_By what means and way this threefold use of cold Salts may be most
profitable to the Countrey._
First of all, the concentrated Spirits of Salt may bring most great
advantage, by concentrating the poorer sort of Wines, the which they
make better, as is shown in the second Century: when the superfluous
Water is removed from them, insomuch that they do not onely keep
their goodness constant and durable, but may likewise be far more
commodiously and easily transported out of one place into another, so
that necessity requiring, they may be more easily transported out of
such places as are more remote from Cities and fenced places into the
stronger holds and fenced Cities, and so be conserved.
It is as yet fresh in every ones Memory how miserably the case stood
with Men in the foregoing War, which lasted thirty years. If any
Farmer had his Cellars full of Wines, and the Soldiers break in to the
Countrey, did horribly abuse the gifts of God, that which they could
not consume by their detestable Gluttony, they wickedly spilled upon
the ground; the Soldiers I say, and such Men as profest themselves
Christians, and durst boast of the Christian Religion. From hence may
it easily be conjectured what it would be, if such a multitude of
_Turks_ should over-run our Countrey, which imminent evil, God of his
mercy turn away from us.
In the days of _Noah_, the Men then lived in all security, and not at
all regarded the Preachings and Admonitions of that godly Man, by which
he exhorted them unto Repentance for 120 years together, they did Eat,
they Drank, Married and gave in Marriage, till the Floud swept them all
away, and there was no more room for Repentance left, as sacred Writ
testifies.
We reade of _Sodom_ and _Gomorra_, that the Inhabitants of those
Cities being even drown’d in Leachery, did so despise the reproofs and
warnings of the godly Man _Lot_, untill a Fire was sent upon them from
the wrath of God and consumed them.
Who is there that in this Season feareth God, and lives piously? He
that is the strongest oppresseth the weaker, nor does at all think on
this, that there is one far more powerfull than he himself is, who
comes when he pleaseth, and punisheth such powerfull Oppressours. But
these things, and such warnings of this nature are plainly mockt at.
Did not God sufficiently enough warn us the last year 1660, and
shewed unto us his wrath, by those dreadfull Tempests and Storms,
and Earthquakes, wherewith almost all _Europe_ trembled. Doth he not
also this very present year (1662) shew us his self-same displeasure?
What portends that Comet that was seen in the Heaven, any one may
easily guess what it means. Verily it threatens nothing else but evil,
especially because it extended its Tail contrary to the usual wont
of other Comets, towards the upper part of the Heaven, just as if
it should say, I will show unto the Men, that ’tis not this or that
Countrey, this or that Enemy that shall chastise you, but ’tis the King
himself of all Kings, who is in Heaven, that hath purposed to punish
you for your Wickedness; whose Rod ye may [yet] divert from you that is
stretcht out to punish you, if you apply your selves to him by serious
Prayers, true Repentance, and unfeigned amendment of your Lives, now
whilest you have time allotted ye to repent in, if such admonitions
as these can but find entertainment with you. And what I pray will
this warm Winter bring upon us, the which being destitute of all cold
Ice and Snow hath permitted the Trees to flour in the very month of
_February_, and the Medows to be clad in Flowers, and ripe Cherries
to be seen? Without doubt, nothing else but all kinds of poysonous
Diseases and which will speedily kill Men, and with which mankind will
be afflicted; and if so be that an intense cold should yet follow,
which may easily be, there would doubtlesly follow a great Dearth of
Grain and Provision by spoiling the Wine and Corn, whose buddings are
already come so far forth, as that the cold may easily destroy them.
And now are we not sufficiently enough admonished by these fore-runners
and signs of the wrath of God coming on us, and hanging over our Heads?
Besides all this, let us consider that great Conjunction of all the
Planets in _Sagitary_, such as hath never been since that time in which
all the Planets were in Conjunction in _Aquarius_. And this Conjunction
[in _Aquary_] preceded the deluge, which destroyed all mankind by the
breakings in of the Waters, _Noah_ and his onely excepted. But as
concerning what that great Conjunction in _Sagitary_ the next year 1663
will show us, and bring upon us God knows. _Sagitary_ is a martial
sign, and deadly, and portends nothing but Dissentions, Seditions, and
uproars of War; and therefore prophesieth unto us nothing but bloudy
Wars, insomuch that it is much to be feared that this ungratefull World
will be consumed, and blotted out as ’twere by Fire, and the Sword,
and the anger of God: which evil, God of his mercy turn away from us.
Certainly these Conjunctions are not wont to fore-signifie or bring
along with them any good. But I heartily wish I may prove a Liar in
this case, though I fear me, that there is more evil coming upon us
than will be welcome unto us.
For when God sheweth us any thing with his Finger, it should be of more
concernment unto us than all humane Writings, for they may err. But
God never does any thing in vain and without cause. Never did there at
any time a Comet shew it self in the Air but many Calamities succeeded
it. That old Proverb may very likely prove true, which the Ancients
have pronounced, _viz._ that it will come to pass in the year 1660,
that Alchymy will begin to flourish, but will bring along with it such
changes for [some] years following, and such dreadfull changes too,
that the third part of Men will perish with Famine and Pestilence, the
third part will perish with Fire and Sword, and there will be but a
third part onely left.
But yet I would not that you should take or look upon this my
prognostication on such wise as if all these things should infallibly
come to pass as I have predicted. No, I was willing onely to open to
you my Meditations upon the years to come. For all things are seated in
Gods power alone, in whose hands onely and alone we know our firm helps
and assistance to be ready for us, and therefore do not in the least
confide in our own strength and power, which are more vain than are all
fading things.
But forasmuch as there are natural means granted us, of driving away
our Enemies, we may well use them as far as in us lies, for that it
belongs unto every Christian Man, to do his utmost to repell with all
his power the common Capital Enemy of all Christendom.
And now therefore that I my self may not be found to be the least in
defending my Countrey, I have determined to exhibit in this Book the
help and assistance that I can afford, and this is not Money and Wealth
which I have not, but by offering such artificial inventions, and
disclosing them, whereby the Enemies may be valiantly resisted. For
in all things we see, that many times far greater things may be done
with Wisedom and Prudence, than with Strength and Fortitude, and this
is clearly evident in the most efficacious Operations of Gun-powder,
which produce far greater effects than Mens hands, though never so
strong, could ever bring forth.
’Tis well known, that the use of Gun-powder was not always known, but
was first found out by a certain Monk in _Germany_, in the year of
our Lord 1380, who by chance lighted on the finding of its dreadfull
strength. Neither is there any one ignorant, what great Victories they
that well knew its use, obtained over their Enemies afore it was made
manifest. But when it became publickly known, then it served both
Parties, so that neither part had more advantage by it than the other,
and then the deciding the Controversie consisted (next the blessing of
God) in the multitude of the Men, of which their power was composed,
and not in Art. And like as it seemed a meerly incredible thing at
first when it was heard of, that a Powder of such mighty force could
be made of such vile Subjects, _viz._ Brimstone, and Salt-peter, and
Charcoals: Even so will it at first exceed all belief, when it shall be
heard say that Waters may be prepared out of such Subjects, which said
Waters can doe such wonderfull, and so many great things.
