Chapter XXVIII: Front Matter (28)

But the studious of Art ought to know that in this Operation, not only the superfluous Sulphur of Jupiter and ☿ may be separated and consumed by burning and each Metal concentrated and amended, but also to both, or to ♃ alone other Metals may be added, and by the help of Salt-petre may be fulminated and concentred; for the Fulmen of _Iove_ doth not only concenter and amend his own proper body, but also other Metals adjoined to him. Nor do I know a nearer way of destroying Gold and Silver quickly, than the Fulmen of _Jove_, which so destroyeth all the Metals, that afterwards without the addition of other things, they cannot by any force of fire be reduced to their former fusile bodies, inasmuch as in melting _per se_, they alwaies pass into Glass, every one being tinged with that colour which is proper to the metal. Gold is changed into a very elegant glass, like to a _Ruby_; the glass of Silver hath the colour of a _Chrysolyte_; the glass of Copper hath a green and red colour like a Jasper; the glass of Mars differs not much from it; the glasses of Tin and Lead remain white. These Glasses being (by an artificial reduction) reduced into their bodies, are much better and nobler than they were before. This sudden fire also clippeth the wings of Mercury, so that part of him is constrained with the ♃ to abide the fire. That swift fluxing powder which is compounded of Nitre, Tartar, and Sulphur, mentioned in the second part of my Furnaces, is also not to be contemned, for when that mass is mixed with ☿, and kindled by a live Coal, the ☿ is altered, as when it is to suffer the fire, it maketh a cracking noise, till it breaks through the fire, but being apprehended by the Fulmen of _Jove_, it hath no time allowed it to cry out; for when it beginneth to feel the heat, it singeth a Swan-like song, but before it can break out from the Fulmen it is killed. _Basilius_ calleth this _The Song of the Swan_, alluding to what the Ancients have delivered concerning that Bird, _viz._ That when she is old, and ready to die, she sings a song, which being ended, she presently dieth. This Saying the vulgar believe of that Bird, which yet is false, seeing that I never yet heard any man say that he had heard the Song of a dying Swan. The ancient Philosophers hereby meant our Metallick Swan. But let any one enquire, whether the _Amalgama_ of ♃ and ☿ may be compared with a Swan; because it may every way be broken, within and without, it is like to the Feathers of the said Bird, and therefore the Philosophers have not unfitly called it a Swan. As for its singing, it is thus; When the _Amalgama_ is mixt with Salt-Petre, and wrapt up in Papers, and one after another of them cast into the Iron man, the ☿ with the ♃ beginneth to sing a Song like the fine Note of some Bird, which endureth no longer than the crowing of a Cock, seeing that the flame presently followeth, which maketh the separation.

But that any one may be more certain of this matter, I will openly and clearly expound the Operation word by word.

R. of Tin and ☿ each ℔ j. make an _Amalgama_, as I have taught above; grind this with ℔ ij. of pure Salt-Petre, freed from all its fæces, reducing the whole mass into a minute powder, till the _Amalgama_ can be no more felt by the fingers. This fine powder distribute into sixty equal parts, more or less, and put each part into a Paper, so that every Paper may contain about two lothones, or an ounce, wrap them up: This quantity is not to be exceeded, especially if the Iron man and the Receivers be not large; for the lesser Vessels require the less of the matter: For the matter being cast into the red-hot Vessel in Papers, when it taketh flame, giveth a crack or puff like Gun-powder, which is kindled with a Coal. The Labour is easie, which may be called _The Work of Women_, or _Play of Boys_. For as soon as one Paper is enkindled, the vapours ascending with smoak and wind, pass into the Receivers, which being quietly settled, another Paper is presently to be cast in that it may sing its Swan-like Song, and pass into the Receivers in a fume. This casting in of the Papers is so long to be continued till they are all spent. You can scarcely put in above ten Papers, or fifteen at the most, in an hour; for if one Paper be cast in too soon after another, the ascending Spirits of the ♃ and ☿ would not all settle, but some would fly out at the hole of the last Receiver, and be lost. By this means the Iron man is nourished by degrees with his food, _viz._ the white Swan, even as Infants are successively fed by their Mothers.

After all the Papers are in, the fire is to be let go out of its own accord; and when all the Spirits are condensed in the Receivers, the Receivers are to be removed one after another, in which is the _Anima_ of Tin and Mercury, and of that metal which was added, of a white or ashy colour, if Tin and Mercury only were used. But if Gold was added, it will be of a purple colour; if Silver, of a yellow; if Copper, the colour will be reddish. And this is not only to be understood of the matter which passeth into the Receiver, but also of that which remains in the bottom of the Iron man. The _Anima_ hideth it self in the corporeal flowers which ascend into the Receivers, by which it is the more easily acquired, and which otherwise, perhaps, by reason of its great subtilty, would be very difficult to obtain. If you can put your hand into the Receivers, you may take out the flowers with a bent spoon, which hide the _Anima_; but if not, with an Iron Wier fitted for the scraping them off, or by washing them out with Water, which are to be handled further, as you shall presently hear.

