Chapter XXV: Front Matter (25)

_Painters by the help of this, may prepare for themselves most
excellent Colours, as =Ultra-Marine=, blue Smalt, fine red or
Scarlet =Lacca=, =Venice= Ceruse, and others necessary for their
Uses, which otherwise they must have from far, as =Italy=,
=Holland=, =France=, &c. and at a dear rate._

That excellent colours for Painting, may be made by the salt of the Earth, I will thus prove: Blue Smalt is otherwise prepared of flowing Sand, Chalcitis, and Potters-ashes: But if instead of those ashes, you take the fixed salt of the Earth, the smalt will not be only rendred more open, loose, and fine, but also purer, by reason the salt of the earth is purer than those ashes. _Lacca_ for the most part is made of Flocks shorn from crimson or scarlet cloth in the dressing, and by a singular _lixivium_ (instead of which Nitre may be taken) the colour is extracted, which is to be precipitated, edulcorated, and dryed upon clean Boards in the sun, or by a stove. Verdigrease and Ceruse are commonly prepared by the help of Vinegar, in Iron Vessels put in Horse-dung; but if the Copper or Lead be dissolved in spirit of Nitre, and the Copper precipitated by a _lixivium_ of salt of Tartar, but the Lead by salt water, then edulcorated and dried, the Copper will exhibit a green colour, which may be used in all Paintings, and will not corrode and destroy other colours, as the common Verdigrease is wont to do: And the Ceruse is rendered more delicate white, and pure than that which is prepared by Vinegar, with which oftentimes much Chalk is mixed to augment it, and is not so conducible to Painting, nor to the shops, as that which is made _per se_, without any mixture.

_Point_ III.

_Engravers and Statuaries may so harden their Tools, that they may
hold their points long, if they be to cut stones._

That Iron may be hardened by Cementation with Salts, so that it may serve instead of Steel, is now openly known; but the iron or steel is to be kept in cementation as long as need shall be, not with common salt alone, but mixed with the powder of coals and salt of ashes; then the Iron grows as hard as steel, but steel is rendered harder than it was before.

_Point_ IV.

_Embroiderers may put any durable Colour they please upon the Silk
with which they work._

It may be known, that Nitre, as being a depurated salt, will easily induce colours, and constantly preserve them, yea, exalt them, which many know, they especially who dye cloth with rich grain colours, as Scarlet, Crimson, _&c._ when they add the spirit of Nitre in the boiling, to aluminate it, (as the Dyers call it) the colour is wonderfully exalted, and made much more fiery, so that it may be sold dearer than common Crimson or Scarlet. This spirit of Nitre also tingeth Ashes, Nails, or Hoofs, Quills, or Feathers, with a golden colour, but if the Nitre be fixed by calcination, then it also equally exalteth, but not into a red, but a Purple; Dyers use Potters ashes for these Works, but fixed Niter is much purer, and rendereth the Work more beautiful than those impure ashes.

_Point_ V.

_They who Paint Glass, by an easie Work, may thence prepare all
Colours or Enamels for Glass, so that there will be no need to
have them from =Venice=._

The Painters of Glass sometimes complain, that their fusory Glass or Enamel will not readily flow, and that the Glass which they are to colour is melted first; the Salt of the Earth being fixed, remedieth this, if the colouring Glass be mixed with it in a due proportion, and again melted, for by this means they will be rendered fluxible at pleasure.

_Point_ VI.

_They who work in Wax, by the benefit of this, may whiten it
exceedingly; and colour it as they please._

That Salts with Water do whiten yellow Wax, being melted thin, and exposed to the Air, and often sprinkled with the Salt Water, is sufficiently known, and wants no proof but not better than salt-Nitre it self.

_Point_ VII.

_Printers also may add this subject to their Ink, which will cause
it to adhere very firmly to the Paper, and render the Letters
very fair._

That fixed Salts will readily conjoin Ink with Water, is not unknown, and none better than fixed Nitre, which also excelleth all sharp _lixiviums_, having a power of cleansing Lead, Tin, Copper, or other Vessels.

_Point_ VIII.

_It is convenient for Clock-makers, or Watch-makers, if a Water be
destilled from it, which soldereth Iron or Steel, without fire,
if a drop of that =Aqua-fortis= be dropped upon it, whence the
Iron growing hot, it presently waxeth soft, as if it had been
soldered in the fire by the help of Copper._

If an _Aqua-fortis_ be destilled from Niter and calcined Vitriol (NB. that there must be no Water or Phlegm in the Spirit) and two little pieces of Iron be melted with it, (between which there must be little Filings of Iron) then the Iron groweth hot by the _Aqua-fortis_, which acteth upon it, and the one will be joined to the other by melting, as if it had been done by the fire. But he that will use that water, must know how to prepare it himself, because such is no where to be found to sell.

_Point_ IX.

_All Smiths may by it harden their Files, and other Iron Tools, as
durable, as if they had been made of the hardest Steel._

Fixed Salts being mixed with ashes and powder of coals or sand, after that they have remained 24 hours in a close Fire, do harden iron like steel; as is proved before in the third point.

_Point_ X.

_Pewterers may harden their Tin or Pewter, and give to it an elegant whiteness, so that it will resemble Silver both in colour and sound; neither will it easily tarnish, and by reason of its hardness, will last longer than common Pewter._

If Tin be often melted, and extinguished in a _lixivium_ of fixt Nitre, it is made harder than it was before; but if it be put to Nitre in Flux, and suffered to melt in it; then also it will be more hard. NB. But if the Tin be reduced into Scoria by Nitre, and the Scoria again reduced, it will be rendered harder and fairer, than by the two former ways.

