Chapter XXXI: Front Matter (31)

5. In all those Persons, young or old, which cannot or will not take purging Medicaments, either by the mouth, or otherwise, it will be very profitable to free their bodies from corrupt humours, to make suppositories of Honey and this salt mixed.

6. In _Head-achs_, all _Fevers_, and the _Epilepsie_, it will deserve the praises of a suitable Purger.

7. In _Catarrhs_, when the Head is full of Phlegmatick Humours, half a grane, or a whole grane of this snuffed up the Nostrils early in the morning, or in the day-time, wonderfully evacuates the Phlegm.

8. It is an admirable Remedy in Affects of the Jaws, and parts adjacent, as the Tongue, Tonsils, Cheeks, and Gums, having their original from a sharp Catarrh falling down, and oftentimes conjoined with Ulceration and Corruption, as is frequently known to happen in Scorbutick Diseases. For it extracts the humours causing the _Evil_, and heals the part vitiated, if it (dissolved in Water) be often used hot as a _Gargarism_, and the use of Purging not neglected.

9. In like manner, in the _Tooth-ach_ it performs Wonders, drawing out the Humours causing dolour in the Teeth; if as much as will lie on the point of a knife, or ʒ j. of it, be applied, tied up in a fine Cloth, to the aking Tooth, yet after the use of some gentle Purgation.

10. It is a famous Medicine in Affects of the Eyes and Ears, drawing their Original from a _Catarrh_, provided the use of some Purging Medicine be not neglected.

11. This salt is egregiously useful, and especially after Metallick Bodies have been dissolved in it, against green Wounds of the Body and old Fistula’s.

12. If it be mixed with a due quantity of common Water, and thence a Bath be made, it admirably clears away the _Scab_ and like Affects of the skin, better than natural Baths themselves; for by its famous power of attracting depraved Humours, lying between the skin and flesh, and producing such Affects, it heals and extracts the same, especially if that power be helped by some other Medicine.

13. It extracts Humours of every kind, sharp, gnawing, or which, are most firmly inherent in the external parts, or which often produce Vermin like Lice, and cannot be removed by Baths or Unguents.

14. This used internally and externally, (_viz._ in a Bath) extracts the Water out of Dropsical persons; and this it effects so much the more powerfully, if Gold be dissolved in it.

15. It is a famous Medicine for removing Dolours of the Gout, or diminishing the same.

16. Inwardly given, it is conducent against bloody Fluxes of every kind.

17. Also externally applied, it wonderfully stops Blood in Wounds, especially if after it is calcined and reduced to Powder, it be mixed with Cobwebbs or Peacocks Dung, or which is better, when Steel hath been dissolved in it.

18. It kills and expels all Worms.

19. In _Fractures of Bones_, and in _Ruptures_, it is a most excellent Medicament.

20. It, dissolved in Water, and put upon the body, not only preserves Insects from Corruption, but also greater Animals, and Man; yet it may be used in a more dry form.

21. It is an excellent Conditure not only of Animals but also of Plants and Flowers.

22. It preserves bodies dissected from rottenness, stink, and dryness; contrary to what we have observed Turpentine, Spirit of Wine, Aloes and Myrrh to do; yea, from decay, as we have seen done in Salt-water.

23. It of Gold produceth an excellent _Elixir_, in a few daies, some granes of which used either liquid or dry, most gently expels depraved Humours by Urine, Sweat, and Seidge. Such an Universal _Arcanum_ was never before this time known to Mortals; we liberally give it, for the Honour of GOD, and Health of our Neighbour.

24. It so prepareth Gold, as by the help of Alcolizate spirit of Wine, it passeth the Alembick of a golden colour, and is a famous Medicament.

25. Also by the help of that (although after another manner) a blue Tincture may be extracted from Gold, of excellent use in Medicine and Alchymy.

26. It is able to impress the nature of Vegetables on all Metals; so as Metals this way prepared, and added to the Roots of Herbs, impart to those Herbs the nature of the Metal applied. How famous the use of such Metallick Medicines will be in Medicine, it is easie to understand.

_Of the Utilities of the =Salt of Art=, in various ARTS._

1. It suddenly coagulates River-Water, Rain-Water, or any destilled Water, so as it becomes Ice, and may be carried in Paper, a Sack, or Wooden-Box or Chest, wheresoever you will, and be dissolved when need is, so as the salt may be separated from the Water; which salt is not at all changed by the Water, but may oftentimes again be used for like Coagulations.

2. After the same manner Wine, Vinegar, Beer, Metheglin, and like Drinks, may be reduced by coagulation into a clear substance, and again be most easily dissolved.

3. Also by help of that may be coagulated saline spirits, as, _Aqua-fortis_, _Aqua-Regis_, spirit of Salt, spirit or oil of Vitriol, and the like, so as they will become hard salts, without any change or corruption, portable in Paper or wooden Boxes, to other places, where being dissolved when need is, they exhibit a Liquor distinct from the salt, the salt in the mean while keeping its coagulating Virtues intire.

4. To Honey and Syrup it gives the consistency of sugar.

5. Fountains may be so stopped with it, as their flowing to be stayed.

6. It changeth wood in process of time into a most hard stone.

7. It abstracts the superfluous Phlegm from Wine, Beer, Vinegar, and spirit of Wine, so as they become the stronger.

8. It separates the Phlegm from subtile Mineral-spirits, whence they are made volatile and more powerful.

9. It takes away from Wine, Beer, Vinegar, and spirit of Wine, its ungrateful taste or odour, and unto them also gives greater clearness.

