Chapter XCII: Part I: To the well minded Reader (20)

Let the Benevolent Reader know, I do not affirm, that all whatsoever I shall here write touching the perpetual Metallurgy, I my self have tryed, or took care to see elaborated. For the fixation of 🜍 hath not been known to me above two or three Years, during which time, I have been for the most part distempered in my Body so far, as I had scarcely strength enough to prosecute my more secret _Arcanum’s_, which are far more dear to me, than any fixed 🜍 can be. Yet, in the mean while, I could not choose but employ my Thoughts upon such a Method, which being found, any one might, by the help of fixed 🜍, reap a gainful Crop of Fruit from the transmutation of Metals.

To accomplish this, I could find no way more easy, than for a Man, of Elixiviat Ashes (not of Bones, but) of Wood, well sifted, to make large _Cineritiums_ or Tests, in Iron Molds fit for the purpose, and with that Wood-Ash, mix a small part of the fixed 🜍; and then take care to cupellate Silver mixt with Copper, (with the due addition of Lead) according to the common method of Art, upon such Tests. For thus, the ☽ will be purifyed, and the ♀ and ♄ pass into the Test, as is otherwise wont to happen in all other purifyings of Silver. These Tests, (which you may keep by you, until you have a sufficient Quantity) in the usual manner put into a melting Fornace, that in a strong Fire the ♀ and ♄, which passed into the Test, may co-unite with the fixed 🜍, and so attract it to themselves, as they may come forth impregnated with ☽ and ☉. Now if this Coppery ♄ be cupellated on such a Test prepared with 🜍, the ☉ and ☽ will remain upon the Test, and the ♄ and ♀, as happened before, will pass into the Test. And if you again proceed with them as before, infallibly (by such a way of Cupellating) you will, with the help of fixed 🜍, from ♄ and ♀ acquire gradually a Quantity of ☉ and ☽ not to be contemned. By this way of Operating, in all those Regions, where Coals are cheap, a Man may get a competent Livelyhood. For although in Cupellating there is some loss of the ♄ and ♀, they turning into _Scoria’s_; yet this small loss, in these poor Metals, is nothing, in comparison of the great Gain, which may be expected from the more Rich. I reckon, this Operation of Cupellating costs no more than the price of the Coals; for the damage made in ♄ and ♀ is richly recompensed by the ☉ and ☽ acquired. I was willing to communicate this to the _Lovers of Art_. Therefore, if there be any Curious Refiners, to whom this Process is pleasing, let them put it to the Tryal; if they will not, ’tis all one to me: For I will make no Tryal in such Works, as require a Man strong and patient to labour in the Fire. In the mean while, I doubt not, but there will be some, who will amply encrease their Fortunes thereby; upon whose Endeavours, I pray for the Divine Blessing, and offer to their Consideration this ancient Proverb, _By Saturn and Mars, by Fire and Art, a Treasure is found_. _Mars_ is fixed _Sulphur_: Much might be said for _Saturn_ also; but that is not so conducent as fixed 🜍, which is much purer than rude Iron, as Experience teacheth.

Touching the further use of fixed 🜍 in the Emendation of Metals, and that in an humid way, by fixing and graduating _Aqua Fortis’s_, the Acrimony or Corrosive Power of which, is first so broken by the help of fixed 🜍, as they do not dissolve, but only penetrate them, and deduce them to an higher degree, and, according to the nature of the 🜍, tinge the same into whiteness or redness.

It is known to us, that nothing tingeth but 🜍 only; and that, according to its Nature, into redness or whiteness, both in the humid and dry way. In the dry way, the 🜍 must of necessity be so fixed and fusible, as being cast upon the Metal in flux, it may penetrate into it, as Oyl into a dry Skin. You have already heard, that in fixation by _Aqua Fortis_, from the 🜍 is so taken away its Ingress, easy Fusion and Metallick Fatness, as it rather seemeth like a dry Earth, than a Metallick Substance; in so much, as unto it cannot be procured a ready Ingress into Metals, unless by some singular Art and Industry. Such an Ingress cannot be given to fixed 🜍 in a better way, than by Mercurial mundifyed Metals, _viz._ by ☉ and ☽, and indeed ☉ unto Redness, but ☽ unto Whiteness. It you would proceed more dexterously, you must legitimately unite fixed 🜍 with the Salt of Metals; then will be acquired Ingress into all Metals, as hereafter in the Description of the _Salt of Philosophers_ shall be seen. But if Fortune shall so favour any Man, as he can find out such a Water, as is endued with the power of dissolving fixed 🜍, he will enjoy so potent a Gradatory Water, as will convert black Leprous ♄ into most white pure ☽: And not only ♄, but also ♃, ♀, and ♂; yet ♄ most readily. Touching such a Gradatory Water, (as far as I have learned by Experience) thus take it: Every 🜍 whitened and fixed by washing amends Metals; but how it should have and acquire Ingress into them, is not known. Therefore, as it is the part of Art and Industry to procure to fixed 🜍 a dry Ingress; so also it is no less the Work of Art and Industry to convert fixed 🜍 into a Water, by which, vile Metals may be exalted to a more excellent degree of Gold and Silver. Therefore, let him, who intends to convert fixed 🜍 into Water, observe, that this Water must not be so strong as to dissolve Metals, but savour only of so much Acrimony as will be sufficient to penetrate them, and deduce 🜍 into an humid form, _viz._ such as it is tinged with, either white or red, according as the Gradatory Water shall be made, either of red or white 🜍. Whosoever well understands how to change fixed 🜍 into Water, unto him will be opened a Compendious way of Graduating vile Metals into ☉ and ☽. Which Operation is, of all, the most commodious for ♄, because _Aqua Fortis_ more readily preys upon, and dissolves, other Metals than ♄. For it is prejudicial to dissolve any, because in Graduation Metals are not to be dissolved, but only to be penetrated, with conservation of their forms, as they were when put in, and, without any diminution, to be transmuted into better Metals; which in ♄ is most easy to be done. Yet any _Aqua Fortis_, although you add to it thrice so much common Water, will prey upon and dissolve ♄, ♃, ♀, and ♂, which is a thing to be studiously avoided. Into the aforesaid Gradatory Water, in which the fixed 🜍 is, cast a little common Salt, then the _Aqua Fortis_ becomes Enemy to the Lead, and assaults it, but indeed only to penetrate, (not to dissolve the same) and to introduce the fixed 🜍. After the Lead hath lain in such Water about 14 Days, it will swell and wax white, leaving one half of it self upon the Cupel. But the longer it shall lye in the Gradatory Water, so much the more amended will it be.

