Chapter C: Part I: To the well minded Reader (28)

If any wonder at the Title of this little Book, let them know, it agrees very well with the Matter it treats of, forasmuch as all things that are cleansed with Fire, may truly be said to be purified by means of a Purgatory. There are indeed besides this, many other ways of cleansing as by Water, Lye, Soap, and other moist things; but that way cannot properly be called a Purgatory, nor any other, but what is done by Fire. I intend in this Book to treat of three sorts of Purgatories, _viz._ First, of the secret flaming Purgatory, or cleansing Fire of the Philosophers, made of _Alcolized_ Spirit of Wine, wherewith they purifie the Souls of Vegetables, Animals and Minerals, dignifying them thereby to enter their Heaven.

The other Purgatory God makes use of, to purifie his dear Children here in this Vale of Misery, to make them abhor sin, and fit them, after many afflictions, and torments endured, for a Translation with all Saints, into his heavenly Kingdom, there to behold his Face to all Eternity.

The Third Purgatory is, that of which the _Christians_ of old have Writ, and is to this day still believed by the Church of _Rome_, _viz._ that the Souls of the deceased, when by the guilt of deadly sins, they are not immediately sunk down into the eternal Hellish Pains, are in this Purgatory cleansed of the pardonable sins they have committed in this Life, and are made worthy to enter into eternal Joy and Salvation.

Now what this Purgatory is, which no Person living is able to give an experimental and true grounded Account of, we will, if it please God, a little enquire into, after that we have first exposed to view, and unanswerably asserted the truth of the two foregoing Purgatories, which our eyes have seen, and our hands have handled.

_Concerning the First Purgatory._

The First Purgatory, or cleansing Fire of the Philosophers, with which they prepare their Universal and particular Medicines for Cure of all Subjects of the three Kingdoms of the World, hath been most carefully concealed by them. I have indeed formerly, of Friendship and Goodwill, revealed this Fire, with its most profitable Use, to some Persons, by which means others unworthy have began to perceive something of it, and used their utmost endeavours to attain the full knowledge of this high Secret, and have so far succeeded, as to understand it in part, _viz._ the Use of common Spirit of Wine, which is a considerable ingredient of the said Philosophick Purgatory Fire.

But after all their serching, they never attained the knowledge of the _Salt_ of Art, by which the Spirit of Wine is _Alcolized_, which is the best and chief ingredient of this Fire. Forasmuch then, as the Spirit of Wine is thus known, and will probably yet further be divulged; I have thought good to publish it my self, and to communicate the Secret to all. But as for the secret _Salt_ of Art, whereby the Spirit of Wine is actuated and fortified, and is the proper Agent for Meliorating of Vegetables, Animals and Minerals, and whereby they are brought to the highest degree of Purity, none hitherto have been able to entice it from me, and I trust that for time to come I shall be more cautious of communicating ought to false and wicked Men.

Let no Man therefore imagine Spirit of Wine to be the secret Fire of _Artephius_, whereby some Minerals and Metals, without any foregoing separation of the pure from the impure, may without any diminution of their weight be changed into a mere pure Tincture. No in no wise, for no Spirit of Wine hath any such power. But as for what simple Spirit of Wine is able to perform, that we will here declare, and no more at this time. I doubt not but many will persuade themselves, that in having the Spirit of Wine, they are Masters of the whole Secret; but that’s a great mistake, he that questions it, let him read _Artephius_, _Pontanus_, and some few others who write of it, and he will find that a simple Spirit of Wine hath no resemblance with the Fire of _Artephius_.

For the Philosophers who write of it tell us, that their Fire _acts as a proper Agent on its Patient, with an invisible Flame, continually, equally in one and the same degree, and at last changes it into pure Tincture_. Which things cannot be said of Spirit of Wine, which doth not burn continually, equally, or invisibly, from whence it is apparent, that Spirit of Wine is not the Fire of _Artephius_, nor can be compared with it.

Now what this Fire of _Artephius_ is, has been sufficiently declared by me, in my Treatise _of the Threefold Fire_, and therefore unnecessary to write more of it here. It remains only for me to declare, how Vegetables, Animals, and Minerals with the help of any burning Spirit, not only that of Wine, but of Corn, Honey, Fruits, Leaves or Grass may be most highly purified, and reduc’d to the Highest Medicines.

In my little Treatise of _Elias the Artist_, I have taught at large how to bring the Essences of Metals, Stones, Vegetables and Animals over the Helm, by means of an Alcolised Spirit of Wine, and to prepare universal Medicaments from them, to which therefore I refer the Lover of Art.

And will now proceed to declare, to how good purpose Spirit of Wine may be made use of in Physick. We all know that in general there are but two ways of cleansing impure things, _viz._ _Water and Fire_. Now Water can only take away those defilements that are outward and superficial, not being able to pierce to the Center; whereas Fire does not only purge the outside, but even that which is in-most, separating the impure for the pure, as hath already been mention’d.

We know also, that the Flame of Fire can consume nothing but its like, _viz._ the Combustible _Sulphur_, but cannot consume the incombustible _Mercury_, nor destroy, burn, or annihilate it, the Flames serving only to meliorate and exalt it. For the _Mercury_ of all things can no way better be purged than by Fire, by which though it be driven away, yet may always be found again, as being incombustible.

For _Mercury_ is the best and purest of the three Principles, forasmuch as it cannot be hurt by any Elements, not by the most violent Fire, much less destroyed, because it is throughout Homogeneal.

There are three things in the World which be incorruptible, the first of which is the _Mercury_ of Vegetables, Animals and Minerals, which, when by its Enemy the Fire, it is tormented, and driven from its Body, loseth none of its Virtues, but is only purified thereby. This incombustible Soul of Vegetables, Animals and Minerals, is one of those three things in the World, which are fixed, constant, and unperishable in all trials and conflicts whatsoever.

