Chapter LXXXVI: Part I: To the well minded Reader (14)

3. Lastly toward the end (after all the moisture is ascended, and the Fire is a little somewhat encreased) a strong scented red cleaginous alkalisate Liquor; which is such as serves instead of a Balsam, most excellent, presently helping or very salutary in all green Wounds and fistulous Ulcers. The subtile Spirit should be administred inwardly, for comforting or suppling the Body with all its internal Members, and for preserving the same magistrally from all vitious affects. Such a most present Remedy is earnestly desired, by the aged and weak. The Ingredients are of a Balsamick Disposition, and the preparation of them is artificial and subtil, so as a famous Medicine cannot choose but be made of them. For our _Salmiack_ is of such a Nature, as by it all Vertues of Vegetables, Animals and Minerals are exalted, amplified and meliorated, and that by reason of the Exaltation by it inferred on the Subjects in elaborating; as may more exactly be learned, when any one goes about to prepare the same, and shall as it were with his hand, palpably touch the vertue, and discern the verity thereof. Therefore here is instituted a Process of preparing Saffron, Aloes and Myrrh, by which you may know how to work with other Vegetable and Animal Subjects, so as we have no necessity of prescribing a peculiar Process for every Medicine. Here onely it is to be noted, that an accurate Regard is to be had of weight and measure in mixing the Subjects with the Liquor Alcahest. For if less of the Armoniack Liquor than is fit be added to a dry matter, all the Liquor so includes it self in the dry matter, as little of the Spirit can ascend in distilling. But if more of the Liquor be poured on than is fit, the ascending spirit will not be efficacious enough, because the vertue of that Subject diffuseth it self too largely into that aboundance of Spirit. Wherefore in all things measure and weight are to be observed. Dry _Species_, such are Herbs, Roots, Seeds and Flowers, drink up much Water; but Woods not so much, Stones and their like, much less than they. Therefore, if any one, in labours of this kind would do something to purpose, he had need to be wary, that he do neither too much, nor too little, but in all things observe a mean: so doing, he shall suffer no loss, nor ever labour in vain. For it is almost impossible to describe all _Arcanums_ so evidently, as every Clown may comprehend the same without any search.

I have here laid Foundations with reason sufficient, every one may build, or not build upon them as he pleaseth. Also he may read _Helmont_, who did indeed of this matter write largely enough, yet he is not always to be understood according to the Letter; for in most places of his Books, he concealed his manual Operations, especially in his Book of the Tree of Life, where he treats of the Cedar Wood. The preparation of the same requires no tedious long space of time, but it may be performed in a few hours. Indeed it would be the part of good Physicians to introduce this Preparation of more noble Medicines into their Apothecaries shops, and thence to exclude some part of their corrupted Remedies. For this being done, so many men would not be basely neglected, nor untimely hurried out of this Life, by the use of unprofitable Medicaments, as too often now are.

It is not enough for you to have a Name from _Galen_, and in the mean while not at all tread the Footsteps of _Galen_’s vertues. _Galen_ was an honest Heathen, and whatsoever he had gathered with much and long study, he left to us accurately written before his Death.

How experienced a man in Medicine _Hippocrates_ was, his Writings do clearly shew.

Also that _Avicen_ was an industrious Physician, by his remaining Litterary Monuments, is very manifest, and especially by that Epistle, which he writ to his Son _Aboali_; for in that he commands him first to furnish himself with sixty Pound of most pure Mercurial Water (whence he should make the universal Medicine) before he presumed to proceed to Coagulation of the Stone.

These indeed were men adorned with high Experience and a good Conscience, who gloried not in the bare Name of Chief Physicians, but proved themselves such indeed, shewing, that they were not idle Adorers of the Goddess _Vacua_, but men most laborious, as becomes every conscientious Physician to be.

Touching that Mercurial Water, which _Avicen_ commended so much to his Son, for making (of it) the Universal Medicine, we shall here following (_Jehovah_ assisting) somewhat more largely speak, _viz._ how it, by our _Salmiack_ may be extracted from Metals, and then be coagulated into an Universal Medicine.

Indeed, particular Medicaments are not to be contemned but to be esteemed as good things, to them that make a good use of them. But Universals are sought by Physicians, being such, as by which they can get more Honour and Riches, than by Particulars, because they are known even to every old Woman. Universals are not to be used after the manner of Particulars, particularly to serve for this or that Member of the Body, or to resist and heal this or that Disease onely: but they seek out every _Chachexy_ (which lies privily dispersed through all parts of the Body, impairing Health) and having sought it out, cast it forth of the Body, as well visibly as invisibly through all Emunctories, as shall seem good to Nature, and will be most conducent to health. Universals consume occult Diseases hidden in the Body of man, as Fire consumes Wood. Also Universals tinge every vitious Habit of the Body (which otherwise can be expelled by no particular Medicine) and transmute it into a better State, so as the Evil of the Distemper is inverted and converted into good, in the place where it is hospited, no further expulsion being required. Of like Universals, we will afterwards (God giving leave) speak more at large. Now the time admonisheth us to return to our _Sal Armoniack_, to contemplate what farther fruit of Utility it is able to effect in Medicine.

_Helmont_, in his Treatise of the Stone makes mention of a certain Medicine, which by his Alcahest he prepared of _Paracelsus_ his _Ludus_, which would resolve the Stone in the Bladder, and expel it in fourteen Days. _Paracelsus_ ascribes to his _Ludus_ wonderfull Vertues, which it exerciseth in breaking and expelling the Stone of the Reins and Bladder. In which _Helmont_ posits his Foundation, shewing where such a _Ludus_ may be found, and how by his Alcahest it may be prepared into a Medicine so admirable, as it becomes the supream Remedy against the Stone.

