Chapter LII: Front Matter (52)

There is yet another way by which we may expect profit out of such Minerals as contain in them much ♂ if we deal with them on this wise. Let it be reduced with the strong blast of bellows, and you shall find either a greater or lesser _Regulus_ in the bottom (according to the muchness or lessness of the ♂ that the stone contains) which _Regulus_ compriseth in it self the ☉ and ☽ which was in the Mineral or Ore, if such an Iron be malleable, Plates may be made of those _Regulusses_, with are to be dissolved (in the Cauldrons made of cast Iron) with that secret water, out of which solution, the ☉ may be extracted by the benefit of the _Magnet_, according to the afore-prescribed manner. But if the said _Regulus_ be brittle, and not malleable, then may it be granulated: Nay, it would not be much amiss to make large Cauldrons and such like Pots thereof by melting, that may be of 2, 3, or 4 Fingers thickness. Nor must we suppose that what the said water dissolves of the Cauldron and takes from it, besides that which it receives from the Plates or Granulated Iron put therein to dissolve, is meerly lost: No, for even it doth in like manner exhibit its _Sol_ too; so that by this means a most rich Mine-pit may be made.

But some will say, whence shall we have such Minerals that yield ☉, and that bring such great profit? We have said before, that such Minerals or Ores containing such Iron, are every where to be found: Nor can you light on any common ♂ which has not ☉ therein, which may easily be extracted from thence, and that with most great profit. This now is known unto most (Refiners) that there is plenty of corporeal ☉ to be found in the Iron that we commonly use which (said corporeal ☉) is far surmounted (as to quantity) by the volatile ☉; but if a man would separate it thence by the help of fusion and the addition of ♄, it requires too much costs, and therefore men never attempted any other way of extracting it.

All _Germany_ affords this sort of Iron (that is thus endued with Gold) in a most plentiful manner, & I could shew very many places in which it may be found, if some pregnant (or notable) causes did not prohibit me from so doing.

But that all men may know, that I tell the very truth, and do not like a vain man tell you of great Treasures, and that they are every where to be found in _Germany_, and yet notwithstanding by reason of their not being known are not of any use; I will show some of them with my very Fingers as it were, which haply in respect of othersome that I know not of as yet, will be but a very few, and these very vile or poor, too.

First of all then, all the Iron that is in the Pine-bearing Mountain and about it, doth contain both fixt and volatile ☉; and this I have often experienced some years since, when I lived at _Kitzing_ in _Franconia_, and extracted thence from by the help of a melting Fire excellent ☉: For as then, the manner of extracting ☉ from thence by waters only, without any melting fire, was to me unknown: For at that time those most eminent Men Mr. _Christopher Herbst_, the chief Physician of the Prince of _Arsparch_, and Mr. _Adam Renningen_ the said Prince’s Lieutenant, and chief of his House, (or Governour) in the Castle of _Blassenburg_ near _Culmbach_, presented me various kinds of minerals, to try what was in them contained: And amongst these Iron ones I find all of them to be endued with Gold, which might be exceeding profitably extracted thence by the afore-disclosed moist way. There were likewise given me such like conditioned stones and metals (or ores) which were found near _Bamberg_, of which we have said somewhat afore. The truth of this thing is the more confirmed by the Lord _Fleishman_, Governour of the Province of _Bamberg_ my singular Friend, who wrote unto me some few months since, that an excellent Gold-mine is found in the Province of _Bamberg_, but yet that the Gold thereof cannot at all be separated from the Iron by the force of Fire; which volatility of _Sol_ I signified to him in my answer might most easily be amended.

Now like as all the Minerals and the Iron it self which are found near the Pine-bearing Mountain, are very much endued with Gold, so those which are found in _Misnia_, _Saxony_, _Thuringia_, and _Bohemia_, do abound with ☽: both of which may be extracted thence by the way by me delivered, with very great profit. I know by good experience that in the _Hungarian_ ☉ and ☽ Mine-pits much volatile Gold and Silver is forced away into the Air through meer ignorance.

Certain I am, that the Metals (or Ores) throughout all _Carinthia_ and _Styria_ do possess much volatile and fixt Gold; especially the Iron Metal (or Ore): For I have many a time made experiments of that thing.

Moreover, the _Hircinian_ Wood, _Brunswick_, and _Hassia_ yield such kind of Minerals. Nor is _Suevia_ destitute of such Iron as is impregnate with ☉; and amongst other things I think good to declare, that some few months since, a certain _Basilian_ Ruler sent me a potion of such kind of Iron; withal relating, that the lesser experiment did there yield ten Crowns of Gold, and that an hundred weight was of this Iron sold for nine _Florins_ price. Which Iron when I had tried by the help of a fusing or melting Fire I got a sufficiently great quantity of ☉, but in proceeding by my moist way, I got twice or thrice as much.

Such kinds of stones as these are found in plenty throughout all _Germany_, to which may be reckoned the red and black Talk, the Irony Talk, black and red _Granates_, _Smiris_, _Hæmatites_, and the like, which always are endued with ☉, if not with fixt, yet with volatile Gold. So that now it is manifestly apparent, that in those places where ☉ is digged, all the stones are repleat with volatile Gold at least, if not with fixt ☉ too: like as all the Iron that is digged in _Spain_ doth of a certainty besides volatile Gold contain also corporeal Gold. Nay more, there are not only found such stones that have Gold in them in those hotter places, but also in most cold places too, witness _Norway_; where you may meet with whole Mountains consisting of Iron, Talk, and Granates; out of which there has not hitherto been any ☉ gotten by the help of a melting fire with any profit; though I my self have found ☉, in the lesser experiments.

