Chapter XXX: Front Matter (30)

What man knows by looking upon the seed of any thing, what colours and what figure the Plant is of, that will proceed therefrom? but in its growing up by a due nutrition, it doth at length become manifest, which afore lay therein hidden: Even so the true first Ens of Gold lies hidden in my _Aurum Potabile_, and is not visible to the sight, much less doth that appear which shall or may by Art be made thereout of, before it shall have arrived unto its constant fixity or fixation, (as the Chymists phrase it) by the help of the fire. And therefore must there be a patient expectation until this Infant wax ripe, and attaining unto a man-like estate, it performs man-like actions.

Who would ever have believed that there lies hidden in an Egg the whole essence of a Bird, with all its Members, Feathers, and whatever else appertains thereunto, but that it is a thing so thoroughly common? The Must of Wine, if drank in too great a quantity, hurts the stomach, weakens it, and causeth Colick pains; and the same Liquor, after it is become a strong and clear Wine, corroborates the stomach and the whole body, and so at length lays off those virtues or properties which it held hidden in it self whilst it was Must. He that knows a Vegetable Seed, an Animal Egg, or a Mineral _primum_ Ens, doth at last also come to know, that from a Seed there must proceed an Herb, from an Egg a Bird, and from the first Ens of Minerals an Universal Medicine: But he whose understanding cannot comprehend these things, but contemns them, as an abject or contemptible Seed, Egg, and first Ens of Minerals, _viz._ a sulphureous Salt, such a one doth even ignorantly despise the Herb, the Bird, and the Universal Medicine hidden therein. Therefore no body should contemn those things that he has no knowledge of. And seeing it is clearly perceptible, that the first Ens of Gold hides within it the true Universal Medicine, and which Time, Art, and Nature will really produce unto the Light: Therefore there is no reason why any one should undervalue my Potable Gold, or despise it, because it is as yet in its infancy, and is like some common salt water; but he should rather think thus with himself, that it is like the white of an Egg, which hides within its inward bowels, as I may so say, its yolk, which in process of time will bring forth a most delicate Bird.

But these things which I have already spoken of the nature and properties of my _Aurum Potabile_ may suffice; its Medicinal use shall shortly be clearly described amongst my chiefest Medicaments, and so be published, together with them. But he that is minded to make use of the same in the mean while, may safely do it, and without any kind of hazard at all, for it operates nothing else, but what is conducive to the good health of man’s body, corroborating the debilitated radical humidity or vital spirit, and confirming it, by which the life of man is nourished, encreased, and conserved many years in a wish’d-for, healthful estate, just as a Lamp is kept alive by the pouring on of Oil, or the vigour of the Fire by the apposition of Wood thereunto, by which it is preserved from extinguishing and dying: But yet the use thereof must be warily and judiciously admitted, because being a meer pure fire, it must be moderately adhibited. At the beginning of administring it, one or two drops may be given in Wine, Ale, or other Drink, unto the Sick, but best of all in the spirit of Wine: Then the next following day one little drop more may be added, and so the Dose may each day be augmented by the apposition of one small drop, until it work by Sweat and Urine, and sometimes also gently by Stool.

This Operation being made (and on this wise active) then the Doses are to be in like manner daily lessened by the omission of one drop at a time, until the Sickness be happily removed, and so the Sick need no farther use of the same.

All things being thus rightly instituted, it will manifestly appear, that all Sicknesses, yea, the hidden ones too, are expulsed by this Medicament, and even as it were consumed like as Wood is consumed by a burning fire, in such wise, as that nothing at all of it remains, save the fixed Salt, but is all reduced into a Nothing: For all Diseases, as we shewed afore, have their rise from moist humours, which nothing can heal and remedy more commodiously and safely than this _Aurum Potabile_ of mine, which is such a vehement resister of all over-abounding humidities, opening, inciding, consuming, and dispelling them, just as the ☉ consumes Water in a Vessel, and wafts it away by evaporation. Hence it is, that it both cures, and by way of a preservative, prevents the _Leprosie_, _French-Pox_, _Quartane_, and all other _Fevers_; the _Scurvy_, _Epilepsie_, _Apoplexy_, _Hypocondriack Melancholy_, _the Stone in the Reins and Bladder_, the _Gout_, and all the _Diseases of the Matrix_, both known and unknown, and the various Sicknesses of Women, as also the dreadful _Plague_, with all the evil effects arising therefrom. For it is found that nothing is subject to Corruption and Death, but an abounding Phlegm, or an immature humidity which is wont most speedily to pass into a putrefaction.

From hence it is clearly manifest, that the sanguine man, which is endowed with a drier temperature, has a far better fruition of his health than the phlegmatick man hath, who abounds with moisture.

Dry Sugar dures many years, but being moistened, it turns sowre, and becomes ropy and ill-savour’d, tho’ it be a Salt, and is mixt with other corruptible Vegetables to preserve them.

