Chapter XXXVI: Front Matter (36)

Seeing therefore that my golden Liquor is prepared of such subjects, it can operate no other thing than fertility, and thereby signed by Nature with that beautiful greenness, by which it signifieth its endowment to render all things fruitful: God adorneth nothing with His marks and signs in vain; from which, as from His signatures, the powers and virtues may be more clearly known, than from Books. For the signature with which things are signed by GOD and Nature never erreth; but the Books and Writings compiled by Men very often erre. Wherefore did the ancient Philosophers and Poets worship _Venus_, the Goddess of Love and of Generation, and attribute to her a beautiful green, generated of the spume or foam of the sea? What is the foam or froth which the sea calleth out upon the shore, but salt, which being dried up by the heat of the sun, is reduced to salt? And the Poets, especially _Virgil_ and _Ovid_, who were men of great literature, would not have handled such things with so prolix an ambage of words, but that they were willing by their Fabulous writings to reveal that great Philosophick Mystery to the world: Therefore I constantly assert, That this green Liquor is the chief Medicine of all things to grow or be encreased, as its pleasant Viridity and infallible Experience do testifie. The Ocean, the Mother of all fertility, sheweth also its greenness, especially in those places where it is rich in salt, and strongly irradiated by the Beams of the Sun. This is well known among Seamen, who from the change of the water into a greener colour, presently collect, that they are near to hotter Regions, in which the Sun-beams are more strongly projected; for in such places the Sea is so salt, that it shineth like fire: The Urine of those pissing out of a ship, falling into the Sea, sheweth like sparks of fire; there four parts of water are found to contain one part of salt. The Mediterranean Sea is not so full of Salt, as that which is between _Spain_ and _France_; and again, in this it self is found not a little difference, seeing that the _Spanish_ side exceedeth the _French_ in saltness; and the Ocean it self, by how much the nearer it is to the North, by so much it is less salt; for which reason also the salt is weaker, and of less Virtue, being more remote from the beams of the Sun. Therefore the _Danes_, _Sweeds_, and other Nations, inhabiting the Northern parts, although they have plenty of Sea-water, nevertheless they do not make salt of it, but fetch it from _France_ or _Spain_; which is a Testimony evident enough, that salt is elaborated in the water by the most ardent Beams of the Sun, and produced for the sake of an universal fertility.

This is indicated by the _German_ name of the Sea, _Meer_, which is all one as if we should say _Vermeer_, that is, _Encrease_, _Enlarge_. An Appellation very well agreeing with the thing, because without the Sea nothing would encrease in the Earth, but on the contrary, all things live, and are encreased by it.

Hence the green colour is a manifest Index and Signature of Fruitfulness, which might be demonstrated by infinite examples, which, for the avoiding of prolixity, is not here necessary, seeing that the thing it self is so manifest.

Some profligate Deriders, who love to oppose the Truth, may say, That this green colour doth not proceed from Gold, but from Copper, that so they may draw honest men away from the Truth, because no Gold seemeth to them to be of use in Medicine; with which Cavil they have before now accosted my _Aurum Potabile_. That I may stop their impure mouths and obviate the frivolous Objections of this sort, I say, that I indeed confess, Copper among the Metals doth obtain a green colour, if it be dissolved in _Aqua fortis_, and other corrosive Liquors of that kind: But Gold being dissolved in the same, appeared in a yellow colour, and not a green, which is known to every body. But who would think me to be so stupid and rude, to impose upon any so open a Cheat? Who also in any wise could hide such a Cheat? For Copper being dissolved in salt waters, would presently discover the Fraud, by its evil nauseating and Vitriolick taste, of which but one drop being swallowed down, would excite violent Vomitings, and would not be a Medicine, but rather a Poison. Moreover, if you put a Knife into such a solution, it will be presently covered over with the Copper, and appear to be Coppery. The contrary plainly happeneth, if any pure Iron be dipped in my Green-Lyon; for it will presently appear to be gilt with the colour of Gold, and that more fair and eminent than any Ducat, or other piece of golden Mony exhibiteth. If any Iron-Wire be put into it, and there left for a certain time, it will at length be changed into a pure Gold, which is an infallible testimony, that that Liquor doth not draw its original from Copper, but from Gold. Again, it may be objected, that a vulgar solution of Gold by _Aqua Regia_, also tingeth Iron with a golden colour, and adhereth to the same; therefore this is no strange thing, forasmuch as it is common and known to every man. I answer, That such a Solution, not green, but yellow, doth indeed by precipitation adhere to the Iron, and dissolved the Iron it self, and reduced it into a Mud, but doth not penetrate it, and preserve it in its form, as my green Liquor doth, which therefore is not to be numbred among those corrosive solutions; but that which is done by the _Sal Enixum_, is rather to be called an Extraction than a Solution: For my _Sal Mirabile_ is of that nature, that it doth not throughly dissolve any fine Powder, or Calx of Gold, but only extracted from it whatsoever is most pure, and leaveth the rest like a black Powder. Moreover, that Solution is not corrosive; for if it were, it would corrode and dissolve the Iron, and not tinge it with the colour, and advance it to the degree of Gold, the Iron remaining whole. By a like reason the green Solution of Copper, made with the vulgar corrosive waters, associateth it self with the Iron, in a green colour, corrodeth it, and forsaketh the Copper. But if Copper be dissolved with my _Sal Mirabile_, that solution doth not penetrate Iron, but transmuteth the whole in its own form into Copper, yet not presently, but in a long progress of time.

