CHAP. XXX.

_Yet one Royal Medicine of Vulgar Gold._

Make one Ounce of Gold more or less, irreducible by the benefit of

Salts. Then to such irreducible or unmeltable Gold, add as much by

weight of the fixed Salt of the Eagles Feathers burnt. Put these into

a firmly coated Glass, and place the Glass in an Earthen Pan full of

Sand; which Pan set in the Fire that it may be red hot. But after it

hath stood in such a Degree of heat, for four or five hours, let it

cool. Then take your fixed _Sol_ out of the Glass, and it will be like

white Chalk. This white _Sol_ taken out of the Glass put into a good

Crucible, upon which lute another, and then set it in a Wind Furnace,

where having stood four or five hours, without any extream heat, let

it cool. Then your Gold will be transmuted into a Tincture intensly

red. Grind this red Salt to a most subtil Powder, and pour on Spirit

of Wine to extract his Tincture. The tinged Spirit pour off, and pour

on other, that it may also extract. Abstract the Spirit of Wine from

the Tincture, and in the bottom a red Saline Liquor will remain, which

is to be accounted a true _Aurum Potabile_: because it is not possible

by any way whatsoever to extract any Gold from thence. This Operation

begun, I once absolved without Errour; but many times afterward trying

my Work, did not succeed so prosperously as at the first time. Yet I

rather ascribe the Errour to my self, than to Art, plainly judging,

that no other way more swift, more easie or more preparable, can be

obtained a most readily profitable Tincture for diseased, humane and

metallick Bodies. Yet I add this. If thou sufferest the common and now

ductile _Sol_ to be and remain Gold; and sparing labour and charge

for making it irreducible, do onely make choice of such Stones for

your Operation, such as without Charges you may get, and by nature

partake of irreducible Gold. Then indeed you may much more easily find

what you intend. For whatsoever Tinctures of a golden Disposition are

incited in those Stones, they notwithstanding in this operation lose

it, altogether wax white, and at length totally red again. Which being

beheld by me, I never saw in all my Life a more wonderfull Sight.

Hence Philosophers have always said: Whosoever can so destroy vulgar

_Sol_, as it can never be again reduced into _Sol_, he hath attained

to a very great Mystery. Also they further say: Whosoever knows not

how to make our _Sol_ (which is vulgar _Sol_ rendred irreducible, or

such as hath not yet felt the force of Fire, and in Stones is by Nature

irreducible) white, he also cannot make it red. But now that is done

this way. Therefore you need not doubt that besides medicinal Remedies,

some other Eminent Works may thence be made. Which I leave more deeply

to be searched into by those, who are yet strong and able to endure

labour. As for my own part, I esteem the Pleasures and Riches of this

World to be worse than nothing; and seek onely Incorruptibles, which

can neither be stolen by Thieves, nor gnawn by Moths and other Vermine,

nor be destroyed by any force of the Elements.

_An Admonition._

In this little Book, candid Reader, I have treated of many rare

_Arcanums_, or Secrets not vulgar; and that very briefly. All I here

write, I write from certain Experience, as to Medicine: far be it,

that I should profess my self a Master in the Melioration of Metals,

I had rather say with _Socrates_, _This one thing I know_, viz. _that

I know nothing_. Indeed had I been a younger Man, I should scarcely

have forborn to exercise my self in such an Operation; but my great Age

having rendred me unfit for all Labours, and unable to do any thing, I

may easily be excused, for I am as it were compelled to abstain from so

great a Work.

Here in this Book I have treated of divers secret Fires, yet not of all

to me known, but of many of them: touching the best of them all (if GOD

permit) the seventh Part of my _Spagyrical Pharmacopœa_ shall treat.

The wonderfull Vertues of which secret Fires is so far beyond belief,

as they exceed all the Fires in this Enchyridion commemorated.

_Quantum Lenta solent inter Viburna Cupressi._

I am amazed, as often as I call to mind, how immensly vertuous such

fiery truly Stygian Spirits are, which are endued with a faculty of

mortifying all Metals (although they be Bodies of greatest strength)

and of carrying with them their immortal Souls, wheresoever they can.

For they are endued with so great power, as nothing is able to defend

it self from them. Yet besides these there are also other horrid

Spirits made by Art, which do not onely after Mortification take from

metallick Bodies their Soul; but also are endued with so great power,

as they take away the Body with the Soul. Spirits of this kind are not

usefull for our necessities, but those Spirits which do onely mortifie

the Body, and draw forth from it its Soul, leaving the gross Body. If

these Bodies were as conducive to us as Spirits, there would be no need

to extract from them their most pure Spirits or Souls, to prepare our

Medicine of them. Wherefore we, not without good reason, by the help of

Artificial Distillation) extract the most clean Souls of Metals from

their rude Bodies. For, by the benefit of Distillation, all Bodies of

Vegetables, Animals and Minerals, are purified and subtilized. Which

clean and subtil Spirits (when they are again reduced into fixed

Bodies) must needs be better Bodies than all other vulgar Bodies,

which never yet were Spirits. Therefore, the more fixed those Bodies

are rendred, and the more those Spirits are subtilized, the more pure

and further powerfull Tinctures will be obtained from them. The like

we understand by Elementary Spirits. These Spirits, by their proper

Virtue, can so far extend themselves, as to become wholly invisible,

and (if I may so speak) altogether pervisible: on the contrary, they

can again concentrate themselves, and constringe themselves into a

very narrow compass, and in such-wise assume visible Bodies, palpable

and hard, as they please themselves. Although such Objects, in the

Judgment of the Eyes, are accounted Bodies, yet in very deed they are

not true Bodies, but are onely concentrated Spirits, which enjoy a

perpetual power of extending themselves again into latitude, and of

leaving their corporeal Form and Shape, and re-assuming their Spiritual

Figure. But it is impossible that these extended Spirits should possess

so great power, as they had before Extension. For Spirits extended

are no other than Air and Wind. On the contrary, concentrated Spirits

have incredible Fortitude, penetrate more swiftly, and are Bodies

of very great potency. A common Body cannot penetrate into another,

without hurt to it self; nor in that extend it self, because of its

gross and hard Mass. Yet such a Body, as is made of a certain Spirit,

can penetrate other Bodies, and amend the same, without destruction

of their Form and Species. As for Example: If any one turns a fixed

Metal into a subtile Spirit, and this Spirit again reduceth into a

fixed Body; this Body will not be a common, compact, gross or mortified

Body, like all other Metallick Bodies; but is a Body spiritual,

living, penetrating and vivifying mortified Bodies; or is (as I may

call it) a Corporeal Spirit, which can extend it self in Amplitude,

and shew its potency an hundred or a thousand ways; according as all

true Philosophers ascribe to their Universal Medicine or Tincture,

that it, in a very small quantity, is able to tinge or meliorate a

great quantity of the more vile Bodies into Bodies most noble. Which

admirable Correction is not as yet known to me; yet I certainly believe

and judge, that such a Transmutation, or famous Emendation of Metals

may be made, by the benefit of concentrated and fixed noble Metallick

Spirits. Whosoever hath Time and Place convenient to set about this

Work, may try what is possible to be performed by the help of Art.

Convert fixed Bodies into subtile Spirits, and reduce volatile Spirits

into fixed Bodies, then shall you obtain whatsoever you can desire or

wish for.

Indeed I have Reasons enough to restrain my Quill from a farther

promulgation of such high Matters; yet since I have proceeded farther

in this discovery, than any Man before me ever did; what hinders but

that I may to the Horse-man, to whom I have given a _Nisæan_ [or

excellent] Horse, give the Bridle also? Therefore it pleaseth me to

reveal yet one kind of Spirits, which very lovingly receive the Souls

of Metals (after their Bodies are mortified) and carry them up into the

Philosophick Heaven, that is, into the _Alembick_. Which good Spirits

are not horrible and cruel as the former, but sweet and amicable.

Indeed, such good Spirits do all willingly associate themselves with

the Souls of all Metals promiscuously, but onely with such most pure

Souls, as are in _Sol_ and _Luna_. But if they be compelled to be

concerned in the Mortification of fœtid gross Metals, as _Mars_ and

_Venus_, or of venomous, and as yet immature and volatile Metals, as

_Jupiter_, _Saturn_ and _Mercury_, and to receive the out-passing Souls

of them; they refuse not this office, yet from such fœtid Souls they

contract a stink to themselves, and therefore can scarcely afterward

be Medicinal. Wherefore, it is better not to use these good and pure

Spirits, unless for receiving the Souls of clean Metals; for then they

remain good, and cannot be administred in Medicine without admiration:

and, on the contrary, the Souls of venomous Metals may be so much the

more happily used for the Emendation of Metals.

Now, as touching these good Spirits, know, they are nothing else but a

pure Spirit of Wine, when it is associated with _Sol_ and _Luna_, at

that very time, wherein their fixed Bodies are invaded and mortified

by their Enemies, and their pure Souls set at liberty; then they

are received and carried upwards by these pure Spirits; and a Royal

Medicine is obtained, which every Man may administer according to his

understanding. There are also many other Spirits which attend Metals

destroyed and mortified, that they may take to themselves their pure

Souls and carry them away. But of these enough at this time. Ere long

(GOD willing) I shall speak more at large of these in the Seventh Part

of my _Spagyrick Pharmacopœa_.