As touching the _Ludus_ it self, _Helmont_ saith of it, that it may be copiously found in the Scald shores at _Antwerp_, and that it for the most part consists of a certain volatile Macrocosmick Urinous Salt: and I making search into the same, have found it just as he described. Likewise, I also, according to his prescribed Rule, endeavoured to make such an excellent Medicine, and then found the Liquor of the _Ludus_ to be such as he affirms he himself made by his Acahest, _viz._ this way.

I took one Pound of that _Ludus_ beaten to Powder, and mixed it with one Pound of our Secret _Salmiack_, and thence drew off the volatile Humidity with gentle Fire in a coated Retort; and then augmenting the Fire until the Retort was very hot all over. When all was cold, I found the _Ludus_ with the more fixed part of our _Salmiack_ melted together into a yellowish dark coloured Stone, which (according to his Doctrine) I laid in a moist Cellar to be dissolved, and that Stone in 24 hours was resolved into a greenish Liquor, and it had a burning Taste upon the Tongue, yet it is not loathsome to be taken into the Body, with Wine, Beer, or other suitable Vehicles of Water. I my self also have given this Liquor to some troubled with the Stone, who by taking it were greatly eased. But that the whole Stone should by help of that be resolved and cast out, in so short a space of time, I have not yet found. Hence here it seems to me, that _Helmont_ (as did _Paracelsus_ in the Preparation of his _Elixir Proprietatis_, and the incredible Vertue thereof) hath extolled his Remedies with a too much elated Style. They are assuredly admirable Medicaments, but that they are able to effect so much (in all men without distinction) as are ascribed to them, I cannot assentingly witness, although I was at great expences, and nor a little turmoiled about them, yet in the mean while I found out many excellent things, the Declaration of all which would be too tedious to be here inserted. But I must needs, in this place, insert some few of those many things I then found out.

If any one apply to the Seeds or Roots of those Herbs, which are commonly wont to be administred, for expelling Urine and the Stone, (the Seeds or Roots being first reduced to Powder) a little of our _Salmiacal_ Water, and digest it in gentle heat of _Balneo_ for 24 hours, and afterward distil it, a most efficacious Spirit will ascend; which Spirit I have found to be more excellent in expelling the Stone, than the _Ludus_. In like manner those insects, which strongly provoke Urine and the Stone, I have also digested and distilled with our Liquor of _Sal Armoniack_, and got a Spirit more strongly expelling Urine, than any Spirit prepared of Herbs. Wherefore this is to be warily used, and such forcibly expelling things well observed, among which more forcible than all other are the fat evilly smelling black Worms of _May_, and Cantharides.

After the same manner, as we have taught to be here done, may also be instituted an Operation for extracting (by distillation) from all Vegetable and Animal Subjects their most potent Vertues and purest Essences, by our Vitriolate Alcalick Water; _viz._ from Aromaticks, egregious Cordials; from Woods and Roots of Sudorifick Herbs, famous Diaphoreticks; from soporiferous Simples, admirable Anodines; from purging things most excellent Catharticks, _&c._ But there is no reason I should longer insist on these things of less value, since every skilfull man can prepare himself such medicinal Spirits as he hath need of. Here he cannot easily commit error, since for all Herbs, Seeds, Roots, Flowers, and Woods, there is but one onely way of preparing them into most efficacious Essences, by our vitriolate Alcaly. But a better way than any other, yet to be discovered, how by our Urinous Liquor, yet more efficacious Essences may be extracted from Vegetables and Animals, is this:

We are not ignorant, that Spirit of Wine, which is for the most part generally used for Extraction of Vegetables, doth not sufficiently extract them, nor carry upwards with it self what is extracted; but _per se_ onely ascends, and leaves the Extract in the Bottom of the Vessel. On the contrary, our vitriolate Spirit of Urine (much more sharp than Spirit of Wine) doth not onely powerfully invade Vegetables, and attract to it self their Essences, but also in distillation carries them up with it self, which is impossible for Spirit of Wine to do. For although the Spirit of Urine (according to the external Face) doth as it were mortifie the corrosive Oil of Vitriol, and change it into a volatile Salt, and the Oil of Vitriol coagulates the subtile Spirit of Urine into a volatile Salt, insomuch as of two unlike Entities is made a middle Salt; yet both those unlike parts are not wholly changed in their former Nature. For the Acidity of Vitriol remains yet acid, and the Urinousness of the Urine urinous; and both also by the help of Art may again be separated each from other, so as either of them may perfectly recover its own pristine qualities, and nothing of them be found to be lost. As for example, suppose