The second thing which is constant, permanent, incorruptible and invincible is Truth, which cannot be suppress’d by any Lies or opposition whatsoever; Oppressed she may be, but not totally suppressed; for God himself is the Truth, and as God cannot be overcome, so neither can Truth.

The third and last incorruptible subject in the World, is the Immortal Soul of Man; for whatsoever Afflictions or Persecutions a good Man suffers from wicked Men, can not in the least hurt his Soul, but serve only to purifie, exalt, and enoble it. The more Gold suffers in the Fire, the better and purer it becomes, and as true it is, that the Soul by the adversities of time, becomes refined and graduated to the height of Purity, being by this Earthly Purgatory dignified and prepared for Eternal Glory.

But to return to our purpose, which is to shew that the cleansing of Vegetables, Animals and Minerals, must be performed by their own Purgatory, _viz._ a common burning Spirit. We will begin with Wine, as being a very noble Creature, and see what good thing may be had from it, by means of its own Purgatory or Cleansing Fire, which without it could never have been brought to Light.

Now to speak fundamentally of this matter, we must first of all know, that several different Spirits lie hid in Wine, which also may separately be distill’d from it. As in the first place the known burning Spirit; next that Spirit which is distill’d from Crude _Tartar_, which is of a quite different nature from that which is distill’d from Wine, or its Lees, which being kindled burns away in Flame, consuming all the _Sulphur_, leaving nothing but the incombustible _Mercury_ or Essential _Salt_ behind, and that in a very small quantity, but of great Virtue; whereas the Spirit of _Tartar_ which is distill’d by _Retort_, though it be much more subtil and penetrative than the burning Spirit, yet will not suffer it self to be kindled or burnt away, being otherwise of great use in all Tartareous Diseases, and obstructions of the Body.

There is also an Antinephritical Spirit distill’d from the fixed _Salt_ of _Tartar_ with distill’d Vinegar, which afterwards suffers it self to be sublimed, and being distilled yield a very strong Spirit, of which time doth not permit to treat at present. We will only, point out to you, by what means the most glorious _Mercury_ and Essential _Salt_ of Wine, may most easily be obtained, and what great things may be perform’d by it in Physick.

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℞. Of white _Tartar_ well pulverised 1 _l._ _Spirit_ of _Salt_ 1 _l._ and half, mix these well together, and fill therewith the fourth part of a Glass Body, and pour on 3 _l._ of Spirit of Wine, lute the head on immediately, for when these two Antagonists, the Acid Crude _Tartar_, and Urinous _Salt_ of _Tartar_ meet, they furiously attack each other, and in their Conflict send forth a very subtil Spirit, and a glorious Essential _Salt_, which _Mercury_ the Spirit of Wine when distilled carries over with it. When now this Spirit of Wine being kindled burns away, the _Mercury_ or most pure Essential _Salt_ is thereby loosened, and with the Flame goes over into the Receiver, where it is caught of the Phlegm, from which being separated by distillation in a Vaporous Bath ’tis fit for use. This Cælestial _Salt_ of Wine is of wonderful Virtue, concerning which I have given a full account in some of my last published Writings.

Its Virtues are chiefly these; It has the Præeminence of all Medicaments whatsoever, in curing the Stone, Gout, and the like Tartarous Diseases. Moreover this Heavenly _Salt_ penetrates the whole Body, opens all Obstructions, strengthens the Heart, Brain, and all Vital Parts; is a powerful Diaphoretick and Diuretick. Indeed any one may easily imagine, that a Quintessence of Wine, when purified by its own Purgatory, must needs exert wonderful effects, and be of great uses, in the hands of a skilful Physician; of which more hereafter.

Furthermore from Wine, by means of its own burning Spirit, may be separated an excellent Volatile _Salt_, after this manner. Dissolve the Oyl of Wine, which by distillation is got out of the Lees in a strong Spirit of Wine, so as the Oyl may be well united with the Spirit. This done, kindle the Spirit of Wine, and let it burn away under our great cooling Helm or Head, by which means the _Mercury_ or _Salt_ of Wine goes over with the Phlegm, and is caught by it.

In like manner out of that stinking Oil which is driven from _Tartar_ by a _Retort_, and is of great virtue, (though for its loathsom scent it cannot be used) a very powerful Volatile _Salt_ may be obtained, by burning away the said Oyl with a burning Spirit, which Volatile _Salt_ by those Purging Flames loseth its loathsom smell, and may be made use of in Physick, as that before mentioned prepared from Wine.

According to this method of obtaining the _Mercury_ of Wine, we may proceed with all other Vegetables, and separate their pure incombustible _Mercury_, by burning away their Oyls, with their own or any ether burning Spirit, by which means the Volatile _Mercury_ is caught.

It is to be observ’d, that all Oyls distill’d from Herbs, whose flowers resemble Stars, do yield more Volatile _Salt_, than the distill’d Oyl of other Herbs. When these Herbs cannot be had fresh and green, we may take their Seeds, which yield more Oyl and Volatile _Salt_ than the Herbs themselves. In like manner all Oyls, distill’d from Seeds, afford more Volatile _Salt_ than those which are forc’d from Roots, Stalks, Leaves or Wood; the Seed always abounding with more Volatile _Salt_ than any other part of the Vegetable; and that because God hath placed the growing and multiplying virtue of all things in their Seeds, from whence also the same is most easily separable for the use and service of Man. In particular, the Seeds of Annis, Fennel, Dill, Carway, Cumin, Cresses, Scurvy grass and Mustard afford much Volatile _Salt_.