* * * * *

_O most High GOD, the One onely Beginning and End of all things, I

making supplication from the bottom of my heart desire, that (when that

general Destroyer of Humane Bodies shall come and destroy my lean and

dried Earthen Mass, according to thy divine Will, and set my Soul at

liberty from the Bonds of the Body) thou wilt be pleased in that very

hour to take compassion on me, and send thy Ministring Spirits the

=Holy Angels= (by reason of thy Grace and Fatherly Mercy) to me at the

hour of Death, that receiving my departing Soul, may humbly prostrate

it at the feet of thy most Holy Majesty._ Amen.

_The End of the Sixth Part._

THE

SEVENTH PART

OF THE

Spagyrical Pharmacopœa.

In which is farther treated, how of Man’s Urine may be prepared

the Secret _Sal-Armoniack_ of Philosophers, and what incredible

Works may be performed by the benefit of it, both in Medicine

and in Alchymy: With an Instruction annexed how an Universal

Medicine and true Tincture for Humane and Metallick Bodies may be

acquired; and that no way more easie, more expeditious and less

chargeable, than by the help of good Spirit of Wine, or instead

of that a burning Spirit extracted from Corn, or other Vegetables.

The PREFACE to the READER.

Well-meaning Reader,

_The principal Reason which moveth me here in this small Treatise

(without any respect or regard of Persons worthy or unworthy) so

evidently to reveal and publish to the ungratefull World the Secret

=Sal-Armoniack= of Philosophers, is this: namely, because, by reason of

my old Age, I have now one foot in the Grave, and am ready to depart

this World, and do patiently expect a far more excellent Mansion

prepared by God. I, who now discover this Secret =Sal-Armoniack=, do

also here intimate those vast benefits, which (by the help of that) may

accrew to Mankind, accounting great Works of Mercy may be done by it;

because it is that, by the benefit of which, all things necessary for

Life may be acquired by all Men, whether young or old, poor or rich, as

in the following Praxis shall largely be demonstrated._

_That Men (if they themselves will) may gain much, yea as much as

they please, by the benefit of this my free and ample Revelation of

such an inestimable =Salt=, I am easily able to prove: especially,

so soon as I, in the following Praxis, shall exhibit a =Specimen= of

those Subjects, the abundance of which is in all parts of the World,

every-where offered, no less to the Poor, than to the Rich, without

any expence of Money, or other Charges; but it is known by very few,

privily hated by that proud Step-Dame the World, trod under foot, and

for its exterior vileness cast out upon the Dunghill, and thrown away

in the corners of Streets._

_But, some One may ask, how those needy People can from Urine onely,

acquire things necessary for Life, although they should know, that in

it is contained a Treasure? To such an One I thus answer: It may very

well be effected, because in this little Book I have explained, not

onely that in it is an abstruse Treasure, but also how it may easily

be extracted. Insomuch as I doubt not, but that some of the Lovers of

the Poor will do their endeavour to extract that Treasure from the

same. Which being done, if the World (which will believe nothing but

what it sees) take notice of it, and finds the verity of our Assertion

proved in Fact, then many more will use a like endeavour to get their

living from such a Subject, every-where to be had, and preparable for

little or no charge. If such Operators shall need more Urine, than

they themselves make, they must necessarily buy it of poor Families,

abundance of which you will every-where find, readily desiring to

gather the same for their daily Bread, and to bring it to the Artist:

that way one hand cherisheth and helpeth another. For by this means

every Re-publick might be brought to a flourishing state, so as no Man

(unless he will himself) needs to want Bread in what part of the World

soever he lives. I indeed have not buried in the Earth my five Talents

gratiously granted to me by God, but have put them into the publick

Bank. What if the mad and blind World will neither see nor hear, it

may for all me follow its own desperate humour. It is sufficient for

me that I have divulged such Mysteries for the safety and well-being

of Mankind, as no other Philosopher before me hath ever discovered the

like. For since the Subject is so very vile, vulgar and obnoxious to

vast contempt and hatred among proud Fools, many of them did involve

its genuine Name in the secret Cabinet of Silence. But, that I may

speak my mind freely, I openly confess and aver, that in Urine is

contained a =Mercury=, by the help of which very much may be effected

in Chymistry and in Medicine; and which is especially very conducent to

deduce Metals to their first Matter; and thence may be reaped a notable

Fruit of Utility, as well universally as particularly. For whatsoever I

have now writ, I composed the same in the extremity of my discomposure

and sickness, that this admirable Secret might not be buried with me

in the Earth, where even all the highest Arts of the most excellent

Artists seem to putrefie together with them, not being by them (before

their Death) communicated to Mankind remaining; that so I may say with

the Vulgar (not rightly understanding) =All Habits of Understanding are

not so much hospited in the mortal Body, as retained in the immortal

Mind=._

_If all things here answer not the desire of the diligent Searcher of

Art, or be not clearly and plainly enough discovered, let him look

into the following Treatise, which is intituled, =A Treatise of the

Mercury of Philosophers=, where perhaps he will find so many desirable

things, as will compleatly satisfie the hunger of his Mind covetous of

learning. But for the sake of the benevolent Reader, I cannot chuse but

communicate to him this Information, =viz=. that the very Inscription

of this Treatise discovers a Secret =Sal-Armoniack=, and in divers

places of the Sixth Part of my =Spagyrick Pharmacopcœa=, mention is

also made of a Secret =Sal-Armoniack=; wherefore I would have you to

understand, that the =Sal-Armoniack= mentioned in my former Book,

is of a property variously different from this, of which I purpose

here to write. For this is prepared of Urine, but in the preparation

of that, no Urine is to be used; because that is no other than pure

Silver dissolved in =Aquafortis=, and precipitated by the help of a

sharp Salt-water. Where it is to be observed, that the Silver, in such

a Precipitation, attracts to it self so many Spirits of the Salt, as

by reason of them it is no more fusible, like other =Luna= into a

Metallick Form, but becomes penetrable as Oil into a Skin. That, in my

Writings, is called the =Mercury of Luna=._

Note. _Of =Saturn= also, after this manner such a =Mercury= may be

prepared, which is almost of the same efficacy as the =Mercury= of

=Luna=; but in some Chymical Labours it may not so safely be used as

the =Mercury= of =Luna=. This must be necessarily minded by those who

are unwilling to err in their Labours. Moreover, touching this Secret

=Sal-Armoniack=, I think it needfull farther to advise, that either

=Sal-Armoniack= (although both are diversly prepared) being added to

Metals or Minerals, takes to it self and carries upward the purest

part of that Metal or Mineral. Yet it is to be understood, that this

is effected thus, =viz.= that the Metal is corroded by the sharp

Spirits existant in the =Sal-Armoniack=, and so is carried upward by

distillation; or volatilized, no otherwise than as if you should add

Sublimate =Mercury= to any Metal or Mineral for extracting Butter

thence. Also it is to be minded, that whatsoever shall be prepared

by the help of either =Sal-Armoniack= (made with =Luna=, or with

Urine) all that riseth much more pure than any sublimate =Mercury= or

common =Sal-Armoniack= can cause to ascend. These few things I thought

necessary to be premised, touching the difference of either Secret

=Sal-Armoniack=, that no Man may err through mistake._

_Although much more should be spoken here, touching our

=Sal-Armoniack=, which is made of Urine; yet Time, and my present

Condition, prohibit my insisting more at large thereabout._

_But that every unskilfull Man may be rendred more skilfull in the

Knowledge of this Definition, it is good for him to learn, that Urine

is no other than the volatile Salt of those Meats and Drinks, which

we receive for the nourishment and sustentation of the Body; and

which are so digested and separated by the Stomach, =viz.= that the

Sulphur, as a superfluity, is by Nature discharged by the Bowels;