The mass remaining in the stomach of the Iron man, being taken out when it is cold, hath a fiery nature and a white colour, if it were only of Tin and Nitre, but if any other metal was added, the colour will be varied, as above. This mass cannot be reduced to its former body by Fire alone, how vehement soever it be, seeing that when it is melted, it runneth into glass, and that too very difficultly. Nevertheless, by the following operation it may be reduced to its pristine Body: Put it into a very strong Crucible, which cover, and set in a Wind-Furnace that will give a very strong Fire (such as is my Fourth Furnace) the Fire being raised by degrees, let it be made white-hot, and when it is so, the Cover being a little removed, throw into the fiery mass a little Sulphur, Antimony, or Coals in fine powder, put on the Cover again, and lastly, cover the Crucible over with Coals, that all the matter may flow well. In this operation the combustible Sulphur will enter the fixt Nitre, and separate it from the fixed Metal, and with the same, whatsoever of Sulphur, Antimony, or Coals was added, will be turned into black Scoria. The Tin, with the Mercury, and the Metal, if any were added, separateth it self from the Scoria, and returneth into a metallick body, which after it is poured out and cold, is to be Separated from the Scoria. Jupiter hath the aspect of his former body, but is amended, as the proof will shew him that pleaseth to make it; the remaining Scoria are to be kept, because an excellent universal Medicine may be made of them. The _Regulus_ being melted again, is again to be amalgamated with its own weight of Mercury, which _Amalgama_ is to be mixed with its equal weight of Nitre, and put up into Papers, and again cast into the Iron man, as we have shewed before, that the Flowers and _Anima_ may be collected and added to the former. The remaining mass is to be precipitated with sulphur, as before, and the Scoria being separated from the Regulus, to be added to the former, and the Regulus to be again brought with Mercury to an _Amalgama_, that with Nitre the Flowers and _Anima_ may be again elicited. This Labour is to be so often repeated, until half the Regulus be converted into scoria: That part which remains being examined by the Cupel, will shew how much gold and silver is generated by this Labour. Which profit will serve to buy other Coals and Metals to carry on the Work. The _Anima_ which passed into the Receivers yieldeth a most excellent medicine; so do also the scoria which were reserved at divers times, afford one little inferiour to that; and how they are to be handled, we will teach in order. Therefore by this only operation a universal medicine for humane and metallick bodies is acquired particularly, and from the remaining part, an amended metal paying the necessary costs which are required for the continuing the great Work.

How therefore particularly of Tin and Copper often fulminated, one may get a profit not to be contemned, I will clearly shew; forasmuch as I have not performed that labour only once, but many times; in like manner I will deliver the way and mode whereby an excellent medicine may be prepared for the curing of all curable Diseases, which also I have often done. But how a Universal medicine may be prepared of the _Anima_ of metals, for humane and metallick bodies, I cannot teach; for I have not hitherto had time and opportunity of perfecting so great a Work. Nevertheless, I do not at all doubt, but that the Philosophick stone may be made of this _Anima_: But by what means I think this may be effected, (saving to every man his own judgment) I will not conceal from the studious of the Divine Wonders. What I have done with my hands, I can render others the more certain of; those things which I have not done, I leave as they are. The beginning of the Labour I have clearly enough proposed; from which, if any man cannot learn more, ’tis best for him to abstain from this kind of Labour.

All the Philosophers cry out with one voice, _Fix the volatile, and volatilize the fixt_, and you shall have the true universal medicine. From which scope he will not erre, who shall take good subjects for his work. Therefore, because in this our operation, Gold (besides the rest of the metals) being endowed with a most pure body, is rendered volatile and fugacious, and stript of its _Anima_, verily it will be credible, that of the _Anima_ of Gold, if the _Anima_ of Mercury shall be joined with it and digested to fixation, may be made the _Salamander_ constant in the Fire. The purple _Anima_ of Gold and Mercury which hath passed into the Receivers, I free from the Flowers of Tin, by washing it out with the sweet universal Water, known to every one, filtring it through Paper, coagulate it, and then fix it into a tinging stone. And I doubt not, but some good thing will thence proceed.

From the scoria remaining after the reduction, you may easily extract a medicine. Nevertheless, those scoria are divers, and have a diverse nature; for those which remain after the operation with Tin and Argent-vive, are of another nature and property than those which proceed from the working with other Metals adjoined to those two, as Gold, Silver, Copper, or Iron. Every Metal hath its own proper powers and virtues, which in the extraction of the Scoria go forth together, and render that Extract more noble, or else diminish its virtues. Gold and Silver have a different nature and properties from Copper and Iron. Nevertheless Copper and Iron are not malignant or hurtful in the Scoria, but also possess great virtues. Nevertheless the greatest virtues which are elicited from the Scoria, are to be taken for a Tincture of Sulphur; for the Metals being destroyed by fulmination, and again reduced into a body, leave but a very small part in the Scoria, seeing that their greatest part returneth into a metallick body. Therefore the Scoria principally consist of fixt Nitre, and that Sulphur by which the destroyed Metals are again reduced into a metallick body from the Nitre. The Scoria of the Metals destroyed and precipitated by Coals, or common Sulphur, have one and the same nature, virtues, and properties. The Scoria of that reduction made by Antimony, partake of another nature, to wit, of a grosser and stronger than those which are made by common Sulphur or Coals, for they sometimes cause vomiting, which the other do not.