_Point_ XI, XII, XIII.

_Cabinet-makers may strike an excellent Black upon Pear-tree,
Cherry-tree, Box, Walnut-tree, and other hard Woods, which may
be used for curious Works instead of Ebony. Skinners or Furriers
may dye their Ermins, Fox-skins, Wolf-skins, and the like Furs,
with a scarlet, crimson, or deep black colour, far exceeding
the natural. In like manner Feather-dyers may swiftly give any
lasting colour to their Plumes._

If an _Aqua-fortis_ be destilled from Nitre and Vitriol, and a little silver dissolved in it, and Rain water poured thereon (for the weakening of the _Aqua-fortis_) then not only all hard Woods, are blacked by it, so that they represent Ebony, but also skins and feathers are made black as a coal, a ground being first laid upon the feathers, skins, or woods, that the Colours may remain and endure firm. Therefore the 11, 12, and 13 points are thus verified together.

_Point_ XIV.

_Taylors may take out Spots or Stains, out of Woolen, Linen, or
silk Garments, and restore their Beauty._

Of fixed Nitre is made a Soap, so subtile and pure, that by it all Spots may be taken out of Garments.

_Point_ XV.

_If Shoemakers put old Iron to this subject, they may therewith
adorn their Leather with an excellent Black._

If Nitre be dissolv’d in Vinegar, and old Iron lie some time in it, it will make an Ink with which Hides may be blacked with an excellent Black. But there is no need of Nitre for this use, for if Iron be put to Aqua Calcis, it effecteth the same thing; only mention is made of this in _Miraculum Mundi_, that it might be manifest, that this Universal Subject may be of use, to all and singular Artificers.

_Point_ XVI.

_Weavers may render their Linen Threds so fine and soft, that they
will emulate silk._

All Men know that the boiling of Thread in a strong Lixivium renders it soft and delicate, but seeing that fixed Nitre is better than a strong Lixivium, it will also perform this work better than any common Lixivium.

_Point_ XVII.

_Dyers by this may give so firm and unchangeable a ground, to their
Cloth, that the superinduced Colours shall not be corrupted, or
spoiled by any Wine, Vinegar, Urine, Pickles, Air, or Sun._

If the Spirit of Nitre be put into the first boiling with the Alum and Tartar, for the aluminating the Cloths, it will give a permanent ground, as is already proved in the fourth point.

_Point_ XVIII.

_Potters may thence prepare a Glassy Colour, not unlike to the
=Indian Porcellane=, of which Vessels may be made having the
aspect of Gold, Silver, or Copper, a singular Ornament for
Noblemens Tables, hitherto unknown to the World._

The Glasing of Earthen Vessels, that they may appear like a natural Metal, is an egregious art, but it doth not always succeed, for the Colours are easily burnt and destroyed by too much heat, so that no Metallick Vitrification can be discerned. Vessels therefore, ought to be glased not in a common Potters Furnace, but in a peculiar Furnace, that the fire may be oftner observed. If the Vitrification be to represent Gold, or Silver, or Copper, then Gold, and Silver, and Copper is also to be taken in this manner: Take one part of Gold and Silver, or Copper, Regulus of Antimony two or four parts, melt the Regulus and the Metal, pulverise them in an Iron Mortar, and mix them with an equal portion of Nitre, suffer the mixture to be fixed in a Crucible, with which mixture the earthen vessel is to be rubbed over or gilded, afterwards to be committed to a Furnace fit for this purpose; if you proceed right, you will obtain a very beautiful Vitrification, as if the Vessel was gilt with Gold, Silver, or Copper, which will not vanish or decay, and will far exceed in beauty and splendour the Vessels which are gilt with those Metals, for those in process of time lose their splendour, but these do not as long as the least bit remains.

_Point_ XIX, _and_ XX.

_Souldiers, Merchants, Travellers, Carriers, Fishermen, and others,
who are much in the open Air, may of this prepare a Varnish in
which they may dip linen Cloth, which will not permit either Air
or Water to pass through it, with which they may defend their
Boots or Cloths, so that they may travel dry in the rain. They
who make Tapestry, may restore their faint and faded Colours, so
that they shall be strong and beautiful._

Here mention is made of a certain mixture in which if Linen Cloth be dipped and dryed will not permit water to pass through, and it is done in this manner. There is nothing wanting in Linseed Oyl, but that the humidity be taken from it, which always hindereth its dying; now to effect that, there is no better way, than to boil the Linseed Oyl gently and gradually with the Flowers of _Lapis Calaminaris_ or Saturn, (which are sublimed by Nitre) so long till the Oyl be tenacious, and groweth hard enough for this use. NB. That a Linen Cloth immersed in this mixture, and shining Talk being finely laid upon it, may be coloured of any colour, which will very strongly adhere to it, and may serve for the making of Tapestry. Therefore in this manner the nineteenth and twentieth Points are confirmed.

_Point_ XXI, _and_ XXII.

_Mistresses of Families, may of it prepare fine Soap or Wash:balls,
far exceeding the =Venetian=. Houshold Maids, may with it scour
their Metalline Vessels, so as to render them neat and beautiful._

That fixed Nitre will wash and purifie Linen cloth beyond all Soap, no Man will deny, who comprehendeth the matter, concerning which thing, the Ancients have written much, and not in vain, calling Nitre the Soap of the wise, but not for the washing of Womens Linen, but for the intrinsecal purifying of the imperfect Metals: Their External Purgation may also be performed by help thereof, so that the twenty second Point is also verified.