Last year Mr. _J. W._ brought me various Ores out of the County of _Eysfeldein_, that I might try what they contained. Amongst others, there were some little grains of Iron round like a Pease, though somewhat lesser, thus generated in the Earth naturally: This Earth as I was informed, is altogether black, one handful of which contains 10, 15, 20 Grains: wherefore it is not improbable that all the Earth of that place is repleat with Iron; these little Grains are so very tractable, as that they may be made into Plates with an Hammer, and contain much Gold.

Such a kind as this of black Iron grains (yet not so round or tractable as those but now spoken of) were brought me from _Saxony_, which are endued with plenty of Gold, but volatile; they are easily pulverisable, and (as was related to me) are to be found near the Mountain which the _Germans_ call _Geyersberg_, where also is gathered a Tin stone, which doth also contain Gold, such as _Misnia_ yields more plentifully. Out of 100 weight of this Tin, I found that 10 or 12 Crowns of Gold might indeed be extracted; but this work requires such costs as far exceed the price of that which is extracted: and therefore they sell off the Tin, just as ’tis digged out, to avoid the expence of extracting the ☉.

That which is gathered in the said Mountain, I have often tried, nor did I ever find it destitute of ☉, the which may be very well extracted by my moist separation.

The _Stabelein_ Abbot presented me with such like Iron stones and several others that had Gold in them, together with diverse Minerals, some 18 months ago, some of which were gathered in _Westphalia_, some in the Province _Luttinge_, in that part that is under the Government of the Elector of _Cologne_, _P. M._ The Prince himself having a mind to see by what means I would extract the volatile Gold out of them, came unto me, but he died in his Journey homewards; since that I have not received any more of such like aureous Metals (or Ores.)

Amongst other (Ores) I knew an Iron Metal (or Ore) found in _Westphalia_, the half whereof was very aureous, but of no use, because the Metal-men were ignorant of the way of separating those Metals from one another; whereas notwithstanding both the pure Copper, and the ☉ it self may be most easily separated from the Iron according to the way by me delivered.

There were also a while ago several Iron stones brought me by the _Cologne_ Merchants, and especially Mr. _Peter Sevet_ (_P. M._) which are found in plenty in the Mountains, and do abound with much ☉: Besides this too, all the Mountains of _Germany_, do yield a yellow Earth, endued with Iron and ☽: of which kind a certain Physician of _Erfurt_ sent me some, which (as he related to me) at _Eysfeldt_ near _Erfurt_ towards the Province of _Moguntia_ is plenty thereof.

Such an Earth containing silver, I my self found here in the bordering places ’twixt _Arnheim_ and _Embrick_, but not of such worth as that of _Eysfeldt_ is.

Who knows but that that same place which we call _Velaw_ hides in it vast Treasures. For I have found near _Amheim_ a white Clay and Earth out of which I extracted some ☽: Yea and I found there too, true Veins of Iron, which whether or no they contain ☉ and ☽ I cannot tell: For I never proved them, but the first opportunity I have I intend (God willing) to make an Essay.

Thus ’tis evident that there is not at all wanting unto us the matter of effecting some good and profitable thing by, but the love of idleness is the reason why we neglect abundance of sufficiently obvious Treasures.

The Earth nourisheth men of diverse natures; for some of them are altogether slothful, sluggish, and extraordinarily backward to labour, and yet nevertheless get fat bodies enough: On the other hand, there are some who are very diligent, & do too much consume themselves, and concerning whom (being like unto a burning Candle) they may say thus of themselves, _by serving others, am I consumed_. And as much benefit as the Candle gets by affording a light unto others and by consuming it self; so much doth there redound, especially from ungrateful men, to a diligent man who by serving others wasts and consumes himself.

These and such like most abject Subjects are plentifully enough to be found in all parts of the World where Mountains are, and out of them may you extract ☽ and ☉ by the help of my nitrous Water, were but the way of doing it known, which way hath been hitherto reserved amongst _Arcana_ by reason of mens extream ingratitude. And I pray is it not altogether useful and expedient that we should gather such Treasures, and make use of them to Gods Honour, and to the defence of Kingdoms and Mankind? Is there not sufficient store of idle fellows, whom it would be very expedient either to invite to labour or (if they shun work) to banish them the Kingdom?

I believe that this blindness will hardly leave men afore they are reduced to straits, but beware least you hap to begin to grow wise too late.

This work, like as is every other perfection of Metals is done by Sympathy and Antipathy: For that, dissolvent which drives off ☉ and ☽ from it self, by Antipathy, all this doth a mercurial _Magnet_ greedily attract by Sympathy, seeing it thus, that _viz._ as like loves like, and draws it to it self; so one contrary hates another contrary, and drives it away.

Two contraries do always produce a third thing. Where the Agent acts upon the patient, and that this patient is even enforced to suffer against its will, and cannot by any means shun the force of the Agent, there must of necessity arise some better product from them.

When water is added to water, neither of them suffer, because they are both of them of the same nature: But when fire and water are joined together, the weaker is the sufferer, and from them doth a third thing proceed.