And this I would note, that because Antimony as yet containeth many Arsenical qualities, common Sulphur containeth but few, and Coals none at all; that therefore also the Scoria made by these, are safer than the other; nevertheless, I confess that those are somewhat cruder, and more immature than those made with Antimony; but being extracted with Spirit of Wine, yield an excellent Tincture, which is a kind of a Universal Medicine; for it is sufficiently known, that no subjects (Gold and Silver excepted) are found fitter for Medicine, than Antimony and common Sulphur. And because Wood-Coals exactly answer to this common Sulphur in their nature, properties, powers, and virtue, therefore I commend the Scoria’s made by them, and prefer them to those prepared by Mineral Sulphur and Antimony; not that there is a greater efficacy in Coals than in Antimony and common Sulphur, but because those of Coals dissolved by fixt Nitre, are rendered more apt and easie to render their virtues to spirit of Wine, are of a more easie extraction, and are somewhat more familiar to the animal nature, than common Sulphur and Antimony. But the Medicine prepared of either of those scoria, is efficacious, and differeth but little in its external species and colour. All the difference in those Tinctures, is, That that which is extracted from the Antimonial scoria, if it be taken in a little the larger dose, before fixation, causeth vomiting, and operateth more forcibly than the other two. All three after the manner of sulphurs, gild silver, help the growth of Vegetables, by dunging, and nourish and augment Gold being made spiritual, and closed up in the moist way.

And although I do not yet know what it can perform in the transmutation of Metals, yet I am perswaded, that if it were fixed and rendered constant in the Fire, and made to have ingress into metals, that it would effect something in transmutation. It sufficeth me at this time to have indicated the way by which a universal Remedy against all curable Diseases, is to be prepared of the remaining scoria. He that desires to know more, let him set to his hand, and search farther; the way is opened to him: But if he desires somewhat better, let him set upon the Spirit of Mercury and Gold, which is forced into the Receivers, and search for it in that. As for the remaining parts, _viz._ the metallick flowers, and the running Argent-vive, which passed together into the Receivers, the running Argent-vive may be separated from the Flowers, and used again for the like labour, by amalgamating it with Jupiter. The Flowers are again to be reduced with the fulminated metals, that nothing of the Gold and Silver may be lost; so this labour being continued, will give a perpetual encrease of Gold and Silver, besides the tinging _Anima_, and the Expences will be only for the Salt-Petre, which will be little to those who know how to make Salt-Petre themselves, for the making of which, I have shewed the way; so that without any great labour, trouble, and cost, not only an honest livelihood may be gotten, but also a good medicine, for the relief and comfort of the forsaken Sick.

But before I conclude this my concentration of metals by Salt-petre, I think fit here to adjoin some admonitions for the benefit of the studious of these Labours. When in the reduction of the metals destroyed by the Fulmen of _Jove_, the scoria are left too long upon the gold, and not poured off in due time, they (after a certain magnetick manner) attract the remaining _Anima_ which the Fulmen hath left in the Gold, and leave the whole pale. If Argent-vive be amalgamated afresh with this pale Gold, and this Labour sometimes repeated, the Gold will be wholly spoil’d of its _Anima_, being partly driven into the Receivers, and that which is left attracted by the scoria, then the gold loseth all its colour, and the scoria put on a bloody colour. From this red scoria the Tincture is to be extracted, by a certain singular Artifice, and to be used in the known manner. The pale Gold recovereth its yellow colour by Iron, Copper or Antimony.

Moreover, this is also to be observed, When by the Fulmen of _Jove_ the _anima_ of ☉ and ☿ is propelled into the Receivers, the Receivers being taken off, the Flowers which hide the _Anima_, are to be taken out, and kept in Glasses close stopt. For the said _Anima_ of ☉ and ☿ is so spiritual, volatile, and fugacious, that like a Bird it presently flies away, and leaves an empty Nest; the truth of which thing I have experienced. _He that will not believe what I say, let him try, and he will find it to be true._

But that I may shew the studious of the Hermetick Medicine how he may experience this matter, I will declare by what chance I my self came to know it.

At a certain time, when I had taken the _anima_ of Gold and Mercury, made by the Fulmen of _Jove_, out of the Receivers, not clearing one Receiver so well, but that somewhat of the _anima_ remained therein; I put in some ounces of Water, that I might thereby the better wash out the remaining Flowers: In the mean time, some more urgent business called me away, I set the Receiver with the Water in it, upon a Table in my Laboratory, before or near a Window, and forgetting it, left it there for some daies; the Cold being then very sharp, in that time had frozen all into Ice; I coming into my Laboratory, to see if some Glasses, in which were Water, were not broken by the Ice, as is usual, I found some wholly filled with Ice, and seeing this Receiver to lie there, I presently believed that Receiver to be broken by the Frost; but taking it up in my hand, I found that the Water in it was not frozen, but remained clear, therefore I rejoiced that the Glass remained unhurt, and wondered much whence it should proceed; but I could impute it to no other thing, but to the hot spirit of Gold and Mercury, of which notwithstanding there could not above three or four grains remain in the Glass, which although so very little, preserved some ounces of Water from freezing. From that time weighing the matter more diligently, I found an incredible heat in that _Anima_. Let others enquire and search what may be performed by such a heat; this I know, that hereafter there will be sedulous Artists, who will thank me for this my faithful Institution.