10. Also it corrects the unsavory smell of Vessels, so as we may commodiously use them.

11. It preserves for a long time all Fruits, as Cherries, Apples, Pears, Grapes, Garlick, yea, Hens-Eggs, and whatsoever may be changed by the air, and otherwise would be corrupted.

12. Unto _Painters_ it may be a _Basis_ for their Colours.

13. The seeds of Vegetables moistened in it, are wonderfully multiplied, so as from one only grane 10, 20, or 30 ears will arise: And the same will be effected, if the salt it self be committed to the earth.

14. It causeth the Earth long to keep the Rain-Waters it receiveth. Hence must necessarily arise great profit to the Fruits.

15. This applied to the Roots of Trees, recovers them, though almost dead before, and makes them fruitful.

16. Yea, Animals suffocated or drowned in Waters, as Dogs, Cats, Mice, and Insects, by help of it may again be restored to life.

17. It attracts the breathings of many men lying together in one Chamber, and coagulates the same as snow or ice; not indeed by any reall co-touching, but being included in some Glass, and hung up by a Thread. Even so, in a Magnetick manner have we observed such breath or vapour to adhere to the outside of Glass like true Ice. But this is a Winter operation.

18. Flowers and odoriferous Herbs, by addition of this, may be preserved without change of odour, taste, or colour.

19. By the benefit of this salt, various colours and very many odoriferous species may be prepared; whence the Roots of Plants, if they be applied to them, attract the colour or odour, which they communicate to the Herbs themselves.

20. It takes away the bitterness of Oil-Olive, rendering it sweet and clear, better than boiling can do.

21. Linseed-Oil being mixed with it, is presently clarified, and freed from its Aquosity, which otherwise cannot be effected in many daies. [See more in the Second Century.]

_Of the Use of the =Salt of Art= in =Alchymy=._

1. It dissolves and fixeth all Vegetables, Animals, and Minerals.

2. In three hours space it reduceth all the aforesaid into their first matter, whence most excellent Medicaments are made, and whence proceeds a product of Metals, new and more excellent than others.

3. It demonstrates, that in all Herbs, none excepted, there is volatile ☉, and teacheth which way it should be fixed.

4. It adds strength to _Aqua-fortis_, _Aqua-Regis_, and spirit of salt.

5. In a few hours space, it extracts the soul from Gold, so as it ascends by Alembick, and becomes a very excellent Medicament.

6. To the white body of ☉, and of other Metals, spoiled of its soul, it restores the same.

7. In a very short time it reduceth Gold to such an essence, as it may be united with the seeds of Vegetables, and communicate it Self to the Herbs.

8. It extracts Gold, Silver, and Copper from Metals most compendiously, and with very great profit, in a dry way, without fusion or any addition.

9. It gives more noble qualities to metals, whilst they are washed in it, so as even by the help of such a Lotion, Iron can join it self with Mercury, yea, become fluid and ductile, like Copper, which is a thing very profitable.

10. It brings imperfect Metals by graduation to maturity, and so changeth them into ☉ and ☽, as well by the dry as humid way.

11. It can ripen every iron into steel.

12. By the help of this, Iron may be changed into Copper, Copper into Silver, and Silver into Gold, either by the humid or dry way. Also every Gold may be brought to the 28th. degree, yea, to a true Tincture. But of the last I have as yet made no experiment; nevertheless, it seems not to be impossible, because there is no metal which may not be changed into another, and indeed more excellent metal; yea, we know that common ☉ keeping its colour, may be exalted. And although the way of making this Tincture is not yet certainly known, yet there will be some one, that shall succeed us, to whom GOD will grant the knowledge of the same, who shall stop the mouthes of all slanderous and evil-minded men, and discover their malice.

But some one may say, How shall we know this colour of Gold to be true Gold, and not Copper? To him I answer; For this Process neither Copper nor any other Metal is required; only a Vegetable Sulphur with the Salt of Art absolves that. Whence then should the Copper have access to the Gold? To say, from the Vegetable Sulphur, is nothing: for that must be numbred among Miracles. Hence, if that should be Copper, we see it may well be demonstrated, that all Metals yea, and _The Philosophers stone_ it self, may be prepared of Vegetables. Which is a saying most nearly correspondent to Truth: for there is no Plant, yea, I say, no Excrement, no not humane Dung, which exhibit not true Gold, or a true Tincture. Therefore this colour, which we find to have access to Gold, by help of the _Sal Mirabile_, and Vegetable Sulphur, argues not Copper, but true Gold. The Elementary Rays of ☉ have passed into Sulphur in the coagulation in Herbs; this, by help of the Salt of Art, is changed into Tincture, when fixed, and added to Gold, becomes corporeal.

From these and the like, we judge the certainty of the Transmutation of Metals to be sufficiently manifest to every one. Indeed many have endeavoured to demonstrate this, but none more clearly than I have done, because this appertains to _Sal Mirabile_ only. Therefore let Ignorants cease to gain-say GOD and the Truth, lest they be severely punished.

These, and various such-like Transmutations, may be performed with very great profit; therefore I judge it needless to speak more of them. Occasion of knowing many things offers it self to Posterity, if GOD give the Blessing. For the Utilities of this Salt are daily more and more known to my Disciples, so as it cannot otherwise be, than that all _Europe_ by the help of this Salt only, shall see true Alchymy flourish. Whence, and not undeservedly, it is called the _Salt of Art_, or _Elias the Artist_, who entring into the World, should communicate various Arts to the same. Here you now have him, teaching those things which alwaies were accounted impossible.

The World not contented with this _Elias_, must necessarily expect another. The Jews considering the abject state of Christ, esteemed him unworthy the Honours of the before prophesied of _Messias_, altho’ with their own eyes they saw very many Miracles wrought by him. If the same happen at this day in this case, what wonder is it? It is very hard to belive, that such a wonderful Salt can be found in most abject Vitriol.