but the Urine, as a volatile Mercurial Salt, seeks and finds for it

self an Exit through the Bladder. Now, it is more than sufficiently

manifest, that the greatest part of Men live of Vegetables, as of

Bread, Beer and Wine; also for Nutriments they use Flesh, Fish, Butter

and Cheese: which kinds of Meat and Drink, so soon as put down into the

Stomach by a certain natural Coction and Fermentation are so inverted,

as some natural Mercury is thence progenited. Whence, it is clearly

enough apparent, that the before mentioned Mercury (which we with the

assistance of Art know how to extract out of Urine) must necessarily

have been an invisible Mercury in Vegetables, before it passed into

Urine, and when it was not inverted in our Body. Which is a thing most

surely true, and is confirmed to us by experience, =viz.= that in all

Vegetables (no one of them excluded, whether Wine or Grain, Honey or

Sugar, or other fat Fruits, in which our vegetable =Mercury= is most

copiously abundant; also by what name soever those Fruits or Vegetables

are called) the same =Mercury= is hospited; yea, it may be extracted

from all Fruits, Trees, Herbs, or any common Grass of the Fields or

Meadows, and from all Boughs and Leaves of wild and manured Trees, if

after you have cut them small, you pour on them hot water, and then

ferment the same._

_Indeed lean Herbs, according to quantity, give not forth so much

burning Spirit, as Corn, Wine, or Sugar: But note; Grass is prepared

with much less cost than Corn, Wine, or the Fæces of Wine or Beer. Also

a good burning Spirit may be made of Grape-Stones, or the pressings

of Grapes; yet as for the sweetness of that, you need not to take any

care; because in operating it is so amended, as it is rendred full as

good as the best Spirit of Wine that is most rich._

_This =Arcanum= of preparing a true Universal Medicine of all

Vegetables, for those three known Kingdoms of ours, I take to be as

great a Secret as was ever known to Philosophers, or for the future

can be known. For it is that, of which many have notably writ, yet in

such a Style, as they have obscured, involved and hid the whole Work

in so many Parabolical, Allegorical and Enigmatical phrases, as it is

almost plainly impossible for any one profitably to learn any thing

out of their Writings, unless his Eyes be singularly illustrated by

God. But among others, =Albertus Magnus=, =Thomas Aquinas=, =Arnold=,

=Lully=, =Bracescus=, and especially =Basilius=, have writ of it

evidently enough to such as can see; but all they writ in obscure

words: And as =Paracelsus= knew the same, so it seems that was also

known to =Helmont=: yet they were afraid to write of it for their

own sakes. But I now freely and openly divulging all things, do that

chiefly for this Reason, =viz.= because the most wise God (to whom I

give Immortal Thanks) revealed this Secret to me not many weeks since;

and I, according to the weakness of my Age, could labour but little

therein, and that very difficultly; therefore keeping my Bed, by reason

of my Illness, I caused some Proofs to be made of the same: whence I so

found the verity of the matter, as I am now able safely to confirm the

same to others, and can aver, that the true =Mercury= of =Philosophers=

is reconded in them. Although that hath hitherto been unknown to

most Men, yet by me (because in Philosophy, Medicine and Chymistry,

never any thing more magnificent than it, easier to be elaborated, or

preparable with less cost, at any time before came into my hands) it

is so published, as I doubt not, but that many well-disposed Persons

will confidently, readily and happily set their hands to the Work.

For it is easie to acquire burning or distilled Wine in abundance,

without any great charge: also an Instrument made of Copper, fit for

separating the =Mercury= from the =Sulphur=, will not cost much: And

lastly, the Fixation of the =Mercury= will cost little or nothing,

because it may easily be absolved, in a very short time, by One well

skilled in the method of fixing. The Burning Spirit may be prepared,

and the separation of its =Mercury= from the =Sulphur= be compleated

in the space of one day: but yet it is to be understood, that this is

spoken onely to those who desire but a small quantity to experience

the possibility of Art. If any one would have a larger quantity of

Tincture, he indeed will have need of a longer time to prepare it in,

as every one may easily conjecture._

_Whilst I lay diseased in my Bed, and afflicted with a grievous

Disease (after I had by a long and serious speculation day and night

fundamentally searched the power of Art) in the space of one Week, by

the hands onely of my little Sons (for I could not trust such a Work

with the unworthy Sons of this World) I made three small trials or

proofs onely in a very small quantity, because, by my Bed side, there

was no place for doing any great Work. Nevertheless, I am satisfied

that I could do much more in eight or ten Days, and a far greater

quantity, if God will be pleased to grant me strength for so many Days._

_Indeed to an ignorant Hearer, what Wise men have asserted will seem

incredible to be believed; namely, that in every Herb and Grass,

the true Stone of Philosophers lyes hid. For the ignorant of Nature

wonder at this. But =Spagyrick Philosophers= have, now for many years

past, published their Books touching the same, and affirmed, that of

all things, from which the Elements may be separated, the =Stone= of

=Philosophers= may be extracted and made; of the same I also, if need

were, could alledge many Testimonies. May we not by Distillation and

Rectification much more easily separate the Elements from Vegetables,

than from rude and hard Metals? And may we not most purely and most

subtilly cleanse their Element of Fire from them? That indeed is

impossible to be extracted from Metals. But if we can, by the help of

Art, turn the most pure Fire again into Earth, may not of this new

Earth (when it is by the benefit of Art fixed, and rendred constant

in Fire) be made a Matter purer, than all things in Nature? Every Man

knows, that in Spirit of Wine is contained a great virtue comforting

the Heart, but by reason of the burning heat, which it manifests

in those that immoderately use it, the same is avoided not without

Reason._

_Now, if you shall separate the Burning =Sulphur= from the =Mercury=,

in the bottom will remain onely a temperate, and to all Constitutions

(which are vulgarly called Complexions) gratefull pure =Mercury=, in

the form of a clear sweet Water, which =Philosophers= call their =Water

of Life=, and that not imprudently. For the =Alimonies of Life= are

included in it, and this =Mercurial Water=, or true =Aqua-vitæ=, may

be safely adhibited in all Diseases; always, provided that this Spirit

be prepared of Wine, Corn, or of Herbs not stinking and venomous.

But for Metallick Transmutation, every distilled Wine is conducent,

of whatsoever matter it shall be prepared. Yet that, in the form of

Water, is able to exercise no power over Metals, but must first be

reduced into a Red fixed Powder, called by Philosophers =Gold of

Philosophers=, =Horizontal Gold=, =Tinging Gold=, and =Living Gold=.

And, in a word, I say you cannot find any thing pertinent to Medicine

and Chymistry, more excellent than our Red fixed =Mercury= of =Wine=:

for it is the true =Phœnix= or =Bird= of =Titan=, feeding its Young

with its own Blood; also a true =Salamander=, which dyes not, but is

nourished and augmented in Fire: and more briefly, =It is all in all

things=. Moreover, Philosophers confess that all things lye absconded

in all, and in good =Aqua-vitæ= all Metals are spiritually found; which

I my self have in very deed experienced, being otherwise unable to

verifie the same. O noble Hermetick Art, and Queen of all Sciences!

how basely and unworthily art thou cast down, trod under foot by

stinking Swine, and contemned by ignorant proud Fools! Nevertheless,

I doubt not but that this little Book of mine will open the Eyes of

many blinded with Ignorance, and direct many Readers unto the path of

=Verity=; as my Treatise lately published, intituled, =Of the Salt of

Philosophers=, hath already been the Authour of much good to many. For

more than one of many, who have slighted Chymistry, having perused that

=Enchiridion=, according to my Information, have again fallen in love

with Chymistry, set about the Work (renewing their omitted labour)

and prepared the =Salt= of =Philosophers=, gave good proofs thereof,

and having wrought in it for certain Days, at length gloried of their

successes in Transmutation of Metals. Which Stone notwithstanding

is not to be compared with that which is made of Wine or Corn; but

in comparison of that is to be reputed as a Clod of Earth to a most

beautifull Pearl._

_Wherefore as I before said, and always shall say, I believe that a

Medicine and Tincture more sublime than the fixed and red Mercury of

Wine, hath never been known by Philosophers. In the mean while, let

every other Man believe as he listeth, it sufficeth me that I have

written the Truth, and refused to carry hence with me into the Kingdom

of Darkness the greatest Secret of the whole World. But the Reasons

why I here over-hastily break off the Thread of my discourse begun,

and in no-wise discover the Method by which the Burning Spirit may be

prepared, and the =Mercury= latent therein be separated from the same,

and reduced into a fixed Tincture, are weighty and considerable. For

the whole Work, from the beginning to the end, is so very vile and

easie to be performed, as every Corydon or rude Shepherd (ignorant

of all Chymical Arts) would understand and imitate that Method of

preparing the same. Wherefore it is best to desist from any further

explanation. Because, to whomsoever God will give it, he will so easily

find it out, as there will be no necessity of speaking one word more

than I have already spoke. Besides, for such inconsiderateness, I

should be able to give no just Account before God, the Judge of the

Living and of the Dead, if this most secret Secret of Secrets should as

a Grain of Salt be sowed among the ungratefull and unworthy People. But

the World is too well known to me already: yet I will openly say this,

=viz.= that the poorest Man, as well as him that is wealthy, may attain

to this supreme Work; because, for preparation of that incomparable

Medicine, no chargeable Materials, nor any long time are required._

_Truly, unto me are known divers famous particulars, by the help of

which, not onely Silver, but also all other Metals are converted

into Gold and Silver with great profit, yet are more difficult to be

elaborated than that great Universal Work. Wherefore this also, among

all other fruitfull Chymical Secrets deservedly doth, and undoubted

always will obtain the Priority._

* * * * *

_Now, Son of Art, candidly accept this my Fatherly Instruction,

and Friendly Admonition, and do not at all commit any thing to

Faithless Men, of which thou maist have occasion to repent afterward.

Accordingly, to all the Disciples of Hermetick Philosophy and Medicine,

I wish the ample Blessing of God, here Temporal, and in the life to

come Eternal; heartily praying, that the most clear unextinguishable

Light of God, may perfectly enlighten them, as it did me at the first._

Amen.