For it is very likely, that this subtile and fiery Spirit of Gold and Mercury, such as it yet is before fixation, may be presently used with great profit, in the taking away many occult Diseases of the Body. Moreover, it is to be observed, That if Metals, whether Gold, Silver, or Copper be to be conjoined by amalgamation with Tin and Argent-vive, they ought first to be reduced into pure and shining Calces, that they may be the more readily received by the Mercury: But only a fourth or sixth part of the Calx is to be added in the Amalgamation, lest the Tin (by too great a quantity of the Calx) be hindered in fulminating, for the whole operation consisteth in a right fulmination. But lest any should erre in working, he may first make trial, whether all things be well mixed and prepared, by putting half a dram of the mixture into a small Crucible, and upon that a live Coal, and beholding the Fulmen with an intent eye, that he may see what colour it gives: If it riseth so white and clear, that it dazleth the eyes, as the looking upon the Sun is wont to do, all things are rightly and orderly mixt; the smoak is tinged with the colour of the adjoined Metal, as Purple from Gold, Blue from Silver, Green from Copper, but Tin and Argent-vive only give White. Also from the Mass remaining in the Crucible, it may be seen whether the Fulmen be rightly performed, _viz._ if the _Caput Mort._ or residing Mass be porous, and fiery upon the Tongue, being touched therewith. The Colours also of that Mass are various, according to the added Metal; Tin and Argent-vive alone leave a fiery white matter.

Neither is this to be passed by, being of no small moment, _viz._ If you seek not a Medicine, but only the emendation of Metals, it is not necessary to add Mercury with the Metals, but the Gold, Silver, or Copper may be melted with Tin, for so they become a brittle Mass, which may be powdered in a Mortar, and mixed with an equal weight, or a little more, of Salt-petre, and put into a strong Crucible, and covered, then put into a circular fire, so that the fire may approach it by degrees, till the Crucible and Matter be hot, and at length taking flame, may be enkindled and dispersed. In which operation many Flowers flie away, and a fiery Mass remaineth in the bottom, which is again to be reduced into a metallick body in a strong Crucible, in a Wind-Furnace, by the addition of some combustible sulphur, and after the reduction, to be reduced again into powder, and mixed with fresh Nitre, and again treated in the same manner, by sometimes repeating the former Labour. At length that Mass being reduced in a Crucible, the Gold, Silver, or Copper will be found augmented by the Tin.

NB. Because in this operation, not a little of the Metals flies away in fume, the Crucible may be set in some Wall, and on the Wall over it some Vessels or subliming Pots capacious enough may be fastened over it, that the Metals being kindled by the Fulmen, the elevated Flowers may be preserved and advanced to a purer Metal than they were before. This Labour doth not differ much from the Operation of _Basilius_, in which Salt-petre saith, _My Lover is a cheerful or pleasant Woman_, &c.

There are only two feminine Metals, _viz._ _Luna_ and _Venus_, either of which serveth to this Labour, yet this is more profitable than that, yea, and the same Labour giveth an augment to Sol, Mars, and Saturn, which are not feminine. When Tin is melted with ♀ or ☽, these pleasant females are elevated with joy, they sing, dance, and suffer themselves to be handled in what manner soever it shall please one to treat them, therefore they are called _brisk or pleasant Women_. This is an Operation not to be contemned, forasmuch as it well compensateth the Labour, and requireth but small costs besides the _Salt-Petre_, and also may be wrought in a great quantity, but our former with Mercury is better. There is yet more lies hid in this operation, but I think it not necessary here to recount all things. Let the Reader kindly accept of this, and shortly (God willing) more and better shall follow.

Whatsoever I have here written, is the very truth, and confirmed by many Experiments, in which every one may safely confide, and if he operates aright, will find the truth; for all things here delivered, are to be understood according to the Letter, and so to be observed in all the Labours.

A
TREATISE
Of an Universal Medicine;
OR,
A True Aurum Potabile.

Being an accurate Description of a True Universal Medicine, and
of its admirable Virtue and Efficacy which it sheweth upon the
_Vegetables_, _Animals_, and _Minerals_. A Gift presented unto
all such Noblemen as are desirous to preserve their Health, and
to attain to a Long Life; it being an _Universal Medicine_, or _A
True Aurum Potabile_.

_After that I had by GOD’S assistance described three excellent Processes in the Continuation of the =Miraculum Mundi=, and had bestowed the same on men of several orders, that thereby they might the easilier, and with a safer Conscience, provide themselves with Food and Raiment: =I= was also desirous of tendering some small Present to Noblemen too, and such who are of eminent power and authority, and whom =I= had not forgotten to present with some Gift, which may serve for the preservation of their good health for a long time, and for the restauration of it when lost._

