A New Light of Alchymie

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A NEW LIGHT
OF
ALCHYMIE
Taken out of the fountaine of
NATURE , and Manuall

Experience.
To which is added a TREATISE of
SVLPHVR :
Written by Micheel Sandivogius :
i.e. Anagram matically,

DIVI LESCHI GENUS AMO.
Alfo Nine Books Ofthe Nature of Things,

Written by PARACELSUS, viz.
Generations
•Renewing
Grewthes 25Tranfmutation
Of the of Naturall things .
Confervations Separation
Life : Death signatures
Alfo a Chymicall Dictionary explaining hard places

and words met withall in the writings of Paraceljus,
and other obfcure Authors.
All which are faithfully tranflated out of the

Latin into the English tongue,
By J. F. M.D.
London, Printed by RichardCotes, for Thomas Williams, at the

e Bible in Little-Britain, 165.0 .
32
OE
To the Reader
tamab
Fudicious Reader,
Hereis abundance ofknow .
ledge, yet but little truth
known. The generality of
ourknowledgisturas Ca-
ftles in the aire, or ground-
leffe fancies. I know but
two ways that are ordained for the getting

of wildome, 7% ,the book ofGod, and of
Naturezand thefe alfo,but as they are read
with reafon, Many look upon the former
as a thing below them, upon the latter as
ground of Atheilme, and therefore neg-
fect both. Itis my judgement, that as to
fearch the Sciptures is molt neceffary, fo

without reaſon it is impoffible Faith with
A 2 out
The Epiftle
out reafon is but implicite, If I cannot un-

derſtand by reafon how every thing is ,yet
I wilfee fome realon that a thing is fo, be-
fore Ibeleeve it to be fo.I will ground my
belecving of the Scripture upon reaſon ,
Iwill improve my reafon by Philofophy.

How ſhall we convince gain-fayers of the
truth of the Scriptures , but by principles

ofReaſon?When God made Man after his
own image, How was that ? But by making

him a rational creature?Men therfore that
lay afide Reafon in the reading of facred

myfteries,do but un-man themſelves, and
become further involved in a Labyrinth of
errors.Hence it is that their Religion is de-
generated into irrationall notions, Now to
fay, that pure Philofophy is true Divi-
nity, will haply bee a paradox, yet if any

one ſhould affirm it,he would not be hete-
rodox. When Job had been a long time
juftifying himselfe againſt God, which I

conceive was by reafon of his ignorance
of God, and himselfe, God undertakes to
convince him ofhis errour by the princi
ples of Nature, and to bring him to the

knowledge of both as you may fee at
large,
to the Reader,
large, fob 38. Can any deny that Hermes,
Plato, Ariftotle (though pure Naturalifts

were not moft deep Divines ? Doe not all
grant that the two fiift cha.ofGen,are true
Divinity? I dare alfo affirm that they are

the moſt deep and the trueft Philofophy .
Yea, they are the ground, and fum of all
Divinity, and Philoſophy and ifrightly

underſtood, will teach thee more know-
ledge of God, and thy felfe,then all the

books in the world befides, Now for the
better underſtanding of them,make uſe of
moft profound Sandivogius the author of

the first of the enſuingTreatifes, as the beſt
Expofitor of them : in that treatiſfe of his

thou fhalt fee the myſtery ofthe Deity, &
Nature unfolded, even to admiration as to
fee what that light,and fire is which is the
throne ofGods Majefty, How he is in the
heaven moſt gloriously, & in the creatures

providentially. How he is the life of that
univerfall Spirit which is diffuſed through

the whole world. What that Spirit of his
is that moved upon the Waters What

thoſe Waters are which are above the
Firmament,and which are under the Fir
A3
. mament,
·The Epifile
mament. What that Sperm and Seed was
which God put into all creatures by which

they ſhould be multiplyed. The true man-
ner of Mans Creation, and his degenerating

into Mortality.The true nature of the Gar-
den of Eden, or Paradife, Allo the reafon
why Gold, which had a Seed put into it,as
well as other creatures,,whereby it ſhould
be multiplyed, doth not multiply. What
the obftruction is, and how it may bee rea

moved, that fo it may be digefted into the
higheſtpurity, and become the true Elixir,
or Philofophers ftone ; the poffibility

whereof is for plainly illuftrated, in this
book of Saudistaging, that let any judici-
ous man read itcover without all partiality:

and prejudice, but three or four times, and
he fhall nolens volens be convinced of ther
wuthofit andnot only ofthis, but of ma
ny athermyfteries as incredible as this Soi
that: if any one should ask me , What ; one
book did maft conduce to the knowledge;
of God andthe Greature , andthe myfted i

riesithereof; Lhould fpeake contrary to
myjudgment, if I should not,next to the
faured Writ,fay, Sundivėgius. All this I
ſpeak
to the Reader.
Speak for thy encouragement , that thon
fhouldft lay ande other frivolous bookes ,

and buy this,and read it over, & thou wilt
( Liqueftion not)thank mee formy advice.

And as this booke doth in generall, fo
the fecond of thefe Treatifes doth in part
ticular illuſtrate the poffibility of Nature ,
and the myſteries thereof, as alfo the na-
ture and manner of the S

Generation ,
Growth, Confervation, Life, Death, Re
newing, Tranfinutations, Separations,and

Signatures of all naturall things, in the ex-
plication ofwhich many rare experiments

#
and excellent myfteries are difcovered

and found out,pa fudhur
To theſe is added a Chymical Dictionary,
explaining hard places, and words met

withall in obfcure Authors. But this, and
the other I fpeak more ſparingly in the

commendations of, becauſe it read they
will ſpeak more for themſelves thẹn I can
fpeak for them only I was willing for the
English nations fake , whofe fpirits are

much drawn forth after knowledge , to
tranflate them into the English tongue.
I did not doe it to multiply books , ( for

there:
The Epift.
there are too many books already and the

multitude of them is the greateft cauſe of
ourignorance, and in them is a great vani
ty) but to let thee fee the light of Nature,

by which thou maift judg of truths , and
the better conceive ofthe God of Nature,
of whom all naturall things are full ,and
whofe goings forth in the way of Nature

are moſt wonderfull, even to the convicti
on of the greateft Atheiſts.

CourteousReader, thou muſt excufe me for
not affecting elegancies in thefe Tranflati
ons, for if I were skilled in them, yet the

matter of the books would not bear them.
IfI have fometimes uſed uncouth words, it
as becauſe the ſenſe,towhich I kept me
clofe,would not properly bear any other,

or at leaſt better cane not at the preſent
into my mind If any Errata's have paffed

through the flips of my pen, or the Printers
miſtake,be thou candid,and mend them It
We
thou shalt not approve of what Ihave
done,convince mee of my errour by doing
better; for thereby thou fhalt oblige the
lovers of truth, and amongſt the reft , thy
friend , lead vigilam on Liby

10
A
The Preface .
The Author wifheth all health to , and

prays
to God for a bleffing upon all the Sear-
chers of Alchymie, namely the true Sons

ofHermes.
Courteous Reader,
Hen I confidered with
my ſelf that many adul-
terated books, and falſe
Receipts ( as they call
them ) of Alchymifts .
compofed through the fraud, and cove
toufneffe of Impoftors,in which not fo
much as one fpark of truth appears
were in requeſt with the Searchers of
Naturall , and myfterious Arts , by
which even very many have been, and
ſtill are deceived : I thought I could do
no better ſervice,then to communicate
A that
The Preface.
that talent, committed to my truft by
the Father of Lights, to the Sons and
Heirs ofWiſdome. And to this end ,
that future ages may take notice, that
this fingular Philofophicall bleffing of
God hath not been denyed to fome
men, not only in former ages, but alſo
in this. It ſeemed good to me for fome
Reaſons to conceal my name, whilft I
doe not feek praiſe to my felfe , but en-
deavour to be affifting to the lovers of

Wiſdome. Therefore I leave that vain
defire ofhonour to thoſe that had ra-
ther feem to bee , then to bee indeed .
What here I write by way of teftimo-
ny to that undoubted Philofophicalt
truth, comprehended in few lines, have
been taken out of that Manuall experi-
ence, which the moft High hath vouch-
fafed to mee, that they which have laid
the principall, and reall foundations in
this commendable Art , mayby this

encou-
The Preface.
encouragement not forfake the practife
of the beft things , and fo bee fecured
from that wicked fwarm of fmoke- fel-
lers , whofe delight is to cheat.They are
not dreams , as the ignorant vulgar call
them ;neither are they fooliſh inventi
ons of idle men, as fools , and men void
ofunderſtanding(who deride the Art)

conceive them to be. It is the Philofo-
phicall truth it felfe , which as I am a

lover ofthe truth , I ought not , nay I
could not for fupporting and confirm-
ing the truth ofAlchymie, undeferved-
ly cryed out againft,keep cloſe, or bury
in filence. Although it may bee much
afraid in theſe times ( when vertue and
vice are eſteemed alike)by reafon of the
unworthineffe of this age, and ingrati
tude, and treachery of men ( to fay no-
thing of the curfes of Philofophers ) to
come forth upon the publick ſtage of
the world. I could produce witneffes
A2 of
The Preface.
ofthis Chymicall truth, viz. fage Au-
thors , according to the unanimous
confent of divers honorable Ancients
in ſo many ſeverall nations : but thoſe
things which are manifeſt by ocular ex-
periment, need no further proof. Many
men both ofhigh, and low condition in
theſe laſt years paſt, have to my know→
ledge feen Diana unvailed. And al-
though there may be found fome idle ,
and ill-employed fellowes , who either
out of envy, or malice, or fear ofhaving
their own frauds difcovered , cry out
that the foule may bee extracted out of
Gold, and with the fpecious, and de-
ceitfull delufion of oftentation , fay it.
may be put to another body;not with-
out loffe and detriment of time, pains ,
and cofts : yet let the fonnes ofHermes
know for certaine , that fuch a kind of
extraction offouls ( as they call them)
whether out of Gold, or out of Silver
by
The Preface.
(by what vulgar way of Alchymie foe
ver) is but a meer fancy : which thing
indeed is not beleeved by many, but at
length by experience , the onely , and
true Miftris of truth is verified , and
that with loffe. On the contrary, hee
which (in a Philofophicall way ) can
without anyfraud and colourable de
ceit make it , that it fhall really tinge
the baſeft metall , whether with gain, or
without gain, with the colour of Gold,
or Silver ( abiding all requifite tryalls
whatſoever) Ican juftly averre hath the
gates of Nature opened to him, for the
enquiring into further, and higher ſe-
crets, and with the bleffing of God to
obtain them. Moreover , I prefent thefe
prefent Treatifes , compofed out of
mine own experience, to the Sonnes of
Art, that whilſt they are bufied with all
their thoughts and intentiveneffe of
mind in fearching into the fecret opera

A 3 tions
The Preface:
tions of Nature , they may thence
know, and cleerly underſtand the truth
of all things, and Nature it felfe : in
which thing alone the perfection of the
whole facred Philofophicall Art con-
fifts, fo that they go on in the common
high-way of Nature, which thee pre-
fcribes in all her operations . Therefore
I would have the Courteous Reader
be here admonished, that he underſtand
my Writings not fo much from the
outfide of my words, as from the poffi-
bility of Nature; left afterward he be-
waile his time,pains , and cofts , all ſpent
in vain. Let him confider that this Art
is for the wife,not for the ignorant; and
that the fenfe, or meaning of Philofo-
phers is of another nature then to bee
understood byvapouring Thrafoes or
Letter-learned fcoffers , or vicious a-
gainſt their owne confciences , ( who
whilft theycannot rife by their vertues,
attempt
The Preface:
attempt it bytheir villanies, and mali-
cibus detractings from honeſt men ) or
ignorant Mountebanks , who moſt un-
worthily defaming the moſt commen-
dable Art of Alchymie,have with their
Whites, and Reds deceived almoft the
whole world. For it is the gift of God,
and truly it is not to be attained to, but
by the alone favor of God, enlightning

th
theunderſtandingtogether wh a patient
and devout humility ( or by an ocular
demonftration from fome experienced
Maſter:) wherefore God juſtly thruſts

them far from his fecrets that are ſtran-
gers to him. Finally , My only requeſt
to the Sonnes of Art is this, that they
would take in good part my endea
vouring to deſerve well of them , and
when they ſhall have made that which
is occult manifeft , and through the
good pleaſure of God in a conftant
way of diligence fhall arrive to the
longed
The Preface.
*
longed for haven of the Philofophers,
that they would, according to the cu-
ftome of Philofophers, debarre all un.
worthy men from this Art ; and not
forgetting to love their poor neighbor
in the feare of God ( ſetting afide all
vain oftentation ) let them fing ever-
lafting praiſes of thankfulneffe unto
the great and good God, for fo fpeci-
all a gift, and ufeit wel with a filent and
religiousjoy-
Simplicity or plainneffe is the ſeal of

truth.
A
A
NEW LIGHT
OF
ALCHYMIE
THE FIRST TREATISE.
Of Nature, what she is , and what
ber fearchers ought to be.
Any wife, and very learned men ma

ny ages fince, yea ( Hermes teftify-
ing the fame before the floud
wrote many things concerning
the making the Philofophers ftones
and have bequeathed fo many
M
writings unto us, that unleffe Na
ture should daily worke things cre-
dible to us ,fcarce any one would beleeve it as a truth
that there were any nature at all : becauſe in former ages
there were not ſo many deviſers of things, neither did
our Anceſtors regard any thing befides nature it felfe,
and the poffibility of nature. And although they were
B con,
A new Light ofAlchymie.
contented with the plaine way alone ofnature, yet they

found out those things, which we now imployed about
divers things could not with all our wits conceive . This
is becauſe nature, and the generation of things in the
world is eſteemed of us meane, and plaine . And there-
fore we bend our wits not to things knowne, and fami-
liar, but to fuch things,which not at all, or very hardly
can be done. Wherefore it happens that we are more
dexterous in devifing curious fubtilties, and fuch which
the Philofophers themselves did never thinke of,then to
attain to the true proceffe of nature, & the right meaning.
of Philofophers .And fuch is the difpofition ofmens na-
tures, as to neglect those things they know, and to
be alwaies feeking after other things , fuch alſo and
much more is that of mens wits , and fancies , to
which their nature is fubjected. As for example ; You
fee any Artificer, when he hath attained to the high-
eft perfection of his Art, either fearcheth into other-
Arts, or abufeth the fame, which he already hath, or
elfe leaves it off quite.. So alfo is generous nature alwaies
active and doing to its very Iliad ( i) utmoſt period,and
afterward ceafeth. For there is given to nature from
the beginning a certaine kinde of grant, or permiffion
till to attaine to things better, and better through her
whole progreffe, and to, come to her full reft, towards.
which the tends with all her might, and rejoyceth in
her end, as a Pifmire doth in her old age, at which
time nature makes her wings. Even fo our wits have
proceeded fo farre, efpecially in the Phylofophicall Art,
or praxis ofthe ftone, that now we are almoft come to
the Iliad it felfe. For the Art of Chymiftry hath now
found out fuch fubtilties, that ſcarce greater can be in-
vented, and differ as much from the Art of the Anci-
ent
A new Light ofAlchymie 3
ent Philofophers as a Clock- fmith doth from a plaine
Black-fmith : And although both worke upon Iron,
yet neither underſtands the others labours, although
both are maſters of their Art. If Hermes himselfe, the
father of Philofophers,fhould now be alive, and fubtil
witted Geber, together with moſt profound Raimundus
Lullins, they would not be accounted by our Chymifts
for Philofophers, but rather for Scholars : They would
be ignorant of thoſe fo many diftillations , fo many
circulations, fo many calcinations, and fo many other
innumerable operations of Artifts now adayes uſed,
which men of this age deviſed, and found out of their
writings.There is one only thing wanting to us,that is,to
know that which they effected, vi , the Philofophers
ftone, or Phyficall Tincture, we whileft we feeke that,
finde out other things and unleffe the procreation of
man were fo ufuall as it is, and nature did in that thing
ftill obferve her owne law, and rules, we ſhould ſcarce
not but erre. But to returne to what I intended; I pro-
miſed in this firſt treatife to explaine Nature , left
every idle fancy fhould turne us afide fromthe true and
plaine way. Therefore I fay Nature is but one, true.
plaine, perfect, and entire in its owne being, which God
made from the beginning, placing his fpirit in it : but
know that the bounds of nature is God himselfe, who
alfo is the originall ofnature. For it is certaine, that eve-
ry thing that is begun, ends no where but in that,in which
it begins . I fay it is that only alone, by which God
workes all things : not that God cannot worke without
it ( for truely he himselfe made nature, and is omnipo-
tent) but fo it pleaſeth him to doc. All thing proceed
from this very nature alone ; neither is there any thing
in the world without nature. And although it happens
B2 10mc-
fometimes that there be abortives ; this is not natures
fault, but of the Artift,or place. This nature is divi-
ded into foure places, in which ſhe workes all theſe things,
which appeare to us under fhadowes ; for truely things
may be faid rather tobe fhadowed out to us , then really
to appeare. She is changed in male, and female, and is
likened to Mercury, becauſe the joynes her felfe to vari-
ous places ; and according to the goodneffe , or the bad-
neffe of the place fhe brings forththings ; although to us
there feeme no bad places at all in the earth. Now for
qualities there be only foure, and thefe are in all things,
but agree not, for one alwaies exceeds another. More-
over, nature is not vifible, although ſhe acts vifibly ; for
it is a volatile fpirit, which executes its office in bodies,
and is placed, and ſeated in the will,and minde of God.
Nature in this place ferves us for no other purpoſe, but
to underſtand her places, which are more lutable, and
ofnearer affinity to her , that is , to underſtand how to
joyne one thing to another, according to nature, that
we mixe not wood and man together, or an oxe or any
other living creature, and metals together : but let every
thing act upon its owne like : and then for certaine na-
ture fhall performe her office. The place of nature is
no other then, as I faid before, what is in the will of
God.
The fearchers ofnature ought to be fuch as nature her
felfe is,true, plaine, patient,conftant, &c. and that which
is chiefeft of all, religious, fearing God, not injurious
to their neighbour. Then let them diligently confider,
whether their purpoſe be agreeable to nature ; whether
it be poffible, let them learne by cleare examples, viz.
Out of what things any thing maybe made, how, and
in what veffell nature workes. For ifthou wilt doe any
thing
A new Light ofAlchymie. དྷ་
thing plainly, as nature her felfe doth doe it, follow

nature , but if thou wilt attempt to doe a thing better
then nature hath done it, confider well in what , and by
what it is bettered ,and let it alwaies be done in its owne
like. As for example, if thou defireft to exalt a me-
tall in vertue (which is our intention ) further then na-
ture hath done ; thou muſt take a metalline nature both
7
in male and female , or elfe thou shalt effect nothing .
For if thou doft purpoſe to make a metall out of hearbs ,
thou shalt labour in paine , as alfo thou shalt not bring
forth wood out ofa dog,or any other beaſt.
44
THE SECOND TREATISE.
of the operation of Nature in our inten-

tion, and in Sperme..
Said even now that nature was true,but one,

every where feene, conftant, and is knowno
by the things which are brought forth, as
I woods , hearbs , and the like. I faid alfo that
the fearcher of nature must be true, fimple hearted ,
patient , conſtant , giving his minde but to one
thing alone, &c. Now we must begin to treat of the
acting of Nature . As nature is in the will of God,
and God created her, or put her upon every imagina
tion ; ſo nature made her felfe a feed, ( i ) her will, and
pleasure in the Elements . She indeed is but one, and
yet brings forth divers things ; but workes nothing
without a ſperme Nature workes whatsoever the
B3 fperme
6 A new Light of Alchymic.
"
fperme pleaseth, for it is as it were an inſtrument of

fome Artificer. The ſperme therefore of every thing is
better, and more advantagious to the Artificer, then nar
ture her felfe. For by nature without feed, you fhall
doe as much as a Goldſmith (hall without fire, gold , or
filver, or a husbandman without corne, or feed. Ifthou
haft the sperme, nature is preſently at hand, whether it
be to bad, or good. She workes in fperme, as God doth
in the free will of man and that is agreat myſterie,be-
cauſe nature obeyes the fperme, not by compulfion,
but voluntarily, even as Godfuffers all things, which man
wills, not by conſtraint, but out ofhis owne free plea-
fure : Therefore he gave man free will whether to bad,
or to good. The fperme therefore is the Elixir ofevery
thing, or Quint- effence, orthe most perfect decoction, or
digeftion of a thing, or the Balfome of Sulphur, which
is the fame as the Radicall moisture in metalls. There 1
might truely be made a large difcourfe of this fperme ;

but we ſhall onely keep to that which makes for our
purpoſe in the Chymicall Art. Foure Elements beget
a fperine through the will,and pleaſure of God , and
imagination of nature for as the fperme of man hath
its center, or veffell of its feede in the kidnies , fo the
foure Elements by their never ceafing motion ( every
one according to its quality ) caft forth a ſperme into
C
the Center ofthe earth, where it is digefted, and by
motion fent abroad. Nowthe Center ofthe earth is
a certaine empty place, where nothing can reft . The

