_I will now address my self to the discovering of the wonders of God,
not hitherto heard of; to wit, that throughout the whole Earth, no
less in cold than in hot Countries, where there are Sand and Stones to
be had, good Gold may be extracted from thence with profit. Because
a Man cannot set his foot in any place where Gold doth not exist.
Nevertheless Chalk, or Lime-Stones, are to be thence excepted; because
they onely seldom or never contain any thing of Gold, otherwise all
sandy and rocky Stones, all Flints of what colour soever, as also all
Sand, fine and course, all sandy Stones upon high Mountains, in deep
Valleys, in the bowels of the Earth, in Ponds and Rivers, and lastly,
all the Sand on the Sea-shore, none excepted, although it hath as yet
obtained no colour, but be white and clear. The which indeed will seem
incredible to very many, but is asserted by me as a sincere truth,
which I never found, by reading or hearsay, but have proved by many
and various experiments. Some of which I will here set down for the
confirming and demonstrating the truth of my Writings, that by those,
all Men of a sound mind may be able to discern, that my Assertion is no
Dream, nor fabulous trifle, but sufficiently founded upon experience in
the light of nature._
_Therefore I would not have thee judge of those things which thou
understandest not, nor canst not at present apprehend, but remember
that the wonders of God triumph with magnificence and power. But search
out those things in every part before thou presumest to interpose thy
immature judgment. And although in the proof thou shouldst be mistaken
as may easily happen to one making tryal, yet do not impute the errour
to my Writings, but rather to thy own unready Wit. For I will here
write nothing but what I have oftentimes performed, and can yet perform
at any time. Consult other searchers after this matter, among which
I think all cannot err, in a matter so easie, that even a Boy of ten
years of Age may apprehend it, for what belongs to the possibility of
it, but it will be evident to many of them with me, =That there is Gold
in all Sand and Stones=, through all places of the =World=. But there
is no need that I should here shew the way of extracting it from them,
in a great quantity or large use, but rather I shall beware, that I put
not so sharp a Dart into the hands of my Adversaries, to wound my self,
for I have published this to gratifie candid Friends, not Counterfeits,
but least of all the Compilers of notorious Libels, in which opinion, I
will remain and acquiesce._
We will now proceed to the Trial whether those things which I have here
written be true, and are able to abide the Examen of the Cupel, to wit,
that in all Sand, there is good Gold.
_The first Specimen of Probation._
_Recipe_ one Ounce of white Sand or Flint, which you esteem to be
altogether void of Gold, with which mix three parts of _Minium_, or
of any other Ashes of _Saturn_. Put this mixture into a Wind Furnace,
or to the Bellows, let it flow well together for an hour, and it will
turn to a yellow glass; suffer it not to stand too long lest the glass
of _Saturn_ perforate the Crucible, and run out into the Ashes. Pour
out the glass and powder it, and mix it with half its weight of _Sal
Alcali_ or Pot ashes, put this mixture into an Iron Crucible, into
which you have first put some bits of Iron, or old Nails; give fire and
cause the matter to flow, and the glass of _Saturn_ will be continually
reduced by the _Mars_, and at length return into Lead: Pour it out
into a Cone, and the _Regulus_ of _Saturn_ will sink to the bottom,
and the Sand or Flint will be uppermost as a dross. After all is cold,
take out the _Regulus_ of _Saturn_, which hath drawn to it self so
great a roughness and blackness from the Iron, that it cannot easily
be cupellated: which you may remedy thus: put this black _Regulus_ of
_Saturn_ into a Crucible in a Wind Furnace, cause it to flow well; and
if there be of that one Ounce, cast upon it a Drachm or somewhat more
of Salt-peter, and make them flow together, then the Salt-peter will
attract the roughness from the _Saturn_ and turn it into _Scoria_.
Which being poured out and the _Regulus_ of _Saturn_ separated from
the _Scoria_, it will be white and tractable, and easily runneth upon
the Cupel. This I call washing. But if thou knowest not how to perform
this Lotion, which yet in it self consisteth in an easie labour, put
thy black and rough _Regulus_ of _Saturn_ into such an Instrument (as
they call =Treib Scherbe=) or, a close Cupel, under a covering [or
Muffle,] and suffer it so to be defecated for the space of half or at
least a quarter of an hour, pour it out and separate the _Scoria_ from
the _Regulus_; which will be white and tractable. But the Lotion by
Salt-peter is much the better.