The stinking and volatile _Sulphur_ is the enemy of ☉, and common Salt, of ☽; and by how much these have more stench the one, and sharpness the other, so much the greater is the hostility they shew. The greatest matters are performed by love and hatred; such things as are friendly beget a chearfulness, joy, and vivacity: Whereas, on the other hand, the things that we abhor beget a teadious wearisomeness, grief and death: therefore the more acceptable a thing is, the more it brings of life; the less acceptable the more of dolour doth it bring. All the perfection therefore of the baser metals consisteth only in Antipathy and Sympathy: And if once we do but rightly know the nature of metals, all things are easily accomplished.

It is storied of a certain Philosopher in _Italy_, That he had committed some evil deed, for the which he was accused, apprehended, and cast into prison, being here shut up, he could not be brought, neither by entreaties, nor by threats; no, nor by any means to confess his fact; but at last they put into his company a man of no sobriety or modesty at all, who did so grieviously exasperate him with his words, that the said Philosopher could not brook it, and so rather chose death; for he affirmed, that the mind of man was far more noble, than to be plagued by such a tag-rag, with reproachful contumelies.

Even just so is it with Metals, by how much the nobler and purer they are, so much the less will they commix themselves with impure things.

Gold the purest of the Metals cannot be knit with stinking impure and common _Sulphur_; for there is an antipathy betwixt them. Salt alone is endued with those virtues as to be able to reduce contrary natures into agreement, and to commix them; and being commixt, the fixt ☉ is able to make the unfixt _Sulphur_, like unto it self in respect of fixity, whereas otherwise they always persecute each other with hatred. _Sol_ cannot suffer any thing until it has gotten the nature of a Salt, and then may it be tormented (as it were) by the impure _Sulphur_, and be changed into better.

When the Soul of the imperfect Metals (which is a spiritual ☉) is to be forcibly pluckt, and severed from its body, it cannot possibly be done without the dolour or pain of the Patient; for where the pure and spirituous goldenish substance that dwelleth in the corruptible bodies, is to be made Corporeal, and consequently assume a more noble form, the first form must necessarily be annihilated, that so the hidden tender body may come forth to light and be seen.

And this verily is done by another kind of way than the common and already known; by which (said common way) the Metals are separated by _Aqua-fortis_ from one another, and are afterwards Molten. For if any one should make one Metalline Mass of ♂, ♀, ♃, ☉, and ☽, by melting, and then would again separate them, by the help of common _Aqua-fortis_, he would effect nothing; for the _Aqua-fortis_ would dissolve only ☽ and ♀ and part of ♃ and ♂, and leave the remainder with the ☉ undissolved; or if he should pour on _Aqua-regia_, there would be only ☉ and ♀, together with some part of ♃ and ♂ dissolved, and that which remains of the ♃ and ♂ (undissolved) would be left behind with the ☽, and so there would not be made any good separation.

But if so be that any one has a mind to attempt this thing on this wise, and should say, I will dissolve ♂, ♀, or ♃, by the help of _Aqua-fortis_, or as much of it as possibly I can, for so the ☽ that is in the mixture must needs be dissolved. Now then when its dissolved I will precipitate it (_viz._ the ☽ out of the solution, by salt water (if it be so yet); the ☉ therefore remains, which could not be dissolved by the _Aqua-fortis_; or, if I should dissolve the Metal (or mixture,) by _Aquaregia_, then the ☉ is dissolved, (but not the ☽), and so I can precipitate the ☉ out of the solution, by a Lixivium, and edulcorate it, and melt it, and so by this means may I get it. Well (let me tell you) that neither will this way fadge, for these Metals, and especially ♂ and ♃ are too terrestrial, and admit not of such a separation, though there should be in the aforesaid Metals, abundance of Corporeal ☉ and ☽, whereas notwithstanding the greatest part is fluxile, and must be again made fixt and corporeal by solution; for in this work the already pure and fixt ☉ and ☽ may be altered, so as that a Mercurial magnet cannot be able to assume them. As for example, Take you a Metal, as ♂, ♃, or ♀, which (as is well known) there is Corporeal ☉. Dissolve this in _Aqua-regia_, and precipitate the ☉ by a Lixivium of fixt Salt; boil this precipitate with ☿, and see if that precipitated ☉ will pass into the ☿; you’ll find not, for this ☉ hath gotten a Crust (as it were) in its precipitation by the Lixivium; that is, it is environed with a saline Terrestreity, in so much that the ☿ cannot attract the ☉.

Neither likewise can ☿ attract or assume such a silvery Calx as is precipitated out of the solution with salt water, and that by reason of the terrestreity alone, which adheres thereunto by means of the precipitation, by which it is altered and deprived of a pure Metallick form.