foure Elements fend forth their qualities into excentralł
parts of the earth, or into the circumference of the
Center. As a manfends forth his feed into the entrance
of the wombe of the woman ; in which place nothing
of the feed remaines, but after the wombe hath received
A new Light ofAlebymie. 7
a due proportion, cafts out the reſt ſo alfo it comes

to paffe in the Center of the earth, that the magnetick
vertue of the part of any place drawes to it felfe any thing
that is convenient for its felfe , for the bringing forth
ofany thing ; the refidue is caft forth into ftones, and
other excrements . For all things have their originall
from this fountaine , neither hath any thing in the
world any beginning but by this fountainc. As for
example;let there be fet a veffell of water upon a smooth
even table, and be placed in the middle thereof, and
round about let there be laid divers things, and divers
colours, alfo falt, and every one apart : then let the
water be powred forth into the middle , and you fhall
fee that water to runne abroad here and there,and when
one ftreame is come to the red colour, it is made red
by it, ifto the falt, it takes from it the taſte of the
falt, and fo of the reft . For the water doth not change
the place,but the diverfity ofthe place changeth the wa-
ter. In like manner the feed, or fperme being by the
foure Elements caft forth from the center into the cir
cumference, paffeth through divers places , and according

to the nature of the place, it makes things : If it comes to
a pure place of earth, and water, a pure thing is made,
The feed,and fperine of all things is but one, and yet
it produceth divers things, as is evident by the following
example. The feed of a man is a noble feed, and was
created,and ordained for the generation of man onely ;
yet nevertheleſs if a man doe abuſe it, as is in his free
will to doe, there is borne an abortive. For if a man
contrary toGods moft expreffe command ſhould couple
with a cow, or any other beaft, the beaft would prefent-
ly conceive the feed of the man , becauſe nature is
but one ; and then there would not be borne a man, but
23
8 A new Light of Alchymie.
a beaft,and an Abortive ; becauſe the feed did not find a

place futable to it felf. By fuch an inhumane, & deteftable
copulation of men with beaſts there would be brought
forth divers beafts, like unto men. For fo it is , if the
fperme goes into the center, there is made that which
fhould be made there ; but when it is come into any
other place, and hath conceived, it changeth its forme
no more. Now whileft the fperme is yet in the center,
there may as eaſily be brought forth a tree, as a metall
from the fperme, and affoone an hearbe,as a ſtone, and
one more pretious then another, according to the pu
rity ofthe place : But how the Elements beget a fperme
is in the next place to be treated of, and it is done thus :
The Elements are foure : two are heavy and two are
light, two dry, and two moift, but one which is moft
dry, and another which is moft moift, are males,
and females &c. Every one of theſe of it felfe is moſt
apt to produce things like unto it felfe in its owne ſphere,
and fo it pleafed God it should be : Thefe foure never
are atreft, but are alwaies acting one upon another ; and
every one by it felfe fendeth• forth his owne thinness,and
fubtlety, and they all meet in the center : now in the
center is the Archeus , the fervant of nature, which
mixeth thoſe fpermes, and fends them forth. And
how that is done is to be feene more fully in the Epi-
logue ofthe 12 treatiſes.
THE
A new Light ofAlchymie . 9
THE THIRD TREATIS E.
of the true first matter ofMetalls.
He firft matter ofMetalls is twofold, but

the one cannot make a metall without the
other.The first and principall is the humi-
T
dity of the aire mixed with heat ; and this
the Philofophers called Mercury, which is governed
by the beams ofthe Sunne, and Moon in the Philo-
fophicall fea: the fecond is the dry heat ofthe earth,
which they called Sulphur. - But becauſe all true Phi-
lofophers chiefly concealed this , wee will a little
more cleerly explain it , efpecially the weight or
poife, which being unknown, all things are spoiled.
Thence it is, that many bring forth an abortive out
ofthat which is good, for there bee fome that take
the whole body for the matter, or feed, or fperme;
and fome that take a piece,and all theſe go befide the
rightway. As for example ; if any one ſhould take
the foot of a man, and the hand of a woman, and
wouldby mixing theſe two together make a man, it
were not poffible to be done . For there is in every
body a Center,and a place orthe point of the feed or
fperme, and is alwaics the 8200th part , yea even in
every wheat corne; and this cannot bee otherwife.
For not the whole corne,or body is turned into feed,
but only a fpark, or fome certain fmall neceffary part
in the body, which is preferved by its body from all
exceffive heat and cold. Ifthou haft cares , or any
C fenfe
10 Anew Light ofAlchymie.
fenſe, mark well what is here faid , and thou shalt be

fafe, and out of the number not only of thoſe who
are ignorant ofthe place ofthe fperm , and endeavour
to convert the whole corn into feed, but alfo ofthem
all, who are employed in the fruitleffe diffolution of
metalls , and are defirous to diffolve the whole of
metalls, that afterwards by their mutuall commix-
tion they may make a new metall. But thefe menz
if they confidered the proceffe of Nature, fhould fee
that the cafe is far otherwiſe , for there is no metall
fo pure, which hath not its impurities, yet one more,
or fewer then another. But thou, friendly Reader,
fhalt obfèrve the first point of nature , as is abovefaid,
and thou haft enough but take this caution along
withthee, that thou doft not feek for this point in
the metalls of the vulgar, in which it is not. For thefe
metalls , especially the gold of the vulgar, are dead,but
ours are living, full of fpirit, and there wholly muſt
be taken for know that the life ofmetalls is fire
whilft they are yet in their mines, and their death is
the fire, viz. ofmelting. Now the first matter of
metals is a certaine humidity mixed with warm aire
and it reſembles fat water , fticking to every thing
pure,or impure , but in one place more abundantly

then in another, by reafon the earth is more open ,
and porous in one place then in another, having alfo
an attractive power. It comes forth into the light
fomtimes by it felf, with fome kind of covering, efpe-
cially in fuch places where there was nothing that it
could well stick to it is known thus , becauſe every
thing is compounded of 3 principles : but in reference
to the matter ofmetalls is but one, without any con-
junction to any thing , excepting to its covering or
hadow, viz. fulphur, &c. THE
THE FOURTH TREATISE
How Metals are generated in the bowells of

the earth.
Etalls are brought forth in this manner.

After the foure Elements have ſent X forth
Mtheirvertues into the center of the earth,

the Archeus by way of diftillation fends
them up unto the fuperficies of the earth, by vertue
ofthe heat ofits perpetuall motion : for the earth is
porous, and this wind by diftilling through the pores
of the earth, is refolved into water , out of which all
things are made. Therefore let the fons of wifdome
know, that the fperm of metalls doth not differ from
the fperm of all things , viz. the moift vapour : there-
fore in vain do Artiſts look after the reducing of me-
talls into their firft matter, which is only a vapour.
The Philofophers meant not fuch a firſt matter, but
only the fecond matter,as Bernardus Trevifanus lear
nedly difcuffeth it, though not fo cleerly, becauſe hee
fpeaks ofthe foure Elements, but yet hee did fay as
much, but he fpake only to the fons of Art. But I,
that I might the more cleerly open the Theorie ,
would have all be admonished here to take heed how
they give way to fo many folutions , fo many circu
lations, fo many calcinations, and reiterations of the
fame ; for in vain is that fought for in a hard thing,
when as the thing is foft of it felf , and every where
to be had. Letnot thefirst , but the fecond matter
only be fought after,viz. that, which as foon as it is
C 2 con-
12 A new Light of Alchymiz.
conceived, cannot be changed into another form . But
ifthou inquireft how a metall may bee reduced into
fuch a matter, in that I keep cloſe to the intention
ofthe Philofophers : This thing only above all the
reft I defire , that the fons of Art would underſtand
the fenfe,and notthe letter of writings , and where
nature doth end, viz. in metallick bodies , which in
our eyes feem to be perfect , there muft Art begin.
But to return to my purpofe,(for my intention is not
here to speak ofthe ftone only ) let us now treate of
the matter ofmetalls . Alittle before I faid, that all
things were made of the liquid aire , or the vapour,
which the Elements by a perpetuall motion diftill in-
to the bowells of the earth ; and then the Archeus
of Nature takes and fublimes it through the pores,
and according to its difcretion diftributes it to every
place (as we have declared in the foregoingt reatifes)
To from the variety of places proceeds the variety of
things . There be fome that fuppofe Saturne to have
one kind of feed, and Gold another, and fo all the reft
of the metalls. But thefe are foolish fancies,there is
but one only feed,the fame is found in Saturne which
is in Gold, the fame in Silver which is in Iron ; but
the place of the earth is divers , if thou underſtandeft
me aright,although in Silver nature fooner hathdone
its work, thenin Gold, and fo of the reſt . For when
that vapour is fublimed from the center ofthe earth,
it paffeth through places either cold, or hot: If there-
fore it paffeth throughplaces that are hot, and pure,
where the farneffe of Sulphur fticks to the walls ; I
fay that vapour which the Philofophers have called
the Mercury of Philofophers applyes it felfto, and is
joined to that fatneffe,which thenit fublimes with it
felf,
A new Light ofAlchymie, 13
felf and then becomes an unctuofity,and leaving the

name ofa Vapour,is called by the nameof Fatneffe;
which afterward coming by fublimation unto other
places,whichthe fore-going vapour hath cleanſed
where the earth is fubtill, pure, and moift, fills the
pores thereof, and is joined to it, and fo it is made
Gold,but if that fatneffe come to impure, and cold
places, it is made Lead;but ifthe earthbee cold and
pure,and mixed with fulphur,it is made Copper, & c .
For by how much more a place is depurated, or clen-
fed, byfo much the more excellent it makes the me
talls : for wee muft know, that that vapour goes out
continually from the center to the fuperficies , and
aleanfeth thofe places through which it paffeth.
Thence it comes to paffe , that now there may bee
found Mines in thofe places where a thousand yeers

agoe were none; for in its paffage it alwaies fubtili
zeth that which is crude and impure , carrying it by
degrees withit: And this is the reiteration, and circu-
tion of nature, it is fo long fublimed in producing
new things, untill the place be very well purified; and
by how much the more it is purified , by fo much the
nobler things it brings forth. Now in the winter
3
when the air is cold , binding faft the earth , that
unctuous vapour is congealed,which afterward when
the fpring returns, is mixed together with earth, and
water,and fo becomes a Magnefia, drawing to it felf
the Mercury ofair, like unto it felfe,and gives life to
all things through the concurrence of the beams of
the Sun,Moon and Stars,and ſo it brings forthgrafs ,
flowers,and fuch like things. For Nature is not one
moment oftime idle. Now Metalls are thus made,
the earth by long diftillation is purified , then they
C3 gre
14 A new Light ofAlchymie.
are generated by the acceffe, or coming thither of

the fatneffe : they are brought forth no other way,
as is the foolish opinion of fome that mif- interpret
the writings of Philofophers .
THE FIFTH TREATISE.
of the generation of all kinds of

Stones.cudokur
DAD
HE matter of Stones is thelame as of
other things; and according to the purity
ofplaces they are made in this manner.
When the four Elements diftill their va
pour into the center of the earth, and the Archeus of
nature fends forth the fame, and fublimes it ; this
whilft it paffeth through places, and the pores of the
earth, takes along with it felfall the impurity ofthe
earth unto the very fuperficies , which afterward the
air congeals ( for what the pure air makes, the crude
aire congeals,becauſe aire hath ingreffe into aire, and
they join themfelves together, for nature is delighted,
in nature:) and fo are made rocks , and ftony moun-
tains, according to great and little pores. And by
how much the greater are the pores of the earth, by
fo much the better is the place purified . Since there-
fore by fuch a breathing place or vent, a greater heat ,
and a greaterquantity of water paffeth, therefore the
fooner is the earth depurated and fo afterward in
thoſe places metalls are more eaſily brought forth.
Even
A new Light ofAlchymie. 15
%
Evenfo very experience teftifies, that gold cannot be

got,or found any where but in mountains , and fel-
dome or never in plain,and levell ground for moſt
commonly fuch places are moift , not with the va
pour, but with Elementary water , " which drawes to
it felfthat vapour , and fo they embrace one another,
as that they can hardly be feparated, afterwards the
fun of the heavens digefting them , makes that fat
clay which the Potters ufe. But in places where there
is groffe fand , and whither the vapour doth not
bring with it that fatneffe, or fulphur, it brings forth
herbs and graffe in Meadows. There be other kind
offtones, which are called precious ftones , as the
Diamond , Rubies, Emerald , and fuch like gems as
thefe, all which are generated after this manner.
When the vapour ofNature is fublimed by it felfe ";
without being joined to the fatneffe offulphur , and
comes to aplace of pure falt water, there are made
Diamonds, and this is in cold places, whither that
fatneffe cannot come,becauſe that fatnefs would hins
der the making of thefe ftones. For wee muft know,
that the fpirit of water is fublimed cafily , and that
with a ſmall heat; but oil, and fatneffe cannot be car-
ryed upbut with a great heat , and that alſo into hot
places;for when it is come fromthe center,if it meet
with any little cold, it is congealed, and is at a ſtand,
but the vapour afcends to its due places, and in pure
water is congealed into ſtones by grains. But how
colours are made in gems; wée muft know that they
are made by reafon ofthe fulphur in this manner : if
the fatneffe ofthe fulphur be congealed ,then by that
perpetuall , motion , 1 the fpirit ofthe water paffing
through, it digefts and purifies it by virtue of the
falt
falt ,untill it bee coloured with a digeſted heate

red or white , which colour tending toward a
further perfection, is carryed up by that ſpirit , be-
caufe it is fubtilized and made thin by fo many reite-
rated diſtillations , the spirit afterward hath a power
to enter intoimperfect things, and fo brings in a co-
lour to them , which afterward is joined to that wa-
ter, being then in part congealed , and fo fills up the
pores thereof, and is fixed with it,with an inseparable
fixation.For all water is congealed with heat, if it be
without fpirit,& congeled with cold,if it hath a ſpirit,
but he that knows how to congeal water with heat , &
to join a ſpirit with it, fhall certainly find out a thing
morepretious then gold, and every thing else. Let
him therefore cauſe that the fpirit be feparated from
the water, that it may putrifie , and bee like a graine.
Afterwards the feces being caft away, let him reduce
and bring back the fpirit again from the deep into
water, and make them be joined together again : for
that conjunction willgenerate a branch of an unlike
fhape to its parents,
THE
A new Light of Alchymie ‫די‬
THE SIXTH TREATISE.
of the fecond matter, and putrefaction of 30

things..
EE have fpoken of the first matter of

things, and how things are produced by
Nature without feed, that is,how Nature
w!! receives matter from the Elements , out
of which ſhe makes feed : But now we intend to treat
ofthe feed it felfe , and things generated of feed.
For every thing that hath feed is multiplyed in it,but
without the help of Nature it is not done for the feed
is nothing elfe but the air congealed in fome body: or
it is a moiſt vapour, and unleſſe this be refolved by a
warm vapour, it is of no ufe. Let therefore the fear-
chers ofthe Art underſtand what Seed is, left they
feek after a thing thatis not : and let them know that
that is threefold, which is broughtforth by the foure
Elements. The firft is Minerall, and is that which we
now fpeak ofthe fecond is Vegetable, the third Ani
mall. The Minerall feed is known by Philofophers
alone . the Vegetable is common , and vulgar , as
we may fee in fruits : the Animall is known by ima
gination. The Vegetable doth fhew to us, how Na
ture made it ofthe four Elements. For wee muft
knowthat the winter is the cauſe ofputrefaction, fee-

ing it congeals the Vitall fpirits in trees , and when
thofe by the heat of the Sun ( in which there is a mag
Ꭰ netick
1-8
netick vertue,attractive ofal manner of moisture) are

refolved, then the heat ofnature,ftirred up by motion
drives , or forceth the fubtill Vapour ofthe water to
the circumference ,and this vapour openeth the pores
of the tree, and makes drops diftill, alwaies feparating
the pure from the impure. Yet the pure fometimes
goeth before the impure , the pure ftayes , and is
congealed into flowers, the impure goes into leaves,
the groffe, and thick into the bark : the bark of the
tree remains faft, and firm ,the leaves fall with cold,
or heat, when the pores thereofare ſtopt the flowers
in congealing receive their colour according to the
heat whereby the colour is made , and bring with
them fruit, and feed (as an Apple, in which there is
fperm out ofwhich a tree is not brought forth ; but
in the infide of that fperme is a feed or kernell, out of
which even without the fperm is brought forth a tree,
for multiplication is not in the fperm,but in the feed .)

So wee fee with our eyes,that Nature creates a feed
out ofthe four Elements, left wee fhould labour in
vain about it; for what is created already need not a
Creator. Let this by way of example bee fufficient
for the advertiſement ofthe Reader , but now I re
turn to my purpoſe concerning the Mineralls . Nature
creates the Mineral feed,or the feed ofMetalls in the
bowels of the earth:wherefore it is not belceved that
there is anyfuch feed in rerum naturâ,becauſe it is in-
viſible. But it is no wonder if ignorant men doubt of
it, feeing they cannot perceive that which is before
their cys,much less that which is hid from their eyes:
but it is moft true that that which is fuperiour, is but
as that which is inferiour, and fo on the contrary.
Alfo that which is brought forth above is brought
fortha
Aew Light ofAlchymie. 19
forth ofthe faire fountaine , as that beneath in the
bowells of the earth. And what prerogative fhould
Vegetables have before Metalls,that God fhould put
a feed into them, and without cauſe withhold it from
thefe Are not Metalls of as much efteem with God
as Trees ? Letthis be granted for a truth, that nothing
grows without feed : for where there is no feed , the
thing is dead. It is neceffary therefore that four Ele
ments ſhould make the feed of Metalls, or bring them
forth without a feed : if they are produced without
feed, then they cannot be perfect; feeing every thing
without feed is imperfect, by the rule of compofiti-
on hee which gives no credit to this undoubted
truth, is not worthy to fearch into the fecrets of na-
ture, for thereis nothing made in the world, that is
deftitute offeed. The feed ofMetalls is truely , and.
really put into them and the generation of it is thus.
The foure Elements in the firft operation of Nature
doe by the help ofthe Archeus of Nature diftill into
the center of the earth a ponderous , or heavy Vapour
of water, which is the feed ofMetalls, and is called
Mercury by reafon ofits fluxibillty , and its conjun-
Ction with every thing not forits effence; and for its
internall heat it is likened to Sulphur, and after con-
gealation becomes to be the radicall moisture. And
although the body ofMetalls be procreated ofMer-
cury ( which is to bee underſtood of the Mercury
of Philofphers yet they are notbee hearkned to ,
that think the vulgar Mercury is the feed of Metalls ,
and fo take the body in ftead of the feed, not confide-
ring that the vulgar Mercury fpoken ofhath its own
feed in it felf. The errors, and miſtakes of all theſe
men willbe made apparent by the following exam-