So likewise all Excremental and Superfluous Egestions of Nature, such as are the Hair of Men and Beasts, the Horns and Claws of Beasts, the Excrements of Beasts and Birds, as also their Feathers, do abound with Volatile _Salt_. Amongst these we may also reckon Amber, Soot, and Smith’s Coals; when the stinking Oyl of any of these is burnt away, the remaining Essential _Salt_ will procure the Physicians praise and honour, and the Patient’s help and ease.

The Seeds of Henbane and Tobacco do yield a very powerful _Salt_; so likewise do the distill’d Oyls of Spices, as well as those made by Expression afford a most excellent Volatile _Salt_ being burnt away, by means of a burning Spirit, united with them. Yet would not I counsel any to burn away such precious Oyls, forasmuch as we have other Subjects, which cost us nothing, and yet yield a better _Salt_ than any Spices whatsoever; for Minerals and Metals, when without a Corrosive they are brought into a strong Spirit of Wine, yield a much better _Mercury_, wherein all the virtues of Vegetables are concentred; and consequently are far more efficacious than any Vegetable _Salt_ against all Diseases whether of Men or Metals.

In this way we may easily, and in a manner without labour or any considerable charges, procure a running _Mercury_ from all Minerals and Metals; which _Mercury_ of Metals suffers it self afterwards to be fixed into a true Tincture for Men and Metals, by means of its proper Agent and Secret ever-burning Fire, and this easily without any loss of weight, which cannot be expected from a common _Mercury_, and therefore we must be provided of a Metallick _Mercury_ if we would do this feat. _Mars_, _Venus_, and _Mercury_ are the best amongst the meaner Metals for this purpose, as yielding the best _Mercury_, but the _Mercuries_ of _Sol_ and _Luna_ are the best of all. And it is a thing that deserves our wonder, that from such Compact Bodies, as those Homogeneal Metals are, which are accounted indivisible, a Volatile _Mercury_ should be separated. Indeed had I not done it my self, I should hardly have been persuaded of its possibility. Resuscitative _Salts_ are the only means to effect this Wonder, and whosoever knows in due manner to apply them to Metals, to him it is an easie thing, yea, Childrens play, in one days time, without toil or labour, to separate a running _Mercury_ from all Metals and Minerals. There is one only _Salt_ in the World, which has a power above others to revivifie Metals, costs nothing, and is every where to be had in abundance: This contemptible _Salt_ the Philosophers have always concealed, saying, that _it is cast out upon Dunghils, and as much beloved of the Wise, as it is hated and despised by Fools_.

In this _Salt_ greater secrets lie hid, than in the _Salt_ of Art before mentioned, which cannot be had without toil and labour; but this our more secret Resuscitative _Salt_ of Art doth far excell that, for it not only exalts and multiplies the colours of _Sol_ and _Luna_ as well as that, but also radically opens all Metalline Subjects whatsoever, separating their purest _Mercury_ from the gross _fæces_, and brings it over with it self, which no other _Salt_ in the World can do. There are indeed some other _Salts_ to be found, which in some degree do resuscitate Metals, and separate a running _Mercury_, as _Salt_ of _Tartar_, _Urine_, and the like, but are not comparable with our resuscitative _Salt_ of Art, which, for all them, continues the undoubted Monarch over all _Salts_. There are very few to be found, who are able with so much ease and little charge to separate a running _Mercury_ in quantity from Metals, and fix the same into a true Tincture. Wherefore we should make it our business to enquire into the nature of _Salts_, and learn to know their several uses; because in _Salts_ great good lies hid, which few believe or apprehend. _Plato_ indeed was of opinion, that something Divine was contain’d in our common _Salt_; and other Philosophers have not stuck to say, that _in the Sun and Salt is All_. He that doth not know what Fire and _Salt_ are, knows nothing, and deserves not the name of a Philosopher.

And thus much shall suffice concerning Fire and _Salt_, and the great things that may be performed by them. He therefore who desires to approve himself a good Physician or Chymist, let him study the nature of Fire and _Salt_, and learn to distinguish them, for without this he’l never do any thing to purpose in either faculty.

To return now to our Spagirical Purgatory, and shew that the Philosophers by means thereof performed their greatest Arcana. _Paracelsus_ alone, the Monarch of Physicians, gives us a sufficient Testimony hereof, when, treating of the Element of Fire, in his Book of _Sulphur_, he saith, That if a Physician have not amongst his Secrets the Element of Fire from _Sulphur_, he is not a Physician, but a-------- O my dear _Paracelsus_, thou art not to be blamed for thy zealous inveighing against those Lazy Lubbards, and if thy words be Authentick, ’tis to be feared that scarce one good Physician will be found in all _Germany_, forasmuch as the Element of Fire of _Sulphur_ is utterly unknown. But this cannot be said, for that besides this Element of Fire, there be several other good Medicaments a Physician may prepare. Yet forasmuch as I have writ somewhat of it here, I hope it may stir up some to search after it, and so learn to prepare their Medicines by Fire; because whatsoever can without hurt or loss abide the Fire, the same must needs be very pure and good.

_David_ to this purpose gives us a similitude of _Luna_, which must sometimes pass the Fire, before it attain its utmost purity. This art of cleansing things with Fire, was by the Philosophers of old termed _Ysopaica_, of which see _Paracelsus_.