_For it is a thing of the greatest Concernment for the Nobles, and such men as are placed in the degree of Power and Authority, to have the fruition of bodily health, whereby they may wisely rule over the subjects committed unto them by God, and may use a sound mind about the defence of the Good, and the punishment of the Ungodly. Now a sound mind inhabiting in a sound body, doth proceed (next after the Divine Grace) out of a sound Heart and Brain. And it cannot be, that a publick Government can be rightly and well administred without a good Health; and this is as clear and evident as the noonday light is. Forasmuch therefore as the safety and preservation of all Kingdoms and Republicks is placed in the Wisdom of their Rulers and Magistrates, and that imprudence and ignorance of the Rulers is wont to ruin their Subjects, it is a thing of the highest consequence to save the Head of the whole Kingdom or Country sound, whole, cheerful, prudent and ingenious, and that he be not made unfit or uncapable for the Government, by diseases, sadness, slothfulness, and stupidity. Therefore the love of my Neighbour constrains me to publish this Universal Medicine for the sake of the Great ones of the World, seeing it is so much conducive to the perpetual felicity and happiness of a sound and good Government; for no man can be said to be a sound man, if he be not of a sound constitution of Body. What benefit, =I= pray, can a sick man bring to himself, or to other men? Verily none at all, but is rather an hindrance and detriment both to himself, and unto others likewise: For when the Head is ill, there are a great many Members must serve it; but if the Head be sound and well, it exerciseth the governance of the whole Body very happily._

_What profit has a man that is tormented with Sicknesses and Dolours, of all his vast Wealth and Riches, since he can neither use them nor enjoy them, looking upon them with a kind of nauseate, and at last leaving them with grief behind. Certainly a sound body is to be preferred far before all the Treasures of this World, and no body will gain-say this. He is to be judged the Happiest man, that possesseth those two the greatest Gifts of God, =viz.= good Health and Riches. Sickness and Poverty are to be esteemed worse than even Death it self._

_We sometimes see, that pious Magistrates and Governours are snatcht away, and killed with small Diseases, which otherwise might have yet Ruled very many years over their subjects, had they had but good Medicaments, by help whereof they might have been succoured._

_As for the way of Conserving good Health, and recovering it when lost, this little Book doth most exactly shew the same, which =I= commend unto all those who are desirous of its preservation._

Of a Universal Medicine,
OR,
AURUM POTABILE.

The Medicine that is honoured with the Title of _Universal_ must be of this property, _viz._ to operate universally upon the three Kingdoms, _viz._ the Vegetable, Animal, and the Mineral, and to be able to succour each of them, as a most high Medicine should do. Whatsoever now does not abound with such an excellent property, the Title of _Universal_ is falsly attributed unto it; nor is it worthy such a Noble Name.

Therefore it doth, in the first place, behove me really, and in very deed, to demonstrate in this Book which treats of such a Universal medicine, that this same medicine which is so intituled, doth also possess those very same virtues and properties which a Universal medicine ought to have. And farther, Such a Universal medicine ought not only to be a most friendly Auxiliary and Helper, universally, to those three Kingdoms, _viz._ the Vegetable, Animal, and Mineral, but it is likewise necessary that it be also preparable out of all those three Kingdoms, Vegetable, Animal, and Mineral, and that too out of each apart, without the addition of any peregrine thing, and without any great labour, for the benefit and profit as well of the Poor as of the Rich.

They therefore do extreamly erre who are of such a foolish opinion, as to Dream that the matter of the universal medicine is only produced in such or such a place, and is to be fetch’d out of this or that Country with a great deal of Labour and Charges.

This opinion is Diametrically opposite to the common Vogue and Saying of all true Philosophers, who do unanimously confess, that their matter is every where to be found, and every one has it, and it is in the possession both of the Poor and of the Rich: And this verily is so open and evident a Saying, that nothing can be spoken more apparently.

For my part, I do affirm, that this Art is Vegetable, Animal, and Mineral, and that there is not a man to be found in the whole World, that has not the knowledge of this universal matter, and that does not use the same. Yea more, I do also affirm, that even a new-born Infant cannot live without it.

I have already accurately demonstrated in many places of the Writings I have hitherto published, that Nitre is found in all the things of the whole World; and so not only in all Vegetables, Animals, and Minerals, but also in the very Elements themselves, _viz._ in the Earth, in the Water, in the Air, in the Fire: And for this reason it both may, and deservedly ought to be called a Universal matter; for without the Elements can no man live. And now, whether any one believes this which I here mention, or does not credit it, ’tis all a case to me, what I have said I have said, nor need I say more. And thus much let suffice concerning the universal matter.

The Preparation I have openly enough treated of in many places of my Writings, but especially in my _Miraculum Mundi_, and in the other Writings thereunto appertaining; and therefore I forbear to make any more prolix declaration, and to multiply any more words about it.

But yet notwithstanding, I do here adjoin thus much, and confess, that although I have several times prepared that universal medicine, yet the Preparation thereof has not at all times answered my desires; nor hath it as yet been ever brought by me unto the utmost perfection and fixation, because I have wanted both time and opportunity of accomplishing it, and many other Impediments have hindered me from compassing the same according to my mind. But as concerning what Progress I have therein made, and that I can as yet perform or finish the same in three daies time; this, I say, I will consecrate to eternal memory, and in no case hold my peace, but speak on, for the instructions sake of Posterity.

And this I do to this end, that the omnipotence and bounty of God may be the more manifest, and that His Divine Name may be honoured the more, and that many Thousands of Sick people may be succoured with a most present and speedy Remedy.

This is the only cause that stirred me up to make this Discourse of the universal medicine; for I neither would, nor indeed ought I to burthen my Conscience by the concealment thereof, nor to hide and bury with me in my Grave, such a noble Gift of God, and the Talent which of His Gracious Benignity He hath been pleased to bestow upon me.