_Of the Secret =Sal-Armoniack=._

Touching this our Secret _Sal-Armoniack_, I have made mention in

divers of my written Books; but the way of Preparing it I have left

to be divulged in this place. For after I was assured, that many had

laboured much to find out its Preparation and Fruitfull use in Medicine

and Chymistry; I resolved no longer to conceal the Preparation and

profitable use in Chymistry, of our _Salmiack_, from the Lovers of

our Profession; but chiefly for the sake of the Sick (to whom it may

be very great comfort and solace) I chose rather openly to divulge

it, without any privy concealment, in these my Writings; hoping that

by the publication of this, I shall do good to many thousands of Men,

and for a sign of triumphal Joy crown the Head (as with Laurel) of the

victorious Queen of the Spagyrick Art.

First of all, it is to be observed, that this Name is imposed upon this

Subject, because it in many things agrees with common _Sal-Armoniack_.

It pleased us to add the Epithet of _Secret_, because this Salt is

known to very few in the whole World; and they who acquired it to

themselves, neither published it, nor exposed the same to common use,

but kept it to themselves as a great Secret; and as often as they made

mention of that Salt in their Writings, they named it their _Salmiack_;

for proof of which, if need were, I could produce many Examples.

_Cosmopolita_, being about to speak of this our _Salmiack_, cryes out

thus: _O our Sea! O our Sal-Armoniack!_ His _Sea_ was Oil of Vitriol,

and his _Salmiack_ the Volatile Spirit of Urine. When these two are

joyned together, they give forth from themselves our Secret _Salmiack_;

by the help of which, so many wonderfull Works are performed in

Medicine and Chymistry, as you shall here following hear.

_Paracelsus_ and _Helmont_ called this Salt, _Alcahest_; being that,

of which the former writ little, but the latter very many things;

and yet both kept the same secret to themselves onely, insomuch as

_Helmont_ discovered it not, even to his own Son; and other Men, his

intimates, requiring it of him, he put off, saying, _It is an Ens

very difficult to be acquired_: and thus he freed himself from the

importunate Intreaties of many. And how little others could get out of

him, is manifest by the following Saying, which is thought to be his.

_The Liquor_ Alcahest _is made of Blood and Urine_. It is credible that

he might make such an _Alcahest_ of those Subjects. But the reason why

that kind of _Alcahest_ may be prepared of Blood and Urine, as well

as of Oil of Vitriol and Spirit of Urine, is this: There is a great

affinity and similitude between the Macrocosm and Microcosm, _viz._

Man; insomuch as whatsoever may be had in the Macrocosm, may also be

found in the lesser World Man. For as in the great World an Universal

Acidity, _viz._ Vitriol, commonly is generated in Subterranean Fibres,

Beds or Veins, and is there kept in perpetual Digestion by the Central

Fire of the Earth, and at length ripened into Mineral and Metallick

Bodies; so also, in the Body of every Man, the Blood of the Veins (as

an Universal Microcosmick Acidity) is generated, and by long Digestion

of the central Fire of the Heart augmented, meliorated, and at length

transmuted into Flesh, Skin, and Bones. Therefore, in the Blood of

Men or Animals you may find an Acidity, like to that which is found

in the great World: Hence it may be said, that our Secret _Salmiack_

may as well be prepared of the Blood and Urine of Animals, as of Oil

of Vitriol and Spirit of Urine. Nevertheless, I say there is a vast

difference between these two; for Oil of Vitriol may be amended and

rendred more subtile by Rectification, which Subtiliation cannot be

effected with the Vitriolate Acidity of the Blood of Animals. Therefore

we deservedly give the Priority to this rectified Oil of Vitriol,

as being that, which in every Chymical Labour is found far more

efficacious than that of Blood. For this cause leaving that Blood, let

us set about the Preparation of our Secret _Salmiack_, with cleansed

Oil of Vitriol and Spirit of Urine subtily rectified.

_The way of making our Secret =Sal-Armoniack=._

_Recipe_ of Oil of Vitriol excellently well deflegmated and rectified,

one pound; upon which Oil of Vitriol, leisurely pour on so much highly

rectified Spirit of Urine, as untill there is no more action each

upon other, but they be mortified and still. In that Conjunction,

from two Contraries, ariseth a middle Salt. This Operation being

rightly performed, you will find a sharp penetrating Liquor, in which

is a power of carrying upwards with it self the purest Essences from

Animals, Vegetables, and Metals: which is what no other Entity in

Nature is able to perform the like, as we purpose to shew. Therefore

if any one, desirous to make of this Salt Liquor a dry _Salmiack_,

do in gentle heat of _Balneo_ abstract the unsavoury Water thence,

in the bottom will remain a fair white Salt, which is our Secret

_Sal-Armoniack_; by the benefit of which wonderous Works, may be

performed in Medicine and Chymistry, as hereafter you shall hear. Now

follows

_The Use of our =Salmiack=, by the help of which, from =Vegetables=

may be extracted very efficacious, and indeed incomparable

Essences._

How or which way the Ancient and Modern _Spagyrists_ prepared their

Essences of Vegetables, is now long since well known throughout the

World, _viz._ by Spirit of Wine. Which way of Extracting is indeed of

it self a Work very chargeable; yet Spirit of Wine readily extracts

the Essences of Vegetables and Animals, leaving the unprofitable

Fæces behind. Also, it is not unknown to us, that Spirit of Wine in

extraction so notably changeth the Virtues of things extracted by it,

as the Extract is of less force than the Simple whence it was made, and

that most manifestly in _Catharticks_ or Purging Simples, insomuch as

commonly the Dose of the _Extract_ must be greater than of the _Simple_

it self. The reason is, because all Purgers acquire the greatest part

of their Cathartick faculty from that crude and immature Substance,

with which they oppose the Stomach, and therefore are not entertained

by it, but presently expelled, during which Expulsion the Excrements

also are cast out. Therefore the stronger Crudity is predominant in

Purging things, the more impetuously do they move the Stomach; and

the more strongly the Stomach casts out and expells that, so much the

more vehemently also are the noxious Humours of the Body cast up. If a

Cathartick be too crude, rough and immature, the Stomach rejects it

much more strongly, because the whole of Nature is thereby disturbed,

and with all its might endeavours wholly to expell such a rude guest.

In which violent expulsion, the Radical Humours are expelled out of the

Body, together with the Excrements, that the Body may be totally freed

and disburthened of the pernicious filth of them.

The Stomach so abhors some Vegetables, and is so impatient of giving

them any time to abide there, that they may by little and little be

expelled downward by Seidge, as it (enraged with so great nauseating

and loathing) violently casts them up. In which Excretion a tenacious

viscous Choler, always hurtfull to the Stomach, is expelled, which

would difficultly otherwise be cast out by gentle Purgations, as is

seen in _Asarabacca_ and _Hellebore_. For as often as they are taken by

a sick Man, without any previous Preparation, they continually excite

Vomiting; but if extracted with Spirit of Wine, they vomit not, but

onely work downward.

By all which it appears, that Spirit of Wine, in extracting the

Essences of Vegetables (by its natural power) so notably changeth

the Virtues of Herbs, as it is not fit to be used for all kinds of

Extractions; and that by reason of its Nature varying or altering

the property of things. Nor can you, in some Diseases, safely use

those Extracts which are made by Spirit of Wine, because Extracts are

heightned in their Heat by the Spirit of Wine, and therefore should be

avoided in acute or burning Diseases. On the contrary, our _Menstruum_,

viz. our Secret _Sal-Armoniack_, in Extraction, alters not the Virtues

of Species for which it is used, but extracts from them onely what is

most pure, and carries over with it by Alembeck, a certain most sweet

Essence, which Spirit of Wine can in no wise perform. Therefore we

deservedly give Priority to our Liquor _Alcahest_ in extracting the

Essences of Vegetables and Animals. Yet we would by no means labour

to bring Spirit of Wine into contempt, since it, in some subjects, so

excellently exerciseth its power, as it gives place to no other thing.

But the Water of our Secret _Sal-Armoniack_ perfects its Extraction

in a far differing manner; because, by the help of Art, that conjunct

of two sharp penetrating Entities (viz. _Acid Oil of Vitriol_,

and _Alcalisate Spirit of Urine_) is reduced into one temperate

middle Salt, which Salt is almost of the same disposition as common

_Salmiack_, except that in all its Operations it is found to be more

sharp, more penetrating and more efficacious than it.

* * * * *

Now let us come to the matter it self, that we may see of how great

use our _Alcalisate Vitriol_, or _Vitriolate Alcali_, is for preparing

some famous Medicine. I suppose it will be worth my while, if I first

of all begin with that Medicine which _Paracelsus_ taught to be made

of _Aloes_, _Myrrh_, and _Saffron_, and is by venerable Antiquity,

and by all Authours of long life highly commended, and named _Elixir

Proprietatis_. And since _Paracelsus_ in describing so noble a

Medicine, used few words, but enlarged them much in extolling his

_Elixir Proprietatis_, it will not be amiss for us, in this place, to

transcribe his own Words following, thus:

“So also Nature sheweth us an _Elixir_, is that which of Natural things

may be made compleatly perfect in its proper Essence. Such is the

_Elixir of Myrrh_, _Saffron_, and yellow _Epatick-Aloes_. But whence

they have this power, we have shewed in the generation of them. But we

come now to the Process, (omitting their beginning, of which we spake

before) which runs thus.