The truth hereof may you easily experiment, on this wise. Dissolve a particle of pure ☽ in _Aqua-fortis_, and dissolve the same quantity of pure ☉ in _Aqua-regia_, precipitate the ☽ with salt water, and the ☉ with a Lixivium, so as that the ☽ be precipitated into a white, and the ☉ into a yellow Calx; edulcorate both Calxes apart after the best way that possibly you can, with hot water many times, so long till the edulcorating water be wholly sweet, then weigh these dryed Calxes, and you shall see that the ☽ and ☉ you took, are one fourth part heavier than before the solution of them; and this is to be ascribed to the Salts only, that have adjoined themselves to the Metal in the precipitation, and cannot be thence seperated by edulcoration; and therefore such a silvery Calx yields not (when molten,) a pure Lunar body, but a certain Ashy coloured Mass, fluxile and volatile, by reason of the Salts; and this Calx is not changed (or swallowed up) into the ☿ neithar before nor after its being molten, nor (after its melting,) can it ever be dissolved by _Aqua-fortis_ or _Aqua-regia_, which alteration proceeds meerly from the Salts that have adjoined themselves thereto in the precipitation.

Even just so is it with such a golden Calx, which being separated by precipitation out of the _Aqua-regia_ with a Lixivium, will not have ingress into ☿, by reason of the impurities that accompany it; and therefore this golden Calx (when it is made hot) kindles, and vehemently operateth upon it self, and this is meerly from the Salts.

From hence it is clearly evident that the Calx of ☽ precipitated by Salt, and the Calx of ☉ by a Lixivium, have not any communion with ☿, how then can such a Calx, which is (now) at first forced out from many terrestrial parts, and imperfect Metals, and separated from them, have a greater communion therewithal, have ingress thereinto, and conjoin it self therewith by digesting. Other wayes therefore must be taken, by which you may extract the volatile and fixt Gold, that lies hidden in ♂, ♃, ♄, or ♀: Now many there be who do in vain search into those things which they know not the nature of, and so walk in darkness like one that hath already fallen into a Pit.

But if you come to know such a menstruum or dissolvent, which is an enemy to ☉ or ☽, and yet nevertheless doth plainly dissolve ♂, ♃, ♀, and ♄, then the spiritual ☉ that lies hidden, will manifestly appear corporeally and visibly, and will pass into the _Mercurial_ Magnet.

Besides, this dissolvent must likewise be of such a nature, as that (when in the solution or digestion of the imperfect metals, it makes the spiritual and volatile Gold corporeal, and casts it off from it (as I may say) by antipathy in the form of a powder) this powder may not be environed with any crustiness as abovesaid, but that both the Calx of ☽ and of ☉ may have their natural metallick splendor, whereto the ☿ may adhere, and may attract unto it self whatsoever the dissolvent separates by the continual digestion.

Farther, this Dissolvent must be of such a nature as not to be so sharp as to dissolve the ☿ for then the work would not succeed; indeed it is scarcely necessary to make use of the ☿, to receive into it the spiritual and fixt Gold which is separated in the digestion fixation and separation of the Volatile ☉ of the Metals; for when it is once evacuated it will never again occupy (or seize upon) its impure body; yet notwithstanding this chiefly is done for this reason, _viz._ that the spiritual ☉ & ☽ in the imperfect metals may be the more willingly made Corporeal, when it finds a fitting subject wherein it may lie hidden and rest. Besides too, this spirituall ☉ and ☽ of the Metals, is indued with such virtues, as that it tingeth some part of the ☿ into ☉ and ☽, when it hath thereinto entred, whereby it yields the more profit.

Thus much likewise are ye to know, that this labour does not only proceed in the moist way, but also in the dry; but yet far easier in the moist than in the dry way; yet in the (dry way) a greater profit is gotten in a shorter time. For like as to one measure of Milk are required 1, 2, 3 or 4 spoonfuls of Salt, that so the Cheese (or Curd) may be separated from the water (or whey), but there needs not the quantity of one spoonful of the Spirit, which is much stronger than the bare Salt: Even so stands the case with Metalline operations; for by how much the greater and more powerful the Agent or Contrary is, so much the sooner and stronger doth it perfect its operations. Hence it is, that where the Agent must be yet more strongly active (as in the dry way, it must of necessity be where the strong fire adds virtue and vigour to the Agent) it being consequently more contrary (or powerful) the separation is sooner perfected. For example, Let us see how it is with Milk, where 10 or 20 drops of Spirit of Salt separate some cold Milk, there will need but half the quantity only when the Milk is boil’d or otherwise heated; even so is it with our Agent, whereby we make the Volatile Gold in the more vile or meaner Metals, corporeal and visible; it operates far more strongly in the dry way, than in the moist way; for in the dry way, the external fire aideth our fire, and hereupon finisheth its operation so much the sooner; but in the dry way must another Magnet be made use of.

Thus much let suffice touching the particular washing or external purgation of the viler Metals; as concerning the internal, central, universal washing, by which the interiour Soul of ☉ and ☽ is extracted for the Tincture, I do not as yet (certain) know any thing thereof, nor desire I to know such abstruse and hidden things: content I am with such things as God of his meer grace hath bestowed upon unworthy me, and if God shall so please, so far to profit mankind either by mine or any others help, he will also present an occasion of laying hold thereon (_viz._ on the Tincture) for all good things come from God.

Now in this action (or operation) is required an ocular inspection, such great things cannot be understood by Books or Writings, and he that desires to excel in these (operations) let him take it in good part, that (I say) he ought frequently to here me as a master, and to see me labouring about these things, which otherwise he will never learn, for the common Alchymists are plainly ignorant of this work; yea the Ancient Philosophers did hide it as a secret, the most they could, that so it might not be trodden under foot by Swine.

