And although this Countryman, which I will here describe, be not that

[great] Country-Farmer, which I have mentioned in the _Third Part of

the Prosperity of Germany_: yet notwithstanding he is a little one,

and one that will discover so much unto the ignorant as to cause them

to believe that the things which I speak of are possible to be done,

and that there is a yet richer and better Countryman. But this here

is to be accounted as a small Cow, and which will however supply you

with Milk, Butter and Cheese, for necessary uses, if not with Sugar,

Spices, and Wine too, to be set out upon the Table. If this Country

fellow be too little and small for any one, he may even provide himself

of a better, and learn by the consideration of this, by what means such

Countrymen are to be nourished, that so the Rent may be gotten from him

in its due time.

A. _The little Country Tenant with one Plow._ B. _The Countryman

with three Plows._ C. _The Countryman’s Cap._ D. _His three Plows._

E. _The Registers to govern the Fire by._ F. _The Glass set in with

his Alembick and Receiver._ G. _The Door to shut the Crate._ H. _The

Ash-hole._ I. _A Basket of Coals._ [See the Fig. before the 3d. p. of

_the Prosperity of Germ._ noted with pag. 76.]

In the first place you must prepare you some pounds of good Spirit of

Salt, after the way which I prescribed with Vitriol, without which

it will effect nothing, for out of this [Vitriol] it doth in the

preparation carry over with it the spiritual Gold, or tinging Spirit,

which said [spiritual Gold] is, in the performing of the operation,

fixed, together with that spiritual Gold, which lyes hidden in the

inferior Metals, and so becomes manifest.

Then (in the next place) you must build you a Furnace, which is called

by the Chymists the _slow Henry_, or _dull Harry_, but I call it _The

little Country Farmer_ or _yearly Renter_: you may build it, I say, of

what bigness you please; or for Example sake, the Tower which holds

the Coles may be about Man-heighth, and about one Cubit broad in the

inside, but so, that the top part and bottom part be narrower, and the

middle part wider. To this Tower you must adjoyn two or three Furnaces,

which are here called the Countryman’s Plows, and in which the Vessels

are to be placed, which hold the Metals that are to be maturated by

the Spirit of Salt, and which have a continual heat, whereby the

never-ceasing coction is holpen from the Tower that contains the Coles.

Now see that you make all things cleverly and well proportioned,

whereby that the Fire may be well and commodiously governed, and may be

conserved for twenty four hours at least, without any looking too or

medling with, as may be seen by the now described Figure.

The Vessel, in which the Spirit of Salt, with the Metal, is to be

exercised (or laboured) with a daily Coction, must be made of such

matter as doth not flie with the heat of the fire, nor is not eaten

with the sharpness of the Spirit, (but) such as may be seen in my

Laboratory, and will for the most part dure and hold the Spirit of Salt

a whole year without breaking.

All things being ready and fitted, the Countrymans Belly is to be

filled with Coals up to the Neck, and his Head covered with a Cap, that

the Fire may not find any out-let, save by the lower holes, through

which, the heat may find an entrance into the adjoined Furnaces; and

as for the Vessels, they are to be filled with the Spirit of Salt, and

with Metals fitted for this Operation, and to be covered with their

Alembicks, that the Spirits which ascend in the boiling may be received

and conserved. When all the Spirits of the Salt are come over, they are

to be again returned back upon the dried matter in the Cucurbit, and

are to be agen drawn off by distillation. This operation and cohobation

being often repeated, doth ripen and fix the spiritual Silver and

Gold, whereby it becomes Corporeal: But yet the Spirit of Salt alone

is not able to give Gold, but ripens Silver onely, but by the addition

of other Salts, it will give Gold too. And even for the fixation of

Silver, common Salt may be also added to the Spirit of Salt, that so

the Spirit of the Salt may be made strong in the digestion; yea and in

time so very strong, as to fume even in the cold Air, and therefore a

little water may be also added besides the Salt.

Hence it comes to pass, that in one days digestion six pounds of

Spirit of Salt will give seven pounds of the same; unto which, if you

again add one pound of Water, and one pound of Salt, you shall have

eight pound of Spirit of Salt: which by the addition of another pound

of Salt, and one pound of Water more, it may be farther augmented;

insomuch that the Spirit of Salt, by a continually-repeated addition of

Water and Salt, gets a perpetual encrease, and the Metal is so far from

being at all hindred in its maturation, as that it is daily ripened

more and more. For the Agent and Patient are continually encreased, and

become bettered both in quantity and quality, which verily is a most

excellent work, and never so manifestly described by any body as by my

self.

But that I may be yet better understood by every one, I will here

adjoyn a way which every one may imitate, and which teacheth how,

by the Spirit of Salt alone affording not Gold but Silver, the said

operation may be instituted with Copper.

You must take care to have a Vessel made either bigger or lesser,

of such matter as the Spirit of Salt cannot spoil or prey upon; And

pour thereinto as many pounds of the Spirit of Salt as it will well

hold, and as many pounds as there be [of Spirit,] so many ounces of

Copper-plate must you put in, and to them add twice as many ounces

of Salt, so that to one ounce of Copper there may be two ounces of

Salt. The Spirit of Salt being drawn off even till the Copper and Salt

be dry, it will be stronger and more in quantity, because, from the

adjoyned Salt, it hath acquired to it self an encrease and greater

Virtues. Pour this Spirit agen upon the Copper, which in the first

distillation was wholly dissolved up; and boil the Spirit of Salt

over the fire, that the Copper, together with the Salt, which was not

carried over by the Spirit in the first distillation, may be again

dissolved.

The Furnace being cool’d, Take the glass out of the Sand, and pass

the Spirit of Salt with the dissolved Copper through Cap-paper, and

wash the white Calx that remains in the Paper with water, dry it,

and melt it with a fix Lixivial Salt, and you shall find as much pure

Silver, nay, even somewhat more than the Copper had in it by its own

nature. Put the green filtred Solution agen into the Cucurbit, being

first well wash’t; of which, if there be six pounds, add thereunto one

pound of Salt, and half a pound of Water, that so there may be seven

pounds and an half, provided the Cucurbit will contain so many pounds,

if not, then put the less matter therein. Then being placed in Sand,

draw off the Spirit of Salt from the added Salt, even to dryness, and

as much increase as you find it have above six pounds, lay it by, and

add as much water to these remaining six pounds, which you must again

put upon the dry matter in the Cucurbit, and then agen distill it off

till the said matter be dry, and repeat the same Operation again by

pouring on and distilling off. If the Spirit of Salt be augmented in

quantity one pound, then put more Salt into the Cucurbit, and agen

augment the six pounds of Spirit of Salt by the addition of Water, and

repeat the pourings on, and drawings off after the aforesaid manner,

always removing at each Distillation, the increase that is over and

above six pound: and renewing the apposition of more Salt, after that

the former is drawn off, untill you shall have gotten in the fifth,

sixth, seventh, eighth, or tenth Distillation as much Spirit as you at

first took, to begin your Distillation, [which was six pound.] Now all

the operation consisteth in this knack, namely, that you so operate,

as that nothing flies away in fume, for all the encrease ariseth from

the Salt and Water which you added thereunto. When you have gained thus

much, you may (without adding any more new Salt) pour on the Spirit

of Salt several times upon the Salt which is left remaining in the

Cucurbit, and agen draw it off so often thencefrom, untill it hath

brought over with it self almost all that Salt. Which [Salt] being

almost wholly changed by the Spirit of Salt that was poured into the

Cucurbit, Dissolve up the remaining Mass of the Copper and Salt, and

the Sand being cold, take out your Cucurbit, Filter the Spirit through

Cap-paper, and wash the white Powder left in the Paper, and dry it,

and melt it as afore with a Lixivial Salt, and you shall have as much

pure Silver as the Spirit of Salt was able to fix, of the Copper, in

such a time. Then put this green Spirit of Salt into the Cucurbit

together with more new Salt, and repeat the said labours ten or twelve

times, and the Spirit of Salt will be always encreased and rendred more

strong, and the Copper will agen yield forth Silver.

This Labour, you may at your pleasure, continue as long as you list,

for you will always get some Silver, and have an encrease of Spirit.

For both the Agent, _viz._ the Spirit of Salt, and the Patient, _viz._

the Copper doe encrease both as to quantity and quality.

But it may be demanded, Whenee that Silver comes? That which gave

forth it self the first time we impute not unto the Spirit of Salt,

as if by it made, no! but we say that it was in the Copper before,

and was melted out of the Oar, together with the Copper, for this may

well be. For there’s no Copper to be found which does not hold some

Silver hidden in its belly: and though the Refiners have as accurately

separated it as they could, yet nevertheless we doe conclude that

that first Silver separated in the first Operation, was what was left

of the Oar in the Copper, and remained unseparated by the Melters

[or Refiners] therefrom, and was not made by the Spirit of Salt, but

onely separated. And the Spirit of Salt being in its nature an enemy

to Silver, does not dissolve it. But whence then did that come, which

offered it self unto us the second, third, and fourth time; whereas in

the first Solution, all the Silver was clearly taken out, and none at

all left therein, but was all of it separated by filtration? What shall

we here say, or indeed how shall we dare say otherwise, but that we

believe and confess, that the Spirit of Salt did by its operation make

the same of the Copper. Nor is there any reason why this should seem so

very strange unto us, forasmuch as yearly, in the Earth, all Copper is

naturally turned by Salt into Silver, and not onely Copper, but all the

other Metals were at first, Salts: not such indeed as we use about our

Cookery in the Kitchins, but such as are impregnated by the Sulphureous

Stars [or Constellations.]

But forasmuch as we doe at present treat onely of Copper, we doe not

therefore meddle with the rest of the Metals: for very rarely is Copper

digged out of the Earth but it hath Vitriol therein, or, in defect

of Vitriol, a Sulphur salted with a vitriolate salt. For any sort

of Sulphur being burnt, and its fatness flaming, the sharp Salt is

released, and passeth away in fume, resembling the tast, of the fiery

Oil of Vitriol, and is captivated [or caught] in the great Alembick

under which the Sulphur is burnt. This sharp Oil supplies the place of

an Agent as to the Minera’s or Oars, in the Veins of the Earth; and

doth more and more ripen the Minerals and Metals, but exceeding slowly:

for Nature doth scarce attain to that limit in a thousand Years, which

Art doth in a few Months time. For there are no impediments to obstruct

the operativeness of our Agent, such as are the Stones, Flints, Sands,

and various Earths which frequently occur, and are much abounding in

the bowels of the [Metallick] Veins: insomuch that it can discharge

its Operations freely, and without any Impediment at all: and besides

too, we use our external fire by which we help this our Agent, and

strengthen its virtues, and keep it in a continual action.

By all this discourse may every one see, that when we speak of ripening

Silver out of Copper by the Operations of the Spirit of Salt, it is

not contrary to nature, but altogether agreeable with the same. But

now we doe not say that any one will suddenly become rich by this

Labour, done with the Spirit of Salt and Copper, but we have described

this Operation in this place, for this end, namely, that hereby the

possibility of the thing may be learned, and that there may be good

ground to believe, that even this too is most true, _viz._ when we

write that by such or such an Agent, corroborated or fortified with

such or such Subjects, and placed in such-like Digestions, Gold may be

extracted as well as Silver out of the meaner Metals, which how little

soever there be of, may notwithstanding prove profitable. For having

once made onely some pounds of Spirit of Salt, you will not need to

make any more anew, for in the digestion and maturation of the Metals,

it will daily encrease, and that in a plentifull manner, and that too

without any considerable costs, seeing that the Salt it self, which

is to be added, is likewise cheap enough. If you make your Cucurbit

of pure Silver, (for the Spirit of Salt will not work upon that) and

digest your matters therein, you need not then stand in fear of the

breaking of Glasses: Besides too, you may always let such a made Vessel

lie in the Furnace, and as soon as ever the Spirit is drawn off, you

may presently put it on agen, nor is there any need of your waiting

so long, and ceasing from the work till the Vessel cool. If therefore

a Tower to put the Coals in (as afore) be added to that Furnace,

or Furnaces, then is it a true Countrey Farmer, or Tenant, for the

sustaining of whom, there will need no other charge but that of Coals,

and yet notwithstanding he gives you a perpetual gain without labour,

cost, and trouble. Nay more, if we do but rightly weigh the business,

we shall find that the daily encrease of the Spirit of Salt in these

labours, is easily sold for more Money than the Coals will cost, so

that all that Gold and Silver which is gotten out of the Metals, doth

offer it self unto us for nothing. Besides, such kind of Metals may be

taken for this Operation as are wont to yield more Silver and Gold than

Copper, and the plentifulness thereof will be yet more, if several such

kinds of Metals are joyned together and so dissolved, and digested,

in which operation they better one another by a mutual action; for

one supplies what another wants, and likewise from another, are those

superfluities which it has in it, taken therefrom: so that (as we said

afore) the mutual melioration of those Metals may be set on foot and

promoted, as it were without any cost, and by a very little labour.