From all these things may be seen the great difference between the vulgar corrosive solutions of Gold, Copper, and other Metals, and mine, void of all corrosion, which is performed by my _Sal Mirabile_, dissolving the Bodies of the Metals, after a far other manner than those corrosive solutions are made. Therefore it is not to be reckoned among vulgar solutions, seeing that it possessed far other Virtues. The vulgar solution of Gold, made by _Aqua Regia_, hurteth all things, as a corrosive Poison; a little of it being put to any Vegetable seed, deprived it of all its growing faculty, and throughly killed it. Some drops of it being drank by a Man, would corrode his throat and stomach, like Poison. A Liquor of this sort, by its corrosive and gnawing faculty, converteth the Metal put into it into slime or mudd. That solution which is made by the rectified Spirit of Salt, may safely be taken by any, when a sufficient quantity of Water is mixed with it; but it is not sweet, it constringeth the Tongue, and staineth the Hands; this doth not my green Liquor, for it neither coloureth the Hands, nor astringeth the Tongue, nor yet corrodeth the seeds of Vegetables, but rather exciteth them to fertility.

Whence it appears, that my said _Sal Mirabile_ is not corrosive, but by it self is a good Medicine for all Vegetables, Animals, and Minerals, which Experience it self most evidently argueth: Therefore it can work nothing but good, because prepared without any Corrosive, and represented to the eye by a wonderful signature, to wit, the fair Green colour.

This signature is an undoubted token of its extraordinary Virtues, in rendering all living things vegete and fruitful, which lie absconded in its inward Penetrals. And this I think sufficient to be said to those foolish and idle Cavils of ignorant Scoffers, with which they may insult over me.

Whatsoever I have here ascribed to my Green Lyon, my red _Aurum Potabile_, extracted with Spirit of Wine, also performeth the same, and that as well in Vegetables and Animals, as in Minerals; for the Spirit of Wine can hurt none of them, but rather insinuateth the virtues of Gold into Vegetables and Animals, and rendereth them more efficacious. But concerning the solution of Gold by my _Sal Mirabile_, and its efficacy and operation, this may suffice for the present.

As for the solution of the other Metals, there is no need to make many words, or to write a large Volume about it, seeing that from what hath been already said, any man may easily conjecture, that solutions of this sort, made by the help of _Sal Mirabile_, are far better than those made by Corrosives. The Vitriol of _Venus_ made by its help, doth not hurt Vegetables, as common Vitriol, which killeth the same by its corrosion; but the Vitriol made by _Sal Mirabile_ wonderfully promoteth the growing faculty in Vegetables, so that Lunar, Venereal, Martial, Jovial, and Mercurial Herbs may be produced, which will have wonderful effects, especially if the Vegetative faculties of Lunar Herbs be encreased and promoted by the Salt of Luna; of Venereal, by the Salt of Venus, and so of the rest.

Enough hath been spoken to the Wise, but he that hitherto cannot apprehend what I have said, is an Ass, and unworthy of such _Arcanums_. From this Foundation a diligent Physician may erect a far other method of Curing, and may prepare for himself such Medicines, by which he may obtain Honour and Wealth. I have for many years observed, that Herbs are wont to acquire Martial faculties and properties, if they grow out of a reddish Martial Earth, although they were not before of a Martial nature, but of a Solar, Lunar, Venereal, Jovial, Saturnine, or Mercurial Property.

But how much more would the innate properties and virtues of Herbs be strengthened and encreased, if they were not nourished by the Dung of Animals, but set in pure sand and watered with _Sal Mirabile_ impregnated with the virtues of Metals, and thence acquire the promotion of their growing faculty. Truly other Herbs of far greater Virtues, and other odours and tasts, would be brought forth, than the common, which are wont to be produced by the Dung of Animals, and the simple Salt of the Earth. By this means so strong an attractive Power may be conciliated to the Seeds of all Herbs, that by a Magnetick power they may attract to themselves the Astral powers and influences, and so encrease their Virtues, that without any Preparation they might be able to cure all Diseases to admiration. NB. That it is necessary, that he that would exactly understand the nature of Herbs, should know how to promote the vegetative faculties of Solar Herbs, with Solar Salt; of Lunar with Lunar, and so of the rest, and not that he should intermix the one with the other, without any consideration; which without doubt would be a hindrance to the desired success.

Consider these things with an accurate Meditation, as great Secrets and _Arcanums_, which will not be revealed to the perverse World. A word to the Wise is enough; therefore I will add no more; but I make no doubt, but that this Revelation of my _Sal Mirabile_, in process of time, will be accepted by diligent Physicians, and bring so much benefit, that they will by the same effect much good in comforting and curing the Sick. All things have their time, so also this Arcanum, which in its time will be in vigour; but I would not have any man perswade himself, that he may fish out of me the Preparation of my _Sal Mirabile_, I will not _cast Pearls before ingrateful Swine_, but will reserve them for Friends. But lest an occasion should be given to ignorant Deriders, and those that hate me, of calumniating and slandering me, as if I my self were ignorant of preparing of a Salt of this sort, I have determined to deliver some small portions to divers prudent men, not of this Salt only, but also of those Salts which are endued with the Virtues of Gold, Silver, and other Metals, that at any time they may be able to exhibit a clear Testimony of the Truth: And I will produce those Herbs themselves, that I may have them in readiness to shew to others.