Could such men know the nature of common Vitriol exposed to the eyes of all men, they would easily understand more to be contained in the same, than I have attributed to my _Sal Mirabile_. It is better something should be reserved to Posterity, than all things laid open to our Age. I have begun, let others proceed.

_Paracelsus_, in that Chapter he writ of Vitriol, saith, By help of this every Iron may be changed into the best Copper but which way, something more excellent, _viz._ Iron, may be changed into Gold, _Elias the Artist_ (which we call the _Salt of Art_) when he comes, will demonstrate, That the occult virtues contained in Vitriol may be more known to every man, what this Author left in Writing, touching Vitriol, I thought good here to insert.

Therefore, since I in this Treatise denominate my _Salt of Art_, _Elias the Artist_ long since predicted, some one may properly say, _My =Glauber=, you proclaim your =Sal Mirabile= to be =Elias the Artist=; but in =Paracelsus=’s Writings we read, That when he comes, he will teach the way of transmuting Iron into Gold; now shew us which way your =Sal Mirabile= can do this_. I answer, That here is nothing of impossibility, I have obscurely in this and other places shewed; but which way the Operation is to be instituted, I have not declared: because I my self have not as yet obtained a perfect understanding of the same. Nevertheless, that it is possible we have often observed; for Iron hath access to Gold, and so augments it even as it augments Copper.

For when Copper is dissolved in a certain salt, and the solution is poured upon thin Iron Plates, not only the Copper and Iron settle to the bottom, and so becomes Copper again, but also whilst the coction is performing, a great quantity of the Iron hath access to the Copper, so as you take out more Copper than you put in. I bring for a true Testimony of this Experiment, the Saying of that most true Writer, _Lazarus Ercker_, in his Probatory Book, where he saith, He had often observed, that Iron Instruments in length of time were changed into Copper, without any depravation of their Figure. Yet it is credible, that this Mutation is from Spirits, not from Bodies, because Spirits are endowed with a greater penetrative power.

Since the Writings of this man are in the hands of few, I thought good here to insert what he hath left written, touching the Transmutation of Iron into Copper.

_Whether =Copper= may be made of =Iron=._

Courteous Reader,

_I did for a long time persist in denying, That Iron in Coppery Waters, such as are made of Vitriol, green Tartar, and the like, could be precipitated into Copper; nor could I in any wise believe, that any encrease could come to Copper, from Iron; but daily Experience hath taught the contrary, =viz.= That in Mines and Mountains of Vitriol, were left Iron Instruments, which after long time were changed wholly into Copper. For although precipitation of Copper is made, by the benefit of Iron, yet the same quantity of that, as is put in, is not taken out again. Notwithstanding this, here it is to be observ’d, that together with the Copper, which is so precipitated, Silver also (if any be) settles to the bottom. Therefore they seem to do well, who for Precipitation of Silver, besides Copper cast also into the =Aqua-fortis= Plates of Iron: And so in one and the same Operation, Silver and Copper settle to the bottom, and we save all, which the separatory Water did contain._

As it is manifest, Copper may be made of Iron, so also that the same may be changed into Gold, is most easily demonstrated. That it is possible, I have often observed, although without profit, because the true way of Operating was then unknown to me.

Iron is not changed into Copper in every solution, but in that which is in certain Determinate Salts. For, if you dissolve ℥ ss. of Copper in _Aqua-fortis_, and to repress the sharpness of the _Aqua-fortis_ add a little common Water, cast in Plates of Iron, or duly institute coction; ℥ ss. of Copper will indeed be precipitated by the Iron, but the Iron not changed into Copper. The certain reason of this, we believe, is, because no Salt having power of Graduation, was added to the _Aqua-fortis_. Of Gold, the reason is the same, if it be dissolved in _Aqua-regis_; for the Gold is here found to be precipitated alone, and the Iron not changed into Gold, because of the defect of salt convenient for gradation.

But if a solution of Copper or Gold be made in spirit of salt, and Iron cast into that solution, then not only the Copper or Gold settles to the bottom with the Iron, but also in this solution part of the Iron passeth into Copper or Gold, because the spirit of salt more potently acts upon the Iron, and introduced Tincture better than _Aqua-fortis_.

Although any Iron, as you see, may be changed into Copper or Gold, yet no profit is thence to be expected, for commonly some part of the Gold remains in the solution, and is not precipitated; and which way this may be separated from the Water is not known to all. Therefore it is better to omit this Operation, than to labour and be at charge to no purpose: For reduction of this Gold, mixt with the solution, experienced men are required, which will do all things with judgment, and are not contented with that only which exposeth it self to sight.

Yet I do not in any wise think that such gradation cannot be instituted without profit. If we can really transmute a very small Particle of Iron into Gold or Copper, Why may we not also do the same in a greater quantity? It is our faults if we do it not, who are ignorant how to use rightly Salts of gradation, sufficiently able to compleat the work. That the way of effecting that was known to _Paracelsus_, I doubt not; yet he would not communicate it to the ungrateful World, but referred the divulgation thereof to the coming of _Elias the Artist_, and that not without Reason. I doubt not, but that this gradation may be performed with very great profit, by help of my _Sal Mirabile_, or _Salt of Art_; yet I cannot subscribe to it as an infallible certainty. I have other things now in hand to speak of: My Labours and almost incredible Charges have discovered various secrets, which I publickly communicate for the profit of my Neighbour. Other things may be effected in time, by which (Darkness being discussed) Light may be given to the World, and the Miracles of the Omnipotent GOD be exposed to the view of all. _Here is need of Labour._

That Gradation of Iron may be made by the help of appropriate salts, so as to be changed into Copper, Silver, or Gold, our _Sal Mirabile_ plainly enough declares, whether the gradation be instituted in an humid way, or Cementation made in the dry.

