of ♄, either alone or else both mixt together

(_viz._ the ☽ and ♄) they do greedily betake themselves into each

other, and there ariseth thencefrom a black stone, which being kept

in an apt (or suitable) Fire by degrees, and that for a due time,

doth daily more and more acquire a fixity: Yet do I believe that

it needs a long time, to make it wholly fixt: which thing seeing I

have not as yet any experience of, I will not here mention ought of

certainty concerning it, perhaps some particular Tincture may thence be

extracted, because that the subjects which constitute it are excellent

ones, for as _Sulphur_ is said to be the Father of all the Metals, so

is ☿ called the Mother. What may not a burning _Sulphur_ not unlike the

common Mineral _Sulphur_ that is in all Metals, be extracted by Art out

of any Vegetable? which (said _Sulphur_) I have implanted in mercurial

subjects more than once, and have fixed it in them; yea and by the help

thereof have so extracted natural Gold thence-from.

Verily it is to be wondred at, that this science or skill hath been

hitherto unknown to the Inhabitants of the world, and that no body

hath commited the same to writing.

But indeed all men may cease to admire, when they shall consider

that the Great and Blessed God bestows his gifts, and the knowledge

of Nature to such only as it Pleaseth him, _viz._ to such as bear an

humble, and pious Mind; and contrariwise denyeth them to such as are

impious and proud.

And here falls in a thing highly needfull to be known; by him

especially, who would effect ought in Chimistry with profit (and that

is this, _viz._) That there can be no bettering of the Metals at all

(be it either in the universal or in a particular way) but by the

benefit of _Sulphur_ (which is the father of all the Metals) & this

both in the moist and in the dry way. (NB. The Spirits of Salt, of

Nitre, Vitriol and Sulphur, serve instead of a sulphur though a moist

one, and perform their office in the moist way.)

If therefore all the Metals were at first a _Sulphur_ (for no Metal is

there wherein it may not be found, and besides too, it is known to be

in all the Vegetables) by what means possibly can it be, but that being

by the help of a Sulphur, Salt, and apt Fire, reduced to fixity, it

(_viz._ any Metal) should yield good ☉ seeing that it (_viz._ Gold) is

nothing else but a fixt pure _Sulphur_. But for as much as _Sulphur_

(as being of the Masculine kind) cannot produce any Metal alone, but

that there must necessarily be ☿ thereto adjoined, (as being of the

Feminine kind); every one is bound to seek after an apt or suitable ☿

(as being the Female) for his _Sulphur_ (as being the Male) and to join

that ☿ to this _Sulphur_, and let these two celebrate their Nuptials in

Hell, where _Vulcan_ is President.

Now then, when the Agent hath acted on the Patient, and perfected the

operation, whether by the moist or by the dry way, it shews it self to

be a pure product, and so much the purer too, by how much the Agent and

Patient were more or less pure.

When we sow fruitful Seed in a fat Soil, good Fruits do thence-from

proceed. Now then let _Sulphur_ be the seed there, and ☿ the field it

self, yet so as that your _Sulphur_ (or seed) be pure, and that the ☿

(or ground) have no Tares in it; but let it be duely endued (or dungd)

with Salt, and so let it have the fruition of the solar beams, and

patiently wait for the thence proceeding fruits. Now if you meet with

such a subject as hath both _Sulphur_ and ☿ already joined together

by nature; you are there only to begin the operation where nature

left off, and so by the help of Fire and Salt, bring it unto its due

perfection, which nature was constrained _nolens volens_ to leave

imperfect, by reason of the defect of Salt and fire.

I could here present the Student of _Hermetick_ medicine, with such a

foundation, as out of which abundance of commodious conveniencies might

be expected; but the ingratitude of the men of this Age, prohibits the

divulging such things.

Therefore do I herein follow _Paracelsus_, who saith, _We could verily

lay open most mighty Arcana in a very few words, if it seemed good unto

God to grant unto all men the same =(equity of)= Riches_.

Turn over and over his Writings, Reader; and thou wilt easily attain

the foundation of the truth; but especially, view well such writings as

he hath left us concerning _Sulphur_ and _Vitriol_, which we will here

rehearse in this place (because of the affinity of the matter) for thy

sake and benefit, which writings of his if any one can make nothing of,

verily neither will he understand those things which we shall add.

And now are all things (requisite) sufficiently laid open to such,

to whom God vouchsafes his blessing; and contrariwise, the same will

always remain hidden and unknown to the impious.

Thus much I add (_viz._) That neither can any Tincture be obtained

without _Sulphur_, nor any _Sulphur_ fixt without Salt; both these now

are found conjoined in Vitriol, from which the noxious superfluity is

to be separated, and the pure is to be made fixt.