_Point_ XXIII.

_Women may change the Yellow, Pale, or Brown Colour of their Face,
and hands, into a beautiful whiteness._

That an Egregious Cosmetick may be made of Nitre, calcined with white Talk (by which ill coloured skins may be whitened) is not to be doubted. For if Nitre fixed by the Regulus of Antimony alone, performeth that, why should it not yet do it better, if it be conjoined with some white Mineral Talk in the Calcination?

_Point_ XXIV.

_Old Women may by an easie way, take away the Wrinkles of their
Face and Hands, as also the Corns of their Feet, and boil their
Linen to such a softness, that it shall come but little short of
Silk._

It is easie to verifie this, to wit if Nitre be fixed with Regulus of Antimony, and set in a moist Cellar to run into an Oyl, which Liquor will be so fiery, that if any hard Skin, or Corn, be often anointed with it, it will so soften it, that it may be cut away with a Pen knife, and afterwards other smooth and soft Skin will grow in its room.

_Point_ XXV.

_Gardeners by this subject may destroy all Insects, by mixing it
with water, and pouring it into those places where they breed,
for they will either die in their holes, or run out to die,
because they are not able to abide that fire. It also ripeneth
Fruits, if a little of this Menstruum be applied to their Roots,
at the entrance of the Spring; and if a large quantity of Apples
be well covered over with it, they may thence prepare a lasting
Wine, Vinegar, or burning Spirit._

It is not to be doubted, but that fixed Nitre will kill all Worms in the Earth; I have often tried it with good advantage, and found it true, in this manner: Many years ago, I had a Garden, in which was a Bed of Asparagus, which I covered all over in the Winter with Horse-dung, to defend it from the Frost, which occasioned the breeding of many small Worms like Threads, sticking to the Roots of the Asparagus, so that they could by no means grow or increase, only by reason of the great quantity of Worms, which took away the nutriment of the Vegetable for themselves. And once by chance throwing some fixed Nitre exposed to the Air, and turned into a Liquor, out at a Window into the Garden, it fell upon that place where these Worms were, the fixed Nitre was dissolved by the following Rain, and penetrated the earth; which done, the Worms in great numbers crept out of the earth, because they could not abide that fiery Liquor, the Asparagus grew up in the same place more plentifully and perfectly than before, which moved me also to apply this Liquor in other places; by this means the whole Garden was in a very short time freed from Worms.

_Point_ XXVI.

_Bakers may use it in stead of Ferment or Yeast, if they dissolve a
few hops therein._

If pure Nitre with flower be throughly moistened with warm water and set in a warm place, then, by its own proper power and virtue, it beginneth to ferment, especially if some fresh Hops be put to the water, by which also other things are promoted to fermentation.

_Point_ XXVII.

_Brewers by its help may have very strong Beer, if they extract
their Hops therewith._

In the like manner also warm Beer may be excited to fermentation.

_Point_ XXVIII.

_Mead, and Metheglin, as also Beer, and Canary wine, which are upon
the turn, and growing sowre, may by this be rendred drinkable._

Any kind of Drink, whether it be Canary, Metheglin, or Beer, which easily sowre in Summer, if you would amend them, to a Tun of the Liquor put about two or three Ounces of fixed Nitre put up in a Linen Rag into the Bung-hole at the top of the Cask, and let it hang down into the Liquor, then in a short time the sowre Liquor will be rendered drinkable.

_Point_ XXIX.

_Comb-makers, and others who work in Horn, may by this so soften
their Horns, that they may imprint upon them what Images they
please._

That every Horn, or Bone may be softened, if it be sufficiently boiled in a Lixivium of Nitre, may easily be apprehended; which thing another strong Lixivium, not so fiery as that of Nitre, will also perform.

_Point_ XXX.

_Keepers of Armories may preserve their polished Arms, or Harness
free from rust, by anointing them over with this Subject._

It is credible, that fixed Nitre will preserve Iron from Rust, seeing that it is equally contrary to Corrosives, with a simple Aqua-Calcis which performeth the same.

_Point_ XXXI.

_Bird-catchers, may by the help of this prepare such a Birdlime, as
will not be altered by Cold or Heat._

If a Spirit be distill’d from Nitre, and Lapis Calaminaris dissolved in it, and the Spirit again drawn off, there will remain a thick and heavy Oyl, with which the Glue for Wood being throughly humected and dissolved, it becometh tenacious and viscous, which will not be dried by the heat of the Sun, but keepeth its unctuosity in all Seasons. N.B. That Spirit of Salt, or Vitriol, also performeth the same thing, if any Glue be dissolved therein.

_Point_ XXXII.

_Souldiers may by help of this prepare a fulminating powder from
Gold, of which the magnitude of a Pea, put upon a red hot Iron
Plate, will give a greater Clap, than half a pound, yea a whole
pound of Gun-powder; the same may also be prepared without Gold,
by the addition of Salt of Tartar and Sulphur, as it is described
in the second part of Furnaces._

As for this point, it needeth no proof; for it is sufficiently known, that of ☉ dissolved in Spirit of Nitre (in which also was dissolved Sal Armoniack) and precipitated with Salt of Tartar (or Spirit of Urine, which is better) then edulcorated and dryed, such a powder will be made, which being put upon an Iron, Copper, or Silver Plate, and enkindled by a light heat, fulminateth more strongly than half a pound of common Gun-powder, concerning which, I have treated at large in other of my Writings.