It is also reported [or Chronicled] that the said Monk did not search
after Gun-powder purposely, but being addicted to Chymistry, and
occupied about Operations upon Salt-peter and Sulphur, endeavoured to
distill a Water from them. Now these being mixt, and by chance taking
fire, he perceived them to break every thing, and rend it into pieces:
And hence came that man to know the unheard-of Virtues of Salt-peter
and Sulphur, which being so thoroughly contrary to each other, made
such great concussions or shakings. The same thing hapned even unto my
self, for purposing to make sharp Waters out of Sulphur, Salt-peter,
and other Salts fit for my purpose; I perceived in such Operations,
that far greater things mought be brought to pass by such firey Waters
than could be done by Gun-powder. Nevertheless, I buried these Secrets
in great silence, nor manifested I them to any man, though I knew them
above these twenty years; fearing this, that should they be known, they
might be as Instruments in the hands of the Christians to torment one
another with.
But now seeing God hath vouchsafed to bestow a peace upon the whole
Christian World, and that the _Turks_ doe begin more and more to
persecute and vex the Christians by their Tyrannical Persecutions, and
endeavour even thoroughly to root them out, as they have already made
a beginning in _Hungary_ of their detestable attempts, I advised with
my friends whether or no it would not be expedient to detect and lay
open those Secrets to the Christians, that so they may be used against
the _Turks_, and I was advised by these my friends to proceed on in the
revealing of them. Upon this account (all other businesses laid aside)
I wholly betook my self to this very one thing, to get great store of
those kind of firey Waters in readiness, which may be made use of as
most substantial bucklers or defence both offensively and defensively
against the _Turks_. Now I have done this the more willingly and
readily, because they kill no man, but doe onely so far debilitate
them, that they may be overcome, and easily taken and made Captives.
For were this invention of mine such as would kill men, I would never
have at any time produced it in publick, and thus divulged it. And
therefore I am even yet of this mind, that that Monk _Barthold_ did
not well in divulging the preparation and use of Gunpowder, by which
such a multitude of Men are destroyed and slain.
But by this Invention of mine, no man is slain, and yet the victory
wrested out of the Enemies hands. And the Enemies being taken alive and
made Captives, may be constrained to work, and in my opinion may bring
more benefit than if they were slain.
I doubt not but that the things I here propound may seem impossible
even to the wisest [sort of] men of this World; nor indeed is it to be
wondred at if it be so; for they are unheard-of Secrets, and unseen,
and so exceed all belief. I dare not here trust my Pen too much, though
I could disclose them in a few words, and so, as to bring every one to
acknowledge the truth hereof, and to feel it as it were with his hands.
But I must deal warily, lest such sharp, and yet not killing, weapons
fall into the Enemies hands.
* * * * *
But yet that I may in some sort satisfie the desirous Reader, I doe
signifie unto him in brief, that all the whole Art lyes coucht in
this knack, that vast quantities of those artificial Waters may be
gotten without great Expences; and being prepared, may be afterwards
applied to use by some certain secret Instruments both offensively and
defensively. For those watry Fires, or firey Waters which I speak of,
are of such a burning nature, that neither Men nor Horses whom they
touch are able to resist [or endure] them; And yet they doe not kill,
unless one be minded to slay others, and then they must have a more
peculiar preparation. But as they are by themselves, they kill none,
but doe extreamly disturb both Horse and Man, that it makes them even
impatient of the pains, and so forceth them upon one another, whereby
their order being broken, they ruine themselves. This done, the victory
is as it were given into the adverse parties hands, whereby they can
without any labour vanquish and take their Enemies Captives. I dare not
to say any more hereabouts, this onely I add by way of overplus, that
even Women (where Men are wanting) may not onely (by this invention of
mine) drive off the Enemies from any fenced place, but they may force
them out again out of the place, or o’erwhelm the Company of them that
are entred with Stones. Though this seems an incredible thing, yet is
it most true, and will without doubt, after it shall come to light, in
a short time serve as a most notable defence for the Countrey.
And as touching the easie, and not at all costly preparation of the
moist Fires and their due use, together with the Instruments hereto
requisite; all this shall be shown and detected to those onely who both
can and will use them against the _Turks_. But to others not, and this
we were willing to signifie by way of admonition or advice.
This little, but yet exceeding weighty Secret, and which may be used
against our Countries Enemies with most notable benefit, I have
revealed enough of at this time. Mean while I hope, that even this very
year the Enemies of the Christian World will be notably endamaged by
it, which God of his grace and mercy grant, that it may be a solace and
help to the Christian World so dreadfully persecuted by the _Turk_,
even for the honour and glory of his holy Name. _Amen._
_Now follows the third use, and that consists in the melioration
of the Metals, by which also great benefit may redound to the
Countrey._
As for such things as concern the true and indubitable melioration
of Metals by Salt and Fire, I have already sufficiently enough
demonstrated in the fifth part of the Prosperity of _Germany_, and in
the Appendix thereunto.
But seeing my true demonstration there made, seemed not sufficiently
clear and evident to not a few, and that therefore they have most
lyingly dared to aver, that there is no such thing as a true
transmutation of Metals, and that such like Affirmations as these are
meer fables, meer falsities, and meer dreams: Therefore I could not
choose but (to stop the mouths of such wicked Men, and shame them,) to
lay open and publish an evident and palpable truth.
And this is no great task for me to do, for I was many years ago
certain of the truth hereof, and therefore can easily set it afore
the Eyes of others, and that not onely particularly [or a particular
transmutation] but also universally, insomuch that even the blind may
see and palpably feel, that the transmutation of Metals is not an old
Wives Fable, but is a certain and firm Science, and what is risen
even from the foundation of nature her self. If now I shall prove
it to be thus, I have then I hope secured my affairs, and have not
onely defended the Writings my self have sent abroad, but withall the
most true assertions of other honest Men, and so shall have evidently
demonstrated those things which to the greatest part of Men seems a
thing impossible to be done.
Albeit that there are many who have left us the truth in their
Writings, yet are they so involved in obscurity, that such as know not
the Fundamentals of the Art, can never learn ought of certainty from
them. Whence it comes to pass, that so many Men have vainly attempted
the Art, and therefore the Art it self hath been mightily despised.
The Transmutation of Metals is not a thing of so small a moment (as
that eminent Philosopher _Sandivogius_ witnesseth) in his Preface
prefixed to his Writings; where he also tells us, that he that obtains
the knowledge of the same, so as to transmute any imperfect Metal into
a more perfect one, though it be done without benefit, hath met with an
open Gate, and entrance leading to greater matters, and this is also
exceedingly agreeable with the truth. For if any one shall take some
imperfect Metal, and by handling or dealing with it with such or such
matters, shall find that it is advanced to a golden or silvery nature,
may more deeply look into the business with fuller and more accurate
Meditations, and [at length] wholly search it out, _viz._ whence that
bettering proceeds, and by what means or in what manner his labours are
to be contrived.
And now when such an one doth make fix and constant, such or such a
Metal by the benefit of the Fire, and useth no other matter about the
Operation but Salt, and doth really find a true melioration of the
Metal, certainly he cannot ascribe it to any other thing but the Fire
and Salt: and now whereas he assuredly knows, that the melioration of
Metals can be perfected by the help of no other thing but of Fire and
Salt, he will not need to search for any other, but will rather wholly
apply himself thereunto, whereby he may most commodiously deal with
the Metals by the means of Fire and Salt, and better them with profit.