_Now follow =Paracelsus= his words, concerning =SULPHUR= and

=VITRIOL=._

_I will present unto you, as one well skill’d, my experience in all

respects concerning Sulphur, =viz.= what is contained in Sulphur, both

as to Medicine and Alchimy, and to other things, and unless God be

against it and hinder, the operations of =Sulphur= are so stupendious

and admirable, that the natural Light in man cannot enough admire them.

Now if God himself doth not hinder, then the defect is in the workmen,

that so handles the =Sulphur= as that the operation answers not to the

implanted Virtue._

_Now seeing that every babling fellow is a =Physician=, and every

prater an =Alchymist=, this is the cause why (in plain Terms) the

Sciences (of =Physick= and =Chimistry=) cannot be brought to light._

_This now is the Foundation or Basis, =viz.= That in =Sulphur= are

contained such great Arcana and Virtues relating to both Faculties

(viz. =Medicine= and =Alchimy=) that no body can ever search them out

sufficiently: I say, that there lies such excellent Virtues hidden

therein, as may very deservedly cause in all Men great admiration. For

after long experience gained in both Faculties, such are the Virtues of

=Sulphur= found and known to be, that there are not many other things

that are either its superiour, or which may therewithal compare in

=Medicine= and =Alchimy=._

_=Sulphur= reproves =Aristotle=, when as he saith that the species of

things cannot be changed: For =Sulphur= is transmuted; did =Aristotle=

live now adays he would wholly be ashamed and blush._

Thus far he, as for the many more additions that he makes every one may

read them in his Works.

As concerning my self, I say thus, That nothing at all can be done in

Alchimy without _Sulphur_ or sulphureous Salts; like as without seed,

neither Vegetable nor Animal can; as is clearly evident, be possibly

generated. _Sulphur_ is instead of Seed, and _Mercury_ instead of a

Matrix: But you must not think that I do here speak of common _Sulphur_

only, and common _Mercury_: [No!] I do comprise under them such as are

far more excellent, and this you are well to heed. If now a metal be

not sulphureous, it must be brought to a due softness by the force of

Fire, which is done thus, _viz._ Making it red hot and quenching it

some times in water. But if so be it is already soft enough, then bare

powdering it is sufficient, without so much as ever heating it red hot

and quenching the same. Put this powder in Pans of cast Iron, and that

there may be the less waste of Fire, let it be encompassed with a wall

or mured in a Furnace; fill them half full, and pour thereupon (whether

it be Metal or Ore, or Sand, Stone, or Clay, or golden Mineral,) so

much of the water which we shall by and by describe, as the Iron Vessel

can contain, yet so that the said Vessels want of being top full the

breadth of 3 or 4 fingers, least as you stirr it about some of it spil

over. This done, put to an hundred pound weight of the Metal or Ore,

about one pound of an aureous, silvery, _Magnet_. Then put Fire under

the Pans or Cauldrons, and make the water boil, continually stirring

the matter contained in the Iron Pans, with an Iron _Spatula_.

Now forasmuch as this water is of such a quality as that it can neither

dissolve ☉ nor ☽, it leaves both the ☉ and ☽, and by reason of the

admixtion of the _Magnet_, it attracts only the Iron or the Copper.

When the water hath attracted as much ♂ or ♀ as it can, it is to be

drawn away, and more new put on in the room thereof, and you must

proceed on to boiling as afore-mentioned, and thus are you to reiterate

this work, until all the ♂ or ♀ shall be extracted out of the Metal,

and nothing remain behind save a dead Sand, which may most easily be

separated from the _Magnet_, by the pouring on of common Water, for

the sand mixeth in self with it, and the _Magnet_ remains pure in the

bottom of the Vessel, which hath received into it self the ☉ and ☽:

This ☉ now and ☽ is again easily separated from the _Magnet_, which

said _Magnet_ may be again used for such another work.

Thus now, one only person can by this means daily separate a great

quantity of Metal from the ☉ and ☽ it has in it; all the artifice

consisteth in the preparation of such a water as extracteth ♂ and ♀ out

of the Metals or Ores: And therefore must it be of such a nature, as to

dissolve neither ☉ nor ☽, & be nevertheless strong enough to dissolve

♂ & ♀ and to separate them from the ☉: For that the _Magnet_ cannot

extract the ☉ out of the ♂ and ♀ unless they be afore dissolved. But

as touching the quality (or composition) of this water; ’tis no ways

expedient to divulge it, forasmuch as the whole business dependeth

thereupon, nor can any thing at all be effected without the knowledge

thereof. When now _Venus_ and _Mars_, or else _Venus_ alone, or _Mars_

alone, are extracted out of the stone (or ore) by the benefit of the

said water, the precipitation of them may be made by the addition

of some contrary thing, whereby it comes to pass, that not only its

sharpness is taken away but also excellent Nitre may be thence prepared

afterwards, which is to be separated from the _Mars_ or _Venus_: The

precipitated _Mars_ may be reduced with a strong fire, and so it will

be made fluxile, and which easily melts in a Crucible like _Venus_,

and becomes malleable; yea, and of more worth than the best _Venus_,

because it performs very many profitable things in Alchimy, which we

forbear to speak of here, for some certain reason.