“_Recipe_ of Myrrh, Epatick, Alloes, and Saffron, of each one Part,

which digest together in a Pellican placed in Sand, for two Months

with gentle heat. Then by Alembeck separate the Oil from the Fæces

without Adustion. This Oil digest together with an equal Weight of the

Circulate for one Month, afterward keep it.

“In this are all the natural Vertues of a Balsam, and a greater

conservative Vertue for those that are aged, than is lawfull for a man

to utter: because from it proceeds not one Age onely, but 4, 7 or 10,

_&c._ It is scarcely possible to express the Vertues and Natures of it:

But as we judge, enough is discovered by us already, which we think

needs no further Interpretation.”

Here _Paracelsus_ describes his _Elixir_ in words so obscure, and

likely to cause Errour, as no man untill this day could ever prepare

any thing that was excellent, according to the tenour of his Words:

_Helmont_ among others complaining, that he concealed the use of the

Alcahest in describing the manner of that Preparation. For whosoever

useth that, in such a Preparation, he obtains a Medicine of so great

vertue, as it is able to do whatsoever _Paracelsus_ ascribes to his

_Elixir Proprietatis_.

But if any man be not satisfied in what is here published by me, let

him consult _Helmont_ discoursing thereof more at large.

Now behold here presented to thee my Process for preparing a Medicine

of these three _Species_ reduced to Powder, _viz._ of Myrrh, Alloes

and Saffron. I took of that mixture 8 Lotones, 4 Ounces, which I put

into a Phial, and upon the same poured one Pound and half of our good

Alcahestick Liquor, these I set into a warm Bath to be digested for two

or three Days. During this digestion our sharp Liquor dissolved these

_Species_, and very well united it self to them. This being done, I

poured the whole mixture out of the Phial into a low Cucurbit of Glass,

and well luted the Head to the Receiver, and by gentle heat of _Balneo_

caused whatsoever would ascend, to be gathered apart in several

Recipients.

1. A white penetrating Aromatick Spirit, of a most fragrant Odour

according to _Helmont_’s words.

2. A yellow and red Spirit, and both indeed very efficacious. Yet each

of these should be received apart.

3. Lastly toward the end (after all the moisture is ascended, and the

Fire is a little somewhat encreased) a strong scented red cleaginous

alkalisate Liquor; which is such as serves instead of a Balsam, most

excellent, presently helping or very salutary in all green Wounds and

fistulous Ulcers. The subtile Spirit should be administred inwardly,

for comforting or suppling the Body with all its internal Members, and

for preserving the same magistrally from all vitious affects. Such a

most present Remedy is earnestly desired, by the aged and weak. The

Ingredients are of a Balsamick Disposition, and the preparation of them

is artificial and subtil, so as a famous Medicine cannot choose but

be made of them. For our _Salmiack_ is of such a Nature, as by it all

Vertues of Vegetables, Animals and Minerals are exalted, amplified and

meliorated, and that by reason of the Exaltation by it inferred on the

Subjects in elaborating; as may more exactly be learned, when any one

goes about to prepare the same, and shall as it were with his hand,

palpably touch the vertue, and discern the verity thereof. Therefore

here is instituted a Process of preparing Saffron, Aloes and Myrrh,

by which you may know how to work with other Vegetable and Animal

Subjects, so as we have no necessity of prescribing a peculiar Process

for every Medicine. Here onely it is to be noted, that an accurate

Regard is to be had of weight and measure in mixing the Subjects with

the Liquor Alcahest. For if less of the Armoniack Liquor than is fit be

added to a dry matter, all the Liquor so includes it self in the dry

matter, as little of the Spirit can ascend in distilling. But if more

of the Liquor be poured on than is fit, the ascending spirit will not

be efficacious enough, because the vertue of that Subject diffuseth

it self too largely into that aboundance of Spirit. Wherefore in all

things measure and weight are to be observed. Dry _Species_, such are

Herbs, Roots, Seeds and Flowers, drink up much Water; but Woods not so

much, Stones and their like, much less than they. Therefore, if any

one, in labours of this kind would do something to purpose, he had

need to be wary, that he do neither too much, nor too little, but in

all things observe a mean: so doing, he shall suffer no loss, nor ever

labour in vain. For it is almost impossible to describe all _Arcanums_

so evidently, as every Clown may comprehend the same without any search.

I have here laid Foundations with reason sufficient, every one may

build, or not build upon them as he pleaseth. Also he may read

_Helmont_, who did indeed of this matter write largely enough, yet he

is not always to be understood according to the Letter; for in most

places of his Books, he concealed his manual Operations, especially in

his Book of the Tree of Life, where he treats of the Cedar Wood. The

preparation of the same requires no tedious long space of time, but it

may be performed in a few hours. Indeed it would be the part of good

Physicians to introduce this Preparation of more noble Medicines into

their Apothecaries shops, and thence to exclude some part of their

corrupted Remedies. For this being done, so many men would not be

basely neglected, nor untimely hurried out of this Life, by the use of

unprofitable Medicaments, as too often now are.

It is not enough for you to have a Name from _Galen_, and in the mean

while not at all tread the Footsteps of _Galen_’s vertues. _Galen_ was

an honest Heathen, and whatsoever he had gathered with much and long

study, he left to us accurately written before his Death.

How experienced a man in Medicine _Hippocrates_ was, his Writings do

clearly shew.

Also that _Avicen_ was an industrious Physician, by his remaining

Litterary Monuments, is very manifest, and especially by that Epistle,

which he writ to his Son _Aboali_; for in that he commands him first to

furnish himself with sixty Pound of most pure Mercurial Water (whence

he should make the universal Medicine) before he presumed to proceed to

Coagulation of the Stone.

These indeed were men adorned with high Experience and a good

Conscience, who gloried not in the bare Name of Chief Physicians, but

proved themselves such indeed, shewing, that they were not idle Adorers

of the Goddess _Vacua_, but men most laborious, as becomes every

conscientious Physician to be.

Touching that Mercurial Water, which _Avicen_ commended so much to his

Son, for making (of it) the Universal Medicine, we shall here following

(_Jehovah_ assisting) somewhat more largely speak, _viz._ how it, by

our _Salmiack_ may be extracted from Metals, and then be coagulated

into an Universal Medicine.

Indeed, particular Medicaments are not to be contemned but to be

esteemed as good things, to them that make a good use of them. But

Universals are sought by Physicians, being such, as by which they can

get more Honour and Riches, than by Particulars, because they are

known even to every old Woman. Universals are not to be used after the

manner of Particulars, particularly to serve for this or that Member

of the Body, or to resist and heal this or that Disease onely: but

they seek out every _Chachexy_ (which lies privily dispersed through

all parts of the Body, impairing Health) and having sought it out,

cast it forth of the Body, as well visibly as invisibly through all

Emunctories, as shall seem good to Nature, and will be most conducent

to health. Universals consume occult Diseases hidden in the Body

of man, as Fire consumes Wood. Also Universals tinge every vitious

Habit of the Body (which otherwise can be expelled by no particular

Medicine) and transmute it into a better State, so as the Evil of the

Distemper is inverted and converted into good, in the place where it is

hospited, no further expulsion being required. Of like Universals, we

will afterwards (God giving leave) speak more at large. Now the time

admonisheth us to return to our _Sal Armoniack_, to contemplate what

farther fruit of Utility it is able to effect in Medicine.

_Helmont_, in his Treatise of the Stone makes mention of a certain

Medicine, which by his Alcahest he prepared of _Paracelsus_ his

_Ludus_, which would resolve the Stone in the Bladder, and expel it in

fourteen Days. _Paracelsus_ ascribes to his _Ludus_ wonderfull Vertues,

which it exerciseth in breaking and expelling the Stone of the Reins

and Bladder. In which _Helmont_ posits his Foundation, shewing where

such a _Ludus_ may be found, and how by his Alcahest it may be prepared

into a Medicine so admirable, as it becomes the supream Remedy against

the Stone.

As touching the _Ludus_ it self, _Helmont_ saith of it, that it may be

copiously found in the Scald shores at _Antwerp_, and that it for the

most part consists of a certain volatile Macrocosmick Urinous Salt:

and I making search into the same, have found it just as he described.

Likewise, I also, according to his prescribed Rule, endeavoured to make

such an excellent Medicine, and then found the Liquor of the _Ludus_ to

be such as he affirms he himself made by his Acahest, _viz._ this way.