If fixed 🜍 could as easily be turned into Gradatory Waters, the same may easily be fixed; assuredly in the whole World there would be no one particular more desirable than this, by the help of which, great Riches might be acquired. For this same humid Graduation requires almost no trouble or labour, more than putting filed or rasped Lead for some time into the Gradatory Water, and after Gradation, to take it out and cupellate it; being such a kind of Work, as by Chymists is accounted a Childish Labour.

But to know and be able to convert fixed 🜍 into a Gradatory Water, is the principal Artifice; and to participate of that, all diligence must be used by him, whosoever he be, that is desirous to reap pleasant and profitable Fruits from Chymistry. What do you desire? All things needful to be spoken, cannot clearly be explained with a Pen; yet if any one shall acquire the Salt of Metals, he may easily so far introduce fixed 🜍 into Metals by that, as they shall be amended thereby. Hitherto I have plainly enough described the Fixation of 🜍, and prolixly demonstrated, how ingress may be procured to it, as well by the Humid, as by the Dry way. Wherefore, whosoever shall think himself concerned herein, let him follow these Prescripts, until he find so much Good, as the favour of GOD will grant to him. For the All of our hope depends on the blessing of GOD.

In the mean while, I am not willing to conceal from the Searcher of Art, this one only Artificial Manual Compendium, of converting 🜍 easily into a Gradatory Water. We above said, _Aqua Fortis_ could find no ingress for it self to the fixing of 🜍, before it was procured to it by the help of _Sal Mirabile_. Therefore, since the way of preparing _Sal Mirabile_ is various, and one Salt is always more constant than another; great Caution must be used, that the Sulphur be so handled and accommodated, as it may be suddenly dissolved by the sharp _Aqua Fortis_, and so not be precipitated into a white Powder. For if this be not done, it will indeed be fixed by the _Aqua Fortis_, but become very difficult to be dissolved. If it be well dissolved the first time, after Fixation it will be easily dissolved. Which is a thing worthy and profitable to be observed: For the whole hinge of Art consists here. Therefore, if any one be well Skilled in Spagyrick Labours of Fire, he will easily bring this Prescript to a good Effect; but if he be not such, he will Labour in vain, and lose his Charges; and that not without the good Pleasure of GOD, who Wills not, that every Man should be made Rich. Nevertheless, if any one, with an indefatigable study and patience of Search, shall hit the Mark, he will give thanks to GOD and to me: If not, let him impute the Error to his own unhappiness, since I have writ so openly and clearly, as no Man before me ever did. My purpose is in this place to discover one most excellent Secret; by the benefit of which, fixed 🜍 may easily be changed into a Gradatory Water, and that the following way.

Choose such 🜍, as unto which Nature hath given greater Efficacy, than to the common 🜍; such, I say, as is in a sort Mercurial, and in which such beginnings of the Operation of Nature discover themselves, as thence may be made a Metal of a Golden Disposition. Such a Mercurial 🜍 you shall scarcely find in all the Metallurgy of Gold; and that naturally Red, both internally and externally; and is otherwise called by _Paracelsus_ _Embryonate Sulphur_, or _Cinnabarine Sulphur_, or immature mineral _Electrum_; but by Miners vulgarly called the _Flower of Gold_: Also you may perceive it to have a great Communion and similitude with _Auripigment_ and _Antimony_. This _Sulphur_ is Mercurial, and toucheth Metals with a more near Affinity, than vulgar simple 🜍, because after Fixation it is easie to be dissolved, and before Fixation better to be wrought upon than common 🜍, which partakes of no Mercury. And this 🜍 in the abstraction of _Aqua Fortis_ gives forth more of a beautiful Tincture than any other common 🜍. Also this pure Soul may much better be used in _Medicine_ and in _Alchymy_, because it is both Mercurial and of greater Efficacy, than the Soul of any common 🜍.

_Note_: Common 🜍 is not so easily prepared for Solution, as this; because it is Mercurial, and therefore, hath more Communion with _Aqua Fortis_, to be dissolved by help of it. And after it is dissolved, in the Distillation it gives forth more Soul, and the fixed 🜍, which remains in the bottom, is of greater Virtue in _Medicine_, than the other of common 🜍. For by how much the more pernicious Venome it was before Fixation so much the more Efficacious _Medicine_ doth it become, after the Venome is inverted by Fixation, and converted or prepared into an Antidote or Treacle. Such 🜍 may also another way, more commodious, than by _Sal Mirabile_, be prepared for easie Solution: Which indeed is a thing of great moment, and worthy to be observed.

This short, but necessary, Admonition I thought good to subjoyn for the sake of the Searchers of Art; to the end it might be known, that one 🜍 is better than another for preparing the aforesaid Gradatory Water. Nevertheless, the known common _Sulphur_, as well as that of Wood, is sufficiently conducible to be washed and fixed. More at this time I have not to advise. In the mean while, if any one be desirous to Labour, he may ingeniously search out all things fit for his Invention, and earnestly strive for Riches. For I, without Envy, or close Concealment, have so openly spoke my mind, as the least blame cannot justly be imputed to me. But to prevent the Infelicity of thy Error, my Reader, I could not do better, than I have here done by Writing. Let it not be tedious to Thee to tread in our Footsteps, and in the Footsteps of others, so long, as until you can attain to a fortunate and desirable End; which will Crown your Work: Which Work, by Idleness and sloath, together with Supine Ignorance, can never be accomplished.