It be required, that I should recover my Spirit of Urine, as pure and subtile as it when poured on the Oil of Vitriol: Then I add to our _Salmiack_ (according to just measure and weight) onely so much _Lixivium_ as of the Acidity is mortified, and the Spirit of Urine ascends subtilly pure again, and full as good as it was before its conjunction with the Oil of Vitriol. But the Oil of Vitriol is altered, and by the Salt of Tartar reduced into a middle Salt, which also wants not its Fruit of Utility in Medicine and Chymistry. If you would from this mixture recover our Acidity with the Spirit of Urine, add to our _Salmiack_ a Subject easily dissolvable; mix and give a gentle Fire, for then the Acidity sets upon that Subject easie to be dissolved, and dissolves the same, and makes abundance of its concomitant Spirit of Urine to ascend, which in its ascent takes up with it self the purest Essence of the Subject added, loosed by the Acidity in Solution, and thenceforth may be used for Medicine and Chymistry, according as the Subject was. For Example, If I add red Corals beaten to Powder to my Alcahestick Liquor, the Acidity corrodes those Corals without any delay, and lets go the Spirit of Urine, which brings over the helm with it self the Essence of Corals. But the Acidity, when you please may by distillation be separated from the Corals. If to our Liquor be added Pearls, the Spirit carries the vertue of them upward with it self. And if you add Stones, Minerals and Metals, the Spirit of Urine doth likewise carry up with it self the Essences of them. But the Acidity remains in the bottom with the Stone or Metal, and may afterward diversly be again separated from the Stone or Metal, and applied to this or another use.

Having already heard how the most pure Essences of Vegetables and Animals, by our secret _Sal Armoniack_ are to be distilled by ascent, let us now also see, how Metals and Minerals may be highly purged by the same, and reduced to their first matter: which first matter is no other than a most subtil Mercurial Water, in which the purest part of the Metal is latent in the form of running _Mercury_, which _Mercury_ is fit for preparing whatsoever Work you will of it, either _Sol_ or _Luna_ particularly, or a true Universal Tincture, vastly tinging. Nature, in the Bowels of the Earth did primordially generate all Metals of such a volatile _Mercury_. For when the _Astrums_, through the Air, seminate their metallick Seed, that Seed is from the Air introduced into the Earth, where that, as matter clean or unclean offers it self, produceth Metals either pure or impure. Wherefore Philosophers rightly determine the Root of Metals to be sited in the Air, but their stem and branches in the Earth. Daily experience teacheth us to give credit to this, as often as in digging we come to the deepest scituation of Metals, great Experiments of this matter discover themselves to us, but because touching this enough hath been said already, we forbear to proceed further in such a Discourse. Here enough is said, namely, that we know the Original and beginning of all Metals to be no other, than an Airy subtile Spirit, in which are reconded the Sulphur and _Mercury_ of Metals. Therefore, since here purpose is to give so great Information to every most unskilfull man, and as it were to put that in his hands, which may be done by the help of our secret _Salmiack_, I think not amiss openly to discover certain Examples of Processes, evincing the power of the same. Wherefore I here offer a Possible

_Way of preparing a subtile Mercurial Water (from which a
running Mercury, called by Ancient Philosophers, the Mercury
of Philosophers, may by the help of Art be ripened into a most
potent Tincture) out of all Metals by the benefit of our secret
=Sal Armoniack=._

Let the Searcher of Art know, that the Preparation of the _Mercury_ of Metals and Minerals, is of a diverse kind.

But generally, a Mercurial Water may be prepared of all Metals, yet of one more easily, than of another.

Recipe the filings or raspings of a Metal, as _Mars_, _Jupiter_ or _Venus_, one Pound, with which mix half a pound of our dry _Salmiack_. If these be well mixed and by Retort distilled, the metal will be corroded by the Acidity, and the _Mercury_ thereof be freed from its bonds, or separated by Distillation, because the Spirit of Urine carries that up with it self invisibly; but when the Spirit is extracted from it, it becomes visible, as afterward shall be taught.

If you pulverise the Remanency or Residue of the Metal, and boil it with Water, you will have the Vitriol of that Metal you used, _viz._ of _Mars_ green, of _Venus_ blew, of _Jupiter_, _Saturn_ and _Luna_, white, of _Sol_ yellow. The cause of such Vitriol is this: since the Acidity of our _Salmiack_ adheres to the Metal, it in some sort dissolves that, and in such wise prepares it, as by the help of common Water, the same may easily be dissolved.

_Note_: If the Metal (which shall remain in the bottom of the Vessel, after the Vitriol is extracted from the same by the help of Water) be mixed with fresh _Salmiack_, that will again be conducible, but not yield you so much _Mercury_ as you got the first time. And if you make the same trial a third time, a little _Mercury_ will ascend, but not so much as did the second time.

Which cropping of golden Branches from the shaded Tree _Virgil_ excellently discovered when he said: One being pulled off, another succeeds, if the Fates call thee, otherwise by no strength, nor any Iron, canst thou pull off that Branch. Of which cropped or pulled off Branches, the first is greatest, and most rich with Gold; the second is less and more poor; the third much less and most poor. Therefore it will be no profit to you to pluck off more than one Branch, but it is better in proceeding further, always to take new matter.

Out of that Vitriol in another certain manner, _Mercury_ may again be extracted, which _Mercury_ will be far more noble than the first, as shall be shewed more at large here following.

In the mean while, to the Lovers of this most noble Art, I cannot choose but demonstrate a wonderfull thing, which is this: Whensoever you shall pour Spirit of _Jupiter_ (prepared in the above commemorated manner, and most subtily rectified) upon the Spirit of _Mars_, the _Mercurys_ both of the _Mars_ and _Jupiter_ will suddenly embrace each other, and be connexed in such a bond of Love, as leaving the Water, they will conjunctively settle to the bottom in the form of very small golden Atoms; which Atoms of Gold, in that moment in which they are formed of both the _Mercurys_, you shall see converted into constant and fixed Gold. Which I take to be one of the greatest Wonders, whichever came to my hand in all my Chymical Labours. If I had tried this Experiment but once, I might my self have doubted the truth of the same. Indeed I have found out the cause of this swift fixation of _Mercury_; but I should do very inconsiderately to divulge the same. _Paracelsus_ writes in his Heaven of Philosophers, that no melioration of Metals is to be expected, unless they be first spiritually mixed. Other Philosophers likewise say, Metals are first to be reduced to their first matter, that is, into a subtile Spirit, before they can be nobilitated and bettered: which I know to be consentaneous to verity, according to the Testimony of the following Example; which is another wonderfull Experiment, to be performed (by the Spirit of _Jupiter_) thus.