It is to admired, that how black or smutty soever any thing be, after it is wash’d by Fire, it becomes snow white; which the _Mercury_ driven by Fire from black _Sulphur_ and _Mars_, is alone a sufficient proof of, in which whiteness the fairest Red lies hid. That _Ysopaica_, or the Art of Washing with Fire, and thereby changing Black to White, was in use amongst the Ancients, seems probable from _David_’s words, when he cries to God; _Purge me with Hysop, and I shall be clean, wash me, and I shall be whiter then snow_: _David_ here desires nothing else, than to have his Soul, which was cole black by Sin, washed and purged by the Fire of the Holy Ghost, and therefore by way of Comparison he mentions _Ysopaica_, or the Art of Washing black things white by Fire. In a word, this Art of Washing things snow-white by a Philosophical Purgatory Flame, appears to be the head skill of Philosophy, Physick and Alchimy.

And forasmuch as I have here made mention of _Ysopaica_, I hope I shall not be thought tedious, if I set down some more instances of cleansing black and impure things by Fire. For seeing this excellent and incomparable Art has for some hundred years been in a manner wholly lost, _Paracelsus_ being the first that hath renewed the knowledge of it, I have thought good at present to restore this Royal Art to its former lustre and glory, wherewith it shone forth in the Schools of the Kings of _Egypt_, where those of the Blood Royal were taught and instructed in the same. In which Schools _Moses_ also (as being the Adopted Son of _Pharaoh_’s Daughter) had his Education, being there instructed in all the Wisdom and Skill of the _Egyptians_.

In those times this _Ysopaica_, or Art of Washing with Fire was in great esteem and flourished, which was the cause of the great Riches and Puissance of the _Egyptians_, which continued till the Monarchy was made subject to the _Romans_; and yet even then, being Possessors of _Ysopaica_ and _Chrysopeia_, they soon put themselves into a condition again of disputing their Liberty with the _Romans_, and rebelled against them; and though by the prevailing Power of the _Romans_ they were still overcome, yet did they often reiterate their Revolt; until at last the Emperor _Diocletian_ being informed that their Art of Chymistry was their inexhaustible Treasure, which still encouraged them to rebell, sent a great Army amongst them, with Orders to Ransack all Places for Books treating of that Art, and commit them to the Flames; which done, they quietly afterwards endured the _Roman_ Yoak, which before, on every occasion, they were ready to shake off. By the same means also the said Art has been as it were totally lost, which I am not without hopes to restore again, and if Death should chance to prevent me, yet will it assuredly be done after my Death by _Elias_ the _Artist_. I have indeed already in some of my last Treatises so plainly writ of this Art, that any one, who is any thing skilful in the Fire, may become Master of the Art.

To return then to _Ysopaica_, I say, I have already communicated the use of a Burning Spirit, by means whereof all stinking, impure, Vegetable, Animal, and easily inflamable Mineral Subjects, may be washed to the highest degree of Purity, with which great things may be performed, especially in Physick, and such as are impossible to be done by any known way. Indeed by this alone most profitable discovery, I have discovered a new World of Art, which for so many hundred years has been unknown; and I doubt not, but this way of washing with Fire will serve for a shining Light to lead Physicians to the true Spagyrical Physick.

Thus much shall suffice to have spoken concerning the moist fiery washing by means of a Burning Spirit; it remains now to declare in what manner the Compactest Metals, and Precious as well as Common Stones, may by a dry cleansing Fire be meliorated. For a Spirit of Wine is much too weak to pierce the Bodies of Compact Metals, and to wash them to a perfect cleanness; wherefore we are to look out for a stronger Wash-Fire, which may be able to Master the fixt as well as unfixt Metals. Now Art hands to us a certain dry Wash-Fire, wherewith the Ancients meliorated all Metals and Stones; but this dry Fire has never been published, neither know I any Author that hath writ plainly of it, save only _Paracelsus_ in his _Cœlum Philosophorum_, where speaking of _Mercury_, he describes this flaming Wash-Fire, _viz._ ℞. Of _Tartar_ part j. _Sulphur_ p. ij. _Nitre_ p. iij. being well mixed together, use them. _Paracelsus_ calls this Composition a good fluxing Powder; but hints at other things, as appears by those words he places before the Description of the said Fulminating Powder, _viz._ _Pulvis adole Verbenas_, which words conceal a great Mystery, as will presently appear.

The Composition of _Paracelsus_ may be meliorated by taking only one part of _Sulphur_, _Tartar_ ij. and _Nitre_ iij. and is a very good Wash-Fire. There be also many more and better Wash-Fires for to Purifie and exalt Metals, of which we shall hear anon. Follows now the use of the foresaid Wash-Fire.

And first it is to be observed, that to the end this Fire may have the better effect, the Ingredients must be pure, dry, and very well poudred, for by how much purer the Ingredients be, the stronger is the Fire. When therefore we have a mind to wash any Metal therewith, suppose impure _Sol_ or _Luna_, we must file the same very small, and then mixing three or four parts of the said Powder with it in a Crucible, kindle the mixture with a red-hot Coal, and the Flame thence arising will consume all the impurities of the Metal, or separate them as dross, the pure Metals sinking as a _Regulus_ to the bottom. And if the Operation be duly performed, the _Regulus_ will be as fine as if it had pass’d the _Cupel_.

If we desire yet further to increase the strength of this Fulmen or Wash-Fire, we may take instead of _Tartar_ half the quantity of the Saw-dust of dry Lime-tree, which affords a much stronger Flame than _Tartar_, and consequently better purges impure Metals. With this strong Fire we may in a moment purifie a small quantity of _Sol_ or _Luna_ if we please, in a Nutshel; which I don’t mention here as a thing of Profit, but only of Curiosity, and to shew the force of this Fire.

_N. B._ If we desire to make use of this Wash-Fire to Profit, we must not take a Common _Nitre_ of _Sulphur_, but such a _Sulphur_ as burns faster than the Common, and the _Nitre_ must be purified, whereof more hereafter.