From hence may it be seen, that a superfluous humidity opens the Gate for Death to enter in by, and seize upon the Life: But on the contrary, a temperate siccity preserves all things in an healthful state, and barrs up the passage against any corruption. The Roof of a curious and stately-built House being full of chinks and holes, lets the Rain in, which moistens all the whole structure, and causeth it to rot and spoil: But if the holes in the Roof be stopt, and the windows by which the Rain beats in be shut, and the windows on the other side of the house, where the wet beats not in, be on the contrary opened, that the warm Air passing in, thereby may throughly dry up all the moisture, and so inhibit or put a stop to the Progress of Putrefaction, then the whole frame and building will be kept sound and good, which otherwise would be rotted and quite spoiled. Such men as live in the moorish fenny Countries, and feed upon a waterish Meat and phlegmy Drink, are for the most part of an unsound temperature, and troubled with Catarrhs and the Scurvy. But on the other hand, those that inhabit high and lofty places, and have the fruition of a drier and purer Air, and that feed upon such meats as are more conducive unto health; these men know nothing of those watery sicknesses, but have flourishing and strong bodies, and have firm, compact, and excellently well tempered flesh. And this difference is not found only to be in Men, but also in all other things. For not only Bread, Flesh, Fruit, and such other things as are used for daily food, do grow mouldy much sooner in the moist places, and so corrupt, but also even Metals themselves too, as Iron, Copper, Tin, and the like, even these cannot shun the corruption of the Air, but are laid over with Rust, which (in a drier air) they do not so easily contract.

By all these circumstances it is so clearly evidenced, that superfluous moisture is to all things alwaies hurtful, and gives an inlet unto Corruption, that I think there is no body that will dare to say any thing to the contrary.

And therefore seeing that this _Aurum Potabile_ of mine doth (amongst all other Medicaments, what Title soever dignified with) most notably excel in the taking away of Corruptions, and may be most safely made use of both for preservation from, and curing of Diseases, it ought to be accounted and esteemed of as an _Universal Medicine_, and that very deservedly, and which gives place to none.

These few things I was willing to describe here in this place, concerning the use, efficacy, and virtues of my Potable Gold, in the curing of the Vegetables, Animals, and Minerals. There shall suddenly follow more concerning the same, in _The Description of the use of my Principal Medicaments_.

It now remains, that I make some brief mention of the preparation of my aforesaid Potable Gold, although I have already often done the same in many places of my Writings, and have very clearly shown the same, but yet after a Philosophical manner, and without setting down any Receipt, but here and there by piecemeal; as for example, in my _Miraculum Mundi_, in its _Exposition_ and _Continuation_, where it is briefly described, so as that it therefore needs not any farther illustration.

But yet, that I may abundantly satisfie all men, I do (by way of over-plus) admonish every one, that he do not think that this subject is to be sought after from foreign and far remote places, with a great deal of costs and charges; for the matter out of which my _Aurum Potabile_ is made, is in every place, and offers it self even in a manner _gratis_, to the most poor as well as the richest, and without Costs, and is brought to its perfection in three daies space: To that perfection, I say, (that you may rightly understand my mind) as its infancy requires, _viz._ so as to become a _Lac Virginis_, or a clear Universal Medicinal Water, which I call _Aurum Potabile_, and in which the most precious Dragon’s-blood lies hidden, which is to be transmuted in a certain limitted time, by fixation, into a constant Salamander; the which I have not as yet ever effected, and therefore forbear to use more words, resting satisfied with this my _Aurum Potabile_, which I have many a time prepared by my labour, and here treat of, and forbear to multiply any more words about things of greater moment. In the mean time I doubt not, but that (if time and labour be bestowed hereabouts) this _Aurum Potabile_ would arrive unto the utmost fixity and constancy, both in the moist and in the dry way.

Farthermore, I deny not, but that this same _Aurum Potabile_ may be made of all the things of the whole World, but yet easier and sooner out of one subject than another. _There is no Infant that is born so poor, but that he necessarily enjoys that subject, and cannot live without it_: Therefore some of the ancient Philosophers have written, _That =Adam= and =Eve= had the same matter in =Paradise=_; when as yet they had no cloathing.

_Mary_ the Prophetess and Sister of _Moses_, calls it, _The Work of three hours_; another calls it, _The Philosophical Work of seven daies_: I _Glauber_, being a new Disciple of _Hermes_, do most truly affirm, That this my _Aurum Potabile_, which I here treat of, may be perfected not only in three daies, but even in three hours space, and that out of such subjects as are every where to be found, and which all men know and make use of, and cannot be without.

I speak the pure naked Truth, without hiding it under any Coverings of similitudes or enigmatical expressions. And that no body may think that these my Writings are not to be understood according to the Letter, but that they conceal all things under an hidden meaning, I do again affirm this third time, that the _Aurum Potabile_ which I write of, may be made of any Vegetable, Animal, and Mineral, but yet sooner out of one than another. For although any one may prepare it out of a piece of Wood, Bread, or Flesh, and out of an handful of Straw, Leaves, or Grass, yet notwithstanding, it may be easier made out of an handful of the salt of any Vegetables and Animals, as being their concentrated center; and this I bequeath to the whole World as an infallible Truth. But I would have every one rightly to understand me, what Salt I here point at, _viz._ I mean no other, but that which is to be found in all things.

But that the true meaning of my words may be yet the clearer and openlier disclosed, I will adjoin a short but fundamental Discourse. It is not sufficient for a lover of Art, that is inflamed with a desire of obtaining some good thing, barely to read over such or such a Philosopher, and presently to perswade himself, that by the meer reading, he shall forthwith understand clearly and perspicuously the Art treated of. No, but he must accurately meditate, and consider what that is which he seeks for, whence it hath its original, and by what means or what way he may obtain it. For if we will make our search from the utmost and extreamest Coasts (or Bounds as it were) even to the inmost bowels or center, we shall find, that God was One and alone from Eternity, even till the time wherein it pleased him to create visible things for His own glory and delight. And when He went about doing this, He said, _Let it be_: Assoon as this _Fiat_, or _Let be_, was pronounced by God, it began to move it self, and to change (or turn) into four Elements, out of which Elements there afterwards arose all those Creatures, which can be discerned with our Eyes, and without the four Elements they could neither be nor consist, and without them even Nature her self can bring forth nothing.