Dissolve a little Gold in common _Aqua Regia_, into which Solution pour a little of our mercurial Water, mix it by stirring or shaking the Vessel well: then the _Mercury_ of _Jupiter_ in a magnetick way, continually attracts the Gold to it self from the _Aqua Regis_, and tingeth the Water with a Blood Red Colour, at length the Gold, with the _Mercury_ of _Jupiter_ conjunctively will be precipitated to the bottom of the Vessel, in the form of a purple Powder: which being edulcorated and reduced with _Borax_, the greatest part of the _Mercury_ vanisheth, but a little of it will remain with the fixed Gold, and render that snow like and friable. By which we may see in how great Love Gold answers to Tin.

Yet this is not the true way of preparing any thing eminent, and to purpose of both. Therefore, if any one expects a noble product from both, he must with gentle Fire fix this purple Gold, that the _Mercury_ of _Jupiter_ may not fume away, but remain with the Gold.

In both these recited Experiments to our sight is exposed so swift a Fixation of _Mercury_, as every man, although but of weak Apprehension, may easily see, that the Transmutation of Metals is truly true, and that the same (by the help of the fixed _Mercury_ of Metals) may be done by projection in a moment. For _Mercury_ fixeth _Mercury_, being joyned in a just proportion. Therefore if volatile _Mercury_ can do that, how much more will the same, when fixed perform, being that, which bears about it self its own Sulphur.

Although I could as well discover other ways of preparing a good Mercurial Water of a Metal, by our secret _Sal Armoniack_, yet I consider, such a Liberty of publickly imparting things, would rather be injurious, than profitable; because Pearls would be without distinction, cast before every sordid Swine. But more than enough being already published, Time admonisheth us to desist, especially because there is an intire Treatise of the _Mercurys_ of Metals written and published. Yet I must confess, that this _Mercury_, prepared by the help of our _Salmiack_, is of another nature and property than the other prepared in another manner. There is little else now remaining, unless, to shew the way of extracting _Mercury_ from Minerals, by help of our secret _Sal Armoniack_; which _Mercury_ is able to effect as much in Medicine and Alchymy, as the other extracted out of Metals. Here follows

_The Process._

_Recipe_ of Antimony pulverised one Pound, of our _Salmiack_, ½ a Pound, these well mixed, distil by Retort, and our _Salmiack_ will all come off, and by the Alembick carries with it self the most pure _Mercury_ and Sulphur of the Antimony, of a Black Ash Colour, which Sublimate is named the Head of the Crow. For if you cast a little of it into pure Water, the _Salmiack_ will melt, and the _Mercury_ and Sulphur will remain in the Vessel like a gray Powder, which if you dry, and then touch it, you will find it like to thin light Feathers, whence it acquires to it self the Name of the Crows Head. Therefore, when you shall make it hot in a Crucible, it melts into a red Stone, which indeed is nothing conducent to our purpose. Yet if you would thence make somewhat that is excellent, you must observe such a Process as this, here following. Put your gray sublimate or Crows Head, which did ascend (being first reduced to Powder) into a Glass Body, and upon it pour so much of my Tartar, as shall be needfull for mortifying the Oil of Vitriol, then lute an Head thereon, fitting a Receiver thereto, and subminister Fire in Sand, untill all the Humidity shall ascend. This being done the Acidity remains with the Salt of Tartar, and the Spirit of Urine ascends alone, carrying upwards with it self the most pure invisible _Mercury_ of Antimony, which afterward by the help of _Sol_ or _Luna_ (as above we taught of _Mercury_) becomes fixed and visible. But a very small quantity of _Mercury_ ascends, which doth much displease the unsatiable Slaves of _Avarice_; because they rather take delight in immense Masses of Gold, equal in magnitude to the Head of an Ox. Yet no good man desires that, but is content with that little, which God is pleased to give him. Nevertheless, if any one would have a great quantity of that, he may obtain the same. For the Subjects, whence it is extracted are preparable for no great charge, being such, as enough of them may always be had. From one Pound of this mercurial Water, scarcely three or four Grains of corporal _Mercury_ will ascend. For the greatest part of it remains in the bottom with the Sulphur and Salt, which are fixed apart, as hereafter shall be taught. But in that so little _Mercury_ lies hid in the mercurial Water, other Philosophers also knew, unanimously teaching, that _Avicen_ is to be followed, admonishing (in a certain Epistle to his Son _Aboali_) all that he had need of 60 Pound of most pure mercurial Water. For if the whole Water were _Mercury_, there would not need have been so much. Philosophers call this not _Aqua Vitis_, but _Aqua Vitæ_; because the _Mercury_ in it is most spaciously dissipated, as afterward (God willing) shall be discoursed more at large.