But yet I would not that any one should perswade himself that he shall (by his soothing words and large promises of golden mountains) squeeze out from me the Preparation of the same, whereby he may make use thereof to lead his Life in Pleasures, Pride, and Impiety, and so hurt poor mankind. No, let such an one be assured, that I will never do so, for it is not in my power to reveal to every one such a great Gift, and which is of God, and not of Man, but ’tis in the power of God alone so to do: And as for my self, I would much rather die, than to reveal and prostitute it to a wicked man. Besides, I would not have any one to suppose, that whereas I call this medicine of mine Universal, it is therefore able to transmute the Imperfect metals into Gold, so as to furnish one with such vast Treasures as the Philosophers attribute unto their universal medicine: No, for I am as yet ignorant of such a transmutation, nor indeed do I covet it, or gape thereafter, but give unto God only most great Thanks for that medicine, by which (being vouchsafed me of His meer bounty) I am able to succour the miserable, sick, tormented, and diseased ones, and celebrate the glory and benignity of the Lord. I do withal readily confess, that I have not as hitherto received any benefit at all therefrom about the bettering of the Metals thereby; nor do I at all seek after any benefits in that kind of way, being contented with that Medicine, advanced to such a pass, as whereby it may be able to suffice me to get Food and Raiment by God’s help. I covet not after abundance of Riches, and do only beg of God, that He would neither afflict me with Poverty and Want, nor bestow on me too much Satiety and Fulness, lest I should be lifted up with Pride, and say, _Who is the Lord?_ Nay verily, if I could with this Medicine get my self great benefit, as to the metallick affairs, yet would I not do it, nor would I lay out such a great Gift of God, upon temporary things, thereby to rob the poor, miserable, sick people of the same, for whose sake God was pleased to bestow it.

Perhaps it may so come to pass, that this my Medicine may, by the labour of diligent searchers, be brought to such a pass, as to be capable of exercising its power upon the lesser and imperfect metals, and that by a fruitful or profitable amending and correcting them: But this is a thing that God reserves to Himself, as posited in His alone good pleasure, whose Grace and Favour we must with a patient expectation wait for: Mean while we may lawfully enjoy this most excellent medicine, which being a most certain Argument of the verity and power, arising from such a notable Art, doth abundantly serve to stop the shameless mouths, and break the mischievous Teeth of all _Farnnerian_ Asses. But yet notwithstanding some or other of them may haply spue out some poisonous stuff out of his shameless mouth, and say, With what right can I impose the name of _Universal Medicine_ upon this Medicine of mine, seeing that I do not in the least deny, that it is not available to bring me any benefit out of the metals, but can only heal the Diseases of the Sick: Whereas the Philosophers do on the contrary attest, that their Universal medicine hath such virtues as are wont to transmute the lesser or meaner metals into Gold, and that with most exceeding profit.

For answer to such as these, I say, that although this medicine of mine which is here treated of, hath not hitherto brought me any profit by the melioration of the metals, yet it demonstrates it self to be universal, and to be worthy that same Title; for I have been hindered through want of time and other letts (as I said afore) from hitherto bringing it unto perfection and fixation. And I pray who can tell what God will be pleased to vouchsafe in process of time. A new-born Infant cannot well be upbraided (if wanting wit and judgment it does not attempt and effect some great matters) and be on this wise twitted. Ho! it is not a man, ’tis beardless, it understands nothing, it lies along and cannot help it self, it has nothing but what they reach out unto it. Well, well, let the Infant but arrive unto its due age, and let its due meat and drink be administred unto it, and then in length of time it will attain to a requisite stature and strength, and will propagate and multiply its own kind. For if there be but once the humane form, there will not proceed ought else thencefrom, but a perfect man. Just so stands the case with my medicine, which is exceeding like to a new-born Infant, whereto regard being had, according to a Philosophical manner, there will be no doubt, but that it will arrive unto a due perfection.

And now, the things which it doth even already perform, do all of them sufficiently argue and testifie, that process of time both can & indeed must produce thereout of some better thing; even as a good Parent wisheth for nothing more, than that (whilst himself is living) his Children may grow up to man’s estate, and be happily married, and by a new Offspring preserve his Name and Stock, and yield their help towards the multiplication of mankind, and he himself is wondrously joyed in his Grandchildren: But yet in the meanwhile he cannot be at all certain that his Life shall be so long prorogued, as to have a fruition of so much happiness, and therefore must commit the whole affair to God’s pleasure, and patiently wait upon him, and See what that Omnipotent Creator (who indeed shewed unto _Moses_ the Promised Land, but granted him not so long Life as to enter thereinto) will do with him and his; even so hath the Lord shewed unto me the Promised Land, but whether or no I am worthy to arrive so far as to enjoy the pleasant Fruits thereof, GOD only knows; His merciful bounty hath bestowed upon me in my old Age a Philosophical Infant, which doth exceedingly rejoice me: But yet verily am I utterly ignorant whether or no He will vouchsafe unto me so long a Life, as to see the virile or man-like age thereof.