Now, if any one would endeavour after what is purer and better than those things which are generated from the Elements, he must make his attempts by _ART_, the which, by overcoming or outstripping _NATURE_, hath its tendency to that Butt whereunto Nature cannot attain; and he must there begin his operation where Nature ended hers, as not knowing how to make any farther progress: For then is a _Quintessence_ obtained, which exceeds Nature one degree, and cannot be promoted by Art any farther.

But if any one has a desire of obtaining any better and greater thing than this same _Quintessence_, he must then proceed some other way; for (as we said but now) Art cannot make any farther progress beyond a Quintessence: And therefore necessity requires, that there be made a regress or retrogradation unto the Center from which the very Elements themselves have their original. This Center is that Divine _Fiat_ or _Universal Hermaphroditick_ Salt, participating of both natures, which being the true _Primum Mobile_, comprehends hidden in it self two contraries, which acting one upon another, do bring forth the three Principles of the three Kingdoms, _Vegetable_, _Animal_ and _Mineral_, and do nourish them by the four Elements, and multiply them, and this is the common course of nature.

But now Art makes a much farther progress, and reduceth the _Circumference to the Center_, and doth not permit unto that _Center_ or _Primum Mobile_, that the _Patient_ be overcome or subdued by the _Agent_, by the operating of those two contraries upon each other, nor does it suffer it to pass into those three kingdoms, _viz._ _Vegetable_, _Animal_, and _Mineral_, as into its Circumference, but doth so subdue, and keep, and bridle in that _Primum Mobile_, that it does not divide or dilate its Virtues by a large circumferential walk, as it were, but doth in a manner swallow them down into its own self, or concenter them; just as if a Dragon should bite off his own venomous Tail, and therewithal nourish himself, when he cannot light upon any other Food, and so by this means becomes a most high Medicine. And therefore most wisely said _Hermes_, _Our Dragon doth not die, but by its Brother and Sister_. It is a thing necessary, that one fire should overcome the other, and transmute it into a more noble essence. Such a fire as this, is my _Alkahestical Arcanum_, or true _Aurum Potabile_, with which wonderful things may be effected. It is a transparent clear Water, wherein the colour and form of fire lieth hidden and introverted; but yet that internal Fire is easily and speedily manifestable, and educible unto view, by either the dry or moist Fire. The dry way is done by the heat and fire of common Wood-Coals; and as for the moist way, a well-rectified Spirit of Wine is to be used, and such as is void of all its Phlegm. Take therefore of the dry and concentrated Fire ℥ j. put it into ℥ iij. of the moist Fire or Spirit of Wine, which moist fire will presently swallow up the dry one. These being both of them digested by a due heat of Fire for some hours, in a long-neck’d Phial or Bolthead, will put on a blood-red colour, and will manifest and expose to view its concentrated Virtues, with curious colours, and with a pleasant taste and smell, by which heart-corroborating qualities it far excels all other Aromatical Essences, that serve for the strengthening of the heart; for those properties which afore lay turned inwards, and were shut up in its inmost bowels, are all of them drawn forth and made visible, and become subject to the external distinguishing senses. By this means the abject and little Infant which was clad in a white colour, becomes a speaking, strong, and prudent man, and this very _Lac Virginis_ it self is changed into the most efficacious _Dragons-blood_. This now is the most true _Aqua-vitæ_, and the most true _Wine of Health_, some few drops of which being daily taken, do conserve good health, and bestow long Life.

Many honest men have with their own eyes seen at my House the admirable and most speedy effects of my often-mentioned true Potable Gold, and especially its operative efficacy in the transmutation of the Imperfect Metals.

If therefore such a one as is troubled with grievous Diseases, and who finds no help in those vulgar, commonly-known Galenical Medicaments, shall need the help of this my _Aurum Potabile_, I will out of Christian Charity willingly bestow upon him so much thereof, as may be requisite for the recovery of his former health; and this I will the rather do, that the wonderful miraculous deeds of the Divine Power may be made known in these last times.

No body shall fish out from me more Directions than those which I have too and agen hidden in my Writings, concerning this _Aurum Potabile_; let it suffice every one, that he can find this Medicine ready prepared in my hands, the which scarce one of an hundred would be able to make, were he a Possessor of the Secret.

This Medicine shall lie ready prepared by me as long as I live; I will not deny it to any body; nay more, I will openly shew the use thereof too, unto some of my friends, in the melioration of both the Vegetables, Animals and Minerals themselves, that so the Wonders of GOD, and the possibility of Art may be manifested, and come to light.

And now, may it please the Omnipotent GOD, who is the beginning and the end of all things, to inspire us, out of His meer Grace and Mercy, and implant in our cold hearts, which are stopt up with darkness, the warming heating spark of His Holy, Eternal, Infinite, and all-correcting Light, that it may therein, as in some saltish and sulphureous Earth, be nourished, and grow up like a little Seed, and bring forth Fruit a Thousand fold, to the Salvation of all our Souls. _Amen._

THE
SECOND PART
OF
Miraculum Mundi.

In which is described the Magnificent Coming of
ELIAS THE ARTIST;

And that the wonderful _Salt of Philosophers_ is the most Excellent
Medicine of _Vegetables_, _Animals_, and _Minerals_.