_Point_ XXXIII.

_Engineers, and makers of Fire-works, may perform many wonderful
things, by the help of this Subject._

That common Nitre is used in the making of Gun-powder, and other Fire-works, wants no Testimony, being a thing every where known.

_Point_ XXXIV.

_Many new Works belonging to the Weavers, and Smiths Art, may
be made thence, which may be Communicated to Neighbouring
Countries, in lieu of which, money may be brought into a Country
impoverished by War._

As for this point, it is most certain, that by the mentioned Subject, various Manufactures may be perfected, which thing let no Man doubt; but there is no need here to particularize; let it suffice that I have verified (by the assistance of God) those things which I have named, and proposed to explain in that place.

_Point_ XXXV.

_If Keepers of Vineyards, pour a little of this Subject to the
Roots of their Vines, they will have ripe Grapes, and new Wine
sooner than the rest of their Neighbours, of which they may make
a good advantage._

Plebeians, Country-men, Gardeners, Vine-dressers, and the like, who are conversant about the propagation of Vegetables; do say, and believe, that Dung causeth Fertility, and the increase of things: But a Philosopher, penetrating farther into Nature, and who is a most diligent Searcher of her Works, attributeth that to the Salt which is hidden in the Dung, and the matter it self is no otherwise, for by digestion in the Stomachs of Men and Bruits, the essential Salt, as well of Animals, as of Vegetables, is transmuted into a Nitrous Salt, which together with the Excrements passeth out by the Belly, and is used by Men for the propogating of Vegetables of all kinds, but another Salt which doth not participate with that, is separated by another way, to wit, by Urine, the greatest part of which Salt is acid, and contrary to the growth of all Vegetables, (although it carrieth along with it some volatile Salt) it destroyeth, mortifieth, and taketh away from them the power of growing, yea, Life it self, if they be often moistened with it; but the Nitrous Salt reconded in Excrements, on the contrary, vivifieth all Vegetables, and maketh them to encrease, grow strong, and bear Fruit, which all men know. Therefore if it be probable that it is not the Dung, but the Salt which is hidden in the Dung, that causeth fertility and encrease, it will be possible, that an encrease by such a Salt may be procured in all Vegetables equally as with Dung it self, and indeed better, for there is Urine also conjoined with the Dung; which if it be not for some time exposed to the Air and the Rain, for the washing away that sharp Salt, the Dung would avail nothing to the fattening of the Earth, which Country-men know, and therefore they do not presently use their fresh Dung, but lay it in the Fields before Winter; Vine-dressers in their Vineyards; and leave it there all the Winter, to that end, that the Rain may wash out that sharp and hurtful Salt; and this being done, then at length they mix it with their Earth; and the event teacheth them that this fattens more than Dung carried fresh out of Stables, and full of Urine. Therefore if I know how to make a Nitrous Salt, which is reconded not only in the Excrements of Men and Brutes, but also in Rainwater and common Earth, I may use this instead of Dung, (being first purged from its contrary acid) one pound of which will perform more than an hundred weight of Dung; yet in the mean time it conduceth to that purpose, if a little Sheeps-dung be dissolved together with the purified Nitre, in Water, with which the Roots of the Trees are to be moistened or Seeds throughly wetted with the same. And this I have proved more than once, and found, that by the help of Nitre well depurated, an encrease is most powerfully and swiftly promoted, yea, more than can be believed. NB. That I would have none understand me, as if common Nitre were to be taken, which is not at all profitable in these matters.

_Point_ XXXVI.

_Nevertheless Must and Wine may be ripened after another manner in the Hogshead, without this Art, so that they who understand the way may have alwaies good Wine, when others have it sowre, =&c.=_

This is a very fair and profitable Secret in those places, where Wines, by reason of cold, cannot come to maturity, but are forced to remain crude and impotent, which by this Remedy may be brought to maturity in the Hogshead; so that Wine which is eager and sowre, may be made delicate, friendly, generous, and durable. And although I here write nothing but the truth, and what I have often effectually proved, yet I very well know, that but a very few will apprehend or believe it, which matters little to me; I am satisfied, that I have verified what I have written in this point.

_Point_ XXXVII.

_There remains yet another thing very profitable to Countrymen. The juice of Apples or Pears being pressed out, by the help of this subject, such an effervescency or working is promoted, as Wine may be thence made, having the relish of the natural, and but little inferiour in durability and strength, =&c.=_

In this point mention is made how the juice of Apples, and Pears, may be corrected, that it may be like to Wine, keeping many years uncorrupted: which certainly is a Secret of great moment and profit. Apples, when ripe, of their own accord fall from the Trees, every thing hath its period; what advantage may be made by this Art in those places, where a great quantity of Fruit groweth; whether is it not better to make this use of them, than to leave them to rot and be lost? I will do what lies in me, and not bury my Talent, that I may be rendered excusable before GOD and the World, although that which I teach may not be received, as becometh it to be used. At length, after my Decease, it will be observed, what is hidden in my Writings, but the _Phrygians_ were wise too late. Therefore I again affirm, that all things contained in this point, are purely true, and may be perfectly effected. [_See Apology against_ Farnner.]

_Point_ XXXVIII.