Whosoever he be therefore that has the knowledge and experience of

the nature and property of the Metals, which they are, that have a

correspondency with each other, and that love to better each the other;

and is not ignorant what Agent is agreeable to Gold; such a one I say

as this is, will commit unto his Countrey Tenant the care of Weekly and

Monthly paying the due Rent, and will be able by this means to serve

God his Creator without wicked Usury; to do good unto his Neighbour, to

extricate himself out of that Diabolical Fellowship, of the impious and

the great crew of evil Men; and to lead his Life in Tranquillity and

Quietude; which verily is a great and singular gift of God, unto any

one that can arrive unto such a knowledge.

But yet no Man hath any reason to perswade himself, should he be a

Master of this Art and Science [here shewn,] that he shall be able

daily to separate great heaps of Gold out of the more imperfect Metals,

whereby he may be enabled to lead a vicious Life. No, for my endeavour

shall (in the first place) be, not to make any wicked Man partaker of

this Art.

And secondly, the whole business consisteth in the blessing of God, as

we find it Written, _Paul hath planted, and Apollo Watered, but God

hath given his Blessing_: For without this Blessing, all our Labour

is but in vain: And this the Prophet _David_ doth likewise testifie,

saying, _In vain do ye rise up early, and being loaden with many cares,

go to Bed late, and eat your Bread with troubles: For unto them whom

God is favourable doth he bestow his gifts even while they are Asleep_.

Moreover St. _Paul_ saith, _It is not of him that wills, nor of him

that runs, but of God that sheweth mercy_. And therefore a wicked Man,

though he should possess so great a thing, yet would he not do any good

upon it, if he wanteth Gods Blessing. Besides, I do not here bring

forth my little Countryman upon the Stage, as if he could help any one

unto huge Treasures; no, but onely as one that can bestow so much as

may suffice, honestly to live. Unless haply a Man should light upon

rich Veins and metalline Oars, which should abound with much corporeal

Gold, and so by this means should yield great Treasures. Now so much

cannot be lookt for, from such Metals as have in them but a spiritual

Gold onely, unless the true weight be found, and that there be gotten

the knowledge of those Metals which have a great affinity with each

other, and which being joined together yield forth Gold. Otherwise

you must not expect ought else from this Operation save an honest and

moderate profit.

But now, as touching what Metals they are that have such affinity, and

what the true proportion of the weight is, no body hath any reason

to enquire of me, for I do not as yet profess my self an expert and

absolute Artist in this matter, for sometimes I have a very gainfull

success of my trials that I make, and sometimes agen I get less.

I was willing therefore to shew the way here, of ripening the meaner

Metals by the help of Salt, and that too in a manner without any costs:

which way of so doing being by me laid open, may suffice for this time,

nor did ever any reveal it before me (I speak it without boasting) or

produce it unto publick view in so open a manifestation as I have done.

And now if this separation should be used about the fixed Gold onely

which lies hidden in the Oars and Metals, yet mought great profit be

thereby gotten in all places; for there is no place in the World in

which there are not to be found such Earth, Sand, and Stones as contain

in them corporeal Gold, which may be extracted by the afore prescribed

way without any costs at all. But here is to be observed that those

things which I have written, and clearly demonstrated concerning such

separatory Operations in the third part of the Prosperity of _Germany_,

are to be agen read over, and well lookt into.

Moreover, this is also to be known, that this maturation if instituted

by the dry way, brings more profit than if done by the moist way; for

in the dry way the Agent is more holpen than in the moist way, in which

there is always plenty of moisture. But however, both ways namely the

dry way, and the moist may be done with one and the same Fire, nor will

the cost be any more than if the moist way were made use of alone by it

self.

For that Tower wherein the Coals are, and which is to keep the Spirit

of Salt in perpetual digestion, and to heat the adjoined Furnaces,

is always bright hot at the Grate, upon which [grate] if a cementing

Vessel filled with Salt and Metals be placed, there will then be even

thence as much profit as by an adjoined Furnace, and so by the Fire of

one Furnace, and by the self same labour and cost is a double Operation

performed, and a continual rent may be expected from the double

Countryman.

You must likewise note, that there is a great difference of Salts, and

that one Salt is more fit for this labour, and another for that; but

by how much greater the Acrimony is, that the Salt abounds withall,

so much the more potent an Agent it is: insomuch that it is of great

concernment for a Man to know how to concentrate the moist Fire or

Agent, concerning which Concentration there is no need of mentioning

any thing in this place; forasmuch as I suppose that these things which

are at present spoken are sufficient enough.

Moreover I would have the Son of Art know, that the Salt of the

_Macrocosm_ or of the Ocean, which we have taught the making the

Spirit of, is nothing at all so efficacious as that which is gotten

out of the _Microcosm_: For whatsoever things are found to be in the

_Microcosm_ or greater World, the same are likewise in the _Macrocosm_

or lesser World, namely, Man. But it is not my purpose to discourse

farther of this thing in this place, but will (God so permitting) treat

more at large of the same, if I come to write somewhat of the nature

and signature of the greater World. For hereby great mysteries may be

learned, which omitting to speak more of, I keep close to Salt and say,

that that Salt which comes out of the Ocean or Sea of Man, or of some

other Animal, that is, which is voided out of the Bladder, is far more

fit for the Transmutation of Metals, than that which is gotten out of

the Sea, as being the Bladder of the great Animal.

The Ancients have called the World the great Animal, and very rightly,

for in its Center it hath a fiery heart by which (as being the great

Animal) it moves it self, and conserves its life, as shall be Spoken

of in another place if God shall permit, for according to the common

Proverb, _Man proposeth and God disposeth_.

_Morien_ was not ignorant that _Arcana’s_ of great moment lie hidden in

Urine, but hath manifestly signified it. For when he had prepared the

Tincture for King _Calid_, he wrote upon the Vessel in which it was,

these words, _He that carries all things with him, needs not any others

help_. And having so done, he silently betook himself unto his Cell.

But he had said before unto the King, In thee O King! the Medicine is,

by which words, he meant Urine. For out of Man’s Urine may a fix Stone

be made, which shall be manifested in other places.

Furthermore this likewise is to be here known, that it is a most

notable and a true experiment and artifice in Alchymy, that is, in

the true melting of Salt, when the Agent of Salt, and the Patient,

or Metal, are so thoroughly conjoined and mixed, as that the Agent

is disperst throughout the Patient, that so the Patient may suffer

the more, and consequently that that Patient Metal may be the sooner

ripened and fixed. When a Flock of Sheep being in the Fold, see the

Woolf coming, they are indeed all terribly affrighted, but are not all

bitten and torn, and so a part of them feel the hurt and the other part

remain free. But if the Woolf seizeth upon the Sheep in the open Field,

and that the Sheep are scattered far and wide so that they cannot

possibly flock together, they will certainly suffer more grievously.

* * * * *

For Example sake, when I would meliorate Lead by means of Salt, whether

by the moist way by Spirit of Salt or by the dry way by dry Salts, if

now I cannot radically conjoin the said Salts and Lead together, I do

but little to purpose, because Lead and Silver, unless prepared by

singular Ingeny and Skill, are not touched upon by Salt and its Spirit,

and so suffering but superficially onely they are able to resist a long

time. But being radically united unto Salt by the benefit of Art, so

as that they cannot be distinguisht from each other, then they suffer

in all their parts and die, which death is their melioration and life.

He that desires to arrive at this Goal, must rise betimes, and use a

most notable diligence, for sloathfulness hedgeth up the way of coming

thereunto: Even I my self am no perfect Artificer, but wait upon the

Omnipotent God, expecting what he will please to bestow upon me for

time to come, and I live content with my present enjoyments. Thus

likewise let another do.

But if now _Saturn_ is to be used after another way and to serve

instead of Earth to receive and multiply the metallick Seed, there’s

no need of dissolving it in Salts, but it will be better to have it

onely swell or puft up in them, and keep in such a positure as Earth

is, conserving the Seed sown therein, in a moderate humidity and in the

temperate heat of the Sun, which way is also a good one and commodious

for the production of good metallick Fruits, and that by the help of

Salt, as the following Process shews, under this title, namely,

_The Fire and =Azoth= wash =Laton=._

Some of the Philosophers have called their Patient _Laton_, and their

Agent _Azoth_. But what subject that is which they meant by the name

of _Laton_ there are many Opinions of Authours concerning it, in whose

Writings may be seen, that the greatest part of them do intend thereby

_Saturn_, but yet not the vulgar: and even so is it too concerning

their _Azoth_, or Vinegar, that being likewise diversly accepted. But

be it as it will, yet this is certain, that even in the common _Saturn_

do many abstruse secrets lie hidden, (to say nothing of the more

mysterious _Saturn_, did we but know how to get it out.)

All Philosophers do suppose, that the Heart in _Saturn_ is better than

that in Gold it self, and for that reason do they call Lead a Leaprous

Gold, and say, that if it could be mundified by a true washing, some

great matter would proceed thereout of. Many Men have very much busied

themselves about this washing, but yet have not attained unto ought

else, save that they have brought the _Saturn_ into a white, fugacious,

and liquid Body, concerning which labour I have made mention in this

Treatise of metallick Cates and Sawces, and also in the third Part of

the Prosperity of _Germany_.

In my judgment, the common _Saturn_ is a commodious Earth, for

the reception of a metallick Seed, and for bringing the same unto

multiplication Witness _Paracelsus_ himself who tells us, that _Saturn_

may be compared to the Earth, for all such things as it seizeth on it

makes like it self, and turns them into Earth, _viz._ in the common

Fire, for _Paracelsus_ here intends that.

But now, if some metallick Seed be sown in _Saturn_, as being a

commodious metallick Earth, and that such an Earth and such a Seed

be moistned with a due metallick Water, and be exposed to the fruit

producing and vivifying Sun, the earth together with the Seed, doth by

reason of the moistning caused by the pouring on, or affusion of the

mineral Water, swell up, and become porous, and receives and conserves

the Water, so that the ripening Sun cannot dry up the Earth, and

consequently burn up the Seed. And by how much the oftner the Earth

is moistned with the mineral Water, and the Sun expelleth the said

humidity, so much the speedier doth the Seed ripen, and attain to his

maturity.

For like as the Husband-man when he is about to sow this Corn, chooseth

such a ground, as contains a fat and tenacious mould, which may not

be washt away with the Rain, nor suffer the due nourishment to be

withdrawn from the Seed; for if the Seed be sown in Sand, a little

Rain can easily wash away the Sand and Seed, and impede the faculty

of growth, which in a fat and tenacious Soil is not wont to happen.

For the Water or Rain should but onely moisten the Earth, that it may

not be too closely comprest, but become porous and admit of the Rains

penetrating unto the Seed: which when so, then is there hopes of the

Seeds sprouting, in such a fat Earth which swells up by means of the

Water, and of bringing forth its Fruit.