But whereas I do so clearly set down these things, otherwise than ever any before hath done, the consideration of the time (or age) requires it, and best of all known it is to God, why he now delivers these things to be divulged. Forasmuch as mention hath been made in the aforegoing treatise of Spiritual ☉, which might be extracted, together with the corporeal, and some or other would perhaps very willingly know what is to be understood by the name of spiritual ☉; I think it not much amiss a little more largely to explain these things for the sake of the Ignorant.

Every Spiritual thing is invisible, and void of a palpable body; but now if a body be given thereunto, in which that spirit may be made corporeal and visible, then the spirit is not any more a spirit, but is changed into a body; if therefore the Spirits are good, they do likewise make good Bodies, and so on the contrary. For all the Philosophers tell us, that the Spirit or Soul in Iron and Copper is more noble than in ☉ it self, because the body which it dwells in is gross, terrestrial, and impure.

The case then standing thus, it is no wonder that if these spirits are separated by art and force, and expelled from such grose bodies, and joined to other purer subjects, they then produce some good thing. Would not the other Beasts reverence the Ass clad in a Lions skin, as if he were their King, and this mearly by reason of his skin; though inwardly he were an Ass? If so be any man be but cloathed in silken rayment, and go gawdily; do not every body put off their hats to him, and honour him, though inwardly he haply is a thief or a knave; and so on the contrary, if a most honest and most learned man go in tattered apparel, or at least in mean rayment, is he not rejected, and despised by all. From hence it sufficiently appears how sinisterly the common people judge of all things, and neglect the inside, and only look to the outside shew. ’Tis the external Shape, according as tis good or bad, that makes a man esteemed by the vulgar either good or bad, contemptible or honourable, though his nature (or education) possesseth other properties.

The like is to be understood, concerning the contemptible Metals, _Mars_ and _Venus_, which according to the report of all the Philosophers have more Tincture in them than _Sol_ it self hath; but yet by reason of the grossness of their bodies are they rejected: now therefore, by how much better the means or way is by which this noble Spirit is extracted, and added to the pure bodies, so much the better is the product.

When therefore the gross bodies of ♂ and ♀ are artificially broken, and the spirit dissolved, and thence forced out, it seeks it self another body wherein it may dwell and be at rest. Therefore when we do by art disturb (as I may say) the gross bodies of _Mars_, _Venus_, _Jupiter_, or _Saturn_, and dissolve the pure Soul, and expel it by antipathy, out of its impure houses, and contemptible garments, and set before it a pure ☿, it possesseth it, and so assumeth another nobler body than it had before, and which then is ☉ and ☽, according as ’tis managed. This is my opinion, and after the same manner is the thing to be understood concerning Spiritual Gold.

But what business have we here with the Spiritual ☉ of Metals? Let us be content with the Corporeal, and leave the Spiritual to the Philosophers, to make the Tincture with. But forasmuch as upon the occasion of my teaching the means of extracting Corporeal ☉, I could not leave the speaking of the Spiritual wholly untoucht, I made also some kind of mention of the same; and it will be beneficial to some or other, who till they do understand my meaning, may be content with the Corporeal ☉. But such as have open and attentive Ears to consider what my drift is in this discourse, my doctrine will be more profitable unto them, than either _Sol_ or _Luna_.

There is yet one thing more to be added. In some places they are wont to reduce the _Sol_ and _Luna_ into a powder with ☿, that so the Corporeal ☉ and ☽ may be separated and extracted from the Stone (or Ore); and this is no new or unheard of thing.

But this is more rare (or seldomer used): a Metal which hath not as yet arrived to his due maturity but is as yet conjoined with his first ens, and consequently it flies away in the melting, and neither yields ☉ nor ☽, when it (_viz._ such a Metal) is commixt with ☿ salt and vinegar, and let lie to act upon each other for some days, it comes to pass that the Mercury attracts the immature, Spiritual ☉ and ☽, and makes it corporeal and fixt, so as it may thenceforward be molten. If then the Spiritual ☉ and ☽ doth so easily enter into the ☿, and make it Corporeal, it is yet much more facile to be done by my way, which is effected by the help of more strong (or powerful) instruments, than by bare ☿ only, and Salt and vinegar, with which they mix the Metal with the ☿, nor can they possibly do so much as my secret menstruum which penetrateth all things.

When now the Matter, together with the Salt and Vinegar is duly separated from the ☿ by the help of fair water, they pass the Mercury through a skin of Leather, which is again serviceable for the same uses; but that of it which adheres to the ☽, is thence separated in an Iron Retort, then is tried the weight of that which is separated, and as much as there wanteth of the weight of the ☿, so much of ☽ do they receive in its stead, which is a thing well worthy thenoting, and deserves a farther inquiry, and is not here set down in vain.

Let not any one despise these few things which I have here adjoined, for they comprise in them most great mysteries; yea and greater than most will believe.

Neither let any one imagine that I will presently communicate this most noble Secret (which clearly shines in the dark) to every stranger; no, no such matter; I will (God permitting) shew these things to my honest friends, that so it may not perish together with me; but however I will well think on that much used Proverb, _Fide, sed cui vide_; Trust, but see whom you trust.

The _Farnnerianists_ have given me this document; many there have been who have come unto me and declared the miserable state they were in, that what by the Wars, and by other misfortunes, they have lost their Goods, and have begged me for the love of God, to succour them, by communicating to them some operation, whereby they might sustain their lives, promising that they would requite this kindness by their earnest prayers unto God in my behalf.