Of this _Regulus_ of _Saturn_, and of that same Lead of which the Ashes
of _Saturn_ were made, take equally the same weight, exactly weighed
with the lesser weights, put each of them apart upon a dephlegmed
Cupel, suffer them to run; compare one with the other, and you shall
find, that _Saturn_ which was blown off with the Sand or Flint to leave
behind it a grain of Gold, but on the contrary, the common _Saturn_
will onely leave a grain of Silver. Who now can deny, but that the
grain of Gold proceedeth from the white Sand or Flint? For no Gold
could come from the Salts. This Specimen of Probation is a palpable
Argument, that Gold is contained in all Sand and Flints of what Colour
soever. But that there is no difference between one Sand or Flint, and
another, so that there is no more Gold in one than another, I do not
assert, for (in that respect) they greatly differ. Also that the Sand
of hot Regions containeth more Gold than that of cold Countreys, is in
no wise to be doubted, as every prudent Man will easily think. For we
have let down this Specimen of Probation, onely to the end that you may
find Gold to be in all the Sand and Flints of the whole World.
_The second Specimen of Probation._
_Recipe_ one part of white Flint or Sand, with which mix three or four
times as much Salt of Tartar, or of any other Alcaly, which mixture put
into a Crucible, so that it be not above a third part full, because
this mixture in the melting might rise up and run over the Crucible;
let it stand half an hour, that it may be well melted, and it will be
turned into a white transparent glass. Pour it out and dissolve it
in water, or rather in a _Lixivium_, and the Sand or Flint will be
dissolved, and converted into a thick Liquor. In this Liquor digest for
the space of an hour or two, half an Ounce of Filings or Raspings or
rather thin shavings of Lead, and the Lead will extract the spiritual
Gold from the Water of Flints, and will thence grow yellow: Which being
taken out of the Water dry, cupel it, and you shall find a grain of
Gold. Also cupel another half Ounce of the same Lead, and you shall
find a grain of Silver, as is commonly wont to be had from all Lead,
from which you may be certain that white Flints and Sand, contain
spiritual Gold, which becometh corporeal with Metals.
_A Third Specimen of Probation._
Dissolve _Saturn_ in _Áqua Fortis_, and pour into the solution Salt
water, and all the Lead will fall from the Water like a white Powder:
mix three parts of this edulcorated and dryed _Calx_ of _Saturn_ with
one part of Sand, to which add half so much of the Salt of a _Lixivium_
or other Alcaly; which mixture put into an Iron Crucible, into which
you have first put some bits of Iron, which being covered, suffer it
to melt for the space of full half an hour, untill the sharp Spirits
of Salt which were in the Lead be mortified by the Iron, for then the
_Saturn_ is reduced and rendered corporeal, which being poured out into
a Cone, the _Regulus_ of _Saturn_ falleth to the bottom, which you may
wash with Salt-peter as we have taught above, or purge it from the
Fæces on the =Treib Scherbe= [or Muffle] weigh it exactly by the lesser
Probatory Weights, weigh also as much of any other common Lead, which
is not melted with Sand, cupel each by it self, and that Lead which was
melted with the Sand, will leave a grain of Gold in the Cupel, but the
other common Lead leaveth onely a grain of Silver. Which sufficiently
proveth that there is Gold in all Sand, none excepted. But I do not
assert that all Sand containeth so much Gold as that it may be thence
extracted with profit. Because some Sand is poor, other rich, another
richer. Therefore whosoever intendeth any profit by this ought before
hand to know the difference of Sand and Stones, that he may not lose
his labour. The which may easily be found out by experience, to wit,
if you do nothing in great Quantities, before you have made trial in
lesser, that is, such as may be performed by the lesser Specimens of
Probation.
_A Legitimate and Infallible way and manner of finding out and
proving every Flint, Stone, and Sand, whether it containeth much
or little Gold._
_Recipe_ four ounces of Sand, Flint, or other Stones or Rocks, which
you have a mind to prove; heat them red hot in a Crucible, and cast
them so into cold Water, where they will become tractable, and may
easily be brought to fine Powder, to those four ounces of powdered
Flints, Sand or Stones, put into a small Glass Cucurbit, pour two
ounces of _Aq. Regis_, that the Sand may be well moistned; set the
Cucurbit upon warm Sand for half an hour, and the Aqua Regis will
attract to it self the Gold which is contained in the Sand or Flint.
To which if two ounces of hot Water be poured into the Cucurbit, and
mixed by a strong shaking it together, and filtred through a brown
Paper, the Water with the Gold goeth through the filter, and the Sand
will remain in the Paper, to which if you pour a little common Water,
and let it run through it will take out the residue of the Gold, which
yet adhereth to the Sand, which is to be added to the first. Upon
this Solution if you pour a _Lixivium_, but rather Spirit of Urine;
that _Lixivium_ or Spirit of Urine, mortifieth the _Aqua Regis_ and
precipitateth the Gold which is in it in form of a yellow Powder, from
which the Water is to be poured off, and the Sol to be edulcorated
with fresh Water, and dryed, and that very warily, because Gold of
this sort, when it groweth hot, fulminateth, so that it is shattered
into minute parts. To this fulminating Gold if you add a little common
Sulphur, and make it red hot in a Crucible, it doth not fulminate.