He therefore that knows such a menstruum or dissolvent, and which

requires no costs to make it, and yet notwithstanding doth very well

dissolve _Mars_ and _Venus_ (and leave the _Sol_ and _Luna_): Such

an one verily may in all places find plenty of _Mars_ and _Jupiter_

(_Venus_ I believe he means) which contains plenty of both fixt and

volatile _Sol_ and _Luna_: neither need he be much sollicitous about

Golden Metals or Ores.

Forasmuch then as the whole Artifice consisteth in the knowledge only

of the water, and in the manuals (or contriving) of the placing of the

_Magnet_, and in the separating all the unprofitable matters from the ☉

and ☽; he that does not know such a _Magnet_ and how to prepare such a

dissolvent, by whose help ☉ and ☽ may be concentrated, and ♀ and ♂ be

separated from them, let him search hereafter even as I, my self have

done: But if so be he cannot find out or invent either of them, let him

get from me what he desires to know, and I will not omit to satisfy his

request, provided it may be done without my detriment and disquiet. But

now you must not think that therefore I will give answers to all such

as trouble me with their tedious Letters, for my time permits not the

doing of such matters.

There is yet another way by which we may expect profit out of such

Minerals as contain in them much ♂ if we deal with them on this wise.

Let it be reduced with the strong blast of bellows, and you shall find

either a greater or lesser _Regulus_ in the bottom (according to the

muchness or lessness of the ♂ that the stone contains) which _Regulus_

compriseth in it self the ☉ and ☽ which was in the Mineral or Ore, if

such an Iron be malleable, Plates may be made of those _Regulusses_,

with are to be dissolved (in the Cauldrons made of cast Iron) with that

secret water, out of which solution, the ☉ may be extracted by the

benefit of the _Magnet_, according to the afore-prescribed manner. But

if the said _Regulus_ be brittle, and not malleable, then may it be

granulated: Nay, it would not be much amiss to make large Cauldrons and

such like Pots thereof by melting, that may be of 2, 3, or 4 Fingers

thickness. Nor must we suppose that what the said water dissolves of

the Cauldron and takes from it, besides that which it receives from

the Plates or Granulated Iron put therein to dissolve, is meerly lost:

No, for even it doth in like manner exhibit its _Sol_ too; so that by

this means a most rich Mine-pit may be made.

But some will say, whence shall we have such Minerals that yield ☉, and

that bring such great profit? We have said before, that such Minerals

or Ores containing such Iron, are every where to be found: Nor can

you light on any common ♂ which has not ☉ therein, which may easily

be extracted from thence, and that with most great profit. This now

is known unto most (Refiners) that there is plenty of corporeal ☉ to

be found in the Iron that we commonly use which (said corporeal ☉) is

far surmounted (as to quantity) by the volatile ☉; but if a man would

separate it thence by the help of fusion and the addition of ♄, it

requires too much costs, and therefore men never attempted any other

way of extracting it.

All _Germany_ affords this sort of Iron (that is thus endued with Gold)

in a most plentiful manner, & I could shew very many places in which it

may be found, if some pregnant (or notable) causes did not prohibit me

from so doing.

But that all men may know, that I tell the very truth, and do not like

a vain man tell you of great Treasures, and that they are every where

to be found in _Germany_, and yet notwithstanding by reason of their

not being known are not of any use; I will show some of them with my

very Fingers as it were, which haply in respect of othersome that I

know not of as yet, will be but a very few, and these very vile or

poor, too.

First of all then, all the Iron that is in the Pine-bearing Mountain

and about it, doth contain both fixt and volatile ☉; and this I have

often experienced some years since, when I lived at _Kitzing_ in

_Franconia_, and extracted thence from by the help of a melting Fire

excellent ☉: For as then, the manner of extracting ☉ from thence by

waters only, without any melting fire, was to me unknown: For at

that time those most eminent Men Mr. _Christopher Herbst_, the chief

Physician of the Prince of _Arsparch_, and Mr. _Adam Renningen_ the

said Prince’s Lieutenant, and chief of his House, (or Governour) in the

Castle of _Blassenburg_ near _Culmbach_, presented me various kinds

of minerals, to try what was in them contained: And amongst these

Iron ones I find all of them to be endued with Gold, which might be

exceeding profitably extracted thence by the afore-disclosed moist

way. There were likewise given me such like conditioned stones and

metals (or ores) which were found near _Bamberg_, of which we have said

somewhat afore. The truth of this thing is the more confirmed by the

Lord _Fleishman_, Governour of the Province of _Bamberg_ my singular

Friend, who wrote unto me some few months since, that an excellent

Gold-mine is found in the Province of _Bamberg_, but yet that the Gold

thereof cannot at all be separated from the Iron by the force of Fire;

which volatility of _Sol_ I signified to him in my answer might most

easily be amended.