_A Good Fulmen or powerful cleansing Fire for to purifie the Common
=Mercury=, so as afterwards it may be easily fixed._

We are to know, that the Common _Mercury_ contains in it self an extraordinary fiery Spirit, which hinders it from being a Compact Metal, and keeps it in continual Flux like a Molten Metal, and makes it so difficult a work to fix it: Now if we can but extinguish this Fire in him, he’l be easily reducible to a Compact Metallick Body.

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It is notorious, that always a greater Flame overcomes and swallows up the lesser; to extinguish therefore this Fire in _Mercury_, we cannot do better, than make use of a strong Fulmen, which _Paracelsus_ hints with those words, _Pulvis Adole Verbenas_, as if he had said, Go Fulmen and burn the Wings of that Volatil Bird, that he may flie no more. But the Fulmen he there describes will not do it, a stronger must be made use of in that case. To this purpose I have made many trials in my Youth, but have found none better than the Fulmen of _Jupiter_, which takes as follows.

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℞. Of Crude _Mercury_ and fine _Jupiter_ each j l. melt the _Jupiter_ in a Crucible, and when it begins to cool, pour the _Mercury_ upon it, and the heated _Jupiter_ will take to it self the _Mercury_, and become an Amalgama, which Amalgama must with dry and purified _Nitre_ be ground upon a Stone. This done ℞. of the strong Fluxing Powder abovesaid, the same quantity as the _Amalgama_ and _Nitre_, and grind them well together, and then the Mixture is ready for kindling. But the Operation must be performed in the open Air, where the Wind may carry away the poisonous Fumes. The Mixture may be put into a strong Earthen Pot, and after Detonation, there will remain a Mass difficult to Flux, which being Cupell’d, and separated by _Aq. Fort._ affords a considerable quantity of _Sol_ and _Luna_, abundantly recompensing the cost and labour of the Operation. After that the Mixture is kindled, the Matter must be often stirred with a red-hot Iron, to the end that no part may remain unkindled, but that the whole Mass may be red-hot throughout.

_Another Fulmen to graduate =Venus= into =Luna=._

℞. Of the foresaid Fluxing Powder of _Sulphur_, _Tartar_ and _Nitre_, and grind with it iv Ounces of _Mercury_ of _Luna_, and lay the same weight of thin Plates of _Venus_ SSS. with your foresaid Composition, kindle the Mass, and the proceeding Flames will graduate some part of the _Venus_ into good and fix _Luna_ with considerable profit, the Operation being rightly performed. With the same Fulmen, ♂ may be graduated into ☉, and forasmuch as it doth not melt, it’s better than _Venus_ for this way of working; Needles are best for this purpose.

_Another Rapid Fulmen changing Iron and Steel into Good Gold._

℞. Of the abovesaid Fluxing Powder, iv or v ʒ, mix with it j ʒ or half an Ounce of _Aurum Fulminans_ precipitated from the _Aqua Regia_, not with _Salt_ of _Tartar_, but with _Salt_ of _Urine_; with this Fulmen and Steel Needles make SSS. in a Crucible. Let not the Needles be above j ℥ weight, else the Fulmen will not be able to graduate them wholly into _Sol_. This Process well managed affords a good increase of _Sol_. It is also no contemptible Curiosity to see Needles chang’d to _Sol_, their pristine form remaining. I took once 20 or 30 Needles, which I put with their points up to the midst in the said Fulmen, their upper halves remaining untouch’d by it, and after Fulmination took out the Needles, the lower part of which was pure _Sol_, the upper continuing Iron, which I distributed amongst my Friends and Lovers of Art for a remembrance. The same may be performed with Nails.

Now though in this Gradation of ♂ there be no very great Profit, yet neither is there any loss; and besides the Curiosity of it, is a convincing demonstration that ♂ without deposing any Terrestreity, may have it’s whole Body changed into _Sol_.

_N. B._ The remaining Fulmen may with a little _Nitre_ be melted down to a _Regulus_, by which means the _Sol_ is recover’d, and so we have our graduated Needles for nothing.

_N. B._ When we have a mind to make use of the _Fulmen_ of ☉, we had best place the Crucible, in which the _Fulmen_ and _Mars_ is, in a large glased Earthen Vessel, and as soon as it is kindled cover the Crucible, that the _Fulmen_ may not fly abroad, or if any does, it may stick to the sides of the Pot, which being wiped off with a Feather, may be reduced with the remaining _Fulmen_ in the Crucible, that there may be no loss.

_N. B._ It happens sometimes, when too great a quantity of ♂ is taken to be graduated to ☉, and the Flame too strong, that the Needles melt into one, especially if they be laid too close together.

_N. B._ In Case, the Needles should not in the first Fulmination be wholly changed to ☉, the Work may be repeated with fresh fluxing Powder. And if any one desires more Profit from this Operation, let him mix some of the _Amalgama_ of ♃ and ☿ with the Golden _Fulmen_, and Fulminate with the same Needles, or thin Iron Wier, by which means the ☿ will better diffuse the graduating ☉, or Spirit throughout the ♂, and so more of it becomes changed into ☉.

_N. B._ He that would draw considerable Profit from this Operation, had best perform it in a close earthen Vessel, with a large Recipient fitted to it, for to catch the ☿, which may be used again, by which means that gain will be more.