Therefore let no man trouble me with his Letters, to ask of me this salt, or other Medicines, for I will communicate them to none, but such as I know, and with whom I am familiar.

Great Thanks are to be given to Almighty GOD, who hath made this present unworthy World partaker of such _Magnalia_. I have sought, and have opened the way to others; let another also seek, and enter by the way I have shewed, that insisting in my footsteps, he may by the easier labour, obtain a greater light of Nature.

But that I may omit nothing which pertaineth to the good Institution and Doctrine, and concerneth the glory and honour of Salt, I will yet over and above add one infallible Testimony, by which any rude and ignorant man may evidently see, that all fertility consisteth in Salt only, and that it is the most precious Treasure of the whole World, for the health of the Body, and that in it lie hid most ample Riches.

Fertility is indeed already demonstrated in many foregoing Testimonies; but because the History of the Prophet _Elisha_ agreeth more than a little with these my sayings, and may be a clear Testimony to them, I have thought fit here to adjoin it. We read in _2 Kings_, 2. 19. that the men of the City said to _Elisha_, _Behold, it is good to dwell in this City, as my Lord seeth; but the water is naught, and the ground about it is barren: Bring hither to me =(saith he)= a new Vessel full of Salt_. Which being brought, he went to the Spring into which he cast the Salt, saying, _Thus saith the Lord I have healed this Water, from henceforth there shall no dearth and barrenness arise thence_. So the Water was healed even to this day, according to the word of _Elisha_ which was spoken.

That this great Mystery may the better be understood, it will be necessary first a little to consider the History it self, from which it may be known by what means the Salt of _Elisha_ became so strong, that it expelled Death, and rendered the Water good, and the barren Earth fruitful.

When _Elias_ was to be carried up into Heaven, he said to _Elisha_, Ask of me what I shall do for thee, before I am taken from thee. _Elisha_ asked of _Elias_, that he would grant to him a double portion of his Spirit: _Elias_ answered, _It is a hard thing which thou hast asked; if thou shalt see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be as thou desirest, but if not, thou shalt obtain nothing_. And when they went on together talking, behold, there cometh a fiery Chariot with Horses of Fire, and parted them asunder; so _Elias_ was carried to Heaven in a fiery Chariot; and _Elisha_ seeing this, cried out, _My Father, my Father, &c._ Listen therefore, Wherefore did _Elias_ say to _Elisha_, _If thou shalt see me when I shall be taken from thee, thou shalt have thy desire, otherwise not_? And why with this condition? Could not _Elias_ at his own will have rendered _Elisha_ the possessor of his wish? Perhaps very easily, but _Elias_ would not without some _medium_, because _Elisha_ was to be doubly seasoned with the Celestial Fire, by which he was separated from _Elias_, for Fire bringeth forth Salt; the Celestial Fire bringeth forth a Celestial Salt, and the Elementary Fire an Elementary.

In this History is set before our Eyes the eternal Divine Light, and also the natural, although few discern either of them, inasmuch as their hearts are hardened and obscured by a horrid blindness. And both the Old and New Testament are full of such Mysteries; so that I dare boldly affirm, That all the Treasures both of Soul and Body may be found in the Holy Scriptures, if we will; and that we have no need to read the Writings of the Heathen Philosophers. I add this one thing, That it is of God alone to open the Eyes of those who desire to understand Divine and Natural Mysteries; for without divine illumination, all things are dead and buried in darkness. This Truth putteth to flight the diabolical Cavils and Slanders of all scoffing Mountebanks and Jack-puddings. But which of them will oppose this, and seek fertility from any other thing than Salt? Truly, I believe no man, except that most profligate _Farnner_, with his wretched Followers, who determine, That Salt doth not fatten, but Dung; when nevertheless this is to be ascribed to the former, and not to the later. But those Ass-like Brethren of Ignorance, being convinced of their filthy Lyes by the most evident Truth, will I hope have their impure and shameless mouths more than sufficiently stopped. I therefore acquiesce in this demonstration, in which I think I have evidently proved, That the Sun and Salt are the most noble Creatures of God, and that Salt is by me rightly and deservedly called the greatest Treasure, and the greatest Riches of the World; because after an earthly manner of speaking, nothing can be more desirable for fruitfulness. Salt is the Original of all fertility, the Sun is the original of Salt, and God the Creator of all things, of the Sun, to whose Name be Honour and Glory for ever, _Amen_.