Therefore, like as a Father, unto whom in his old Age the Divine Bounty hath vouchsafed an Heir, tho’ (haply) he well knows that the said Heir cannot possibly arrive unto man’s estate, during his (_viz._ the Father’s) life, yet nevertheless he is exceedingly joyed, in that he hath an Heir to keep up his Name, and which will in time trace his Father’s footsteps (_viz._ have more Children): Even just so doth my new-born Philosophical Infant exceedingly rejoice me, though haply I know that my Life will not last so long, as to be a Possessor of the same, in the state of its being advanced unto perfection. However, I doubt not but that God will stir up other nursing Fathers to this tender Infant, that being educated and nourished by them, it may arrive unto a Man-like strength, and unto virile powers and virtues, and may become serviceable to the advancement of the Honour of God, and to the succouring of many Thousands of sick People. The way of attaining this, I have, according to my simple judgment, too and agen, and peicemeal as it were, opened and revealed in divers places of my Work, _viz._ how it may be most commodiously effected, and therefore I judge it needless to treat thereof any farther in this place.

_Of the Nature, Form, Properties, and admirable Virtue and Efficacy
of my True =Aurum Potabile=._

As touching the form of this same new-born Infant, I would have the well-minded Reader know, that it is like unto a poor, naked, tender Babe, of no splendour, of a simple aspect, but yet carries within it self all the colours of the whole World, which by how much the older it grows, so much the fairer colours doth it yield. The Fire affords it nutriment, and clothes it with Garments of various colours, and makes it strong, fair, noble, and potent, insomuch that it may not undeservedly be termed its Father. Being born out of the Earth its Mother, it loves it, and useth it for its nutriment, until that arriving unto full years, it becomes like its Father the Fire, and leaves its Mother the Earth, and like a Lord of full age, bears rule over its Hereditary Possessions. But during its Minority and Infancy, all its actions are look’d on as childish, but yet so that presently (or even now) appears what kind of notable man he will be, making good that Proverb; _Urit mature quod vult urtica manere_.

_That which will a Nettle be,
Stings betimes, trust you me._

For seeing that a new-born Infant doth abound with so much virtue, as to be able to do so much good, What would not he be capable of effecting, should he attain to a ripeness of years? It will be therefore worth while to hear and see what virtues it is able to exercise upon Vegetables, Animals, and Minerals; and first, we will treat about the Vegetables.

_By what way a Trial is to be made, whether or no this =Aurum
Potabile=, or =Aqua-vitæ of the Philosophers=, be a most high
Medicine for the Vegetables._

Every body knows, that the Vegetables which are to grow up, and be multiplied, must be also nourished. This nourishment now is nothing else but a sulphureous Salt, whether it hath its Rise from the Vegetables, or from the Animals, or from the Minerals; for ’tis all a case to the Vegetables, from whatsoever it proceeds, so that they have but their nutriment, by which they may grow, be encreased, and be multiplied. The Husband-man useth the Dung of any Cattel or Sheep, to dung his Lands withal, that the Seed sown in the dunged Earth, may thence extract the Salt, and convert it into its own nutriment, and so grow up, and be encreased; and besides this kind of Dunging he knows none.

But the true Naturalist makes use of the Excrements of other Animals, yea, and the Minerals themselves too, for the dunging of the Ground; concerning which thing, I have written at large in my other Writings, and especially in my _Miraculum Mundi_; and therefore there’s no need at all of making any farther repetition of the same here. Forasmuch therefore as my _Aurum Potabile_ is also a sulphureous Salt, but yet far stronger, and more efficacious than that which lies in the common Dung of Beasts and Cattel, and so consequently promotes the accretion or growth, and multiplication of all the Vegetables in a wonderful maner. I have judged it a thing worth while to set down in this place the use thereof in the melioration of the Vegetables, that so it may be evidently demonstrated, that this my Potable Gold is the most excellent Medicine for all the Vegetables, and that their _Particular_ Medicine which doth first proceed from the Dung of Sheep and Cattel, doth afterwards display its virtues by an _Universal_ operation. For if the _Dung_ of Horses, Cows, and Sheep (as ’tis barely Dung) could but succour Men and Metals, like as it brings a medical or helping succour unto the Vegetables, then might it by the same reason be likewise called _Universal_.

But whereas it is an helper to the Vegetables only, and hath no conjoining familiarity with the Minerals and Animals, therefore is it rightly and deservedly to be referred to the order of particular Medicines, which are helpful to the Vegetables only. But yet notwithstanding, the Salt being extracted out of those sorts of Dung, and converted into Saltpetre, (which is a thing easily done) doth then admit of being transmuted into a _Universal Medicine_: But now, afore such a Transmutation be made, it does not exceed the order or bounds of _Particular_ Medicaments. But this _Aurum Potabile_ of mine merits the name of a true Universal Medicine, as being not only a most high Medicine for the Vegetables, but also for the Animals and Minerals too, and this shall be perfectly demonstrated as follows.