Now like as all the Minerals and the Iron it self which are found near

the Pine-bearing Mountain, are very much endued with Gold, so those

which are found in _Misnia_, _Saxony_, _Thuringia_, and _Bohemia_, do

abound with ☽: both of which may be extracted thence by the way by me

delivered, with very great profit. I know by good experience that in

the _Hungarian_ ☉ and ☽ Mine-pits much volatile Gold and Silver is

forced away into the Air through meer ignorance.

Certain I am, that the Metals (or Ores) throughout all _Carinthia_ and

_Styria_ do possess much volatile and fixt Gold; especially the Iron

Metal (or Ore): For I have many a time made experiments of that thing.

Moreover, the _Hircinian_ Wood, _Brunswick_, and _Hassia_ yield

such kind of Minerals. Nor is _Suevia_ destitute of such Iron as is

impregnate with ☉; and amongst other things I think good to declare,

that some few months since, a certain _Basilian_ Ruler sent me a

potion of such kind of Iron; withal relating, that the lesser

experiment did there yield ten Crowns of Gold, and that an hundred

weight was of this Iron sold for nine _Florins_ price. Which Iron

when I had tried by the help of a fusing or melting Fire I got a

sufficiently great quantity of ☉, but in proceeding by my moist way, I

got twice or thrice as much.

Such kinds of stones as these are found in plenty throughout all

_Germany_, to which may be reckoned the red and black Talk, the Irony

Talk, black and red _Granates_, _Smiris_, _Hæmatites_, and the like,

which always are endued with ☉, if not with fixt, yet with volatile

Gold. So that now it is manifestly apparent, that in those places where

☉ is digged, all the stones are repleat with volatile Gold at least,

if not with fixt ☉ too: like as all the Iron that is digged in _Spain_

doth of a certainty besides volatile Gold contain also corporeal Gold.

Nay more, there are not only found such stones that have Gold in them

in those hotter places, but also in most cold places too, witness

_Norway_; where you may meet with whole Mountains consisting of Iron,

Talk, and Granates; out of which there has not hitherto been any ☉

gotten by the help of a melting fire with any profit; though I my self

have found ☉, in the lesser experiments.

Last year Mr. _J. W._ brought me various Ores out of the County of

_Eysfeldein_, that I might try what they contained. Amongst others,

there were some little grains of Iron round like a Pease, though

somewhat lesser, thus generated in the Earth naturally: This Earth as

I was informed, is altogether black, one handful of which contains

10, 15, 20 Grains: wherefore it is not improbable that all the Earth

of that place is repleat with Iron; these little Grains are so very

tractable, as that they may be made into Plates with an Hammer, and

contain much Gold.

Such a kind as this of black Iron grains (yet not so round or tractable

as those but now spoken of) were brought me from _Saxony_, which are

endued with plenty of Gold, but volatile; they are easily pulverisable,

and (as was related to me) are to be found near the Mountain which the

_Germans_ call _Geyersberg_, where also is gathered a Tin stone, which

doth also contain Gold, such as _Misnia_ yields more plentifully. Out

of 100 weight of this Tin, I found that 10 or 12 Crowns of Gold might

indeed be extracted; but this work requires such costs as far exceed

the price of that which is extracted: and therefore they sell off the

Tin, just as ’tis digged out, to avoid the expence of extracting the ☉.

That which is gathered in the said Mountain, I have often tried, nor

did I ever find it destitute of ☉, the which may be very well extracted

by my moist separation.

The _Stabelein_ Abbot presented me with such like Iron stones and

several others that had Gold in them, together with diverse Minerals,

some 18 months ago, some of which were gathered in _Westphalia_, some

in the Province _Luttinge_, in that part that is under the Government

of the Elector of _Cologne_, _P. M._ The Prince himself having a mind

to see by what means I would extract the volatile Gold out of them,

came unto me, but he died in his Journey homewards; since that I have

not received any more of such like aureous Metals (or Ores.)

Amongst other (Ores) I knew an Iron Metal (or Ore) found in

_Westphalia_, the half whereof was very aureous, but of no use, because

the Metal-men were ignorant of the way of separating those Metals from

one another; whereas notwithstanding both the pure Copper, and the ☉ it

self may be most easily separated from the Iron according to the way by

me delivered.