These and such like words have sometimes moved me that I have given some secret to one or other, and have bestowed on them an overplus too; yet I obliged some of them, that they should convert it solely to their own use, and not communicate it to others without my privity, which thing they promised largely enough. But as soon as they have been gone from me, they have presently sold those secrets of mine to others, and which is more, to my Enemies. Now when by reason of their ignorance, they did not know how to institute the operation aright, they falsely affirmed, that they bought this Art of me at a price, and that they have been cheated; whereas they well know, that it was pure affection induced me to bestow these things upon them without any reward.

These and such other like ἀντίδωρα (or Gift-hinderers) have deterred me from communicating any thing to others for the future; and this I would have every one to consider, and not trouble me with either Letters or Visits.

Yet nevertheless I will communicate store of my secrets unto my Friends, that so they may not clearly perish with me, nor be thrown to my Enemies, and swinish men.

I have done as much as in me lay, nor will I omit to do more where I shall see a grateful mind; in the next place I will (for the service of my Friends) treat about and shew in the fourth part of the _Prosperity of_ Germany, the Secrets of _Saturn_, by what means any one that is but a little versed in managing the fire, may seek (or make) some Country fellows, his tributaries, who may pay him an appointed tribute every week, after the Example of Kings and Princes, who bestow upon their faithful servants (that deserve well of the Country by their valour against the Enemies) Kingly gifts as whole Cityes, Towns, Villages, and many Subjects as an inheritance, of whom they may afterwards receive Tribute and live very abundantly or plentifully.

Now by how much the more Country-men there are that be Subject to a noble man, so much the richer is he supposed to be, for they pay the more tribute. And the more Ploughs the Country-man hath a going, the greater is the tribute he pays his Lord, which thing the governance of States or Common-weals induceth, as being a just thing.

Now after the same manner as these things are in use in political governments, are they also in Alchimy, for it doth likewise when we have for some time faithfully served under her, bestow on us tributary Country men (as ’twere) by way of recompence, from whence we may have Food and Rayment.

The more Fields and Ploughs that we give to these country-folks, the more Tribute do they pay. Neither do these forsake their Masters, for they are shut up in a stall, and when their bellies are filled with Coals, and that they are safe from the Rain (or Weather) they are contented, and do perform the businesses that are imposed upon them.

By how many more the Ploughs are which we give unto them (though one Country-man can hardly manage above two or three, so much the more do they give.

Such Country-men as these doth the true Alchimy distribute amongst her Servants, whereby they may thenceforward lead a quiet Life.

If God shall vouchsaft me life and leisure yet a while longer, I have purposed with my self to bring most mighty benefits unto my Country.

In the mean while, let these things be accepted in good part, Those same tributary Country-men may be shewn my Friends, together with sundry other profitable Inventions, in my laboratory.

THE
FOURTH PART
OF THE
Prosperity of GERMANY.

In which are revealed many excellent, usefull Secrets, and such as
are serviceable to the Country: and withall, several Preparations
of efficacious Cates extracted out of the Metals, and appointed
to Physical uses; as also various Confections of Golden Potions.
To which is also adjoyned a small Treatise, which maketh
mention of my Laboratory; in the which there shall be taught
and demonstrated (for the publick good and benefit of Mankind)
wonderfull Secrets, and unto every body most profitable, but
hitherto unknown.

The PREFACE to the Friendly READER.

_Although I promised, above a year ago, in the Preface to that Book which I published of the =Nature of Salts=, that (besides Salt) I would likewise adjoyn some Broth and sugared Sawces and Seasonings to the other Meats disht out upon the Table: yet notwithstanding such as are searchers after good Arts, would not in any case allow me so much time as to prepare those Sawces; and being prepared, to dish them forth upon the Table: but earnestly requested this boon onely, =viz.= that I would not forget to furnish the said Table with Cheese and Butter. The satisfying of whose request, I confess my self very ready to yield unto, nor doe I find any other obstacle, save onely the scantness of time, which I am constrained to imploy about other affairs more necessary._

_But however, seeing it is esteemed a very praise-worthy action in a Man, by diffusing his kindnesses in many places to benefit many, I have deemed it a thing well worth while, to adjoyn (setting aside other things) unto the afore-disht-out Meats those promised Sawces, with Butter and Cheese, in to boot; but yet, with as much brevity as conveniently may be._

_Had a longer space of time been permitted me, I would have clarified the Sugar better, and made the Sawces more savory, which the hasty posting away of time hath hindered the performance of._

_Besides, forasmuch as I have promised a Fourth Part of =the Prosperity of Germany=, together with a disclosing of excellent metallick Medicines, it hath seemed good unto me (for the fulfilling of my promise) to publish these my most efficacious Sawces under the Title of the Fourth Part of =the Prosperity of Germany=; and the rather, because I have not time sufficient for the description and detection of other Secrets._

_Now by how much the viler and more contemptible cloathing these present Arcana’s do come abroad in, so much the greater and more noble virtues do they hide under their sordid or despicable rayment. I was of the mind, I confess, to have kept yet longer by me this Fourth Part, that so (being sent abroad to publick view in a more convenient season, it mought have been more adorned with Secrets of greater moment afore its being exhibited to every ones view. And amongst those Secrets, one eminent one, is the Concentration of Gold and Silver, and their reduction into such a form and figure, as that it cannot at all be known by our Enemies (who sometimes rush in upon us unlookt for), (which [sore affliction] God (of his mercy) keep us from.) And so by this means may it come to pass, that such kind of Bodies being thus hidden under an unknown Garment, will not be robb’d and taken away._