By the help of which, not only _Vegetables_ do grow, and are
multiplied; Diseases of Men and Animals, whether internal or
external, are miraculously Cured, and Imperfect Metals really
changed into _Sol_ and _Luna_; yea, pure _Sol_ rendered able
to sustain the Force of Fire beyond the natural 24ᵗʰ. to
the 28ᵗʰ. degree but also from every Plant natural _Sol_ is
extracted, and disposed to _fixedness_, for multiplication of it
self.

THE PREFACE.

Candid Reader,

_Among ancient Philosophers of the Heathen, as =Chaldees=, =Egyptians=, =Persians=, =Greeks=, and =Romans=, yea, and the =Hebrews= themselves, it was a long-received Custom, enigmatically to propose what they esteemed most worthy of confederation, lest such Secrets should either be divulged or lost; to the end, that unworthy persons having regard to the Letter only; and not respecting the Sence expressed in those words, might know nothing at all of them: But contrarily, the Worthy, enlightened with the Light of GOD and Nature, well understanding what is signified by those Words, might thence reap most profitable Fruit. The Truth of this is sufficiently proved by the Writings of ancient Philosophers; also by the Books of =Moses=, and the Histories of the Prophets. For all these, or the greatest part of them, do indeed need another explication, than the Letter it self seems to inferr, because some occult matter is in that contained._

_In like manner our Christian Philosophers, both ancient and modern, discovered their =Arcanum=’s enigmatically; as, among many other, =Basilius= and =Paracelsus= did: For, although these men delivered all things true, yet they are understood by very few: Which hath been the occasion of Contempt and Reproaches, with which ignorant men, and the evilly-disposed, asperse all Philosophers (among whom Kings themselves, and divers Princes, in times past have been, and are yet found) and say, =There is no such thing in Nature, as the Transmutation of Metals into a better state=; and that =The Universal Tincture or Stone of Philosophers was never found by any Man=. Truly it is a matter worthy of sharp Reproof, and not to be suffered, that the Chymical Writings of many excellent pious men, should (although most consonant to Verity) be so maliciously rejected, and proclaimed false. This is rather due to Chymical Mountebanks, (understanding nothing less than Chymistry) because they expose to sale the Philosophers Stone unto others: This sort of men have rendered Chymistry so vile and abject at this day, as many men judge it a Reproach to be called =Chymists=._

_That we might, as far as is possible, prevent this evil, and demonstrate those things to be true, which the above-named Writers have left to us, under the Title of =The Salt of Ancient Philosophers=, which by =Paracelsus= is called =Elias= the Artist; we resolved to effect the same thus._

_=Paracelsus= treating of the Transmutation of Metals, because he was not willing to insignize =The Salt of Philosophers= with its true name, refers the Reader to =Elias the Artist=, who, he saith, when he comes, will teach the way by which the Transmutation of Metals may be effected. Here Men imagine Wonders, and generally regarding the words themselves, expect the coming of a certain Man sent from GOD, whom they believe, shall in the later Ages of the World, discover occult Arts, and make known the Secrets of Nature. Whereas, if the Name =Elias the Artist= be rightly considered, or a transposition of the Letters be made, we read =Artis Salia=, and these Salts indicate =Elias the Artist= of =Paracelsus=. These perform Wonders, so as a man possessing the Salt of Art, or knowing the nature thereof, may effect Wonders. =Elias the Artist= to such a man appears to be the cause of effecting marvellous things._

_=Basilius=, in his Testament, did very obscurely describe this Salt, where he sheweth the way of making =The Stone of Philosophers= of common Vitriol; yet no man is able from those Writings to gather which way he should prepare the same._

_Also he that considers the words of =Paracelsus=, where he foretells the coming of =Elias the Artist=, will find, that in that he describes Vitriol, both obscurely and openly; obscurely indeed in his Treatise entituled, =The Tincture of Naturalists=; openly, in that which he left, touching Vitriol in Species. He would not expresly say, that =Elias the Artist=, or =The Salt of Art=, was expresly contained in Vitriol; only this he was willing to shew to Posterity, =viz.= That the Art of changing vile Metals into better, was descended from the Ancients unto him, and with him should perish, until the coming of =Elias the Artist=, who should shew the true Transmutation of Metals, =viz.= in the =58th.= year of the following Age. This time many have expected with grief and trouble, but in vain hitherto._

_Many Philosophers, besides =Paracelsus=, have predicted the Coming of =Elias the Artist=, who coming from the =North=, attended with a strong Lion, shall teach Arts, find out and manifest the secret Treasures of Nature, and dispose the various mutations of mundane things for the benefit of Mankind. These have many men in vain believed to be spoken touching some one man; for if we consult the Writings of those men, who have set down this Prediction, we shall find them not to have intended a =Man=, but =Salt-petre= only, and his Brother the =Salt of Art=: Hence it is that they cry out, =O our Salt! O our Salt-petre! O our Radical Salt!= Hence also it is, that they write, =If GOD had not created this Salt, it had been impossible to make our Medicine=; and various expressions like to this, in many places of their Writings they use, as I have declared in several of my Tracts, especially in the Third Part of =The Prosperity of= Germany, where (among other things) I said, =I hoped that in time to come, by me should be unto all men exhibited= Salt-Petre, =or= The Salt of Art, =sitting (like some Monarch) in a Triumphal Chariot=._