Having communicated these Gratis, every Man may hence satisfie his Desires so, as not to trouble me further with his Inquiries.

_A COROLLARY._

We, in this small Treatise, have plainly shewed the Way or Method, by which, every black Volatile and Combustible 🜍 may in the space of one day be converted, by washing, into a Snow-like Candor, fixed and rendred constant in Fire.

Also how, in Fixation, the _Aqua Fortis_, being abstracted from the _Sulphur_, carries with it self the most pure Soul of the _Sulphur_, renders it fixed and durably permanent in Fire; and besides, that it is not only a present Remedy for expelling Diseases most grievous in the humane Body; but also, that it is endued with the Power of transmuting imperfect Metals into ☉ and ☽, yet particularly only, being destitute of such ☿, as can sufficiently extend it self in Efficacy.

Likewise we have taught, how to the more gross part of the 🜍, which remains in the bottom, ingress may be procured for the amending of Metals with Profit, both in the humid and the dry way.

Lastly, we shewed, how much one 🜍 excels another, and such 🜍 was to be accounted more excellent which contained in it self pure ☿; and that especially to be the most excellent, which before Fixation was judged most venemous; and that for this Reason, _viz._ because every Supream Venome, after Preparation, will become the highest Medicament; and that the Melioration of such _Sulphur_ is much more Efficacious, than common _Sulphur_. Wherefore in this place, I am willing, again and again, earnestly to commend to the Lovers of Art _Antimony_, Red _Arsenick_, Yellow _Auripigment_, Ash-coloured _Cobaltum_, _Cakimia_ and _Zinck_, with _Bismuth_; because all these are more excellent than common _Sulphur_. But he, that elaborates such Subjects, so venemous, must studiously beware of the evil Fumes arising from them. For as such a Subject before Preparation is mere Venome, so, in preparing, its venomous Disposition is more and more increased; but after Preparation, that which was deadly, now becomes a most Salubrious Antidote or Treacle, and present Remedy against all kinds of Poisons.

_Note_: Whosoever is desirous to be securely freed from all Peril, him I would advise, to learn the way of fixing some common 🜍, before he rashly attempts to invade the Fort of such noxious Venoms.

Therefore, whatsoever we have hitherto taught are not vulgar Matters, or Arts well known before, but merely great _Arcanum’s_, and those very lately invented. For, who could believe, that common 🜍, a Substance easily inflameable and burnable, should in one day be so fixed, as to be able to remain unhurt against all the force of _Vulcan_? Who could have persuaded himself, that the most venemous Venoms, as _Cobalt_, _Arsenick_ and the like, may in one day be Artificially inverted, and their mortal Venoms converted into Salubrious Antidotes? Lastly, who could ever have thought, that of the most Volatile Mineral Subjects, as 🜍, _Antimony_, _Arsenick_, _Auripigment_ and others of that kind, in the space of one day may be prepared a Tincture (constant in Fire) for humane and Metallick Bodies? No Man, if we had not in this small Treatise so evidently demonstrated that, as it may be plainly understood. Wherefore, as I have formerly said, so I am now ready to affirm, that I, in this small Treatise, have revealed so great and admirable _Arcanum’s_, as no Man (as far as the Memory of Man can tell) hath publish’d any thing more clearly than I, touching such Secrets.

If any one is desirous to Learn, whence so swift a Fixation of combustible _Sulphur_, or so sudden _Metamorphosis_ of most deadly Venoms, ariseth; to him, I will now discover the Cause. It is sufficiently manifest, that Spirit of _Nitre_, as well as _Aqua Fortis_ distilled from _Vitriol_ and Salt _Nitre_, possess such a fiery Disposition, by which all combustible and Volatile Minerals are ripened. And being ripened, they are also fixed; as if fixed things must of necessity be Mature, and consequently no more noxious or deadly to Mortals. For whatsoever is rough, crude and immature, the Stomach of Man cannot digest, but rejects and casts out that, (by which it may be injured) as Venome: According as is easily discerned in all _Catharticks_, either Vegetable, Animal or Mineral, which, by reason of their Crudity, are so great an offence to the Stomach of Man, as it frees it self from them, either by Vomit or Seidge. And the more crude and immature Purgers be, the more strongly do they Operate. Hence usually (by the Prescript of Physicians) Purgers that are too violent, before they be taken into the Body, are amended by Fire. As for Example. _Squills_ and _Diagridium_, which too vehemently Purge, are covered over with Dough and baked in an Oven, for correcting the excessive Purging property in them, that they may cause Evacuations more moderate and more safe. _Antimony_ immoderately Purging, is excocted, or melted in an open Fire with common _Nitre_ and _Tartar_, by which it is so far corrected, as it Purgeth without vehemency. The same also is so corrected by spirit of _Nitre_, as it loseth its purging Property, and instead of its Cathartick Virtue, acquires to it self a _Diaphoretick_ and _Diuretick_ Property.

Common _Tartar_, taken into the Body, performs the Office of a _Cathartick_: But the same, when the ripening Heat of the Sun, in the more hot Regions of the World, hath took from it, its Acidity, and it, in the Fermentation of Wine, becomes a fiery Spirit, it no more exerciseth a purging Property, but rather hinders Purgers, and so amends them, as they cannot Purge with so great vehemence, as they were wont to manifest, before Correction; as is already demonstrated by Us, where we treat of the Extraction of purging Vegetables. Therefore if the common Fire of Coals, and Spirit of Wine, correct Vegetables and Animals immoderately purging; why should not the most strong Fire of Salt, such as _Aqua Fortis_ is, correct the most venomous Mineral Subjects, and be able to transmute the same (deposing their noxious Qualities) into an Antidote or Treacle?