Even just after the same manner are the metallick Seeds to be sown,

and ripened; and for Example sake, let us take the vulgar and common

_Saturn_, (well mundified) for that Earth, into which we will sow such

a Seed as having a great affinity with _Saturn_, loves to be augmented

therein, whereby it may bring forth fruit. And like as the Seed of any

Animal requires an Animal Matrix, as a Field or Earth to be multiplied

in, and hath not any affinity with the common Earth: Even so likewise

doth a metallick Seed require a metallick Earth, Matrix, or Ground,

wherein it may germinate and be multiplied.

Now this multiplication is on such wise made, as is done in the

Animals, by the conjunction of Male and Female, one performing the

office of the Agent, and the other of the Patient. So then, we will

make some trial in this Process which is here annexed, not for the

intent of getting great Treasures thereby, but for the sake of

searching into, and getting the knowledge of Nature; we will take

the Male in the room of the Seed, and the Female instead of the

Ground or Field, and we will try whether or no the Seed will admit of

multiplication.

Let us therefore take the common _Saturn_ for the Feminine Matrix,

and Antimony of the Male-like-seed, which we will sow into its own

Matrix, as Husbandmen are wont to do. I do not gain-say but that there

are other Seeds, and probably better to be found to be implanted in

_Saturn_, than Antimony is: But yet here I content my self with this

of Antimony, as having an intention of onely shewing at this present,

by what way it may appear that a metallick Seed may be brought to a

faculty or possibility of growth in the Saturnine Earth. And upon this

account for Demonstrations sake of this Labour, was I willing to use

Antimony, it being a masculine Seed of a Saturnine kind. For common

_Saturn_ is usually accounted for the true first Ens of _Lune_, and

Antimony for the true first Ens of _Sol_, and they are in very deed

found so to be. For you shall not find any Lead without Silver, nor

any Antimony without Gold; so that I strongly perswade my self that

from those two, there cannot arise ought else but what is good and

profitable, did we but know how legitimately to compound and handle

them. And although I do not profess my self to know many things, yet

will I simply tell you my opinion, concerning the way which I suppose

such a Commixtion and Maturation may be effected by.

A Philosopher saith thus,

_By Gold and Silver you will nothing do,

Unless you use their first Ens thereunto._

The first Entities of both these are Lead and Antimony, the latter of

which, (_viz._ Antimony,) is not to be admitted in that impure state

that we find it in, unto the former, as unto its Bride or Spouse,

but must first be washed in a hot and sharp Lixivial Bath, that it

may thereby attain to a delicate silvery whiteness, and shine like

a Star in the Firmament; which Antimony thus purged, is called by

_Paracelsus_, the signed Star.

But yet I would not have any one to think, that I do here mean the

common stellate _Regulus_ of _Mars_, which would be dissolved in Spirit

of Salt, and would separate it self from the Lead, which ought not to

be: But that signed Star must be so prepared, as not to admit of being

dissolved in Spirit of Salt, for else it will not serve for this Work.

It must be so concreted as if it were so many thin Shells (one within

another,) and so very hard as to be able to cut Glass, and to strike

Fire out of a Flint. This signed Star being so washt, is to be sown

into its own Matrix, and by the solar Heat and fruitfull Rain, to be

promoted and enforced unto growth.

Take of the thus prepared masculine Seed, or signed Star, [A] parts,

and of the feminine kind, [B] parts, melt the signed Star in a pure

Crucible, unto which being molten cast the Woman in, which being cast

in, there is presently made a sweet Conjunction and Commixtion of them

both in that infernal Heat, in which they familiarly couple together.

The Mass being commixt, is to be poured out of the Crucible through

wet Brooms into cold water, and is to be reduced into Grains, and so

the masculine Seed or Husband will be legitimately and duely mixt

with its Earth or Ground, or Wife: which Earth together with the Seed

which it contains is to be put into a firm Vessel, which fears not the

violent corrosion of the Spirit of Salt, but in such a quantity as

that scarcely a tenth part of the Vessel may be filled therewithall:

Then must there be put thereon as much mineral Water, namely pure

Spirit of Salt, as the Cucurbit can bear, and Fire is to be put

thereunder, whereby the Spirit of Salt is to be again drawn off, by

which Operation, the Earth together with the included Seed will day by

day be refreshed, be moistned and swell up, by reason of the Spirit of

Salt, no otherwise than as if you should moisten some dry and as it

were parched Earth, with Water. For the _Saturn_ is not dissolved by

the Spirit of Salt, but onely swells up, and becomes foliated, and yet

remains whole or entire, nor is it much unlike unto lovely lookt Talk,

which shines with a delicate whiteness: and therefore the Philosophers

say, sow your Gold in white foliated Earth. Without doubt they meant

not common Gold, for then they would not have said, our Gold, but would

have simply said onely Gold, had they not intended a peculiar Gold, or

first Ens of Gold.

_N. B._ I cannot by any means omit to give you thus much notice,

namely, He that cannot hit upon the manner of preparing the said signed

Star, may endeavour the making of common _Saturn_ aureous, particularly

after this manner, as follows. Extract with Spirit of Salt out of

the Oars or Veins and metallick fugacious Earths, the spiritual Gold

that lies hidden therein, and extract or draw off this Spirit thus

impregnated with Gold from _Saturn_, which Spirit may by this means be

all agen had, and be used about new extractions. And as for the Gold

which the Spirit extracted, that the _Saturn_ hath imbibed, and indues

it self thereby with a golden nature; which if you imbue or moisten

with many such extractions, that goldenness will, as I may so term it,

grow up or increase in each cohobation, and the Spirit of Salt it self

will become augmented.

If now the _Saturn_ be imbued with a sufficient Portion of spiritual

Gold, it must be reduced by X, or Alkalies, that so the spiritual Gold

may be made corporeal, which will exhibit it self pure unto you, after

that the _Saturn_ shall be driven away on the Test. But yet there

is no need of doing this, seeing it will be better to granulate the

_Saturn_, and by those repeated cohobations to draw off the Spirit of

Salt agen, being each time impregnated with that spiritual Gold, and

so by this means will you enrich your _Saturn_ with the greater plenty

of Gold. And being so enriched it must be reduced by a fixing X, in my

secret Crucible, which neither suffers any thing to go away in fume,

nor to run out; in which reduction the spiritual Gold and the fugacious

_Saturn_ it self are fixed, so that both Gold and Silver are found on

the Test with great profit, this labour requiring no other costs save

those of the Fire.

This Operation which separates fugacious and fix Gold out of the Oars

and Stones, is far better than that which is made by the Solutions

of _Lune_ and _Saturn_, described at large in the third part of the

Prosperity of _Germany_. For here, we do not need either _Aq. Fortis_

or Vinegar for the Solution of _Saturn_ or _Lune_, neither need we the

same to get the extracted Gold out of the Spirit of Salt, but being

free from that labour and costs, we [onely] draw off from _Saturn_,

that Spirit which hath extracted the Gold, which [_Saturn_] attracts

and holds the volatile and fix Gold that was in the extraction,

insomuch that there is not requisite to this labour of drawing off the

extractions from _Saturn_, any thing else save onely Coals and Fire.

Add hereunto also, the gainfull encrease which daily comes in by the

addition of Salt and Water, by which the Spirit of Salt is day by day

augmented without any costs.

_N. B._ When the Spirit of Salt becomes too strong by reason of the

Salt put thereto, that Water wherewith the Oar is washt, after the

first extraction of the Spirit of Salt, [or after it hath first been

extracted with Spirit of Salt] may be made use of [and put thereto]

instead of common Water. For it is somewhat sourish, and hath likewise

a golden nature.

_N. B._ Praise God, and forget not the Poor, seeing thou art

sufficiently informed and taught by what means thou maist get great

Treasures.

The things I here write, are not for this end, namely, to teach others

how to make great heaps of Gold, but onely to shew them a way of

attaining to a good Medicament, and withall, of knowing and perceiving

by the same labour, that the melioration of the Metals is altogether

possible and certain.

Whoever he be that could attain so far as to bring Antimony and Lead,

as being the first Ens of Gold and Silver, into a certain Dissolvent,

so as that the one would not precipitate the other; then at length

would he have entrance upon the right way, which leadeth unto great

things, like as also Gold and Silver being dissolved in one and the

same _Menstruum_ gives beginning to things of great moment. I dare

affirm therefore, that he that can reduce Gold and Silver, or Antimony

and Lead, with Salt, into an agreement, hath opened a most strong Gate

which leads unto a great Treasure; for then the Patient must suffer

even unto death, and must die, out of whose dead Body, new and living

Bodies do afterwards come forth.

Although I have often told you in my Writings that Gold has no greater

enemy than combustible Sulphur, and that nothing is more inimicitious

to Silver than Salt, and nothing more displeasing to _Mercury_ than

a strong _Lixivium_, and that amongst these contraries there is a

perpetual Antipathy so long, untill they are constrained by Art and

Skill to become friends and mutually to embrace each other: yet

notwithstanding; this will not be so easily fesible by every prating

Boaster, and that makes a great noise by his lofty vapouring speeches;

no, but for the sake of these very Men, are such great _Arcana’s_

justly and deservedly wrapt up in darkness, and indeed ’tis fit they

should so be.

Moreover if there be required a great suffering, ’tis necessary that

both the Gold and Silver, as being Male and Female, should suffer

together and not barely the one or the other apart: for hereby this

Regeneration will be made so much the nobler and the more magnificent.

For Example, make a Circle, and cut or divide it with Diameters

crosswise [or at right Angles through the Center] so that the extreams

of the Diameters which divide themselves in the middle or central point

of the cross may touch the Circle, and that of those four extreams

[or Semi-diameters] one may touch above, and the other beneath, and

the other twain may reach, one to the right side, and t’other to the

left. Place the Gold in the uppermost extream marked with the letter A,

and his enemy, namely Sulphur, in the lower extream, which the letter

C, demonstrates. In like manner place Silver on the left side of the

Gold, at the letter B, and its enemy, _viz._ Salt on the right side

marked D, and you will see how aversly these enemies behold each the

other. The _Sol_ looking about him espies his capital enemy, Sulphur,

directly opposite unto him, and hath _Lune_ at his left side, and Salt

at his right; and very willingly would he enter into friendship with

_Lune_, and Salt which are joyned at his side, if they but would, or

indeed could. But he honours not his capital enemy Sulphur, with so

much as a look. The _Lune_ placed by the side of the Sun, does not

permit the Salt to joyn it self with the Gold. For when the Salt is

with the _Sol_, it clearly hinders the _Lune_ from associating it self

with the same. Nor can it possibly be that Salt, _Lune_ and Gold should

enter into a thorough familiarity. Thus too is it with _Lune_, who hath

her capital enemy diametrically opposite unto her, and very willingly

would she enter into friendship with both her neighbours, _viz._ _Sol_

and Sulphur, if they were not such great enemies (to each other,) and

refused this familiarity. For if _Lune_ associates unto her self the

Sun, then Sulphur denies to come into the society. If she admits the

Sulphur as her companion then, then _Sol_ is excluded, as abominating

the friendship with his enemy Sulphur. Much less therefore can _Lune_

be the companion of them both together. _See the Fig. in the Book of

Dialog._

But now if the Gods please, that these four capital enemies, should

unite in one sociable amity, and that wonderfull regenerations should

arise from this new familiarity, (then) do they command _Vulcan_ to

heat in the Fire this Circle comprizing those four capital enemies,

thus constituted in the four aforesaid extreams, and casting such

hatefull looks upon each other, and yet not knowing how to escape out

of the Circle, and to press them together more and more with his Hammer

by little and little, untill all four being driven into one mass, do

come together into one body, which body doth then obtain a power of

reconciling all enemies, and of effecting great matters.