_If Husband-men moisten their Seed with this =Menstruum=, it will
sooner be ripe, and have larger and fatter Grains than ordinary:
which being done, I will shew by what means they may make great
profit of their Grain, =&c.=_

The 35 Point confirms the truth of this, That Grain will grow the more plenteously, if it shall be humected with the Nitrous Water above-mentioned, before it be sown, but common Nitre is not here to be understood. The other is also consentaneous to Truth, which is written about the most profitable use of Grain, which none need doubt; for as yet more may be done in that than I have here spoken of, for without much labour and cost, by that water, every good and kernelly substance, as I may so speak, of Grain, is extracted, which Extract may be kept for many years, as a Treasure of great moment, of which afterwards, at any time or place, (by the addition of Water of Hops) good Beer may be made, and Vinegar, and burning Spirit; it is also of such a very Nutritive substance, that in case of necessity it may be used instead of Bread, one pound of which will afford more nourishment than two or three pound of Bread made after the common manner. It may also be kept in Garrisons with great commodity: Also it may be used at Sea, by those who sail to the _Indies_, and trade about in Ships, when they want Bread; of which by the addition of warm water of Hops, may be made very good Beer, at any time of the year, for it is easily and wholly dissolved in warm water. For this reason also it may be most commodiously carried from place to place by Armies in time of War, which in the Field, at any time, Winter or Summer, with the water of Hops, it may be boiled into Beer, and there is no need to carry the water far, because it is to be found in all places; neither are Hops of any great burden; therefore in one only Tun there may be carried of this Extract as much as sufficeth for the brewing of six or eight Tun of Beer; and which is more, by this means, wholesome Beer may be made in the _Dog-daies_, as well in Camps, as in Cities and Ships, without any fear of impediment or future sowrness; at which time good Beer is not otherwise made, because then it is wont presently to grow sowre; and many other Commodities are procured by this means, all which to declare, would be superfluous. Let what hath been said suffice.

_Point_ XXXIX.

_I have yet one thing to add among my Wine-Arts, concerning Grain,
and the Fruits of Trees and Shrubs, which is to be received
with Thankfulness, as a great Gift of God to Mankind, =viz.= It
is found by industry and manifold experience, that from Rie,
Wheat, Oats, Rice, Millet; also from Apples, Pears, Peaches,
Cherries, Plumbs, Sloes, Damscens, Quinces, Figgs; as also
from Goose-berries, Mulberries, Barberries, Black-berries,
Elder-berries, and other like Fruits of Trees and Shrubs; from
all these, I say, may be prepared with little labour and cost,
a Drink very like to Wine, both in taste, smell, and strength,
being grateful, wholesome, and durable, =&c.=_

In this point mention is made, That of the Fruit of Trees and other Bushes and Shrubs, a clear Drink may be made, which is also grateful and durable, being like to Wine in taste, colour, and virtue; which thing, although it may seem strange to those who are ignorant of the matter, nevertheless it is most true; so that those things which are contained in this point, may be boldly credited. For what should it profit me to write those things which I am not able to prove, it would only turn to my disgrace and detriment. For this reason I have determined to have such a Laboratory prepared, in which not only the owners of Metallick Mines (if they desire it of me) may learn the manner by me newly invented, for the compendious melting of Minerals, so that they shall yield more Metal, than by the known and common manner; but will also shew other Secrets, that the _Magnalia_ and wonders of God may be made manifest, and We stirred up to give Thanks to the Giver of all Good: Which Elaboratory shall continue open for one whole year, which being past, it shall again be shut up and cease; for I purpose not to render the whole course of my Life obnoxious to those great Labours, but at length to enjoy a quiet tranquility; which thing I am willing that all men should know, that they may spare me with their Letters, which it is impossible for me to answer, much less that I should see the Persons, seeing that the burden of journying is to me altogether insupportable; but whatsoever I may perform at home, I will not refuse. [_See for this point Apology against_ Farnner.]

Here thou hast, benevolent Reader, a fundamental Explication of my _Miraculum Mundi_, (as for those last points, to wit, 36, 37, 38, and 39, they might indeed have been very commodiously explained here, but because this is done at large, in a peculiar Treatise, entituled, _The Prosperity of_ Germany; there is no need to explain them in this place; therefore what the benevolent Reader finds wanting here, there he shall find it at large, to which I remit him) whereby it will appear to all men, unless to those who are wilfully blind, that I have not ascribed too much to the Salt of the Earth, as a universal subject, but that I have proved to the whole World, that every thing which I have attributed to it, is possible, and plainly agreeable to Truth. But that these Secrets which I have proved, may be performed by the benefit of the Salt of the Earth, may not be done by other waies, and perhaps nearer, I go not about to deny, but do necessarily affirm, that the mentioned Metallicks, as well as the Mechanicks, may be performed after other manners. Only here it is verified, That the Salt of the Earth is deservedly esteemed a universal subject, which no man will deny, nor will be able to refute by Arguments, supported by truth, how wise soever he may seem to himself. Therefore let its vileness offend no man, for the best of things is oftentimes hidden in things of small price. Wherefore all men erre, who attribute good to outward splendor, in which yet it is not, but is only to be sought, found, and obtained in things vile, and of low esteem. =Note this, believe this, otherwise thou wilt never attain to any Good.=