From all which, it is sufficiently manifest, that in correcting even the most venomous Subjects, Mineral Spirits of Salt are sufficient; being such, as can deprive them of all their pernicious Venome, and change them into salutary Medicaments. Wherefore, I doubt not, but that the ingenious Reader, by these few things demonstrated, will sufficiently understand the cause of this sudden Correction or Fixation of all Volatile and venomous Mineral Subjects. When Ancient Philosophers, by Poetical Parables, described the laborious Navigation of _Jason_ to the Island _Colchos_, where resided an huge _Dragon_ vomiting Fire, which, with Eyes never closed, diligently watched the Golden _Fleece_; they added this, _viz_: that _Jason_ was taught by his Wife _Medea_, to cast to this waking _Dragon_ an edible _Medicine_ to be swallowed, whereby he should be killed and burst; and that _Jason_ should presently take the _Dragon_ (thus slain) and totally submerge him in the _Stygian_ Lake. _Jason_, in this ingenious Fable, Hieroglyphically represents the Philosophers; _Medea_, accurate Meditations; the laborious and perillous Navigation, signifies manifold Chymical Labours; the watching _Dragon_ vomiting Fire, denotes Salt _Nitre_ and _Sulphur_; and the Golden _Fleece_ is the Tincture or Soul of _Sulphur_, by the help of which, _Jason_ restored Health to his Aged Father, and acquired to himself immense Riches. By the Pills of _Medea_ is understood the Preparation of _Sulphur_ and _Sal Mirabile_. By the total submersion of the _Dragon_ in the _Stygian_ Lake, is intimated the Fixation of _Sulphur_ by _Stygian_ Water, that is, _Aqua Fortis_. Whence, it is sufficiently clear, how obscurely the Ancient Philosophers did describe their Fixation of 🜍 by _Nitre_, and how secretly they hid it from the Eyes of the unworthy. But, since I, in this Treatise, do as clearly as is possible discover all things, know, that I do it not without Reason. It will be enough for any one, if he rightly understand the Method of performing such a Fixation.

After any combustible 🜍 hath been fixed by _Aqua Fortis_, or _Aqua Regis_, and ☉ and ☽ added to it in Fixation, then will that no more be vulgar ☉ or ☽, being such as cannot again be dissolved in _Aqua Fortis_, or _Aqua Regis_, nor upon a Cupel have Ingress into ♄, but passeth as it were into a dry Earth, which can neither be reduced by _Borax_, nor any other common fluxing Powders into a ductile Body. If any one be desirous to know this by Experience, let him dissolve 🝳 of ☉ in _Aqua Regis_, and pour this Solution upon a Pound of _Aqua Regis_, and also put this _Aqua Regis_ upon ℥iiij of Butter of _Antimony_, and abstract the _Aqua Regis_ thence, Then he will find, that Gold, which was in the _Aqua Regis_, to have mixed it self Radically with the _Sulphur_ and _Mercury_ of _Antimony_; so as not only the Butter of _Antimony_ becomes fixed and irreducible, but it also renders the Gold so irreducible, as thenceforth it can no more be separated from the _Antimony_, but remains adhering to it in every Examen: And can only be subduced by our Secret Salt of Metals, volatilized, or rendred fusile, and so be introduced into other Metals for their Amendment.

Therefore, if such a destruction of ☉ can be made by _Antimony_, less than the half of which is 🜍, but the greatest part ☿; how should the same not be better performed by common 🜍, which is void of all _Mercury_? I, in all those places where I have taught the Fixation of _Sulphur_, did always advise, that _Aqua Regis_ to be carefully kept, which was abstracted from the _Sulphur_; but especially what contained Gold; because together with the _Aqua Fortis_, the most pure Soul of _Gold_ and _Sulphur_ ascends, and is as much fixed, (I might say, more) as that which remains in the bottom. Wherefore, if what I have here imparted be observed by any Reader, or by none, it shall not trouble me, but I shall remain well contented, that I have done my Part, and performed so much, as no Man before me ever did; because I have openly taught the Method of extracting in a few hours (by the help of Distillation) from ☉ and 🜍, or from ☉ and _Antimony_, a fixed Tincture. And these I do willingly communicate to the Searchers of Art.

Some write, that _Miriam_ the Prophetess, and Sister of _Moses_, knew the Art of elaborating the Tincture in three days, which seems incredible to many Skilful Writers. But what will envious Persons judge, when they shall hear, that _GLAUBER_, by a publick Writing, without any manner of Concealment, hath taught the Method of extracting a fixed Tincture out of ☉ and _Antimony_, fit to expel all desperate Diseases out of the humane Body; and this work to be compleated in one day? Undoubtedly they will exclaim and say: _All are Lyes, and such things are impossible to be done_. The ignorance and wickedness of these Men were much more tolerable, if, to their Calumnies, they should also add, _Our ignorant Brains persuade amiss_. For did they rightly know themselves they never would so basely condemn and reprove the Experience of Others. But what shall I write against such? Nothing, but the Old Proverb, _Effeminate Men, Effeminate Words_; according to the Verse,

_Each Bird so sings, as formed is his Bill;
And such as is the Man, so speak he will._

Indeed I would willingly have published more Examples, of the Method of swiftly fixing _Sulphur_, but I am kept back by very weighty Reasons. Yet I cannot chuse, but Commemorate these few things thereabout; _viz._ that every 🜍, without the help of external Fire, by a Secret invisible Fire only, which is added to the combustible 🜍, and left with it for a small space of Time, in a cold place, becomes as white and fixed, sustaining all force of Fire, as well as that Fixation, which is made by _Aqua Fortis_, or his abstraction from the 🜍. Wherefore this cold Fixation of _Sulphur_, by our Secret cold, and humid Fire (because it needs no common Fire, no Body, and Head, no Retort with its _Receiver_, and the like) is to be preferred before the other Fixation by _Aqua Fortis_. Therefore for this, we give Immortal Praises and Thanks to the most wise GOD.