* * * * *

Now returning to our _Crows-head_, let us see whether it may be made white, by a lotion of a sharp _Lixivium_. If you take the Glass out of the Sand, after you have once abstracted thence the Mercurial Water, you will find your black Crow turned into a white Swan: for in the Glass you will find a Snow-like Salt, which if you take out, and put into another round Glass, or Philosophick Egg, and set that into a Fixatory Furnace to be fixed, the white Colour in twenty fours hours waxeth yellow, and a little after puts on a Blood-like Colour. Yet it is not then so well fixed, as that it may be taken out, but must be suffered to stand for some time in burning Coals; yet with this Caution always, that the Fire be no stronger, than by which the Red Stone may be liquified, and remain liquid in, like Oil. For it will melt as easily as Wax, and neither the _Mercury_, nor the _Sulphur_, nor the _Salt_ evaporate; which is that which affects the mind with admiration. I have made trial of this in a Glass with a long neck standing out of the heat, where I could see not so much as one Grain to ascend; whence I conclude the same Operation may be done, and such Fixation made in an open Fire in a covered Crucible made of good and fit Earth well burnt. For the Salt of Tartar united with the Acidity of Vitriol, doth so embrace the whole _Mercury_ and _Sulphur_, and as it were hold it concluded in it self, that the same is compelled to abide in the Fire, and permit it self to be ripened. Thus this volatile Salt to our _Mercury_ is the _Luting_ of _Sapience_, and _Seal_ of _Hermes_, with which it is so bound, as it is constrained to abide in Fire untill ’tis fixed. After it shall be fixed, it may be used with admirable profit in Medicine and Chymistry. But you must rightly make trial, whether it be well fixed or no, thus: Put an Iron Wyar into the liquified Mass, and with that take up a small quantity for proof. Wash away the Salt from it, and cast the Red Powder upon a Silver Plate heat red hot: if it fume not, but enters and tingeth the Silver, not with a black, but with a yellow Colour, then the _Mercury_, with its _Sulphur_, is fixed. Whosoever hath but once fixed this Stone, hath done a very great and profitable Work, although he hath spent many Weeks in preparing the same. For so soon as the _Mercurial Sulphur_ of _Antimony_ shall be fixed, some of it may presently be applied to necessary use, and instead of that as much volatile and immature _Mercury_ added; then the fixed _Mercury_ willingly admits into it self its Brother not fixed, that together with it self it may also become fixed. Therefore as many Months as the first Fixation required for its perfection, in so many Weeks may the second be absolved. Also the second Fixation being compleated, another part of the Medicine may again be taken out, and other not fixed _Mercury_ again be put in, and so forwards to infinity, or as long as the Artist shall think fit.

Although this fixed Tincture of _Antimony_ be an Universal Medicine, healing all curable Diseases; yet for Metals it is onely a particular Tincture, by help of which you may indeed convert Silver, by graduating, and at times, into Gold; but yet at one time you cannot tinge the whole Body. For God hath not endowed it with so great power, yet he hath liberally bestowed that on it which is worth while; insomuch as we owe as great praises to God most high for the same, as they are obliged to render to him, who are partakers of the great Stone of Philosophers.

As we have hitherto taught the way of Preparing a particular Tincture for Metals, and an Universal Medicine for humane Bodies of despicable Antimony; so also may a Tincture be made of _Auripigment_, immature _Mineral Electrum_, _Cinnabarine Sulphur_, and all other such like, by the help of our Secret _Sal-Armoniack_. Wherefore, by this one onely Process is sufficiently explained, how from other like Subjects (where _Sulphur_ and _Mercury_ are conjoyned) such a Medicine may also be prepared.

Whosoever well understands this way of fixing _Mercuries_ prescribed by me, will find more Secrets than he can ever think of, imagine or feign to himself. For since such a Fixation may be performed in open Earthen Vessels, you have not onely this conveniency, that as often as you please you may take out some of it, and make trial untill you come to a perfect Fixation; but also you have this prerogative, that your _Mercury_, with its _Sulphur_, is fixed with a flaming Fire, which always immediately toucheth our _Sulphur_ and _Mercury_, and exalts the same in its own congenited Tincture, which is what a close Fire cannot do. Every Fire, by its own nature and property, infers a Tincture in Mineral Subjects, especially when the Flame can immediately touch the Subject neither closed nor open, as above you heard, where we treat of Rubefying the fixed white _Sulphur_. We discern the same in Crucibles made of white Earth, and set one within another, that the outmost, which is exposed to the touch of the Flame becomes Red; but those which stood with in it (being free from the contact of the same) remain white.

Also we are not ignorant, that those who make Tobacco-Pipes, (that they may have them purely white) do burn them in a large Pot, that they may not be touched by the Flame, and so be tinged with Redness. Whence it is sufficiently understood, that even in Fire is a Tincture, by which white Bodies are tinged with Redness. Hence I, not without reason, say: He is not ill advised who ripens his Tinctures under a certain Covering in open Vessels, because they that way are not onely sooner fixed, but also exalted in their Colour; yet with this Rule always observed, _viz._ That the Tinctures be always sealed with _Hermes Seal_, or Philosophically surrounded or luted with the _Luting_ of _Sapience_. Where note, that the _Luting_ of _Sapience_, of which I here treat, is not to be used for fixing all Subjects, and preserving them from flight, but it is an emolument and help to those Subjects onely, which are as well Sulphureous as Mercurial, and delight in the Communion of constringing themselves by these Salts, and without departure constantly remain with them in Fire, and preserve them also from flying away. That by such a way, _viz._ by the benefit of _Hermes Seal_, Mineral Sulphurs may be fixed into Tinctures, ancient Philosophers closely concealed as a principal _Arcanum_, and scarcely any of them hath ever made mention of an Artificial Fire, except that very ancient Philosopher _Artephius_, who most excellently speaks much after this manner: _Our Fire dissolves all things, penetrates all things, destroys all things, participates of Sulphur, is equal, continual; yields no smoak, unless it be excited, for Matter it is taken from elsewhere_, &c. Now accurately mind, whether here is not notified such a Fire [as I speak of]. _Pontanus_ in his Epistle saith, he travelled almost all the World over, that he might find some true Philosopher, of whom by Converse he might be taught somewhat of the _Secret of Secrets_: and that he met with some Philosophers, but they were onely erroneous Vagabonds and great Impostors; also that at length (after he had erred an hundred times, although he wrought in and with a true Matter) he perused _Artephius_, and out of that Book learned the _Secret Fire_; which if he had not done, he had remained perpetually ignorant.