And if now he be once Master of his desire, he will gain sufficiently
thereby. But if not, he cannot blame the Art but himself, who indeed
sees the possibility of the Art but hath not (yet) entred in by it,
or through it to the great Treasures it discloseth, so as to take
to himself a due or competent part. But forasmuch as such happy Men
are very seldom found, who find the Key that opens the Doors to such
Mysteries, I judged it a thing worth while if I did here detect this
very Key, and show by what means the Gate (by which the closest of
Arts is made fast) is wont to be opened. And if now it shall please
the Studious Artist to enter thereinto, he may with all my heart, and
so enjoy those Treasures. I will not pass the bounds I have intended
to observe: it is sufficient for me to have shown the right and kingly
way, wherein every one may go that listeth, that so he may arrive to
his wisht for end.
But as for the Key that unlocks the Closet of Art in true Alchymy,
I do confidently affirm, that Salts are such Keys, and especially
Salt-peter, and also common Salt and Vitriol, each of which is of it
self efficacious enough to open the Door which shuts the Parlour or
Closet of Arts in Alchymy. But one Salt joyned with another as is
expedient and in convenient wise as Art requires, does effect more and
show greater power than if it abode alone, and this my Writings do too
and agen largely shew. But those Salts are in an especial manner more
excellent as to power and virtues than others are, those I say which
being first made volatile or spiritual are afterwards made corporeal,
like as the following example doth evidently demonstrate.
_An evident demonstration of the possibility of transmuting the
viler Metals by Salt and Fire into more noble ones._
Take of Vitriol two parts, and of good Salt-peter one part, mix them
well, and being mixt distill an _Aqua Fortis_ therefrom, with this
Water, dissolve Silver or Lead, and pour into the Solution some Spirit
of Salt, or else some common Salt onely dissolved in Water, that so
the dissolved Metals may be turned into white Powder, and precipitate
to the bottom of the Vessel. This done, wash off the _Aqua Fortis_
from the _Calx_ of Silver or Lead, with Rainwater, and you shall find
it to be one quarter part encreased, and this augmentation cannot be
washt off with any Water. Now these saline Spirits do make the _Lune_
and _Saturn_ so very volatile, fusile, and flying, that they melt in a
small heat and penetrate all hard Bodies. Upon this account I called
those fugacious and fusile Metals, by the name of a _Mercury_, which
said _Mercury_ of _Lune_, or of _Saturn_ hath assumed to it self onely
so much of the Salts as it needed, to amend it self in the Fire, when
they mutually act upon each other, and the Salt maturates the Metal.
But what course shall we now take with these Metals, seeing they are so
very volatile, that they cannot resist the indifferently strong force
of Fire, and therefore go away in fume? And forasmuch as they abide not
the Fire and do not die, by what means can they be amended?
There is no better way to be taken with them here, than (for prevention
of their volatility) to add to them some metallick body, into which,
the fugacious exceeding fusile, and Salt Metal may hide it self, and
so brook the Fire. And amongst these six metallick Bodies, I know not
as yet of any better than Tin reduced into Ashes, which is most fit for
this Operation, because it is the most unfit or hard to melt of any the
_Calx’s_ of the rest of the Metals.
If therefore you will make experiment of this Operation, adjoyn to one
part of the _Mercury_ of _Lune_ or _Saturn_ two parts of the white
Ashes of Tin, which being well mixt and put into a Glass Cucurbit well
fenced with Lure, set it into Sand, put Fire thereinto by little and
little untill the matter in the Glass be well heated; in this darkish
red hot heat, leave it so long untill some part of the matter doth
ascend by sublimation up into the Alembick placed at top, and up the
neck of the Cucurbit. Then you must put on another Alembick, and take
out all the sublimate out of the former Alembick, and put it back upon
its matter in the Cucurbit, and it is to be again left so long in the
Fire, untill there doth again ascend some part by sublimation into
the Head. This being taken out of the Head is to be again put into
the Cucurbit, and to be added to its own matter, (and to be proceeded
with) till again some portion sublimes up out of the matter into the
Alembick. Now these labours are to be so often repeated, untill there
ascends no more matter up into the Head, and all the matter abides
behind in the bottom of the Cucurbit fixt. This being done, a stronger
Fire is to be administred, that the Metals may be operated upon by the
Salts. For by how much the more and longer they endure the violence of
the Salts, so much the better do they grow, which being taken forth and
reduced by the adding unto them their due matters and being separated
by a Cupel do yield forth a notable encrease of Gold and Silver.
This undoubted Experiment and evident Demonstration, doth (by its
evident Operation) clearly and perspicuously teach and prove the
melioration and transmutation of the Metals into better and more pure;
but if this way seems to any very laborious and full of troubles, I
will show him a more compendious way and such as is of less labour, for
the sake of searching out the truth.
Fill a Hassiak Crucible (one of the best make) with the self same
mixture, _viz._ one part of the _Mercury_ of _Saturn_, and two parts of
Tin-ashes, and squeeze in the matter thereinto with your Thumb pretty
hard, and fit at top of this Pot, another somewhat lesser, so as that
they may shut close and tight at their mouths, and one may not fall off
from the other, if they be turned (topsie turvy:) Now in this upper
Pot, put some Plates of Copper in, afore you place it on the lower
one, yet on such wise that in the turning the Pots (up and down) they
fall not out of their places. Each Pot likewise is to be well fenced
with Lute such as will not chap when it is dried, and yet it may be
mended if it should a little cleave by dawbing some more on, and this
is done, that no fume at all get out. The Lute being dried, place this
double Pot or Crucible in a circular Fire, and augment the Fire more
and more, and move it nearer and nearer it untill it be well heated.
Then put thereto larger Coals, and cover the Pot all over with them,
that it may be every where red hot, in which great heat of the Fire
it is to be left some two or three hours. Then being cool, take out
and open your Pot, and you shall find the Copper Plates in some sort
tinged with a white colour, but yet this colour is not so constant and
fix as to abide in the Cupel or on the Test with its Body. Therefore
necessity requires that those Plates be dissolved in _Aqua Fortis_,
and be precipitated by pouring thereon Salt dissolved in common Water,
in which precipitation the Silver _Calx_ settles to the bottom. This
_Calx_ being freed of its Saltness by pouring Water thereon, and being
dried, is to be wrapt up in a Plate of Lead, or some sheet Lead made
as thin as Paper, and be put on a red hot Test, in which there must be
a little Lead in Flux, which may the more readily receive the silvery
_Calx_ wrapt up in the leaden Paper, and which is volatile, and may
hinder it from going away in fume; the Lead being consumed, there will
be a grain of Silver abiding on the Test, which being dissolved in
_Aqua Fortis_, will let fall some Gold to the bottom. If any of the
remaining matter in the Crucible be to be reduced, then boil it with
Lead, and let it be reduced into _Scoria’s_: out of the _Regulus_ will
there also remain on the Test a grain of Silver containing Gold in it.
But this way brings no profit, as being here taught for this onely
end to demonstrate the possibility of the thing. But if you would get
any profit by such an Operation, it will be altogether necessary to
use such Vessels in which nothing at all may go away in fume, but all
the matter may abide together, and may so get a fixity and constancy:
and this cannot be done in Crucibles, but it will bring a profitable
melioration by the said way.
