Of the Virtue of the Medicine

It is according to all the Philosophers, the source of riches and health; since with it one
can make gold and silver in abundance, and can not only cure all the diseases which can
be cured, but can also, by its moderate use, prevent them. A single grain of this medicine,
or red elixir, given to those suffering with paralysis, dropsy, gout, leprosy will cure them,
provided they take the same quantity for several days. Epilepsy, colic, colds,
inflammation, frenzy and all other internal maladies, are unable to resist this life
principle. Some Adepts have said that it gave hearing to the deaf and sight to the blind;
that it is a sure remedy for all kinds of diseases of the eye, all apostema,83 ulcers,
wounds, cancers, fistula, nolimtangre,84 and all diseases of the skin, a grain being
dissolved in a glass of wine or water, and then applied externally. That it dissolves little
by little the stone in the bladder; that it drives away all venom and poison, when taken as
above directed.
Raymond Lully, (Testam. antiq.) assures us that it is, in general, a sovereign remedy for
all the ills, which afflict humanity; that it cures them in one day, if they have lasted a
month; in twelve days, if a year; and in one month, of whatever duration they may be.
Arnaud de Villeneuve, (Rosari.), says that it is infinitely superior to all the remedies of
Hippocrates, of Galen, of Alexander, of Avicenna, and to all ordinary medicine; that it
rejoices the heart, gives vigor and strength, preserves youth, and retards old age. In
general, that it cures all diseases.
Geber, (Summ) without enumerating the maladies which this medicine cures, contents
himself with saying that it conquers all those which ordinary Physicians regard as
incurable. That it makes young the old and keeps them in health, for many years, even
beyond the ordinary limit, when they take only as much as a mustard seed of it, two or
three times a week, before the first meal.
Philalethes, (Introit. apert. et enarrat. method.), adds that it cleanses the skin of all
blemishes,
wrinkles, etc., that it delivers a woman in travail, when held to her nose in the form of
powder, and he quotes Herms as proof. He claims himself to have drawn from the arms
of death many abandoned by physicians. The manner of using it may be found in the
works of Raymond Lully and Arnaud de Villeneuve.