From all which it is sufficiently clear, how much it concerns an Artist to have knowledge of the _Secret Fire_, _Luting_ of _Sapience_, or _Hermes Seal_. Our Fire is indeed insignized with three Names, yet it is no other than one Being, _viz._ _Oil of Vitriol, by the fixed Sulphur of Tartar, coagulated into the form of a Stone_.

* * * * *

But why I here so clearly describe an _Arcanum_ of so great Magnificence, and also publish the same, I have several weighty Reasons. Yet, in the mean while, I am not at all solicitous or carefull thereabout, for fear it should become too common, because of an hundred Readers that read and peruse the same, scarce one of them hating labour will give credit to the Prescripts thereof; and some others (who loving labour would credit what is here written) yet perhaps will want the acuteness of a Philosophick Ingeny, by the dexterity of which to institute and absolve such a fixation. Wherefore I rejoycing in that, do confidently and securely acquiesce, that the Art will not so easily be rendred familiar to every Son of the Earth promiscuously without distinction; but Art will still be and remain Art. Some years ago I did demonstrate to the sight of some of my intimate Friends the way pf Preparing the _Mercury_ of _Antimony_, and commended to them the Fixation of the same by our _Secret Fire_; but they unto this very day have never set their hand to the Work to elaborate it; and that perhaps because it seemed to them to be too vile a thing, and not such as was likely of that it could be prepared, a Medicine of so great Excellency.

Here in this Treatise I have taught the way of Preparing, by the help of Oil of Vitriol, a particular and famous _Salmiack_, by the benefit of which, from Metals and Minerals may be prepared, not onely an Universal Medicine healing all the Diseases of Mortals, but also a particular Tincture for meliorating imperfect Metals. I have indeed spoken many things, but not all as yet; because I there had no other intention, but onely to discover our _Secret Salmiack_. If I would proceed farther, I could certainly say, that in the most despicable Urine of Men a most pretious Treasure lyes hid, although the greatest part of the Possessors of it know nothing of the same; because God, by reason of their Sins, will not impart this Secret to them. In the Urine of every Man is latent a certain living Metallick _Mercury_, which may thence most easily be extracted by the help of a certain pure Metallick Body, or by the Assistance of Art be prepared into a Tincture, or Universal Medicine; according as we above taught, where we treated of _Mercury_.

Wherefore writing, I write and will write, that no Man in very deed can call himself poor, because God hath conferred on every Man from his first Nativity so great a Gift, as being brought forth into the Light of this World, he may have sufficient wherewith to live, provided he understands, and is able to perform what are to be performed. Philosophers affirm, that _Adam_ and _Eve_ brought their _Stone_ with them out of _Paradise_. But to us it is sufficiently manifest, that they were cast out naked, without all help and comfort. Therefore you infer they bore such a Treasure in their Bodies, as is seen by that of _Morienus_, who being asked by King _Calid_, In what Subject that famous Stone of Philosophers lay hid? Answered; _In thee, O King, it is hidden_. And farther, so soon as he had prepared the Medicine, he writ about the Vessel in which it was; _He that carries all things with him, needs not the help of another_: Signifying, that he needed not the help of any King, because he had all things in himself. Having done this, he returned to his Hermitage, and there blessedly passed the residue of his Life in the study of Temperance, Prayer and Fasting, always glorifying the Name of God. For if _Morienus_ had not known that he had about him an inestimable Treasure, without doubt he would not have left the King so secretly, but perhaps have waited in hope of some Magnificent Entertainment: yet he thirsted not after this, but going away acquiesced in that onely, which contained in himself, God had long before conferred on him when he entred this World. It is sufficient for me that I have not buried my five Talents (lent me by God) in the Earth, but have restored them to my Lord, and have also so improved the same, as I have gained other five Talents.

* * * * *

Before I conclude, I am willing to say this: I have indeed received of God other five Talents also, but as yet have not gained five other Talents by the Usury of them; and that not because I fear the severity of my Masters Law against his idle Servants; but I fearing Evil from Men, durst not make any Improvement thereof, because I suspect that thence a great and incurable abuse would be spread far and nigh among the great number of wicked Men. Nevertheless, I now purpose to proceed in them, and that for certain Causes; and (with the assistance of God) as soon as I can to publish the _Magnalia_ of the Almighty. Accordingly I hope this will prove a great comfort and present help to the whole Christian Common-wealth against the _Turk_, the hereditary Enemy of the Christian Name, [_vid. Prosper. Germ. p. 5._] But the summe of things to be communicated, chiefly consists in that, which certain artificial Inventions discover to me, by help of which many wonderfull things may be performed; and (if God so please) all the Nests of those Tyrannical _Hagarens_ be laid waste, and so the Christian People be fully and plainly freed from their intollerable servitude. For if it shall be pleasing and gratefull to the most wise God, that such noble Inventions, hitherto unknown, may be divulged and put in practice; he alone hath power of procuring occasions and means for making them publick: but if it displease his glorious Wisedom, in his Name the Art shall be buried with me, or rather be returned to Him, as to the Fountain of Fountains, from whence it flowed to me.

