_Of Gold, and the Comparison betwixt it when living, and when dead._
It is so well known as that nothing can be more known, that Gold being
so compact and corporeal and without any opening, doth not when used
inwardly to man’s Body emit any Vertues at all. I will instance in one
Example of Mercury; This being living and unbroken and undissolved,
doth not, though used inwardly in a great weight, bring any hurt, but
passeth out again as ’twas before taken in without any alteration
of the Body. But if it be sublimed with Salt, or shall be dissolved
by some other corrosive Water, and be administred to a man to drink
the quantity of 1, 2, or 3 Grains it will shrewdly hazard his Life,
because the Salts have made its hidden lurking Poyson manifest. Thus
stands the case with Gold, which cannot shew forth its hidden force and
vertues as long as it remains bound and tied with the fetters of its
own compaction, but (on the other hand) displays them, assoon as ever
it shall be released from its bonds, be vivified by Salts, and rendred
efficacious. You see in a black Coal, whiles it is not fired, there is
not any heat at all perceived, but being kindled, and being by the Air
rendred living, it discovers the fire and heat being therein hidden,
the which you may likewise consider of concerning Gold.