But although this demonstration, which doth evidently shew, that salt is the greatest Treasure in the world, be most clear, and beyond all doubt; nevertheless, I doubt not, but it will not satisfie the Covetous, who will say, Where is the _Stone of Philosophers_ which we expected from thee, as the greatest Treasure of the whole world, that it being known and acquired, we might lead a brave life? But stay, my friend, until some man shall come and render sordid men partakers of so great a Gift: For thinkest thou that if I its possessor, that I would describe so great a Mystery, in such clear words as I have described the fertility of the Earth: Not at all; nor have I the power of doing that, seeing that a man cannot give to any those things which are not his own, but God’s. Nevertheless, that the pious searcher after Truth may have some manuduction to a Work of so great moment, I cannot but hold forth to him that small Light granted me by Divine Grace, provided he hath not Owls eyes, shunning the light of Nature, because they cannot bear its splendour; which if he hath not, it cannot be, but he will give credit to a manifest Truth. And concerning so great a work, this is my opinion, That it is altogether possible, that the most noble universal Pearl, to wit, the Medicine and Stone of Philosophers, restoring the diseasie Bodies of Men and Metals to their pristine health and state, may be prepared of common salt: But of the Preparation, which is unknown to me, I can affirm nothing certain; but that it may be done, manifold and infallible Experience hath caused me to believe; which Experience I keep to my self, and will not part with it to any, although I could very freely, if I might or durst make pious men partakers of it: But because Faith is effected in us by God alone, it is to be sought from Him by Prayer, and not to be expected from Men.

Therefore that (according to my promise) I may demonstrate, That the Stone of Philosophers, lying hid in salt, may be got out of it by the benefit of Art, I desire only this thing of the studious of divine Mysteries, that he would search after those things, in my Writings lately printed, which I have spoken concerning the little Fish _Echineis_, _viz._ by what means he may be taken with a Net out of the salt Sea, for there he will find a sufficient manuduction, of which it is not necessary that I should here say any more. Those are the things which I was willing to add in honour of that noble creature salt: He that will not believe the most noble Pearl, of a universal and particular Medicine, to be included in the inward Penetrals of Salt, I cannot help him; it is free for every man to seek and walk in another way.

Would it not be too tedious, I could also plainly prove, that from marine Bodies, (as Coral, Mother of Pearl, Oyster-shells, and the like things, being dissolved into water, and precipitated) may be extracted corporal Gold, which I have done with my own hands, and therefore can boldly witness it.

But I will shut up the Tables, what I have hitherto spoken being sufficient for this time; from which I hope and believe that others will receive benefit: Which I heartily wish, together with the divine benediction to all pious men. _Amen._

A
TREATISE
Of the Signature of
Salts, Metals, and Planets.

OR,

A Fundamental Institution evidently shewing by what means not only
the Virtues, Signification, Nature, and Properties of _Salts_,
_Metals_, and _Planets_, may be easily known, but also the
reasons of their Names and Appellations, and this not from Books
or Writings, but from their naked Signature, to be obtained and
known by the help of the Circle and Quadrant.

=Written for their sakes who delight in the Profitable and highly
Necessary Contemplation of Divine Miracles.=

To the well minded READER.

It is a common saying, _Beware of those whom Nature hath marked_, the which is indeed true, if it be understood concerning men who are insignized with some preternatural marks, or of the abortions of Nature, but concerning other things it is false. For the Almighty God hath signed all His Creatures, as well small as great, equally with their own certain signatures, and hath as it were subjected their depicted Lineaments to the Eyes of men, by which they might know what the nature and property of every thing is, and what Commodity and Profit it may bring to mankind. Hence not only all Vegetables, as Herbs, Shrubs, and Trees, but also Animals, as Beasts of every kind, yea, and Man himself, which abide upon the Earth, the Fishes inhabiting the Waters, and the Birds of the Air; but also all things moveable and immoveable, he hath signed with their peculiar forms and figures, to signifie to us by those their signs, of what use every Herb, every Animal, every Bird, and every Fish is, and for what purpose it serveth. And this is the Divine Inscription which the Divine Finger hath written upon all things, and by which the nature of all things should have been learned by us.

But after that Men began more and more to decline from the humane, to a brutish nature, and ceased to have the Reason of so noble a Signature, preferring their brutal Conceptions to the Divine Works, and postponing the Signatures incited in all things by Nature; it came to pass, that in a long process of time that true Signature, or Divine Inscription, being obscured, perished by degrees, and wholly vanished; so that but a very few are found in this Age, who are endowed with any knowledge of so great a Science; for the greatest part of men are wont to follow the duct of Books and Writings, and study to learn the Virtues and Proprieties of things out of them. Neither could this study be disapproved of, if the true, incorrupted, and entire Writings of the ancient and singularly-experienced noble Authors remained with us. But because in a long Series of time their frequent descriptions, emendations, and interpretations have so corrupted them, that scarce any thing of truth is to be found in them; it were far better that such mangled and corrupted Writings were not so much followed, but that rather that old foundation laid by God himself, upon which all those Writings, all Characters, and all Signatures do rest, and from whence they have received their beginning, should be again brought out of Darkness into Light, and the nature and properties of things learned from thence. This would be the true way of coming to the knowledge of Nature, in a short space of time, without so many errours, to which, by those false Writings, a man cannot come in many years.

Some perhaps may ask, where that ancient Foundation laid by God ought to be sought, or where it may be found? I answer, Every where, inasmuch as it is before the eyes of every man, but especially shewing it self in the Heavens, where the Sun, Moon, and all the Stars are constituted by God in a round Figure, signifying to us that all Forms and Figures take their beginning from a round Circle, and that a Circle or Rotundity it self, as a most perfect thing, pertaineth to the Heavens, and to GOD Himself. The Ancients certainly put it in that manner, that by a round Circle they might denote those things which they could neither comprehend by number, pronounce by words, nor conceive by their ingeny; and on the contrary, those things which did not exceed their capacity, ingeny, nor number, they signed with a square Figure: So that things celestial, and exceeding humane capacity, they have denoted by a Circle, but things visible, earthly, and subject to humane capacity, by a Square, proceeding from a Circle.