Some may now demand from whence that Gold and Silver should come?
whether out of the Lead or out of the Tin? doubtlesly it comes from
both. And therefore seeing the Copper Plates in this Cementation,
as likewise the cementing powder it self have put on a golden and
silvery nature, can any one doubt that this is a true Transmutation by
Fire and Salt? And this is especially manifest even from the Copper
Plates, which had nothing at all toucht them, save the saline Spirits
ascending up out of the Cementatory Powder, which in the heat of the
Fire penetrated the Copper, and amended it in so short a time. Is there
any one now so blinded as that he cannot here see, that this bettering
the Metals proceeded from Salt and Fire. Certainly no body will be able
to heal him that is blinded with such a darkness of his sight, and
therefore must he even lie all his lifes time in such obscure mists.
For this Operation is set down so clearly and evidently that it may be
even felt and perceived with the hands.
_N. B._ If so be any one is desirous of getting more Gold and Silver by
the help of this Operation, he may use the _Mercury_ of _Lune_ instead
of the _Mercury_ of Lead, for it will yield far more than _Saturn_ will.
I could exhibit no small variety of these kind of Experiments, but that
the shortness of time bids me stop, and forbear their description;
those that cannot learn ought from these things, greater ones will not
be at all usefull unto them. Thus have I a-new evidently demonstrated,
that a particular melioration of the Metals is done by, and proceeds
from Salt and Fire alone.
_An infallible demonstration, that a true tincture or universal
Medicine may be made by Salt and Fire, for the melioration of
Metals._
_Recipe_ one pound of the _Mercury_ of Lead, or rather of _Lune_, of
the Ashes of Tin two pounds, mix these matters together and put them
into a Glass Retort coated, and put it in Sand, or rather in an open
Fire, and give a Fire by degrees. In this Operation, the Salts inhering
in the _Mercury_ of _Saturn_ or _Lune_, do display or exercise their
virtues upon _Jupiter_, and seize upon it and leave the _Lune_ or Lead,
and ascend up into the neck of the Retort like _Mercury_ sublimate, and
are very heavy and ponderous, and do very rarely fall down into the
Receiver, because they presently settle assoon as ever they feel any
Refrigeration. Therefore it is needfull that the neck of the Retort be
somewhat wide, that so the _Mercury_ sublimate may meet with space and
room enough, and may not by wanting room break the Retort. Now when
the Retort has been kept three hours in a red hot heat, which time is
requisite for the _Mercury_ sublimate to ascend in, then cease from
continuing or keeping on your Fire, that so it may cool. Then take
out the sublimate out of the neck of the Retort when cold, and you
shall find about some eight Lots 4 Ounces, and proceed with it the way
following, as we shall by and by tell you.
Mix the Reliques or what is left, with two parts of _Regulus_ of
Antimony made with Iron, and melt it into a body: Wash off the
_Regulus_ and Tin from the Silver with Salt-peter, and you shall have
your Silver not onely encreased by the _Jupiter_, but also indued with
somewhat of a golden nature; as much as the Salts could maturate in
so short a time, which is indeed a speedy Transmutation. But if you
use _Mercury_ of _Saturn_, there will not follow much amendment in so
short a time. Yet nevertheless, that even the truth it self may even
by this means be searcht out, there may be added a little Lead, and be
boiled and reduced into _Scoria’s_, in which there will remain a grain
of Silver, which will give you information, how much melioration the
saline Spirits are able to bestow in three or four hours space.
But this is not the right way of getting profit, for as much as it
shows onely the possibility of the thing.
But if you would have any profit by such an Operation, you must get
you a Cucurbit for this sublimation made of good and vitreous or
glazefying Earth; and the sublimed _Mercury_ must be taken forth of
the Alembick, and be again added to the dry matter lying in the bottom
of the Cucurbit, and this Operation of subliming it must be so often
repeated, till there ascend up no more, and that all abides fix with
the Tin. Then is a stronger Fire to be put thereto, and the _Jupiter_
and _Saturn_ will be maturated by the Salt as we taught afore. And if
now any be minded to take that same sublimated matter, as it ascended
in the first sublimation, and would make it fix and constant (_per
se_) in a Glass, he would get a Tincture that will in projection tinge
with a white and red colour, but yet I never have as yet tried the
latter of these. However I doubt not, but it may be done. For seeing
that this sublimed matter, doth (though it be so volatile) penetrate
the Plates of Copper, by three or four hours time cementation, and
turns somewhat of the said Plates into the nature of Gold and Silver by
graduation, how much more would it do, if being brought to a due fixity
and constancy, it should be projected into some molten and flowing
Metal? For that in such a white sublimate (principally in that which
proceeds from _Lune_) there lies hid also an occult redness, and may be
manifested by the Fire, this I say, mine Eyes have seen, and mine hands
have felt, but have not as yet brought the Operation to its compleat
end, by reason of various lets and want of time.
Farther, by such a sublimate _Mercury_ may likewise be wrought various
Transmutations, which I think not fit to divulge. It is in its nature
fugacious and volatile, and yet notwithstanding doth it in process
of time make all other volatile and fugacious matters, such as are
Arsenick, Auripigment, Cobolt, and even the most flying of all, _viz._
common _Mercury_, fix and constant, which effect is to be attributed to
the Salt onely. He that knows rightly to manage this Operation, will
not labour in vain, but will be rendred a partaker of great secrets,
which thing I leave to the Sons of Art, as a Testament or Will.
But yet that I may kindle some little Torch for to guide the desirous
Reader, and may make him more certain of a true Tincture, which this
abject _Mercury_ sublimate showing it self in a white colour hides in
it, I have thought good, yet farther to add this following way.
Extract out of this sublimate a running _Mercury_, vivifying and
separating it by apt and magnetick subjects; and evaporate a little
portion or particle thereof, of about the bigness of a Pea, in a
Silver Spoon; when ’tis all gone, you will find a purple Powder left
in the Spoon. If you cast this Powder upon hot boiling Lead, you will
find after its blowing off, a grain of Gold on the Test. The Spoon it
self will bear the mark of a purple spot in that place, in which the
_Mercury_ went away in fume, and it cannot be blotted or rubbed out,
because the _Mercury_ hath deeply impressed the Tincture in the Spoon.
Now may some or other say unto me, whence did that little grain of
Gold left on the Cupel, and that purple spot which tinged the Silver
Spoon, proceed, came it from the Lead or from the Tin, or from the
Silver, or out of the saline Spirits? The greatest part of Men will
say it proceeded out of the Lead, Tin, or Silver. But I say, that it
did indeed come out of the Lead, Tin or Silver, but that the Tincture
adjoyned thereunto is for the most part the true Soul of Niter, which
the _Mercury_ took unto it self, and again left it and forsook it
assoon as ever it was vexed or forced with the Fire. But I doubt not
but that if such a _Mercury_ impregnated with the Soul of Niter, were
fixed and made constant in the Fire, it would afford an universal
Tincture.
I confess I have tried many a time this Operation in small Experiments,
which sometimes answered not my desires, what diligence soever I used
thereabouts; but when I attempted it in a greater quantity it never
succeeded. This thing seems to be posited in the will and pleasure
onely of the Omnipotent God, who will not have those his so great
Mysteries and Gifts profaned. I have indeed (like unto _Moses_) seen
the promised Land, but yet I do not know whether or no God will bring
me thither in this Life, that so I may enjoy those most precious Fruits.
And if God should not vouchsafe me that benefit, yet do I willingly
rest content with this, that I have seen with mine Eyes, and felt with
mine hands the truth of the Art more than once, which Art so many
thousands of Men do so greedily gape after, but yet not with such good
hap and success as to find it out or see it.