If any Reader thinks, I have been too brief, or too obscure in this Treatise, he may more amply satisfie his Desires from the two following Tracts, where we treat of the _Mercury_ and _Salt_ of Philosophers; whereunto we refer every one, that is a studious Inquisitor of Art.

OF THE
MERCURY of Philosophers.

_Mercury_ may easily be extracted not only from all Metals and Minerals, but also from Animals, and Vegetable Subjects, and of the same (by the help of Gold) be prepared a true Tincture for all the three Kingdoms.

We, from the Consent of all true Philosophers, do certainly know, that ☿ is the most pure part of the three Principles of Metals, and therefore doth spontaneously adhere to most pure Metals, and always embraceth them with greater affection, than the impure Metals. As for Example, _Mercury_ most willingly adheres to its own like ☿; next to ☉; then to ☽; afterwards to ♃, and ♄; and lastly to ♀; but to ♂ most unwillingly, only because it chooseth rather to mix it self with its like, than with its unlike. For it is wholly Homogeneal, void of all Heterogeneal parts; such also are ☉ and ☽. The greatest part of all other Metals is Heterogeneal, although there is found no imperfect Metal, which hath not in it self some part Homogeneal; yet so, as the Metal participates more of the one, than of the other; according to the Writings of Philosophers. Wherefore, a true Philosopher will scarcely affirm, that, by the benefit of the Tincture, the whole Body of imperfect Metals can be transmuted into ☉ or ☽, since so great Virtue is not insited, even in the Philosophers Stone it self. For the immature, foul, stinking, combustible and superfluous 🜍 of ♃, ♂ or ♀, cannot, in so short time, as Projection is wont to be made in, be converted into ☉, although you cast in more than enough of the Tincture: But as much as the Metal hath of Homogeneity, that is, of _Mercury_, in it self, so much only is tinged and fixed into Gold, the Residue not so. Because the Stone separates the Heterogeneal parts, that is, the superfluous 🜍 burning it self (in the form of _Scoria_) from the _Mercury_, which it only tingeth into Gold; because it hath no Communion with those Heterogeneities; as I have daily found, and in the following Part, where we treat of the _Salt_ of Philosophers, I purpose to demonstrate more at large.

Now let us see the Method, by which Metallick ☿ may with little Labour be extracted, not only from

[Sidenote: _VITRIOLUM._]

Metals and Minerals, but also from all Animals and Vegetables. I said, _With little Labour_, in respect of experienced Men. For in respect of the Unskilful, it is not a Work of small Labour; but in the Memory of all Ages it hath been accounted (by all the most experienced _Lovers_ of our _Art_) the _Secret of Secrets_, and the nearest way to come to the Attainment of the true _Universal Medicine_. Nor will it ever be of less Esteem, since in the whole Nature of things, a more pure matter cannot be found, (whereof to make the Stone of Philosophers) than this only _Mercury_ of Metals. In the mean while, it is easie to judge, that the _Mercuries_ of Metals differ in themselves notably, and that one of them is better, and more conducible than another, for preparing thence a Tincture for Humane and Metalline Bodies. For one is always better in Colour and Tincture than another. Indeed, by the external Face, almost no Man is able certainly to know, from what Metal or Mineral the best _Mercury_ may be had: Yet according to the general Opinion of Philosophers, the most excellent ☿ is wont to be prepared of the _Vitriol_ of ♂ and ♀; because these two Metals do most abound with Tinctures. I, being taught by Experience, am assured, that out of black Ash-coloured ♄ may be acquired a ☿, as excellently tinged, as from both those Red Metals, ♂ and ♀. Yet in the mean while I do not deny, that the ☿ of ♂ and ♀, is impregnated with 🜍, tinging in the highest degree; as Ancient Philosophers, in these few words, have compendiously expressed. _Visitaris Interiora Terræ, Rectificando Invenies Occultum Lapidem, Veram Medicinam._ By which Words, _VITRIOLUM_ [or _Vitriol_] is expressed; which process is no other, than a Solution of _Mars_ and _Venus_ prepared by the Labour of Nature. But _Vitriol_ prepared thus by Nature, is never found so pure and clean, as that which is prepared of good Steel, and pure ♀, by the help of Oyl of _Sulphur_, or instead of that, Oyl of _Vitriol_: Because the Native contains more Earthiness, than that which is made by Art. Now let us return to our _Mercury_.

I think good here, to advise all the Lovers of our Art, not to bend their thoughts so much upon vulgar ☉ and ☽, as to endeavour out of them to extract their ☿ and 🜍. Because common ☉ and ☽ are altogether Homogeneal, and have nothing of Heterogeneity in them; and therefore difficult to be wrought on. And although they were as easie to be wrought on as ♂ and ♀; yet it would be no Profit to use them; because of their greater Price, and also because there is much more Tincture contained in vile and contemptible ♂, than in ☉ it self. It is true, this Tincture is not yet fixed, but is volatile, and may easily be fixed. Wherefore I advise every one to seek ☿ in ♄, and 🜍 in ♂. Upon ☉, in times past, through my Ignorance, I consumed much without any Profit, and laboured Fruitlesly, until I had consumed some Pounds of it, to find out for others a more safe Way; which if any one had shewed me, I would never have laboured in vain. But I was hard to believe, that they, who were unwilling to use common ☉ and ☽, could prepare an apt Tincture, for tinging imperfect Metals into Gold. Yet since vulgar ☉ and ☽, do not only give easie Ingress to those Tinctures, which draw their Original from the 🜍 and ☿ of Philosophers; but do also further the Fixation of volatile _Mercury_; therefore we cannot well be without them, in the Composition of the Stone of Philosophers. Let the Lovers of Art take Cognizance of these few things for their Information.

Now it is necessary to be known, by what Method the ☿ of Philosophers may most commodiously be extracted from Metals and Minerals, and by the help of ☉, be duly fixed by Art, into a Tincture for humane and metallick Bodies.