_N. B._ For to make this Work yet more gainful, we may instead of the ☉ mix with the _Fulmen_ of ♃ and ☿, some fine powdred Red, Brown, or black Pebbles, which are found in running Water, and break as smooth as Glass, and contain much Volatile ☉, grinding them well together. This _Fulmen_ when kindled, drives the Volatile ☉ out of the Pebbles, and being received by ♃ and ☿ is fixed by them, by which means much ☉ and ☽ may be had out of ♃, ♀ and ♂. Out of these Pebbles with _Aqua Regis_ much ☉ may be extracted, and tho’ the ☉ in them be Volatile, yet partly by means of the _Aqua Regis_, and partly by being precipitated with the _Mercurial_ ⛛ out of ♃, and by Reduction it is fixed: Concerning which I have largely treated in the Seventh Part of the Prosperity of _Germany_.

_N. B._ To work on these Pebbles with more Profit, we may when reduced to fine Powder, extract them with ⛛ in which common _Salt_ has been dissolved, to which Extraction (which will be of a very high Colour) we must add some of the Resuscitative _Salt_ of the World, every where to be found, and then abstract the Solvent from the Extract, by which means the Resuscitative _Salt_ will make ☉ more Volatile, and separating it from the fixer Part, bring it over the Helm, in form of a yellow Liquor, which when mortified by a _Lixivium_, and reduced to a dry ☉, if then it be driven through a Retort, you will find a running ☿ _Sol_ in the Recipient, in small quantity indeed, but of great Virtue; which by the Fire of _Artephius_ may easily be fixed into an Universal Tincture for Men and Metals. A _Lixivium_ may afterwards be poured on the remaining Extract, for to mortifie the Corrosive Spirits, and then distilled by Retort, it will yield some more _Mercurial_ ☉. As for the fixt ☉ which was in the Pebbles, the same may be easily reduced, and will be good ☉, tho’ somewhat pale Coloured, the _Salt_ of the World having carried some part of the Colour over with the ☿.

_N. B._ Our Resuscitative _Salt_ of the World is a very wonderful _Salt_, for when joyned with the dissolved ☉, it not only brings over a running ☿, but part of the Colour of ☉ with it, wherefore also the said _Mercurial_ ☉ affords a most glorious Medicine, when duely fixed. In the same manner you may get a tinging ☿ from ☽, but much better, and easier from a ☽, which lies Volatile in its own Matrix, and has never touched the Fire.

_N. B._ But this _Mercurial_ ☽ doth not tinge into ☉, but only into ☽. In the same way a ☿ may be driven from all Metals, and in considerable quantity. The ☿ of ♂ and ♁ are the best; those of ♀, ♃ and ♄ are good also, but not so high colour’d, as that of ♂ which is the best. Now to make ☿ of ♂, we need not dissolve common ♂, and thence with _Salt_ of the World drive a ☿; but it is better to take Iron-stones, which have never touch’d the Fire, and having extracted them, add to them some of the Resuscitative _Salt_ of the World, which then distill’d will yield more ☿ than common ♂. In like manner much more ☿ may be had from ♄, ♃ and ♀ Oar than from the Metals themselves.

I remember, that, in my youthful years, I laboured two years continually with a Person of high quality, to obtain a ☿ of ♄, we tryed all manner of ways but got nothing. Whether it was for want of Experience, or that the Process given us was not true, or because God did not see it fit for us, I know not: But this I know, that we had no knowledge of the universal Resuscitative _Salt_ of the World, making use only of common S. _Armon_, and its Volatile Spirit.

I have, in the Seventh Part of my _Pharmacopœia Spagyrica_, taught a way to draw a running ☿ from Metals, but in small quantity, whereas by means of this _Salt_ of the World, much more is obtained. I say therefore, that if from my last published Writings, Men cannot discover the way of making the _Mercuries_ of Metals in good quantity, it will be a sign to me, that God will not permit it, having plainly set down every thing, except the Resuscitative _Salt_ of the World.

And I now say again, that the said _Salt_ is no where to be sold, since enough may be had for nothing. God must reveal it, for Men will hardly do it. It is a mere Gift of God to know this _Salt_ and its Use. _Turba_ saith concerning it: _If God had not created this =Salt=, it were impossible to perfect our Elixir_. From whence we may see, it is no _Salt_ prepared by Art, nor made with hands, but created of God of nothing. Consider well what is here said, and you’ll find Wonders. _Cosmopolita_ speaks after this manner of this _Salt_, _viz._ _Nature affords us a =Chalybs=, which can from the Rays of the Sun extract that, which many have sought and not found_.

Other Philosophers speak of this _Salt_ in these Words: _The Spirit and Salt of the World, bring the Souls of the dead out of Hell_. What is this Hell, but a _Stygian_ Water, wherein we dissolve Metals, and after draw forth their Souls with the _Salt_ of the World. Of which Spirit and _Salt_ of the World, _Nuisement_ hath writ a curious Treatise. I say therefore, that he who understands the due way of applying this _Salt_, for drawing the ☿ of Metals, has obtained the greatest Secret in the World, the said ☿ being easily fixable into a true Tincture.

I have known several, who could fix the ☿ of ♄ and ♁ prepared by others into Tinctures, but could not prepare the _Mercuries_ themselves: And to this day, I do not know one Man that can bring a running ☿ from Metals, tho’ I have communicated the way of making the said ☿ to many, as it is set down in the Seventh Part of my _Pharmacopœia Spagirica_: But seeing so small a quantity prepared that way, they let it drop. It had been well, they could have been satisfied with that: But Men generally are of such a Humour; that if they cannot have all without Toyl or Labour, they presently despond and give over; but they that persevere to the end shall obtain the Crown of Honour.

Thus much shall suffice, by way of Parenthesis, concerning preparing the _Mercuries_ of Metals in great quantity, by means of our Resuscitative _Salt_ of the World.