I have I say seen the truth, but not the Tincture brought to its end or
perfection, but yet have I seen its beginning which makes me certainly
assured so far, as that I dare to affirm, and confidently aver, that
there is in nature such a thing as a true Tincture, and that it may by
Gods blessing be prepared by an Artists hand. I have not yet had so
much quiet and so much time as to undertake this so weighty a Work.
Yet now I have a resolution to set aside all worldly cares, solicitudes
and businesses, and to attempt and wait upon this kingly Work, and
expect what the divine grace will bestow upon me. For we are to look
for all good things from above, for else we labour in vain, whatsoever
diligence we make use of.
These things I was willing to publish for the Assertion sake of the
truth, and to prove that there was in nature a true Tincture, that so
it may evidently appear that Metals may be transmuted both universally
and particularly. And if by some desperate Men or by a sudden and
immature death (which chances God of his mercy graciously keep from
me) all the _Mediums_ or means of perfecting so great a Work, and
finishing it should be cut off from me, yet notwithstanding the truth
it self will be able to bear witness to my sayings when I am dead and
gone. For I have by me even yet those Silver Plates tinged with Purple
Spots, which can at all times witness the truth of those things I have
here delivered. For it is an impossible thing that Silver should be
tinged with a purple colour without a Tincture. If therefore there is
to be found the truth in that white and fugacious sublimate, what I
pray would be found in the fix and Fire-abiding red Tincture? Would it
not be, that effects of far greater moment would be produced by such
a Tincture. The Ancients therefore that desired firmness of health
and a long life, bestowed such labours and sweats upon getting a true
Medicine for humane and metallick Bodies, and some of them arrived to
their wisht-for end, but the greatest part of them were deceived with
vain labours, and frustrated of their conceived hopes.
If any Man did certainly know that there were in some places to be
found mighty treasures of Gold, Pearls, and Precious Stones, and
it were granted every one to search after them for his own proper
advantage, what think you, he would be lazy and slow, and would not set
himself to seek after them. But if any should so order his search that
like a blind Man, he neither knows nor sees what it is he seeks after,
or in what place it is to be sought by him, certainly such an one would
labour in vain, and lose both his time, pains, and costs; and this
usually betides the greatest part of Men, for they spend their labours
in vain in their search after this Work, because (like blind Men) they
neither know what they are to seek, nor where. But yet ’tis credible
that there would not such a multitude of them have stray’d from the
truth, had but any one so clearly and perspicuously shown and pointed
as it were with the Fingers at the place where the Treasure lyeth
hidden, as I have now done.
And although the envious and lying Devil should oppose the truth even
with his greatest power, and should most cruelly rage against it,
yet notwithstanding he will not be able to shew us any one Man that
hath produced and brought the truth forth to the light with greater
perspicuity and evidence than _Glauber_ hath.
I have therefore yet once more at present shown by a most evident
demonstration even before the whole World, and have asserted it for
a truth, that not onely the more imperfect Metals do admit of being
really transmuted by Salt and Fire into the more perfect ones, but
withall, that by them, [_viz._ Fire and Salt] a Tincture may be made.
And now let all mine enemies visible and invisible ones, open and
secret ones, what name soever stiled by, come forth and publickly
produce the true Transmutation of Metals, with a clearer and more
conspicuous manifestation than I have here done. I acquiesce with what
I have hitherto spoken; if God shall please I will divulge admirable
things in my next third Century. In this little Treatise there are laid
open onely four secrets, but yet so clearly and conspicuously that no
body hath as yet manifested such and so eminent things with clearer and
more perspicuous expressions.
For that first Instrument is clearly enough described, by the help of
which, not onely a great plenty of all sharp Spirits may be prepared
with very little costs and easie labour, and the four-fold use of these
Spirits is able to bring most great profit to the Countrey.
1. All Gold, Silver, and Copper are thereby extracted out of the poorer
sort of Oars which _Germany_ abounds with every where, and that in a
far easier manner than by fusion, and are so brought to a very gainfull
improvement, to the great benefit of all _Germany_, the which hath
never been hitherto done.
2. Of the said Spirits is made a Water-attracting Magnet, for the
bettering of poorer Wines, that so they may keep good, and be the
easilier transported out of one place into another, as I have signified
in my second Century. It is a secret which offers gain both to the rich
and poor, and may be prepared in great plenty.
3. The imperfect Metals are sundry ways bettered by those saline
Spirits, of which may be made vast quantities as I have shown in this
Work or Book, and this melioration my Writings do variously teach and
treat of.
4. By the help of these fiery Spirits of Salts, preparable in mighty
plenty, which is a thing commodiously to be done by the Instrument
described in this Book, may the _Turks_ who are the Enemies of the
Christian World be resisted without any Bloud-shed. Concerning these
fiery Waters, which being such a notable destruction on the Enemies,
this is here to be noted, that immense quantities of them are easily
gotten without any Distillation and with very little expences.
For if much be to be effected by them, it is necessarily requisite to
have vast quantities of them in readiness, without which, no great
matters are in this case to be accomplisht. But as concerning the
manner of so greatly endammaging the _Turks_ by these moist Waters I
cannot so accurately describe the same here, as being a meer stranger
to, and ignorant in military affairs. However I will briefly and in few
words shaddow out, what way I think it may be done by, _viz._ to resist
and mightily endamage the Enemies by them.
First of all, this is the nature and property of these moist Waters.
As to outward view they are like Water, and may be handled or dealt
with as other common Waters, but their inward virtue is nothing but
a meer Fire. And because these moist Waters may be thrown not onely
with the hands, but with greater Warlike Engines or Guns a good way
off, by artificial Instruments prepared for that purpose; therefore is
the use of them manifold, and as necessity requires may they be used
several ways for the expulsion and overcoming of the Enemies. We will
illustrate our meaning by an example. Suppose I am in a City or Castle
besieged by the Enemies, and that I have by me some of those kind of
Instruments which are accommodated to this use for the moist Fires. If
now the Enemy should set upon the Trench, Wall, or a Bul-wark, and I
were furnished with that defensive Water of mine, should stand behind
the Wall or Bul-wark in that place which the Enemy sets upon, he could
not possibly come at me; for those moist Fires may be cast by the said
Instruments far without the City, like a fiery showr of Rain, or like
a Cloud, which Rain being forced out of but one onely Instrument would
dilate it self far and wide upon many hundreds of Men, and whatsoever
it touched it would hurt and burn like common natural Fire, and it
would especially blind their sight, so that the Men would not be able
to look up or see. If now the Enemies should make their attempt upon
any place, and there should be shoured down upon them such a fiery
Rain, and by hurting their Eyesight make them quite blind, how would
they be able being blinded to get over the Walls or Bul-warks? I do
believe that if they should have gotten over the Walls or Forts, and
be made thus blind, they would be heartily glad if they could but get
out again and recover their own party. But it would be better to beat
them off, and blind them when they come with their Ladders to scale the
Walls, than to permit them to approach any nearer. But yet if it should
so happen that the Enemies had gotten even into the City it self, and
there were some Houses in the principal places or streets in which the
defendants may rally themselves and that such Houses were furnisht with
such moist Fires, and that such fiery showers were shot out thence so
blinding them that they durst not open their Eyes, what I pray would
they be able to do, being blinded and clearly deprived of the use of
their sight? Would they not throw away their Arms and solely mind the
getting the Fire out of their Eyes, and yet it would hardly be so
done in half a days time, nay if it should touch their Eyes in pretty
quantity, it would scarse be quencht in two days time, and if they
should go to wipe their Eyes with their hands, then would they make
their torments much more intolerable, and would add more Fire to their
Eyes, because their hands are likewise moistned and plagued with that
continual shour. And now may not such unbidden Guests be overwhelmed
and slain with Stones cast on them out of the adjoyning Houses? And may
not one Single Woman with such a little Instrument onely filled with
these moist Fires defend her House against an hundred Soldiers. Verily
in my opinion there may be made a better defence with such a little
Instrument that one may carry about with him, than with ten or even an
hundred Musquets. For 100 Musquets require 100 Men, all which when they
have discharged their Guns once, and have slain some ten or twelve Men
(and yet it is not wont usually to happen so in such cases neither)
they need some time to load their Musquets again, if they would keep on
shooting. But this Instrument may be used even by Women, two or three
of whom will haply do more hurt to the Enemy than twenty or thirty,
yea haply one hundred Men are able to do with their Musquets. And if
the Women and other weak Men do but blind their Enemies, the armed
Men may take them thus blinded Prisoners; that so not being killed
but made Slaves, they may be set to Work and Till the Land, and this
would be far more profitable than the killing of them would be. So
then, may not an hundred Soldiers by the help of my Instruments defend
any Fortress with greater and more certain defence than a thousand
Men could otherwise do. Verily I believe they may. For these blinding
Fires of mine, or fiery Clouds and Rain being adjoyned to other usual
and customary military Weapons, will most mightily endamage the Enemy,
nor will there need so many Soldiers, for the Citizens themselves may
use the other [customary] Arms, and the Women and Children may use the
Instruments, whereby they would haply defend themselves more strongly
than if they committed their defence to chosen and registred Souldiers.