_And whereas I have demonstrated in the foregoing Third Part, by what means great Treasures of Gold and Silver may easily be gotten in all places throughout all =Germany=, by the help of my Inventions; I made no question, (nor indeed can it otherwise be) but that such as are diligent House-holders will listen unto my sayings, and put in practise many of those things, especially seeing I will both counsel and assist them, as much as in me lyes._

_If now the searching after so great Treasures be [not] too securely and negligently handled, it will undoubtedly come to pass, that our Country will (by such a notable Medium, and such great Treasure) be rendred even wholly invincible. History maketh mention, that the =Ægyptians= (by their skill in the Meliorating of Metals) enjoyed such vast riches, and so great a power, as that they cast from off their necks the Yoak of the =Roman= Monarchy, even untill that time in which their Books comprising the Art were burnt by the Emperour =Dioclesian=, whereby they were enforced to be subject to the Empire of =Rome=. For the most noble Art of Printing Books was in those days unknown, and their Sciences were wont to be written in Parchment with great labour and much cost; and undoubtedly they were not throughly stored with such kind of Books, whereby the =Romans= did the easilier get them into their hands and burn them._

_Now when once a Writing is committed to the Press, it may be printed off in an almost-infinite Number, for a Printer will doe more in one day, than a vast multitude of Scribes would be able to write. And being it is so, who could possibly be able to scrape together out of all the places of a whole Country such a multitude of Books, thereby to root them out in these our times, and by burning annihilate them, as the =Romans= did._

_This one thing I here say, =viz.= Did I but know and find that those things which I have hitherto published, would not onely be acceptable, but be also put in use and practise, it would be as a spur unto me to stir me up to adjoyn to what is already done, more and greater Secrets. Meanwhile let what is at present offered be well accepted, and what is promised, be patiently expected._

_Of the word =Sawce=, and what is meant thereby._

I have obliged my self by promise, to adjoyn unto those my Meats which I have hitherto disht out upon the Table, some good Sawce and Pickle; which Meats, seeing they appertain not unto the plain common ways, but belong to a very excellent Skill or Science; it is altogether needfull, that the Sawces be correspondent thereunto, and that even they as well as the meats themselves, be by reason of their savouriness, gratefull unto the Palate. Now therefore as in the Feasts of great men, the Pickles are not set on the Table afore the Guests have fill’d themselves with Flesh and Fish, and so allayed their hunger, but are set afore them (afterwards) as so many Vehicles to drill down the Wine with the greater delectation, for such Pickles do for the most part communicate a sweeter (or toothsomer) tast to all kind of Fruits, Seeds, and Spices, and Sugar: So likewise must I, in the making and dishing out such Sawces for this Feast of mine, mind onely this business, _viz._ to take care of providing my self of the best Sugar, and choice Spices; and these are extractable onely out of the Metals; _Saturn_ affording Sugar, and _Sol_ and _Lune_ yielding most sweet Spiceiness.

But afore I dish out my Pickles, I have thought good to set afore them a sweet Broth or Seasoning, [together] with Butter and Cheese, that haply one or other of my Guests are minded to dip a piece of Roast-meat therein, or else to tast of my Butter and Cheese, whereby they may with the greater delight tast the sweetness of the following Sawces.

And although I was minded to exhibit in this place some excellent and efficacious Metallick Sawces: yet notwithstanding I could not chuse but first present you with a fore runner as ’twere, signifying unto you, how that by the help of Salt good Broths and Sawces may be made out of the Vegetables, and Sawces, serving for the bettering of Cheese and Butter made out of Animals: that so my Treatise of the Nature of Salts may not be at all defective, and that every one may see what a most noble and most excellent Creature Salt is, which is capable of exalting the Animals, Vegetables and Minerals to a far more worthy degree by so excellent a Melioration of them.

Salt and Vinegar are commonly reputed to be the best Sawce, and ’tis most truly spoken: For amongst all the Sawces and Seasonings put unto Meats, Salt and Vinegar bear the bell; now the Vinegar is for the most part made of Wine, Fruits, Ale, Honey: But as for Salt, if it be turned by distillation and rectification into a sweet and acid Spirit, it becomes a sweet and strong Vinegar, and to be preferred before all others: so that there’s no need at all of the Vinegar of Wine, Ale, Honey, and Fruits. We will therefore shew unto such as are desirous of sweet or savoury Sawces and Picklings needfull for Flesh and Fish, and of well tasted Cheese and Butter, the way of preparing the same by the help of Salt; whereby a Man may make himself for his own Kitchin use or Cookery, various Sawces as him listeth. And having shewn this, we will proceed on to the description of metallick Sawces.

He that is desirous of a good Sawce or Pickle fit for Flesh and Fish, will not find any thing that is more fit or proper than a well-prepared and rectified Spirit of Salt, the which he may prepare with whatsoever Herbs and Spices he pleaseth, according as is agreeable to his Palate.