_I doing this, take =Paracelsus= out of his Sepulchre, and (as himself predicted) turn him towards the Orient, that is, I expose him to the Light, by which the verity of that Prediction may be discerned by All._

_Perhaps my Disciples may do the same; and they seeing the verity of the Transmutation of Metals, or restoring the Sick to health in a way unheard of, draw me after I am dead, or whilst I live, out of the Sepulchre into which my evil-minded Enemies have cast me. And when they do these things, they will effect so notable a mutation in =Medicine= and =Alchymy=, as indeed for the future there will be even no Artist, who will not see and understand the frauds, ignorance, or hatred of the proud and high-flown Adversaries of Art and Truth, and justly oppose themselves against such malicious Enemies of true Verity. Thus may those who have long before been blind, receive sight, profess themselves to have been Opposers of Truth, and strenuously labour to suppress and amend what’s amiss. In such a time not only true =Medicine=, and the most noble Art of =Chymistry= would begin to flourish, but also all Arts would ascend to a greater degree of perfection; and so one Age will exhibit it self much more excellent than others. Wherefore my Prayer is, that the Gates may be opened to divine and natural =Arcanums=, that =Elias the Artist=, and the =Salt of Art= would discover the predicted =Golden Age=, and that the most Wise GOD would unto pious men grant an entrance into the =Land of Promise=, that they may thence bring Fruits, and present them to their Neighbours, for the Honour of GOD most high, and the solace and comfort of the Needy. =Amen.=_

_Indeed =Paracelsus= makes some mention of this Salt in his Works, calling it =Sal Enixum=; but we in our Treatise (published in the year 1658.) of the nature of Salts, have somewhat more largely expounded the matter, calling that =Sal Mirabile=. In the present Treatise of the Salts of Art it is expresly called =Elias the Artist=; the verity of which Appellation, we shall by the help of GOD clearly demonstrate, =viz.= that =Elias the Artist= of =Paracelsus= signifies no other than the =Salt of Philosophers=, prepared of =Salt-petre=, =common Salt=, or =Vitriol=. Indeed it is in taste like =Salt-petre=, yet it is not inflammable, although it may be procured by Art. =Paracelsus= and =Basilius= made it of =Vitriol=, as several parts of their Writings shew, which for better knowledge sake I shall here insert._

_=Elias= and =Elisha=, what men they were, and what miracles they wrought, Sacred Letters shew. The Miracles they wrought were Divine; the same almost is our Salt able to perform in a natural way: Therefore not without reason have we called it =The Monarch of the World=, or =Elias the Artist=; for there is no subject found in the nature of things, by help of which we are able to do the same, as may be effected by the benefit of This. The truth of this all Animals, Vegetables, and Minerals do witness, as we shall demonstrate variously anon._

_But some One may say, Since =Chymistry= is treated of in so various Tongues, and there are found almost infinite numbers of Chymical Books, How comes it to pass, that this Salt hath so long remained unknown, even until this day, and it was never so clearly described by any Writer, as we thence could understand what it is, or which way it should be made? I answer, Writers and Readers also are found of a twofold condition. They, who writ by the guidance of Experience, did all acknowledge, and obscurely describe this Salt: Otherwise they, who compiled their Books from the Writings of others, being ignorant of the thing it self, proposed nothing but Fictions, leading the Reader into a Labyrinth and various By-paths._

_Writers are diligently to be considered; regard is not so much to be had of their Words as of their Sence; if this be minded by you, you will find none of the true Writers, who did not make mention of this Salt, which, as it is manifest to those that understand, so it is hid from those who are yet ignorant of these things. You may find very many, who in Writings seek the =Stone of Philosophers=, and yet are ignorant what they seek, or what the Stone is, whether it be something black or white, hot or cold. And if such a thing should be presented to those men, they would neglect it, and after their fashion leaving the most precious Jewel, proceed to please themselves in Dung. Many men handle this Salt with their hands, yet what they have in their hands they know not, because they are blind, and their arrogant mind instigates them to betake themselves to things more vile. But on the contrary, not a few may be found, who will divulge none of those excellent things which they know. Oh, how happy is he that studies Taciturnity! he is permitted to lead a quiet life. I indeed do seriously bewail my so liberal Communication of Secrets, but I did that to discover the Wonders of GOD, to serve my Neighbour, and to preserve our Art. Egregious things would often be exhibited to the World, did not the high Ingratitude of mortals deterr the Writer, and prevent his good intention. When they find a man endowed with the Knowledge of some things beyond others, they flock about him, entreating him to impart his Secrets to them: there are found divers of this sort. The Wealthy come, the Needy come, and men of a middle condition also come. The first sort of men being, for the most part, very covetous, will return nothing in exchange; the second sort have not any thing to give; but the third only we have sometimes found grateful. What we have acquired with very great labour, we cannot easily impart to Enemies. Yet it often happens, that those who are judged good, are afterward found evil, and in a =Farnnerian= manner, for Benefits received, return Calumnies and Reproaches. Therefore, in such cases there is need of great circumspection, and we must not discover all we know, lest afterward we repent. But as for my self, I have not changed my mind, I have begun to make known the Wonders of the Omnipotent, and will go on (GOD willing) and kindle an unextinguishable Light to this blind World. In this Treatise I shall only describe the wonderful Virtues of the Salt of Art, reserving the way of preparing or use to my Friends; for what are our Arms, we must not cast them away, lest our Enemies take them up, and wound us with them, after the example of =Farnner=._