And although the same ancient Philosophers, attributing a Circle to God only, were of the opinion, that God could not be more aptly exprest by any thing than a Circle, having (like Himself) neither beginning nor end: Nevertheless all those things which after God they esteemed great, they also noted with a Circle, to wit, the Sun in the Firmament, and Gold in the Earth; the first of which, some of those Philosophers thought to be God himself. Others of those Heathen Philosophers have feigned for God the Effigies of a Serpent, winding himself into a round Circle; and all earthy things of a celestial original, they have represented by a Square, and so they have shadowed out the Celestial and the Terrestrial, by the Circle and Quadrant.

Therefore as they observed how much of the Celestial or Terrestrial Nature were in the things to be signed, so much of the Circle or Square they added or substracted, and according to that they varied their Figures: And not only in the Celestial Lights, to wit, the Sun, Moon, and other Planets, but also in all earthly Creatures, produced in the Earth by the operations of the Sun, Moon, and the rest of the Planets and Stars, _viz._ Gold, Silver, Copper, Tin, Iron, Lead, and Argent-vive; they have used this manner in signing them all with Characters of this sort, and have noted them with the same Characters which they have given to the Celestial Lights, producing and effecting the Causes of those inferiour Creatures. So the Sun and Gold, as the most perfect Creatures of God, are signed with a Circle having a point or center in the middle; the Moon and Silver appear in the figure of an half Circle, or of two semicircles, at a small distance from one another; which shew their Bodies not to be absolutely perfect, but as yet to labour under some defect. The Characters of the other Planets, as ♄, ♃, ♂, ♀, and ☿, are also the Characters of the rest of the Metals, _viz._ Lead, Tin, Iron, Copper, and Argent-vive, because they are much more vile and imperfect than Gold and Silver, and are noted with more imperfect Characters; such are an half Circle and half Square, signifying that they scarce answer to the perfection of Silver in the half part, and hardly to the fourth part of that of Gold.

But that I may propose the thing more clearly, I think it necessary to inclose the Characters of the Celestial Lights, as ☉, ☽, ☿, ♀, ♂, ♃, and ♄, and of the Terrestrials, as Gold, Silver, Argent-vive, Copper, Iron, Tin, and Lead, which the ancient Astronomers and Philosophers have imposed upon them, in Squares, consisting of the same magnitude, that by those it may appear in what degree they differ from each other in perfection.

Here those Characteristick Figures of the Signatures are enclosed as it were in little Houses, which are the Squares: Now, if into one of those I put the Character of the Sun or Gold, _viz._ a round Circle noted with the letter B, it toucheth four parts of the Square, marked 1, 2, 3, 4, and filleth it up, signifying that among Celestial and Terrestrial Creatures, the Sun and Gold do excell all other things, in their perfection.

The Character of the Moon or Silver, under the letter C, toucheth three sides of the Square, to wit, the superiour with the top of her Horn, marked 1, the lower side marked 3, and the bending of her back toucheth the third side, marked 2; but by reason of the incurvating concavity of her Superficies, she cannot touch the fourth side, marked 4.

The Character of _Mercury_, under the letter D, with both his horns toucheth the upper side of the Square, marked with number 1, and with the bottom of the Cross the lower side number 3: the other two sides, 2 and 4, he leaveth untouched, so that the half part of the Square remaineth untouched by _Mercury_. _Luna_ toucheth three sides or the same, and _Sol_ or Gold is contiguous to all the four sides.

_Venus_ or Copper, under the letter E, also adhereth only to two sides of the Square, to wit, to the superiour number 1, and to the inferiour, marked with the number 3, but the sides, 2 and 4, remain untouched.

In like manner also _Mars_, or Iron, toucheth only the upper and lower sides, as you see under the letter F. So also _Saturn_, or Lead, under G; And _Jupiter_ or Tin under H, you see touch but two sides of their Squares. Therefore from this figure may be seen in what degree of perfection the Metals exceed one another, so that he who hath respect to this figure, cannot erre in discerning the said degrees.

The Ancients have not imposed these Characters, neither by chance nor in vain, but they have directed the whole reason of characterising to this end, that the Character might exactly agree with the Nature and Property of the thing signed; as the great agreement between the Celestial Luminaries or Planets, and the Metals, doth clearly manifest. Nevertheless these things are not to be discerned by all men, but by those only who are able throughly to inspect the nature of Metals, and from that knowledge of the Metals, to know the said degrees of perfection; for so much of rotundity as exhibits it self in the Character to the sight, so much also of purity and perfection is in the signed body; and so much as it shews of the square, so much also it hath of imperfection: And this is a Chymical Axiom or Precept altogether infallible, and so certain, that he who in the emendation of Metals shall follow it, will not easily erre.

Gold, the most perfect of the Metals, by touching the four sides of the square, argueth its great perfection: Silver is not far from the perfection of Gold. And among the rest of the Metals, Argent-vive, Iron, and Copper have the half, but Lead and Tin only the fourth degree of perfection.