Let us now return to our dry wash-Fire, and see, what further may be done with it. We know, that with a Rapid and violent Flame, the Volatile part of Metals is driven away, the fixt and grosser staying behind: As for Example. If I dissolve a Metal, or Mineral in _Aqua Fortis_, and afterwards add to the Solution some good _Niter_, by this means the Metal abides with the _Nitre_ and shoots with it into Crystals, which from ♂ are Red, from ♀ Green, from ☿ and ♃ White, from ☉ Yellow. When now this _Nitre_ is kindled, the Volatile part of the Metal sublimes from the grosser, and is better for Medicinal use, than the gross Body of the Metal.

_N. B._ But if to this _Niter_ impregnated with a Metal, we joyn some _Salt_ of the World; and then detonate it, the said _Salt_ through the Flames carries the immortal Soul of Metals out from Hell, that is the ☿ of them, which afterwards may be fixed into Tincture. The said _Nitre_ impregnate with Metal, and the _Salt_ of the World, doth also, by means of a swift Flame draw the Colours from precious and common Stones, and introduceth others, and better into them again; which is a thing of great Profit to him that hath Skill of it. This is the speediest way of meliorating Metals, when by means of a Rapid _Fulmen_, as it were in a moment, we Separate the pure Soul, or incombustible 🜍 from the gross Metal: For in this quick Flame the superfluous 🜍 of the Metals is consumed, which ties the pure ☿ to the Metal, and makes the same difficultly separable from its gross Body.

In this manner a pure ☿ may in quantity be drawn from all Metals, and as much ☿ as is got this way, so much Tincture, for every ☿ of Metals is fixable into Tincture, which cannot be said of the common. And yet amongst these _Metallick Mercuries_, one yields a better Tincture than another, the ☿ of ♂ as hath been said being the best, tho’ that of ♄ be good also. He who is come so far as to be able to make the ☿ of any one Metal, with the help of the _Salt_ of the World, may easily do the same with all the rest, and then try which ☿ is the best. I have tryed several, but found none better than that of ♂. For which Reason also sometime before my falling Sick, I bought up a great quantity of Steel Needles unfit for common use, with intention to make a great quantity of ☿ of ♂, but being seized with Sickness not long after, and continuing Bed-rid till now; my design was hindred. Now whether God will be pleased to raise me, that I may prepare a good quantity of the said ☿, for those that come after, I know not; for at present by reason of my Weakness, I have no hope to do any thing. And therefore have determined with my self, to manifest these and the like great Secrets to the World, as far as my Weakness will permit; that they who are Lovers of Art may know, and work them, or let them alone as they please: For it shall suffice me, to have discovered the wonderful Works of God to mankind, not at all concerning my self with the rest.

’Tis here to be noted, that the ☿ which by means of the Salt of the World, in the moist way is drawn forth from _Aqua Fortis_, or other like corrosive Liquors, is purer than that which, in the dry way is forced over with a strong Fire, yet both are good, and fixable into Tincture. It is also less trouble to bring over the ☿ of Metals in the moist way, than by a strong Flame. For when a Metal is dissolved in _Aqua Fortis_, and _Salt_ of the World added to the Solution, then if by _Alembick_, you separate the _Menstruum_, part of the ☿ will come over with it, which, as before-mentioned, is to be separated from it: Afterwards drive what remains in the _Alembick_ through a Retort, and the _Salt_ of the World will carry more of the ☿ over, by which means a good quantity of ☿ will be obtained. For which God be praised, who hath shewed us his poor necessitous Children so near and strait a way to the Land of _Promise_. For I still say (as I always did) that nothing more excellent can be found, either in Physick or Alchimy, than the ☿ of Metals, all other Works being mere trifles in Comparison of it: Because such a ☿ well fixed, is not only the highest Medicine, but besides Tinges ☽ and ☿ into ☉. I have clearly and fully described the manner of it, Preparation, save only, that I have not named the _Salt_ of the World, because it is such a vile and contemptible thing, and cast out upon Dunghils: And yet nothing in the World lives without it. No living Creature in or upon the Earth, Bird in the Air, nor Fish in the Water is sustained without this Universal _Salt_ of the World. Concerning this _Salt_ of the World, or true matter of the Universal great Stone of the Philosophers, an unknown Author in the Thirty fifth Chapter of his Book writes thus,

_That the first Work of the Elixir, is every where to be found._

Concerning the true making of the Elixir, as to its first Work, the Philosophers say, that the true Matter is every where to be found; because it is in every Man, and found with every Man. _Adam_ brought it with him out of Paradise, and when he died took it along with him to his Grave. And therefore an Allegory of the Wise men saith, that the said _Matter is subtilized ☉_, that is ☉ advanced to the highest pitch of mineral Virtue. Concerning this ☉ it is said: _With our Gum and little ☉, we can buy much_. And, _Albertus_ in his Book of Minerals saith, and proves it, that _☉ is every where to be found_: Because there is nothing made of the four Elements, in which, after its highest refining, ☉ is not to be found, and therefore they say it is every where to be found. The same _Albertus_ also asserts, that _a great Mineral Virtue is in every Man_, especially in his Head between his Teeth: For that in his time, in old Graves ☉ was found in little longish Grains, between the Teeth of dead Men Skuls, which could not be, except the said mineral Virtue were in Man, which mineral Virtue is in the Matter of our Elixir. And therefore it is said, that the Stone is in every Man, and that _Adam_ brought it with him out of Paradise, _&c._

The Philosopher tells us here, proving it by several Authors, that the true Matter of the Elixir, as to the firstl Work, is to be found with every one: Concerning which Matter, much might be said, but it is better be silent for fear of the abuse of wicked Men. Yet I cannot but hint here, how it may be made out, that ☉ can grow in the Skuls of dead Men, as before-mentioned. It seems probable then, that these were the Skuls of such Men, who in their Life-time much used ☿, either taking it inwardly, or much handling it in their Trades. Now it being the Property of ☿, to mount upwards to the Head, and settle between the Teeth, we may suppose, that by length of time the _Microcosmical_ 🜍︎ did Coagulate it into ☉. Let no Man think this impossible, for the 🜍︎ of Mans Dung hath a very great affinity with the Mineral 🜍︎, which no Body can better witness, than he to whom God hath revealed it, and who hath found it true by Experience.