_I speak of the =Salt of Art=, the Virtues of which I know, I will not communicate its Preparation or Use; all shall be open to my Friends, (yet with respect of persons) more than is fit, is already discovered to Enemies. Is there any reason we should =cast Pearls before Swine=? If what others obscurely treated of, I should here openly communicate to Enemies, would they, think you, cease to do evil, and begin to do well? Although I purpose not at all to discover the Preparation and Use of this =Sal Mirabile=, yet I doubt not, but that I shall prepare and make easie the way for finding it out; so as in a few years space all =Europe= will see =Alchymy= flourish, and not so much any other way, as from the discovery of this Salt._

_Of other Arts, which we shall perceive to arrive to a more excellent state, the reason is the same. It is sufficient that I have shewed such an incomparable Salt is found in the nature of things; yea, I demonstrate the place where it may be found. If =Columbus= had not told us, That the Occidental part of the Earth did abound with Gold and Silver, who could have found the same, to bring such Treasures thence to us? If some One had not revealed, that gold, silver, and precious stones were contained in Caverns of the Earth, and Pearls to be found in the Sea, who (doubting the event) would ever have been at those vast charges of Diggings and Fishings? But now we all know such Treasures are to be found there, none refuseth to search for them. And although they are not obvious to all, yet that they are in being no man doubts; even so I judge it to be with our =Sal Mirabile=. The virtues of it I deliver, which are great, and with most easie labour, and a very little direction; other things may be thereby obtained. The only moving cause why I propose these things, is the most Wise GOD, whose wonderful Works I neither would nor could hide or keep to my self any longer._

THE
SECOND PART
OF
Miraculum Mundi, &c.

I. _Of the Original of this Salt._

Touching the Original of this Salt, I have before shewed which way it should be made of F. and common Salt. Yet I would not have these words be so taken, as if the same could be prepared no other way than this. The methods of preparing it are various; for it may be prepared of G. only, without the mixture of common salt, yea, of allume, sulphur, or common salt, without the addition of H. or without the benefit of the Fire of any other salt. No salt can be found, which is not a commodious matter for this salt of Art; yet it may be collected from one more easily, and more copiously than from another. But because we exhibited one only way of preparing that before, as well for other reasons, as because of want of time, and lest we should be too tedious to the Reader; therefore we now think it convenient to signifie, that these wonderful salts may be prepared, and that they are endowed with special virtues denied to others, which they exercise, as well universally as particularly, in Vegetables, Animals, and Minerals. For, Who can deny that salt to be of another nature, which remains after the Destillation of spirit of common salt, and that which is left in the Destillation of _Aqua-fortis_ or _R._ although they be salts of a most diverse nature, of which these are prepared?

Yet every one of these is endowed with power of dissolving and fixing. But that which is made of _Sal Armoniack_ volatilizeth all bodies so, as the souls of them pass over by Alembick; in like manner a spirit separated from _Sal-Armoniack_, by the help of C. manifests other virtues and properties, than those which are found in the Spirit of common Salt. To one more accurately considering these, _Arcanums_ of great note will exhibit themselves: But more of these elsewhere.

_Of the Name of this Universal Salt._

On this Salt we impose the name of, _The Universal Salt of Philosophers_, respecting those excellent Powers and Virtues, with which it is endowed above any other Salt. We deservedly call it Universal, because it is the highest of those Medicaments which proceed from Minerals, Animals, or Vegetables; as in the following Treatise shall be demonstrated: Of Philosophers is added, because the demonstration of this matter is necessarily grounded on Philosophick foundations.

_Of the Virtues of this Universal Salt._

Touching its virtues, they are innumerable, and we judge it impossible to discover them all; for if I should undertake only to write what I know of the virtues thereof, a whole years time, day and night labouring, would scarcely suffice. Perhaps GOD will discover more to others; perhaps they, who are younger than I, may find what is to me unknown. By me the first, by me the Guide is opened to the Searcher an entrance to things more excellent.

My purpose is to communicate to others those things, which the most Bountiful GOD hath largely conferred on me, for His Honour, and the profit of my Neighbour: I intend, I say, to divulge the wonderful Works of GOD, but at this time (by reason of various businesses and hindrances) I shall only make mention of some of the virtues, which I find to be in my _Sal Mirabile_, or Salt of Art, reserving the more special explanation of all things to a more commodious time.

This Salt is rightly called Universal, because it is the principal Medicament of the three Kingdoms, _viz._ of Animals, Vegetables, and Minerals, and hath power to perfect and augment the same. I remember that heretofore I have attributed to Nitre the Dignity of this, and not without reason; yet in many things it is inferiour to this _Sal Mirabile_, so as it deserves not to be compared with the same. Therefore in no wise correspondent to Verity are those Writings, which teach, That by the help of a certain Corrosive, a transparent Salt may be extracted from a Metal, and that Salt, dissolvable in water, is the true Salt of the Wise. Such Writings are of no other use, than to seduce the Ignorant by Lyes.

For the salt in which a Metal is dissolved, deserves no more to be called or esteemed a simple salt, but receives the condition of a metallick Vitriol, whether that Vitriol is green or yellow, of _Sol_ and _Luna_, or white, of _Mercury_, _Jupiter_, and _Saturn_; or blewish-green, of _Mars_ and _Venus_; for what is to be an Universal Medicine, extending it self to all Kingdoms, must necessarily have no extraneous thing mixed with it. This is consentaneous even to the Judgment of Rusticks.