These few things we think sufficient for those who are desirous of so great knowledge. He that desires to know more of these Harmonical Signatures, of the Celestial Lights, and Terrestrial Bodies, let him accurately examin this Foundation, and he will find those things which neither _Aristotle_ long ago, nor our Schools at this day, have had any knowledge of. This I dare assert for truth, That the Ancients, in the _Egyptian_ Schools, have hidden great Mysteries under the Characters of their Signatures, and not only in those signs imposed upon the Sun, Moon, Stars, and Metallick Bodies, but that they have manifested great Secrets by the very Names which they have given to all things, which was not by chance that they have given to this thing such a Name, and to that another: But when after times changed many Names, thence it happened, that those Signatures fell into great uncertainty, and are now perplexed with many doubts. The Names which from _Adam_, _Noah_, and their Posterity, were in use with the _Egyptians_, _Chaldeans_, and _Hebrews_, the _Greeks_ also had in use, and from the same Foundation called things by due and true appellations. The _Latins_ have taken no care about those derived to them, although the only and true Foundation of every Investigation of those Secrets is placed in those. Indeed I being ignorant of the _Egyptian_, _Chaldean_, and _Hebrew_ Tongues, know not how to interpret those Names with their signature. But one that is skilful in those Languages, and endowed with some knowledge of natural light, by applying himself to such searches, by a prudent inquisition, will find the Truth of those things which I have here written, to wit, That the Nature and Property of all things are posited in their Names and Characters: I will expedite the matter by a clearer Explication, and in a few words expound the Circle and Quadrate. In my Treatise of the _Nature of Salts_, I have clearly taught and demonstrated, that all things in the World have their original from the Sun and Salt. The Ancients have designed the Sun by a Circle, and Salt by a Square: But as a Circle is first drawn before that a Square can be put to it; and as a Circle by right is preferred before a Square, inasmuch as that is the Original of this; so also the sun is to be preferred to salt, to which it hath given Rise, and which it hath preceded in its existency, and which being compared with the sun its Original, is less to be esteemed: Hence, without the sun, salt generateth and produceth nothing; nor yet the sun without salt, because in every generation and production there is necessarily required the conjunction of Male and Female, the sun performing the office of the male, and the Moon of the female.

So _Eve_ the Female, as a Square, arose from _Adam_, as from a Circle, and from both, to wit, from the circle and the square conjoined, the fertility and propagation of mankind hath drawn its original. The Poets have attributed this propagation to _Venus_, and noted it with a sign composed of a Circle and a square, saying, that the Goddess _Venus_ was born of the froth or foam of the Sea and Salt, and dried up by the Rays of the sun.

The Character of _Venus_ being weighed with an accurate consideration of mind, very perspicuously sheweth how wisely and prudently the Ancients have shadowed out the Mysteries of Nature by their Characters.

Venus is signed with a round Circle, with a Cross pendant from the Circle; the Circle denoteth the Sun; the Cross, Salt: For when four lines are conjoined in their extremities, they make a Cross, all the ends meeting in one point. But if all those Lines be disposed foursquare, they form a Quadrate. Therefore in things signed, the Cross and the Square differ only in their external Figure, and signifie one and the same thing.

That this Mystery may be the better apprehended, I will interpret the true signature of those principal Creatures of God, (to wit, the Sun and Salt, from which all things proceed) attributed to them by the Ancients, according to their Latin significations _Sol_ and _Sal_, that their degrees and difference in nobility and goodness may evidently appear: For the more Circles there are conspicuous in those words, the more of purity and goodness they argue to be in the things which they denote; and the more Squares there are in a Word, the more of earthiness, imperfection, and impurity is shewn to be in the thing thereby signified. But this Rule holds only in those words which were imposed upon things by the Ancients, in others not.

Seeing therefore that it is beyond all doubt, that these two words, _Sol_ and _Sal_, were by the Ancients imposed upon the things they signifie, according to a true signature; we will therefore further explain them.

And here it is first to be noted, that all the forms and figures of Vegetables, _viz._ of Trees, Herbs, and other things growing out of the Earth, and also of Animals, whether Men or Beasts, also of Minerals, do take their original only from the circle and square, so that by those it may be known what bodies or members are round or long; for the Body of a Man, as also the Trunk of a Tree, have not only a round, but also an oblong figure, and the joints of every finger, and the leaves and branches of Herbs and Trees shew forth the same figure, so that in those the Circle and the Quadrate are every where found.

And not only all the Creatures of God are noted with the same signature, but also all Writings and Letters, proceeding from _Adam_, _Noah_, and their Posterity, have taken their beginning from the Circle and Square. As for example: All the Latin Letters, even from the beginning to the end, you shall find to be composed of a circle and a square. _A_ containeth two lines and a half of a square; _B_ consisteth of two semicircles, and one line of a square; _C_ is a semicircle; _D_ is formed of a semicircle, and one line of a square; _E_ hath three lines and a half of a square; _F_ two and a half of the same; _G_ consisteth of a semicircle, and half a line of a square; and so on to the last Letter of the Alphabet: So that all the Letters being composed of a circle and a square, were left by the Ancients to shadow out and signifie those Mysteries to Posterity.