Now it remains, that we demonstrate, that such gradation may be made by spirits, having power of perfecting and fixing, so as no consumption of the Iron be, as we see done in the addition of _Aqua-fortis_. It is sure that the same gradation which _Lazarus Ercker_ said, he observed in the aforesaid Mountains, is of like condition; and since we possess such Spirits, we also, remote from Mountains, may effect the same. I cannot believe that any other can (if he would) teach us the way of preparing such spirits, besides _Elias the Artist_.

In what relates to me, I say, that this gradation of Iron may be the better performed, Copper, Silver, and Gold must first be reduced into Vitriol, having power to effect gradation, and that indeed by the benefit of the _Salt of Art_. I have more than once, by the help of the _Salt of Art_, changed silver or gold into a green Vitriol: I need not speak of Copper, the mutation of which is far more easie, yet the other is not very difficult, and indeed in an humid way. For I have not seldome (when it happened that the Iron being consumed, my labour was to no purpose) had one end of an Iron Wier changed into Copper, and the other into Gold. If time will permit, for my Friends sake, and that they may be mindful of me, I will repeat the same labour. But the principal thing, which infers difficulty in this Operation, is a too great corrosion of the Iron by the Vitriol.

Note. Besides this, there are other things, which cause difficulty, and so render the labour invalid, in the dry way as well as in the humid, _viz._ the aptness of Glasses to break in the humid; and of Crucibles in the dry way; whence it comes to pass, that the _Sal Mirabile_ cannot be kept in them a due time, but runs out.

The gradation of iron into gold, in what way soever made, without gold can very difficultly be perfected; and if a glass happen to break, Who shall be able to gather up what runs out? The loss of one gradation, by the breaking of the Vessel, and outflowing of the Liquor, will scarcely be repaired with 5 or 6 other gradations compleated without loss. Therefore it is best to desist from such Works.

Of that Operation, which is performed by the dry way, the reason is the same. For here the gold, which is added for gradation, is almost all lost, without regard to the breaking of Crucibles, which by that means cannot contain the _Salt of Art_ its due time: And besides all this, the substance of the Crucible will imbibe some of it, and together with the same part of the Gold; and, Who can without loss extract it thence? Yea, we think the Crucibles drink in a greater quantity of the gold, than we acquire by the gradation, although our Work succeed well. By Experience it is manifest to me, that when there are eight parts of Gold, but one part of Iron in gradation is changed into Gold, which way soever the Work is performed. What will it avail to spend our time in perfecting those things, the event of which is very uncertain? This is the reason why very many with me have refused this profitable Operation.

We considering the possibility of the matter, whether it was possible to prevent those difficulties, began to labour, but to no purpose, a great while, until at length it pleased the Highest Giver of all Good things to hear our Prayers, and opened to us the way of preparing such Glasses, as (although not luted) are able to bear the vehemency of Fire without coating; and Crucibles also we know how to harden so, as they will continually keep Metals in Flux. I now hope, if GOD hinder not, for better success.

A man not fearing the breaking of Glasses and Crucibles, might perform egregious things, this way handling Metals, according to his will instituting gradations and fixations, and so reduce Metals to due maturity, even as the sun, by continual digestion, ripeneth Fruits: For no man, if he fear breaking of his Vessel, and loss of his matter, is able to keep the same till its final compleatment in a Glass or Crucible.

By the benefit of either of these inventions, such things may be effected in Medicine and Alchymy, as before were impossible to be done.

Yet let no man sollicite me (considering the great labour and vast charge I have expended thereon) to divulge this secret. Nevertheless, that it may not be buried with me, I purpose to communicate that to two of my most loving Friends, adding (besides many other _Arcanums_) a succinct Explanation of this second part of the _Miracle of the World_. It will concern these men to use the same for the Honour of GOD, and good of their Neighbour. I did not this to profit our selves, because they are rich enough and I live contented with what I have, but only that the sustentation of the Poor might be chiefly regarded.

Iron may also another way be changed into Gold or Copper, _viz._ by the help of fiery spirits, which _Salt-Petre_ (the Cousin-German of our _Salt of Art_) exhibits, and of which I have very plainly discoursed in a special Treatise, not yet published. That you may see the possibility, I will declare the matter by example.

Make a Fulmen of Tartar, Sulphur, and Nitre mixt, to this add of the _Minera_ (or Ore) of Copper, Silver, or Gold, never exposed to the vehemency of Fire, but still endowed with its own Sulphur, endowed with power of tinging and perfecting Gradation an eighth part. Put ℥ fs. or ℥ j. of the mixture into a Crucible at one time, and set this Crucible under the Receiving Vessels of our fifth Furnace, and with a live Coal kindle the Fulmen, and then the Orifice being well closed, you will find and observe the Gradation of Iron unto Copper, Gold, or Silver, according to the diversity of matter added to the Fulmen. Here most commodiously may be used Steel-Needles; these I have often drawn out of a Crucible, wholly changed into Gold.

Note. He who intends to make Gradation with Gold, must necessarily apply Receivers, in which he may collect the volatile Spirits of Gold. If a man be contented with a very small quantity, he needs not use Receivers, afterward (being first assured of the certainty of the Operation) he may build a Furnace fit for it. I built such a Furnace, in which the last Summer, for my Friends sake, I performed this Operation.