The true Universal Salt should be partaker of no metallick matter; but altogether pure, and most easily able to put on the nature of all things contained in the kingdoms of Vegetables, Minerals, and Animals, and so exhibit it self a most excellent Medicine. And since these Properties are most fully found in our Universal salt, there is no reason we should ascribe to it less Honour, or not preferr it before all salts.

Intending to expose the Verity of these sayings to all, we begin first with Vegetables.

_Of the wonderful power of the =Universal Salt= in the kingdom of
=Vegetables=._

I said in my _Miracle of the World_, and the Continuation thereof, that a sulphureous sweet salt is the most excellent Medicament of all Vegetables: The Truth of which no man hath cause to doubt; for I have shewed in various places, that barren grounds are made fruitful by the addition of that. Of this salt, which we may use instead of Dung, there is great diversity, for it is prepared of Wood-ashes, of Stones burnt to Lime, and of other bodies putrefied by length of time. But the Chief of all these is Salt-petre, being the salt of Vegetables, Animals, and Minerals putrefied, especially because it is endowed with a certain occult and sweet Fire. Also the signature proper to it, clearly exposeth to our sight its augmentative virtue; for it exhibits not it self in a Cubical form, as is observed in corrosive salts, (altogether adverse to the augmentation of Bodies) but Dart-like or acuminate. By this signature Nature intended to shew of what condition and virtue salt-petre is. And indeed, if Experience be consulted, the things we have proposed will be found true, _viz._ that in Nitre is a principal Virtue, augmenting Bodies. As for example: R. what Corn you will, steep it for a night and day in Rain-water, wherein Nitre is dissolved, commit it to the earth, and you will find, that it not only shoots up more copious stalks and ears, and hath a more swift germination and ripening, but also is endowed with a much more acceptable taste, than other Corn in the vulgar manner produced by the help of the Dungs of Animals. But of this matter, more at large elsewhere.

Pure Nitre is a salt genited in old Stables, from the Dung and Urine of Animals. Urine and Dung are no other than Vegetables themselves, putrefied by digestion in the stomachs of Animals; which concoction is wont to be perfected in 24 hours space: But Vegetables and Animals, out of the stomachs of Animals, cannot be putrefied without long time, especially when they have acquired some undue hardness.

Thus we see Putrefaction differs in respect of time, yet it acknowledgeth no diversity; for whether it be made in the stomach of an Animal, or out of it, it is all one, and never different in virtues. By this _medium_ the Vegetable kind hath its propagation and encrease, but altogether in a rustical manner, because a better way is not yet known.

Indeed, unto Philosophers is known a more easie and more compendious way of reducing Vegetables, Animals, and Minerals to their first matter, or into a sulphureous sweet Salt; yet they reserved the same among their _Arcanums_, lest such a most noble Art should be made too common.

As it is altogether impossible that the seed of any Vegetable set in dry Herbs should grow, or Man himself, or any other Animal, should be able to sustain Life, encrease, or be multiplied, with the only use of Sand or Flints; but earth moistened with a saline liquor, is required, unto which the seed must be committed; and in Man such Aliment must be digested in the stomach, as will easily be changed into nutriment of the Parts: so it is impossible to augment Metals, unless they have been before reduced to their first matter, and so spiritually conjoined each to other, as one may give nourishment and encrease to the other. All these things are far more easily and more readily performed by Art than by Nature.

By Art that all Vegetable, Animal, and Mineral subjects may most easily and swiftly be reduced to their first matter, which is a sulphureous sweet Salt; and by that means be multiplied, the true Universal Salt clearly demonstrates; which salt, if we observe its signature or long figure) is not only more excellent than Salt-petre, but is also generated easily in the air. We have discerned sand or a stone to imbibe this salt, if exposed to the air, and from an ingenited virtue thence to grow, yea, and that which first grew being taken away, in a few daies space another hath shewed it self, and so to Infinity. Indeed these things seem impossible, but they are not so to him who rightly knows Nature; for that augmentation is effected in a Magnetical manner, of which we do more fully treat in another place.

Hence, not without good cause, do we ascribe to this Universal Salt the title of HERO, and a most rich and liberal Monarch.

The PROCESS.

_A most easie Way of acquiring =Spirit of Salt= together with the
=Sal Mirabile=._

R. of common salt two parts, dissolve it in a sufficient quantity of common water; pour _A._ upon the solution; put the mixture into a glass Body, or a glass Retort well coated, or else into an earthen Body or Retort. If a Body, set on an Head, and begin to destil with Fire of sand, encreasing your Fire gradually; with the first heat comes off the unsavoury Phlegm, which gather apart; when the Liquor comes forth sowrish, change your Receiver, and receive the sowre Spirit: Continue the operation till no more spirits will arise, then let out the Fire, and permit the Vessel to stand in sand till all is cooled, when cold, take it out, and if it be unbroke, fill it again with the aforesaid matter, and proceed as we taught: The Phlegm is not to be cast away, but must be kept, that in it may be dissolved Salt (because it is better than common Water) for another destination. Thus from every pound of Salt you will have ℔ j. of the best and most pure spirit. Dissolve the salt remaining in the Body or Retort (if neither be broke) in Water, filter and evaporate the Water, let it crystallize, the Crystals will be white, endowed with wonderful Virtues, to be declared here following.

Note, If the Glass be broke, there will be no necessity of dissolving the Salt, it will be enough to take out the dried _Sal Mirabile_, and reserve it for Use.