But here some Man may object in this manner: If Nitre be a Universal Menstruum according to my praises of it, it will thence necessarily follow, that the stone of Philosophers should be made by it, of which nevertheless I have here made no mention. To obviate this Objection, I do indeed readily confess, that I have not proceeded in this subject, any further than those things which I have now proved; but without doubt it containeth in it self greater things, than are manifested to me and others. I have made a beginning, I have strowed the way, let others follow me, and prosecute the thing further, if God shall grant it to them; as for me I am content with small things, and do not anxiously, or sollicitously aspire after the highest. Yet in the mean time, this I freely confess, if I were not so old as I am, I should not leave this Matter unessay’d. It is not to be doubted, but many men have sought the Universal stone in Nitre, but what they have found, that themselves know; and of this I am the more assured, because there Matter in the end of the Work taking fire, hath vanished like a Clap of Thunder; hence the ancient Philosophers have performed their work in Winter, lest they should be hurt by Corruscations; it is most true, and void of all errour, that a most noble essence of this sort, obtaining a power of expelling all the Natural Diseases of Mortals, and of transmuting all the imperfect Metals into Gold cannot be prepared from an impure Metal, or Mineral, nor also of Gold it self. Much less of viler and more unlikely things in which Fools are miserably Occupied, prodigally, and unprofitably wasting their Goods; but in my judgment, it should be no other thing than a Concentrated Astral fire, exalted by Art, into the form of a stone, without any other Adventitious matter. For in the nature of things, no purer Essence can be found, than fire, exercising a very great power in all things, especially in Metals: For if we had not fire (I pray consider it) all Arts, and Mechanicks would grow cold, and be involved in the dark silence of Cessation. Arts were invented, and draw their Original from the fire, otherwise how should Metals be got out of their Minerals, and prepared for use? truly they would be of no use at all. Therefore the fire containeth more than can be believed. He that doth not know fire to be a most powerful Element, knoweth nothing, nor without this, can he find out any thing, neither by any just right can he assume the Name of a Philosopher. The fire alone, without the addition of other things, is sufficient to make Metals of stones, and particularly, the best Metals out of the vilest stones, provided we know how to use it; but universally, being concentrated into a stony matter; which last although I have not experienced, nevertheless I have observed, if (by the favour of the Almighty) a man could exalt the fire into a Corporeal fixed substance, he would certainly have a Tincture for men, and the imperfect Metals. But some man may object, by what way is this Crown to be obtained? Truly by no other than by Divine Revelation. For the Secrets of God of this sort, are not so easily to be found out, nor will they be manifested to Impious men, although the whole World is infected with a foolish madness, who doatingly think by force to extort Gold from things in which it is not, and one that hath understanding of the fire and Metals, cannot sufficiently admire those foolish and doltish Labours, which they who are Captivated by the hunger of Gold, undertake for the making the stone of Philosophers; many being willing to ascend the Ladder, are presently sollicitous about the uppermost Round, when notwithstanding they are as yet far from the lowermost step: But this is a matter of a higher and more diligent search. In the fire, I say, are contained Secrets of great moment, yea, insomuch that some Philosophers (among whom _Plato_ is the chief) write that God is most clearly discerned and apprehended in Fire and Salt. Fire, and the Immortal God alone can make light of darkness, which is granted to no Mortal to do; without fire is darkness and death: Without fire nothing can live, nothing groweth or encreaseth.

In sum, Fire is the most Noble, and most Potent Work of God in the whole Universe, he that knoweth how to use it rightly, will have need of no Art. Let the Benevolent Reader also take with him my small judgment concerning the great stone of the wise; let every man believe what he will, and is able to comprehend. Such a work is purely the gift of God, and cannot be learned by the most acute powers of an humane mind, if it be not assisted by the benign help of a Divine Inspiration. And of this I assure my self, that in those last times, God will raise up some, to whom he will open the Cabinet of Natures Secrets, that they shall be able to do wonderful things in the World, to his glory, the which I indeed heartily wish to Posterity, that they may enjoy, and use to the Praise and Honour of God, _Amen_.

The _EPILOGUE_.

I doubt not but many Men considering the great good that may be effected by the benefit of Nitre, will be desirous of knowing how they may attain it in great quantity, that so they may not be forced to buy it at a dear rate; which certainly would be a great help not to a few who labour in the fire, and I could wish from my Soul, that all honest and pious Chymists might be able to recover some compensation for the Coals they have consumed without fruit. But seeing that I have made mention of the production or preparation of Nitre, in a peculiar Treatise entituled, _The Prosperity of_ Germany; it is needless here to repeat it. But this I will say by way of prediction, that Nitre, being thoroughly known by my Writings, true Alchymy, or the Transmutation of the imperfect Metals into better, will in a short time be as common, as it was in _Egypt_ long since in the time of the Emperour _Dioclesian_, who could not overcome or subdue the _Egyptians_, until he had by many Cruelties extorted their Books from them, which he burnt, and so brought them under the yoke of servitude. NB. That it is no wonder that the Transmutation of Metals should have been so common with the _Egyptians_ only, seeing that Nitre is found in all places of the Land of _Egypt_, and the famous River _Nile_ is impregnated with Nitre, which only by its overflowing (which it doth twice in a year) so fateneth the whole Country, that it is made very rich and fruitful in all things without dung; for the _Nile_ aboundeth with Nitre, as the Sea doth with common Salt. For at certain times of the overflowing, _viz._ in the beginning, the inhabitants are wont to dig deep Pits, that they may remain full of the water, which being afterwards dried up by the Sun, Nitre is very Copiously prepared, as common Salt is made in _Spain_, and other hot Regions. This therefore I was willing to discover for the information of the Reader; if he be wise, and God be propitious to him, he will believe that I have said enough; but if not, an Explication ten times clearer will not help him. Therefore let it suffice, that what is here desired, shall be had in those Treatises which are entituled, _The Prosperity of_ Germany, whereby a man filled with the Love of God, will be greatly delighted.

