_That the vnfixed part of the Stone should exceed the fixed, and lift
it vp._
The Stone thus prepared, is made fit for multiplication. And now hee
setteth downe his multiplication ct easie liquefaction, with a vertue
to pierce as well into hard bodies, as soft, saying: _It ascendeth
from the earth into heauen, and again it descendeth into the earth_.
Here we must diligẽtly note, that although our stone bee diuided in
the first operation into foure partes, which are the foure Elements:
notwithstanding, as wee haue alreadie saide, there are two principall
parts of it. One which ascendeth vpward, and is called vnfixed, and an
other which remaineth below fixed, which is called earth, or firmamẽt,
which nourisheth and firmenteth the whole stone, as we haue already
said. But of the vnfixed part we must haue a great quantity, and giue
it to the stone (which is made most clean without all filth) so often
by masterie that the whole stone be caried vpward, sublimating &
subtiliating. And this is it which the Philosopher saith: _It ascendeth
from the earth into the heauen_.