For these Instruments, (by which the moist Fires are driven far off
upon the Enemies like fiery showers and Clouds of Rain, and that
without intermission, and as oft as ever need requires) although they
be great, yet a few Men may govern or manage them, so that it will
be impossible for the Enemies to effect any considerable enterprize
in besieging any City. But it is needfull to place such Instruments
that thus squirt forth Fire, behind the Walls and Bul-warks, that the
Enemies great Ordinance may not hurt or destroy them. Verily I cannot
so very accurately and compleatly show what [the best] way [is] of
endamaging the Enemies by the help thereof, for this the practice
it self will better shew us. I can furnish forth the Instruments
themselves and the moist Fires belonging thereunto. I commend the use
of them unto the Souldiers, who may learn to use them as they shall
find good by experience I do again repeat what I have hitherto so
often spoken, and I do affirm, that with one such Instrument may some
thousands of Men be blinded in a moments time, and being blinded what
I pray can they then do? If so be that others shall endeavour to come
to help them and fetch them off, they may likewise be blinded, nor can
they run away, and therefore must necessarily be taken Prisoners. And
this in my judgment may be done in Hostile Invasions and Sieges.
But now whether or no there may be any use of such Instruments in
Battailes and Conflicts with the Enemies, I do not well know, but that
a City, Castle, or House may be defended by their means, and so drive
off the Assailants, is a thing evident and undoubted. Should there be a
thousand Enemies beset the House of some particular Citizen, yet must
they depart if onely such a fiery Cloud or Rain (the Doors and Windows
being shut) should be shoured down upon them. For so they would be
rendred blind and not be able to see or find the Door, as it was in
_Lots_ time, when his Enemies environed his House to have out those
two Strangers, they were smitten with such blindness that they were
constrained to leave the House, and it was permitted _Lot_, and his,
to pass out of the same without any impediment. And is it not lawfull
for us to smite our Capital Enemies the _Turks_ with blindness, and to
defend our selves, our Wives and Children?
God himself saith, I will encompass those that are mine, with a Wall of
Fire, and defend them against their Enemies. Briefly, this invention of
mine, of making such a fiery Mist or Rain, is an incomparable defence
and safeguard, the like of which was never as yet known in the World.
And now may any one easily conjecture what may be done offensively with
this same invention. For example, suppose ’tis necessary to take such
or such a place from the Enemy, but now there is not time enough left,
nor are there Souldiers enough for the enterprize; and therefore some
Stratagem must be used to become Masters of one of the Gates at least
whereby the Souldiers may be let in.
And now in my judgment some Gate may be seized on and that easily by
the help of these moist Fires of mine, and ’tis thus, let some Souldier
or other fit for such a design, be taught the use of my Fire-spiting
Instruments, and when he understands it, he may be clad in Countrey
Habit, and so let him go to them upon the Guard, and in the Court of
Guardhouses in which they be, let him shour in upon them a fiery,
Eye-blinding, and forcibly hissing shour. [This done] how can the
Guarders possibly resist those that come to the Gate and are ready to
enter in? Nay more, the Souldier thus clad may have a Granadoe given
him to carry in a Sack, which being filled with those moist Fires, may
of its own accord (without any benefit of Gun-powder) leap assunder
and fill all the whole room with his blind making Dew, he may throw
into those Watch-houses where they keep Guard, and so make all that
are there present unfit to fight. And if so be there should be more
of those Houses than one, the same Souldier may likewise have more
such Granadoes given him, one of which he may throw into each House.
Nay farther, if need be, and that you would have it fadge better and
have it more certainly succeed, there may be sent several Souldiers
with such Fire-breathing Granadoes to several Gates, to o’erwhelm the
Watch-men and possess them. For the Watch-men suspecting no evil from
one Countrey-man onely, will not cry out Arm, Arm, but let him in
without any impediment. Such Fire-breathing Balls or Granadoes may be
made of Iron, Copper or Earth, which however, properly are not Fires
as long as they feel not the Air, and they then become Fires onely,
when any one is so minded to have them such, breaking every thing in
their reach like Gun-powder burning, and depriving all such as are
present of their sight, and making them Sick. Granadoes made on this
manner, and of about the bigness of a Mans Head, do not of their own
accord conceive a flame without Air, nor do they flie assunder, or at
all operate. But if you would that the Air be let in whereby they may
operate, there must be a little Spicket or Tap to be drawn out of the
Granadoe, that so the Air entring in may vivifie the Fire that lies
in the Ball or Granadoe. Such a Granadoe being thrown into any Watch
house, the Watch men will without doubt presently run and take it up
and see what it should be, and what end it was thrown in there for;
then as they all of them stand round and contemplate upon the novelty,
if any of them hap to draw out the Spicket, which without all question
they would do, the Air gets in, and the Fire enkindles and breaks that
Granadoe thus stuft with that venemous Fire all to pieces, and so will
strike them all down together. And may not now the Souldiers in the
mean time hasten and break in to that fenced place without any let,
and become Masters of the Gate? Verily methinks it should succeed very
well. I tell you my thoughts of the business, I never tried the thing
it self nor do I ever desire to try. Such as have a desire to try it,
and have occasion and opportunity of doing it, may more accurately
contemplate thereupon, and so will they find what way they may most
conveniently detriment their Enemies most of all by. I have laid the
foundation, others must valiantly proceed on and bring the thing to a
most usefull Issue. However I do not doubt but that the most part of
Men that shall hear me say, that there may be such effects produced
by these fiery Waters, that may equal the dreadfull Operations of
Gun-powder, will mock at me, and judge it an impossible thing; nor
will it be any thing strange they should, because they have not any
knowledge of nature.