I took one Pound of that _Ludus_ beaten to Powder, and mixed it with

one Pound of our Secret _Salmiack_, and thence drew off the volatile

Humidity with gentle Fire in a coated Retort; and then augmenting the

Fire until the Retort was very hot all over. When all was cold, I found

the _Ludus_ with the more fixed part of our _Salmiack_ melted together

into a yellowish dark coloured Stone, which (according to his Doctrine)

I laid in a moist Cellar to be dissolved, and that Stone in 24 hours

was resolved into a greenish Liquor, and it had a burning Taste upon

the Tongue, yet it is not loathsome to be taken into the Body, with

Wine, Beer, or other suitable Vehicles of Water. I my self also have

given this Liquor to some troubled with the Stone, who by taking it

were greatly eased. But that the whole Stone should by help of that

be resolved and cast out, in so short a space of time, I have not yet

found. Hence here it seems to me, that _Helmont_ (as did _Paracelsus_

in the Preparation of his _Elixir Proprietatis_, and the incredible

Vertue thereof) hath extolled his Remedies with a too much elated

Style. They are assuredly admirable Medicaments, but that they are able

to effect so much (in all men without distinction) as are ascribed to

them, I cannot assentingly witness, although I was at great expences,

and nor a little turmoiled about them, yet in the mean while I found

out many excellent things, the Declaration of all which would be too

tedious to be here inserted. But I must needs, in this place, insert

some few of those many things I then found out.

If any one apply to the Seeds or Roots of those Herbs, which are

commonly wont to be administred, for expelling Urine and the Stone,

(the Seeds or Roots being first reduced to Powder) a little of our

_Salmiacal_ Water, and digest it in gentle heat of _Balneo_ for 24

hours, and afterward distil it, a most efficacious Spirit will ascend;

which Spirit I have found to be more excellent in expelling the Stone,

than the _Ludus_. In like manner those insects, which strongly provoke

Urine and the Stone, I have also digested and distilled with our Liquor

of _Sal Armoniack_, and got a Spirit more strongly expelling Urine,

than any Spirit prepared of Herbs. Wherefore this is to be warily used,

and such forcibly expelling things well observed, among which more

forcible than all other are the fat evilly smelling black Worms of

_May_, and Cantharides.

After the same manner, as we have taught to be here done, may also

be instituted an Operation for extracting (by distillation) from all

Vegetable and Animal Subjects their most potent Vertues and purest

Essences, by our Vitriolate Alcalick Water; _viz._ from Aromaticks,

egregious Cordials; from Woods and Roots of Sudorifick Herbs, famous

Diaphoreticks; from soporiferous Simples, admirable Anodines; from

purging things most excellent Catharticks, _&c._ But there is no reason

I should longer insist on these things of less value, since every

skilfull man can prepare himself such medicinal Spirits as he hath need

of. Here he cannot easily commit error, since for all Herbs, Seeds,

Roots, Flowers, and Woods, there is but one onely way of preparing them

into most efficacious Essences, by our vitriolate Alcaly. But a better

way than any other, yet to be discovered, how by our Urinous Liquor,

yet more efficacious Essences may be extracted from Vegetables and

Animals, is this:

We are not ignorant, that Spirit of Wine, which is for the most part

generally used for Extraction of Vegetables, doth not sufficiently

extract them, nor carry upwards with it self what is extracted; but

_per se_ onely ascends, and leaves the Extract in the Bottom of the

Vessel. On the contrary, our vitriolate Spirit of Urine (much more

sharp than Spirit of Wine) doth not onely powerfully invade Vegetables,

and attract to it self their Essences, but also in distillation carries

them up with it self, which is impossible for Spirit of Wine to do.

For although the Spirit of Urine (according to the external Face) doth

as it were mortifie the corrosive Oil of Vitriol, and change it into

a volatile Salt, and the Oil of Vitriol coagulates the subtile Spirit

of Urine into a volatile Salt, insomuch as of two unlike Entities is

made a middle Salt; yet both those unlike parts are not wholly changed

in their former Nature. For the Acidity of Vitriol remains yet acid,

and the Urinousness of the Urine urinous; and both also by the help of

Art may again be separated each from other, so as either of them may

perfectly recover its own pristine qualities, and nothing of them be

found to be lost. As for example, suppose

It be required, that I should recover my Spirit of Urine, as pure

and subtile as it when poured on the Oil of Vitriol: Then I add to

our _Salmiack_ (according to just measure and weight) onely so much

_Lixivium_ as of the Acidity is mortified, and the Spirit of Urine

ascends subtilly pure again, and full as good as it was before its

conjunction with the Oil of Vitriol. But the Oil of Vitriol is altered,

and by the Salt of Tartar reduced into a middle Salt, which also wants

not its Fruit of Utility in Medicine and Chymistry. If you would from

this mixture recover our Acidity with the Spirit of Urine, add to our

_Salmiack_ a Subject easily dissolvable; mix and give a gentle Fire,

for then the Acidity sets upon that Subject easie to be dissolved, and

dissolves the same, and makes abundance of its concomitant Spirit of

Urine to ascend, which in its ascent takes up with it self the purest

Essence of the Subject added, loosed by the Acidity in Solution, and

thenceforth may be used for Medicine and Chymistry, according as the

Subject was. For Example, If I add red Corals beaten to Powder to my

Alcahestick Liquor, the Acidity corrodes those Corals without any

delay, and lets go the Spirit of Urine, which brings over the helm with

it self the Essence of Corals. But the Acidity, when you please may by

distillation be separated from the Corals. If to our Liquor be added

Pearls, the Spirit carries the vertue of them upward with it self.

And if you add Stones, Minerals and Metals, the Spirit of Urine doth

likewise carry up with it self the Essences of them. But the Acidity

remains in the bottom with the Stone or Metal, and may afterward

diversly be again separated from the Stone or Metal, and applied to

this or another use.

Having already heard how the most pure Essences of Vegetables and

Animals, by our secret _Sal Armoniack_ are to be distilled by ascent,

let us now also see, how Metals and Minerals may be highly purged by

the same, and reduced to their first matter: which first matter is no

other than a most subtil Mercurial Water, in which the purest part of

the Metal is latent in the form of running _Mercury_, which _Mercury_

is fit for preparing whatsoever Work you will of it, either _Sol_ or

_Luna_ particularly, or a true Universal Tincture, vastly tinging.

Nature, in the Bowels of the Earth did primordially generate all Metals

of such a volatile _Mercury_. For when the _Astrums_, through the Air,

seminate their metallick Seed, that Seed is from the Air introduced

into the Earth, where that, as matter clean or unclean offers it self,

produceth Metals either pure or impure. Wherefore Philosophers rightly

determine the Root of Metals to be sited in the Air, but their stem

and branches in the Earth. Daily experience teacheth us to give credit

to this, as often as in digging we come to the deepest scituation of

Metals, great Experiments of this matter discover themselves to us,

but because touching this enough hath been said already, we forbear

to proceed further in such a Discourse. Here enough is said, namely,

that we know the Original and beginning of all Metals to be no other,

than an Airy subtile Spirit, in which are reconded the Sulphur and

_Mercury_ of Metals. Therefore, since here purpose is to give so great

Information to every most unskilfull man, and as it were to put that

in his hands, which may be done by the help of our secret _Salmiack_,

I think not amiss openly to discover certain Examples of Processes,

evincing the power of the same. Wherefore I here offer a Possible

_Way of preparing a subtile Mercurial Water (from which a

running Mercury, called by Ancient Philosophers, the Mercury

of Philosophers, may by the help of Art be ripened into a most

potent Tincture) out of all Metals by the benefit of our secret

=Sal Armoniack=._

Let the Searcher of Art know, that the Preparation of the _Mercury_ of

Metals and Minerals, is of a diverse kind.

But generally, a Mercurial Water may be prepared of all Metals, yet of

one more easily, than of another.

Recipe the filings or raspings of a Metal, as _Mars_, _Jupiter_ or

_Venus_, one Pound, with which mix half a pound of our dry _Salmiack_.

If these be well mixed and by Retort distilled, the metal will be

corroded by the Acidity, and the _Mercury_ thereof be freed from its

bonds, or separated by Distillation, because the Spirit of Urine

carries that up with it self invisibly; but when the Spirit is

extracted from it, it becomes visible, as afterward shall be taught.

If you pulverise the Remanency or Residue of the Metal, and boil it

with Water, you will have the Vitriol of that Metal you used, _viz._

of _Mars_ green, of _Venus_ blew, of _Jupiter_, _Saturn_ and _Luna_,

white, of _Sol_ yellow. The cause of such Vitriol is this: since

the Acidity of our _Salmiack_ adheres to the Metal, it in some sort

dissolves that, and in such wise prepares it, as by the help of common

Water, the same may easily be dissolved.

_Note_: If the Metal (which shall remain in the bottom of the Vessel,

after the Vitriol is extracted from the same by the help of Water) be

mixed with fresh _Salmiack_, that will again be conducible, but not

yield you so much _Mercury_ as you got the first time. And if you make

the same trial a third time, a little _Mercury_ will ascend, but not so

much as did the second time.

Which cropping of golden Branches from the shaded Tree _Virgil_

excellently discovered when he said: One being pulled off, another

succeeds, if the Fates call thee, otherwise by no strength, nor any

Iron, canst thou pull off that Branch. Of which cropped or pulled off

Branches, the first is greatest, and most rich with Gold; the second

is less and more poor; the third much less and most poor. Therefore it

will be no profit to you to pluck off more than one Branch, but it is

better in proceeding further, always to take new matter.

Out of that Vitriol in another certain manner, _Mercury_ may again be

extracted, which _Mercury_ will be far more noble than the first, as

shall be shewed more at large here following.