Note. If a sufficient abundance of good Metals be wanting, that your labour may not be in vain, it will be requisite to make the same spiritual with Salt-Petre, before they be added to the Fulmen. If you would make trial of graduating into Gold, to ℥ j. of the Fulmen, you may add ʒ j. of fulminating Gold (precipitated with spirit of Urine, not with _Lixivium_) and your endeavour will have good success, if you proceed right.

By help of this Fulmen, all Metals may be changed into Gold or Silver; that is, the true Regal Cement of ancient Philosophers, which they alwaies kept secret; only _Paracelsus_, in his Preface to the Book of Cements, was willing to make some small discovery; _You must not =(saith he)= so much regard the Ingredients of the Cement, but the way of cementing is only to be considered, the Fire only, which is in it, must be endowed with power of fixing and graduating._ Yea, in his Book of Vitriol he almost speaks the same.

But some one may say, What is that Regal Cement, or what is the way of using the same? Although this hath been alwaies kept as a Secret, yet I in these last times communicate the same to All. There is indeed no Metal, which may not (even without the addition of any other thing having power of perfecting Gradation) by the help of this only, be turned into gold; as in our work of ♄ we largely shew. Yet this Operation is not done with so great profit, as that which adds Powders perfecting gradations to the Cement; nevertheless it is sufficient to shew the possibility.

But that the Doctrine of _Elias the Artist_ may be more manifest by the aforesaid _Paracelsus_, we thought good here to subjoin his own words at large, which take as follows.

THE BOOK
OF
Philip Theophrastus Bombast

_Of =Hohenheim=, Monarch of Philosophers, Prince of Spagyrists, Chief of Astronomers, Paradoxical Physician, and great Master of Mechanick Secrets_.

TOUCHING
The TINCTURE of Natural Things,

Against Sophisters born since the Flood, in the Age of Our LORD
JESUS CHRIST the Son of GOD.

THE PREFACE.

_Since thou, =Sophister=, with foolish and lying Words, hast reproached me in all places, because I was born in =Helvetia=, that I am rude, and understand or know nothing; also, that being one Letter more than a Physician, I rove and wander about from one Region to another: Therefore I purpose in this small Treatise to discover and lay open to the World, ignorant and unexperienced men; also that in the first Age good Arts were in being; and what your Art is able to effect against mine and mine against yours, and what is to be judged of either, and how Posterity in the Age of Grace will imitate me._

_Consider =Hermes=, =Archelaus=, and others in the First Age, what =Spagyrists= they were, and how great Philosophers. That they were such, is witnessed even by their Enemies, who are thy Patrons, (or Idols rather at this time) O Sophister. But if this had not been testified by your Authentick Fathers and falsly-reputed Saints; yet the ancient =Smaragdine-Table= discovers more of Art and Experience in =Medicine=, =Alchymy=, =Magick=, and other like Sciences, than can ever be taught by you and all your Tribe. If from the Precedent you do not yet understand what, and how great Treasures these be, tell me why no Prince or King was able to subjugate the =Egyptians=? Then why did =Dioclesian= the Emperour command all Books of Chymistry (how many soever they were he could come by) to be burnt? For their Books being destroyed, they were long since compelled to bear such an intolerable Yoke, as will in time fall upon the neck of thee and thy Collegues, O Sophister._

_In this Middle Age the Monarchy of all Arts is at length derived to me, =Theophrastus Paracelsus=, Prince of Philosophy and Medicine; for unto this am I chosen by GOD, that I may extinguish all Phantasies of devised, putatitious, and false Works, and presumptuous Words, whether they be the Placets of =Aristotle=, =Galen=, =Avicen=, =Mesue=, or any other Follower of them. And my Theory proceeding from the Light of Nature, shall never fail through its unconstancy, nor be changed, but begin to flourish in the 58th. year of the following Age. Then the Practice following, it shall be proved by admirable and incredible Signs, so as it shall be openly manifest to Mechanicks and the Common People, how constant and unmoved the =Paracelsick Art= stands against the Trifles of Sophisters; in the mean while that Sophistick Art hath need of Papal and Imperial Privileges, to strengthen and uphold its Impertinencies. But whereas I am by thee, O Sophister, accounted a Beggar and Vagabond, the =Danube= and the =Rhine=, I being silent, shall answer for me to thee. Often hath those impertinently-devised Calumnies of thine against me, displeased many Princes and Earls, also Imperial Cities, Noblemen, and Knights; for I have a Treasure in a certain City of =Forum Julij=, called =Weiden=, hid in the Hospital there, which neither thou =Leo the Roman=, nor thou =Charles the German=, with all your Substance, are able to purchase. Although a signate Star fell upon the =Arcanum= of your Names, yet it was known by none but the Sons of the Divine =Spagyrick Art=. Wherefore since, thou Verminous and Lowsie Sophister, judgest the Monarch of Secrets to be an ignorant Fool and prodigal Decocter, I will now, in the middle Age, openly discover (as an honourable prosecution of those things I have asserted) the Virtues and Preparation of that Tincture, for the profit and honour of the Lovers of Truth, and that the Contemners of true Arts may be reduced to Beggary. The latter Age will be illustrated and honoured with this =Arcanum=, as the Gift of GOD, and manifest Endowment of the true Spirit, so as from the Beginning of the World the like sprout of Understanding and Wisdom was scarcely ever heard of. In the mean while, Vice shall not be able to suppress the Just, nor the Riches or power of those that are evil, be any Damage to the Upright._

Of Philip Theophrastus Paracelsus
His Tincture of Natural Things, _&c._

CHAP. I.