First, we are not ignorant, that the purest part of Metals, _viz._: Homogeneal _Mercury_, is tyrannically held Captive in a certain obscure Prison, by his most inveterate Enemy, superfluous burning _Sulphur_. Therefore, if any one would unbolt his Chains, and set him free, he hath necessity to mortifie and annihilate his Enemies, by which he is so fast bound and imprisoned, before he breaks down the Prison Walls, and delivers _Mercury_ from Captivity: Which ☿ will also bring forth with him his natural Brother, _viz._ tinging 🜍. These being at Liberty, nothing will be wanting to fix them into a Tincture, but the help of vulgar ☉. But if any one be not satisfied with this short Paraphrase, let him read either _Sandivogius_, who hath writ an intire Treatise of such a freeing of Captives; or _Paracelsus_, who, no less eminently than plainly, hath discovered his mind touching the same.

_Now follows my own Experience, Way and Method, By which I have
several times freed the forementioned Captive, and set him at
Liberty._

Although I have my self extracted the _Mercury_ of Philosophers from Metals, by such divers Methods, as I mean here to discover; yet I always found some better than other some. Therefore out of such Processes, some of which we here subjoyn, every Man may, as best pleaseth him, take which he thinks most conducible, and proceed in Operating according to that, until he finds, what GOD shall be pleased to bestow on him.

_Mercury_ is never to be extracted from hard Metals, before they be dissolved and unlocked. Unlocked more commodiously they cannot be, than by the Corrosive Spirits of Salt. Yet since all Corrosives are most inimical to ☿, they have no Power of making either Living or Running _Mercury_. Therefore, after Solution, the Corrosives must be mortified by contrary Salts; such are, Salt of _Tartar_, Spirit of _Urine_, _Sal Armoniack_, &c. This being done, the Corrosives changing their Nature wax gentle, and in Distillation permit the ☿ to ascend: Which otherwise, without Mortification of the Corrosive, would not happen, as you will learn by the following Processes.

Therefore, since it is most certain, that Metals are to be dissolved, before ☿ (by the help of Resusoitating Salts) can be distilled thence; we will first exhibit the Method, by which ☿ may be extracted from such Metals, as Nature presents to us already dissolved; _viz._ _Vitriol_, which is no other than _Mars_ or _Venus_, or ♂ and ♀ together, dissolved by the Universal Acidity. Hence, whosoever will use (in his intended Work) such _Vitriol_, in which both those Metals are found highly tinged and dissolved by Nature; he will not need by tedious Labours to seek out a new Method of dissolving Metals, but may spare both his Time and Charges. Therefore, now it will be expedient to teach, how _Mercury_ may be prepared of any common _Vitriol_.

_The Process follows._

Distil from common _Vitriol_, in the usual manner, an Acid Spirit, and fiery Oyl, with strong fire, according to Art. For in the Spirit is latent the ☿ of ♂ and ☿, which by Mortifying the Corrosive, may be brought to light, and made Visible, as follows.

℞. Of _Tartar_, calcined unto Whiteness ℔ i, or ij, which reduced to Powder, put into a Glass Body, on which set an Head with its Hole and Tunnel in it, well luted; then apply a Receiver, and lute the Junctures exactly. When the Body and Head is placed in warm Sand, through the Tunnel, at one time pour on about one or two _Lotones_ of the sharp Spirit of _Vitriol_, upon the _Tartar_ calcined; whence will be caused so great Ebullition, as by its own proper Power the Spirit will ascend from it. This Duel or Fermentation being ended, again pour in some Ounces of that Spirit; which also leave, till all the Ebullition ceaseth. Afterward reiterate the like injection, until that Acidity contends no more with the _Tartar_: Which will be an Argument, that the Salt of _Tartar_ is sufficiently mortified. When you see this, administer Fire, and by Degrees draw forth all Humidities, untill the Vessel and Matter is Red hot. The Water that ascended (which in Taste will be almost like Spirit of _Urine_) must be rectified; in which Rectification the ☿ of the _Vitriol_ ascending, is rendred more subtile and more pure. This pure _Mercurial_ Water bears in it self invisibly contained, a living Metallick _Mercury_, which is made conspicuous thus,

_The Conjunction of Philosophick =Mercury= with Gold._

Dissolve common ☉ in a sharp _Aqua Regis_, and separate the dissolved from the undissolved. Then leisurely, and at times, drop after drop, pour of your subtile Mercurial Water upon the Solution of ☉, so long, as until the Spirit of the _Mercury_ hath no more Action upon the Solution of Gold, but ceaseth, and all the ☉ shall be precipitated from the Water. In which Precipitation, the ☉ attracts to its self the _Mercury_ of the _Vitriol_, from the Mercurial Water, in such a manner, as it settles to the bottom of the Vessel, in the form of Slime, or a yellow Powder. Let the Precipitate be filtred through brown Paper, that the _Saline_ Water may pass through; and the precipitate ☿ remain in the Filter mixt with the Gold; which must be very well washed with sweet Water, and, being edulcorated, dryed. This being done, you will have the ☿ of _Vitriol_ united with the ☉: Both which will suffer themselves to be fixed into a true Tincture, for Humane and Metallick Bodies, as follows.

_The Fixation of =Mercury= with Gold._

_Note_: Before the _Mercury_ is put in to be fixed with the Gold, it must be proved, whether it be duly prepared, or not. For if the Mercurial Water was rightly prepared, it will contribute _Mercury_ enough to the Gold; by which ☿ the precipitated Gold is so augmented, as tis no more common ☉. But if the Mercurial Water was not legitimately prepared, and consequently could not contribute much ☿ to the ☉, the Gold will remain poor, and, as soon as it is sensible of any heat, will fulminate, like any other fulminating Gold, and so be altogether unfit for Fixation, being destitute of a tinging ☿, which should have converted the whole Body of ☉ into Tincture. Wherefore, after Precipitation of the ☉ and ☿, you must make a small part of the Precipitate hot, in a very small Crucible, for Tryal, whether it be fit to be fixed. For if it fulminates, like fulminating ☉, it is a sign your Mercurial Water was not perfect, and could not give unto the Gold ☿ enough. But if after it shall be Red hot in the Fire, it comes forth with a delicate purple Colour; it is to be supposed, the ☉ hath imbibed ☿ enough, and they both be fixed together into one Tincture.