If you reduce such a _Calx_ of Gold mixed with Borax in a clean
Crucible, you will find how much Gold that four Ounces of Sand or Flint
contained. _N. B._ Except the Sand or Flint should happen also to be
impregnated with Iron, which would render the _Sol_ brittle and pale.
For in that case, the _Sol_ precipitated from the _Aqua Regia_, and
burned with Sulphur would not flow with Borax, because the Iron being
mixed with it, would adulterate the Probation: But if you cupel such
Gold partaking of Iron, with _Saturn_, the Iron may be separated from
the _Sol_, and the proof will be void of errour. _N. B._ That Sand and
Flints, may indeed be proved another way, but seeing this which we have
here prescribed, is easie to be practised, we will rest in that.
But this one thing is also necessary to be known, _viz._ It is indeed
true, that in all Sand and Flints there is Gold, as the above mentioned
proofs do witness; nevertheless know that there is a difference between
native, corporeal, and solid Gold, and the volatile spiritual first
Ens of Gold. For the corporeal Gold is easily extracted by the help
of corrosive Waters or Salts; but the spiritual not so. And because
corporeal Gold is always elicited by the benefit of the above mentioned
Probation it may thence happen, that although in white Sand there
should plainly be no corporeal Gold, nevertheless by the help of the
aforesaid Probations it would be thence elicited, indeed not much, nor
no more than what the Lead which was used for the proof, did contain of
Silver: because the _Lune_ in the melting or dissolving hath attracted
to it self the spiritual Gold, from the Flint or Sand, so that it is
thence tincted and transmuted into Gold. Which is manifest in that the
grain of _Sol_ doth not exceed the magnitude of the grain of Silver,
which is gotten from other common Lead. But if besides the spiritual,
there be also corporeal Gold in the Sand, the grain of _Sol_ will
necessarily exceed that of _Luna_, for the Silver which was contained
in the _Saturn_ doth not vanish into Air but remaineth and because it
doth not remain the same Silver but passeth into Gold, that change is
ascribed to the notable Operation of the first Ens of Gold or spiritual
Gold in the Sand. Wherefore who soever intendeth to extract Gold from
Sand, Flint or Stones with profit, ought to know certainly before by
smaller experiments, that besides spiritual, they also contain corporal
Gold. For I have written this Book onely upon the account of extracting
from them corporal Gold, leaving the spiritual Gold to Philosophers
that of it they may make their Stone. But necessity required that
I should lightly touch at those few things. For if according to my
prescribed Probations, any one in working should have found a grain
of Gold of equal quantity with the grain of Silver, he might wonder
in his mind, which way the Silver had made its escape, seeing that he
had found Gold instead of Silver. Wherefore I thought it necessary to
shew the reason of that, for the taking away all scruple from every
ignorant mind. Wherefore whosoever seeketh Gold from Sand or Stones,
let him chuse such, from which corporal Gold may be extracted with
profit. For they will afford him such profitable fruit, as the white
Sand denieth. But that for the performing my Specimens of Probation, I
have taught to take white Sand, I have done it for this reason, that I
might make it evident to every one that there is Gold in all Sand, but
that it cannot be extracted from all with gain. For white Sand or Flint
is very often void of corporal Gold, but never of spiritual, by which
Silver may be converted into good Gold. I might have passed by this
admonition with silence, seeing that those things are not necessary
to be known by the vulgar, in asmuch as corporal Gold will abundantly
satisfy their desire; but a Philosopher neither wanteth, nor seeketh
corporal Gold, but onely spiritual, to prepare of it a Tincture. Add,
that to him it is sufficiently known, in what subjects the first Ens of
Gold is plentifully contained. Hence, although the first Ens of Gold be
also in white Sand, as is manifest by the foregoing proofs, he useth
not that, but rather seeketh such Stones for his work, as contain much
Tincture. Neither also doth any true Philosopher so tie himself to this
or that subject onely, that he will not elicit his Tincture from any
other, inasmuch as it is evident to him that the first Ens of Gold may
be found in all things in the whole World. For wheresoever there is
Sulphur, there may also be had the first Ens of Gold, whence a Tincture
may be prepared. But it is evident that in all Vegetables, Animals and
Minerals there is Sulphur. For the matter of the Stone of Philosophers,
every where offereth it self, so that the poor as well as the rich may
attain it without cost, according to that saying of the Philosopher;
_That their matter is every where obvious, and prepared without money,
trod under foot and thrown to Dunghils_. So the true Philosophers speak
and write. But Sophisters, who falsly assume the name of Philosophers,
wandring up and down from Court to Court, where they offer their
service for the acquiring the Philosophers Stone, by their lying
Fables, perswade credulous Noble men, that the matter of the Stone
is to be sought in this or that place or mountain, as in _Hungary_,
_Transylvania_, the Forrest of _Hercynia_, _Thuringia_ or _Bohemia_,
or in the Rocks of _Sueden_ or _Norway_, and elsewhere. Others again
perswade credulous Persons, that the Stone of Philosophers, can be
made of nothing but common Gold, and therefore require of their
Patrons not onely some ounces, but some pounds of Gold, for their own
greater profit. One of those Pseudo-philosophers was lately here at
_Amsterdam_, who by perswading certain Merchants, trickt them out of
two and twenty Marks of Gold, thence to make the Philosophers Stone.