By this here spoken may any one easily conjecture, what great suffering

there is in this Conjunction, and what great streights do afflict

these enemies, when each of them must thus against their will enter

into friendship with his capital enemy. Verily we find them to be such

sufferings as have not their like again, and therefore do they produce

to light, such great and such wonderfull regenerations. Now whatsoever

it be that is exercised in but a small suffering, the same doth admit

of but small emendation.

The greater the suffering, the greater the melioration, so that that

affliction which brings with it even death it self, brings with it also

so much the more noble and magnificent Regeneration and Resurrection.

He that suffers not in this World, shall not have the Crown put upon

him after his Resurrection. By how much the greater and more innocent

the suffering and affliction of this life is, so much the greater, and

fairer a Crown may be expected in the other World.

The Grape is prest so long, till it be rid of all its juice, this juice

doth indeed bring a sweet and pleasant delightsomness unto mortal man,

but the Grape it self which the juice is prest out of, ceaseth to be a

Grape, and perisheth through defect of juice, and passeth into nothing.

But unto the noble Vine, hath God given this benefit, that it yearly

bears not barely one but many Grapes together: All which being pluckt

off, it doth nevertheless produce the following year no fewer, but

rather more Grapes; and still remains a blessed and fruitfull Vine,

because it is furnisht with roots and fertile Boughs. On the contrary,

they that have devoured the good and sweet juice themselves, remain

always hungry and thirsty, and that for this reason, because they guzle

down the juice too new and fresh, whereby their Bellies swell, and they

receive no nutriment therefrom.

This is a thing certain and undoubted, that the bodies of the Metals

become by suffering and dying far more excellent and more noble. He

therefore that knows that the patient is to be subjected unto its own

agent, and doth also understand by what way they are to be conjoined,

will never labour in vain, but will reap the wished reward of his pains.

When the agent doth touch onely the superficies of the patient, and

penetrates not into its heart or root, there will verily be but a very

little good done, save onely this, _viz._ That the Agent being afore

rendred aureous, is able to give unto its patient also a golden nature,

and to bring the same to an aureous degree, and to bestow upon it the

perfection of Gold: but that melioration which is done onely by it self

proceeds on very slowly.

As concerning the manner of enduing the Spirit of Salt with an aureous

nature, that so it may the sooner render its patient a partaker of

golden virtues, we have spoken of that already, and demonstrated it

clearly enough; he that does not understand, we cannot help him any

other way.

_N. B._ When the Eagle, the Servant of _Jupiter_, hath with his beak

and talons pluckt out the coagulated beams of the Sun out of the Cliffs

and Rocks, and brings them unto _Jupiter_, he is so very bountifull,

that he sends down the same unto us by the Rain, which is of so much

efficacy, as that all the Herbs upon which it falls are bettered, and

the martial, venereal, saturnine, _Lunar_ and mercurial Herbs do put

on the golden nature of the Sun; so efficacious is the golden Rain of

_Jupiter_, if the Eagle hath first brought unto him the coagulated rays

of the Sun.

And that I may be the better understood, and that it may be known, that

the Melioration of Metals may be accomplished by a dry Agent, full as

well, yea and better, and more profitably than by a moist Agent; I have

judged it a thing worth while to adjoyn the following Process under the

Title of _the Great Country Farmer_.

And let the studious Artist know, that the amending of the Metals by

the dry way, by the operation of dry Salt, is far more easie, and may

likewise be dispatcht in a greater quantity, than is wont to be done

by the moist way: and that there is nothing required to this operation

save Salt and Coals, be the Metals that are to be fixed, even what they

will.

For Example, if a man be desirous to fix _Saturn_, or to procure unto

it a Silvery nature, there needs not pure Lead be taken for this

work, seeing he may have the Oar or Vein thereof for much less price;

and indeed there is some that is a wild and sulphureous Oar, which

yields not, in the melting, any good Lead, and may be had in great

plenty in some places of _Germany_ that I know of, for a very small

price, or rather for none at all. Such a wild Oar of Lead as this is,

which yields neither good Lead, nor is fit for the Potters to glaze

their Pots withall, by reason of its hard fusion, doe I chuse for my

operation, not onely because it costs less than other such Oars of Lead

doe, but for this reason too, because it hath store of Sulphur, and fit

enough for fixation.

This Vein or Oar doe I bring into small Powder, and mix as much Salt

thereto as need requires, then cast it in upon the Coals, in such a

Furnace as I have described to make store of Spirit of Salt in: The

Salt and the Sulphur exercising their vehement or powerfull virtues

upon the Lead, causeth it to be afflicted with terrible dolours,

insomuch that part thereof ascendeth on high [or sublimeth] with

part of the Salt, and betakes it self into Receivers fitted on for

that purpose. In which sublimation, the Salt and the Lead ascend in

a spiritual manner, and contrary to their will, suffer spiritually,

and so are constrained to enter into friendship, finding a place of

quietude in those cold Receivers, and there setling together. The

residue of the Oar, and part of the Salt being burnt up, and emitting

no more flores, but falling down through the Grate like Ashes, more new

or fresh Coals must be put into the Furnace, and new matter must be

thrown thereupon, as afore; and this Labour is to be continued so long,

as it shall please any one to follow it. Now by this, the _Saturn_ is

far more vehemently afflicted, than in the moist way by the Spirit of

Salt; And if unto the Oven [or Receiver] receiving the fume, and in

which the flowers of the Salt and Lead settle, there shall be applied

yet several Receivers, there will then be therein caught store of

Spirit of Salt, which being rectified, may be agen made use of in the

moist way. The flowers being taken out of the Oven or Receiver into

which the fume goes, are to be agen thrown in upon the live Coals in

the Furnace, that they may suffer anew and be sublimed. After that they

are all sublimed again on this wise, they are to be agen taken out of

the Oven, and be cast in upon the live Coals; and must be afflicted

with these Labours so often repeated, untill they become fix and ascend

no more, but fall down into the Ashes. Which being washt, will yield a

Salt profitable for many things, and will quit all the costs which have

been laid out upon Lead, Salt, and Coals; so that the Spirit of Salt

which is gotten, and that which is amended in the Lead Oar by the Salt,

cost nothing. The Ashes being washt are to be reduced, in a Furnace,

by blast, and be so often tormented, till a good portion of Silver be

gotten by this operation, which the elaborated matter, being purged by

a due separation upon the Tests, will give. And so shall you have Gold

and Silver by the benefit of this operation, by which [operation] we

have manifested unto you the _Great Country Farmer paying his yearly

Rent_.

Now like as _Saturn_ is dealt withall in this operation, even so are

the other Metals wont to be handled too; but yet you must observe the

Regiment of the fire, which, according to the diversity of the Metals,

must also be diversly administred. And even the Commixtion it self

requires good heeding, as being a business of no small moment.

Moreover, in this operation you must also note, That one Salt is more

fit for this operation than another is; for by how the sharper nature

they have, so much the more commodious and profitable doe they shew

themselves to be. So Common Salt sublimed, as is done in this Labour,

will operate far stronger than Common Salt it self unsublimed. Besides,

there are Salts to be found which work yet far more powerfully, yea so

strongly, as that they need not the help of an external fire, but doe

produce their effects even in the cold. The operation of which, in the

moist way, if any be desirous to promote and strengthen by an external

fire, he may so doe, in a Lamp-Furnace, and free himself of the charge

of Coals, and be exempt from that frequent Labour by which the Fire is

to be maintained.

Some moist Fires are of such great virtues, as that they need not any

Lamp-fire, but a small golden thread or wire in burning Spirit of Wine

is capable of administring heat sufficient.

And the burning Spirit, if made of Leaves, Grass, rotten Fruit, or

Corn, and Grape-stones or husks will be but of small costs, or in a

manner none at all. Now a pound of such Spirit being placed with a

Golden wiek in a convenient Lamp will suffice for three or four days,

and give heat enough. But yet nevertheless, that moist fire doth ripen

its Metal without the help of any external fire at all, and yields its

profit, but then it requires a longer space of time.

Put case therefore, that I make my moist fire so strong as to be able

to perform its office in the cold, and that it needs not any external

fire: And if I were to make a fire, it would needs require one Ducket’s

charge: If now, standing any-where, it yields me two Golden Duckets

out of the maturated Metal, it wou’d doe well enough, and abundantly

recompence the labour and costs expended. For there’s nothing wanting

of the Metal [you took to ripen] save that which is changed into Gold

and Silver.

And forasmuch as I can set by many such Vessels, and those great ones

too, there’s no doubt to be made, but that my gain will be the greater,

and that with very little labour. For now, at first, the labour of

preparing the moist fire, is in a manner no labour at all, for in three

or four days may be so much made as is sufficient for the maturating of

a great deal of Metal. For this fire may be compared to a Seed, which

being sown in the Earth afore Winter, doth in the Summer-season produce

store of Fruit, and fit to be reaped.

And though this maturation proceeds on exceeding slowly, and excludes

all hast, yet it brings with it this benefit, namely, that it requireth

no other labour in the Winter-time, but to be onely once laid by, and

the perfecting thereof must be committed to God and Time.

There are various and divers such cold Fires, that promote the

maturation of the Metals, and may be gotten out of divers Subjects,

namely, out of Tartar, Urine, Hairs of Animals, Horns, Calx-vive, Soot,

the Blood of Animals, the Feathers of Birds, the Bones of Horses,

Oxen, and other Beasts, cut of which such a fire is very difficultly

prepared, one of them, here reckoned up, excepted, out of which the

said fire may by an easie labour and business be made, and without

costs. It is therefore a great gift of God, and an especial grace from

our Creator, if he maketh us possessors of such a Country Farmer, which

being sustained without any costs, doth notwithstanding very largely

pay his yearly Rent. To God therefore are uncessant thanks to be

returned for so great a benefit.

But we have said enough of these moist and dry Metal-ripening Fires;

what way soever any one is minded to chuse, that way may he follow, for

it lyes in his own free choice. If he chance to err, let him not lay

the blame upon me, who out of a good mind have undertaken these labours

of writing, but cannot thrust the chewed meat into any ones mouth. I

will by God’s permission show the wonders of God to some friends this

next Summer, that so such as come after us may likewise have occasion

of praising God, and of giving him thanks.

But even as the common Earth, when it is moistned with often showers,

and now and then freed of them by the heat of the Sun, retains in it

self a fruitfull Salt, and doth necessarily acquire a fertility: So

likewise our Earth doth not onely daily encrease in goodness, but in

weight too, and becomes more ponderous: but you must not think that

this heaviness or weight proceeds from the Spirit of Salt’s insinuating

it self into the porous Earth, no: For if the said Mass should be

but onely eight days time in the digestion, and the Spirit of Salt

be [then] washt off, yet would it be encreased a quarter part; which

ponderosity comes indeed from the Spirit of Salt, out of which the

_Saturn_ draws something unto it self for nutritious sake, as the

Common Earth does out of the showres of Rain, and becomes more weighty.

For if there were no occult and nitrous virtue in the Rain, it would

conduce but little to fertility; and if there were no spiritual and

astral Gold, or spiritual and astral Sun in Salt, the immature Metals

could not be ripened by the same. By how much the oftner therefore,

a good Spirit of Salt is drawn off from the _Saturnine_ Earth, and

_Saturnine_ Seed, so much the sooner also doth that Seed arrive unto

its full ripeness. For at every turn [of drawing off] something of the

good part of the Spirit of Salt remains behind, attracted by the Earth

and Seed, from which the melioration and augmentation doe arise: as may

be seen in the Vegetable Seeds which sprout forth out of the Earth, and

are encreased by the help of Rain.