The Reader by this time hath sufficiently perceived, how the _Mercuries_ of all Metals may with ease be brought over, by means of the _Salt_ of the World; as also, how the same may be had with the help of a _Fulmen_, or strong Flame of Fire.

Now he that is Master of these _Mercuries_, will not be far to seek, for the way of fixing them; for which there is no nearer way, than to maturate them to a Tincture, by means of _Artephius_ his Fire, for all other ways are very tedious, concerning which fixation by the said secret Fire, the Reader will find more in other Parts of my Writings.

Herewith, then I conclude this First Part of my Purgatory, or cleansing Fire, with which all unclean black Subjects may be washed to the highest degree of Purity and Whiteness. If by chance, I should here have omitted one or other Circumstantial of the Work, (as I hope not) I shall, as it comes to mind, set it down in my following Writings. In the mean time Farewel, and remember the _Salt_ of the World, learn to know it, and its Use, for so thou wilt be able to make the _Mercuries_ of all Metals, which in value exceed all ☉ and precious Stones.

_An Advertisement to the Courteous READER._

Forasmuch as in this little Treatise, I have revealed many Secrets, and particularly, the easie Preparation of a running ☿ from all Metals, and that a true Tincture cannot more readily be obtained, than from such a ☿, which with ☉ becomes fixed to a Red, and with ☽ to a white Tincture, and that this Fixation is most easily performed by the secret Fire of _Artephius_. And have also taught, how from all Vegetables and Animals, a most excellent ☿ of great Virtue may be prepared, by means of a burning Spirit; in all which I have writ nothing, but what I have wrought with my own hands. I know there will not be wanting some envious and ignorant Men, who will pretend it impossible to get a running ☿ from Metals: But it is no wonder, that this is counted impossible by those, that have not attained to great Skill and Experience in the Fire, who may well be compared to little Children, who when they hear any Body talk of the Great World, can form no other Notion of it, than of the place, or House where they have been educated; neither can such ignorant conceited Persons believe any thing, but what they have seen themselves. It is enough for me, that I know it to be true.

Now forasmuch as I have before declared, that this ☿ of Metals is the nearest way to attain an universal Tincture, for Men and Metals, and that out of Vegetables, Animals, and all other things, that admit a Separation of Elements, a ☿ may be had, as well as from Minerals and Metals, and from that ☿ a Tincture: I intend here for further Confirmation, to add the Testimony of an old Book, which with many words confirms what I have writ, concerning the ☿ of Minerals, Animals and Vegetables, and therefore have thought fit, to subjoyn the Conclusion of the said Book, as an Appendix to this Treatise, by which, those, who understand, will perceive that I have writ the Truth, concerning the ☿ of Vegetables and Animals. The Author is unknown to me, but that he was an experienced Philosopher appears from his Writings, which contain great Truths: These as they were gladly received by us, so we highly recommend them to all Learners, and Lovers of Art: Here follow the two last Chapters of the said Philosopher.

_A Recapitulation: Or, Summary Repetition._

We have sufficiently explained to thee the thing, if thou hast rightly understood our words. And observe, Son, that the Operations we deliver in this Book, concerning the Composition of the Great stone, are more subtil than those, that _Geber_ has delivered in his Summ: For he saith, that in different intervals of time, it is first sublimed, next fixed, afterwards calcined and then dissolved, and so of the rest. But as to this our Book, know, that the Distillation by _Alembick_ we call Sublimation, and the Solution of Bodies, we likewise call Sublimation, because by this means the Earthly Body is lifted up into the Air, which is Heaven. Wherefore know, that when we dissolve, we at the same time do Sublime, Calcine, Purifie, Wash, conjoyn and separate. To this purpose, _Haly_ in his _Secret_ of _Secrets_ tells us, that between the Solution and Conjunction, or the Matrimony and Union of Body and Spirit; there is no distance of time; because when the Body is dissolved, it is by that Solution joyn’d with the Spirit, and therefore he saith, that Solution and Conjunction are at the same time. This therefore is the Order of our Operation, which is done at once in one hour: When our Body is put to dissolve in Water, then presently it is solved and sublimed, and by being dissolv’d and sublim’d, the Body becomes united to the Spirit; and if any thing of an extraneous Nature be mix’d with the Body, the same will not be dissolved, but will remain in the bottom of the Vessel for to dissolve, and thus the Body becomes cleansed of the extraneous Matter, if any be in it; yet is it in some sort sullied, nor is it so clean and clear as it ought. Wherefore our Operations in making the Great stone, are more subtil than those contained in _Geber_’s Summ, because what he says is done at several times, is here done at once, and of a subtiler Matter; and after a subtiler manner. And when thou shalt see our work, dearest Son, then wilt thou know, that we have spoken the Truth, tho’ not before: And indeed, except thou shalt give good heed to it, and sharply consider of it, thou wilt scarcely perceive it to be so, because of the quick, subtil and short Operation. But be sure to avoid the fumes in this, as well as other ways of making the Stone, as far as is possible, which if thou shouldst take in, would greatly hurt thee, either at the very instant, or not long after, except thou hast Remedies at hand to oppose their Malignity, which thou oughtest always to be provided with, that as soon as any such thing is perceived, a proper Antidote may be taken.

CHAP. LVI.