D2 ple.
20 A new Light ofAlchymic .
ple. It is manifeft that men have feed, in which they

are multiplyed the body of man is Mercury, but
the feed is hid in the body, and in comparison to the
body is but little, and light he therefore that will
beget a man, let him not take Mercury, which is the
body,but the feed , whichis the congealed Vapour
ofwater. So in the regeneration ofMetalls , the vul
gar Chymifts goc prepofteroutly to work : They
diffolve Metallick bodies, whether it be Mercury, or
Gold, or Lead, or Silver , and corrode them with
harp waters, and other Heterogeneous things not.
1
requifite tothe true Art, and afterward joine them
together again, not knowing that a man is not gene
rated ofa mans body cut to pieces, becauſe by this
means the body is marred, and the feed before- hand
is deftroyed. Every thing is multiplyed in Male and
Female, as I have already mentioned in the Treatife
of the twofold Matter : The divifion ofthe fexes call-
feth,or produceth nothing, but a due joining ofthem.
together, brings forth anewforme : the feeds there
fore,or fpermes, not bodies are to bee taken. Take
therefore a living Male, and a living Female , joine
thefe together, that betwixt them there may be con-
ceived a fperm for the bringing forth of fruit after its
kind : There is no man living can beleeve that he can
make the firſt matter : • The firft matter of Man is
carth, and no man can of that make a man, only God
knows how to doe this ; but of the fecond matters
whichis already made, ifit be put into its due place,
may cafily by the operation of Nature be generated
a thing of that fpecies, or kind , which the feed was
of. The Artift here need doe nothing, onely to fepa-
rate the thin from the thick, and to put it into its due
U veffell..
A new Light ofAlchymie,
veffell. For this is to be confidered, that as athing is

begun, fo it ends : Of one are made two,oftwo one,
and then you have done. There is one God; of this
one God the Son is begotten : One produceth two
two have produced one holy Spirit proceeding from
both : fo the world is made , and ſo ſhall be the
end thereof. Confider the four former points moſt
exactly ; thou haft in them the Father , the Father
and the Son, and laftly the holy Spirit thou haft the
four Elements : thou haft four great Lights, two Ce
leftiall, and two Centrall : This is all that is , hath
been, or fhall be, that is made plain by this forenamed
that
fimilitude. If I might lay down all the myſteries th
might be raiſed from hence, they would amount to a
great volume. I return to my purpofe,and I tell thee
true, myfon! one is not made of one naturally , for
thus to doe is proper to God alone ? Yet it fuffice thee
that thou art able out oftwo to make one, which wit
be profitable to thee. Knowtherefore that the fperm
doth multiply the ſecond matter, and not the firſt .
for the first matter of all things is not feen, but is hid
either inf nature, or in the Elements , but the fecond
matterfometimes appeares tothe fons of wildome.
elui eadem scoins 220 of vor 10. howord
D3 THE
22
ei golden eà ar la butalinos
THE SEVENTHTREATISE .
ailed fled of the

from of the vertue of the second matter.
UT that thou maift the more cafily con-

ceive what this fecond matter is , I will de-
fcribe the vertues ofit,by which thou maift
B
know it . And first ofall know, that Nature
1 is divided into three Kingdoms;two of them are fuchA

that either of them can fubfift ofit felf, ifthe other
two were not, there is the Minerall, Vegetable , and
Animall Kingdom. The Minerall can fubfift of it felf,
although there were no man in the world,nor tree, or
herb. The Vegetable likewife, although there were
no Metall, nor Animall,can ftand by it felf: thefe two
are ofone made by one : But the third hath life from
the other two whichwee have mentioned , without
which it could not fubfift, andis more noble, and ex-
cellent then thofe two,as alfoit is the laft of the three
and rules over the other : becaufe alwaies vertue, or
excellency ends in a third thing, and is multiplyed in
the fecond.Doft thou fee in the Vegetable Kingdom ?
The firft matter is an herb , or a tree , which thou
knoweft not how to make,Nature alone makes it: In
this Kingdom the fecond matter is Seed, which thou
feeft, in this the hearb, or the tree is multiplyed. In
the Animall Kingdome the first matter is a beaft, or
a man,which thou knoweft not how to make;but the
fecond matter or the sperm, in which they are multi-
ply-
4 new Light ofAlchymie. 23
plyed,thou knoweft. In the Minerall thou knoweft

not how to make a Metall, and ifthou braggeſt that
thou canft, thou arta foole, and a lyar, Nature makes
that, and although thou ſhouldft have the firſt mat
ter, according to the Philofophers, yet it would bee
impoffible for thee to multiply that Centrall falt
without Gold:Now the feed ofMetalls is known on-
ly to the fons ofArt. In Vegetables the feed appears
outwardly, the reins of its digeftion is warm aire. In
Animalls the feed appears inwardly, and outwardly
the reins of its digeftion are the reins of a Male. Wa-
ter in Mineralls is the feed in the Center of their
heart,and is their life: the reins of its digeftion is fire.
The receptacle of the Vegetable feed is the earth :
the receptacle ofthe feed Animal is the womb ofthe
female : the receptacle of water,which is the Mineralf
feed, is aire. And thofeare the receptacles of feeds ,
which are the congealations of their bodies : that is
their digeftion, whichis their folution : that is their
putrefaction which is their deftruction . The vertue
ofevery feed is to join it felfto every thing inits own
Kingdome, because it is fubtill , and is nothing elſe
but aire, which by fatneffe is congealed in water : It is
known thus, becauſe it doth not mixe it ſelfnaturally
to any thing out of its own Kingdome : it is not dif-
folved, but congealed , becauſe it doth not need dif
folution, but congealation. It is neceffary therefore
that the pores of the body be opened,that the fperme
may be fentforth, in whofe Center the feed lyes ,
which is aire : that when it comes into its due matrix,
is congealed, and congeals what it finds pure, or im
pure mixed with what is pure. As long as the feed is
in the body, the body lives , when it is all confumed
the
Confumed the body dies , alfo all bodies after the
iniffion offeed are weakned experience likewiſe teſti-
fies that men which give themſelves over too much
to venery become feeble, as trees, that bear too much
fruit, become afterwards barren. The feed therefore,
as oftentimes hath been repeated , is a thing invifi-
ble, but the ſperme is vifible, and is almoſt a living
foule, it is not found in things that are dead . It is
drawn forth two wayes , pleaſantly, and by force :
But becauſe wee are in this place to treat of the ver
te ofit onely , I fay that nothing is made without
feed : all things are made by vertue of ſeed : and
let the fons of Art know, that feed is in vain fought
for in trees that are cut off, or cut down ,becauſe it is
found in them only that are green.
THE EIGHTH TREATISE.
Howby Art Nature works in Seed.
LL feed is nothing worth of it felf, ifit

be not either by Art, or Nature put in-
to its proper matrix . And although
feed be ofit felf more noble thenevery
Creature, yet the matrix is the life of it,
& makes the fperm,or cornto putrefic,and caufeth a
congealation ofthe pure point, and alfo by the heat
ofits body nourisheth it, and makes it grow and this
is done in all the forefaid Kingdomes of Nature; and
is done naturally by months, years , and ages. But
that.
A new Light ofAlchymie 25
that is a witty Art, that can ſhorten any thing in the
Minerall, and Vegetable Kingdome, but not inthe
Animall : in the Minerall Kingdome it perfects
that, which Nature could not , by reaſon of the
crude air, which with its vehemency filled the pores
of every body, not onely in the bowells , but alſo in
the fuperficies of the earth. As I have already faid
in the foregoing Chapters . But that this may bee
the more easily understood, I will adde hereunto ,
that the Elements ſtriving amongſt themſelves fend
forth their feed into the Center of the earth, as into
their reins, P but the Center by help ofmotion fends
it into its Matrix . Now the Matrixes are innume-
rable, as many Matrixes, as places , onepurer then
other, and fo almoſt in infinitum. Know therefore,
that a pure Matrix will afford a pure conception in
its own likeneffe : As for example, in Animalls there
are Matrixes ofWomen, Cowes, Mares, Bitches ,
and the like. So in the Minerall , and Vegetable
Kingdomes, there are Metalls, Stones, Salts;for the

Salts in theſe two Kingdomes are to bee confidered
of, as alfo their places, according to more or leffe.
E THE
1
永康
THE NINTH TREATISE.
of the Commixtion of Metalls, or the
drawingforththeirfeed.
E have fpoken of Nature, of Art, of the

Body, of Sperm, and ofSeed, now let
us defcend to Praxis, viz..how Metalls
ought to be mixed together , and what
their correfpondency , or agreement is
one with another. Know therefore that a Woman
doth not vary from a Man, bothare bred ofthe fame
Seed, and in one Matrix , there was nothing befides
digeftion , and that the Matrix had in it purer
bloud, and falt : fo Silver is made of the fame Seed
as Gold is, and in the fame Matrix , but the Matrix.
had more water in it then digefted blood, according
to the ſeaſon of the Moon in the heavens. But that
thou maift the more eafily imagine with thy felf how
Metalls couple together, that their Seed may be fent
forth, and received, behold and fee the heavens ,, and
the ſpheres of the Planets : thou feeft that Saturne
is placed the uppermoft,or higheft, next to that Iupi-
zer, then Mars, then Sol, orthe Sun , then Venus,then
Mercury, and laſt ofall Luna, orthe Moon. Confider
alfo that the vertues of the Planets, doc not aſcend,
butdefcend : Experience teacheth as much, viz. that
of Kenus, or Copper is not made Mars, or Iron , but
of
ofMars is made Venus, as being an inferiour ſphere :
So alfo Iupiter, or Tin is cafily changed into cMerury
or Quick-filver , becauſe Iupiter is the ſecond from
the firmament , and Mercury the ſecond from the
earth : Saturne is the first from the heavens,and Luna
the firft from the earth : Sol mixeth it felf with all,
but is never bettered by its inferiors . Now know
that there is a great agreement betwixt Saturne , or
Lead, and Luna, or Silver, in midft of which the Sun
is placed:as alfo betwixt Iupiter and Mercury,in midſt
of which Sol is alfo placed : and in the fame manner
betwixt Mars and Venus, which alfo have Sol placed
in the midst ofthem.Chymifts know how to change
Iron into Copper without Gold : they know alfo to
make Quick-filver out of Tin and there are fome .
that make Silver out of Lead : But if they knew by
theſe mutations to give or minifter to them the nature
of Gold, they would certainly find out a thing more
pretious then any treafure. Wherefore I fay we muſt
not bee ignorant what Metalls are to be joined to
each other, whofe nature is agreableone to the others.
Moreover there is granted tous one Metall , which
hath a power to confume the reft, for it is almoſt as
their water, & mother: yet there is one thing,and that
alone, the radicall moisture, viz. ofthe Sunne, and
Moon that withſtands it, and is bettered by it ; but
that I may diſclofe it to you, it is called Chalybs, or
Steel. If Gold couples eleven times with it, it fends
forth its feed, and is debilitated almoſt unto death 3.
the Chalybs conceives,and bears a fon, more excel-
lent then his father then when the Seed of that
which is now brought forth is put into its own Ma-
trix, it purifies it , and makes it a thousand times
E 2 more
more fit, and apt to bring forth the beſt , and moſt
excellent fruits. There is another Chalybs, which
is like to this, created byit felfe of Nature , which
knows howto draw forth by vertue of the fun beams
(through a wonderfull power , and vertue ) that
which fo many men have fought after , and is the
beginning of our work.
kik
THE TENTH TREATISE.
of the Supernaturall Generation of

the Son of the San.
EE have treated of things , which Nature

makes, and which God hath made, that the
Searchers of Art might the more cafily un-
derſtand the poffibility of Nature. But to delay no
longer, I will now enter upon the Manner , and Art
howto make the Philofophers ftone. The Philofo-
phers ftone, or tincture is nothing elfe, but Gold di-
gefted tothe highest degree : For vulgar Gold is
like an herb without feed , when it is ripe it brings
forth feed, fo Gold when it is ripe yeelds feed, or
tincture . But, will fome ask,Why doth not Gold, or
any other Metall bring forth feed: the reaſon given
is this, becauſe it cannot bee ripe, by reaſon of the
crudity of the air, it hath not fufficient heat , and it
happens , that in fome places there is found pure
Gold, whichnature would have perfected , but was
hindred
A new Light ofAlchymie, 29%
hindred by the crude aire. As for example, wee fee

that Orenge trees in Polonia doe indeed flouriſh as
other trees; in Italie, and elſewhere, where their na-
turall foil is , they yeeld, and bring forth fruit,becauſe.
they have fufficient heat; but in thefe cold places they
doc otherwife, for when they begin to ripen, they are
ata ftand, becauſe they are oppreffed with cold; and
fo in thefe places we never have their fruit naturally :
but if at any time Nature be fweetly , and wittily
helped, then Art may perfect that , which Nature
could not. The fame happens in Metalls : Gold may
•
yeeld fruit, and feed, in which it multiplyes it felf by
the induſtry ofthe skilfull Artificer, who knows how
to exalt Nature,but if he willattempt to do it with
out Nature, he will be miſtaken. For not only in this
art, but alfo in every thing elfe, we can doe nothing
but help Nature; and this by no other medium then
fire, or heat. But feeing this cannot be done,fince in
a congealed Metallick body there appear no fpirits, it.
is neceffary that the body be loofed,or diffolved , and
the pores thereof opened , whereby Nature may
work. But what that diffolution ought to be , here I

would have the Reader take notice , that there is a
twofold diffolution, although there be many other
diffolutions, but to little purpofe, there is onely one
that is truely naturall, the other is violent , under
which all the reft are comprehended. The naturall is
this, that the pores of the body bee opened in our
water, whereby the feed, that is digefted , may bee
fent forth, and put into its proper Matrix › Now our
water is heavenly,not wetting thehands , not vulgar,
but almoſt rain water : The body is gold , which
yeelds feed, our Lune or Silver, (not common Silver)
E3 is
is that which receives the feed ofthe gold:afterwards

it is governed by our continual fire,for ſeven months ,
and fometimes ten, untill our water confume three ,
andleave one; and that in duplo,or a double. Then it
is nourished with the milk ofthe earth,or the fatneſſe
thereof,which is bred in the bowells of the earth, and
is governed, or preferved from putrefaction by the
falt of Nature. And thus the infant of the fecond
generation is generated. Now let us paffe from the
Theorie to the Praxis.
THE ELEVENTH TREATISE.
of the Praxis, and making of the

Stone, or Tincture by
Art.
Hrough all thefe foregoing Chapters, our

difcourfe ofthings hath been fcattered by
way of examples, that the Praxis might
be the more cafily underſtood,which muft
be done by imitating Nature after this manner
Take ofour earth, through eleven degrees , eleven
graines, of our Gold, and not ofthe vulgar one grain,
ofour Lune, not the vulgar, two grains : but be thou
well adviſed,that thou takeft not common Gold,and
Silver, for thefe are dead, take ours which are livings
then put them into our fire, and let there be made of
them a dry liquor,first ofall the earth wil be refolved
into water, which is called the Mercury of Philofo-
phers
phers; and that water fhall refolve thoſe bodies of
Gold,and Silver,and fhal confume them fo,that there
fhall remain but the tenthpart with one part and this
fhall be the radicall moiſture of Metalls. Then take
water offalt -nitre, which comes from our earth , in
which there is a river ofliving water, if thou diggeſt
the pit knee deep,therefore take water out of that ,but
take that, which is cleer; upon this put that radicall
moiſture, and fet it over the fire ofputrefaction, and
generation,not on fuch a one as thou didst inthe first
operation govern all things with a great deale of
difcretion , untill colours appear like a Peacocks
tail, govern it by digefting it, and be not weary, un-
till theſe colours be ended, and there appear through-
out the whole one green colour , and fo of the reft ;
and when thou shalt fee in the bottome aſhes ofa fie-
ry colour, and the water almoft red, open the veffel,

dip in a pen,and fmearefome Iron with it, if it tinge,
have in readineffe that water, which afterwards I fhall
fpeak of,and put in fo much of that water as the cold
aire was, which went in, boil it again with the former
fire, untill it tinge again. So far reached my experi-
ence, I can doe no more, I found out no more.Now
that water muſt be the menftruum of the world,out:
of the fphere ofthe Moon, ſo often rectified , untill
it can calcine Gold I have been willing here to
diſcover to thee all things , and if thou shalt under-
ftand my meaning fometimes, and not the letter ,, I
have revealed all things, efpecially in the firft , and
fecond work. Now it remains that we fpeak next of
the fire. The first fire, or of the firft operation is a fire
of one degree,continuall,whichgoes round the mat-
ter, the fecond is a naturall fire, which digefts , and
fixeth
32 A new Light ofAlchymie,
fixeth the matter : I tell thee truely that I have open-

ed to thee the governance , or rules of the fire,ifthou
underſtandeſt Nature : The veffell remains yet to
be spoken of. It must be the veffel of Nature, and

two are fufficient; the veffell ofthe first work muft
beround; but in the ſecond a glaffe, a little leffe like

unto a viall, or an egge. But in all theſe know , that
the fire ofNature is but one , and if it works vari-
oufly, it is by reafon of the difference of places . The
veffell therefore of Nature is but one ; but wee for
brevities fake uſe a couple : the matter is one, but out
of two ſubſtances . Iftherefore thou wilt give thy
mind to make things, confider firft things that are al-
ready made; if thou canst not reach , or underſtand
things prefented to thy eyes, much leffe things that
are to be made , and which thou defireft to make.
For know that thou canft create nothing , for that is
proper to God alone, but to make things,that are not
perceived, but lye hid in the fhadow, to appear , and
to take from them their vaile, is granted to an intel-
ligent Philofopher by God through Nature . Confi-
der,I beseech thee, the fimple water of a cloud : who
would ever beleeve that that contains in it felfe all
things in theworld, hard Stones, Salts, Aire,Earth,

Fire, when as yet of it felfe it feems to be fimple ?
What fhall I fay ofthe Earth, which contains in it
Water, Fire, Salts, Aire, and of it felf feems to be
but meer earth? O wonderfull Nature, which knows
how to produce wonderfull fruits out of Waterinthe
earth, and from the Aire to give them life. All theſe
are done , and the eyes of the vulgar doe not fee
them ; but the eyes ofthe underſtanding, and imagi
nation perceive them, and that with a true fight. The
cycs
eyes of the wife look upon Nature otherwife , then

M
the eyes of common men. As for example, the eyes
of the vulgar fee that the fun is hot , but the eyes
of Philofophers on the contrary fee it rather to bee
cold, but its motion to be hot. The acts and effects
of it are understood through the diſtance of places.
The fire of Nature is one and the fame with it: for as,
the Sun is the Center amongſt the ſpheres of the
Planets ; and out ofthis Center of the heaven it
fcatters its heat downward by its motion ; fo in the
Center ofthe earth is the fun ofthe earth, which by
its perpetuall motion fends its heat, or beams up-
ward to the fuperficies of the earth. That intrinfe
call heat is far more efficacious then this Elementary
fire, but it is allayed with an Earthy water, which
2
from day to day doth penetrate the pores of the
earth, and cooles it So the Aire doth temper ,
and mitigate the heavenly Sun, and its heat , for this
aire doth day after day fly round the world : andun-
leffe this were fo, all things would be confumed by
fo great a heat , neither would any thing be brought
forth. For as that invifible fire , or Centrall heat
would conſume all things , if the water coming be-
twixt did not prevent it;fo the heat of the Sun would
deftroy all things , if the Aire did not come betwixt.
But how thefe Elements work one with another. > I
will briefly declare. In the Center of the earth is
the Centrall Sun, whichby its own motion, or ofits
firmament doth give a great heat , which extends it
felfevento the fuperficies of the earth. That heate
caufeth aire after this manner. 7. The Matrix of aire
is water, which bringeth forth fons of its own na-
ture, but unlike , and far more fubtill then it felfe ,
F for
A new Light of Alchymic.
34
for where the water is denyed entrance, the aire en-
ters : when therefore that Centrall heat, which is
perpetuall, doth act, it makes water diftill,and be hea-

ted, and fo that water by reaſon ofthe heat is turned
into aire, upon this account it breaks forth to tha
fuperficies of the earth , becauſe it will not fuffer it
felf to be shut in : then when it is cold , it is refolved
into water. In the mean time it happens alfo that in
oppofite places not only air but water goes out , fo
you fee it is, when black clouds are by violence car
ryed up into the aire : forwhich thing take this as a
familiar example. Make water hot in a pot , and
thou fhalt fee that a foftfire caufeth gentle vapours ,
and winds; but a ſtrong fire maketh thick clouds ap-
pear. Juft in the fame manner doth the Centrall
pear
beat worke; it lifts up the fubtill water into aire,that
whichis thick by reafon of its falt or fatneffe, it di-
Atributes to the earth , by meanes of which divers
things are generated, that which remaines becomes
ftones, androcks. But fome may object,if it were fo,
it wouldbe done conftantly, but oftentimes there is
no wind at all perceived. I answer, if water be not
poured violently into a diftillatory veffell , there is
made no wind, for little water ftirs up but little wind :
you fee that thunders are not alwaies made,although
there be rain, and wind ; but only when by force of
the airethe fwelling water is carried to the fphere of
the fire; for fire will not indure water. Thou haft be-
fore thine eyes an example, when thoupoureft cold
water intoa hot furnace, from whence a thundering
noife is raiſed. But why the water doth not enter
uniformly into thofe places, and cavities, the reaſon
is, because thefe forts of veffells,and places are ma
ny;
' 35
ny; andfometimes one cavity by blafts , or winds

drives away from it felfwater for fome dayes , . and
months, untill there be a repercuffion of the water a
gain : As wee fee in the fea, whofe waves are mo-
ved and carryed a thousand miles,before they find, or
meet with a repercuffion to make them return back,
but to return to our purpoſe. I fay that Fire , or
Heat is the cauſe of the motion ofthe Aire , and the
life of all things; and the Earth is the Nurfe of all
theſe things, or their receptacle. But if there were
not Water to coole our Earth , and Aire , then the
Earth would be dryed, for theſe two reafons , viz.
by reafon ofthe Motion ofthe Centrall Sun , and
heat of the Celeftiall : Nevertheleffe it happens
fometimes in fome places , when the pores of the
earth are obſtructed, that the humidity,or water can
not penetrate, that then by reafon ofthe correfpon-
dency of the Celestiall, and Centrall Sun ( for they
have a magnetick vertue betwixt themſelves ) the
earth is inflamed by the Sun: fo that even fometimes
there are made great chops, or furrows in the earth.
Cauſe therefore that there be fuch an operation in
our earth, that the Centrall heat may change the
Water into Aire , that it may goe forth into the
plaines of the world, and ſcatter the refidue , as I
faid,through the pores ofthe earth; and then contras
riwife the Aire will be turned into Water , far more
fubtill then the firft Water was : and this is done
thus, if thou giveft our old man Gold,or Silver to
fwallow, that he may confume them, and then hee
alſo dying may be burnt , and his afhes ſcatteredinto
water, and thou boil that water untill it be enough,
and thou shalt have a medicine to cure the lepro-
F2 fie.'
fie. Mark, and be fure that thou takeſt not cold for
hot, or hot for cold, but mixe natures with natures,
and ifthere be any thing that is contrary to nature
(for Nature alone is neceffary for thee ) ſeparate it,
that Nature may be like Nature. Doe this by fire ,
and not withthy hand and know that if thou doft
not follow Nature,all is in vain: and here I have fpo-
ken to thee through the help of God , what a father
fhould fpeakto his fon, Hee which hath cars let him
heare, and he which hath his fenfes, let him fet his
mind upon what I fay.
THE TWELFTH TREATISE.
ofthe Stone, and its vertue.
N the foregoing Treatifes it hath been