_Note_: Beware of too strong a Fire. For this way the _Mercury_ will leave the Gold untouched, and fly away; so as, thence you can have no certain Tryal. Therefore, in all parts of the Work proceed Warily and Prudently. The Fixation of ☿ with ☉ is thus made:

_The Fixation of the =Mercury= of ♂ and ♀, into one Tincture._

℞. So much as you have ready prepared of this our _Mercury_ impregnated with Gold, although there be no more of it, than half a _Loton_: For here no great quantity is desired. Put it into a small Glass Phial, which place in hot Sand; yet take heed, you give no stronger Fire, than your Volatile Bird can bear. This Fire you must continue in a moderate degree for some Weeks: For by that means, your _Mercury_ will by little and little, be able to brook the Fire, adhere to the Gold, and convert the same into Tincture. But if any one, contrary to the serious Interdiction of all Philosophers, make too much haste, and persuade himself, he may in a shorter space of time acquire the Tincture; his _Mercury_ will fly away, and leave the Gold pale behind it; because the ☿ in its flight substracts the Colour of the ☉, and carries it away with it self. Therefore, in Fixing there is need of Patience. Hence all Philosophers advise, not to be hasty. For Festination proceeds from the Devil. Wherefore, let every one so far study his own Good, as to be obedient to this Admonition.

_Note_: There are also other ways, or Methods, of fixing ☿ with ☉; but he doth very foolishly, who, when no necessity urgeth, will prostrate all things together and at once, at the feet of Swine. Whomsoever GOD will be pleased to assist, he may triumph in the highest help; but whom GOD doth not assist, even the most plainly prescribed Method cannot help him. For all our help depends on the divine Blessing.

_How to prove, whether =Mercury= be Legitimately prepared, and
whether it can give forth the Tincture of Metals._

℞. Of the Mercurial Water above described, and mortifie it by a contrary Acidity, as Oyl of _Vitriol_, or Spirit of _Salt_. Then the _Mercury_ will precipitate it self, in the form of an Ash-coloured Powder, which if you edulcorate, and grind with Oyl of _Tartar_, you will vivifie. If any one be minded, he may also distil the same by Retort, and so examine it.

_A Tryal, or Proof, whether the =Mercury= of Metals be so well
prepared, as of it with ☉ may be made a Tincture._

℞. A little of that, _viz._ the quantity of a Pea, and put it upon a Silver Plate, then over the Fire permit the _Mercury_ to be evaporated. If it tinge the Silver well with a purple Colour, it is fit for the Work, otherwise it will be of no Value. Also, this ☿ may be digested with the filings of ☉, in a due measure or proportion mixed, and so fixed. But this Fixation, as well as the former, require along time, and so much Patience, as all Festination must be laid aside. Whosoever is so covetous, as he cannot wait till the Fruits are Ripe; he would be better advised, if he abstained from so great a Work, than to set about it to his own Damage. I have often prepared this _Mercury_, and put it to be fixed; but because I could not look to it my self with my own Eyes, I was constrained to commit the Governance of the Fire, to the Industry of another, and then it succeeded unhappily. And when by reason of my Age, and imbecillity of Body, I was wholly uncapable to take in hand a Work of so great moment, I communicated the Method to some of my intimate Friends, with this Condition, _viz._ that they should elaborate it themselves. But because in that Operation, they could not acquire so much ☿ as they desired, they desisted, and would not proceed to the Compleatment of the Work. Hence I was moved rather, by Printing, to divulge so Royal a Work, than to let it be buried with me: Although I was difficultly brought to an hearty Assent, to yeild to the Revelation of _Arcanum’s_, of so great moment, to this Malignant and unfaithful World.

_The way of Preparing a tinging =Mercury= out of =Antimony=._

℞. Of _Antimony_, _Saltpeter_, and _Tartar_, of each ℔ j. Which, first pulverized and mixed, put into a Crucible, and kindle the Mixture with a Coal; when the Fulmination ceaseth, melt it, and pour it out into a Cone. After it is cooled, separate the _Regulus_ from the _Scoria_’s; which reduce to Powder, and dissolve by boyling in Water. So doing, you will have a Red _Lixivium_; upon which if you add (about half its own weight of) _Salarmoniack_ pulverized, and put the Mixture into a Glass Body, (which must not be above half full, because it riseth easily) with it’s Head and Receiver well luted, and then subminister Fire for Distillation; a certain most subtile volatile Spirit will ascend, in which the ☿ of _Antimony_ is latent: Which, in a Solution of ☉ may be precipitated, edulcorated, dryed, and then proved and fixed, as above we taught of the _Mercury_ of _Vitriol_. _Antimony_ yeilds much more ☿, than _Vitriol_; and it is also made more easily than it; and therefore to be preferred far before it; but especially, because the Ancient Philosophers did for the most part use this ☿ of _Antimony_, for preparing their Tincture.

_Note_: If any one desire a more excellent ☿ of _Vitriol_, than That above described by Us; he, instead of the _Lixivium_ of _Antimony_, may use a _Lixivium_ of _Salt_ of _Tartar_, and thence extract _Mercury_ by the help of Oyl of _Vitriol_; so he will have some thing more excellent, than can be made of a Common _Lixivium_.