In the mean while, I could not chuse but leave to Posterity, for a Remembrance of my Benevolence, something worth the minding, touching such unheard-of, heroick, efficacious Inventions. But these are written as in a Parenthesis, and by the way. Proceeding, let us discourse a little farther of despicable Urine.

All Men and Beasts live of the Dungs of Animals; also no Corn, Wine, Apples, _&c._ would be produced, if not dunged with the Dungs of Animals. But some one may object and say, Wild Herbs, Trees, Shrubs and Reeds are not dunged with the Dungs of Animals, as Vineyards and Corn-fields. I answer. Those Plants enjoy and have another Dunging, _viz._ Celestial or Rain water, by the benefit of which in Autumn and Winter, Branches and Leaves falling off from the Trees, do putrefie, and become Dung; which kind of Dunging, in the Spring time betakes it self to the Roots of Trees, that a penetrative Dunging and procuration of increase may there be made, since the Leaves are to be esteemed the Excrements of Trees, with which they are refreshed and renewed. Why then may not the Excrements of Man serve for the Renovation of Man also?

No Man can deny, but that the Dungs of many Animals have been used in the Galenical Shops of Apothecaries, for the Composition of various Remedies, and are used at this very day. That in Urine is incited a singular comforting Virtue, they best of all can witness, who Shipwrackt in the Sea, have lived for certain days without Meat or Drink, and in the mean while have sustained their life with the use of Urine onely.

Also, that Urine is an egregious Preservative against the Pestilence, the Masters of Hospitals can witness this by all Men labouring with the Pest.

Now if gross Urine, with which so much impurity is mixt, be of so great efficacy, what may not its Spirit purified, and its volatile Salt effect, especially, if before Distillation, the famous Essences of Vegetables be artificially added, because such Virtues of Herbs, Flowers and Seeds, Woods, _&c._ by the help of the volatile Salt of Urine, are excited through their whole Body, to exercise there their Virtues efficaciously.

Whosoever knows how rightly to prepare, and duely to use Spirit of Urine, may easily thence get ample Riches, and reap no less profit in Medicine than in the Transmutation of Metals. Wherefore I here openly confess, that in this little Treatise I have posited certain Processes, which (as to their external face) seem to be of small moment, yet to Men skilled in the Theory and Practice of them, they will find so gainfull a Work, as no Handicrafts man whatsoever can gain so much by his Craft. So much gain may be hoped for from Urine onely, if rightly and knowingly handled according to the Spagyrick Art. Because every one Man may gain not one, but several Imperials by that Art: the Processes of which are diverse, and that by the onely help of despicable Urine. Hence are those frequent complaints of Ancient Philosophers, that their Matter of the Stone is cast away by Fools among Dung trod under foot and contemned, which notwithstanding ought to be honoured by every Man. I say, by _Every Man_, because from it the Philosopher extracts his Universal Medicine, and the Physician his particular Remedies. For the Chymist transmutes vile Metals into better, and so consequently every Mechanick Operator may expect some Fruit from the same. Wherefore Urine is not to be despised, but to be taken into use; insomuch, as every drop of it that is spilt should be bewailed. Yet I protest I would not discover this, but for the sake of those that have Ears to hear; because other Men naturally deaf to such things, can reap no profit by this my Doctrine, because _Hippocrates_ forbids to give Medicine to those that are past hope.

Whatsoever are here related touching Urine, may be said of the black shining Soot of Chimnies, of the Hairs and Horns of Animals, of Egg-shells, and the like, and especially of the Fæces of Wine, which are cast away after the Spirit is extracted.

But perhaps some Man may here say, Our Secret _Sal-Armoniack_ is too costly to be used for the prescribed Operation. To him I answer. No Man can gain something for nothing. But whosoever is desirous to reap some Eminent Benefit, he must first sow some pretious thing.

Indeed I confess, one pound of our _Salmiack_ (if a Man onely follow the literal Sense, or bare letter of the Description) will cost several Imperials, because for one pound of Oil of Vitriol prepared, four or six pound of Spirit of Urine are required for coagulating the Oil with the same, which notwithstanding, in respect of those famous things which are acquired by the benefit of it, it is not to be judged costly. If a Man cannot prepare his Spirit of Urine, and Oil of Vitriol himself, but must buy them of another, he then indeed may complain of Dearness. But to one perfectly well skilled, the _Sal-Armoniack_ will cost him little more than his manual Labour, insomuch as no Man hath any just cause to complain of charges.

If the divine Grace shall be pleased to prorogue my Life a little longer, I purpose to publish greater _Arcanums_. Therefore let God do as he pleaseth, his Will is always best, and better than the best Wills of all Men. _Amen._

A Corollary.

