_The way of extracting an Universal Medicine from common and
well-known Lead._
By Calcining reduce four pound of Common Lead to Ashes. With which
four pound of Calx of Lead, mix four pound of those Stones or Sand,
in which is contained the first Ens of Gold. Melt this Mixture in a
strong Crucible into Glass: which reduced to Powder, mix with a fourth
part of Salt of Tartar, and in an Iron Crucible reduce it, so you
will recover almost all your Lead. This Lead again reduce to Ashes,
and mix with it a fourth part of choice Sand and Flints, and melt the
Mixture into Glass. Which again reduce by help of Salt of Tartar and
Iron: again Calcine it, with Flints turn it into Glass, and reduce
it as before; the oftner the better. For in every Operation the Lead
extracts something of the first Ens of Gold from the Sand or Flints,
and at length becomes very rich with it. That afterward must, by the
help of a certain Magnet, be extracted from the Lead, and converted
to Medicinal use; as every Man, according to his capacity, is best
able to use the same. I judge it not convenient to make a farther
discovery touching this matter. Indeed the external face of this
Process is simple; because in so short a time, with so little charge,
and from so vile subjects, an Universal Medicine may be extracted.
Although _Saturn_ is covered with a deformed Ash-coloured Coat; yet
within in his interior penetrals is reconded a golden Crown, which
is not perceived before that grey Habit is taken off from him. As
oft as any one hopes for, or thinks to obtain such a thing, let him
read what _Basilius_, _Paracelsus_, and other Philosophers have writ
touching Lead. Blessed is that Man, who knows how to adhibit to this
Operation the Secret Lead of Philosophers instead of Common Lead: for
then undoubtedly he will find a most excellent Medicine; according as
Ancient Philosophers, by the following Words have expressed:
_Arctus est Hominis, qui constat VI. Elementis,
Cui =P.= si addideris, =S.= in =M.= mutare benè scis,
Hoc erit Æs nostrum, constans Lapis Philosophorum._
That _Arctus_ is _LUMBUS_, before which word, if you set the Letter P,
and change the last Letter S, into M, it will be _PLUMBUM_. Therefore
if by the help of Common Lead, (which notwithstanding is very impure,
and as it were Leprous) the possibility of Transmutation may be
demonstrated and verified, as is manifest by my New Chymical Light,
what may not the Secret Lead of Philosophers effect, which is _per se_
pure, and more excellent than Gold? _Cosmopolita_ speaks thus: Although
unto him, to whom GOD hath shewed the possibility of that, the Gain be
not so great as the Loss, yet unto him is opened an Entrance to the
knowledge and finding of all other high things. More of these at this
time I forbear to speak. Whosoever is so gross and stupid, as he knows
not how to enter through this Gate set wide open, how shall he be able
to enter through a narrower passage? Him, to whom this clear Light
cannot shew the way, neither the Light of _Sun_ or _Moon_ will profit
any thing. Yet I doubt not, but that even Mechanick Artificers, so soon
as that my Light begins to shine, will search out the Truth, unto every
of whom I wish the help of GOD.