Therefore seeing that in my Treatise of _the nature of Salts_ I have evidently demonstrated the Sun and Salt to be the beginning of all things, I think it necessary to interpret those two words, _Sol_ and _Sal_, according to their nature, and to prove that they are the true beginning, and true end of all things.

Between the words _Sal_ and _Sol_ there is no other difference, but the middle letter, which in _Sal_ is _Alpha_, but in _Sol_ _Omega_; by which two Christ manifested himself to St. _John_: But the initial and final letters of both words are the same, they are distinguished only by the middle letters, _Alpha_ and _Omega_, and that not without great reason; for as _Sol_ generateth _Sal_ from the beginning, and all things which are take their original from him, so also the end of all things shall happen at the last day, when all things born and arisen from the Sun and Salt, shall again be consumed by fire, as _Peter_ writeth, to wit, that the Sun, Moon, and all the Stars, shall fall from Heaven, and that the whole Earth shall be reduced to Ashes. Therefore in _Sol_ and _Sal_, the beginning and end of all things are perfectly discerned. Neither do these two words only set before our eyes the beginning and end of all things, with the destruction of this earthy and fading World, but they also make manifest the whole Mystery of the Holy Trinity, which I could very easily demonstrate.

But because the _Egyptian_ Learning, built upon the foundation of Nature, is lost, and in the room thereof Sophistical Schools have grown up, which by their vain loquacity have altogether oppressed and banished the truth; it might easily happen, that I might bring a Nest of Hornets about my Ears, if I should write such things publickly, as fly the knowledge of the learned multitude. Therefore it is better to be silent, than to incumber my self with unnecessary contentions.

But that we may see there have also been others, who were not ignorant of the Mysteries hidden in salt, it seems fit to me, in the end of this Discourse, to subjoin the opinion of a certain learned man, explaining the Greek word ἁλς, _Chap._ 13. _Book_ 4. and as it were, bringing into view the great Mystery of God hidden in the same, that so we may be invited to read the learned Book of the said Author, concerning salt, which containeth many things highly worthy to be read, and of the reading of which no man will repent; the name of the Author is _Bernardus Gomesius_, printed at _Frankford_, in the year 1605, a Book truly worthy of any man’s reading, and as such I studiously recommend it to those who are desirous of learning any thing of good.

But to return to my purpose, I seriously affirm, that the nature and property of Metals may be learned and openly known, not only from the signature assigned them by the Ancients, but also from that which the fire introduceth into them, and this signature proceeding from the fire, is far to be preferred to that of the Philosophers; not therefore because the Element of Fire possesseth a greater authority or might than all Philosophers ever had or can have: But because the Fire alwaies performeth immutable actions, and committeth no errours, nor can it commit any, provided the Operator who handleth the fire doth not deviate from the manner of operating, for at all times in one and the same manner it sheweth the signatures of the metals.

The nature of the fire is such, that whensoever we will, it exhibiteth to us, by a singular signature, the occult nature and hidden properties of the metals; for even as any burning spirit of Vegetables, or volatile salt of Wine, being drank by men, stirreth up their nature and properties, and exposeth these things to view, which before lay dorment, and which would not have been known, if the warm spirit of the wine had not manifested them: So also is it with Salt, which, as we have taught in the precedent Treatise of the nature of salts, hath a power and faculty of exciting the nature of metals, and of manifesting their medicinal Virtues. But the Fire, of which we here treat, hath the faculty of subjecting their perfection to our eyes.

For as by the pure spirit of Wine the vital spirit of a Man is presently cheered, and being awakened, the hidden signature forthwith goeth out of the inward Penetrals of the heart; so that the Sanguine sing, dance, play, and are occupied in Amours; the Cholerick break forth into quarrels and fighting; the Phlegmatick grow drowsie and sleepy, and the Melancholy are taken up with speculations, meditations, and searches. These signatures the spirit of Wine can draw forth from the most inward recesses of men. By the same reason the signature of Metals is awakened, excited, and educed by the operation of the fire, _viz._ when they are melted in a Crucible; for the smoak or fume going out from them, presently indicateth the nature and property of every of them. Pure Gold, and free from all addition, emitteth no fume alone, but being melted with salt, giveth a purple exhalation. Silver alwaies exhaleth somewhat of a blue, bitter, and unpleasant fume: The fume of Copper is green, and stinketh: Of Iron not so much as Copper, being also red, striketh the Nostrils with a stink: Lead and Tin send forth a white fume, stinking and poisonous: Argent-vive, in its whole substance, vanisheth in a venomous fume, and these are the signs of the fumes, by which melted Metals, when they are not mixed, are wont to be distinguished and known from one another. But if Copper, or any other imperfect Metal, shall be mixed with Gold or Silver, it changeth the fume, and rendereth the proof or examen doubtful and uncertain: Nevertheless of the judging of the perfection of Metals by the Fire, this Experiment is of all the most perfect and certain, _viz._ when they are so melted by a very strong fire, that they move themselves, and are as it were turned or whirled about in the Crucible, and by how much the rounder this motion shall be, and the higher it elevateth it self, by so much it sheweth the Metals to be more perfect; the more depressed and equal, and the plainer the superficies shall be, the lesser of perfection is in that melted Metal. The trial of this thing is easily made, by which it is found, that among all the Metals Gold is chiefly moved on the Test, or in a Crucible, by a round or spherical motion; next Silver; next to that Copper; next to Copper Iron; after Iron Lead; and lastly, after that Tin.