I _Philip Theophrastus Paracelsus Bombast_, say That (after the manifestation of Divine Grace) many waies to the Tincture of natural things, were found out, which did all finally tend to the same scope and end: For _Hermes Trismegistus_ the _Egyptian_ set about this Work, according to his own Reason. _Orus_ the _Grecian_ observed the same Process. _Hali_ the _Arabian_ persisted in his own order; but _Albertus Magnus_ followed a Process very prolix. Every one of these proceeded in his own manner, yet they all attained to one and the same end at last, _viz._ to long Life, and an honest sustentation and Conservation of the same in this vale of miseries. At this time, I _Theophrastus Paracelsus Bombast_, Monarch of Secrets, am endowed with peculiar Gifts of GOD, _viz._ in such a manner, as every searcher of this high natural Work must needs imitate and follow me, whether he be an _Italian_, _Polonian_, _French-man_, _German_, or whatsoever he is, and whosoever he is. Hither must you all, Philosophers, Astronomers, and Spagyrists, how high soever you be, come after me. I by my own immense Labours, will shew and open to you, Alchymists and Doctors, that corporeal Regeneration. I will teach you that Tincture, Arcanum, or Quintessence, in which the Foundations of all Mysteries and Works are latent: For every man may and ought to give credit to another in those things only, which he hath experienced by Fire. If any one, otherwise than by this experience, offer any thing in Chymistry, he is not to be believed, because the true must be separated from the false by Experience in Fire. Assuredly the Light of Nature was created for this end, _viz._ that by it the trial or Proof of every thing should appear; yet to those only who walk in that Light. With this Light we shall be taught by the best demonstrations, That all those who ever before me entred this so difficult Province, with their proper phantasies and acute speculations, have made trial to their own hurt. Therefore, by my Foundation, many Rusticks have been made Noble-men; but on the contrary, by the putatitious and opinionative Art of those men, of Nobles, many have been transmuted into Rusticks; because they could bear golden Mountains in their Heads, before they had put their Hands into Coals. But first are to be learned _Digestions_, _Destillations_, _Sublimations_, _Reverberations_, _Extractions_, _Solutions_, _Coagulations_, _Fermentations_, _Fixations_, and every Instrument requisite for this Work, is to be known by use, as Glasses, Cucurbits, Circulatories, Vessels of _Hermes_, Earthen Vessels, Balneums, Wind-Furnaces, Reverberatories, and other such-like; as also a Marble, Mortars, and Coals; so may you at length proceed in _Alchymy_ and _Medicine_.

But as long as you by Phantasie and Opinion adhere to your Fictitious Books, you will be apt for, and predestinated to none of these.

CHAP. II.

_Of the Definition of the Subject and Matter of the =Tincture
of Natural Things=._

Before I come to the Process of the Tincture, it is convenient I should discover to you the Subject thereof; for this was alwaies kept secret (with a peculiar concealment) by the Lovers of Verity. Therefore the matter of the Tincture (here you must understand me in a Spagyrick sence) is a certain thing, which from three passeth into, or remains in one Essence, by the Art of _Vulcan_. But that I may signifie the same to you by its Name; according to ancient use, it is by many called the _Red-Lion_, but by few known. This, by the help of Nature, and the Art of the Artist, may be transmuted into a white Eagle, and of one two be made; yet then the golden splendour shines not so much to the Artist, for they two kept in one shine more. Now, if you understand not the use of Caballists and ancient Astronomers, thou art not born of GOD for the _Spagyrick Art_, nor by Nature chosen for the _Vulcanick Work_, nor created to open thy mouth in _Alchymistick Arts_. Therefore, the matter of the Tincture is a very rich Pearl, and a most precious Treasure, and the noblest thing (next to the manifestation of the most High) and most worthy of humane consideration, that can be in the earth. This is the LILI of _Alchymy_ and _Medicine_, which Philosophers have so diligently sought, but through defect of intire knowledge, and perfect Preparation, they attained not to the perfect end thereof. By their Searches and Experiences, a Beginning only of the Tincture is given to us; but the true Foundation which my Collegues should imitate, was left to me; wherefore no man must mix his Vizors with our Intentions. I, after my long Experiences, deservedly correct Spagyrists and separate the false or erroneous from the true, having by continual Searches found out those things, by reason of which I may justly reprehend and alter many and diverse things. Yet had I found the Experiments of the Ancients more excellent than my own, I would not have sustained so great Labours, as I willingly undertook for the sake, profit, and honour of all good Alchymists, _&c._ Therefore, since the subject of the Tincture is so sufficiently declared, as a more faithful discovery cannot, nor must be made between two Brothers, I will enter upon the Preparation thereof; and after I have posited the Experiences of the First Age, I will also add my own Inventions, unto which, in time to come, the Age of Grace will adhere, whomsoever thou (_Sophister_) from thy own Philosophy in the mean while shalt constitute Patriarchs or Principals.

CHAP. III.

_Of the Process of the Ancients in preparing the Tincture; and of a
more short way found out by =Paracelsus=._

Ancient _Spagyrists_ putrefied _Lili_ for a Philosophick Month, and then destilled from it the humid Spirits, so long as until the dry were elevated: The _Caput Mortuum_ they again imbibed with the humid Spirits, and from it, by destillation, often abstracted them, and continued this Operation so long, as until the dry Spirits were wholly elevated. Then they united the abstracted humours and dry spirits by a Pellican together, 3 or 4 times, until all the _Lili_ remained dry in the bottom.

Although the first Experience followed this Process before fixation, nevertheless our Ancestors often obtained their wished end perfectly. But they would have had a more short way of coming to the _Red-Lyon_’s Treasure, if they had learned the Concordancy of Astronomy with Alchymy, as I have demonstrated it in the _Apocalyps of Hermes_. Yet since every day (as Christ spake for the comfort of the faithful) hath its proper Care, the Labour of _Spagyrists_ before me was vast and great, which now by help of the Holy Spirit assisting, will be eased and lightned by my Theory and Practice, and declared to all those, who abide constant in their Labours with patience; for I am experienced in the Property of Nature, and know the Essences and Conditions thereof, and the conjunction as well as resolution of the same. Which is the highest and greatest thing in Nature, never yet known to Sophisters.