The possibility of these things I have seen, but have not hitherto

brought the said matters to a full maturity, or to speak more rightly,

I have not finished the whole operation. He that is minded to make

a thorough trial, may so doe: and if he misseth the effect of his

endeavours, let him not blame me, for I doe not aim at drilling on

any one by my perswasions, to bestow his charges on an uncertain

thing. But I mention these things that so the nature of Metals as also

of Salts may be known, and that (by the help of this knowledge) the

Writings of the Philosophers may be the better understood. For the

labour here proposed avoucheth the truth of those Operations which

the Philosophers call their Calcination, Dealbation, Incineration,

Ascention, Descention, Cohobation, Inceration, Distillation,

Sublimation, Volatilization, Maturation, Fixation, and say that all

these and the like Chymical Operations may be made in one Vessel, with

one Fire, in one Furnace, without any change of the Labours, Vessels,

or Fire.

For the Philosophers have described their greatest secrets and

_Arcana’s_ parabolically, and in Riddles, but especially the Poets, as

_Ovid_, _Virgil_, and many others, who are very hard to be understood

by those that have not the knowledge of the nature of Metals, which

being once known and understood, renders the meaning of the Poets

easie. For the Poets were wont to impose one while such a name upon

such a Metal, another time another name upon another Metal, which

custom of theirs, he that does not heedfully mark will easily fall into

an errour, and miss the apprehension of their meaning.

For Example, in one place they call Copper _Venus_, in another, the

Wife of _Mars_, in another, the Sister and Wife of _Jupiter_. And

so deal they with Silver too, one while they call it _Lune_, by and

by _Diana_ or _Jana_, another time _Vesta_. _Apollo_ is by them

stiled one while _Sol_, then _Phœbus_, then _Latons_, so that it is

exceeding necessary, for those that are desirous to learn ought out

of their Writings, to be well acquainted with those different names

and Appellations. And although the Poets do account all the Metals for

the Sons of _Saturn_, yet do they sub-distinguish them and stile them,

_Saturn_, _Jupiter_, _Venus_, &c.

The common Lead is _Saturn_, and so is Antimony, _Saturn_, _Bismute_,

_Tutia_, _Lapis Calaminaris_, the Ashy Colour, Yellow, White, and red

_Magnesia_ are termed by the name of _Saturn_: The white _Marcasite_

and _Zink_ are deemed to be of the Family or Pedegree of _Jupiter_:

_Orichalcum_ or white and red Copper, are stiled by the name of

_Venus_. But according as _Venus_ is impregnated, and according as the

Copper is white or red, so hath it its name. The red Copper is as yet

a Virgin. Forasmuch therefore as the Poets have committed unto Writing

the Transmutation of the Metals under the Cover, and vail of Fables,

and have made mention of _Saturn_, _Jupiter_, _Mars_ and _Venus_; it

can never possibly be, that he who knows not this different distinction

can understand their meaning. And for an Example hereof, consider

but the Fable of _Diana_ and _Apollo_, brought forth at one Birth by

_Latona_, who was gotten with Child by lying with _Jupiter_, and was

driven into exile by jealous _Juno_, and having a long time suffered

Persecution by the biting Serpent _Python_, and being driven to flye

through all the Countries of the World, did at last after many grievous

labours and troubles pass over the tempestuous Sea into the Island

_Ortygia_, and betook her self to her Sister _Asteria_, by whom she was

received, and begat these Twins, _viz._ _Diana_ and _Apollo_.

Who will be able to apprehend the meaning of this Fable, save he that

well understands the nature of the Metals? Verily no body will so much

as dream of or smell out ought of those Mysteries, unless he shall

meet with such like Histories in his metalline labours, and then at

length will he understand what the meaning of the Philosophers is.

But for Example sake, let us take two Metals which have an affinity

with each other, namely _Jupiter_ and _Venus_, these I joyn together,

that so the Woman may be impregnated with the masculine Seed. _Latona_

therefore being great with Child, I cast her forth into exile, that she

may be continually persecuted by the biting Serpent _Python_, untill

she flies through the Salt and stormy Sea, into the Island _Ortygia_,

to her Sister _Asteria_, dwelling in the Island _Ortygia_, and there

bring forth the fair _Diana_ and _Apollo_. Now these things are easily

understood, were but the genuine Appellations substituted in the room

of such strange terms, of which thing I have onely some knowledge, but

do not profess my self a perfect Interpreter. Yet methinks I cannot

choose but say somewhat. The venemous Serpent _Python_ is a sirname of

_Appollo_, for he is produced by the efficacy of the Sun, and is that

corrosive Salt which doth so long afflict and torment the impregnated

_Latona_ all over the dry part of the World, untill she betakes her

self by the Sea, that is, by that strong Salt Water, unto her Sister,

that is, unto pure _Venus_, and precipitates her self, and brings forth

the fruits of _Jupiter_, namely, _Diana_ and _Apollo_ together. The

Poet doth here mind both the moist and the dry way together, when the

Metal is wrought with a due Cement, and made fix it is [then] dissolved

with the Salt Water of the Sea, and pure Plates of _Venus_ are put into

it thus dissolved, that so the pure Metal may draw unto it self her

impregnated Sister, who brings together with her Gold and Silver, which

having been so long hidden in its body doth now manifest it self.

It is indeed the better to fix the Metals by Cements, and so to render

their fugacious Gold and Silver compact, which may be as well done

in the moist way by sharp Waters and moist Fires. But if the Metals,

legitimately impregnated, do first pass through a dry and burning

hot Fire, and are afterwards yet once more transmitted through the

moist and cold Fires, then _Pluto_ sends the mundified Soul out of

_Purgatory_ unto _Neptune_, by whom it is carried into Paradise, where

it doth afterwards remain safe and free from all danger of the Serpent.

Upon occasion of the aforesaid Fable, and particular Transmutation

of the inferiour Metals, this is to be yet more observed, that every

_Jupiter_ is not fit to impregnate _Latona_, but that onely which is

yet living, efficacious, young, and full of Seed is able to impregnate

_Latona_. For _Latona_ carried with her no more but the Seed onely of

_Jupiter_ into the Island _Ortygia_, and left behind her all the body

of _Jupiter_.

Moreover this is to be considered, that _Latona_ did bring forth

_Diana_ first, in the Bosom or Lap of _Venus_, that is, of the Midwife,

but _Diana_, presently after she was Born, performed the office of a

Midwife in receiving her Brother _Apollo_ in her Lap, which thing is

sufficiently manifest unto those who have laboured (though but little)

in the Metals. For should the Nativity of _Apollo_ have preceeded,

_Venus_ could not have received him, for which reason _Diana_ ought

to come forth first, that so she might the more commodiously receive

_Apollo_ from _Latona_. I know not how by any means it may be proposed

more clearly.

Every one that does but know the nature of the Metals doth well

understand, that when Gold and Silver are spiritually dissolved in one

Water, and that plates [of _Mars_ probably] are put in to the Solution

of the Gold and Silver, neither of those Metals will adhere to the

Plates. But if the Plates of Copper are put into that Bath, he shall

presently see that all the Silver that was in the Water will adjoyn it

self thereunto. And now, after that the Silver is thus precipitated and

sticks on to the Copper, the Gold will likewise fall down out of the

Solution, and apply it self to the Silver; which labour I have more

at large handled in the third part of the Prosperity of _Germany_. It

could not therefore otherwise be, but that _Latona_ must first bring

forth _Diana_, and _Apollo_ afterwards, seeing that _Venus_ the Sister

of _Latona_ could be helpfull onely in the bringing forth of _Diana_.

It was therefore necessary that _Diana_ her self should be an assistant

in the Birth of her Brother _Apollo_, for otherwise he could not have

been Born.

My time admits not of producing any more such similitudes in this

place. We will defer them till some other time, namely, for the Edition

of the Work of _Saturn_, wherein shall be taught how the most vile, and

most abject Metals are to be maturated by the benefit of Salts, whereby

they may in a particular way yield forth Gold and Silver.

But forasmuch as I cannot divine, what impediments may put a stop to

the edition of the work of _Saturn_, and that in this very Treatise

here is often mention made of _Saturn_. It cannot I think be any ways

hurtfull, if some good thing be yet farther adjoyned. And such things

as are here manifested of _Saturn_, it will not be needfull agen to

mention them in other places, seeing there doth yet still remain

matter enough for to fill a whole Book of the Secrets of _Saturn_. And

there lie such wonderfull Secrets under the vile and dirty Garment

of _Saturn_, as being manifested, would exceed all the belief of

unskilfull Men. For he is not onely an expert Fisher in Fishing Pearls

out of the Salt Sea, but is withall an expert Hunter, in driving the

Wild Beast out of his green Grove or Cops, and of catching him in his

Nets, as we have told you in the foregoing third part of the Prosperity

of _Germany_.

Nay, he is a bathing Gentleman of singular skill, who by his bathing

and washing his Children, adorneth them with the comeliness of _Diana_

and _Apollo_. When he is alone, he serves onely for _Apollo_ and

_Diana_ to wash off their accidental impurities and defilements,

that so they may recover their natural fairness. The other Metals

can’t brook his so over sharp and rigid bathing, but are rather

suffocated and killed therein, than become more fair and more pure.

But if _Saturn_ shall have first washt himself even unto the highest

whiteness, in a Bath of common Salt, he is not then so austere and

severe, but prepares for his Children a far more tolerable Bath, which

being agreeable [or proportionable] to their Weakness and Sickness,

renders them all fairer and more pure. His greatest virtue consists in

his Water which doth both particularly and universally free the Metals

of all their defilements. I have often had a particular experience

[hereof,] and yet daily can (God be praised) shew and teach the same

unto others. But I cannot do any such thing in an universal way, and

inform others as to that; nor do I vainly brag of so great a matter,

though I have my thoughts as touching the manner how this thing may be

effected. Nay the more I conceived about that matter, the lesser would

I boast of the same.

Verily it is a great shame to boast of that thing, of which thou hast

not even the smallest knowledge, or at least dost not know any thing

else, but what thou hast drawn in, by the reading of other Writers.

’Tis a common proverb, _That those Cows which Bellow, or Low overmuch,

are said to yield the least Milk_, and that this is a thing true, yea

most true, experience it self doth testifie.

The Chymical Art is become at present so common, that almost every

body, after he hath but viewed over one or two Chymical Books, (though

he never moved his hands to the Work, nor understands so much as the

Chymical Terms themselves) is nevertheless wont impudently and lyingly

to boast of the knowledge of the universal Medicine. Nay thou shalt

see some to proceed on to that heighth of boldness, as even to write

Books of so great a Secret, and to dare promise the Revelation of the

same unto others, and yet for all this know nothing at all, and have

not so much as any the meanest foundation, but rely solely upon that

knowledge, which (being as we said afore, drawn out of other Writers)

causeth in them a most uncertain hope, of a thing most extreamly

obscure.

He that is not a stranger unto, nor ignorant of metallick affairs, can

easily discern the Lyers from the true Writers, and can judge who are

true, and who false. Such as do know somewhat are not wont to make

a bragging noise of their skill. On the contrary, those Brethren of

Ignorance do offer unto every one that most secret miracle of Art and

Nature, namely, the universal Medicine, which thing a true Philosopher

neither ever did, nor ever will do. But as for the revealing of the

particular washings, purgations, and meliorations of the Metals,

whereby Gold and Silver are to be extracted, if any one doth know these

things and discloseth them, and desires not to bury his Talent in the

Earth, he does well.

Neither would any one be endammaged by such a discovery though those

particular _Arcana’s_ should be known even unto all Men, and that every

body could effect such Operations; for nothing could redound from them

but great gain throughout all the World.

But these things here mentioned may sufficiently serve for an evident

and manifest admonition for every one to beware of the Books of such

Writers, (but why do I say Writers? they are rather Collectors and

Describers, who after the manner of Botchers do patch up new Books

our of old cast Garments) and to give no credit at all unto them as

containing nothing of truth in them, and to think that those kind of

Men betake themselves to this Book-patching Trade, meerly to get their

Bread by.