fufficiently fpoken concerning the pro.
duction of Naturall things , concerning
the Elements, the Firft matter , and Se-
cond matter, Bodies , Seeds , and concerning the
Ufe and Vertue ofthem I wrote alfo the Praxis
of making the Philofophers Stone. ..
Now I will
diſcover ſo much ofthe vertue ofit, as Nature hath
granted to me, and experience taught me. But to
comprehend the argument of all theſe Treatifes
briefly,and in few words,that the Reader which fears
God may understand my mind and meaning , the
thingis this. Ifany man doubt of the truth of the
Art, let him read the voluminous writings of anci
entr
cient Philofophers, verified by reafon, and experi-
ence; whom wee may defervedly give credit to in
their own Art : but if any will not give credit to
them, then we know not how to difpute with them,
as denying principles for deaf, and dumbe men
cannot fpeak. What prerogative fhould all things
in this world have before Metalls ? Why should
thefe alone by having feed without caufe denyed to
them, be excluded from Gods univerfall bleffing of
multiplication, which holy writ affirms was put in,
and beftowed on all created things prefently after the
world was made? Now if they have Seed, who is fo
fottiſh to think that they cannot bee multiplyed in
their Seed? The Art of Alchymie in its kind is
truc, Nature alfo is true, but the Artificer is feldome
true : there is one Nature, one Art, but many Ar
tificers . Now what things Nature makes out of
the Elements , the generates them by the will of
God out of the first matter , which God onely
knowes Nature makes and multiplies thofe
things of the fecond matter, which the Philofo
phers know. Nothing is done in the world without
the pleasure of God, and Nature. Every Element
is in its own fphere, but one cannot be without the
other ; one lives by vertue of the other , and
yet being joined together they doe not agree; but
Water is of more worth then all the Elements,be-
caufe it is the mother of all things upon this
fwims the ſpirit of Fire. By reafon of Fire Water is
the first matter , viz. by the ſtriving together of
Fire,and Water, andfo are generated Winds , and
Vapours apt, and easy to bee congealed with the
earth, by the help ofthe crude aire, which from the.
F. 3 . begin
without ceffaparatedfrom it. And this is done
by a perpetuall motion, becauſe

fire, or heat is ſtirred up no otherwife then by mo
tion , which thing you may eafily conceive by a
Smith filing Iron , which through vehement mo-
tion waxeth hot in that manner, as if it were heated
in the Fire. Motion therefore caufeth heat , heat
moves the water , the motion ofthe water caufeth
aire, the life of all living things. Things therefore
grow after this manner ( as I laid before ) viz, out
of water, for out of the fubtill Vapour ofit, fubtil
and light things proceed; out of the oylineffe ofit,
things that are heavy, and of greater price, but of
the falt things far more excellent then the former.
Now becauſe Nature is fometimes hindred , that
it cannot produce pure things ; fecing the Vapour,
Fatneffe, and Salt are fouled or ftained , and mixe
themſelves with the places of the earth : Moreover ,
experience teacheth us to feparate the pure from the
impure. Therefore if thou wilt have Nature be bet
tered, or mended in her actings , diffolve what body
you pleaſe, and that which was added or joined to
Nature, as heterogeneous, ſeparate, cleanſe, joine
pure things with pure, ripe to ripe, crude to crude,
according to the poife ofNature, and not of Mat-
ter. And know that the Centrall falt Nitre doth
not receive more ofthe Earth then it hath need of,
whether it be pure or impure : but the fatneffe ofthe
water is otherwiſe,forit is never to be had pure ; art
purifies it by a twofold heat,and then conjoins it.
THE
A new Light ofAlchymie! 39.
THE
EPILOGUE, or CONCLUSION
OF THESE
TWELVE TREATISES.
FRIENDLY READER,
Wrote the Twelve foregoing Treatifes

in love tothe fonnes of Art, that before
they fet their hand to the worke they
may know the operation of Nature ,
viz. how the produceth things by her working, left
they ſhould attempt to enter in at the gate without
keyes, orto draw water in a fieve : for he laboureth
in vain, that putteth forth his hands to labour with
out the knowledge of Nature , in this facred and
moft true Art,he lies in nocturnal darkneffe to whom
the fun doth not fhine,and he is in thick darkneffe, to
whom after it is night the Moon dothnot appeare.
Nature hath her proper light , which is not obvious
to our eyes the fhadow of Nature is a body before
oureyes but if the light of Nature doth enlighten
any one, prefently the cloud is taken away from be
fore his eyes, and without any let he can behold the
point ofour loadstone, answering to each Center of
the beams, viz. ofthe Sun and Earth : for fo farre
doth
doththe light of Nature penetrate , and difcovers

inward things , of which thing take this for an exam-
ple. Let a boy that is twelve yeares old , and a girle
ofthe fame age, be cloathed with garments of the
fame fashion, and be fet one by the other , no body
can know which is the male , or which is the female ;
Our cycs cannot penetrate fo far, therefore our fight
deceiveth us, and takes falfe things for true : But
when their garments are taken off, and they are
naked , that fo it may appear what Nature made
them , they are easily diftinguished by their fexes.
Juft after the fame manner doth our intellect make a
fhadow of the ſhadow of Nature; forthe naked bo-
dy of Man is the fhadow ofthe feed of Nature : As
therefore mans body is covered with a garment , fo
alfo mans nature is covered with the body , which
God referves to himſelfto cover, or uncover. I could
here difcourfe largely,and Philofophically of the dig
nity ofMan, his Creation and Generation : but fee-
ing they are impertinent to this place , I will paffe
them over in filence; only I will treat a little con-
A &
cerning the Life ofMan . Man was created of the
Earth, andlives by vertue of the Aire, for there is
in the Aire a fecret food oflife , which in the night
wee call dew, and in the day rarified water whofe
invifible, congealed fpirit is better then the whole
Earth Oholy and wonderfull Nature , who
dőft1not fuffer the fons of Wiſdome to erre,as thou
doſt manifeft in the life of man daily ! Moreover in
thefe twelve Treatifes I have produced fo ma-
ny naturall reafons, that he which is defirous ofthe
art, and feares God, may the more eaftly underſtand
all things, which through Gods bleffing , with my
eyes
eyes I have ſeen, with mine own hands have made

without any deceit offophiftication : for without the
light , and knowledge of Nature , it is impoffible

toattain to this Art , unleffe it come to any by
Gods ſpeciall revelation, or ſome ſpeciall friend doth
privately fhewit.It is a thing of little account , yet
moft pretious , which being divers times defcribed, I
doc now again repeat. Take 10 parts of aire, I part
4 of living gold, or living filver , put all theſe into
thy veffell, boyle this aire firſt untill it be water, and
then no water. If thou art ignorant of this , and
knowſt not howto boyl aire,without all doubt thou
fhalt erre ; fecing this is the matter of the ancient
Philofophers. For thou must take that , which is,
and is not ſeen, untill it be the Artificers pleaſure ; it
is the water ofour dew, out of which is extracted the
Salt Petre of Philofophers , by which all things

grow, and are nourished the matrix of it is the
Center of the Sun, and Moon, both celeſtiall, and
terreftiall : and to ſpeak more plainly,it is our Load-
ftone, which in the foregoing Treatifes I called Cha-
lybs, or Steel : The Aire generates this Load-ftone,
and the Loadſtone generates, or makes our Air to ap-
pear,andcome forth.I have here entirely fhewed thee
the truth , Begge of God that hee would profper
thine undertakings : And fo in this place thou shalt
have the true, and right explication of Hermes,when
he faith,that the father of it is the Sun, and its mother
the Moon, and that which the wind carryed in its
belly, viz. Sal Alkali,which the Philofophers have
called Sal Armoniacum ,and vegetable,hid in the belly
of the Magnesia. The operation of it is this, to dif
folve the congealed aire, in which thou shall diffolve
G the
42 A new Light of Alchymie .
the tenthpart ofGold, feale this up, and work with

our fire, untill the air be turned into powders ; and
there appear (the falt of the world being firſt had) di-
vers colours. I would have fet down the whole pro-
ceffe in thefe Treatifes; but becauſe that , together
with the multiplication , is fufficiently fet down in
the books of Lullius , and other old Philofophers ,
it therefore fufficed me to treat only of the firſt, and
fecond matter , which is done faithfully, neither do
shou ever think that any man livinghath done it more
cleerly,then I have done it, fince I have done it not
Out of many books but by the labour of my hands,
and mine own experience. If therefore thou doft
not understand, or beleeve the truth, doe not blame
me, but thy felf, and perfwade thy felfe that God
was unwilling to reveal this fecret to thee : Be there-
fore carneft with him by prayer , and with ſerious
meditation read over this book oftentimes, efpecially
the Epilogue of these twelve Treatifes : alwaies con-
fidering the poffibility of Nature, and the actions of
the Elements, and whichofthem is the chiefeft in
thofe actions , and efpecially in the rarefaction of
water, or aire, for fo the heavens are created, as alfo
the whole world. This I was willing to fignifie
to thee , as a father to his fon. Doe not wonder
that I have wrote fo many Treatifes , for I did not
make them for my own fake, fecing I lack not books,
but that I might advertiſe many, that work in fruit-
leffe things, that they should not spend their costs.
in vain. All things indeed might have been compre
hended in few lines, yea in fewwords : but I was
willing to guide thee to the knowledge ofNature by
Reafons, and Examples; that thou mighteft in the
firft
new Light ofAlchymie, 43
first place know, 覆 what the thing is thou feekeft after,

whether the firft, or fecond matter , alfo that thou
mighteft have Nature,her light, & fhadow diſcovered
to thee.Be not difpleafed if thou meeteſt ſometimes
with contradictions in my Treatifes , it being the
cuſtome of Philofophers to uſe them ; thou haft
need of them , if thou underſtandeft them , thou
fhall not find a rofe without prickles . Weigh dili-
gently what I have faid before, viz. how four Ele-
ments diftill into the Center of the earth a radicall
moiſture, and howthe Centrall Sun of the earth,by
its motion bringeth it forth, and fublimethit tothe
fuperficies of the earth. I have faid alſo that the Ce
leftiall Sun hath a correfpondency with the Centrall
Sun for the Celeſtiall Sun, and the Moon have a
peculiar power, and vertue of diftilling into the earth
by vertue of their beams : for heat is eafily joined to
heat, and falt to falt. And as the Centrall Sun hath
its fea, and crude water,that is perceptible ; fo the
Celeſtiall Sun hath its fea , and fubtill water that is
not perceptible. In the fuperficies the beams ofthe
one, are joined to the beams of the other, and pro-
duce flowers, and all things. Therefore when there is
raine made, it receives from the aire that power of
life, and joins it with the ſalt -nitre of the earth (be-
cauſe the falt-nitre of the earth is like calcined Tar-
tar, drawing to it fell by reafon of its dryneffe the
aire, which in it is refolved into water: fuch attractive
power haththe falt-nitre of the earth, which alſo was
aire , and is joined to the fatneffe of the earth ) and
by how much the more abundantly the beams ofthe
Sunbeat upon it,the greater quantity offalt- nitre is
made, and by confequence the greater plenty of
G 2 Corne
Corn grows, and is increaſed, and this is done daily.

Thus much I thought good to fignific to the igno-
rant of thecorrespondency, or agreement of things
amongſt themſelves, and the efficacy of the Sun,and
Moon, and Stars; for the wife need not this inſtru-
ction. Our fubject is prefented to the eyes ofthe
whole world, and it is not known. O our Heaven!
O our Water! O our Mercury ! O our Salt-nitre a-
biding in the fea of the world ! O our Vegetable ! O
our Sulphur fixed, and volatill ! O our Caput Mor-
tuum, or dead head, or feces of our Sea! Our Wa-
ter that wets not our hands, without which no mor-
tall can live, and without which nothing grows,
or is generated in the whole world ! And these are
to
the Epithites of Hermes his bird, which never is at
TC
reft. It is of very fmall account, yet no body can bee
without it and fo thou haft a thing diſcovered to
thee more pretious then the whole world , which I
plainly tell thee is nothing elfe but our Sea water
which is congealed in Silver,and Gold,and extracted
out of Gold, and Silver by the help of our Chalybs,
by the Art of Philofophers in a wonderfull man-
ner, by a prudent fon of Art. It was not my pur-
pofe for fome reaſons before mentioned in the Pre-
face, to publish this book, but a defire to deſerve well
ofthofe that are ftudioufly given to liberall,and Phi-
lofophical Arts,prevailed with me,that I might hold
forth to them ,that I bear an honeft mind;alſo that I
might declare my felf to them, that underſtand the
Art,to be their equal and fellow, and to have attained
their knowledge. I doubt not but many men of
good confciences,and affections do enjoy this gift of
God fecretly, thefe being warned by my example,
and
and dangers are made more cautious,and wife,having
that commendable filence of Harpocrates . For as of-
ten as I would diſcover my felfe to great men , it
alwaies turned to my loffe and danger. Bythis my
writing I make my felfknown to the adopted fons of
Hermes, I inftruct the ignorant , and them that are
milled, and bring them back into the right way.And
let the heirs of wiſdome know, that they ſhall never
have a better way,then that,which is here demonftra-
ted to them; for I have spoken all things cleerly :
Only I have not fo cleerly fhewed the extraction
of our Salt Armoniacke, or the Mercury ofPhilo
fophers, out of our Sea water, and the ufe thereof,
becauſe I had from the Mafter of Nature no leave
to fpeake any further , and this only God muft
reveale, who knows the hearts,and minds of men.
He will haply upon thy conftant, and earneft pray-
ers, and the frequent reading over of this booke,
open the eyes of thy underftanding. The veffell, as
I faid before, is but one from the beginning to the
end,or at moſt two are fufficient: the fire is continuall
in both operations;for the fake ofwhich let the igno-
rant read the tenth , and eleventh Treatiſe . Ifthou
fhalt operate in a third matter , thou shalt ef-
fect nothing : they medle with this, whoever work

not in our Salt, which is Mercury , but in Herbs,
Animals, Stones , and all Minerals, excepting our
Gold, and Silver covered over with the fphere of
Saturne. And whofoever de fires to attaine to
his defired end , let him underftand the conver
fion of the Elements to make light things heavy,
and to make fpirits no fpirits ; then hee fhall
not worke in a ſtrange thing. The Fire is the
G 3 Rule
46 Anew Light of Alchymie.
Rule , whatfoever is done , is done by Fire ; as
fufficiently before, fo here we have fpoken enough
by way of Conclufion . Farewell friendly Reader!
and long maift thou enjoy theſe labours of mine,
( made good, or verified by mine owne experi
ence, ) to the glory of God, the welfare of thine
owne foule, and good ofthy neighbour.
Jon 971
ΤΟ
302
TO THE
SONS of TRVTH :
A Preface
To the Philofophicall ENIGMA,
Or RIDLE
SONS of WISDOME,
Have now opened to you all things from
the very first rifing of the univerfall foun-
taine, that there is no more left to be dif
I
covered. For in the foregoing Treatifes, I
have fufficiently explained Nature by way of ex-
ample I have fhewed the Theorie and Praxis, as
plainely as it was lawfull. But left any fhould
complain of my briefneffe , that by reafon of it
have omitted fomething, I will yet further defcribe
to thee the whole Art by way of Ridle, or Enigma-
ticall fpeech; that thou maift fee how farre through
Gods guidance I am come. The bookes that treat
of this Art are infinite; yet thou shalt not find in
any of them the truth fo much, as it is in this of
mine, made known,or difcovered unto thee. The
1.5 reaſon
e
48 A new Light of Alchymi .
reaſon that encouraged mee to make it fo plain , was

this, viz.Because , when I had difcourfed with many
men, that thought they underſtood the writings of
Philofophers very well; I perceived that they did ex-
plaine thoſe writings far more fubtilly then Nature,
which is fimple and plain,did require : yea all my true
fayings did feem to them being profoundly wife, or
favouring of high things , to bee ofno value and
incredible. It hapned fometimes that I would inti-
mate the Art to fome from word to word , but they
couldby no meanes underſtand mee , not beleeving
there was any water in our Sea , and yet they would
be accounted Philofophers. Since therefore they
could not underſtand my words , which I delivered
by word ofmouth, I doe not fear (as other Philofo-
phers were afraid ) that any one can fo eafily under-
ftand what I have wrote; It is the gift, I fay, of God.
" It is true indeed , if in the ftudy of Alchymie
there were required fubtilneffe , and quickneffe of
wit, and things were of that Nature as to be percei-
ved by the eyes ofthe vulgar,I faw that their fancies,
or wits were apt enough to find out fuch things : but
I fay to you,bee fimple, or plaine , and not too wife
untill you have found out the fecret,which when you
have, it will of neceffity require wifdome enough to
ufe, and keep it, then it will be eafy for you to write
many books; becauſe it is eaſier for him , thatis in
the Center, and fees the thing , then for him that
walks in the Circumference, and only heares of it.
You have the fecond matter of all things rets
youmoft
cleerly defcribed unto you :but let mee give
this
you would attaine to this fecret
know that first of all God is to bee prayed to , then
your
your neighbour is to bee loved and laftly, doe not
fancy to your felves things that are fubtill which
Nature knew nothing of, but abide, I fay, abide in
the plain way of Nature, becauſe you may fooner
feel the thing in plainneffe, or fimplicity, then fee it
in fubtilty. In reading therefore my writings doe
not ſtick in the letter of them , but in reading of
them confider Nature, and the poffibility thereof
Nowbefore you fet your felves to work, confider di-
ligently what it is you ſeek, and whatthe ſcope , and
end of your intention is for it is much better to
learn by the brain, and imagination , then with la-
bour, and charges. And this I fay toyou, that
you muſt feek for fome hidden thing,out of which is
made (after a wonderfull manner ) fuch a moiſture
or huntidity, which doth diffolve Gold without vio-
lence, or noife, yea ſo ſweetly, and naturally , as ice
doth melt in warme water : if you find out this,you
have that thing,out of which Gold is produced by
Nature: and although all Metalls , and all things.
have their originall from hence , yet nothing is fo
friendlyto it as Gold ; for to other things there
fticks faft fome impurity, but to Gold none, befides
it is like a Mother unto it. And fo finally I con-
clude, if you will not be wife, and wary by theſe
my writings, and admonitions , yet excufe mee who
defire to deferve well of you : I have dealt as faith-
fully as it was lawfull for mee,and as becomes a man
of a good confcience to doc. If you ask who I am,
I am one that can live any where : if you know mee,
and defire to fhew your felves good and honeſt men
you ſhall hold your tongue : if you know mee not ,
doe not enquire after mee , for I will reveale to no
H mor-
mortall man, whileft I live, more then I have done
in this publick writing. Beleeve mee, if I were not
a man of that ranke and condition as I am, nothing
would be more pleafant to mee then a folitary life ,
or with Diogenes to lie hid under a tub: for I fee all

things that are to be but vanity,and that deceit, and
Covetoufneffe are altogether in ufe, where all things
are to be fold, and that vice doth excell vertue . I fee
the better things of the life to come before mine eys
I rejoice in thefe. Now I doc not wonder, as before I
did, why Philofophers, when they have attained to
this Medicine, have not cared to have their dayes
hortned, because every Philofopher hath the life to
come fet fo cleerly before his eyes, asthy face is feen
in a glaffe. And if God thall graunt thee thy defin
red end, then thou shalt beleeve mee, and not reveal
thy felfto the world..
2C
བྱ་ ༣༦ ”
THE
7. n
C
A new Light ofAlchymiže.
THE
PARABLE.
PHILOSOPHICALL RIDLE
Added by way of Conclufion ,
and Superaddition . ibim abit
T fell out upon a time , when I had

failed almost all my life from the Artick
pole, to the Antarticke , that by the
fingular providence of God I was caft
upon the fhore ofa certain great fea ,andi
although I well knew and understood the paffages ,
and properties of the fea of that Coaft , yet I knew
not whether in thofe Coafts was bred that little fish
which was called Remora, which fo many men of
great and fmall fortunes have hitherto fo ftudioufly
Lought after. But whilft I was beholding the fweet
finging Mermaides ſwimming up and down with the
Nymphs, andbeing wearywith my foregoing labors,
and oppreffed with divers thoughts, I was with the
noife ofwarcis overtaken with fleep, and whileft I
wasina fweet fleep,there appeared to me in myficepl
H 2
a wonderfull vifion , which is this. I faw Neptune