He indeed put the Gold into the Vessel according to his own manner,
before those Merchants, giving to it a continuall Fire. But after much
time being elapsed, when they expected to reap the Fruit, he, who had
plaid the Philosopher, privately withdrew himself into I know not what
Countrey, and would not return to take out the two and twenty marks of
gold. Therefore the Merchants themselves being about to take them out,
found those solar Birds were flown, and had left onely the empty nest.
Which empty nest as yet lies in a place in this City, nor doth any one
know how to convert it to his own use. But if the Merchant had given to
that impostor in hand, onely two, or at the most three ounces of gold,
they had not received so great a loss. But as they unadvisedly credited
his fine Clothes, and his finer words, so they were intollerably
deceived.
A true Philosopher wanteth not so much gold for his Medicine, inasmuch
as if he bringeth but one half ounce to perfection, it may suffice for
his whole life, and may be in his own power to do the same again as
often as necessity shall require, so that he will have no need to run
up and down from one to another who are greedy of gold, to blemish the
noble art of Chymistry, and bring it into hatred with the whole World.
Some years since, when I had written of the Prosperity of _Germany_,
and from a good intention had taught _how Wine and Corn might be
concentrated, and in case of necessity, might be commodiously carried
from one Countrey to another, and there safely kept in Garrisons or
Fortresses for future use_; fearing that at sometime while the Shepherd
slept, that most ravenous Wolf the _Turk_ might break into the _German_
Fold, and cut the throats of what Sheep he could not carry away.
Against which, _Farner_ with his accomplices, hath set forth notorious
Libels, and hath every where traduced me for a false Prophet: Whose
Calumnies I have not opposed, because he hath sheltred himself under
the protection of Princes. Moreover, this _Farner_, with a consort of
ruiners of fame, or good name, have reproachfully wounded my Honour, by
falsely accusing my Writings, and traducing them for Lyes: And seeing
that almost all of them abide in great Men’s Courts, and have not put
their names to their invective Papers, I have not indeed been able to
reach them. But yet at length those Men of darkness, who have concealed
their names, that they might give the greater reputation to their
slanderous Papers, do come to be more and more known to me. Besides
at last the event hath shewed those things to be true, which I had
predicted should happen; to wit, that the depraved Christians should
be chastised by the _Turks_ and _Tartars_. But it is to be pitied that
also Men of better note, should be ensnared and captivated by the
common judgment, by reason of that Company of the Devils attendants.
For the unerring truth declareth, that the righteous scourge of God,
will not be taken away from us, before such spoils of a Man’s good name
be restrained by the Magistrate.
Now, to return to our purpose, to demonstrate, that not onely Gold,
but also somewhat more rare; to wit, a true Tincture is hidden in
Stones, and by the help of Art may be extracted from them, which the
Ancients have hinted at in these words: _Auro quid Melius? Jaspis_, &c.
And that there is much Tincture contained in the Jasper, I have long
since inculcated in other places of my Writings. _Paracelsus_ highly
commendeth _Red Talck_, _Granates_, _Antimony_, and _Lapis Lazuli_,
adding that Tinctures or the first Ens of Gold, may be gotten from them
by the help of sublimation. Moreover the first Ens of Gold, may also
be found in other Stones, especially in the _Hematitis_, _Scythis_,
_Magnesia_ of _Piedmont_, _Smiris_, and others of that kind, in which
it is so fixed, that there is nothing wanting to obtain it but onely
the way of extracting, and giving it ingress by _Sol_. On the contrary,
the first Ens of Gold is indeed in Vegetable, Animal, and Mineral
Sulphur, Marcasites, and Antimony, and that abundantly, but so volatile
that Stones are to be preferred to them.
And although my intention in this Book extendeth no farther than the
extracting of Gold out of Stones, Sand, and Flints, yet nothing hinders
but that in a few words, I may also shew, that in Stones, there is
not onely fixed Gold, but also volatile, whence a true Tincture may
be perfected. Which Tincture I have not as yet made, but nevertheless
I am certainly perswaded that it is in no wise impossible to be done.
For whosoever can render the first Ens of Gold, in Stones, volatile,
and draw it out by Distillation, he will continually obtain a gradatory
water, whereby he may coagulate every running Mercury into good Gold.