Some such Men have I known, that provide not either for their Food or

Rayment any other way, than by the sale of such false Philosophical

Books, which they have from the Printers to sell to others, receiving

a certain price for their labour, which they bestow in profering them

to Sale. O miserable Philosopher! Who doth not know so much as to get

his Food at Home in his own House, but is constrained to shift after

it by the bare selling of such kind of Books. Let this here spoken be

as a warning. If need required, and occasion were, I would not fear

to divulge their names too; who having not any the least knowledge of

nature, do nevertheless dare to offer the Revelation and Confection

of the great universal unto others, and cast such a great blemish of

reproach upon the most noble Chymical Art, as makes it much contemned,

whereas a more noble and more excellent Art cannot be found. I’le not

censure any, but yet it would become the magistrate to examine those

great Philosophers, whether or no they were actually and in very deed

skill’d in that great universal, (which they boast so wonderfully of,

and write Books of such great moment, and promise to teach others too,

as if they excelled even _Hermes_ himself in the knowledge of the Art)

and if in the proof or tryal they gave good satisfaction, and confirmed

the truth of their Writings by a real and true melioration of the

Metals, then to honour, defend, and protect them, as rare and singular

Philosophers. But if they know nothing nor could perform ought of their

pretended Art, the magistrates would not do unjustly if they punished

such men, and made them exemplary, seeing too that they endeavour to

asperse and backbite other honest men, who are endued with the skill

and knowledge of such great things, with lying reproaches. A good

Gardener being wont to gather good Honey out of the Bee hive which he

has in his Garden, if he finds a Nest of Wasps or Hornets any where

near, built in some hollow Tree, and that they steal away the Honey

from his Bees, he right worthily destroys such a Nest, and roots out

of his Garden those Thieves and Robbers of his Honey, that so for the

future they may not detriment them any more.

Were but one or two of those Fellows handled in such a manner the rest

would be deterred and would not so easily promise others by their

deceitfull Writings, the making of the Philosophers Stone, which

they are so extreamly ignorant of. Certain it is therefore, that no

true Philosopher, were he a partaker of the great universal, will

indifferently offer the same unto all Men, and calumniate (without any

cause given) those that are so innocent (and who have forgotten more

than others have learned) and publickly bespatter them with most false

Lyes before the whole World, to the great detriment of the Persons so

abused.

But to return to my purpose, and to shew in this place yet another very

considerable _Arcanum_ of _Saturn_, you must know, that I have already

published divers great secrets in this fourth and third preceeding

part, but cursorily onely, because I have not as yet attained to the

one half part of their most great utility, and I was willing onely to

shew what things mought be done.

But forasmuch as I have fortified their use with good and sharp

Weapons, and that one or other sometime lighting thereupon by chance,

and reaping great profit therefrom, may possibly judge that he is no

ways at all bound or beholding unto me for the same; I was willing

for the better information, and instruction sake, to adjoyn these few

things, which are very weighty and considerable.

In divers places of the foregoing third part, and of this fourth part

too, I have the preparation of the _Mercury_ of _Saturn_ and _Lune_,

that is, I have shewn how _Saturn_ and _Lune_ may be reduced out

of their Solutions, by the help of Salt, into a Snow like, fusile,

fugacious, pure and dry Water; which Waters are by me called the

_Mercuries_ of _Saturn_ and _Lune_, by reason of their fusile and

volatile nature: They are metallick Waters not wetting the hands, and

yet by reason of their form do they bear the name of Water, because

being put into a Crucible, and molten with a small Fire, they are

pellucid and transparent like unto Fountain Water, insomuch that they

may be seen through even to the very bottom: But yet the Water of

_Saturn_ is of a more transparent clarity than the Water of _Lune_ is.

But forasmuch as our main scope in this place is to make some mention

of the use of the Saturnine Water, we will let pass other matters,

and declare some of the virtues of the said wonderfull Water in the

melioration of the Metals.

Let the lover of Art therefore know, that the Saturnine Water doth

display its virtues in washing the Metals that are to be amended.

For if any imperfect Metal, as Iron, or Tin, or Copper, be adjoyned

thereunto, and held in such a Vessel, as in which, that Water cannot

by means of its fugaciousness vanish away, nor through its subtile and

penetrating power run out, and that it be digested for a while in such

a Vessel, this Saturnine Bath seizeth upon, washeth, and purgeth the

Metal, and transmuteth it into a better and more pure Metal, but yet

with no great profit, for it onely shews the possibility.

But yet if some tinging Species be adjoyned thereunto, it does not

onely make a pure washing, but likewise exalteth and tingeth the same,

according as the tendency of the adjoyned subject is, either unto a

white or a red Tincture. But what those Species are, there’s no need of

disclosing them to every one. ’Tis sufficient that I have laid open the

Water, and the use thereof in the washing of the Metals.

But that the Saturnine Bath may the sooner and readier seize upon the

Metals, and wash them, it is the best way, to add one third part of the

Mercurial Water of _Lune_, to the Mercurial Water of _Saturn_: which

Waters do very readily conjoyn, and each help the other in the washing,

and do also tinge, according as the property of that Tincture is, which

is adjoyned thereunto. I will for Example sake adjoyn the manner, which

shall both shew the possibility of the thing, and administer occasion

of farther search.

Dissolve one ounce of pure Silver in _Aq. Fortis_, and three ounces of

common Lead, in more _Aq. Fortis_, mix both the Solutions together,

and precipitate them, either with common Salt Water, or with Spirit

of Salt, which is all a case. Pour off the _Aq. Fortis_ from the

_Coagulum_, after its being settled to the bottom, which said

_Coagulum_, you need not wash with Rain Water, for this Work, but press

the liquor onely through a thick Cloath and so free it of its humidity;

this done, dry this metallick Cheese by the Fire, and you shall have

a Bath very fit to wash _Venus_, _Mars_, and _Jupiter_. And now when

you are minded to try whether or no the success will fadge well,

divide your Bath into three parts, and wash those three Metals on the

following manner.

_N. B._ Let no Body take it in evil part, that I here silently pass

over my secret bathing Laver, serving to wash the Metals in, and not

permitting the Water it self to go away in fume: He that is minded

to try this Operation, may for the first time make use of Crucibles,

which, although they may bring some loss by letting go part of the

Saturnine Bath, yet notwithstanding they will demonstrate the success

of the business, and the loss by them caused may afterwards be

prevented by due _Mediums_. The manner of using the Bath aforesaid, is

as followeth.

Take of the filings of pure Iron, Copper or Tin one part, mix it with

three parts of our dry Bath, and put the matter thus mixt into an

earthen Vessel, which hath the compactness of Glass, such as those are,

which are made at _Siburg_ near _Colen_, at _Bamberg_ in _Franconia_,

and at _Waldenburg_, near _Cassela_ in _Hassia_, and in other places

of _Germany_. (_N. B._ The common Vessels and Crucibles cannot retain

this Water, but it penetrates through them like Oil.) Heat your Vessel

so hot as to cause the Water together with the Metals to melt and flow

well, in which liquefaction, part indeed of the water will pass away in

fume, but this loss may be easily prevented.

When therefore your Metal hath been thus boild for about one quarter

of an hour, part of the same will be found washt and turned into good

Silver: nor must you thus understand me as if the Silver in the said

Water were onely precipitated by the Metal, and that no part of the

Metal it self underwent any Transmutation. For albeit that that Silver

which was added to the Saturnine Water be precipitated by the adjoyned

Metal, and returns into its former Body, yet nevertheless there is more

Silver gotten than was added to the Water. For that Saturnine Bath

while it is occupied about the dissolution of the Metal, doth by the

efficacy and Operation of the adjoyned _Lune_, exalt and tinge part of

the Metal to an higher degree.

But although this labour does not promise any golden Mountains, it

is here put for this end onely, namely, that the possibility of the

thing may be learned hereby: yet notwithstanding, if any one did but

know how to adjoyn to this Saturnine Water, a golden Ferment, instead

of a silvery one, it could not otherwise be but that he would get

no contemptible gain and profit: yet if the same Operation be so

instituted with a white Ferment, as that not any the least part thereof

may go away in fume, and be lost of the Bath, it will bring no loss.

_N. B._ Neither is it always needfull that the Ferments of pure Metals

be adjoyned to this Saturnine Bath, for I think that apt Minerals may

be found, which may be adhibited in the room of aureous and argenteous

Ferments. Nay more, I do likewise think that such subjects may be

adjoyned to this Saturnine Mercurial Water, as may be therein fixed

into white and red Tinctures; the thing it self I have not as yet

tried, nor do I profess my self so great a Master, for I propose to my

self this onely end in my Writing, namely, to shew unto such as are

desirous after transmutations, the way of arriving unto the truth it

self. For it will be far easier for every one that searcheth into the

business more thoroughly, and that maketh more accurate tryals, to find

out far greater things, yea much more than he could ever believe. More

such Woman-like Washings, and more Boys Plays shall (God willing) be

manifested in my Work of _Saturn_.

But now this Saturnine dry Bath may be prepared much easier, on this

wise following; choose you out such an Oar or _Minera_ of Lead, which

is very pure and clean, and hath nor either Iron, or Copper, or any

other Metal admixt therewithall: (_N. B._ If Silver be likewise in

the Oar, it rather profits than hinders, but the said Oar must not

have much earth mixt in it, and that which is on to it must be taken

from it by washing off the same with fair Water.) One, two, three, or

more pounds of this leaden Oar thus washt, must be put into a strong

Cucurbit, and so many pounds of Spirit of Salt must be (put on and)

drawn off thencefrom, which Spirit of Salt, as being a moist and

Philosophical Fire, will reduce the pure Oar of Lead, which it toucheth

every where and in all places of the same, into a bright, Snowy,

easily Meltable, and fugacious Calx, which is to be well washt with

Water and be dried: This is that metallick Bath, and that dry Water of

the Ancients, which wets not the hands, and which is able to perform

admirable things in the Metals.

But that this Philosophical and moist Calcination of the Oar of Lead,

may be accomplished without any costs, some Salt Water must be poured

upon the Spirit of Salt, in the Cucurbit, that the Salt may ascend

together with the Spirit, and may augment the same with so great a

quantity of Spirit, as may quit the costs of the Oar and Fire, and

yield you the dry Saturnine Bath for nothing, which said Bath may be

employed various ways about the washings and emendations of the Metals.

For out of the Oars which never underwent the burning by the Fire, and

were never as yet deprived of their growing faculty, this Bath thus

prepared is to be preferred far afore that, which is made of the molten

Metal.

I do here open to the studious of Art, the Gate that leads unto most

great secrets, which were never so clearly manifested by any Man. It

must necessarily therefore be, that either God must put a stop, or

that the Operator or Labourer himself must be of a stupid and simple

capacity, if he cannot learn from these instructions, as much as to

live in quietude, and so furnish himself with Food and Rayment.

If therefore God shall vouchsafe his Blessing unto thee in the use of

this secret, then give unto him, the bestower of all good things, thy

utmost thanks, and be not unmindfull of the Poor. Sustain thy life

by the works of thy hands, and let thy light shine before the blind,

neither bury the same enviously in the Earth. Do good to every one,

that it may be discerned and appear what Tree thou art. Entertain not

too great an opinion of thy self, but remember that thou art a Man and

mai’st err and fail. Give no body occasion of quarrelling and brawling.

If an unjust conflict be brought upon thee, commit thy self wholly unto

God, and he will succour thee. Give place to the greater, and spare the

lesser, God will defend thee and suppress thine Enemies.

The Heathen Philosophers accounted the Prophet _Ezekiel_ as a clownish

Philosopher, because he wrote so very clearly of the Divine Mysteries.

For they took it very untowardly, that he was not so envious, as to

involve such great Mysteries in silence, but wrote so openly of the

same.