a man of an honorable old age, going forth out of
our fea with his three toothed inftrument, called Tri-
dens,who after a friendly falute led mee into a moft
pleafant Iland. This goodly Iland was fituated
towards the South, being replenished with all things
refpecting the neceffity, anddelight of man : Virgils
Elifan field might fcarce compare with it . All the
banks were round about befet with green Mirtles ,
Cypreffe trees,and Rofemary. The green meadowes
were covered all over with flowers of all forts , both
fair,and fweet. The hills were fet forth with Vines,
Olive- trees, and Cedar-trees in a moft wonderfull
manner . The woods were filled with Orenge , and
Lemon-trees. The high wayes were planted on both
fides with Bay-trees, and Pomegranate- trees,woven .
moft artificially one within the other, and affording
a moſt pleaſant ſhadowto Travellers. And to bee
fhort, whatfoever is in the whole world was feen
there. As I was walking, there was fhewed to me
by the forefaid Neptune two Mines of that Iland ly-
ing under a certain rock, the one was of Gold , the
other of Chalybs,or Steel. Not far from thence I
was brought to a Meadow in which was a peculiar
Orchard with divers forts oftrees moft goodly to be-
hold, and amongst the reft , being very many hee
fhewed to mee feven Trees marked out by fpeciall
names; and amongft thefe I obferved two as chiefeft ,
more eminent then the reft, one of which did beare
3.
fruit like the Sun moft bright, and fhining, and the
leaves thereof were like Gold. The other brought
forth fruit that was moft white, yea, whiter then the
Lillies,and the leaves therof were as fine Silver: Now
thefe
thefe trees were called by Neptune,the one the tree of

the Sun,the other the tree ofthe Moon.And although
in this Îland all things were at ones pleaſure , and
command, yetthere was one thing,and but one wan-
ting : there was no water to be had, but with great
difficulty. There were indeed many that partly en-
deavoured to bring it thither by pipes , and partly
drew it out of divers things but their endeavours
were invain, becaufe in thofe places it could not bee
had by any means or medium, and ifit were at any
time had, yet it was unprofitable, and poiſonous, un-
leffe they fetched it ( as few could doe ) from the
beams of the Sun, and Moone ; and he which was
fortunate in fo doing could never get above ten parts
and that water was moft wonderfull : and beleeve
mee, for I faw it with mine eyes, and felt it, that that
water was as white as the fnow, and whileft I was
contemplatingupon the water, I was in a great won-
der. Wherefore Neptane being in the mean while
wearied vaniſhed away from before mine eyes , and
there appeared to me a great man, upon whoſe fore-
head was written the name of Saturne. This man
taking the veffell drew ten parts of water; and tooke

prefently of the tree of the Sun, and put it in , and I
fawthe fruit ofthe tree confumed, and refolved like
ice in warm water. I demanded of him; Sir, I fee a
wonderfull thing, water to bee as it were ofnothings
Ifee the fruit of the tree confumed in it . with a moſt
fweet,and kindly heat, and wherefore is all this? Bur
he anſwered mee moft lovingly My Son, it is true
this is a thing to be wondered at ; but doe not thou
wonder at it, for fo it must be. For this water is the
Water of life, having power to better the fruit ofthis
H3 tree
tree fo,that after ward neither by planting, or graffing,

but only by its own odour it may convert the other
fix trees into its own likeneffe. Moreover this water
is to this fruit as it were a woman , the fruit of this
tree canbe putrefied in nothing but in this water, and
althoughthe fruit ofit be ofit felf most wonderful, &
a thing ofgreat price,yet ifit be putrefied in this wa-
ter, it begets by this putrefaction a Salamander, abi-
ding in the fire, whoſe blood ismore pretious then any
kind of treasure or riches in the world, being able to
make thofe fix trees, which here thou feeft,fruitfull,
and to bring forth their fruit fweeter then the honey.
But I asked, Sir,How is that done ? I told thee (faith
hee) that the fruit of that tree is living, and ſweet 3
but whereas one is now fufficed with it , when it is
boyled in this water, a thouſand may then bee
fatisfied with it. I demanded moreover , Sir, is
it boiled with a ſtrong fire, and how long is it
inboyling But faid he, that water hath an intrinfe
call fire, and ifit be helped with a continuall heat, it
burns threeparts of its body with this body of the
fruit,andthere wil remain but a very fmal part, which
is fearce imaginable,but of wonderful vertue; it isboi-
led by the skilfull wit ofthe Artificer,firft 7 months,
then 10, but in the mean timethere appeared divers
things, andalwaies in the fiftieth day or thereabouts.
I demanded again, Sir, cannot this fruit be boiled in
other waters, or fomething be put to it ? Hee an-
fwered, there is but this one water that is ufefull in
this Country, or Mand, andthere is no other water
can penetrate the pores of this apple, but this *** and
know alſo that the Tree ofthe Sun hath its originalk
from this water, which is extracted out ofthebeams/
of
& new Light ofAlchymie. 55
ofthe Sun, and Mooneby a magnetick vertue: Befides.
they have a great correfpondency betwixt them-
felves, but if any ftrange thing be added to it, it can-
not performe that which it can do ofit felf. It muft
therefore be left by it feif,and nothing added to it but
this apple : This fruit after boiling becomes to bee
immortall, having life, and blood,which blood makes
all the trees bring forthfruit of the fame nature with
the Apple. I asked him further, Sir, is this Water
drawn any other way, or to be had every where? And
be faid, it is in every place, and no man can live with-
out it, it is drawn divers ways, but that is the beft,
whichis extracted by vertue ofour Chalybs, which is
found in the belly of Aries. I ſaid, to what uſe is it
He answered, before its due boiling it is the greateft
poifon,but after a convenient boiling it is the greateft
medicine , and yeelds nine and twenty graines of
blood; and every grain willyeeld to thee the fruit of
the Tree ofthe Sun in 864 fold. I asked, Can it not
be made yet, better The Philofophicall Scripture
beingwitoeffe ( faith bee ) it may bee exalted firſt to
ten, then to a hundred, then to a thoufand , and tem
thousand. Irequired again ofhim, Sir, Doe many
knowthat Water, and hath it any proper name. He
cryed our faying , Few know it, but all have
feen it,and doc fee it, and love it it hath many and!
various names, but its proper name is the Water of
our Sea, the Water oflife not wetting the hands.. I
asked yet further,Docany ufait toany other things
Every creature ( faith he ) doth uſe it, but invifibly
Then I asked,Doth any thinggrow inits but he faid,,
Ofit are made all things in the world, and in itthey
live: but in it nothing properly is but it is that thing
which
whichmixeth it felfto every thing. I asked againe, Is
it uſefull for any thing without the fruit of this tree?
To this he faid, Not inthis work; becauſe it is not
bettered,but in the fruit ofthe Tree ofthe Sun alone.
I began to intreat him, Sir I pray, name it to meeby
fuch a manifeft name , that I may have no further
doubt about it. But he cryed with a loud voice,fo as
that he awakened mefrom fleep; Therefore I could
ask him no further, neither would hee tell mee any
mores, neither can I tell any more. Be fatisfied with
theſe, and beleeve mee, that it is not poffible to speak
more cleerly. For ifthou doft not underſtand theſe
things, thou wilt never be able to comprehend the
books of other Philofophers. After Saturn's un-
expected and fudden departure a new fleep came upon
mee, and then appeared to mee Neptune in a vifible
fhape: He congratulated my prefent happineffe in the
gardens of the Hefperides , fhewing to me a Look-
ing-glaffe, in which I fawall Nature diſcovered. After
the changing ofdivers words betwixt us, I gave him
thanks for his courtefies fhewed to me; becauſe I not
only entred into this garden, but alſo came into Sa-
turn's most defired difcourfe. But becaufe by reaſon
of Saturn's unexpected departure fome difficulties

did yetremainto be inquired after, and fearched into ,
I carneftly befought him, that by means of this hap-
py opportunity hee would refolve mee my doubts.
Now Iimportuned him with theſe words , Sir I have
read the books of Philofophers and they fay, that all
generation is done by Male and Female, yet I ſaw in
my dream Saturne put the fruit alone of the Tree of
the Sun into our Mercury, I beleeve alfo thee as the
Maſter ofthis Sea, that thou knoweſt theſe things;
anfwer
anfwer my Queftion I pray thee. But he faid, It is true,

my fon, all generation is done in Male, and Female,
but by reafon of the diſtinguiſhing of the three King-
domes of Nature, a foure footed Animall is brought
forth one way , and a worme another : Although
wormes have eyes,fight,hearing,and other fenfes, yet
they are brought forth by putrefaction , and their
place, or earth, in which they are putrefied , is the
Female.So in this Philofophicall work the mother of
this thingis that Water of thine ſo often repeated, &
whatſoever is produced of that,is produced as worms
by putrefaction.Therfore thePhilofophers have crea-
teda Phenix, & Salamander.For ifit were done bythe
conception oftwo bodies, it would be a thing fubject
to death;but becauſe it revives it ſelfalone ,theformer
body being deſtroyed,it rifeth up another body incor-
ruptible.Seeing the death ofthings is nothing clfe but
the feparation ofthe one from the other. And foit is
in this Phenix, becauſe the life feparates it felf by its
felf from a corruptible body.Moreover , I asked him ,
Sir, are theredivers things, or is there a compofition
of things inthis work? But he faid,there is only one
thing,with which there is mixed nothing else but the
Philofophicall Water fhewed to thee oftentimes in
thy fleep, ofwhich there must be ten parts to one of
the body. And ftrongly, and undoubtedly beleeve,
My fon,that those things which are by me and Saturn
thewed thee by way ofdreams, according to the cu
ftom , in this Iland,are not dreams ,but the very truth,
which Experience the only Miftris of things will by
the affiftance ofGod diſcover to thee. I yet further
demanded fome things of him , but hee without any
anfwer,after he had took his leave of mee, departing
1 fet
ie
new Light of Alchym .
38
fet me,being railed from fleep,into my defired region
of Europe. And fo friendly Reader , let this fuffice
thee, which hath by mee thus farre been fully de-
clared.
To God alonê be praiſe andglory.
baxim al
A DIALOGVE
BETWEEN
MERCURY, the ALCHY MIST
and NATURE.
Pon a time there were affembled divers
Alchymifts together, and held a coun-

fel how they ſhould make , & preparethe
Philofophers ftone, and they concluded)
that every one ſhould declare his opinion
with a vow. And that meeting was in the open aire,
in a certaine meadow, on a faire cleer day. And many
agreed that Mercury was the firft matter thereof , o
thers that Sulphur was , and others other things!:
But the chiefcft opinion was of Mercury , and that
efpecially becauſe of the fayings of Philofophers,be-
caufe they hold, that Mercury is the firft true matter
of the Stone, alfo of Metalls : For Philofophers cry
out , and fay, OUR MERCURY , & c . And
fo whileft they did contend amongſt themſelves for
I2 divers
divers operations ( every one gladly expecting a con-

clufion ) there arofe in the mean time a very great
tempeft, with formes , fhowers of rain, and an un-
heard of wind, which difperfed that affembly into
divers Provinces, every one apart without a con-
clufion. Yet every one of them fancied to himſelfe
what the conclufion of that difpute should have been.
Every one therefore fet upon his work as before, one
in this thing, another in that thing feeking the Philo-
fophers Stone, and this is done till this day without
anygiving over.Now one ofthemremembring the
difputation, that the Philofophers Stone is neceffari-
•
ly tobe fought after in Mercury, faid to himſelf: Al-
though there was no conclufion made,yet I wil work
in Mercury,and will make a conclufion my ſelfin ma-
king the bleffed Stone; for he was a man that was al-
waics wont to talk to himselfe, as indeed all Alchy-
mifts ufually doe. Hee therefore began to read the
books of Philofophers, and fell upon a booke ofA-
lanus, which treats of Mercury, and fo that Alchy-
mift is made a Philofopher, but without any conclu- A
fion And taking Mercury he began to work ; hee

L
put it into a glass,and put fire to it,the Mercury asit is
wont to do,vapoured away,the poor filly Alchymift
not knowing the nature of it,beat his wife, faying: No
body could come hither befides thee, thou tookeft
the Mercuryout of the glafs.His wife crying excufeth
her felf, and fpeaks foftly to her husband : Thou wilt
make a fir-reverence of thefe. The Alchymift tooke
Mercuryagain,and put it again into his veffell, and
left his wife fhould take it away, watched it. But the
Mercury,as its manner is,vapoured away again. The
Alchymift remembring that the first matter of the
Phi-
61
Philofophers Stone muſt be volatile, rejoiced excee-

dingly, altogether perfwading himselfe that he could
not now be deceived, having the firft matter : Hee
began now to work upon Mercury boldly , he learned
afterwards to fublime it,and to calcine it divers ways,
as with Salt, Sulphur, and Metalls,Mineralls,Bloud,
Haire, Corrofive waters , Herbs, Urine, Vineger ,
but could find nothing for his purpoſe, hee left no-
thing unaffayed in the whole world, with which hee
did not work upon good Mercury withall . But when
he could doe no good at all with this, hee fell upon
this faying that it isfound in the dunghill. He
began to worke upon Mercury with divers forts of
dung, together, and afunder And when hee was
weary, and full of thoughts he fell into a fleep. And
in his fleep there appeared to him a vifion there
came to him an old man, who faluted him , and ſaid,
Friend, Why art thou fad? Hee anſwered, I would
willingly make the Philofophers Stone. Then faid
he, Friend, Ofwhat wilt thou make the Philofophers
Stone Alchymifta. Of Mercury, Sir. Senex. Of
what Mercury? Alch. There is but one Mercury.
Sen. It is true, there is but one Mercury, but altered
varioufly, according to the variety of places, one
is purer then another. Alch. Sir, I know how to
purifie it verywell with vineger and falt , with nitre
2
and vitriall. Sen. I tell thee this is not the true pu
rifying of it, neither is this , thus purifyed, the true
Mercury: Wife men have another Mercury , and
another manner ofpurifying ofit, and fo he vanished
away.The Alchymift being raised from fleep thought
with himſelfe what vifion this should be, as alſo what
this Mercury of Philofophers fhould be : hee could
bethinke
162 Anew Light of Alchymie
bethinke himselfe of noother but the vulgar Mercu

ry. Butyet hee defired much that hee might have
had a longer difcourfe with the old man : but yet hee
worked continually, fometimes inthe dung of living
creatures , as boyes dung, and ſometimes in his own..
And every day bee went to the place, where hee faw
the vifion, that he might ſpeak with the old man a
gain fometimes hee counterfeited a fleep , and lay
with his eyes fhut expecting the old man. But when
he would not come he thought he was afraid of him,
and would not beleeve that he was afleep , he swore
therefore faying, My good old Maſter be not afraid,
for truly I am afleep, look upon my eyes, fee if I be
not: And the poor Alchymift after ſo many labours,
and the fpending of all his goods,now at laſt fel mad,
by alwaics thinking of the old man. And when hee
was in that ſtrong imagination,thereappeared to him
in his fleep a falfe vifion, in the likeneſſe of the old
man, and faid to him, Doe not defpaire, my friend,.
thy Mercury is good, and thy matter, but ifit will
not obey thee, conjure it, that it bee not volatile,Ser-
pents are uſed tobe conjured,and then why not Mer-
curys and fo the old man would leave him. But the
Alchymift asked of him , faying, Sir,expect , &c . And
by reaſon of a noife this poore Alchymift was raiſed
from fleep, yet not without great comfort. He took
then a veffell full of Mercury, and began to conjure:
it diver's wayes , as his dream taught him. And hee re-
membred the words of the old man, in that hee faid,
Serpents are conjured , and Mercury is painted with
Serpents , hee thought, fo it muft bee conjured as the
Serpents . And taking a veffall, with, Mercury hee
began tofy , Uxx, oftas, & And where the
name
Bame ofthe Serpent fhouldbe put , he put the name
of Mercury,faying :And thou wicked beaft Mercury,
&c. At which words Mercury began to laugh , and
to speak unto him faying,What wilt thou have , that
thou thus troubleft mee my Maſter Alchymifte Alch.
Oho, now thou calleft me Mafter, when I touch thee
to the quick, now I have found where thy bridle is,
wait a little, andby and by thou shalt fing my fong ,
and he began to ſpeak to him, as it were angerly, Art
thou that Mercury of Philofophers Merc. (as if
he were afraid anfwered ) I am Mercury, my Mafter.
Alch. Why therefore wilt not thou obey mee ? and
why could not I fix thee ? Merc. O my noble Ma-
fter, I beseech thee pardon mee, wretch that I am, I
did not know that thou waft fo great a Philofopher.
Alch. Didft not thou perceive this by my operati-
ons,feeing I proceeded fo Philofophically with thee?
Mere.So it is my noble Mafter , although I would
hide my felfe, yet I fee I cannot from fo honourable
a Mafter as thou art .Alch.Now.there fore doft thou
know a Philofopher? Merc. Yea, my Mafter I fee
that your worship is a most excellent Philofopher.
Alch. (beingglad at his heartfaith ) truly now I have
found what I fought for. ( Again he spake to Mercu-
ry with a moft terrible voice ) Now gato , be now
therefore obedient, or elſe it ſhall bethe worfe for
thee. Merc. Willingly, my Mafter, if I am able, for
now I am veryweake. Alch. Why dost thou now
excuſe thy ſelfe? Mere. I doe not, my Mafter, but I
am faint and feeble. Alch. What hurts thee? Mere.
The Alchymifmee. Alch. What, doft thou
burts
ftill deride mee ? Merc. O Mafter, no, I fpeak ofthe
Alchymiſt ;but thou art a Philofopher. Alch . O wel,
well,
well, that is true, but what hath the Alchymift done?

Merc. O my Mafter , hee hath done many evill
things to mee, for hee hath mixed mee, poor wretch
as I am,with things contrary to mee : from whence I
fhall never bee able to recover my ſtrength , and
I am almoſt dead,for I am tormented almoſt unto
death.Alch. O thou deferveft thoſe things, for thou
art diſobedient. Merc. I was never difobedient to
any Philofopher , but it is naturall to mee to deride
fools. Alch.And what doft thou think ofmee? Merc.
O Sir,you are a great man, a very great Philofopher,
yea greater then Hermes himfelfe. Alch. Truly fo
it is , I am a learned man, but Iwill not commend
my felfe, but my Wife alfo faid to mee, that I am a
very learned Philofopher, fhe knew fo much by me.
Merc. Iam apt to beleeve thee,for Philofophers muft
be fo,who by reafon oftoo much wiſdome,and pains
fall mad. Alch. Goe to then , tell me therefore what
I ſhall doe with thee; how Ifhall make the Philofo-
phers Stone of thec.Merc. O my Maſter Philofo
pher,I know not, Thou art a Philofopher,I am afer-
vant of the Philofophers,they make ofme whatthey
pleaſe, I obey them as much as I am able. Alch. Thou
muft tell mee how I muft proceed with thee , and
how I may make of thee the Philofophers Stone.
Merc. If thou knoweft, thou fhall make it , but if
thou knoweft not, thou shalt doe nothing, thou shalt
know nothing by mee, if thou knoweft not already
my Maſter Philofopher. Alck. Thou ſpeakeſt to
meeas to fome fimple man , perhaps thou dost not
know that I have worked with Princes, and was ac-
counted a Philofopher withthem. Merc. I amapt to
beleeve thee my Mafter, for I knowall this very wel,
I am yet foul, and unclean by reaſon of thoſe mix-

tures that thou haft ufed . Alch. Therefore tell mee,
art thou the Mercury of Philofophers ? Merc. I am
Mercury, butwhether or no the Philofophers , that
belongs to thee to know. Alch Do but tell me ifthou
art the true Mercury, or if there be another . Merc. I
am Mercury, but there is another, and fo he vaniſhed
away. The Alchymift cries out and ſpeaks, but no
body anſwers him . And bethinking himselfe faith :
Surely I am an excellent man , Mercury hath been
pleafed to talke with mee, furely hee loves mee and
then he began to fublime Mercury,diftil,calcine, make
Turbith of him, precipitate, and diffolve him divers
wayes , and with divers waters, but as hee laboured
in vain before, ſo nowalfohe hath ſpent his time, and
coſtsto no purpoſe. Wherefore at laſt hee begins to
curfe Mercury , and revile Nature becaufe fhee
made him. NowNature when she heard theſe things
called Mercury to her, and faid to him . What haft
thou done to this man ? Why doth he curfe and re-
vile me forthy fake? Why doft not thou doe what
thou oughteft to doe ? But Mercurymodeftly excu-
feth himſelf. Yet Nature commands him to be obe-
dient to the fons ofWiſdome, that feek after him.
Mercury promiſeth that he will, and faith : Mother
Nature, but who can fatisfic fools ? Nature went a-
wayfmiling : but Mercury being angry with the Al-
chymift goes alfo unto his own place.After afew days
it came into the Alchymifts mind, that he omitted
fomething in his operations, and again hee hath re-
course to Mercury,and now refolves to mix him with
hogs dung,but Mercury being angry that he had falf-
ly accufed him before his mother Nature,faith to the
K Al
66 A new Light ofAlchymie .
Alchymift , What wilt thou bave of me thou foole?

Why haft thou thus accufed mee? Alch. Artthou he
that Ihave longed to fee? Merc. I am, but no man
that is blind can fee mee. Aleb. I am not blind,
Merc. Thouart very blind , for thou canst not fee
thy felfe, how then canft thou fee mee? Alch.O now
thou art proud, I fpeak civilly to thee, and thou con-
temneft mee : thou dost not know perhaps that I
have worked with many Princes, and was efteemed
as a Philofopher amongst them. Mere . Fools flock
to Princes Courts , for there they are honoured, and
fare better then others . Waft thou alſo at the Court ?
Aleb. O thou art a devill, and not a good Mercury,
ifthou wilt fpeak thus to Philofophers : for before
thou didst alfo feduce me thus Mer. Doft thou know
Philofophers ? Alch. I my felf am a Philofopher.