Before those dreadfull virtues of Gun-powder were known, certainly no
body would have believed the same, had they heard it told, that it
were a possible thing to hurry or throw such a great Ball of Iron,
into so far a place with so little Powder. And now it is a thing so
very common, that he that will not believe it will be laught at.
Even so, those things I have here mentioned of moist Fires will seem
extraordinarily wonderfull and absurd to the ignorant, untill they
shall see with their Eyes, and feel with their hands, that the _Turks_
shall even this very Summer feel it if God permit, and vouchsafe
me health so long. If God (I say) shall permit, which I would have
you understand, as thus, _viz._ unless the wrath of God shall be so
enkindled against the Christians, and shall therefore put a stop, and
prevent the accrewing of any benefit, by any help how great soever
it be. For when God pleaseth to punish any Countrey with deserved
afflictions, certainly no Instruments of defence will at all help or do
ought.
These things was I willing to declare at present, to demonstrate in
what manner the Enemies power may by such Artificial moist Fires, and a
peculiar kind of Granadoes, such things as never were as yet known in
the World be broken. There are verily other far greater effects, and
which exceed Mans belief, that may be effected by these my newly found
out Fires; and such as are not to be written but to be revealed onely
unto those that are truly well Willers to the common Weal, and who
study how to destroy the Capital Enemy of all the Christian World. But
thus much I add, that by these Artificial, Secret, and unknown burning
and flame-conceiving Fires, far greater things may in my judgment be
effected at any time whensoever one is minded, than by Gunpowder, for
that it operates not afore it be enkindled with the Fire. But my Fires
are enkindled and inflamed by the Air, and therefore must necessarily
exeed Gun-powder in the production of greater effects, and this time
will manifest.
Those common Granadoes being thrown into any City may be covered with
wet Hides or Cloaths and be quenched, so as not at all to operate, but
it cannot be so with my Instruments. And therefore it is not without
cause that I prefer them afore Gunpowder.
’Tis not expedient to make any larger discourse concerning these
matters, and to take up any more room by revealing more. I could verily
in a few words so disclose these things that every one mought be able
palpably to feel, and visibly to see them, and so as that he would
assuredly know that far greater things mought be effected by these my
Fires than by Gun-powder. They may together with the Gun-powder use
these my moist Fires as they think good and as need requires. And I do
not question but that hereafter Wars will be waged after another manner
than hath hitherto been done, and force must give place to Art. For Art
doth sometimes overcome strength. We will illustrate the business by an
example.
When any little weak Man Fights with a bigger and stronger than
himself, and they have both of them like skill in the use of their
Arms, the stronger over Masters the weaker and Conquers him. But now
if the little Man be better skilled in the use of Weapons than the
greater and stronger one is, he beats him and becomes the Victour.
And when two are of equal Stature and Strength; they smite alike
forcibly, and beat one another alike, just as your Laundresses that
beat Cloaths with a wash Beetle, so do these lay on blows on each other
with like measure. So among the Ancients did they fight Man to Man,
and the strength of the blows prevailed. But when Gun-powder was found
out, then a few could kill and put to flight a greater number than
themselves.
And now again ’tis every where known, that Men now a days do again
fight with equal hand, as ’twere, neither party having more help [by
Art] than the other party hath: save that the stronger party doth for
the most part get the Victory, so that the Wars in our time consist
not in Art, but in the multitude and company of Men. Mean while I
firmly hope that if the use of my moist Fires be but known, there will
be another kind of Warfare than now is, by fighting on equal Terms
with blows as the Countrey fellows do, and whereby the stronger can
overmaster and subdue the weaker. But now by the help of Art, the
weaker may overcome the stronger. And if so be that Art and strength
concur together they are wont to be most efficacious. _David_ with
his sling shewed the skilfulness of his Art, and subdued that great
_Goliah_, who little expected such a mischance from such a little
Shepherd. And like as _Goliah_ mocked at _David_ with his Sling, so
perhaps will the _Turk_ have us in derision, should we meet him with
such Water-throwing Instruments. But even as that great _Goliah_ was
smitten down by a Stone of the Shepherd, so may the _Turk_ be easily
burnt and radically rooted out by those moist Fires, if the Christians
will themselves.
But some or other may here object and say, suppose some perfidious
Christian should happen to flie to the _Turks_, and put such Weapons
into their hands, to use against the Christians agen, what shall we do
then? [I answer,] such [a mischief] may be prevented by an accurate
diligent wariness, that these secrets be not revealed to every body,
but to such onely as are known, and that have possessions, Wives,
and Children: for such will hardly be allured or corrupted with any
reward. Besides too, the vulgar will not be so easily apprehensive of
all things hereto requisite, seeing the Art consists not barely in one
or two, but in many things [or circumstances.] It cannot therefore be
that such inventions should so easily fall into the Enemies hands, and
that for several causes which I forbear to reckon up here. Nay more,
if necessity should require there mought (by accurate meditation) a
farther inquisition be made, whereby more such inventions mought be
found out. For this may easily be effected by Men of a quick piercing
Wit, _viz._ by their diligent search to add to what is found out and to
better the same, for ’twill be a facile thing to do. For nature being
so most exceedingly richly stored can never at any time be thoroughly
found out. And therefore even I my self do hope in some short time
greatly to augment [or meliorate] the said Inventions of mine. If God
vouchsafe me life, there shall be even yet produced by me to light
wonderfull things, which will miraculously promote the safety and
happiness of my Countrey, and especially if I shall but find amongst
Men a thankfull remembrance thereof.
Moreover, I doubt not but that abundance of Men will wonder if they
shall see these my newly invented Warlike Instruments to be published
in Print, which is a thing that I would never do, for I have resolved
to make such onely partakers of the knowledge of the same, as stand in
need thereof.
But because I have conferred with one or two (whom I thought to have
born me a loving and friendly mind) about these things, and spake to
them too openly about the very business it self, they got some part of
the Art it self, and saw the very Instruments in the Workmens hands
whom I had taken order with about making them, and without doubt
perswaded themselves that they had the full knowledge of the whole Art.
Presently upon this they were become invisible and withdrew themselves,
insomuch that I suspect that those perfidious Men have repaired to
the Courts of some great Men, to offer and sell these my inventions
as if they were their own. Now then to meet with such treacherous
perfidiousness, I thought good to publish openly somewhat concerning
these matters, that so every one may know that whatever Men shall sell
such secrets as their own, they were not invented by them but by me,
and they have fraudulently stolen them from me. But I except those
here, to whom I have revealed them to this intent, that, _viz._ they
may make use of them against the _Turk_.
And because I can methinks prophetically as it were conjecture that
these my newly invented military Instruments will be desired and sought
after by a great many both high and low, I judged it a thing worth the
while, to take care for the getting some of those same Instruments,
and also those moist Fires thereunto appertaining to be prepared, and
sent into those places, where they may detriment or annoy the _Turks_.
For without doubt there may be far stronger resistance made with these
newly invented Instruments against those our Capital Enemies, than can
ever be done with Gun-powder. For Gun-powder is never wont to operate
afore it be kindled with the Fire, which kindling and inflamation Water
will hinder, and now my moist Fires are not at all impeded thereby.