He that will now-a-days make it his design to wind himself out of the

crew of Sophisters, and such kind of Philosophers that putteth together

hurtfull Books, consisting of fine Spun, and seducing words onely

meerly for their own gain, and without any profitable information at

all in them; he I say that would free himself from such, overcome them,

and bear away the prize, must imitate that countrey man, who on a time

entring into a Fencing School at _Norimberg_ did behold the Fencers

artificially combate together so strongly and so long, untill all the

others being tired, and forsaking the Stage, there remained but onely

one as sole victor; who, with a disdainfull look, contemning all the

rest, assured himself of the victory.

Being therefore about taking up the Prize-Money there deposited, out

steps the Countryman, saying, you shall not have the reward, except you

beat me too off the Stage: Fight therefore he must with the Countryman,

or forsake the prize; but promising himself an assured Victory, he

exerciseth his most curious and artificial postures, which he had

learned in the fencing School, thereby to make a speedy dispatch with

the Countryman, supposing that the Countryman would be frighted, and

laying down his Weapons, quit the Stage. The Countryman being no ways

scared stood very quiet (as confiding in his own strength) so long,

till the Fencer approaching nearer with his oblique Flourishes, made

as ’twere a Wheel afore his Nose, whom the Countryman struck all

along, with such a smart blow as made the Hair of his Head flye off,

and the Bloud run about his Ears. So artificial a Combatant as this

being o’erthrown, he was asked by that plain Countrey Fellow, whether

or no he would yet once more try the fortune of the Play, but he would

no more prove the Countrey down-right blows of a Non-Citizen, but

left both the Money and Honour of the Victory to the Countryman, who

being asked how he durst adventure upon so artificial and experienced

a Fencer, and could so o’ercome him, he replied, that he perceived

the Fencer used many oblique Skippings, but was no strong Man: and

therefore I opposed my strength to his artificial Flourishes, and so

with one blow struck him down. By this History it is evident, that that

finely Spun, and sophistical prating of the Schools, makes nothing to

the purpose but a certain experience, and an infallible knowledge of

things both is and so remains the sole Mistress.

For the sake of those that are lovers of divine and natural Miracles,

’tis expedient that I yet farther manifest some certain secrets of

Salt, which are hitherto altogether unknown, and shall be shewn unto

my Friends in my Laboratory. Nor do I at all doubt, but that some few

will be found who will easily understand these things, and look on them

as things credible. But I matter not, whether they credit me who speak

the very truth or not. It sufficeth me that I can not onely perform the

things I say, but likewise shew them to Friends, whereby they may be

able to reap some benefit and profit therefrom.

Salt may be so introverted by the Operation of the Fire, as that

it shall lose its sharp properties, and acquire a sweetness, and

be brought by the help of other Vegetables and of Water, unto

Fermentation, and so yield a good and sweet burning Spirit, a clear,

sweet, and strong white Ale, conserving its tast for many years;

various drinks, not unlike in tast to the Wine made of Honey and

Fruits of Trees, strong and clear Vinegar, and white Tartar, fully as

profitable for such Operations, as the common and natural Tartar of

Wine is wont to be used about, and may be with those others [afore

mentioned] prepared with small charges.

The Air and Fire do in a short time transmute Salt, into true natural

Salt-peter, which is no small profit.

The Fire doth likewise very easily endow common Salt with such kind of

properties, as render it capable of fatning and dunging barren Fields,

Vines, Fruit Trees, Hops, and all other Garden Herbs as well as Sheeps

or Beasts Dung.

Salt is also so changed by the Fire in few hours time, as to put on a

magnetick nature, and attract the moisture and water out of the Air,

and to retain it with it self a long while, and therefore is not easily

dried up by the Sun. Corn, as Oats, Barley, Rye, Wheat, Pease, Beans,

and other Seeds being steeped in such a Salt for a Night, do by means

thereof, grow up the speedier out of the Earth. It is very profitable

therefore in the Summer Season, wherein there’s scarcity of Rain, and

especially in sandy Grounds, because it holds the Rain Water a good

while, so that it is not so easily dried up by the Sun. Besides, too,

that Salt is of such attracting virtues as that one ounce thereof,

being put in some little Glass to two ounces of Water, hardens all this

Water, in the likeness of Salt, so as that you may carry the same about

you in a Paper; whereas there were two parts of Water to one of Salt.

This Salt abounds with yet many other wonderfull virtues, some of which

I have declared in my Treatise, _of the Nature of Salts_, stiling it

by the name of _Sal Mirabilis_, and that not without good cause. It is

of the form of Salt-peter, and is void of all Acrimony, it is a little

bitterish to the tast, and is of a Balsamick Nature. For being rub’d on

Beef or other such like Flesh, it keeps the same, though exposed to the

open Air, from being infested with Magots, and from being corrupted:

And therefore it is an efficacious subject, with which as being a most

efficacious Balsom, dead Bodies are conserved from corruption. It

converts all things put into it, in long process of time, into an hard

Stone, and abounds with many other wondrous virtues, which (for certain

causes,) I pass by in silence at this time. _Paracelsus_ calls it _Sal

Enixum_, but I _Sal Mirabilis_.

Nor ought it to seem at all wonderfull, that common Salt doth so easily

obtain by the Operation of the Fire, a better and sweeter quality. I do

in very deed affirm, that not onely the common Kitchin Salt, but even

those too, which are of a most biting corrosivity, as _Aqua Fortis_,

_Aqua Regia_, Oil of Salt, of Sulphur, and of Vitriol, may by a certain

sweet Vegetable, (without the addition of any contrary Salt) be brought

to such a pass in three hours time, as that a Man cannot perceive

the least Corrosion at all in them. Nay more, if this very Salt hath

dissolved up any Metals, it does not part with them, but holds them

still: so that the corrosive Solution of Gold which is made with Oil

of Salt, becomes a sweet liquor, which likewise comes so to pass, with

the Solutions of Silver, and of the other Metals: so that by this way

excellent Medicaments may most easily be made out of Metals.

New Wines being fermented with such a Salt, do change their Tartar

into sweet Wine, and become clear in a months time, and suddenly have

both the tast and odour as old Wines usually have. Certainly it is a

secret of very great concernment, when by reason of the coldness of the

Air, the Wines cannot attain unto their due maturity. _N. B._ There

appertains to this fermentation, a singular and excellent Artifice, by

which the Wines and other drinks are promoted to a speedy and strong

fermentation, insomuch that the Wine boils in the Vessel, though the

Vessel should be set out to the Snow and Ice in the coldest time of

Winter: whereby the Wines must needs be made better, stronger, and

sweeter. It is a very artificial invention, hitherto concealed by me,

but now I am minded to reveal the same unto my Friends.

By the same Salt too, Wine, Ale, Metheglin, and other drinks may be in

short time turned into good and sharp Vinegar without the help of the

Sun, or of a warm Stove.

If therefore any one needs for his Operations any distilled Vinegar,

he may even distill it in wooden Vessels, without any Sparkle of Fire,

onely in the Air, by the proper efficacy of the liquors themselves, and

by the help of the Air: and this in such wise, as that a whole Barrel

of distilled Vinegar will not cost so much as one Token, the Barrels or

Vessels excepted, which verily is a most Artificial Distillation.

Thus likewise by the same means may a sweet burning Spirit be distilled

out of Ale, Wine, and other the like Liquors.

Any common Wine may be rendred so strong by the help of a certain sweet

Salt and artificial fermentation, as that it cannot be drunk because

of its strength. Some Pots full onely thereof, being poured into a

Barrel full of small Wine, will make the same so strong, as to equalize

it with generous Wine. He that is so minded may add some sweet Spices

in the fermentation, and so make it the more sweet, more efficacious,

and more wholsome, and so a little quantity thereof being poured into

another Barrel will make all the Wine therein contained become sweet

and good.

Out of common Salt may easily be made good Allum and Vitriol, no less

usefull for the Dyers than the natural are.

It is likewise a thing easily feasible, and that too in few hours

space, to turn the same into a fiery nature, and make it have the same

property as the Salt made of Wood Ashes, and of the burnt Lees of

Wine and such like, and as Pot Ashes have, and may serve for the Soap

Boilers and be applied to the same uses that those Salts are used for.

Moreover, store of sweet Spirit of Salt may be gotten with small

charges out of common Salt, serving not onely for the preparation of

many excellent Medicaments, but also for the maturation of the meaner

and unripe Metals, as we said afore.

These and the like wonderfull things, yea and very many such effects

incredible to the unskilfull doth that contemptible and common Salt

produce, to the exceeding benefit and profit of mankind: which

excellent things I neither would nor could (for the honour of God, the

giver of all good things, and for the sake and profit of mankind) any

longer conceal. But some or other may object and say, if by the help of

common Salt, such great things may be effected, why do not you prefer

the same before Salt-peter, which you have so exceedingly praised in

the third Part of the Prosperity of _Germany_, and have constituted

it the Monarch as it were of the whole World: whereas notwithstanding

it is so venemous a Dragon as is wont to devour all things. Can’t

these two Salts I pray, namely the common and Salt-peter, divide the

Government of the World between them, and bear sway and command both

together.

To such I answer, that although that common Salt be the producer of

many wonderfull effects, yet must it needs give place unto Salt-peter,

which being inflamed and on Fire is wont to overturn huge Mountains,

and blow them up into the Air, which thing seeing common Salt cannot

do, ’tis but fitting and right that it should be dignified with so

great a Title. However, being by the Operation of the Fire and Air

made equal unto Salt-peter, and performing the same effects, it may

then worthily be graced as Salt-peter is with the Title of Monarcy.

* * * * *

The effects which I have attributed to common Salt and Salt-peter, I

can every hour shew, in very deed, to be most true. Ill therefore do

they do, that bark against me for saying that Salt-peter is a universal

Dissolvent, and that endeavour by their tatling reproaches to obstruct

the truth.

Why do they not produce some better thing, seeing they will not admit

of this universal Dissolvent? such Men as these do nothing else but

bewray their own foolishness, and kick against the Pricks.

Had they ever done ought, or set their hands to work, for the sake of

searching throughly into nature, they would never so boldly contemn,

and reject that, which they never as yet understood. They behave

themselves very basely, and clearly discover unto all Men’s view, that

they have suckt in their uncertain and foolish Opinions, by the bare

reading and hearing of uncertain and dubious Writers, whose meaning

notwithstanding they understand not; for my part I remain constant in

my Opinion, and say, that Salt-peter is an universal Dissolvent, and is

able to dissolve all the things in the whole World, if it be made use

of in three forms or shapes. Whatsoever the acid Spirit thereof, or the

Eagle with its sharp Claws cannot effect, its fixed Salt, or the fiery

Lyon will accomplish: and whatsoever is impossible to be done by these

two, the Griffon which hath its rise from the Eagle and Lyon, will

artificially perform.

_N. B._ The acid Spirit of Niter doth not dissolve sulphureous

subjects, but mercurials onely: Contrarywise, the fix Niter doth not

seize upon mercurial subjects, but sulphureous ones; but the flame of

Salt-peter performs both: which verily is wonderfull, that things so

unlike should in some few hours time be extracted out of one and the

same subject. For the corrosive Spirit prepared out of Salt-peter by

Distillation, and likewise the fix Salt, are most bitter enemies to

each other, which ruinating and slaying one another, and being dead,

return agen unto that which they were afore, and partakes of both

natures; which the Ancient Philosophers do clearly point out unto us by

the Griffon, which is headed and winged like an Eagle, and the hinder

part of its Body like a Lyon, as we have mentioned more at large in the

foregoing third part of the Prosperity of _Germany_.

Upon him that rightly understands this ancient Fable of the Griffon,

Lion, and Eagle, doth the Sun shine, for he will get no small profit to

himself thencefrom. Whatsoever the Corrosive Eagle dissolves and tears

a-pieces, that the fix and fiery Lion precipitates. And whatsoever the

Lion devours, that the Eagle doth agen snatch from him: but they kill

each the other, of whole dead bodies the Griffon exists, which hath

the body of the Eagle and Lion. By how much the oftner this labour is

repeated, so much the more potent and stronger doth the Griffon come to

be, [especially] if both the Eagle and the Lion have filled themselves

with food and are grown fat; or by how much the bigger the Eagle and

the Lion are grown, by such Subjects as are agreeable unto them, afore

their mutual fighting; the Griffon doth also become of magnitude

proportionable.