Merc. Behold our Philofopher (fmiling faid : and
began to talke further with him faying ) My Philofo
pher, tell mee therefore what thou feekeft after , and
what thou wilt have ,what doſt thou defire to make ?
Alch. The Philofophers ftone . Merc. Out of what
matter therefore wilt thou make it ? Alch. Of our
Mercury Mera. O my Philofopher,now I wil leave
you,for I am not yours. Aleb. O thou art but a de-
vill, and wilt feduce mee.. Merc. Truly my Philofo-
pher thou art a devill to mee, not I to thee : for thou
doft deale moft fordidly with mee , after a devillif
manner. Alch. O what doe I hear? this certainly is
a devill indeed, for I do all things according to the
writings of Philofophers , and know very well how
to work. Merc. Thou knoweft very well , for thou
doft more then thou knoweft, or readft of for the
Philofophers faid, that Nature is to be mixed with
Natures
Natures; and they command nothing to bee done

without Nature; but thou doft mix mee with almof
all the fordidft things that bee, as d ung. Alch. I doe
nothing befides Nature : but I fow feed into its own
earth, as the Philofophers have ſaid. Merc. Thou
foweftmee in dung, and in time of harveſt I do vaniſhi
away,and thou art wont to reap dung. Al . Yet ſothe
Philofophers have wrote , that in the dunghill their
matter is to be fought for. Merc. It is true what they
have written, but thou underſtandeft their letter, and
not their ſenſe, and meaning. Alch. Now happily I
fee that thou art Mercury , but thou wilt not obey
mee. And he began to conjure him again, faying, V
Vx. But Mercury laughing anfwered, Thou shalt doe
no good, my friend. Alcb.They do not ſpeak with-
out ground, when they fay thou art of a ſtrange na-
ture, inconftant, and volatile. Merc. Doft thou fay,
that I am inconſtant, I refolve thee thus , I am con-
ftant unto a conftant Artificer, fixed to him, that is
of a fixed mind, but thou, and fuchas thou art, are
inconftant, running from one thing unto another,
from one matter unto another. Alch. Tell me there-
fore if thou art that Mercury, which the Philofo-
phers wrote of, which they faidwas, together with
fulphur, and falt the principall of all things, or muft
I feek after another? Mer. Truly the fruit doth not fal
far from the tree,but I feek not mine own praile, lam
the fame as I was, but my years are differing . From
the beginning I was young, fo long as I was alone,but
now Iam older, yet the fame as I was before. Alch.
Now thou pleafcft me, becauſe now thou art older,
for I alwaies fought after fuch a one , that was more
ripe, and fixed, that I might fo muchthe more easily
K2 accord
accord with him. Merc . Thou doft in vain lookafter
mee in my old age, who didft not know mee in my

youth.Alch.Did not I know thee, who have worked
with thee divers wayes, as thou thy felfe haft faid ?
and yet I will not leave offtill I have made the Phi
lofophers Stone. Merc. O what a miſerable caſe am I
in?What ſhall I do? I muſt now be mixed again with
dung, and be tormented. O wretch that I am! I
beseech thee good Mafter Philofopher, doe not mix
me fo much with hogs dung; for otherwife I fhall
beundone, for by reaſon of this ſtink I am conſtrai-
ned to change my fhape. And what wilt thou have
mee doe more? Am not I tormented fufficiently
by thee? Doc not I obey thee? Doe not I mixe my
felfwith thoſe things thou wilt have me? Am I not
fublimed?Am I not precipitated? Am I not made tur-
bith?An Amalgama : A Paft? Nowwhat canft thou
defire more of me? My body is fo fcourged, ſo ſpit
upon,that the very ftone would pity me:By vertue of
me thou haft milk, flesh, bloud,butter, oyl, water, and
which ofall the metalls,or mineral can do that which
J do alone?and is there no mercy to be had towards
me? O'what a wretch am I ! Al.Ŏ ho,it doth not hurt
thee, thou art wicked , although thou turneft thy
felfinfide out, yet thou doft not change thy felfe , "
thou doft but frame to thy felfe a new ſhape , thou
doft alwaies return into thy firft forme again. Merc.
I doe as thou wilt have me, if thou wilt have me be a
body, I am a body : ifthou will have me be duft, I
am duft,I know not how I fhould abaſe my ſelfmore,
then when I am duft, and a ſhadow. Alch Tell mee
therefore what thou art in thy Center , and I will
torment thee no more. Merc. Now Iam conftrained
to
4 new Light ofAlchymie. 69
to tell from the very foundation. If thou wilt thou

maift underſtand mee : thou feeft my fhape , and of
this thou needeft not know further. But becauſe thou
askeft mee of the Center, my Center is the moſt
fixed heart of all things, immortall , and penetra
ting in that my Mafter refts, but I my felfe am the
way, and the paffenger, I am a ftranger , and yet live
at home,I am moft faithfull to all my companions, I
leave not thoſe that doe accompany mce , I abide
with them, I perish with them. I am an immor-
tall body . I die indeed when I am flaine, but
I rife againe to judgement before a wife Judge.
Alch. Art thou therefore the Philofophers Stone ?
Merc. My mother is fuch a one, ofher is born artifi
cially one certain thing, but my brother who dwells
in the fort , hathin his will what the Philofophers
defire. Alch. Art thou old? Merc. My mother be
gat mee, but I am older then my mother . Alch. What
devill can understand thee, when thou doft not an-
fwer to the purpose ? thou alwaics ſpeakeſt Riddles.
Tell mee ifthou art that fountain of which Dernard
Lord Trevifan writ? Merc. I am not the fountaine ,
but I am the water , the fountaine compaffeth mee
about: Alch, Is gold diffolved in thee when thou
art water? Merc Whatfoever is with mee I love as
a friend, and whatſoever is brought forth with mee,
to that I give nourishment, and whatſoever is naked,
I cover with my wings . Aleb. I ſee it is to no pur
pofeto fpeak to thee, Lask one thing and thou anſwer
reft another thing : if thou wilt not anſwer to my
queſtion , truly I will goc to work with thee again..
Merc. O mafter, I beseechthee be good to me, now
Lwillwillingly dog what I know. Alch. Tell mee
K.3 there
yo A new Light ofAlchymie,
therefore ifthou art afraid of the fire. Merc. I am
fire my felfe. Alch. And why then doft thou fly

from the firer Merc. My fpirit, and the spirit of the
fire love one another,and whither one goes,the other
goes if it can . Alch. And whither doft thou goe,
when thou afcendeft with the fire? Merc. Know that
everyftranger bends towards his own countrey, and

when he is returned from whence he came, hee is at
reft, and alwaies returnes wifer, then he was when he
came forth. Mich. Doft thou come back again fome-
times ? Merc. I doe, but in another forme. Alch. I do
not underſtand what this is, nor any thing of the fire.
Merc. If any one knew the fire ofmy heart, hee hath
feen that fire( a due heat ) is my meat and by how
much the longer the fpirit of my heart feeds upon
fire , it will be fo much the fatter, whofe death is
afterward the life of all things, whatfoever they bee
in this Kingdome where I am. Alch. Art thou great?
Merc.I am thus for example, of a thousand drops I
fhall be one, out of one I give many thousand drops:
and as my body is in thy fight, if thou knoweft how
to fport withmee, thou maift divide me into as much
as thou wilt, and I fhallbe one again: What then is
my fpirit ( myheart intrinfecally, which alwaies
can bringforth many thouſands out of the leaft part?
Alch. And how therefore must one deale with thee
that thou mailt be former . I am fire within, fire is
my meat, but the life of the fire is aire, without aire
the fire is extinguished; the fire prevails over the aire,
wherefore I am not at reft, neither can the crude aire
conftringe, orbind mee : adde aire to aire, that both
may beone, and hold weight, join it to warme fire ,
and give it time. Alch. What ſhall bee after that?
Mer.
Merc The fuperfluous fhall be taken away, the refi-

due thou fhalt burn with fire, put it into water,boyl
it , after it is boyled thou shalt give it to the fick by
way of phyfick. Alch . Thou faift nothing to my
queftions. I fee that thou wilt only delude mee with
Riddles . Wife, bring hither the hogs dung ™ I will
handle that Mercury fome new wayes , untill hee tell
mee how the Philofophers Stone is to bee made of
him . Mercury hearing this begins to lament over the
Alchymift, and goes unto his mother Nature : accu
feth the ungratefull operator. Nature beleeves her
fon Mercury, who tells true, and being moved with
anger comes to the Alchymift, and calls him ; Ho
thou , Where art thou ? Alchym . Who is that ,
thus calls mee ? Natura. What doft thou with my
fon, thou fool thon? Why dostthou thus injure him?
Whydost thou torment him? who is willing to doe
thee any good, if thou couldst underſtand ſo much.
Alch. VVhat devill reprehends me, fo great a man,
and Philofopher Nat.O foolfubof pride,the dung of
Philofophers , I know all Philofophers,and wife men,
and I love them, for they love me, and doc all things
for me at my pleafure , and whither I cannot goe
they help me . But you Alchymifts, ofwhoſe order
thou alfo art one,without my knowledg, and confent,
doe all things contrary unto me; wherefore it falls
out contrary to your expectation. You think that you
deal with my fons rationally , but you perfect no
thing, and if you will confider rightly , you do not
handle them , but they handle you : foryou can make.
nothing ofthem, neither know you how to do it, but
they of you when they pleaſe, make fooles . Alch. It
is not true ; I alſo am a Philofopher , and know well
how
how to worke , I have been with more then one
Prince, and was efteemed a Philofopher amongſt
4
them , my wife alle knows the fame , and now alfo
I have a manufcript , which was hid fome hun
dreds of years in an old wally nowI certainly know
I shall make the Philofophers Stone, as alſo within
theſe fewdayes it was revealed to mee in a dreame. O
I am wont to have true dreams; Wife thou knoweſt
it ! Natur. Thou fhalt doe as the reft of thy fel-
lowes have done, who in the beginning know all
things, and thinke they are very knowing , but in
conclufion know nothing. Alch. Yet others have
made it of thee (if thou art the true Nature. ) Nat.
It is true, but only they that knew me, and they are
very few. But hee whichknowes ince doth not tor
ment my Sons, nor diſturbe mee, but doth to mee
what hee pleafeth, and increafeth iny goods,and heals
the bodies of my fons. Alch. Even ſo doe I. Natur.
Thou doft all things contrary to mee, and doft T pro-
ceed with my Sonnes contrary to my will when
thou fhouldft revive , thou killeft ; " when fix , thou
fublimeft, when calcine, thou diftilleft; efpecially
my moft obfervant Sonne Mercury , whom thou,
tormenteft with fo many corrofive waters , and fo
many poisonous things. Alch. Then I will proceed
with him fweetly by digeftion only. Natur. It is well
if thou knoweft how to doe it , but if not , thou.
fhalt not hurt him,but thy felfe, and expofe thy felfe
to charges, for it is all one with him, as with a gem,
which is mixed with dung , that is alwaies good ,
and the dung doth not diminiſh it , although it be
caft upon it, for when it is washed, it is the fame
gemme as it was before. Alch. But I would wil.
lingly
A new Light ofAlchymie, 73.
lingly know how to make the Philofophers Stone.
Natur. Therefore doe not handle my Son in that
fashion for know,that I have many Sonnes , and
many Daughters, and I am ready at hand to them
that feek mee, if they bee worthy of mec. Alch
Tell me therefore who that Mercury is ? Nat . Know
that I have but one fuch Sonne, and hee is one of
feven , and hee is the firft ; and hee is all things,
who was but one; hee is nothing, and his number
is entire ; in him are the foure Elements , and yet
himselfe is no Element; he is a ſpirit, and yet hath
a body; he is a man , and yet acts the part of a

woman, hee is a child , and yet bears the armes of
a man; hee is a beaft, and yet hath the wings of
a bird, hee is poiſon, yet cureth the leprofie ; he
is life, yet kills all things, hee is a King, yet ano-
ther poffeffeth his Kingdome; hee flyeth from the
fire, yet fire is made of him; hee is water , yet
wets not; hee is earth, yet hee is fowed ; hee is
aire, yet lives in water. Alch. Now I fee that I
know nothing, but I dare not ſay ſo , for then I
ſhould lose my reputation, and my neighbors will
lay out no more money upon mee , if they fhould
know that I know nothing yet I will fay that I
doe certainly know, or elfe no body will give mee
fo much as bread : for many of them hope for much
good from mee. Natur. Although thou ſhouldft
put them offa great while , yet what will become
of thee at laft ? and especially if thy neighbours
ſhould demand their charges of thee again? Alch.I
will feed all of them with hope, as much as poffibly
I can. Natur. And then what wilt thou doe at
laft? Alch.I will try many ways privately : if either

L of
of them fucceed, I will pay them, if not, I will goe

into fome other far Country, and doe the like there.
Natur. And what will become of thee afterward ?
ich. Ha, ha, ha, there bee many countryes , alfo
many covetous men, to whom I will promife great
ftore of Gold, and that in a ſhort time , and fo the
time fhall paffe away, till at laft either I ,or they muſt
die Kings, or Affes. Natar. Such Philofophers de-
ferve the halter : fie upon thee , make haft and be
hanged, and put an end to thy ſelf, and thy Philofo-
phy, forby this meanes thou fhalt neither deceive
mee,thy neighbour, or thy felf.
A TREATISE
OF
SVLPH VR:
The Preface.
COURTEOUS READER ,
EEing I might not write more cleerly, then

other ancient Philofophers have wrote; hap-
ly thou mayft not bee fatisfied with my
writings especially fince thou haft fo many other
bookes of Philofophers already in thy hands : but
beleeve me, neither have I any need to write books,
becauſe I feek neither profit, nor vain glory bythem,
therefore I doe not publish who I am. Those things
which I have now publifht for thy profit, and advan-
tage, feem to mee to be more then enough; I purpoſe
that other things, which remain,ſhall bee referred to
the book of Harmony, where I have largely treated
of naturall things : yet by the perfwafion of ſome
friends I must needs alfo write this Treatife of Sul-
phur, in which whether it be needfull to adde any

L 2 thing
76 Anew Light ofAlchymiz.
thing to what is written before, I know not. Yea,

neither fhall this fatisfie thee , if the writings of fo
many Philofophers cannot fatisfie thee : And efpe-
cially, if the daily operation of Nature bee not a
fufficient example, no other examples fhall doe thee
good. For if thou wouldst confider with a mature
judgement, how Nature works , thou wouldst not
have needof fo many volumes of Philofophers : be-
caufe in my judgement it is better to learn ofNature:
the Miftris,then of her ſcholars . Thou haft enough
in the Preface of the book of the Twelve Treatifes,
as alfo in the Firſt Treatiſe it ſelf, becauſein this Art
there be fo many, and fo great books to bee found,,
that they rather hinder,then help thoſe that are ftudi--
ous ofthis Art and fo indeed it feems to be,becauſe
the Writings of Philofophers are out of that little
Schedule of Hermes grown up unto fogreat ,and erro--
neous a Labyrinth, and daily doe decline into obfcu--
rity: And this I beleeve is done only by envious
Philofophers , when as the ignorant doe not well
know what ought to be added, or left out , if haply
the Authours hand cannot well be read. If in any
Science, or Art it doth much help, or hurt to have
one word lacking, or added, then much more in this::
As for example: It is writtenin one place : Then mix
thefe waters together, another addes Not, hee indeed
added but a little,and yet by this he turned the whole
Chapter quite contrary : yet let the diligent Student
know, that a Bee doth gather honey out of poifo-
nous hearbs. But if he judgeth what heereads, accor-
ding to the poffibility of Nature, hee will eafily get
beyond all the Sophiftry of Philofophers : yet let
him not give over reading , becauſe one booke exs
plaines
plaines another. And bythis meanes I underſtood

that the bookes of Geber the Philofopher ( and who
could know it, but they that read other Authours ?)
are fo wonderfully enchanted, that they cannot pof
fibly be understood, unleffe they be read over a thou
fand times, and this alfo by a witty Reader ; fooles
muft bee utterly excluded from reading of them.
There bee indeed many that undertake to interpret
him as they doe other Authors ; but I fee their expli
cation is more difficult then the text : My advice is,
that thou dost perfift in the text , and whatſoever
thou readeft apply to the poffibility of Nature ; and
in the first place enquire diligently what Nature is.
All indeed write, that thee is a thing of ſmall ac
count, eafy, common ; and indeed it is true , but it
fhould have been added , that fhee is fo unto wife
men. The wife man knows her to be amongſt dung,
and the ignorant man doth not beleeve her to bec
in gold. And all theſe men, which have made fuch
hard bookes , ifthey were nowignorant ofthe Art ,
but must find it out of fuch bookes ( which books in-
deed are very true) would with more difficulty find
it out,then men,that in theſe days fearchinto the art,
doc . I will not commend mine owne Writings , hee
fhall judge of them that fhall apply them to the pof
fibility, and courfe of Nature and ifby my Wri
tings, Counfell, Examples , hee fhall not know
the operation of Nature , and her miniftring vitall
fpirits conftringing the aire, as alfo the fubject ofthe
firft matter, hee will ſcarce underſtand them by Rai-
mandus Lullius . It is a hard thing to beleeve that
fpirits have fuch a power and force inthe belly ofthe
wind. This Wood I alſo am constrained to goe
L3. through ,
through, and alfo I have helped to multiply it , yet

in fuch a manner as my plants fhall be fignes , a light,
and guides to the true Sons of Art, and Students in
this facred Science, that are willing to goe through
this Wood, formy plants are as it were corporeall .
Thoſe times are now past , when fidelity amongſt
friends flouriſhed, and this Art was communicated
by word of mouth, but nowit is not obtained but
by the infpiration of the most high God alone.
Therefore let not him that fearcheth diligently, and
fears God defpaire.If he feeks after it, hee fhall find
it. Becauſe it is more eafily obtained from God,
then from man: for hee is a God of infinite compaf-
fion,and knowes not how toforfake him that puts his
truft in him; with him there is no refpect ofperfons;
the contrite and bumble heart hee will not defpife ,
and hee hath taken compaffion upon mee , the moſt
unworthy ofhis creatures; whofe power, goodness,
unfpeakable compaffion which he hath vouchfafed to
fhewto mee, I am not able to expreffe but if I am
able to give no betterthankes, yet I ſhall not ceaſe
with my pen to fet forth his praife for ever. Bee of
good courage therefore, Courteous Reader,and hee
will alfo not deny this favour to thee, ifthou putteft
thy whole truft in him, worship him, and call upon
him, hee will open to thee the gate of Nature ; then
thou shalt fee how moft plainly Nature works . Know
for certain that Nature is moft plain, and fimple, and
delights in nothing fo muchas in plainneffe; and be-
leeve mee, whatfoever in Nature is more noble,by ſo
much also the more cafy,and plain it is , becauſe all
truth is plain, and fimple : God the moft High Crea
tor of all things put nothing that is hard, or difficult
in
in Nature. If thou wilt therefore imitate Nature,
let mee perfwade thee to abide in the fimple way of
Nature, and thou shalt find all good things . But if
neither mywritings, nor advife pleafeth thee, then go
to other authors .Wherefore Iwrite not great Vo-
lumes that thou maiſt not lay out too much money,
or time upon them, but maift read them over quick-
ly, and bee at the more leifure to have recourſe to
other authors and ceaſe not to feek, for to him that
knocks, it fhall bee opened. Now thoſe times are
coming, in which many fecrets of Nature fhall bee
revealed. Now that fourth Monarchy ofthe North
is about to begin : Nowthe times are at hand ; the
Mother of Sciences will come : greater things fhall
bee diſcovered then hath been done in theſe three laſt
paſt Monarchies . Becauſe this Monarchy ( as the
Ancients have foretold ) God will plant by one of
his Princes, being enriched with all manner of ver-
tues, whom haply times have already brought forth.
For wee have in this Northerne part a moſt wife
Prince, and moft warlike, whom none of the Mo-
narchs doth goe beyond in victories , or excell in
humanity, and piety. In this Northerne Monarchy
God the maker of all things , will without doubt
bring to light greater fecrets in Nature , then in
those times,when Pagan,and Tyrant Princes reigned.
But the Philofophers reckon thefe Monarchies , not
according to the powerfulneffe ofthem, but accor-
dingto the corners ofthe world : the firft was Ea-
fterne the next Southerne, this which they now
poffeffe is Weſterne the laft which they expect

in this Northerne part is Northerne : but of thefe
further in my booke of Harmony. In this Nor-
thern
thern Monarchy, where the attractive pole is ( as
the Pfalmift fpeaks) Mercy and Truth are met toge-
ther , Peace , and Juftice fhall kiffe each other ;
Truth fhall rife out of the earth, and Juſtice ſhall
looke from heaven . One fheepfold , and one
Shepheard. Many Arts without envy : AM
which I doe earnestly expect. Doe thou alfo ,
Courteous Reader, call upon, love, feare God ,
read over my Writings diligently, and then thou
maift foretell to thy felfe good things. And if
thou shalt, through the favour of God , and the
help of Nature ( whom thou muſt imitate ) arrive
to the defired haven ofthis Monarchie ; then thou
fhalt fee , and ſay that all things that I have faid to
thee,are good,and true.
Farewell.
OF
81
A new Light of Alchymie.
ກວດ કવન
OF
S V LPH VR
The fecond Principle.
Ulphur is not the laft amongſt the