When the first Age had the first Experience of the Tincture, _Spagyrists_ of one simple made two; but afterward, when in the middle Age that Invention was lost, their Successors, by diligent search, at length happened on the two names of that simple, and with one denomination called it _Lili_, as the subject of the Tincture: Then the Imitators of Nature putrefied this matter (no otherwise than as Seed in the Earth) for its due time; because before this Corruption, nothing could of it be produced, nor any _Arcanum_ discover it self; and after putrefaction, they abstracted the humid spirits from the matter, until by the force of Fire they were dried and sublimed; that this way (no otherwise than as the Husband-man waits on the Seasons of the year) the said spirits might come to maturity, as one thing is wont to rise and fall after another. And lastly, as after Spring the Summer appears, they incorporated those Fruits and dry Spirits, and brought the Magistery of the Tincture so far, until it should come to its Harvest, and dispose it self to ripeness.

CHAP. IV.

_Of the Process of preparing the =Tincture of Natural Things=,
abbreviated by =Paracelsus=._

Ancient _Spagyrists_ would not have undergone so prolix a Labour, and made such tedious Reiterations, if they had learned their Work from my School, and in their labour followed the Rules of the same, but would full as well have obtained their end with much less Labour and Charge. At this time, in which _Theophrastus Paracelsus_, the Monarch of Secrets, comes, is the Season of Invention, which was hid from all Spagyrists before me. Wherefore I only say; Take the Blood of a Rosie colour from the Lyon, and the Gluten from the Eagle, which, after you have joined them together, coagulate according to the old Process. Thus you will have the Tincture of Philosophers, which infinite men have sought, but very few found.

Whether thou wilt or no, Sophister, this Magistery is in Nature, and is a wondrous Work of GOD above Nature, and the most precious Treasure in this Vale of Miseries. If you consider it externally, it appears to be that which transmutes some vile thing into another much more noble than it was before. Yet that Miracle is produced by a Spagyrist, because he had patience, and was not weary, and by the Art of his Preparation did corrupt the vile extrinsecal Body, and from thence raised up another and most precious Essence. If thou hast learned, or knowest any like thing by the light of _Aristotle_, or from the Rules of _Serapio_, produce it here, and bring it to light by experience. Now keep the Law of the Schools, as becomes a Lover of Honour, and a Doctor. But if thou knowest nothing, or art able to do nothing, Why dost thou contemn me, as an irrational _Helvetian_ Calf, and accuse me to be a Vagabond Circulator? Art is another Nature, and a peculiar World, as Experience witnesseth and demonstrates against thee and thy Idols. Therefore the Alchymist sometimes compounds certain Simples, which he afterwards, according to his necessity, corrupts, and thence prepares another thing. For so, very often of many, one thing is at length made, which effects more than Nature per se is able to do; as is sufficiently manifest in _Gastaynum_, where of _Saturn Venus_ is made; in _Carynthia_, of _Venus Luna_, and in _Hungary_, of _Luna Sol_. Not to mention other Transmutations of Natural things (sufficiently known to Magicians) which bring greater wonders to Light than _Ovid_ speaks of in his _Metamorphosis_.

But that you may rightly understand me, seek your Lion in the _Orient_, and your Eagle toward the _South_, which are to be assumed for this Work. You cannot find better Instruments than _Hungary_ and _Histria_ produce. But if you would deduce that from Unity, through Duality into Trinity, with an equal permutation of either, then you must direct your Journey towards the _South_, for in _Cyprus_ thou canst not obtain all thou desirest; yet here we must discourse no farther than at present we have declared. Of these _Arcanums_, which exhibit transmutations, there are many more, although known by few; and should they by the Lord GOD be manifested to any one, the rumour of this Art would not therefore presently break forth, but the Omnipotent, together with it, would give understanding to conceal these; and other things, until the Coming of _Elias the Artist_, in which time nothing shall be so hid, as not to be revealed. You very clearly see (although there is no need to speak of this here, which may by some be taken in derision) in the fire of Sulphur, is a great Tincture of _Gemms_, which indeed exalts them more sublimely than Nature _per se_ is able to do. But this Gradation of Metals and Gemms must in this place be omitted by me, because I have very sufficiently writ thereof in my _Secrets of Secrets_, in _The Book, of Vexations of Alchymists_, and in other places. As I have begun our Ancestors Process of the _Tincture of Natural Things_, So I will perfectly conclude the same.

CHAP.V.

_Of the Conclusion of the Process of the Ancients, made by =Paracelsus=._

Lastly, the ancient _Spagyrists_, by a certain orderly augmentation of fire, long continued, fixed their pellicanate and dry _Lili_, until from blackness, through a change of all colours, it became red as Blood, and with its colour had put on the condition of a _Salamander_. Rightly indeed did they proceed in such a Labour; and it is equal and fit, that every man, who would compass this Pearl, should proceed after the same manner. To declare this more clearly to thee, would be very difficult for me, if you have not in the School of Alchymists learned to observe the degrees of fire, and also to change your Vessels. If you have done this, then you will see, that as soon as your _Lili_ shall be made hot in the Physical Egg, it will with wonderful apparitions become blacker than a Crow, afterward, in success of time, whiter than a Swan; and lastly, passing through yellowness, become more red than any blood. _Seek, seek =(saith the first Spagyrist)= and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you._ It would be an impious and uncomely thing to put Meat into the mouth of so perfidious a Bird. He should rather be suffered to flie out, as I, and all others before me were compelled to do. Therefore follow the true Art; for this will lead thee to the perfect knowledge of That. There is no reason to set down any thing here more amply or clearly than I have already done; let thy _Pharisaick_ Schools teach thee what they will, from their own unstable and tottering Foundation, it will not reach their end or scope; but after you shall, as accurately as is possible, have learned Alchymistick Industry, nothing then in the nature of things will be so difficult, but it, by help of this Art, may be manifest to thee. Indeed, Nature her self brings forth nothing to light, which is brought to its highest perfection; as in this place may be seen by the Unity or Union of our Duality; but Man should, by Spagyrick preparations, deduce it to that, unto which it was ordained by Nature.