Once every day therefore may such a conflict, slaughter,

revivification, and transmutation of these two fighting and capital

Enemies, _viz._ the Eagle and Lion into the Griffon be made. But if

you would have it profitable, then must _Vulcan_ sharpen _Saturn_’s

Sythe, by which he may divide the Griffon [in twain,] and may turn

whatever proceeded from the Eagle, into the Eagle again; and may

transmute that which arose from the Lion into the Lion agen. When the

dominion of the Griffon is divided, and that the Eagle bears sway onely

over his birds, and the Lion onely over his beasts, like two Kings,

then all is well, and there’s no war. But if once the Eagle endeavours

to snatch away from the Lion his prey, then ariseth a great war, and of

so long a continuance, till they have slain each the other, of whose

bodies the Gods doe make the Griffon. But when the Griffon becomes too

disdainfull, and affecteth Tyranny, and designs to bear rule over birds

and beasts together, he is agen divided by _Vulcan_, by the perswasion

of old _Saturn_, that so he may return by a reiterated transmutation

into the Eagle and Lion: which wheel [or rotation] of reciprocal

transmutation doth never rest, but converts it self [or turns it self

round] in a perpetual course for Man’s punishment, as long as it

shall please the most high God, who, at last, will put an end to all

fightings, slaughter, and contention, that afflict this world: at which

time all the Eagles and Lions which ever were in the world, shall be

turned into the Great Griffon, which will rend and overthrow the whole

Earth.

This time all pious Souls doe expect and wait for with ardent desire,

and many sighs, that they may be at last freed from the talons of the

Eagles, which rend all things a-pieces, and from the claws of the

roaring Lions, and enjoy everlasting peace and quietude.

Thus much may suffice to have been spoken of Salt-peter at this time,

which, how it may be prepared very plentifully, and with great profit,

out of the Salts of Vegetables, Animals, and Minerals, I have already

declared in the foregoing third Part of _the Prosperity of Germany_.

He now that dreams of so managing his affairs as to reap benefit and

profit to himself thencefrom, may inquire into the business by a more

accurate meditation and search. Yet let him know, That Salt-peter may

be very easily made of many vile Subjects, which may be every where

had: of which Salt, if you have plenty, you cannot want other things.

For not onely most excellent Medicaments against all kinds of Diseases

may be made with Salt-peter, as likewise the growing faculty of

Fruits springing out of the Earth, be promoted, as of Corn, Wine, and

such-like things necessary for the sustaining of the life of Man; but

also pure good Gold may very easily, but with great profit, be gotten

out of the imperfect Metals.

Seeing then, that by means thereof, a man may be supplied with firm

health, food, and rayment, and with Gold and Silver, what other thing

is there, I pray, that he can want? That which I have so often said, I

doe here repeat and affirm, That there is not in the whole World any

subject that can compare with Salt-peter, much less be preferred before

it.

Such a noble, yea so kingly a Subject therefore as this is, well

deserves to be most highly honoured by us, and to be searcht into

by the utmost of our endeavours, because of the so great benefits

it bestows upon Mankind. We will therefore proclaim and pronounce

Salt-peter to be the Monarch of the whole World, though all its and my

enemies, who endeavour to bespatter our honour and repute with the

brands of infamy, doe even burst for malice.

O most foolish men, with how vain a hope doe ye expect the Lion and

Monarch from the North, as the _Jews_ doe their Messiah, who came above

1600 years ago. The Lion of the North, and the Monarch of the World

is even at this time present, and hath always been, but yet hath been

known but by a few; the full and perfect revelation of which, God alone

knows. I doe verily think the time is now at hand; These things which

are known unto us concerning him, are all of them but particulars, and

very few too. But if the said Northern Lion shall find out and dig

forth the treasures which lye hidden in the Mountains, then will he at

last exhibit his power to be seen, and shew himself to be the Monarch

of the whole World.

Salt-peter is that great and fire-spitting Dragon, the keeper of the

Golden Apples, and that venomous Basilisk which kills all things with

his looks. If he be but fixt and made constant in the fire, then is he

that Salamander living in the fire, and that Phœnix the bird of the

Sun, which having gathered pure Gold out of the Sand, useth it to the

making of her nest, and arriving to its utmost old age, burns her self;

out of whose Ashes other Phœnix’s are produced.

He that desires to know more of the Griffon, Phœnix, Dragon, Basilisk,

and Salamander, all which doe exceedingly thirst after Gold, and dig it

out of the Earth and keep it, may read _Pliny_, and other the ancient

Writers of natural things; as also _Ambrosius Calepine_’s Dictionary of

eight Languages, and of the last Edition.

_The Conclusion._

These (O friendly Reader) are the things which I was willing to

publish at this time for the Countries good; Had I had more time and

opportunity, I would have added more profitable secrets, and such

too as are of no small moment. If I find that these here written

are acceptable, I will in a subjoyned Appendix make a clearer

interpretation of such obscure places as may be herein met with.

_N. B._ I would have the friendly Reader here know, that although I

have written these Four Parts of _the Prosperity of Germany_ clear

enough, above my other [Writings] [or more clear than the others] yet

notwithstanding I have reserved for my self and my friends somewhat

amongst all the Processes, and ways of operation, so that I know how to

effect the preparations of Salt-peter, and to make use of its various

properties, in extracting Gold and Silver out of the Oars, and in the

melioration of the imperfect Metals, and transmuting them into Gold

and Silver much easier, and far more compendiously, and with much less

costs.

The things which I have written, I have written for every one, Friends

and Foes together; The other, and those better Secrets, I have reserved

to my self and my friends. This shall now (God willing) be my chiefest

care, that my Laboratory, in which the truth of the whole business

shall be shown unto my friends, may be fitted up and made ready. In the

mean time, the Princes and Noble men, whose territories such metallick

treasures are in, and cannot be extracted by the help of common fusion,

may consider, whether or no it will be agreeable to their minds to make

use of these my Artificial, and not vulgar Operations in extracting the

Gold and Silver by Salt and Salt-peter out of such-like auriferous

subjects. If it shall seem unto them a thing worth while, to institute

such operations for the profit of their Countries, they may send unto

me a fit person, and one that knows how to deal in the fire, and one

that is of a silent disposition, and of good education, who may learn

the very work it self in my Laboratory.

But they that are Lords of such places as doe not contain in them

those auriferous Minera’s or Oars, and can nevertheless get store of

them from the bordering Countries, and are desirous of amending them,

and using them for their profit, we deny not to shew and disclose

the Art unto them too, (the persons always considered,) namely that

artificial and moist Extraction of the volatile and fix Gold, not

onely out of Minerals, Stones, Sand, and Clay, but likewise out of the

already-molten Metals themselves, as Lead, Tin, Iron, and Copper; in

which Metals, there is often times hidden much Gold and Silver, which

admits not of being extracted by the common melting Fire; but is easily

drawn thereout of, by the maturation and separation that is caused by

Salt and Salt-peter, and so brought to common use.

All these things we will not be loth to make friends partakers of,

as likewise of other rare and artificial inventions, and such as are

profitable to all kinds of men, none excepted; which are such things

as will bring much profit to my Country, and shall be shewn in my

Laboratory, publickly, and privately unto friends: but with this

proviso, namely, if the said friends will faithfully promise unto me,

that they will with a faithfull silence conceal those secrets which

they shall see and learn from me, and improve the same, onely to the

honour of God, to the comfort of the sick, to the help and succour of

poor Widows and Orphans, and to the defence of the Truth; and not use

them to Diabolical disdain, and detestable pride, and other fooleries

and vanities.

_The End of the Fourth Part of the Prosperity of_ Germany.

THE

FIFTH PART

OF THE

Prosperity of GERMANY.

Clearly and Solidly demonstrating, and as it were shewing with

the Fingers, what Alchymy is, and what benefit may by the help

thereof, be gotten every where, and in most places of _Germany_.

Written and Published to the Honour of God the giver of all good

things, primarily; and to the Honour of all the great ones of

the Country; and for the Health, Profit, and Assistance against

Forreign Invasions, of all their Inhabitants that are by due

right and obedience subject unto them.

Like as the weighty command of God injoyns all Children to love their

Parents, and to submit themselves unto them, with a due obedience in

all lawfull and equitable things, and to yield them due fidelity: Even

so likewise doth he require from every subject a due obedience to

their particular Magistrates, that they most willingly obey them (with

a faithfull observance, as being the Fathers of the Countrey, and to

whom they are tied by all right of Fidelity) in all such things as pass

not beyond the boundaries of equity, and withall it behoves each such

subject to communicate any thing whatsoever that is requisite for their

safety and defence, and for the repelling and beating off the Enemies.

The consideration of this dutifull service, which binds every Subject

to his Magistrate, stirred me up (seeing that greivous and sudden Fire

which almost destroyed all the Kingdom of _Poland_, and therefore

fearing, lest by dilating it self it should also detriment our

Countrey) to take care in publishing, some four years ago, a little

Book intituled the first Part of the Prosperity of _Germany_. I

therein taught, by what means the vast plenty of Corn and Wine might

be so concentrated as to be easily preserved and kept, and so be made

serviceable for the common good, and of exceeding profit, in future

calamitous times.

I likewise shewed the way and manner of some other Arts, and such as

are most usefull for the common good of the Countrey, ’mongst which,

that discovery of making Salt-peter out of old and rotten Wood, (from

which may a vast quantity thereof be had) is none of the meanest.

I have also bethought my self of another way of pleasuring my Countrey

with no small benefit afore I die, and thus I intend it.

First of all, I would have the whole World know by this small Work

or Treatise, that I have a mind to demonstrate the most profitable

and principal secrets which I have treated of (partly openly or

plainly, and partly obscurely or more darkly) in those four parts of

the Prosperity of _Germany_, and that both to the high and low in

my publick and private Laboratory, afore this year is run about. To

this end, I have already the chiefest and most necessary Utensils at

hand, and when all the necessary provision is gotten together and made

ready, those said _Arcanums_ which will be so exceedingly profitable

to the Countrey, shall be visibly demonstrated to such as the chiefest

Magistrates shall make choise of, and to other honest Citizens and Men

of the Countrey. And amongst these _Arcana’s_ which are of such great

benefit, the three following ones are the most principal.

* * * * *

The first is, the making of good Salt-peter out of contemptible, and

every where obvious subjects.

The second is, how by the help of this Salt-peter, easily and copiously

to extract the fugitive, and the fixt Gold and Silver and Copper out

of the _Minera’s_ or Oars, with a great deal of profit and mighty

advantage, and that without any melting or fusion by Fire.

The third is this, the truth and certainty of Alchymy shall be shown,

and it shall be proved, that it is not any vain dream, deceitfull

Phantasie or Fallacy, as the greatest part and number of its haters and

_Ignoramus’s_ have hitherto slanderously reported; but that it is a

most true Artifice, and of wondrous consequence, by the help of which,

(it making use of Fire and Salt,) all contemptible Minerals and Metals,

and which are of no great gain, as _Lead_, _Iron_, _Tin_, _Bismuth_,

_Cobolt_, _Zink_, _Lap Calaminaris_, _Marchasites_, all other fugacious

Minerals may be so fixed and ripened, as that much and true and

constant Gold and Silver may be extracted out of them with small costs,

but abundance of profit.

These three secrets verily are in my judgment of great moment and

therefore are worthy for the great ones, and Princes, and other Fathers

of the common Weal to be made partakers thereof by revealing the same

unto them.

I have deemed it worth while, in a few words to illustrate the

incredible utility thencefrom arising, that any one that hath but any

reason may perceive it.