In the mean while, to the Lovers of this most noble Art, I cannot

choose but demonstrate a wonderfull thing, which is this: Whensoever

you shall pour Spirit of _Jupiter_ (prepared in the above commemorated

manner, and most subtily rectified) upon the Spirit of _Mars_, the

_Mercurys_ both of the _Mars_ and _Jupiter_ will suddenly embrace each

other, and be connexed in such a bond of Love, as leaving the Water,

they will conjunctively settle to the bottom in the form of very small

golden Atoms; which Atoms of Gold, in that moment in which they are

formed of both the _Mercurys_, you shall see converted into constant

and fixed Gold. Which I take to be one of the greatest Wonders,

whichever came to my hand in all my Chymical Labours. If I had tried

this Experiment but once, I might my self have doubted the truth of

the same. Indeed I have found out the cause of this swift fixation of

_Mercury_; but I should do very inconsiderately to divulge the same.

_Paracelsus_ writes in his Heaven of Philosophers, that no melioration

of Metals is to be expected, unless they be first spiritually mixed.

Other Philosophers likewise say, Metals are first to be reduced to

their first matter, that is, into a subtile Spirit, before they can be

nobilitated and bettered: which I know to be consentaneous to verity,

according to the Testimony of the following Example; which is another

wonderfull Experiment, to be performed (by the Spirit of _Jupiter_)

thus.

Dissolve a little Gold in common _Aqua Regia_, into which Solution

pour a little of our mercurial Water, mix it by stirring or shaking

the Vessel well: then the _Mercury_ of _Jupiter_ in a magnetick way,

continually attracts the Gold to it self from the _Aqua Regis_, and

tingeth the Water with a Blood Red Colour, at length the Gold, with the

_Mercury_ of _Jupiter_ conjunctively will be precipitated to the bottom

of the Vessel, in the form of a purple Powder: which being edulcorated

and reduced with _Borax_, the greatest part of the _Mercury_ vanisheth,

but a little of it will remain with the fixed Gold, and render that

snow like and friable. By which we may see in how great Love Gold

answers to Tin.

Yet this is not the true way of preparing any thing eminent, and to

purpose of both. Therefore, if any one expects a noble product from

both, he must with gentle Fire fix this purple Gold, that the _Mercury_

of _Jupiter_ may not fume away, but remain with the Gold.

In both these recited Experiments to our sight is exposed so swift a

Fixation of _Mercury_, as every man, although but of weak Apprehension,

may easily see, that the Transmutation of Metals is truly true, and

that the same (by the help of the fixed _Mercury_ of Metals) may be

done by projection in a moment. For _Mercury_ fixeth _Mercury_, being

joyned in a just proportion. Therefore if volatile _Mercury_ can do

that, how much more will the same, when fixed perform, being that,

which bears about it self its own Sulphur.

Although I could as well discover other ways of preparing a good

Mercurial Water of a Metal, by our secret _Sal Armoniack_, yet I

consider, such a Liberty of publickly imparting things, would rather

be injurious, than profitable; because Pearls would be without

distinction, cast before every sordid Swine. But more than enough being

already published, Time admonisheth us to desist, especially because

there is an intire Treatise of the _Mercurys_ of Metals written and

published. Yet I must confess, that this _Mercury_, prepared by the

help of our _Salmiack_, is of another nature and property than the

other prepared in another manner. There is little else now remaining,

unless, to shew the way of extracting _Mercury_ from Minerals, by help

of our secret _Sal Armoniack_; which _Mercury_ is able to effect as

much in Medicine and Alchymy, as the other extracted out of Metals.

Here follows

_The Process._

_Recipe_ of Antimony pulverised one Pound, of our _Salmiack_, ½ a

Pound, these well mixed, distil by Retort, and our _Salmiack_ will

all come off, and by the Alembick carries with it self the most pure

_Mercury_ and Sulphur of the Antimony, of a Black Ash Colour, which

Sublimate is named the Head of the Crow. For if you cast a little of

it into pure Water, the _Salmiack_ will melt, and the _Mercury_ and

Sulphur will remain in the Vessel like a gray Powder, which if you dry,

and then touch it, you will find it like to thin light Feathers, whence

it acquires to it self the Name of the Crows Head. Therefore, when

you shall make it hot in a Crucible, it melts into a red Stone, which

indeed is nothing conducent to our purpose. Yet if you would thence

make somewhat that is excellent, you must observe such a Process as

this, here following. Put your gray sublimate or Crows Head, which did

ascend (being first reduced to Powder) into a Glass Body, and upon it

pour so much of my Tartar, as shall be needfull for mortifying the Oil

of Vitriol, then lute an Head thereon, fitting a Receiver thereto, and

subminister Fire in Sand, untill all the Humidity shall ascend. This

being done the Acidity remains with the Salt of Tartar, and the Spirit

of Urine ascends alone, carrying upwards with it self the most pure

invisible _Mercury_ of Antimony, which afterward by the help of _Sol_

or _Luna_ (as above we taught of _Mercury_) becomes fixed and visible.

But a very small quantity of _Mercury_ ascends, which doth much

displease the unsatiable Slaves of _Avarice_; because they rather take

delight in immense Masses of Gold, equal in magnitude to the Head of

an Ox. Yet no good man desires that, but is content with that little,

which God is pleased to give him. Nevertheless, if any one would have

a great quantity of that, he may obtain the same. For the Subjects,

whence it is extracted are preparable for no great charge, being such,

as enough of them may always be had. From one Pound of this mercurial

Water, scarcely three or four Grains of corporal _Mercury_ will ascend.

For the greatest part of it remains in the bottom with the Sulphur and

Salt, which are fixed apart, as hereafter shall be taught. But in that

so little _Mercury_ lies hid in the mercurial Water, other Philosophers

also knew, unanimously teaching, that _Avicen_ is to be followed,

admonishing (in a certain Epistle to his Son _Aboali_) all that he had

need of 60 Pound of most pure mercurial Water. For if the whole Water

were _Mercury_, there would not need have been so much. Philosophers

call this not _Aqua Vitis_, but _Aqua Vitæ_; because the _Mercury_ in

it is most spaciously dissipated, as afterward (God willing) shall be

discoursed more at large.

* * * * *

Now returning to our _Crows-head_, let us see whether it may be made

white, by a lotion of a sharp _Lixivium_. If you take the Glass out of

the Sand, after you have once abstracted thence the Mercurial Water,

you will find your black Crow turned into a white Swan: for in the

Glass you will find a Snow-like Salt, which if you take out, and put

into another round Glass, or Philosophick Egg, and set that into a

Fixatory Furnace to be fixed, the white Colour in twenty fours hours

waxeth yellow, and a little after puts on a Blood-like Colour. Yet it

is not then so well fixed, as that it may be taken out, but must be

suffered to stand for some time in burning Coals; yet with this Caution

always, that the Fire be no stronger, than by which the Red Stone may

be liquified, and remain liquid in, like Oil. For it will melt as

easily as Wax, and neither the _Mercury_, nor the _Sulphur_, nor the

_Salt_ evaporate; which is that which affects the mind with admiration.

I have made trial of this in a Glass with a long neck standing out

of the heat, where I could see not so much as one Grain to ascend;

whence I conclude the same Operation may be done, and such Fixation

made in an open Fire in a covered Crucible made of good and fit Earth

well burnt. For the Salt of Tartar united with the Acidity of Vitriol,

doth so embrace the whole _Mercury_ and _Sulphur_, and as it were hold

it concluded in it self, that the same is compelled to abide in the

Fire, and permit it self to be ripened. Thus this volatile Salt to our

_Mercury_ is the _Luting_ of _Sapience_, and _Seal_ of _Hermes_, with

which it is so bound, as it is constrained to abide in Fire untill ’tis

fixed. After it shall be fixed, it may be used with admirable profit

in Medicine and Chymistry. But you must rightly make trial, whether it

be well fixed or no, thus: Put an Iron Wyar into the liquified Mass,

and with that take up a small quantity for proof. Wash away the Salt

from it, and cast the Red Powder upon a Silver Plate heat red hot:

if it fume not, but enters and tingeth the Silver, not with a black,

but with a yellow Colour, then the _Mercury_, with its _Sulphur_, is

fixed. Whosoever hath but once fixed this Stone, hath done a very great

and profitable Work, although he hath spent many Weeks in preparing

the same. For so soon as the _Mercurial Sulphur_ of _Antimony_ shall

be fixed, some of it may presently be applied to necessary use, and

instead of that as much volatile and immature _Mercury_ added; then the

fixed _Mercury_ willingly admits into it self its Brother not fixed,

that together with it self it may also become fixed. Therefore as

many Months as the first Fixation required for its perfection, in so

many Weeks may the second be absolved. Also the second Fixation being

compleated, another part of the Medicine may again be taken out, and

other not fixed _Mercury_ again be put in, and so forwards to infinity,

or as long as the Artist shall think fit.