But he that knoweth how to joyn this volatile Gold with corporal _Sol_,
to unite them and procure ingress, may thence expect a far greater
good. For the first Ens of Gold is more conducible for the preparing
Tinctures, than corporal Gold, as one of the Philosophers hath
signified in the following words: _Thou canst not make Gold or Silver,
except thou shalt obtain their first Ens_. The first Ens of Gold, which
is hidden in all Vegetables and Animals, coagulateth Mercury also into
a yellowness, but not constant; but if it shall be fixed, it also
coagulateth and fixeth with constancy, but not before. Therefore it is
most certainly true, that where Sulphur is, there is also the first
Ens of Gold; and where there is the first Ens of Gold, there is also
Tincture. Therefore seeing that Sulphur may be found, in all things
in the World, even in the smallest Herb, it followeth that also from
every Herb, Wood, Stone, or Bone, a true Tincture may be prepared.
Whosoever will believe, let him, it matters little to me whether it be
believed or not, I think my self satisfied in that I have not put that
light which I have received under a Bushel, but have exhibited it to
the World for information. For the light conduceth nothing to him who
is blind, and resolveth to remain so. You shall find more in my third
Century, as also in the sixth part of my _Pharmacopœa Spagyrica_.
_How it may be known whether Sand, Flints, and the like Stones,
being pregnant with Gold, contain much Gold, or but little._
White Sand and Flint, contain the least Gold of all; which Sand indeed
is never without Gold, although it cannot be extracted from it with
profit. In the white and red, there is more Gold than in the white,
nevertheless not always so much as will pay the cost. In the yellow,
brown, or black, there is commonly much Gold contained, whensoever
veins of white or yellow Sand run through them, and especially when
such Sand shineth with abundance of small golden sparks, closely
adhering to each other. In like manner that Sand is rich in _Sol_,
which is like to Talck, or when Stones are found in it, in which there
is red or brown Talck, even as _Sol_ is contained almost in every
Talck, nevertheless in some more, in other less.
All River Pebbles (which although outwardly they appear white, yet when
heated red hot and broken, are stained with yellowness, and contain
_Sol_) are in extracting sufficiently rich in Gold.
Green, yellow, or blue Stones, being transparent like horn [called in
the _German_ Tongue _Hornstein_] are also for the most part fruitfull
in Gold. Also all red, dark-coloured and black Flints contain Gold,
with which Iron is frequently admixed, which in the extraction is drawn
out with the _Sol_, and weakneth the _Menstruum_, and rendereth it
unprofitable.
All Quarries or rocky Stones, whether they be found in the Earth after
the manner of Ducts, or whether they lie in the open Air, when they are
coloured, contain Gold. Every _Hæmatites_, and that which is a kin to
it, the _Smiris_, the Granate, and _Lapis Lazuli_, all contain Gold,
nevertheless always one more than another, so that some of them are
rich in Gold.
All Granates contain Gold, and besides Gold, also the first Ens of
gold; but they are endowed with so hard a body, that _Aqua Fortis_
cannot exercise its power upon them. But there may be a remedy found,
by whose help their extraction may be instituted.
In every golden Stone called _Chrysocolla_, _Saphyr_, _Ruby_,
_Amethyst_, and _Hiacynth_, there is gold, but difficult to be
extracted. All Fluors or things fluxing, which are applied to the Mines
of _Sol_ and _Lune_, for the bringing their Oars to a flux or melting,
whether they be of a violet colour, or purple, yellow, red, or green)
are all endowed with unripe and volatile gold. Which if you shall make
red hot, the colour evaporateth like a green, yellow, or red smoke,
leaving the Stones white. But if any Man shall know how to intercept,
and detain such fugacious _Sol_, he may therewith coagulate _Mercury_
into gold. In like manner from all Stones, in which is the first Ens of
gold, a green-water may be extracted by the help of Distillation, in
which _Mercury_ coagulateth it self into gold. The Ancient Philosophers
have called such a green-water, their _Green Lyon_, which devoureth
gold, and of it prepareth a Tincture for _Lune_ and _Mercury_.
Concerning this matter, I could indeed say somewhat more, did not the
avarice and improbity of Men, who seek nothing but the damage of their
Neighbour, restrain me. Hence all those in which any light of God shall
arise, ought diligently to beware that they communicate nothing of it
to wicked Men, although they put on the shape of an Angel. For Faith
is now no where kept among Men, as these following words of a golden
Alphabet do witness.
_Soli Deo tu Confidas,
Promissis hominum diffidas,
Deus solus fidem servat
A mundo fides exulat._
In God alone repose thy trust,
With Mens pretence be not beguil’d;
God onely keepeth Faith, is Just,
Which from the World is quite exil’d.
If many years ago, I had known those things which I now do, it would
have profited me much in being aware of the dissembled sanctity of
impostours. But what is past cannot be recalled: Let these things at
this time suffice to be spoken of the knowledge of Sand and Stones,
every Man may look further for himself, and search out and learn more.