THE
CONTINUATION
OF
Miraculum Mundi.

_In which Nature is clearly laid open to the Eyes of the whole
World; demonstrating, that the chief Medicine of Vegetables,
Animals, and Minerals, may be prepared of Salt-petre, and that
Salt-petre truly merits the Name of an Universal Menstruum._

The PREFACE, to the READER.

_This Treatise, to which I have given the Title of the =Continuation of Miraculum Mundi=, containeth four excellent =Arcanums=, which I doubt not, but will prove very profitable to the publick. The first of these I offer to Country-men, as Husbandmen, Vine-dressers, Gardiners, and all such who are occupied in Tilling and manuring the Earth, that they may learn a new Method of fattening and enriching their Fields and Gardens, without the usual and customary way of dunging, and thence yearly acquire a greater profit._

_The Second, I give to all Citizens, Merchants and others who have time and leasure, and abounding in riches, know not by what means to augment or improve their Gold and Silver. Which way I will shew them, and how to effect it after a much better and honester manner than putting it to Usury, or incommoding or oppressing their Neighbours._

_The Third, I present to all Conscientious Physicians that they may learn to prepare Salutiferous and Efficacious Medicines with small charge, little labour, and in a short time; that (as becomes Christians) they may help and succour the Miseries of the sick, and acquire to themselves an honest livelihood._

_The Fourth, I dedicate to all persons of great Name and Authority, by the benefit of which, they may preserve their Health entire, and recover it when lost._

_The Omnipotent God give us his Divine Grace, that we may make such use of his fatherly bounty, as may tend to the promoting of his Honour, and the Love of our Neighbour. =Amen.=_

Arcanum I.

_Being a Gift given to Husbandmen, keepers of Vineyards, Gardeners,
=&c.=_

Although I had determined with my self to reserve the Press, mentioned in the first part of _The Prosperity of_ Germany, (by which the juice might be pressed out of great Trees, the searching after which hath wearied many Mens Brains) for the third part of the same work; nevertheless, it seems good to me to describe it in this Treatise for the good of the publick. And that chiefly for this reason, because the Omnipotent God hath now revealed to me other manners of extracting Salt-petre, in plenty, out of all Wood, and that without a Press; and not only from Wood, but also from all Vegetables, Animals, and Minerals, so that by an easie business, and in a short time, without a Press and putrefaction, Wood, and Salt may be converted into Salt-petre: Yea, in the space of three or four hours, every Vegetable, or Animal, as also Salts of every kind, may be so transmuted, as that they pass into a Fatt, fervid and sulphureous Salt, which afterwards by the benefit of the Air is animated, and converted into Salt-petre. Such a Salt, although it doth not presently conceive flame, and burn like Salt-petre, yet it is now brought to that pass, that in the manuring or dunging of poor and barren ground, it doth the same thing as the dung of any Cattel is wont to effect. Hence by the same Salt every pure Sand destitute of all fatness, is quickly so fatted, that it is rendered fit for the sowing and bringing forth Corn. Few will believe what Salt can perform, when spoiled of its Corrosive force. Therefore Christ saith not in vain to his Disciples, _Ye are the Salt of the Earth_. That Earth which wanteth Salt is dead; nor can it bring forth Fruit: For this inverted Salt serveth not only for sandy and plainly barren Fields, but also for those which are fruitful, that they may be sowed every year, and bring forth Fruit. Truly it is a great Gift of GOD, of which this ungrateful World is not worthy. It often happens, that a Husbandman, through want of Dung, is forced to let his Fields lie unsown, till he can have an opportunity to sow them; but what a loss is this to those who in the mean time must pay the Magistrates, Taxes, or Duties, for them, and yet make no benefit of them. Were it not better for such to possess only the Third or Fourth part of what they have of such Land as would yield him every year an encrease. Certainly by this means, that Land which otherwise is scarce able to maintain one Country-man, would be sufficient for the keeping of ten, if it were fatened after this manner by an inverted wood or salt. In like manner also Vineyards [_and Hopyards_] might be so fattened, that the Labour bestowed upon them might not be in vain, but they might abound in Fruits.

So also Fruit-trees, and Meadows, and Pastures, which bear but little Grass, may by the same Salt be so amended, as to bring forth better Fruit and richer Crops of Grass. But let this suffice, concerning those things in this place, more shall follow (God willing) in the Third Part of _The Prosperity of_ Germany. In the mean time the Plenty of Corn and Wine will be in part consumed. But I doubt not but that this excellent Gift of God will be sought into by good Masters of Families, be had in esteem, and even from this time to the World’s end, be put to use for the promoting of the Divine Honour, and the well being of many Thousands of men.

[Sidenote: Vid. _Prosp._ Germ. _p._ 3.]