Although this fixed Tincture of _Antimony_ be an Universal Medicine,

healing all curable Diseases; yet for Metals it is onely a particular

Tincture, by help of which you may indeed convert Silver, by

graduating, and at times, into Gold; but yet at one time you cannot

tinge the whole Body. For God hath not endowed it with so great power,

yet he hath liberally bestowed that on it which is worth while;

insomuch as we owe as great praises to God most high for the same, as

they are obliged to render to him, who are partakers of the great Stone

of Philosophers.

As we have hitherto taught the way of Preparing a particular Tincture

for Metals, and an Universal Medicine for humane Bodies of despicable

Antimony; so also may a Tincture be made of _Auripigment_, immature

_Mineral Electrum_, _Cinnabarine Sulphur_, and all other such like, by

the help of our Secret _Sal-Armoniack_. Wherefore, by this one onely

Process is sufficiently explained, how from other like Subjects (where

_Sulphur_ and _Mercury_ are conjoyned) such a Medicine may also be

prepared.

Whosoever well understands this way of fixing _Mercuries_ prescribed

by me, will find more Secrets than he can ever think of, imagine or

feign to himself. For since such a Fixation may be performed in open

Earthen Vessels, you have not onely this conveniency, that as often

as you please you may take out some of it, and make trial untill you

come to a perfect Fixation; but also you have this prerogative, that

your _Mercury_, with its _Sulphur_, is fixed with a flaming Fire, which

always immediately toucheth our _Sulphur_ and _Mercury_, and exalts the

same in its own congenited Tincture, which is what a close Fire cannot

do. Every Fire, by its own nature and property, infers a Tincture in

Mineral Subjects, especially when the Flame can immediately touch the

Subject neither closed nor open, as above you heard, where we treat of

Rubefying the fixed white _Sulphur_. We discern the same in Crucibles

made of white Earth, and set one within another, that the outmost,

which is exposed to the touch of the Flame becomes Red; but those which

stood with in it (being free from the contact of the same) remain white.

Also we are not ignorant, that those who make Tobacco-Pipes, (that they

may have them purely white) do burn them in a large Pot, that they may

not be touched by the Flame, and so be tinged with Redness. Whence it

is sufficiently understood, that even in Fire is a Tincture, by which

white Bodies are tinged with Redness. Hence I, not without reason, say:

He is not ill advised who ripens his Tinctures under a certain Covering

in open Vessels, because they that way are not onely sooner fixed,

but also exalted in their Colour; yet with this Rule always observed,

_viz._ That the Tinctures be always sealed with _Hermes Seal_, or

Philosophically surrounded or luted with the _Luting_ of _Sapience_.

Where note, that the _Luting_ of _Sapience_, of which I here treat,

is not to be used for fixing all Subjects, and preserving them from

flight, but it is an emolument and help to those Subjects onely, which

are as well Sulphureous as Mercurial, and delight in the Communion

of constringing themselves by these Salts, and without departure

constantly remain with them in Fire, and preserve them also from flying

away. That by such a way, _viz._ by the benefit of _Hermes Seal_,

Mineral Sulphurs may be fixed into Tinctures, ancient Philosophers

closely concealed as a principal _Arcanum_, and scarcely any of them

hath ever made mention of an Artificial Fire, except that very ancient

Philosopher _Artephius_, who most excellently speaks much after this

manner: _Our Fire dissolves all things, penetrates all things, destroys

all things, participates of Sulphur, is equal, continual; yields no

smoak, unless it be excited, for Matter it is taken from elsewhere_,

&c. Now accurately mind, whether here is not notified such a Fire [as

I speak of]. _Pontanus_ in his Epistle saith, he travelled almost all

the World over, that he might find some true Philosopher, of whom by

Converse he might be taught somewhat of the _Secret of Secrets_: and

that he met with some Philosophers, but they were onely erroneous

Vagabonds and great Impostors; also that at length (after he had erred

an hundred times, although he wrought in and with a true Matter) he

perused _Artephius_, and out of that Book learned the _Secret Fire_;

which if he had not done, he had remained perpetually ignorant.

From all which it is sufficiently clear, how much it concerns an Artist

to have knowledge of the _Secret Fire_, _Luting_ of _Sapience_, or

_Hermes Seal_. Our Fire is indeed insignized with three Names, yet

it is no other than one Being, _viz._ _Oil of Vitriol, by the fixed

Sulphur of Tartar, coagulated into the form of a Stone_.

* * * * *

But why I here so clearly describe an _Arcanum_ of so great

Magnificence, and also publish the same, I have several weighty

Reasons. Yet, in the mean while, I am not at all solicitous or carefull

thereabout, for fear it should become too common, because of an hundred

Readers that read and peruse the same, scarce one of them hating labour

will give credit to the Prescripts thereof; and some others (who

loving labour would credit what is here written) yet perhaps will want

the acuteness of a Philosophick Ingeny, by the dexterity of which to

institute and absolve such a fixation. Wherefore I rejoycing in that,

do confidently and securely acquiesce, that the Art will not so easily

be rendred familiar to every Son of the Earth promiscuously without

distinction; but Art will still be and remain Art. Some years ago I

did demonstrate to the sight of some of my intimate Friends the way

pf Preparing the _Mercury_ of _Antimony_, and commended to them the

Fixation of the same by our _Secret Fire_; but they unto this very day

have never set their hand to the Work to elaborate it; and that perhaps

because it seemed to them to be too vile a thing, and not such as was

likely of that it could be prepared, a Medicine of so great Excellency.

Here in this Treatise I have taught the way of Preparing, by the help

of Oil of Vitriol, a particular and famous _Salmiack_, by the benefit

of which, from Metals and Minerals may be prepared, not onely an

Universal Medicine healing all the Diseases of Mortals, but also a

particular Tincture for meliorating imperfect Metals. I have indeed

spoken many things, but not all as yet; because I there had no other

intention, but onely to discover our _Secret Salmiack_. If I would

proceed farther, I could certainly say, that in the most despicable

Urine of Men a most pretious Treasure lyes hid, although the greatest

part of the Possessors of it know nothing of the same; because God, by

reason of their Sins, will not impart this Secret to them. In the Urine

of every Man is latent a certain living Metallick _Mercury_, which may

thence most easily be extracted by the help of a certain pure Metallick

Body, or by the Assistance of Art be prepared into a Tincture, or

Universal Medicine; according as we above taught, where we treated of

_Mercury_.

Wherefore writing, I write and will write, that no Man in very deed

can call himself poor, because God hath conferred on every Man from

his first Nativity so great a Gift, as being brought forth into the

Light of this World, he may have sufficient wherewith to live, provided

he understands, and is able to perform what are to be performed.

Philosophers affirm, that _Adam_ and _Eve_ brought their _Stone_ with

them out of _Paradise_. But to us it is sufficiently manifest, that

they were cast out naked, without all help and comfort. Therefore you

infer they bore such a Treasure in their Bodies, as is seen by that

of _Morienus_, who being asked by King _Calid_, In what Subject that

famous Stone of Philosophers lay hid? Answered; _In thee, O King, it

is hidden_. And farther, so soon as he had prepared the Medicine, he

writ about the Vessel in which it was; _He that carries all things

with him, needs not the help of another_: Signifying, that he needed

not the help of any King, because he had all things in himself. Having

done this, he returned to his Hermitage, and there blessedly passed

the residue of his Life in the study of Temperance, Prayer and Fasting,

always glorifying the Name of God. For if _Morienus_ had not known that

he had about him an inestimable Treasure, without doubt he would not

have left the King so secretly, but perhaps have waited in hope of some

Magnificent Entertainment: yet he thirsted not after this, but going

away acquiesced in that onely, which contained in himself, God had long

before conferred on him when he entred this World. It is sufficient

for me that I have not buried my five Talents (lent me by God) in the

Earth, but have restored them to my Lord, and have also so improved the

same, as I have gained other five Talents.

* * * * *

Before I conclude, I am willing to say this: I have indeed received

of God other five Talents also, but as yet have not gained five other

Talents by the Usury of them; and that not because I fear the severity

of my Masters Law against his idle Servants; but I fearing Evil from

Men, durst not make any Improvement thereof, because I suspect that

thence a great and incurable abuse would be spread far and nigh among

the great number of wicked Men. Nevertheless, I now purpose to proceed

in them, and that for certain Causes; and (with the assistance of God)

as soon as I can to publish the _Magnalia_ of the Almighty. Accordingly

I hope this will prove a great comfort and present help to the whole

Christian Common-wealth against the _Turk_, the hereditary Enemy of

the Christian Name, [_vid. Prosper. Germ. p. 5._] But the summe of

things to be communicated, chiefly consists in that, which certain

artificial Inventions discover to me, by help of which many wonderfull

things may be performed; and (if God so please) all the Nests of those

Tyrannical _Hagarens_ be laid waste, and so the Christian People be

fully and plainly freed from their intollerable servitude. For if it

shall be pleasing and gratefull to the most wise God, that such noble

Inventions, hitherto unknown, may be divulged and put in practice;

he alone hath power of procuring occasions and means for making them

publick: but if it displease his glorious Wisedom, in his Name the

Art shall be buried with me, or rather be returned to Him, as to the

Fountain of Fountains, from whence it flowed to me.