Thus far have I said enough of the Process of the Ancients, and of my correction of _The Tincture of Natural Things_, as to its preparation.

Now, we having this Treasure of the _Egyptians_ in our hands, it concerns us to convert the same to our profit, which is two-foldly offered to us from this Spagyrick Magistery. In the first way, how it may be applied for Renovation of the body; in the second, how it is to be used for Transmutation of Metals: Therefore, since I _Theophrastus Paracelsus_ am experienced in both diversly (according as the signs of the Work, both in experience and proof, have appeared better and more perfectly to me than any other) I will describe and propose the same.

CHAP. VI.

_Of the Transmutation of Metals by Projection of the Medicine._

If the Tincture of Naturalists be to be used in Transmutation, one pound of it is first to be projected upon a thousand pounds of ☉ in Flux; then your Medicine will be prepared for transmuting the Leprous humour of Metals. This is a wonderful Work in the Light of Nature, _viz._ that by this Spagyrick Magistery or Operation, that which before was such a Metal, should perish, and become another Metal. That renders _Aristotle_, with his evilly-founded Philosophy, a Fool: The Countrymen in _Hungaria_ casting Iron for a convenient time into a certain Fountain called _Zipferbrunnen_, find it consumed into a _Ferrugo_ (or Iron scurf) which melted in a strong Fire with Bellows, is presently pure Copper, which never more returns into Iron. Likewise, in the Mountain _Kuttenberg_ (as it is commonly called) they strein a _Lixivium_ from _Marcasites_, in which Iron is presently changed into the best Copper, highly gradated, and more malleable than other natural Copper. These, and many such like, are better known to Simple men than to Sophisters, for these men transmute one species into another; yet these Arts remain for the most part absconded, by reason of the notable contempt of Ignorant men, and also partly by reason of the just Envy of Artificers. In _Istria_ I have often brought Venus beyond the 24 (_alias_ 38) degrees, so as the colour of Sol could not ascend higher, and it was constant in Antimony, or in the Quartal Examen; this indeed I used in all Cases, as the other.

Although ancient Artists were earnestly desirous of this _Arcanum_, and sought the same with very great diligence, yet very few could after perfect Preparation deduce it to its end. For the Transmutation of a Minor-Metal into a better, brings with it many difficulties and hinderances; as when Tin is to be transmuted into Silver, or Copper into Gold. Perhaps GOD will have the Magnalia of Nature hid from many Men, by reason of their Sins. For sometimes it hath happened, that when this Tincture hath been prepared by Artists, and they could not bring Projection to effect, that the same (through their neglect and carelessness in keeping of it) hath been devoured by Hens, whose Feathers afterward fell off, and grew new again, as I my self have seen. This way, by abuse, through negligence of Artists, came Transmutation into Medicine and Alchymy. For when they could not use that Tincture according to their own desire, they converted the same to Renovate Men, as you shall hear more at large in the following Chapter.

CHAP. VII.

_Of the Renovation of Men._

Some of the first and ancient Physicians in _Egypt_, by this Tincture, lived 150 years. Also the Life of many was produced and prolonged for several Ages, according as we find it clearly recorded in divers Histories, which seems a thing almost incredible. For its Virtue is so admirable, as it extends the strength and vigour of the Body further than is possible by Nature, and Conserves it in that degree so firmly, as it lives safe from all Infirmities. And although it be grown aged, yet it appears as in a youthful Constitution.

Therefore this Tincture is an Universal Medicine, like an invisible Fire consuming all Diseases, howsoever they are predominant. Its Dose is very small, but the Operation of it most potent. With it, by me, the Leprosie, Venereal Lues, Dropsie, Epilepsie, Colick, Rosy-drop, [_Gutta Rosacea_] and like Diseases, have been cured and healed; also, the Wolf, Cancer, _Noli me tangere_, Fistula’s, and other internal Diseases, more certainly, than can be believed; of which _Germany_, _France_, _Italy_, _Polonia_, _Bohemia_, &c. will give a Testimony large enough.

Now, thou Sophister, behold _Theophrastus Paracelsus_, and consider how your _Apollo_, _Machaon_, and _Hippocrates_, natural Physicians, sought this Tincture for resisting Diseases, because all Physicians aim at long Life, and by this Universal, they, for the most part, obtained it, and that very efficaciously; and according to their own Arbitriment, named it the Tincture of Naturalists. For in all Medicine, what can be greater, than such a cleansing of the Body, by which every Superfluity in it, is totally eradicated, and transmuted? The Seed being found, all things are perfect. What profits the evilly founded purgation of Sophisters, since it removes nothing of that, which should be taken away? Wherefore the most excellent Foundation of a true Physician is, Regeneration of Nature, and Restoration of Youth: Then, that new Essence, expels all whatsoever is adverse to its self. For this Regeneration, the Powers and Virtues of the Tincture of Naturalists were strangely found out, and until our time used by true Spagyrists, and absconded as a Secret.

_Of VITRIOL._