Principles, becauſe it is a part of the
Metall, yea and the principall part of
the Philofopher's Stone: and many wife
men have left in writing divers , and
very true things of Sulphur. Yea Geber
himfelfin his first book ofthe highest perfection,cha.
28. faith : Through the moſt High God it illumi-
nates every body becauſe it is light from light, and
Tincture .But before wee treate ofit , it feems good
to us to firſt deſcribe the originall of the Principles
eſpecially fince of old, Sulphur hath been accounted
the chiefeft of the Principles. Now very few have
hitherto fhewed whence the Principles arife, and it is
a hard thing to judge of any of the Principles, or
anything elſe , whofe originall , and generation is
unknowne : what can a blind man judg of a colour?
What our predeceffors have omitted , that have
wee purpoſed in this Treatife to fupply.
M Now
82
Anew Light ofAlchymie.
Nowthe Principles of things , especially of Me-

talls, according to the ancient Philofophers are two,
Sulphur, and Mercury : but according to the latter
Philofophers,three, Sal,Sulphur,and Mercury. Now
the originall of thefe Principles are the foure Ele-
ments, with the originall of which alfo wee will firft
begin. Therefore let them that are Students in
this facred fcience know,that there are four Elements ,
and that every one of theſe foure hath in its Center
another Element, bywhich it is elementated : and
theſe are the four ftatues ofthe world,feparated from
the Chaos in the creation of the world by divine
wiſdome; and thefe uphold the fabrick ofthe world
by their contrary acting, in equality , and pro-
portion , and alfo by the inclination of celeftiall
vertues, bring forth all things, that are within, and
upon the earth : but of thefein their places here we
will returne to our purpoſe, and first of the Element
that is neereft, viz. the Earth.
OF
OF
The ELEMENT of the
EARTH.
HE Earth is of great worthin its quality,

and dignity in this Element, the other
three , especially the fire, reft. It is the
moſt excellent Element to conceale , and
difcover thoſe things which are intruſted to it : it is
groffe, and porous, heavy in refpect of its ſmall-
neffe , but light in refpect of its Nature , it is
alfo the Center of the world , as alſo of the other
Elements, through its Center paffeth the axell tree
of the world, and of both poles. It is porous , as
wee faid, as a fpunge, and brings forth nothing of it
felfe,but all things whatfoever the other three diſtil,
and project into it, it receives , keeps all things that
are to be kept,brings to light all things that are to be
brought to light. It brings forth ( as wee faid be-
fore ) nothing of it felfe, but it is thereceptacle of
other things, and it is that, in which every thing
that is brought forth, doth abide,and by heat ofmo-
tion is putrefied in it, and is multiplied by the fame,
the pure being ſeparated from the impure : That
which is heavy in it is hid , and the heat drives that
which is light unto its fuperficies. It is the nurſe,and
matrix of all ſeed, and commixtion. It can indeed
M 2 doe
doe nothing elſe, then preferve the feed , and what

is made of it, till it be ripe. It is cold,dry, tempered
with water; vifible without, and fixed ; but within
inviſible, and volatile . It is a virgin , and the Caput
Mortuum left after the creation of the world, which
fhall hereafter at divine pleaſure bee calcined , after
extraction of its moifture, that of it a new Cryſtal.
line Earth may be created. Alſo this Element is di-
vided into a pure part , and an impure. The water

makes uſe of the pure to bring forth things , but the
impure ' remains in its globe. This Element is the hi-
ding place, and manfion of all treasure . In its Center
is the fire of hell, preferving this fabrick of the world
in its being, and this by the expreffion of water into
the aire. That fire is caufed, and kindled by the pri
mum Mobile,and the influences of the Stars: the heat
of the Sunne tempered with the aire meets with this
heat for the ripening,and drawing up of thofe things,
which are already conceived in its Center. Moreover
the Earth partakes of fire , which is the intrinfecall
part ofit, neither is it purified but in the fire and fo
every Element is purified with its intrinfecall part
Now the Intrinfecall part, or infide of the Earth , or
its Center is the higheſt purity mixed with fire,where
nothing can reft : It is as it were an empty place , into
which all the other Elements doe project their ver-
tues, as hath been ſpoken in the book of the Twelve
Freatifes. And thus much ofthe Element of Earth ,
which wee have called a Spunge, and the receptacle
of other things, which ferveth forour purpoſe."
OF
OF
The ELEMENT of
WATER
Ater is the heavieft Element , full of

unctuous flegme, and it is an Element
more worthy in its quality then the
Earth, without , volatile , but within fix-
ed, it is cold, and moift, and tempered
with the aire : it is the fperm ofthe world, in which
the feed of all things is kept : it is the keeper of the
feed of every thing. Yet wee muft know, that the
Seed is one thing , and the Sperme another : the
Earth is the receptacle of the Sperme, but Water is
the receptacle of the Seed . Whatſoever the Aire
doth diſtill into the Water , by means of the fire ,
the fame doth the water convey to the Earth . Some-
times the ſperme lackes fufficiency ofſeed, for want
of heat which ſhould digeft it ; for there is alwayes
plenty of Sperm , expecting Seed , which by the
M 3 ima-
imagination of fire through the motion of the Aire
it carryes into its matrix : and fometimes there being
lack of Seed, the Sperme enters , but it goeth forth
againe without fruit : but ofthis more at large here-
after in the third Treatife of Principles , viz. in that
of Salt. It happens fometimes in Nature , that the
Sperme enters into the matrix with a fufficiency of
Seed, but the matrix being indifpofed , by reaſon of
being filled with offenfive,fulphureous, & flegmatick
vapors , doth not conceive, neither doth that come
to paffe that fhould. Alfo nothing is properly in this

Element , but only as it is wont to bee in the Sperm.
It is delighted chiefly in its own motion , which is
made by the Aire, and it is apt to mixe with things
byreafon ofits fuperficiall, volatile body. It is, as
wee faid before, the receptacle ofall manner of Seed:
in it the Earth is eafily purified , and refolved; and the
Aire is congealed in it , and is joined with it radically .
It is the menftruum of the world, which penetrating
the Aire, by means of heat, drawes along with it
felfe a warm vapour, which caufeth a naturall gene-
ration ofthoſe things, which the Earth, as a matrix
is impregnated withall, and when the matrix receives
a due proportion of Seed, of what kind foever , it
proceeds, and Nature workes without intermiffion
to the end, but the remaining moiſture , or Sperme
falls to the fide , and by vertue of the heat in the
Earth is putrefied (that which is caft to the fide) and
of that afterwards are generated other things , as
fmall vermine , and wormes. The Artificer of a
quicke wit may indeed fee in this Element , as it were
•
out ofSperme, divers wonders of Nature;but it will
be needfull to take that Sperm, in which the Aftrall
Seed
Seed in a certaine proportion is already imagined , or

conceived, becaufe Nature makes, and produceth
pure things by the firft putrefaction, but by the fe-
cond farre more pure, worthy, and noble; as thou
haft an example in wood, which is vegetable,where
in the first compofition Nature maketh wood , but
when that is after maturity corrupted, it is putrefied,
and of it worms are bred, and fuch kind of vermine
as they are, which have both life, and fight : for it is
manifeft, that a fenfible thing is alwaies more wor
thy then a vegetable for to the organs of fenfible
things much more fubtile, and purer matter is requi
red : But to return to our purpoſe.
This Element is the Menftruum of the world, and
is divided into three forts, viz. pure, purer, and moſt
pure. Of the moft pure fubftance of it the Heavens
are created, the purer is refolved into Aire , but the
pure, plaine, and groffe remains in its fphere, and by
divine appointment,and operation of Nature doth
preferve and keep every thing that is fubtile. It
makes one globe together with the Earth : it hath
alſo its Center in the heart of the Sea : it hath one:
axell tree and pole with the earth, by which all cour
fes, and fountaincs of water iffue forth, which after-
ward increaſe, and grow up into great rivers.By thefe.
iffuing forth of waters the Earth is preſerved from
burnings,and with this moiftning the univerfall Seed
is carryed forth through the pores of the whole
Earth, which thing is caufed through heat , and
motion. Now it is manifeft that all courfes. of
Waters return into the heart ofthe Sea, but whither
afterward they run is not known to everybody.There
befome that think that all rivers, water, andfprings
which
>
which have their courfe into the fea,do proceed from

the ftars, who, when they know no other reaſon why
the fea fhould not increaſe, and bee fuller,by reaſon of
them,fay that thefe Waters are confumed in the heart
of the fea. But this Nature will not admit of, as
wee have thewed when we fpake of the Rain. The

ftars indeed caufe, but doe not generate Water; fee
ing nothing is generated but in its owne like of the
fame fpecies : Nowthe Stars confift of Fire , and
Aire, howthen ſhould they generate Waters ? And
if it were fo, that fome Starres fhould generate Wa-
ters,then neceffarily alfo muft others generate Earth,
and alfo others other Elements : becauſe this fabrick
of the world is fo upheld by the four Elements, that
one may not exceed another in the leaft particle, but
they ſtrive one with the other in an equall ballance;
for otherwiſe if one fhould exceed the other, deftru-
ction would enfue. Yet let every one perfevere in
what opinion hee pleafe, it is thus fhewed to us by the
light of Nature, that this fabrick of the world is
preſerved bytheſe four Elements, their equality be-
ing proportioned by the great God , and one doth
not exceed the other in its operation. But the Wa-
ters upon the bafis of the Earth are contained as it
were in fome veffell from the motion of the Aire,and
towards the Articke pole are by it conftringed , be-
cauſe there is no vacuum, or vacuityin the world:for
this caufe is there in the Center ofthe Earth the fire
of hell, which the Archeus of Nature doth go-
vern
For in the beginning of the Creation ofthe world,

the greatand good God out ofthe confufed Chaos ,
in the first place exalted the quinteffence of the Ele
ments,
A new Light ofAlchymie . 89
ments, & that is made the utmoft bound ofall things :

then he lifted up the moft pure fubftance offire above
all things,to place his moft Sacred Majeſty in, and ſet
and eſtabliſhed it in its bound . In the Center of the
chaos(by the good pleaſure of Gods infinite wiſdom )
that Fire was kindled ,which afterward did diftil thofe
moſt pure waters . But becaufe now that moſt pure fire
hath obtained the place ofthe Firmament, together
with the throne of the most high God , the waters are
condenſed under that Fire:and that they might be the
more ſtrongly fortified, & fetled,the fire that is grof-
fer then the former, was then raiſed(this by means of
the Centrall Fire)and remained in the ſphere of Fire
under the Waters : and fo the Waters are congealed,
and ſhut up betwixt two Fires in the heavens. But
that Centrall Fire never ceaſeth, but diftilling more

Waters, and thofe leffe pure, did refolve them into
Aire, which alſo abides under the ſphere of Fire in
its proper fphere, and is encloſed by the Element of
-
Fire, as with a fure, and ſtrong foundation ; and as
the Waters ofthe Heavens , cannot goe beyond that
fuperceleftiall Fire,fo the Element of Fire cannot go
beyond the Waters of the Heavens, neither can the
Aire go beyond, or be exalted above the Element of
Fire. As for the Water,and the Earth,they remained
in one globe,becauſe they have no place in the Aire,
except that part of the Water, which the Fire doth
refolve into Aire, for the daily fortifying of this fa-
bricke of the world. For ifthere had been a vacui-
ty in the Aire, then all the Waters had diſtilled , and
been refolved into Aire : but now the fphere of the
Aire is full, and is alwaies filled through the diftilling
Waters, by the continuall Centrall heat , fo that the
N reft
go Anew Light of Alchymies
reft of the Waters are by the compreffion of the

Aire rolled round the Earth , and with the Earth
make up the Center of the world, and this operati-
on is performed dayly, and fo alfo this world is for--
tified daily, and fhall for ever bee naturally preferved
from corruption, unleffe it bee the good pleasure of
the moſt High Creator ( whoſe will is abfolute ) that
it fhall be otherwiſe.. Becauſe that Centrall Fire ne-
ver ceafeth to bee kindled by the univerfall motion,
and influence of the heavenly vertues,and ſo to warm
the Waters; neither fhall the Waters ceafe to bee:
refolved into Aire ; neither fhall the Aire ceaſe to
compreffe, and keep down the refidue of the Waters

with the Earth, and fo to contain them in the Center,
that they may not bee moved out of their Center :
thus even in a naturall manner this world is made, and
continued through the mighty wifdome of God;and
fo accordingto the example of this it is neceffary
that all things in the world bee naturally made. We
are willing to difcover to thee further this creation :
of this fabricke of the world, that thou maist know
that the foure Elements have a naturall fympathy
with the fuperior , becauſe they were made out of
one and the fame Chaos : but they are governed by
the fuperior, as the more worthy, འ and from thence
came this obedience into this fublunary place . But
know that all thoſe things were naturally, found out
bythe Philofopher,as fhal be fhewed in its own place..
Now to our purpofe concerning the Courſes of Wa
ters,and the ebbing & flowing ofthe Sea,howbythe
polarie Axell tree they are carryed from one pole to
another. There are two Poles, the one is Artick, and
in that partthat is fuperior, and Northerne, but the
other
Anew Light ofAlchymie . 91
other Antarticke under the Earth, and in the Sou-
therne part. The Articke pole hath a magneticke
vertue of attracting, but the Antarticke pole hath a
magneticke vertue of expelling , or driving from :
L and this Nature holds forth to us in the example of
the Loadftone. The Articke pole therefore drawes
Waters by the Axell-tree , which after they are
entred in, break forth again by the Axell tree ofthe
:
Antarticke pole and becauſe the Aire doth not
fuffer aninequality, they are conftrained to return to
the Articke pole, their Center, andfo continuallyto
obferve this Courfe. In which Courſe from the
Articke pole, to the Antarticke pole by the midle,
or Axell -tree of the world , they are difperfed
through the pores of the Earth, and fo according to
more or leffe do fprings arife,and afterward meeting
together increaſe, and become to be rivers, and are
again returned thither, from whence they came outs
and this is unceffantly done through the univerfall
motion. Some (as Ifaid before ) being ignorant of
the univerfall motion, and the operations of the poles
fay that theſeWaters are confumed in the heart of
the fea, and generated by the ſtars , which produce,
and generate no materiall thing, impreffing only ver-
tues, and ſpirituall influencies , which cannot give
any weight to things. Waters therefore are not
generated;but know that they come forth from the
Center ofthe Sea, through the pores of the Earth
into the whole world. From theſe naturall Conclu-
fions, or Principles Philofophers have found out di-
vers inftruments , and conveyances of Waters, as
alfo fountaines , fince it is known, that Waters can-
not naturally afcend higher then that place is , from
N 2 whence
whence they come, and unleffe it were fo in Nature,

Art could never doe it, becauſe Art imitates Na
ture; and that which is not in Nature cannot fuc-
ceed by Art; forWater, as I faid before , doth not
afcend higher then the place from whence it was ta-
ken thou haft for an example that inftrument, with
which Wine is drained out of a barrell.
To conclude therefore, know that Springs , or
breakings forth of Water are not generated of Stars,
but that they come from the Center of the Sea,
whither they return, and that thus they obferve a
continuall motion. For ifthis were not fo, nothing
at all either in the earth , or upon the earth could
be generated, yea the ruine of the world would of
meceffity follow. But left it may bee objected, that
in the Sea . all Waters are falt, and that the Waters
of Springs are fweet : Know, that this is the rea-
fon, becauſe that Water diftills through the pores
of the Earth, and paffing many miles through nar-
row places, and through fands , the faltneffe being.
loft, is made fweet : After the example of which
Ciſterns are found out. There are alfo in fome pla-
ces greater and larger pores, and paffages , through
which falt Water breaks through, where afterwards
are made falt pits , and fountains , as at Halla in
Germany. Alfo in fome places the Waters are con-
ftringed with heat, and the falt is left in the fands,
but the Water ſweats through other pores , as in
Polonia, at Wielicia, and Bochia : So alfo when Wa-
ters paffe through places, that are hot, fulphureous,
and continuallyburning,they are made hot, from
whence Bathes arife : for there are in the bowells of
the Earth places, in which Nature diftills, and ſepa-

Fates
rates a fulphureous Mine, where,by the Centrall Fire
it is kindled. The Water running through thefe
burning places , according to the neerneffe or re-
moteneffeare more or leffe hot, and fo breaks forth
into the fuperficies of the Earth, and retains the taft
of Sulphur, as all broth doth of the flesh , that is
boiled in it. After the fame manner it is,when Wa-
ter paffing through places where are Mineralls , as
Copper, Allum, doth acquire the favour of them.
Such therefore is the Diſtiller , the Maker of all
things, in whofe hands is this Diftillatory, according
to the example of which all diftillations have been
invented by Philofophers , which thing the moft
High God himſelf out of pity, without doubt, hath
infpired into the fons of men and he can , when it
is his holy will, either extinguish the Centrall Fire, or
break the veffell, and then there will be an end of all.
But fince his goodneffe doth intend the bettering of
all things, hee will at length exalt his moft facred
Majefty, and raiſe up higher the pureft Fire of all,
which is higher then the Waters of the Heavens
which are above the Firmament, and will give it a
ſtronger degree ofheat then the Centrall Fire, that
all the Waters may bee exhaled up into the Aire,
and the Earth be calcined, and fo the Fire,all the im-
purity being confumed , will make the Waters of
the purified Earth, being circulated in the Aire, tobe
more fubtile,and will (if wee may thus fpeak in a way
of Philofophy) make a world much more excellent .
Therefore let all the Searchers of this Art know,
that the Earth, and Water make one globe, and be-
ing together make all things, becauſe they are tangi-
ble Elements, in which the other two being hid doe
work.
N 3
work. The Fire preferves the Earth, that it bee not

drowned, or diffolved : the Aire preferves the Fire
that it bee not extinguished:the Water preſerves the
Earth that it bee uot burnt. It feemed good to us to
defcribe theſe things , as conducing to our purpoſe,
that the ftudious may know, in what things the foun-
dations of the Elements confift , and how Philofo-
phers have obferved their contrary actings; joining
Fire with Earth, and Aire with Water : although
when they would doe any excellent thing, they have
boiled Fire in Water, confidering that one blood is
purer then another, as a tear is purer then urine. Let
that therefore fuffice which we have fpoken, viz.that
the Element of Water is the Sperm,and Menftruum
ofthe world, as alfo thereceptacle of the Seed.
OF
A new Light of Alchymie. 95
AAAAAAPAAAAAEAAAAAA
OF
The ELEMENT of
AIRE .
HE Aire is an entire Element,moft worthy

of the three in its quality, without,light,
and invifible,but within,heavy,vifible,and
fixed, it is hot, and moiſt, and tempered
with Fire,and more worthy then Earth, &Water.Itis
volatil,but may be fixed,and when it is fixed, it makes
every body penetrable. Of its moft pure fubftance.
the vitall fpirits of living Creatures are made ; that.
which is leffe pure is taken up into its proper ſphere of
the Aire, but the refidue, viz . the groffer part abides
in the Water, and is circulated with the Water , as
Fire with Earth, becauſe they are friendly the one to
the other. It is moſt worthy, as wee have faid, and it
is the true place of the Seed of all things : in it Seed is
imagined , as in man,which afterward by the circula
ting motion is caft into its own Sperm ,This Elemente
hath :
hath the form of entireneffe to diftribute the Seed
into Matrixes bythe Sperm, and Menftruum of the

world. In it alfo is the vitall fpirit of every Crea-
ture, living in all things,penetrating, and conftringing
the feed in other Elements , as Males doc in Females.
It nourisheth them, makes them conceive, and pre-
ferveth them; and this daily experience teacheth,that
in this Element not only Mineralls , Animalls , or
Vegetables live but alfo other Elements . For wee fee
that all Waters become putrefied, and filthy ifthey
have not freſh Aire : The Fire alfo is extinguiſhed, if
the Aire be taken from it : (Thence Chymifts come
to know howto difpofe of their Fire into feverall de-
grees by means ofthe Aire, and to order their regi-
fters according to the meaſure ofthe Air:) The pores
alfo of the Earth are preferved by Aire : In briefe, the
whole ftructure of the world is preferved by Aire .
Alfo in Animalls , Man dies if you take Aire from
him, &c. Nothingwould grow in the world,if there
were not a power of the Aire,penetrating , and alte-
ring, bringing with it felfe nutriment that multiplies.
In this Element by vertue ofthe Fire is that imagi-
ned Seed, which conftringeththe Menftruum ofthe
world by its occult power,as in trees, and herbs, when
through the pores of the Earth, by the acting of the
fpirituall heat, there goeth forth a Sperm with the
Seed , and the vertue of the Aire in a proportion
conftringeth, and congeals it by drops, and fo trees
by growing day after day, drop after drop, are at
length raiſed to be great trees; as wee have treated in
the book ofthe Twelve Treatifes. In this Element
are all things entire through the imagination ofFire ,
and it is full of divine vertue : for in it is included the
fpirit
Spirit of the moft High, which before the Creation