The same difference of perfection and imperfection is shewed by the pouring of a melted Metal upon a Porphyry stone, or any the like well levigated, and put into a Kettle of Water, so that the water may not touch its superficies, which is to receive the melted Metal: This therefore being poured out upon the said Stone, leapeth and divideth it self into many grains, greater or lesser, more round, or less round, according as the Metal shall be more or less pure. But of all the Metals, there is none more imperfect than Tin, which by effusion upon such a Stone, very rarely disperseth it self into grains, but if the effusion be dextrously made, it dilateth it self in breadth in a very thin form, like to writing Paper, so that it may be writ upon (by a stile or stift) like Paper, and folded and sealed, and sent to others, after the manner of other letters: Such letters made of Tin, are hurt by no Water, so that they may be of great use, where necessity requireth secresie in sending letters.

But that Tin spreadeth it self into such broad leaves, and doth not separate into grains, after the manner of Gold and Silver, the reason is its imperfection, which its before-mentioned signature evidently argueth, containing but little of roundness, and taking the greatest part from the square.

The knowledge of a metallick perfection is also acquired from the rotundity of the metallick motion in the Examen of Saturn, or the separation which is made by Lead in a Cupel, where Gold, before all the rest boileth with a spherical roundness, and all the lead being sent away in fume, by the violence of the fire, remaineth on the Cupel or Test, in a pure, round, or spherical body, especially when there shall not be too great a quantity of Gold.

Silver doth not answer to Gold in its round body, in which it remaineth, yet it exceedeth Copper in roundness, which sometimes also remaineth pure and round, if it be in a small quantity.

Iron and Tin do not admit the Examen of Lead by the Cupel, for indurating the Lead, they deprive it of all flux, so that by combustion it is reduced into a powder.

Argent-vive is by the Fire wholly driven away into the Air, in which nevertheless keeping a perpetual flux, its signature of perfection may be judged of in the Cold, which perfection exceedeth that of the other imperfect Metals, and cometh near to gold and silver; for being diffused into small grains, it exhibiteth in running a round or spherical body, imitating melted Gold: So that it is not without reason, that the Ancients in its signature have used the signs of ☉, ☽, and a square; being within wholly Gold and Silver, if it be coagulated; the truth of which many Experiments have demonstrated to me, made by the Waters of gradation, as they are called; Experiments, I say, which I have performed in small Instruments, for hitherto I could not make them in great ones, and in a large quantity. If any young man shall have a desire to try the same, let him in the first place beware that he use not corrosive and eating waters, and by this means render the Argent-vive more fugacious.

It behoveth that he seek and know true sulphur, which if it shall be red, he shall also bind it with a red bond; but if white, he shall preserve its colour constant, and bind it with a white bond; otherwise it is wont to vanish in fume.

These few things I could not pass by, but signifie to the studious of the Divine Signature of Metals and Planets. Let every one occupy the powers of his Ingeny in the exercise of this Science, that he may become expert in the wonders of things, especially of those which lie hid in the words or names imposed upon things signed by the Ancients, who have found out great Secrets, as well Celestial as Terrestrial, and have comprehended them in those. Some such words of the Ancients I would have interpreted here, but that in so doing I should have divulged those things which are not vulgarly known, for which cause it is better to pass them by in silence. He that will bend his endeavours to so great a Science, may obtain many wonderful things; but of these enough; it sufficeth at the present to have laid the Foundation, the rest I leave to him, who being prompt to the study of seeking, shall bring his mind to the acquiring of this knowledge; if he shall once get into the right path, he will find out more than he seeketh or desireth. Also Mountains, Woods, and Countries, by their signatures do not only indicate the Treasures and Riches, given them by God, but are also wont to foretell their own Fates, as their Rise, Encrease, and Destruction. It remains, that we briefly examin, and take a short view of the signatures of salts, with what notes or marks they are signed by God, and also by what they signifie their natures and properties; for without doubt, they have their signatures, and especially the common and vulgar Salt, the which, wherefore should it not have its signature, seeing that it is the original of all other things? There is not found any Herb or Weed so vile, any Worm so abject, which wanteth its marks given it by God, by which it manifesteth to us its nature and virtues. I have above indicated the Sun by a Circle, and Salt to be designed by a square added to it: and in the Sun and Salt all earthly things as Vegetables, Animals, and Minerals, to have the beginning and end of their generation, propagation, and encrease; also all things being risen from the sun and salt, to be signed by the Almighty God, with certain signatures, from which their nature, powers, virtues, and properties may be known; neither have I only asserted, but also affirmed, that all the Mysteries of Languages and Words may be searched out and known by those signs, to wit, the Circle and Quadrate.

These things are so certain and true, that they are beyond all confutation, which I will make plain to every one, by one only Argument, not exceeding the Capacity of a simple Boy, if the envious Brethren of Ignorance, being lifted up by their great pride, shall refuse to undertake it. That the Sun is conveniently and appositely signed with a Circle, no man will deny, because it never sheweth it self to the sight in any other figure than a round fiery Sphere, which sign being attributed to the Sun, by the Ancients, so remaineth even to this day.