Note, This destillation may be performed in a silver Body, for so doing, we shall be free from all danger of breaking; yet the Vessel must be made of very pure Silver, void of all Copper, lest those most sharp spirits do attract the Copper from the Silver, and so the Body become altogether porous and soft. Although in the salt is no property agreeing with silver, yet every destillation it raceth off some of the silver, which that you may save, gather the white Powder left in the Filtre, after filtration of the dissolved salt. Dry this Powder, moistened with a strong _Lixivium_, and melt it in a Crucible into silver; yet you must not institute this melting of the silver _per se_, because it hath acquired such volatility from the spirit of salt, as it will fume all away.

And although every destillation some quantity of the silver be raced off, yet you may destil the same matter some hundreds of times in the same Body, before you shall need a new one. Thus we shall have the less need of Glasses, and sooner perform the destillations, because a strong Fire may be given at first, without fear of breaking the Vessel.

A yet more compendious way is, when we set the Body alone upon a Trivet, and by putting Fire under it, extract the spirit; for so we shall need no Furnace, unless we will, for better constringing the heat: Nor will any great quantity of Coals be spent in such extraction, because ℔ j. of salt may be destilled with two or three ℔ of Coals.

This spirit being of it self sufficiently clear, and of a grateful taste, needs no rectification.

Yea, it is able to effect more than we ascribe to it in our Writings. Also the remaining salt effects other incredible things, besides those we ascribed to it in our Treatise of the nature of salts.

Plainly, after the very same manner as we have taught spirit of salt to be prepared, so may also be made _Aqua-fortis_ and _Aqua-regis_. Instead of salt, take Nitre, and you will have _Aqua-fortis_; and if to a solution of Salt and Nitre, equal parts, you add a sufficient quantity of B. you will, by help of Destillation, acquire _Aqua-regis_.

Therefore since the infallible _Basis_ and Foundation of _Medicine_ and _Alchymy_ is C. or else D. it is now known to us, which way, and for little Charge, we may produce large quantities of this Medicine; whereas in the vulgar way great Costs and Labour is required; and the more easily we can obtain it, the more abundantly profitable will it be to us, especially when we intend to bestow time in the transmutation of the more vile Metals. Wherefore its principal Use is directed to the Preparation of F. as is said most easily. Hence also the spirit of salt and _Sal Mirabile_ may duly be used in true Medicine and fruitful Alchymy.

Of a Lyon and Panther is produced a most sharp-sighted Lynx; yea, of a Lyon and Eagle is genited a most potent Dragon, vomiting Fire, flying on high, and carrying up in the air an Horse, with a man sitting upon him. Although these can do very much, yet they could not preserve the most noble Art of Alchymy from being accounted unprofitable and neglected by evil-minded and ignorant men. Yet at length an unsatiable _Gulo_ consuming all things, being genited of a Dog and a Wolf, restored the same to a due splendour. This dares to demonstrate the species of Metals to be mutable, contrary to the opinion of _Aristotle_, and by this means plainly shew and confirm, that _Alchymy_ is most profitable, and contemned without cause. _Alchymy_ stands obliged to this, because by the same it hath recovered its pristine and truly royal honours; to this, because it both acquires favour and praise.

_Of the Utility which our =Salt of Art= contributes unto all Men,
of what state or condition soever they be._

The Utility of this is very great, for if seeds, before they be sowed, be steeped in it, they will yield an incredible encrease; which is a thing of very great concern to all men dwelling on the Earth, because they shall never sustain the want of Bread.

And will not the Husband-man, gathering in his Fruits for less labour and charge than in the vulgar manner, be able the more certainly to pay his Dues to the Magistrate?

Of Artificers also the Reason is the same; because they being hereby better able to exercise their Crafts, may also return the benefits thereof to their superiours.

Unto Physicians, by the help of this, are known more excellent Medicaments, and they being present, more speedy and certain relief is procured to the sick.

So is it with Apothecaries, Chirurgions, and their Medicines, Plasters, and Unguents, which by this are more perfectly prepared, and therefore the Cure is sooner, and more happily absolved, than by Medicines vulgarly known.

And I believe every Artificer and Trading Man, when he can perform his Work with less labour and charge, and acquire his Wares for less trouble and cost, will sell his Commodities to his Neighbours, at a cheaper rate than he could before he found the benefit of this salt.

Husbandmen and Gardeners, and other such labouring men, when they can more easily, sooner, and more abundantly reap their Fruits than before, cannot chuse but sell to the buyers for less price than they could afford them at when they had no benefit of this.

Thus we generally see, of how great Utility our _Salt of Art_ is, or what benefits may thence redound to men of every condition. What man, considering these things, will not imploy all his faculties that he may become the Master of such a salt, whence he may not only benefit himself, but his Neighbour also?

_Of the Use of this =Sal Mirabile= in Medicine._

1. This Salt ought to be numbred among Universal Purgers, for by a Magnetick Virtue it extracts all sorts of noxious humours out of the Body.

2. This purging Property is augmented by Metallick or Mineral Bodies dissolved in it.

3. For expelling all depraved humours, the most profitable to be dissolved in it, is Antimony; when the Medicine is to be appropriated to the Heart, Gold; when to the Brain, Silver; to the Liver, Spleen, and Reins, Iron; to the Lungs, Tin and Sulphur; to the Habit of the Body, Copper and Mercury.

4. If purging Vegetables, Minerals, and Animals be boiled in the Water in which this salt is dissolved, and that decoction be used in a Clyster, we know all corrupt humours will be evacuated thereby.