And upon this account it is a thing altogether possible that a fiery
Globe [or Granadoe] may be as well emitted [or be as forcible] out of
the deep Waters with [or by] them, as it may with Gun-powder out of the
Water, the which seems indeed incredible, but yet is very easie to him
that is endued with the knowledge of these things.
There yet rest a few admonitions to be given, _viz._ that no body pass
his sentence upon these my secrets here disclosed, with a prejudiced
and forestalled judgment, unless he has a mind to slur himself with an
infamous mark, but let him have patience, till he of his own knowledge
perceive the whole Basis of the business. Many things there be that
lie as yet hidden, which (as Prophesies tell us) must be manifested
before the Worlds end. This time draws nearer and nearer, though so few
believe it. For my part I am verily of this Opinion, that there is such
a wonderfull time at hand, the like of which hath neither been seen or
heard of from the time of the Floud even to these our days. I pray God
to Defend the Pious, and to Convert the Wicked, _Amen_.
_The End of the First Part._
THE
SECOND PART
OF
GLAUBER’S
WORKS.
The First CENTURY,
OR
Wealthy Store-House of Treasures.
BEING
A General _Appendix_ to all his hitherto-published Writings.
The which doth not onely illustrate all obscure places, as well in
his Philosophical and Medicinal as Chymical Writings, and explain
those hard places to be understood; but also do so abundantly
supply those which are defective, that the learned and the
unlearned, the highest and the lowest, and more, the meanest
Workmen and Husbandmen, may sufficiently be able to comprehend
that _Glauber_ hath in all his Writings, written the pure and
simple Truth, and hath again brought to light the most noble Art
of Alchymy which hath so long lain hid in darkness hitherto; and
hath discovered it for the common good of Mankind.
_LONDON_, Printed in the Year MDCLXXXIX.
THE
PREFACE.
Courteous Reader,
_That every promise becomes a debt, is reported by a common Proverb or
By-word, and therefore to stand to ones word or promise, is a thing
which procures a great Ornament or grace no less to =Juniors= than to
=Seniors=. Since therefore in my Writings I have ingaged my Faith or
Credit through the promising of some little Works, and yet have not
been able, by reason of the scantiness of time, hitherto to satisfie
the expectation and desire of very many, by publishing of the same;
yea since greater Discommodities and Impediments being cast in my
way, do hinder me from day to day whereby I cannot write more things,
although I have nothing more in my desires than that in standing to my
promise, I may acquit my credit, and set forth the said little Works;
to wit, my Vegetable Work, my Work of =Saturn=, my Book of Dialogues or
Discourse, the fourth part of my =Spagyrical Pharmacopœa= or Chymical
Dispensatory, and my admirable little Book, of the concentring of the
Heaven and Earth: truly they being Treatises containing most excellent
Arcanums or Secrets, and the most worthy ones whereof Men can be made
partakers, notwithstanding I am of necessity destitute of time for the
writing of any Treatise peculiarly, and for that cause I am constrained
to insist in a nearer path, and for the sake of promoting the publick
good, to send forth the said Treatises in publick by a less labour and
trouble. The present Treatise notified with the Title of an universal
Chest or Cabinet full of Riches, or of a general Appendix of all my
Writings hitherto exposed to the publick view performs this, whereby
all things which have been either the more briefly and obscurely spoken
in them are with a more clear or perspicuous illustration explained,
or things that have been wholly omitted are supplied, and by the same
endeavour the promised Treatises are added, yet not in that order
wherein they ought otherwise to be written down, and the which order
here to be observed, would administer very much trouble; but wherein
all the secrets have in process of time been made known unto me, and
committed to Paper. But it is free for any one to add according to his
own Judgment, Medicinal Secrets unto Medicinal ones, Mineral Secrets
unto Mineral ones, Chymical Secrets unto Chymical ones, if it shall so
please him, and time shall also permit the same, which it in no wise
permitteth unto me, every one that acquiesceth and is content with
these things may consider, if a certain Cook should set a Dish on the
Table filled with the best Meats, as being destitute of time, to put
every sort of Meat in a several Dish, whether he could of right be
angry with him, or by whisperingly prating, he could dare to say, he
was to be blamed as being not skilfull in the affairs of the Kitchin,
because collecting so many delicate and such dainty Meats into one
Dish, and daring to set them on the Table? I suppose not any one could
of right complain of such a deed of any Cook; the Cook, desiring to
have it taken in good part, such Meats as he had, such he sets before
them; he that refuseth to take of them, may use his own liberty, and
may let those Meats alone, which he is not compelled to receive, even
as the Cook also may be constrained by none in preparing of the same
according to his own will or judgment._
_Whatsoever Meat doth not please the Pallate of one, yet will not be
ingratefull to the Pallate of another, but on the contrary gratefull,
seeing one Food is wont to savour or relish this Man, and another the
other, neither is he inordinately affected with the disdain of confused
Meats, who taketh of those which relish him, and leaveth the rest for
others._
_Let every one that blameth these Writings do the same, not in hastily
taking them in evil part, but in friendly and courteously excusing me
that I have not sent them abroad in a more harmonious order._
_They are like unto a certain true and great Cabinet or Chest, filled
with very many excellent Secrets, being reduced into my knowledge
through a successive diligent search of thirty years and so collected
into one heap, that they might either be conserved for my own or at
some time be made of publick use or service: out of this Chest every
one shall be able to exhaust those =Arcanums= and =Secrets=, which
shall please him or serve his uses._
_As to what concerns my self, because I daily behold sometimes this
Man, sometimes that Man being snatched away by death, to be carried
forth and committed to the Earth, I may easily conclude rationally with
my self, that those changes or chances will in a short time happen
also unto me; I should commit a very grievous offence or errour, that
so many costs, labours and troubles, of so many and so great Secrets
being consumed in vain, I should carry them away with me under ground,
and not bestow them for a common good: I shall here perform the office
of a good House-holder, or skilfull House-keeper or Steward, who after
that he hath made abundant of Provision for Winter-cloathing for
himself, his Wife, Children and whole Family, if he hath as yet plenty
of Linnen and Woollen Cloth remaining, he doth not cast them away, but
rather casts them together into a Chest, so long to be kept, untill
he shall obtain an occasion of administring them for the use of his
Neighbour. In the name of the Lord therefore, in making a beginning
with the opening of my Chest of Treasures, I will empty it out by
little and little by degrees, and will offer it for a common use, that
out of so many Treasures, every one may convert unto his own use, what
things he shall judge to be profitable unto him; to wit, a Physician
Medicinal things, and a Chymist Chymical things, even as every one
shall discern any thing to be fit for his own use, every one of what
rank soever shall find those things wherewith he might be content, so
indeed that whatsoever he shall not meet withall in the first, second,
or third Century may be found in the rest, for which things sake, if
ten Centuries shall not be sufficient, I will adjoyn other ten or
more, that so I may remove from me all those cares, and carefulnesses
wherewith the custody of so great Treasures hath importuned and
affected me for so many years. Like unto a travelling Woman, who
with the greatest desire expecteth the hour of her delivery, and who
desireth the beholding of her Fruit, do I desire that time wherein all
things shall be printed in Letters. The Almighty God bestow on me so
much presence of mind, health, and strength, and prolong my Life so
far, that I may finish it to his Honour, and the Succour, Comfort and
Profit of all Mankind._ Amen.
THE
FIRST CENTURY:
OR
_GLAUBER’S_ Wealthy Store-House of Treasures.