You must get some Vessels made of the best Earth, and strong, and such as being well burnt in the Fire, become like a Stone. And amongst such Earths, the _Colen_, _Siburg_, _Waldenberg_, and other such-like natured Earths, are the fittest for this Work; let them be made very thick, and such as will not imbibe any Water. If you want such as these, cause then your Vessels to be made of Glass; for every porous kind of Earth, though it be glazed over with Lead-glass, yet it is not so fit for this kind of operation; therefore you must of necessity provide your self with fit and convenient Vessels, and have a most especial regard to this admonition. Let such a Vessel be a span long, or high, or deep, and let it have the same breadth or largeness, and let its bottom be perforated with some small holes, like as those Pots which are made for the keeping of Flowers in are wont to be: The Pots being thus prepared and filled up top-full, with clear and lean Sand, you may put or plant therein three or four Seeds of such Herbs that you have a mind to plant, that so if haply one of them comes not to good, the second, third, or fourth may. When the seeds are on this wise put in the said Sand, and shall have been moistened with our Universal Water, the Pots must then be set abroad to the Sun and Air, that so the Seeds may spring up and grow; which seeds, if good, and not too old, will in a few daies time, grow up out of the Sand, as if they had been in any other fat Earth. Now, when they shall have sprouted up so high as a fingers length, you must leave in your said Pots two of the biggest and strongest stalks or sprouts, and pluck up the others, lest they should impede each others growth; and you must let them have room enough in the Pot to grow.

This Vessel thus filled with Sand, and planted with seeds, is to be set upon another strong Dish or Platter, and which is made of the like sort of Stone-like Earth, that so if that medicinal water should happen to penetrate and destil through the sand, it may not be lost, but being saved, may be again poured into the pot-full of sand. Moreover, you must diligently take heed that no Rain-water fall therein and wash away that medicinal water, and so take from the Herbs their nutriment. The sand must not be too much wetted, but lie alwaies somewhat moist, lest by being quite dry, or too wet, the whole Work be corrupted by either the excess or defect of the due, temperament: All things here prescribed being duly observed, the Herb springs up in a short time, and bears Flowers and Fruits sooner and better, than if it had grown in other dunged Earth. The Colours become fairer, the Odours will be stronger, the Virtues also will be greater, and these Herbs do likewise longer keep their virtues, and are not so corruptible as others are. After that all the humidity which you poured first on, shall have been consumed by the Sun and the Air, so as that it is plainly vanisht, there must some other Rain-water (wherein a little of that potable Gold shall have been dissolved) be again poured on upon the Sand, that so the Herb may have its due supply of nourishment, so long as it shall be a-growing, for the whole World knows, that there does not grow ought at all out of sand, which is only wetted with bare Rain-water.

Likewise by the help of this Universal Medicine all kinds of Herbs and Plants may be made apt to germinate and grow even in mid-Winter, and may be at any time amended, if so be that dissolved Liquor be but poured on upon the Roots. So will they be sooner ripe, and yield their Flowers and Fruits much speedier than those that are dunged after the common way; yea, and more too. I say, that as to their virtues and efficacy, they are to be preferred far before the common ones. The bare simple Universal Medicine is wont to shew so much efficacy, as is here mentioned: But now some metallick Ferment being added thereunto, makes it far more efficacious; for by means thereof, the Herbs acquire greater and better virtues.

If there be adjoined thereunto an aureous ferment, the Herbs will not only get the virtues of the Gold, but will also appear spotted here and there, in their Leaves and Flowers, with golden spots like little Stars, and will wonderfully please the sight by their delicate aspect.

If a Silver Ferment be thereto added, the Herbs will be impregnated with Silvery virtues, and be painted with silver spots as they grow. The Herbs being by this means bettered with a golden Ferment for the Heart, and with a Silver Ferment for the Brain, do with a more admirable efficacy succour those Members. And if the great ones of the World did for their Health’s sake take care for the nourishing such Herbs as these in their Gardens, there’s no doubt at all to be made, but that they would thencefrom obtain most great benefits. For, besides their wonderfully delighting the sight with their beauty and delicateness, and besides their admirable virtues, in which they far excel the common Herbs, they do likewise bring this exceeding great profit, _viz._ they may be made use of instead of my _Aurum Potabile_, which perhaps some great men may be averse from taking, through the perswasions of their ignorant Physicians, who most-an-end do, by reason of their sottish stupidity and ignorance, snarle and bite at such kind of eminent Medicines, and divert their Lords and Masters from the using of them, as if they were so many Poisons.

If therefore (to free themselves from that needless care) they did but make use of these Herbs instead of my Potable Gold, they would however, by the help of such Vegetables, enjoy so much of the efficacy of my Potable Gold, as to keep themselves in good Health, or to recover it, being lost.

Besides too, the said Potable Gold may be most commodiously and fitly applied to the use of Mankind, not only by the help of the Vegetables, but also of the Animals too, and that on this wise.

Hens (or Pullets, _&c._) are to be a while nourished with Oats, Barley, Wheat, or other kind of Grain, macerated with the Liquor of that Universal Medicine; and being nourished therewithal, they will by concoction or digestion transmute those Medicinal Virtues into their Flesh, and so be far more efficacious and nobler than the flesh of other Hens or Poultry. The Dung likewise of such Fowls may be Saved, and mixt with Sand, and Herbs be therein planted, which by this means will be rendered better than the common Herbs, because they assume to themselves the Reliques of that Liquor which the Fowls did not consume, and by digestion transmute into their Flesh, and so do convert it into their proper juice, so that there is not any thing at all of that Liquor lost, but the whole of it passeth into most notable profit.

Verily this is an excellent and admirable Transplantation of an Universal Medicine, into the Vegetables and Animals, the which the tender great ones of the World may make use of with the greatest security.