There were also a while ago several Iron stones brought me by the

_Cologne_ Merchants, and especially Mr. _Peter Sevet_ (_P. M._) which

are found in plenty in the Mountains, and do abound with much ☉:

Besides this too, all the Mountains of _Germany_, do yield a yellow

Earth, endued with Iron and ☽: of which kind a certain Physician of

_Erfurt_ sent me some, which (as he related to me) at _Eysfeldt_ near

_Erfurt_ towards the Province of _Moguntia_ is plenty thereof.

Such an Earth containing silver, I my self found here in the bordering

places ’twixt _Arnheim_ and _Embrick_, but not of such worth as that of

_Eysfeldt_ is.

Who knows but that that same place which we call _Velaw_ hides in it

vast Treasures. For I have found near _Amheim_ a white Clay and Earth

out of which I extracted some ☽: Yea and I found there too, true Veins

of Iron, which whether or no they contain ☉ and ☽ I cannot tell: For

I never proved them, but the first opportunity I have I intend (God

willing) to make an Essay.

Thus ’tis evident that there is not at all wanting unto us the matter

of effecting some good and profitable thing by, but the love of

idleness is the reason why we neglect abundance of sufficiently obvious

Treasures.

The Earth nourisheth men of diverse natures; for some of them are

altogether slothful, sluggish, and extraordinarily backward to labour,

and yet nevertheless get fat bodies enough: On the other hand, there

are some who are very diligent, & do too much consume themselves, and

concerning whom (being like unto a burning Candle) they may say thus of

themselves, _by serving others, am I consumed_. And as much benefit as

the Candle gets by affording a light unto others and by consuming it

self; so much doth there redound, especially from ungrateful men, to a

diligent man who by serving others wasts and consumes himself.

These and such like most abject Subjects are plentifully enough to be

found in all parts of the World where Mountains are, and out of them

may you extract ☽ and ☉ by the help of my nitrous Water, were but the

way of doing it known, which way hath been hitherto reserved amongst

_Arcana_ by reason of mens extream ingratitude. And I pray is it not

altogether useful and expedient that we should gather such Treasures,

and make use of them to Gods Honour, and to the defence of Kingdoms and

Mankind? Is there not sufficient store of idle fellows, whom it would

be very expedient either to invite to labour or (if they shun work) to

banish them the Kingdom?

I believe that this blindness will hardly leave men afore they are

reduced to straits, but beware least you hap to begin to grow wise too

late.

This work, like as is every other perfection of Metals is done by

Sympathy and Antipathy: For that, dissolvent which drives off ☉ and ☽

from it self, by Antipathy, all this doth a mercurial _Magnet_ greedily

attract by Sympathy, seeing it thus, that _viz._ as like loves like,

and draws it to it self; so one contrary hates another contrary, and

drives it away.

Two contraries do always produce a third thing. Where the Agent acts

upon the patient, and that this patient is even enforced to suffer

against its will, and cannot by any means shun the force of the Agent,

there must of necessity arise some better product from them.

When water is added to water, neither of them suffer, because they are

both of them of the same nature: But when fire and water are joined

together, the weaker is the sufferer, and from them doth a third thing

proceed.

The stinking and volatile _Sulphur_ is the enemy of ☉, and common Salt,

of ☽; and by how much these have more stench the one, and sharpness the

other, so much the greater is the hostility they shew. The greatest

matters are performed by love and hatred; such things as are friendly

beget a chearfulness, joy, and vivacity: Whereas, on the other hand,

the things that we abhor beget a teadious wearisomeness, grief and

death: therefore the more acceptable a thing is, the more it brings of

life; the less acceptable the more of dolour doth it bring. All the

perfection therefore of the baser metals consisteth only in Antipathy

and Sympathy: And if once we do but rightly know the nature of metals,

all things are easily accomplished.

It is storied of a certain Philosopher in _Italy_, That he had

committed some evil deed, for the which he was accused, apprehended,

and cast into prison, being here shut up, he could not be brought,

neither by entreaties, nor by threats; no, nor by any means to confess

his fact; but at last they put into his company a man of no sobriety or

modesty at all, who did so grieviously exasperate him with his words,

that the said Philosopher could not brook it, and so rather chose

death; for he affirmed, that the mind of man was far more noble, than

to be plagued by such a tag-rag, with reproachful contumelies.

Even just so is it with Metals, by how much the nobler and purer they

are, so much the less will they commix themselves with impure things.

Gold the purest of the Metals cannot be knit with stinking impure and

common _Sulphur_; for there is an antipathy betwixt them. Salt alone is

endued with those virtues as to be able to reduce contrary natures into

agreement, and to commix them; and being commixt, the fixt ☉ is able

to make the unfixt _Sulphur_, like unto it self in respect of fixity,

whereas otherwise they always persecute each other with hatred. _Sol_

cannot suffer any thing until it has gotten the nature of a Salt, and

then may it be tormented (as it were) by the impure _Sulphur_, and be

changed into better.