If any Man findeth any good from what I have written in this Book,
let him give God thanks, and be mindfull of the Poor; if not, let him
look upon himself as unworthy to be partaker of it. For I have here
written more perspicuously, than any Philosopher hath done before me,
in which I rest. It now remains that we should say something concerning
the easie way, and incomparable invention, by whose benefit _Sol_
may be extracted from Sand and Stones, in great quantity and with a
considerable gain. Which invention hath been hitherto unknown to the
World, and it is almost impossible that a better should be found. But
that the searcher into Art may see that this new invention of mine,
is of all the most easie for the extracting of Gold from Sand or
Flints, and that the World hath never known the like, I have thought
fit to shew in what this _Compendium_ consists, and it is thus. It is
sufficiently known with what labour and costs the ancient Workers in
Metals, and even those at this day, have extracted, and do extract Gold
from Sand and Stones, _viz._ when first they burn the Oars or Stones,
then grind it in peculiar Mills accommodated to that purpose, with
_Argent-vive_ and water, where the _Argent-vive_ draweth to it self the
_Sol_, and the Stone goeth away in the washing, and the greatest part
of the _Argent-vive_ is strain’d from the gold through Leather, which
may again serve for the same use. Then in Iron Retorts they drive out
the residue of the _Argent-vive_, which yet adhered to the _Sol_, which
is saved; then they melt the _Sol_. In which operation they lose much
of the _Argent-vive_, which in the grinding and washing goeth away: so
that often times the charge of the _Mercury_ is no less than the gain
of the gold. Therefore by this way nothing can be gotten from a poor
Mine. But this is the easiest way they have to separate _Sol_ from its
Oar or Stones.
Another way is, when they mix the washed Oar (which the _Germans_ call
_Schlicht_) with its weight of Litharge, and melt it with Bellows, then
cupel the _Regulus_ of _Saturn_, and so they obtain the _Sol_ which was
in the Oar. Which way of melting, is also dear, because much of the
Lead is lost: But yet they are obliged to follow this way, who know no
better. Now I will compare my way with this, that it may be evident
which of them is the most easie and profitable. As for my method of
extracting, it chiefly depends upon four singular _Compendiums_, by
which the operation is rendred easie. The first of which is a water of
small cost, which may be copiously prepared, without Distillation.
The second is a singular Metal, of which the Kettles or Pans are made,
in which the Stones or Sand is boiled with the water of small cost,
and yet are not corroded nor consumed. And when the water shall have
dissolved and imbibed the _Sol_ in the Sand, the Oar, Sand, or Stones,
with the water are to be taken out of the boiling Vessel, and put into
another Vessel adapted to this use, with a bottom all over perforated
with small holes [like a Colender] and first covered with inside, with
a thin Matt, then the water will drop down through the Sand and Matt
into another Vessel placed under it; moreover more hot water is to be
poured upon the same Sand, and let to run through it, which water will
also extract the gold which as yet remained in the Sand. And after this
Elixiviation, the Sand, (which is now of no use) is to be taken out of
the filtering Vessel, and this labour to be continued so long, untill
no more Sand is to be extracted.
The third _Compendium_ is this, when the _Lixivium_ of Gold, is
collected to a just quantity, a singular Water of small cost, is
poured into the Solution of Gold, whence all the _Sol_ is precipitated
from the Solvent, the Solvent by inclination is decanted from the
_Calx_ of _Sol_, and may again be used for the like extraction,
seeing that it still retaineth its strength, being nothing weakened
by the precipitation. Therefore we may use this Solvent a long time.
And that which is lost by pouring too and again, is of small charge,
because it may be recruited again by the like cheap Water. But if
one should mortifie that dissolvent with other contrary _Lixiviums_,
to precipitate the _Sol_, as otherwise is wont to be done, and I
have taught above, about the proving of Sand, what a loss should we
undergo, if at every time we should destroy our Solvent? Besides such
an extraction is costly and laborious, when made in glass or earthen
Cucurbits.
But this extraction is almost of no charge, seeing that it may be
perfected in great Kettles, and the Gold thence precipitated without
loss of the Water. This extraction of Gold is like the extraction of
Salt-peter from Earth, where the Workmen also elixiviate one part of
the Earth, by the help of Water, which Earth they then throw away,
and in room of that put other Earth into the Vessel, which they also
elixiviate or wash, and that so often till they have elixiviated all
their Earth impregnated with Salt peter. And by the same reason we
elicit our Gold from Sand, as they make their Salt-peter.
The fourth _Compendium_ is this, that the precipitated _Calx_ of _Sol_,
after the Water is filtred from it, is taken out of the filter and
dried, and by the benefit of a certain singular good flux, not at all
costly, is reduced, so that in the melting nothing of the Gold is lost.