For example, Like as otherwise most acceptable Broaths or Sawces are wont to be made with Wine, Vinegar, Pepper, and other Spices, and are put unto the Boiled or Baked Flesh or Fish in the same Dish, or set by the same in little Sawcers, that so all those Meats may leave the more gratefull tast upon the Palate: Even so may the same be effected with Spirit of Salt, and that far more commodiously, and to better profit than if Wine or Vinegar were made use of to the confection of those well tasted Sawces. But it is my Spirit of Salt I here speak of, (which being prepared according to my prescription, is of a most delicate pleasantness,) and not of that which is most an end sold in the Apothecaries Shops, and in other such like places, and is for the most part ill prepared, and not at all rectified, and consequently by its ungratefull sharp and harsh tast, it provokes to Vomit, if it be taken into the Stomach; ’Tis likewise of a yellowish colour, and with its sharp constriction draws up the Tongue, whereas it should be more clear and transparent than Fountain Water, and by the pleasantness of its acidity excell the juices of Apples, Grapes, or Limons. And being furnished with such a sweet or pleasant Juice of Salt, I need not any Wine, Vinegar, or other sharp Juices of Grapes, Limons, Rasp Berries, Sorrel, and the like, to give a pleasant and savoury tast unto my Flesh or Fish: for it may be done far better with this good Spirit of Salt, than with Wine or Vinegar: For, that Spirit of Salt serves instead of them all, nor is it at all subject to corrupt as other Juices are, but conserves its sweet and pleasant essence without any decay. But if you would make use thereof singly or alone, then must a little Water or Sugar be mixed therewith, that the acidity or sharpness thereof may be a little allayed, and thus may it serve instead of a Sawce to be added to either baked or boiled Flesh or Fish. But now if a man be minded to add green Herbs for alterations sake of the tast, such as are Parsly, Garden Cresses, Spanish Pepper, and the like; he may beat or shred them small and moisten them with Spirit of Salt allayed with Water, and so put them instead of a cold Sawce to Flesh and Fish. But if now the Sawce is to be poured warm to the Fish and Flesh, then must a little Butter be thereto used, and that on this wise following. Take some pure and clean Water, and make it somewhat sharper (with good Spirit of Salt) then strong Wine, Vinegar, put thereunto some good Salt Butter or Fresh, at your pleasure; and likewise such Spice as (besides Pepper, Ginger, Nutmeg, and such like) you list to add, as also Salt if need be; put it in a little Earthen Glazed Pot, and not in a Copper or Iron Vessel, for they are altogether unfit for this Operation; set the Pot over a few Coals and heat it gently to melt the Butter, then stir it throughly about without ceasing, with a Wooden Spoon, and then being molten it assumes to it self the saline Vinegar, and the Sawce becomes thickish, the which must be then poured out to the boild and seasoned Flesh or Fish. But if green Herbs, as Chervil, Parsly, Cresses, _Piperitis_ or Spanish Pepper, and such like are to be adjoyned thereunto, you may bruise or chop them small, and then put them into the Pot unto your hot Broath or Sawce, and mix them well together, and then presently pour out your Sawce to the Flesh or Fish, for by this means the Herbs retain their tast and greenness, and so delight the Eyes with their lovely aspect, and please the Palate with their pleasant tast, which would not be if they boiled much with the Liquour, for then they would lose both their subtile tast and green colour. Moreover, you are warily to observe in this thing, that this Broath or Sawce be not let lie upon the Coals too long, and so the _Acetum_ separate it self again from the Butter; which to prevent, there may be mixt with the Sawce one, two, or three yelks of Eggs, which being well stirred with the same makes it the thicker, and better to stick on to the sopping when you take it out of the Dish where the Flesh or Fish is.

Such Sawces do give the Fish either boiled or fried, a most acceptable tast, and probably if some Sugar be thereto added it would do very well for Flesh too. But yet, sharp Juices or Broaths are better and more agreeable for Fish. Now after this manner may every one make his own Sawce as he listeth, and render the same with some Herbs and Spices, the more savoury unto his Palate; and consequently needs not either Wine or Vinegar, nor any other acid things.

If any one has but any pure and clean Spirit of Salt at hand, he may (by the addition of certain Herbs and Spices) prepare his Sawce as best likes him, and make it far more pleasant and delightsome than if it were made with Wine, Vinegar, or Ale-Vinegar, nor can you get these every where neither. But the Spirit of Salt may be prepared and so had every where, and therefore on that account too is it deservedly to be preferred before all other seasonings.

Now in the Winter Season, when green Herbs are not to be gotten, the pounded Roots of Spanish Pepper may serve, or Mustard Powder reduced with Sugar and Spirit of Salt into hot and cold Sawces. Nor would I have any one to be so bold [and foolish] as to contemn these my Sawces afore he hath tasted of the same; for I doubt not but that if he once comes to tast the delightsome pleasantness of the same, he will prefer them afore all other, and will give the Vinegar of Salt its due honour.

And now to give an experiment, taken out of the Treasury of Salt, unto those that are delighted with the tast of good Butter and Cheese; let them listen unto those things which here follow. If thou art desirous to prepare a durable Cheese of Cows Milk, and such Cheese as hath all the tokens of a good Cheese, _viz._ such as is weighty, compact, close without Eyes, and putrifying Holes, void of sliminess and bad smell, thou may’st be a Master of thy desire by observing the following Operation.