When the Soul of the imperfect Metals (which is a spiritual ☉) is to

be forcibly pluckt, and severed from its body, it cannot possibly be

done without the dolour or pain of the Patient; for where the pure and

spirituous goldenish substance that dwelleth in the corruptible bodies,

is to be made Corporeal, and consequently assume a more noble form, the

first form must necessarily be annihilated, that so the hidden tender

body may come forth to light and be seen.

And this verily is done by another kind of way than the common and

already known; by which (said common way) the Metals are separated

by _Aqua-fortis_ from one another, and are afterwards Molten. For

if any one should make one Metalline Mass of ♂, ♀, ♃, ☉, and ☽, by

melting, and then would again separate them, by the help of common

_Aqua-fortis_, he would effect nothing; for the _Aqua-fortis_ would

dissolve only ☽ and ♀ and part of ♃ and ♂, and leave the remainder with

the ☉ undissolved; or if he should pour on _Aqua-regia_, there would be

only ☉ and ♀, together with some part of ♃ and ♂ dissolved, and that

which remains of the ♃ and ♂ (undissolved) would be left behind with

the ☽, and so there would not be made any good separation.

But if so be that any one has a mind to attempt this thing on this

wise, and should say, I will dissolve ♂, ♀, or ♃, by the help of

_Aqua-fortis_, or as much of it as possibly I can, for so the ☽ that

is in the mixture must needs be dissolved. Now then when its dissolved

I will precipitate it (_viz._ the ☽ out of the solution, by salt

water (if it be so yet); the ☉ therefore remains, which could not be

dissolved by the _Aqua-fortis_; or, if I should dissolve the Metal (or

mixture,) by _Aquaregia_, then the ☉ is dissolved, (but not the ☽),

and so I can precipitate the ☉ out of the solution, by a Lixivium, and

edulcorate it, and melt it, and so by this means may I get it. Well

(let me tell you) that neither will this way fadge, for these Metals,

and especially ♂ and ♃ are too terrestrial, and admit not of such a

separation, though there should be in the aforesaid Metals, abundance

of Corporeal ☉ and ☽, whereas notwithstanding the greatest part is

fluxile, and must be again made fixt and corporeal by solution; for

in this work the already pure and fixt ☉ and ☽ may be altered, so as

that a Mercurial magnet cannot be able to assume them. As for example,

Take you a Metal, as ♂, ♃, or ♀, which (as is well known) there is

Corporeal ☉. Dissolve this in _Aqua-regia_, and precipitate the ☉ by a

Lixivium of fixt Salt; boil this precipitate with ☿, and see if that

precipitated ☉ will pass into the ☿; you’ll find not, for this ☉ hath

gotten a Crust (as it were) in its precipitation by the Lixivium; that

is, it is environed with a saline Terrestreity, in so much that the ☿

cannot attract the ☉.

Neither likewise can ☿ attract or assume such a silvery Calx as is

precipitated out of the solution with salt water, and that by reason

of the terrestreity alone, which adheres thereunto by means of the

precipitation, by which it is altered and deprived of a pure Metallick

form.

The truth hereof may you easily experiment, on this wise. Dissolve a

particle of pure ☽ in _Aqua-fortis_, and dissolve the same quantity

of pure ☉ in _Aqua-regia_, precipitate the ☽ with salt water, and the

☉ with a Lixivium, so as that the ☽ be precipitated into a white, and

the ☉ into a yellow Calx; edulcorate both Calxes apart after the best

way that possibly you can, with hot water many times, so long till the

edulcorating water be wholly sweet, then weigh these dryed Calxes,

and you shall see that the ☽ and ☉ you took, are one fourth part

heavier than before the solution of them; and this is to be ascribed

to the Salts only, that have adjoined themselves to the Metal in the

precipitation, and cannot be thence seperated by edulcoration; and

therefore such a silvery Calx yields not (when molten,) a pure Lunar

body, but a certain Ashy coloured Mass, fluxile and volatile, by reason

of the Salts; and this Calx is not changed (or swallowed up) into the

☿ neithar before nor after its being molten, nor (after its melting,)

can it ever be dissolved by _Aqua-fortis_ or _Aqua-regia_, which

alteration proceeds meerly from the Salts that have adjoined themselves

thereto in the precipitation.

Even just so is it with such a golden Calx, which being separated

by precipitation out of the _Aqua-regia_ with a Lixivium, will not

have ingress into ☿, by reason of the impurities that accompany it;

and therefore this golden Calx (when it is made hot) kindles, and

vehemently operateth upon it self, and this is meerly from the Salts.