But the manner of expressing of Wood by its proper Fire, and again of coagulating this acid juice, by the benefit of the fixed Salt remaining in the burnt Coals or Ashes, into a Salt fattening of barren ground, or of reducing it into _Salt-Petre_ by the benefit of the Air, is indeed an excellent and singular Artifice, which rendereth all unprofitable Wood highly profitable and beneficial; yea, these are Inventions so profitable, as the like hath been yet published by no man. And this Invention is much better than that of reducing Wood into Pot-ashes, in which all the acid juice passing away in smoak, wholly perisheth, and is lost, and from a great quantity of Wood a very few ashes remain, and out of them there is found but a little Salt (scarcely the Tenth Part) fit for the fattening of ground, or to be turned into _Salt-Petre_. For it is not the ashes, but the salt contained in them, that serves to both those purposes. Therefore this my method of extracting the juice of wood, and converting it into a good salt, is far to be preferred to the making of Pot-ashes of Wood. Nor doth this press serve only for the pressing out the juice of Wood, where Wood is plenty, but it may be also used with great profit in Moorish places where Wood is wanting, and which abound with Turf, which may be used instead of Wood. For the juice of Turf is equally fit with the juice of Wood for enriching of Land; so that no Country hath cause to complain that the Creator of all things hath not plentifully provided it with some part of that _mundane_ Treasure. Countries that lie high abound with Wood, and the low afford abundance of Turf. Therefore, as in Regions of an higher scituation, an unspeakable quantity of Wood perisheth by putrefaction, and growing, and again rotting, serveth for no use or benefit; so also it is in places lower scituated, with Turf, in which very often vast Tracts yield not the least profit to any man, although in their inward Penetrals are hidden great Treasures. Seeing that it is so in Moorish and Marshy places, if they are overgrown with Grass, and Beasts should be sent to feed upon that Grass, what profit will thence accrue to men? But if they shall be invironed with too much wet or plashiness, (too boggy) so that they are impassible by men, they are of no utility at all.

There are Marshy tracts which are covered over (or swerded only with Moss) which neither afford Turf, or nourishment for Cattel, inasmuch as the growth of Grass, and Turf fit for burning, is hindred, either by too much Sand, or large Moss. And yet those very tracts being pressed by Fire, yield a fertile juice, by which the neighbouring Fields (especially the Sandy) may be rendered fruitful. For those Moors or Marshes contain nothing but that fatness which the Rain-water hath collected from the neighbouring, high, and sandy grounds, and washed down with it self into the Valleys, where it concreteth into Moss; whence of right it should be restored to those barren sandy grounds, to fatten them. And by this means it may be brought to pass, that great fruitfulness may be conferred on much desert and waste Land, which brings no profit at all to Mankind. What I say, is agreeable to the Truth it self, and perhaps in Process of time, will be found most true, and come into use in very many places. But at this time, these things seem to Country-men, meer Dreams, and far exceed the Capacity of their maulted Brains. But as every fat Marsh is able to fatten the adjacent, barren, high, sandy grounds; so the Ocean is the Universal Medicine, and nutriment of all high and barren Regions, through which it passeth, and by the salt contained in it, bestows upon them fruitfulness. [_Vid. Nat. Salium._] Whence the incredible Providence of the Divine Goodness manifestly appeareth, for which uncessant Thanks are to be given to the Almighty by all men, for His Fatherly Care, and great benefits never to be forgotten. But how the Sea-salt fatteneth, and maketh fruitful sandy-ground, which is destitute of all fatness, shall afterwards be exactly demonstrated. Here, by the way, in the Description of my Press, for the pressing of wood, I was willing to mention this thing. How much better therefore is this my Art and Invention of preserving the juice, and almost the whole _pondus_ or weight of the wood (the unprofitable Phlegm only excepted) in that transmutation, than the invention of reducing it to Pot-ashes? For any man of Understanding may easily see, That in that open burning of the wood the noble Sulphur is consumed by the Fire, and can be of no benefit. But if the business may be so ordered, that the wood shall burn, and not consume it self in burning, but be converted into a sulphureous Salt, it will be a thing of great moment. He that knoweth how to perform this, hath indeed attained the scope, and arrived to the desired end. Although a Coal be deprived of its juice, nevertheless it retains almost the same quantity that the wood had, whereof it was made. One pound of such Coals being burnt, scarce yields an ounce and an half of ashes, which ashes afford but a third or fourth part of Salt, fit to be changed into _Salt-Petre_, or to fatten the Earth. Therefore it is no small Art to preserve the Sulphur of the Coals (whose Virtues are great) and to convert it into so noble a Salt.

For the acid juice of wood being pressed out, and reduced to sweetness, will effect far more in the manuring and fattening of Fields, than any one can easily believe. Hereafter, if I shall see it necessary, I shall publish yet more and greater things; but I shall yet for some time suspend the publication of the Third Part of _The Prosperity of_ Germany, till I see how things will prove; being assured that my Writings for time to come will be more grateful, than to this present Age. I will now enter upon the description and use of the Press so often mentioned, for the expressing and again coagulating the juice of Wood.

_Of the Figure, Use, and Utility of the Press, by whose help the
Juice is plentifully pressed out of Wood, without great labour,
fit for the making of =Salt-Petre=._

_The Form or Figure._

First, Let a round Furnace be built with Bricks of the same form with that in the first Figure, noted with the Letter A. It must be like a Glassmaker’s Furnace, large at the bottom, and rising round by degrees to a small point at the top; in the top must be a round hole, opening about a foot broad, by which the Wood may be put into the Furnace. To the hole is to be fitted a Cover or Stopper, made of the same matter, with the Bricks, and burnt as they are, to shut up the hole. On one side of the lower part of the Furnace, is to be a door, by which the Coals may be taken out. On the other side is to be a little hole, to which an earthen Channel or Pipe of about three or four cubits long, is to be fitted, in which the smoak or fume of the wood, forced out by the fire, may be condensed into an acid juice, and may destil into a wooden Vessel or Barrel, which is to be fitted to the Pipe, to receive the destilling acid juice. See the first Figure noted with _pag._ 13. at the beginning of this Treatise.

A _is the Furnace or Oven wherein the Wood is char’d_.

B, _The Cover of the Furnace_.