_The way of Preparing out of ♂ and ♀ a tinging =Mercury=, by the
help of Resuscitative Salts only, without any Corrosives._

Among all Resuscitative Salts, _Tartar_ obtains the principal place; the next to which is Salt of _Urine_, which is no other, than such a Volatile _Tartar_ as passeth into this kind of Salt, from Wine, Beer, Bread and other Foods taken into the humane Body. Almost of the same kind, is the Soot of Chimneys, being the Volatile Salt of Wood. Also a like Volatile Salt you shall find in Blood, Hairs, Horns and Hoofs of Animals. Even so, almost a like _Salarmoniack_ is prepared of Blood, Urine and Soot. In like manner, in Eggshels is insited an efficacious Resuscitative Salt. These and the like Salts are endued with a Virtue converting Metals into _Mercury_, after they are dissolved. For volatile Salts are not so efficacious, as to dissolve Metals: Yet _Tartar_ is endued with so great Power, as it can dissolve some Metals easie to be dissolved, as ♂, ♀ and ♄, and thence may the Mercury be extracted by Distillation; especially if a little Kitchin Salt be added, or (which is more conducent) _Salarmoniack_, to comfort it. Also instead of ♂ and ♀, common _Vitriol_ only may be used; and thence _Mercury_ distilled by the help of volatile Salts.

_Now follows the Process._

℞. ℔ vj. Of _Vitriol_, to which, dissolved in Urine, add of _Salarmoniack_ ℔ j. Crude _Tartar_ ℔ ij. Salt of _Tartar_ ℔ iiij. Distil from these, in a strong Glass Body, a subtile Mercurial Water; which, according to the Method prescribed, may be made Corporeal, and with Gold be fixed into a Tincture. This way of proceeding is very easie, and of little Charge; so as it will fully satisfie the desire of those, who are contented with so much only, as may be acquired by the benefit of Glass Bodies. But those, whose greedy desire cannot be satisfied with little, may distill this Mixture in a Brass or Copper _Vesica_, untill they have quantity enough to suffice them: Yet with this Caution, that they use no _Alembick_, or _Refrigeratory_ made of Copper, but of Lead, or (which is better) of Tin; and that because our Mercurial Water easily corrodes the Copper, and thence contracts to it self a Greenness: But in ♄ or ♃ doth not so. But if any one refuseth to be at the Charge of a Tin _Refrigeratory_, he may use his Copper Vessels. For although the Spirit corrodes the Copper, and contracts a blewish Colour, yet this Colour in Rectifying abides in the bottom, and the ☿ is nothing the worse. Indeed, this way a greater quantity is acquired, than needs; unless the Operator be more greedy than a Wolf. But it is not the part of a good Philosopher, to covet more than is needful. If any one be desirous to prepare an abundance of Mercurial Water, either by some such way as this, or by another certain Mixture of Salts, him we have now, as it were, led by the hand, through Processes more difficult, to proceed in these. For _Tartar_ alone will be sufficient for such an Use. What seek you? The Feces of Wine burnt will do the same; so as the Lover of Art, with almost no other Trouble and Charge, may extract the _Mercury_ of Metals by Resuscitative Salts.

_The way of Preparing =Mercury= out of Metals and Minerals, by the
benefit of =Tartar= only, without any other Salts._

℞. Filings of Steel ℔ j. _Tartar_ ℔ ij. Common Water ℔ xx. If by strong boyling by _Alembick_ in Sand, you distil thence all the Water; the _Tartar_ in that boyling dissolves the ♂, and so will Volatilize the _Mercury_ set at Liberty, in such wise, as it will ascend with the Water, like a subtile Spirit; which, (concentrated and made fit by Rectification) either by a Solution of ☉, or by some other contrary Acidity, is rendred Corporeal, according to the Method above shewed. If any one, to as much _Tartar_ as he hath, take half so much _Salarmoniack_, the _Tartar_ so much the more readily preys upon the ☿, also much more _Mercury_ issueth thence, than by _Tartar_ only.

_Note_: But since this way, in one Distillation, but little _Mercury_ ascends, such an Operation may be performed in a large _Vesica_; yet with this Caution, _viz._ that the _Alembeck_ and _Refrigeratory_ be not made of Copper, but of Tin or Lead. This way of Operating by a _Vesica_ will be of great use, especially for such covetous Men, as cannot be content with few things; but always labour with the perpetual Poverty of an unsatiable Spirit; although, they more than sufficiently abound with the fulness of all desireable things. For he is only Rich, who is always content with his present Fortune.

_The way of Preparing =Mercury= of =Saturn=, by =Tartar= only._

℞. One or two ℔. of the Raspings or Filings of _Saturn_, upon which pour fifteen, or twenty ℔. of strong Vinegar of Wine, and mix therewith a little pulverized _Tartar_. But the Vinegar _per se_ should be impregnated with no small quantity of _Tartar_. Which _Tartar_, if you distil with the Mixture, the Phlegm in Distillation carries over with it self a subtile Mercurial Spirit; which must be separated from the Phlegm, in manner as we above taught. The Solution of ♄ will remain in the bottom. Thence also, by the help of Salt of _Tartar_, ☿ may be extracted by Retort; yet it is not so good as the other, which ascended in the form of a subtile Spirit.

_The way of Preparing =Mercury= of =Antimony=, by the help of
=Tartar= only._

℞. Some Pounds of strong _Antimonial_ Red _Lixivium_, (made of _Antimony_ duly, decrepitate and melted with _Tartar_ and _Nitre_) which put into a Glass Body set in Sand, as we above taught, in treating of the Fixation of 🜍: Afterward, through the Tunnel, leisurely and at times, pour upon the _Lixivium_ most strong Wine Vinegar, until both (_viz._ the _Lixivium_ and Vinegar) cease to Act upon each other. This being done, if by Distillation you separate all the Humidity, the Sulphureous Spirit of _Antimony_, will ascend in the form of a subtil Spirit, smelling like _Sulphur_: Which after Rectification, either with a Solution of ☽ or ☉, becomes Corporeal, and so habile, as it may be converted into a fixed Tincture.

_The Method of Distilling a tinging Mercurial Spirit from Metals
another way._