From hence it is clearly evident that the Calx of ☽ precipitated by

Salt, and the Calx of ☉ by a Lixivium, have not any communion with ☿,

how then can such a Calx, which is (now) at first forced out from many

terrestrial parts, and imperfect Metals, and separated from them, have

a greater communion therewithal, have ingress thereinto, and conjoin

it self therewith by digesting. Other wayes therefore must be taken,

by which you may extract the volatile and fixt Gold, that lies hidden

in ♂, ♃, ♄, or ♀: Now many there be who do in vain search into those

things which they know not the nature of, and so walk in darkness like

one that hath already fallen into a Pit.

But if you come to know such a menstruum or dissolvent, which is an

enemy to ☉ or ☽, and yet nevertheless doth plainly dissolve ♂, ♃, ♀,

and ♄, then the spiritual ☉ that lies hidden, will manifestly appear

corporeally and visibly, and will pass into the _Mercurial_ Magnet.

Besides, this dissolvent must likewise be of such a nature, as that

(when in the solution or digestion of the imperfect metals, it makes

the spiritual and volatile Gold corporeal, and casts it off from it (as

I may say) by antipathy in the form of a powder) this powder may not

be environed with any crustiness as abovesaid, but that both the Calx

of ☽ and of ☉ may have their natural metallick splendor, whereto the

☿ may adhere, and may attract unto it self whatsoever the dissolvent

separates by the continual digestion.

Farther, this Dissolvent must be of such a nature as not to be so sharp

as to dissolve the ☿ for then the work would not succeed; indeed it

is scarcely necessary to make use of the ☿, to receive into it the

spiritual and fixt Gold which is separated in the digestion fixation

and separation of the Volatile ☉ of the Metals; for when it is once

evacuated it will never again occupy (or seize upon) its impure body;

yet notwithstanding this chiefly is done for this reason, _viz._ that

the spiritual ☉ & ☽ in the imperfect metals may be the more willingly

made Corporeal, when it finds a fitting subject wherein it may lie

hidden and rest. Besides too, this spirituall ☉ and ☽ of the Metals, is

indued with such virtues, as that it tingeth some part of the ☿ into ☉

and ☽, when it hath thereinto entred, whereby it yields the more profit.

Thus much likewise are ye to know, that this labour does not only

proceed in the moist way, but also in the dry; but yet far easier in

the moist than in the dry way; yet in the (dry way) a greater profit

is gotten in a shorter time. For like as to one measure of Milk are

required 1, 2, 3 or 4 spoonfuls of Salt, that so the Cheese (or Curd)

may be separated from the water (or whey), but there needs not the

quantity of one spoonful of the Spirit, which is much stronger than

the bare Salt: Even so stands the case with Metalline operations; for

by how much the greater and more powerful the Agent or Contrary is, so

much the sooner and stronger doth it perfect its operations. Hence it

is, that where the Agent must be yet more strongly active (as in the

dry way, it must of necessity be where the strong fire adds virtue and

vigour to the Agent) it being consequently more contrary (or powerful)

the separation is sooner perfected. For example, Let us see how it is

with Milk, where 10 or 20 drops of Spirit of Salt separate some cold

Milk, there will need but half the quantity only when the Milk is

boil’d or otherwise heated; even so is it with our Agent, whereby we

make the Volatile Gold in the more vile or meaner Metals, corporeal

and visible; it operates far more strongly in the dry way, than in the

moist way; for in the dry way, the external fire aideth our fire, and

hereupon finisheth its operation so much the sooner; but in the dry way

must another Magnet be made use of.

Thus much let suffice touching the particular washing or external

purgation of the viler Metals; as concerning the internal, central,

universal washing, by which the interiour Soul of ☉ and ☽ is extracted

for the Tincture, I do not as yet (certain) know any thing thereof, nor

desire I to know such abstruse and hidden things: content I am with

such things as God of his meer grace hath bestowed upon unworthy me,

and if God shall so please, so far to profit mankind either by mine

or any others help, he will also present an occasion of laying hold

thereon (_viz._ on the Tincture) for all good things come from God.

Now in this action (or operation) is required an ocular inspection,

such great things cannot be understood by Books or Writings, and he

that desires to excel in these (operations) let him take it in good

part, that (I say) he ought frequently to here me as a master, and to

see me labouring about these things, which otherwise he will never

learn, for the common Alchymists are plainly ignorant of this work; yea

the Ancient Philosophers did hide it as a secret, the most they could,

that so it might not be trodden under foot by Swine.

But whereas I do so clearly set down these things, otherwise than

ever any before hath done, the consideration of the time (or age)

requires it, and best of all known it is to God, why he now delivers

these things to be divulged. Forasmuch as mention hath been made in the

aforegoing treatise of Spiritual ☉, which might be extracted, together

with the corporeal, and some or other would perhaps very willingly know

what is to be understood by the name of spiritual ☉; I think it not

much amiss a little more largely to explain these things for the sake

of the Ignorant.