Well-meaning Reader,

_In this small Treatise I have in few words revealed great Secrets, such as were known to no Man before me, except =Paracelsus=, who very briefly speaks of the chief of them. And =Helmont=, touching the great Virtues of that, hath writ many things. And since my =Sal-Armoniack= performs the same in all Operations, which =Helmont= ascribes to his =Alcahest=, I am able to ascribe somewhat more to my =Sal-Armoniack=, than he ascribed to his =Alcahest=, yea, many things, which may profitably be performed by the benefit thereof, among which the chief is this, =viz.= that by help of it all Metals and Minerals may be reduced to their first Matter, that is, into a =Spiritual Mercury=, which is the highest Magistery in Chymistry._

_I, in this little Book, have onely prescribed a few ways of preparing Medicaments, and that in a Laconick-Style, became I writ these things in my Sick-bed. Indeed I could willingly and gladly forbear Writing, both now and heretofore; for by all that ever I writ, I never gained one half-peny. But Christian Charity inflamed me to consecrate this great =Arcanum=, and the fruitfull use thereof, (before I dye, knowing in the Grave nothing can be done) and to publish the same for the good of Mankind remaining in the Earth; being full of great Hope, there will not want some Religious Spagyrists conscious of Piety, that will prove themselves faithfull disposers of this bequeathed Gift, and heal the Diseases of the Poor =gratis=. But if the great troop of Malignant Spirits presume to abuse the Practicers of this most noble Art, they may find =Nemesis= ready swiftly to punish them._

_Every one, as he pleaseth, may prepare most present Medicaments. For all Herbs, the way is almost one. Also in respect of Animals, Minerals, Metals and Stones, you will find but little difference. Every Man may himself more profoundly search into the Art. For my own part, I am at present so weak, as Strength faileth me to proceed farther in this discourse. Therefore, by every good Man, I shall be readily excused, because I have given sufficient occasion of searching into other high Secrets. If this my benevolent Communication suffice not any Man, he may himself search farther elsewhere. For it is easier to add to things already found out, than to become the first Authour of new Inventions._

_I had purposed in this little Book to signifie the most fruitfull use of my Secret =Alcalisate= Spirit of Wine; which is so great a Secret, as no Man before me did ever discover to the World; but my Sickness hath prevented and hindred the doing of that. If God prolong my Life, that may be done in another small peculiar Book._

_Truly, I highly prize my secret =Sal-Armoniack=, yet I more esteem the use of my Spirit of Wine Alkalizate; that being a Spirit of so great potency, as from all Minerals, Metals and Stones, it extracts a most pure Tincture, and by Alembeck brings the same over the Helm with it self. What shall I say? Even fixed Gold it self cannot resist it, but suffers it self without a Corrosive (like sweet Water coloured yellow with Saffron) to be drawn upwards. In a word, this Alkalizate Spirit of Wine is an admirable Instrument for a Physician, of it to prepare efficacious (yea incomparable) Medicaments; and he may easily acquire abundance of it, and that for no more charges, than after the common manner any other common Spirit is prepared. He that seeks shall find. Wherefore rise from your soft Pillows, and with smutted Hands touch black Coals, and accurately give heed to the institutions of Art. For with Idleness, Eating, Drinking, and playing on Musick, you shall never approach to great Mysteries. I would have you always think of this that is now once spoken. It is indeed impossible for a most unskilfull Man to believe or comprehend, how great things may be prepared by help of this burning Spirit._

_About the end of the Preface of this Treatise, I mentioned some few things touching the same; =viz.= that of good burning Spirit, with little labour and no great cost, in a very easie way a true universal Medicine for humane and metallick Bodies might be made. This I would have no Man to doubt of, but to account of as most true. For I now ready to be laid in my Grave, have great need to be very carefull how I divulge any thing, unless such pure verity as experience hath taught me. If the most wise God will prolong my Life untill the next Summer, and enable me to write out of Bed, my purpose is to publish some other new wonderfull Works; but if in the mean while I be taken away from the number of the living, then (candid Reader) kindly accept of these few things here written._

_This being thus imparted to all diligent Chymical Operators (whom I here salute and bid farewell) I wish a Divine Benediction in this Life, and Eternal Glorification hereafter._ Amen.

Glory to GOD onely.

_The End of the Seventh Part._

THE
FIRST APPENDIX
TO THE
SEVENTH PART
OF THE
Spagyrical Pharmacopœa.

In which is contained, how many, yet greater, Secrets may be
prepared by the _Alcahest_, or Secret _Sal-Armoniack_, than
those which are mentioned in the Seventh Part of the _Spagyrical
Pharmacopœa_, _viz._ how Vulgar Mercury may be firmly fixed, and
rendred totally constant in Fire, within the space of three
Days. Also an Explanation, how by the benefit of it may easily
be acquired the Mercury of Wine, as the highest Medicine of the
World. Likewise, that the Secret Fire of the Wise, otherwise
called the Fire of _Artephius_ is the supreme Secret of Secrets:
Together with a Revelation of other admirable Secrets, of which
the Authour hitherto hath made no mention to any Man.

To the Well-meaning READER.

_I could not forbear to signifie to the Lover of divine and admirable Works, the Reason of my former omission or silence; namely, why in a little Treatise of mine lately published (which is intituled =The Seventh Part of my Spagyrical Pharmacopœa=) in which I treat of my Secret =Sal-Armoniack= or Liquor =Alcahest=, I so suddenly broke off the Thread of my Writing begun, before I had any thing largely discoursed of the eminently excellent Vertues thereof, which it manifests not onely in Medicine, but also in Transmutation of Metals. Therefore, the Reason of my abrupt Cessation was as follows._