In those four _Compendiums_ the whole work of our extraction
consisteth, as a building standing upon four Pillars, one of which
failing, the whole structure is ruined. He that knoweth those four
_Compendiums_ may boldly enter upon the work, to extract _Sol_ from
Sand and Stones: for then it will be a work of profit to him, otherwise
not, which I have declared for the information of every man.
But that I have made none of those four _Compendiums_ manifest, let no
man wonder, because I have been sufficiently hurt by the slanderous
Forgeries of cavelling Detractours. For when by reason of their dull
apprehension, they could not understand nor perform those things
which I had written openly and plain enough, they falsly traduced my
Writings, as abounding with lies.
Let these things suffice to be written at this time, concerning the
extraction of Gold out of Stones, Sand or Flints: which I doubt not
but will be of use hereafter to many indigent Persons. For although
all men should apply themselves to that extraction, yet they would
in no wise incommode one another, seeing there are Sand and Stones
every where obvious to all. And also the Salts for extracting are so
plentifully afforded, that nothing is wanting but a man to put his hand
to the work. But some one may here object and say: I do indeed believe
_Glauber_, that in the Sand and Stones of the East and West _Indies_,
_Africa_, _Spain_, _Italy_, _France_, and other hot Countries, much
Gold may be found, but who will remove his dwelling thither to
extract it? There is no need that any should go dwell in _Africa_, or
either _Indies_, thence to fetch us Gold, seeing that it may be had
sufficiently in _Europe_, and may be found in all cold places. It is
well known, that in many parts of _Germany_, Gold is elicited from the
Sand as well of small, as great Rivers and Lakes. But that more Gold
may not be had in _Germany_, which is temperate, than in cold _Norway_,
or _Sweden_, and less in _Germany_ than in _France_ or _Spain_, I will
not deny. Therefore we need no Commerce with thirsty _Africa_, or
_America_, as that with great peril of body and mind, we should seek
Gold thence, seeing that we have it in every Countrey of _Europe_, and
that not onely under ground in the Veins of the Earth, whence it is
to be digged out with great trouble, cost and labour; but it is also
every where manifest upon the Earth, where it is much more largely and
easily acquired. The most famous Monarch of Philosophers, _Paracelsus_,
in his Book of the Vexations of Alchymists saith: _That more Gold
and Silver may be found above the Earth, than in its profundity, and
that oftentimes a Countreyman throweth a Stone at a Cow, which is
of greater value than the Price of the Cow_. Which thing indeed is
certainly true, nevertheless whosoever will not with _Glauber_ believe
it, let him remain in his unbelief. In _Esdras_, we reade these words:
_There is much Earth of which Potters make their Vessels, but a small
quantity of Powder or Dust of which Gold is made_. Which words are
commonly thus interpreted, that, by the words powder or dust of which
Gold is made, the Writer hath understood the Stone of Philosophers.
The which is very agreeable to truth, but yet no Earth is found void
of metals, nevertheless all are not so rich, as to afford any profit
in the extracting. On the contrary all Stones and Sand (although every
of them doth not contain corporal _Sol_ so largely, as to be thence
extracted with gain) rejoyce in the first Ens of Gold, or such a _Calx_
by whose benefit Gold may be made. Which powder, if we know how to
extract from them, we may make it better than Gold it self. But seeing
such an Aurifick _Calx_ is very largely diffused in Sand or Stones, and
cannot be thence hammered out, but is extracted by Art alone, therefore
the blind Covetours of Gold, with the Ignorant, will not believe it,
because they know not how to perfect it. Hence an Art of this kind was
by the Philosophers kept most secret, where _Paracelsus_ speaking of
the first Ens of Gold, saith that it may be elicited by sublimation.