Every Spiritual thing is invisible, and void of a palpable body; but

now if a body be given thereunto, in which that spirit may be made

corporeal and visible, then the spirit is not any more a spirit,

but is changed into a body; if therefore the Spirits are good, they

do likewise make good Bodies, and so on the contrary. For all the

Philosophers tell us, that the Spirit or Soul in Iron and Copper is

more noble than in ☉ it self, because the body which it dwells in is

gross, terrestrial, and impure.

The case then standing thus, it is no wonder that if these spirits are

separated by art and force, and expelled from such grose bodies, and

joined to other purer subjects, they then produce some good thing.

Would not the other Beasts reverence the Ass clad in a Lions skin, as

if he were their King, and this mearly by reason of his skin; though

inwardly he were an Ass? If so be any man be but cloathed in silken

rayment, and go gawdily; do not every body put off their hats to him,

and honour him, though inwardly he haply is a thief or a knave; and so

on the contrary, if a most honest and most learned man go in tattered

apparel, or at least in mean rayment, is he not rejected, and despised

by all. From hence it sufficiently appears how sinisterly the common

people judge of all things, and neglect the inside, and only look

to the outside shew. ’Tis the external Shape, according as tis good

or bad, that makes a man esteemed by the vulgar either good or bad,

contemptible or honourable, though his nature (or education) possesseth

other properties.

The like is to be understood, concerning the contemptible Metals,

_Mars_ and _Venus_, which according to the report of all the

Philosophers have more Tincture in them than _Sol_ it self hath; but

yet by reason of the grossness of their bodies are they rejected: now

therefore, by how much better the means or way is by which this noble

Spirit is extracted, and added to the pure bodies, so much the better

is the product.

When therefore the gross bodies of ♂ and ♀ are artificially broken, and

the spirit dissolved, and thence forced out, it seeks it self another

body wherein it may dwell and be at rest. Therefore when we do by art

disturb (as I may say) the gross bodies of _Mars_, _Venus_, _Jupiter_,

or _Saturn_, and dissolve the pure Soul, and expel it by antipathy, out

of its impure houses, and contemptible garments, and set before it a

pure ☿, it possesseth it, and so assumeth another nobler body than it

had before, and which then is ☉ and ☽, according as ’tis managed. This

is my opinion, and after the same manner is the thing to be understood

concerning Spiritual Gold.

But what business have we here with the Spiritual ☉ of Metals? Let

us be content with the Corporeal, and leave the Spiritual to the

Philosophers, to make the Tincture with. But forasmuch as upon the

occasion of my teaching the means of extracting Corporeal ☉, I could

not leave the speaking of the Spiritual wholly untoucht, I made also

some kind of mention of the same; and it will be beneficial to some or

other, who till they do understand my meaning, may be content with the

Corporeal ☉. But such as have open and attentive Ears to consider what

my drift is in this discourse, my doctrine will be more profitable unto

them, than either _Sol_ or _Luna_.

There is yet one thing more to be added. In some places they are wont

to reduce the _Sol_ and _Luna_ into a powder with ☿, that so the

Corporeal ☉ and ☽ may be separated and extracted from the Stone (or

Ore); and this is no new or unheard of thing.

But this is more rare (or seldomer used): a Metal which hath not as

yet arrived to his due maturity but is as yet conjoined with his first

ens, and consequently it flies away in the melting, and neither yields

☉ nor ☽, when it (_viz._ such a Metal) is commixt with ☿ salt and

vinegar, and let lie to act upon each other for some days, it comes to

pass that the Mercury attracts the immature, Spiritual ☉ and ☽, and

makes it corporeal and fixt, so as it may thenceforward be molten. If

then the Spiritual ☉ and ☽ doth so easily enter into the ☿, and make it

Corporeal, it is yet much more facile to be done by my way, which is

effected by the help of more strong (or powerful) instruments, than by

bare ☿ only, and Salt and vinegar, with which they mix the Metal with

the ☿, nor can they possibly do so much as my secret menstruum which

penetrateth all things.

When now the Matter, together with the Salt and Vinegar is duly

separated from the ☿ by the help of fair water, they pass the Mercury

through a skin of Leather, which is again serviceable for the same

uses; but that of it which adheres to the ☽, is thence separated in

an Iron Retort, then is tried the weight of that which is separated,

and as much as there wanteth of the weight of the ☿, so much of ☽ do

they receive in its stead, which is a thing well worthy thenoting, and

deserves a farther inquiry, and is not here set down in vain.

Let not any one despise these few things which I have here adjoined,

for they comprise in them most great mysteries; yea and greater than

most will believe.

Neither let any one imagine that I will presently communicate this most

noble Secret (which clearly shines in the dark) to every stranger; no,

no such matter; I will (God permitting) shew these things to my honest

friends, that so it may not perish together with me; but however I will

well think on that much used Proverb, _Fide, sed cui vide_; Trust, but

see whom you trust.