_Basilius_ writeth that the preparation of the universal Tincture, may
be compared to the distillation of a burning Spirit from the Lees of
Wine. A comparison sufficiently perspicuous! For even as in a great
quantity of Wine or Beer, there is hidden but a small quantity of
good Spirit, and the residue is nothing but an unprofitable mud, but
nevertheless that little Spirit, by the help of distillation is always
extracted from the great quantity of unprofitable mud, with gain, and
is concentrated into a very subtile penetrating Spirit, of which one
spoonfull is more to be esteemed than a whole pail full of Lees. By
such means the Philosophers would have us extract by Art, that first
Ens or form of Gold being very far dispersed in Sand and Stones, and
concentrate or bring it into a small compass, of which, but asmuch as
the magnitude of a Pease, is of greater worth than a huge Mountain of
unprofitable Earth. Moreover, this I will not conceal, that throughout
all _Germany_, in and about the Rivers may be found Stones, which are
sufficiently rich in Gold and Silver, and moreover if you break them
into pieces, you shall find within them little Holes and Caverns, which
abound with a yellow or brown Powder, which if any one shall take out,
and melt it together with Borax, he will acquire _Sol_ mixed with
Silver. But as yet, I never saw any man, who knew this sort of stones,
and much less that golden _Calx_ which is hidden in them. Which thing
without doubt they have passed by, by reason of their negligence,
not loving or seeking to know the physical _Magnalia_ of God. I have
found many the like stones in the sandy Hills about _Utrecht_, and
in other Sand-pits of this Belgick Nation, but more about the Banks
of the _Rhine_, and the Isle, as also the Coast of the Southern Sea,
some of which stones I have yet by me. Also in the rough places of
_Walavia_ you may find much Sand and Stones, which contain corporal
Gold. But there is no man knoweth any thing of them. And this might be
of great use to Children, if they were placed for a time in the Shop or
Workhouse of some Artist, of whom they might learn, whence in any case
of necessity they might be able to sustain themselves. But the rich,
relying upon their own fortunes, think that they have Wealth enough
for their Children, but if any adverse fortune shall chance to befall
them, as their Houses to be burnt, or their Ships robbed by Pyrates of
their rich Merchandizes, or be cast away by Tempests, or their Debtours
break and run away in their Debts, then they know not which way to turn
themselves; and because they have learned no Art, whereby to get their
living, they commonly degenerate into men of a desperate life. For one
leaveth his Wife and Children, and goeth into the _Indies_, where not
a few have become a Prey to wild Beasts or Cannibals. Another, for a
small stipend or pay, selleth his Freedom to fight by Sea and Land,
untill like a mad Dog he is miserably slain. [_I have heard that it
is a Custom in =Germany=, that a man may play away, pawn, or sell his
Liberty or Freedom, which being once gone, he becomes a Vassal or Slave
to the publick Service of the Prince or State, during his Life._]
Others, (after they have consumed and wasted all their substance, and
have learned nothing that is gainfull in their youth, whence they
might honestly maintain themselves and Families) betake themselves to
a vitious kind of life, till they perish in it. To have truely learned
Mechanick Arts, indeed helpeth much in fortunate times; but when the
times happen to be troublesome and difficult, and many men in the same
City exercise one and the same Art, one often hurts another, by eating
the Bread out of his mouth, and reduceth him to straits. But if a
Physician knoweth somewhat besides the Profession of Physick, by which
he may obtain a Living, he will have no need to make so many Visits to
the Sick out of a pressing desire and expectation of getting mony for
his diligent attendance. Therefore Hermetick Philosophy and Medicine,
with their Cousen _German_ natural Alchymy, are the most excellent of
all Arts, and will so remain to the End of the World.
Seeing therefore that such great Treasures (as we have heard) are
hidden in the despised Earth, and in such subjects as are every where
trampled under foot, wherefore should we not extract them, for an
honest maintenance, and defence against the injury of the times? Why
should we not leave _India_ to the _Indians_, and have regard to our
own _Europe_, which abundantly affordeth whatsoever we need for the
sustentation of Life? I cannot but say again and again, that were I but
ten years younger than I am, I would not cease, but for the good of
the publick, would publickly teach, and demonstrate to the Eye, true
Philosophy, Medicine, and Alchymy. But my glass being almost run, I
must commit the care of this labour to others who are younger and have
greater strength of Body. Therefore in the mean time, whatsoever good
I can do my Neighbour by wholsome Writings, I will not omit. I intend
shortly (God favouring my design) to publish many secrets, hitherto
unheard of. Nothing now remains but to close this little Treatise with,
The End.
_Glory be to God alone._
An Admonition to the READER.
_Whatsoever I have written in this little Book of the compendious
extracting of Gold, out of Sand and Stones, is so true, that nothing at
all is to be doubted concerning it: Nevertheless after this Treatise
was gone to the Press, another way, and that much better came into
my mind, by the benefit of which, Gold may be extracted with a much
greater expedition, than by the help of the former. Because for the
operation of this last way, there is no need of any Kettles or Pans
made of a certain singular Metal, but the extraction may be made in
quantity without any boyling, in such Vessels as are every where in
hand, and may be had, so that one man in one day, may by an easie
business perform the extraction of a thousand Pounds weight of Sand.
Which method is indeed much to be preferred to the former. Wherefore I
could not but also notifie this way of extraction. What seekest thou?
If I shall find that those my profitable inventions are gratefully
received, I will not neglect officiously to serve the publick, in this
present evil Age, and in the worser to come, by publishing the same.
With which, benevolent Reader, I commit thee to the Divine Care and
Protection. Dated at =Amsterdam= the 26th. Day of =July 1664=._
A
Spagyrical Pharmacopœa:
OR
DISPENSATORY.
Being an exact description by what means, profitable, efficacious,
and penetrating Medicines may be made, and prepared out of
Vegetables, Animals, and Minerals; after an unwonted and easie
method.