was carryed upon the Waters , as faith the Scrip-
ture, And didfly upon the wings of the Wind. If
therefore it bee fo, as indeed it is, that the Spirit of
the Lord is carryed in it , why needs thou queftion
but that he hath left his divine vertue in it ? For this
Monarch is wont to adorn his dwelling places , hee
hath adorned this Element with the vitall fpirit of
every Creature : for in it is the feed of all things,
difperfed,in which prefently after the Creation was
(as wee faid before ) by the great Maker of all things
included that magneticke vertue which if it had not,
it could not attract any nourishment, but fo the Seed
must be left ina fmall quantity, neither would in-
creaſe, or bee multiplyed, but as the Load- ftone
drawes to it felf hard Iron ( after the manner of the
Articke pole, drawing waters to it felfe, as we have
fhewed in the Element of Water ) fo the Aire by a
Vegett ble magnetick power, which is in the Seed
draws to it felfe the nouriſhment ofthe Menftruum of
the world, i.e. Water . All theſe things are made by
Aire,for that is the leader ofthe Waters,and the oc
cult vertue thereofis included in all Seed for the at-
tracting of radicall moisture, and this vertue is , as
wee faid before, alwaies the 280th part in all Seed,
as wee have fhewed thee in the third of the Twelve
Treatifes . If therefore any one would fucceffefully
plant trees, let him bee carefull that hee turne the
attractive point towards the Northern part ; fo hee
fhall never lofe his labour : for as the Articke pole
drawes to it felfe the Waters , fo the verticle point
draws to it felf Seed; and every attractive point doth
anfwer to them. Thou haft an example in all manner
of
of Wood, whofe attractive point doth naturally

tend to the verticle point, and is drawne by it. For
let a bowle of Wood , if thou wilt know which is the
fuperior point, be put into water, and let it fink ( fo
that the water exceed the length ofthe Wood ) thou

fhalt alwaies fee that point rife up before the oppofite
for Nature knows not how to erre in her office:
part;
but ofthefe we fhall treat further in our book called
Harmonia, where wee fhall ſpeak more of the magne-
ticke vertue ( although he shall bee eafily able to un-
derftand the Loadftone,to whomthe nature of Me-
talls is knowne ) Let this fuffice that wee have faid,
that this Element is the moſt worthy of the three in
which is Seed, and vitall ſpirit, or dwelling place of
the foule of every Creature.
OF
OF
The ELEMENT of
FIRE
Ire is the pureft, and moſt worthy Element

ofall, full ofunctuous corrofiveneffe ad-
hering to it , penetrating, digefting, cor-
roding, and wonderfully adhering , with-
out, vifible, but within invifible, and moft fixed; it
is hot, dry, and tempered with Aire. Its fubftance
is the pureft of all, and its effence was firſt of all
elevated in the Creation with the throne of divine
Majefty , when the Waters of the Heavens were
eſtabliſhed,as we have faid in the Element of Water:
out of the leffe pure part of its fubftance the Angells
were created, out of that which was leffe pure then
that, being mixed with the pureft Aire, were the
Sun, Moon and Stars created. That which is leffe
pure then that is raifed up to terminate, and hold up
the Heavens: but the impure, and unctuous part ofit
02 is
is left, and included in the Center of the Earth bythe

wife, and great Creator, for to continue the opera-
tion of motion, and this wee call Hell. All thefe
Fires are indeed divided , but they have a Naturall
fympathyone towards another.
This Element is of all the moft quiet , and like
unto a charriot, when it is drawed, it runs , when
it is not drawed , it ftands ftill. It is alfo in all
things undifcernibly. In it are the reafons oflife, and
underſtanding, which are diftributed in the firſt in-
fufion of Mans life, and theſe are called the rational
foule, by which alone Man differs from other Crea-
tures, and is like to God. This foule is of that moſt
pure Elementary Fire, infufed by God into the vi
tall fpirit, byreafon of which Man after the Crea-
tion of all things was created into a particular
World, or Microcofme. In this fubject God the-
Creator of all things put his feal, and Majeſty, as in
the pureft,and quieteft fubject,which is governed by
the will, and infinite wifdome ofGod alone. Where-
fore God abhors all impurity, nothing that is filthy
compounded , or blemished may come neer him,
therefore no mortall man can ſee God, nor come to
him naturally for that Eire which is in the circumfe
rence of the Divinity,in which is carryed the Seale
and Majeſty of the Most High, is fo intenſe , that
no eye can penetrate it for Fire will not fuffer any
thing that is compounded to come neer to it for
Fire is the death, and feparation of any thing that is
compounded. Wee have faid that it is the moft
quiet fubject ( for fo it is ) or elfe it would follow
(which fo much as to thinke were abfurd ) that
God could not reft, forit is of moft quiet filence ,
more
more then any mans mind can imagine . Thou haft

an example ofthis in the Flint,in which there is Fire,
and yet is not perceived, neither doth appear, untill
it beftirred up by motion, and kindled in it that it
may appear : fo the Fire in which is placed the facred
Majeſty of our Creator, is not moved , unleffe it be
ftirred upby the proper will ofthe moft High , and
fo is carryed where his holy Will is. There is made
by the Will of the fuprcame Maker of all things a
moſt vehement, and terrible motion. Thou haft an
Example ofthis, when any Monarch of this world
fits in his pompe, What a quietneffe there is about
him? What filence and although fome one of his
Court doth more, the motion is only of fome one,
or other particular man, which is not regarded. But
when the Lord himſelfmoves, there is an univerfalf
ftirre, and motion, then all that attend on him, move
with him . What then?when that fupream Monarch,
the King of Kings, and Maker of all things ( after
whofe example the Princes of the world are cfta-
bliſhed in the earth ) doth move in his own perfon of
Majefty? What a ſtirre? What trembling , when
the whole guard of his heavenly Army move about
him? But fome one may ask, How doe wee know
theſe things, fince heavenly things are hid from Mans
underſtanding? To whom wee anfwer, that they are :
manifeft to all Philofophers, yea the incomprehen-
fible wiſdome of God hath infpired into them , that
all things are created after the example of Nature,
and that Nature hath its bounds from thoſe ſecrét
things, and accordingly workes, and that nothing is
done on the earth, but according to the example of
the heavenly Monarchy , which is managed by
03 thee
102
A new Light of Alchymie.
the divers offices of Angells. So alfo there is nothing
brought forth, or generated, but what is done na-
turally. All humane inventions ,yca and Arts, which
either are, or fhall bee , proceed not otherwife then
from Naturall principles . The moſt High Creator
"
was willing to manifeft all Naturall things unto man,
wherefore hee fhewed to us that Celeſtiall things
themſelves were naturally made, by which his abfo-
lute, and incomprehenfible power , and wiſdome
might be fo much the betterknown, all which things
the Philofophers in the light of Nature , as in a
Looking-glaffe, have the cleer fight of. For which
cauſe they esteemed highly of this Art, viz. not fo
much out of covetoufnefle for Gold , orSilver,but for
knowledge fake , not only of all Naturall things,
butalſo of the power of the Creator, and they were
willing to speak of theſe things fparingly , and only
figuratively, left divine myfteries by which Nature
is illuftrated, fhould be diſcovered to the unworthy,
which thou ,if thou knoweft how to know thy felfe ,
andart not of a ftiffe neck, maift eafily comprehend;
who art created after the likeneffe ofthe great world ,
yea after the image of God. Thou haft in thy body
the Anatomy of the whole world, thou haſt in ſtead
ofthe Firmament the quinteffence of the foure Ele-
ments, extracted out ofthe Chaos ofSperms, into a
matrix , and into a skin , which doth compaffe it
round, thou haft moſt pure blood in ftead of Fire,in
the vitall fpirit whereofis placed the feat ofthe foule
( which is in ftead ofthe King; ) thou haft a heart in
ſtead ofthe earth; where the Centrall Fire continu-
ally works; and preferves the fabrick of this Micro-
cofm in its being;thou haft thy mouth in ſtead ofthe
Articke
Anew Light ofAlchymie. 103
Articke pole,and thy belly in ftead ofthe Antarticke,

and all thy members anſwer to fome Celeſtialls of
which in our booke of Harmony wee ſhall treat more
fully, viz. in the Chapter of Aftronomy, where we
have wrote how that Aftronomy is easy,naturall,how
rhe aspects ofPlanets, and Stars are efficacious, and
why Prognoſtication is given of Raine , and other
events, which would bee too tedious to reckon up
here, and all theſe are linked together,and performed
in a naturall manner , onely God doth fome things
extraordinary. Becauſe the Ancients omitted it , we
are willing to fhew it to him that is diligently ftudious
of this fecret , that the incomprehenfible power of
the moſt High God, may fo much the more cleerly
come home to his heart, and that hee may love, and
adore him the more zealoufly. Let therefore the.
Searcher of this facred ſcience know , that the foule
in a manthe leffer world, or Microcofme fubftituting
the place of its Center, is the King, and is placed in
the vitall ſpirit, in the pureft bloud. That governes
the mind, and the mind the body when the foule
conceives any thing, the mind knows all things, and
all the members underſtand the mind, and obey the
mind, and are defirous to fulfill the will thereof.
For the body knows nothing , whatſoever ftrength,
or motion is in the body, is cauſed by the mind , the
body is to the mind, as inftruments are to the Artifi-
cer; Nowthe foule,by which man differs from other
Animalls, operates in the body, but it hath a greater
operation out ofthe body, becauſe out of the body it
abfolutely reigns, and by theſe things it differs from
other Animalls , who have only the mind , not the
foule of the Deity. So alfo God, the Maker of all
things ,
104 A new Light ofAlchymie;
things, our Lord, and our God, works in this world

thofe things , which are neceffary for the world ;
and in theſe hee is included in the world; whence
wee beleeve that God is every where. But hee is
excluded the body of the world by his infinite wif-
dome, by which hee workes out of the world, and
imagines much higher things , then the body
of the world is able to conceive, and those things are
beyond Nature, being the fecrets of God alone . You
have the foul for an example, which out ofthe body
imagines many moft profound things, and in this it is
like unto God, who out of the world works beyond
Nature, although the foule to God bee as it were a
candle lighted to the light at Noonday : for the foul
imagines, but executes not but inthe mind;but God
doth effect all things the fame moment when hee
imagines them; as the foul imagines any thing to be
donc at Rome, or elsewhere in the twinckling of an
cye, but only in the mind ; but God doth all fuch
things effentially , who is omnipotent. God there-
fore is not included in the world, but as the foul in
the body, he hath his abfolute power feparated from
the world, fo alfo the foul of any body hath its abfo-
lute power feparated from the body , to doe other
things then the body can conceive , it hath a very
great power therefore upon the body, if it pleafeth,
or otherwife our Philofophy were in vain. By thefe
therefore learn to know God, and thou ſhalt know in
which the Creator differs from the Creature. Thou
thy felfe fhalt be able to conceive greater things,
when as nowthou haft the gate opened by us. Bur
left this Treatife fhould growtoobig, let us returne
to ourPurpoſe.
Wee
' 105
Wee faid before that the Element of Fire is the
moft quiet of all, and that it is ſtirred up by motion,
which ſtirring up wife men knew.It is neceffary that .
a Philofopher know the generation, and corruption
of all things, to whom not only the Creation ofthe
"Heavens is manifeft, but alſo the compofition , and
mixture of all things : but although they know all
things, yet they cannot doe all things . We know in-
deed the compofition ofMan in all refpects ,yet wee
cannot infuſe thefoule;becauſe this myſtery belongs
only unto God: & he exceeds all things bytheſe kind
ofinfinite myfteries.Seeing thefe are out ofthe corfe
of Nature, they are not as yet in the diſpoſition of
Nature : Nature doth not work before there be mat❤
ter given unto her to work upon. The firft matter is
given to her by God, the fecond by the Philofopher.
Now in the operation of the Philofophers Nature
hath a power to ftir up the fire, which by the Creator
is fecretly included in the Center of every thing
This ſtirring up ofthe fire is done bythe will of Na-
ture, fometimes by the will of the skilfull Artificer
difpofing of Nature . For naturally all impurities,

and pollutions of things are purged by Fire : All
things that are compounded, are diffolved by Fire
as water washeth, and purgeth all things imperfect ,
which are not fixed; fo the Fire purgeth all things
that are fixed, and by Fire they are perfected As
Water doth conjoine allthings that are diffolved ; fo
fire feparates all things that are conjoined,and what is
naturall,and ofaffinity with it,it doth very wel purge,
and augment it, not in quantity but in vertue.This cle-
ment doth feverall wayes fecretly work upon other
Elements,and all things elfe : For as the Animall foul
P is
is of the pureft of this Element,fo the Vegetable is

ofthe Elementary part of it, which is governed by
Nature. This Element doth act upon the Center of
every thing in this manner : Nature cauſeth Motion,
Morion ftirs up Aire, the Aire the Fire ; Now Fire
feparates, cleanfeth,digefteth, coloureth,and maketh
all feed to ripen,and being ripe expells it by the fperm.
into places, and matrixes,into places pure or impure,
more or leffe hot, dry or moift,and acccording tothe
difpofition ofthe matrix,or places,divers things are
brought forth in the earth , as in the booke of the
Twelve Treatifes concerning Matrixes mention hath
been made, that there are as many Matrixes, as pla-
ces. So the Builder of all things , the moſt High
God hath determined, and ordained all things , that
one shall be contrary unto the other, yet ſo that the
death of the one be the life of the other : that which
produceth one, confumeth another , and another
thing from this is naturally produced , and fuch a
thing which is more noble then the former : and
by this means there is preferved an equality of the
Elements, and fo alfo of the compofitum . Separa-
tion is ofall things, especially of living things the
naturall death : Wherefore man muft naturally die
becauſe hee is compounded of four Elements , hee is
fubject to feparation, feing every thing that is com-
pounded is feparated naturally But this feparation.
of Mans compofition muft needs have been done in
the day of judgenient,i.e. the firftjudgement, when
the fentence of a naturall death was paffed upon him:
for in Paradife Man was immortall. Which all Di-
vines, as alfo Sacred Writ doth teftifier; buta fuffi
cient reafon of this immortality no Philofopher hi-
therto
A new Light of Alchymie . 107
therto hath fhewed , which it is convenient for the
Searcherofthis facred Science to know, that he may
fee how all theſe things are done naturally , and bee
moſt eaſily understood. But it is most true , that
every compound thing in this world is fubject to cor-
ruption , and feparation ; which feparation in the
Animal Kingdome is called death : And man ſeeing
hee is created and compounded of foure Elements
how can hee bee immortall ? It is hard to beleevė
that this is done naturally;but that there is fomething
above Nature in it. Yet God hath inſpired it into
Philofophers that were good men many ages fince,
that this is fo naturally.Which take to be thus . Para-
dife was, and is ſuch a place , which was created by
the great Maker of all things, of true Elements, not
clementated, but moft pure, temperate, equally pro-
portioned in the highest perfection ; and all things
that were in Paradife were created ofthe fame Ele-
ments, and incorrupt; there alfo was Man created
and framed of the fame incorrupted Elements, pro-
portioned in equality, that hecould in no wife be cor-
rupted,therefore he was confecrated to immortality :
for without all doubt God created this Paradiſe for
men only, of which and where it is wee have largely

treated in our book of Harmony. But when after-
wards Manby his finne of disobedience had tranf-
greffed the comandement of the moft High God, hee
was driven forth to beaſts into the corruptible world
'
elementated,which God created only for beafts : who
of neceffity, feeing he cannot live without nutriment,
muft from corrupt elementated Elements receive
nutriment. By which nutriment thofe pure Elements
of which he was created,were infected and fo by little
P 2 and
and little declined into corruption ,untill one quality
exceeded another,and deftruction, infirmity, and laft
of all feparation, and death ofthe whole compound
followed. So that now they are neer unto corrup-
tion and death, who are procreated in corrupt Ele-
ments, ofcorrupt Seed, and not in Paradife, for Seed
produced out of corrupt nutriments cannot be dura-
ble; and by how much the longer it is fince the dri-
ving forth of man out of Paradife, fo much the nee-
rer men are to corruption ; and by conſequence
their lives are fo much fhorter , and it will come
to this paffe, that even generation it felfe by rea-
fon of the fhortneffe of life fhall ceaſe. Yet there:
are fome places , where the Aire is more favoura-

ble, and the Starres more propitious , and there
their Natures are not fo foon corrupted, becauſe alſo,
they live more temperately : Our Countrey- men by
reafon ofgluttony, and inordinate living make quick.
haft to corruption. This experience teacheth , that:
they that are born ofthe feed ofinfirme Parents doe
not live long. But if man had continued in Para-
dife, a place futable to his Nature , where all ther
Elements were as incorrupt, and pure as a virgin , hee
had been immortall for ever. For it is certain that
when pure Elements are joined together equally in :

their vertues, fuch a fubject must be incorrupted, and
fuch muft the Philofophers Stone bee : To this Cre-
ation of Man the ancient Philofophers have likened
this Stone , but Modern Philofophers underſtanding
all things according to the letter doe apply it to the
corrupt generation of this age.
This Immortality was the chief caufe that Philo-
fophers exerciſed their wits to find out this Stone,
for
A new Light ofAlchymie ! 109
for they knew that man was created offuch Elements

which were found and pure. They therefore medita-
ted upon that Creation, which , when they knew
to bee naturall , began to fearch further into it,whe-
ther fuch uncorrupted Elements could bee had , or if
they could be joined together, and infufed into any
fubject ; Nowto theſe the moſt High God , and Ma-
ker of all things revealed , that a compofition offuch
Elements was in Gold : For in Animalls it could not
be had,feing they muft preferve their lives by corrupt

Elements ;in Vegetables alfo it is not,becauſe in them
is found an inequality of the Elements . And ſeeing all
created things are inclined to multiplication , the Phi-
lofophers propounded to themſelves that they would
make tryall of the poffibility of Nature in this Mine-
rall Kingdome; which being difcovered , they faw
that there were innumerable other fecrets in Nature,
of which, as ofDivine fecrets ,they have wrote fpa-
ringly. So now thou feeft how corrupt Elements
come to bee in a fubject , and how they are ſeparateds
when one exceeds the other ,and becauſe then putre
ction is made by the firſt ſeparation ,and by putrefacti-
on is made a feparation of the pure from the impure ,
if then there be a new conjunction of them by ver-
tue ofFire, it doth acquire a form much more noble
then the firft was . For in its firft ftate, corruption was
by reafon of groffe matter mixed with it , which is
not purged away but by putrefaction , the fubject
thereby being bettered ; and this could not be but by
the vertues of the foure Elements ,which are in every
compound thing, being joined together for when a
Compofitum muft perish, it perifheth by the Ele-
ment of Water; andwhileft they lie thus confufedly,
the
P3
the Fire together with the Earth , and Aire which it

is in potentially, agree together, and by their united
forces do afterward overcome the Water, which they
digeft, boile, and laftly congeal; and after this man-
ner Nature helps Nature. For ifthe hidden Central
Fire, which is the life of all things overcomes , and
works upon that which is neerer to it, and purer , as
it felfe is moſt pure, and is joined with it : fo it over-
comes its contrary, and feparates the pure from the
impure, and there is a new form generated, and if it
beeyet a little helped, much more excellent then the
former. Sometimes by the wit of a skilfull Artificer
there are made things immortall , eſpecially in the
the Minerall Kingdome. So all things are done by
Fire alone , and the government of Fire , and are
brought forth into a being, ifthou haft underſtood
mee .
Here now thou haft the originall of the Elements,
their Natures, and operations defcribed unto thee
very briefly, which is fufficient for our purpoſe in this
place. Forotherwiſe if every Element were defcribed
as it is, it would require a great volume not neceffa-
ry for our purpoſe. All thofe things , as wee faid
before, wee refer to our book of Harmony , where
God willing, if wee live fo long,wee ſhall write more
largely of Naturall things.
OF
Anew Light of Alchymie. III
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OF THE
THREE PRINCIPLES
Of all things.
Hefe four Elements being defcribed, we wil

now deſcend unto the Principles ofthings.
But how they are produced of the foure
Elements, take it thus. After Nature
had received from the moft high Creator ofall things
the priviledge of being Princeffe over this Monarchy
of the world, fhee began to diftribute places , and
Provinces to every thing, according to its dignity ;
and in the firſt place fhee made the Elements the Prin
ces of the world; and that the will of the most High
(inwhofe will Nature was placed) might be fulfilled,
the ordained that one ſhould continually act upon the
other. The Fire therefore began to act upon the Aire,
and produced Sulphur,the Air alfo began to act upon
the Water, & brought forth Mercury, the Water alfo
began to act upon the Earth, and brought forth Salt.
But the Earth, fince it had nothing to work upon,
brought forth nothing, but that which was brought

forth continued, and abided in it : Wherefore there
became
became only three Principles , and the Earth was

made the Nurſe, and Mother of the reft. There were,
as wee faid,three Principles brought forth ; which the

ancient Philofophers did not fo ftrictly confider, but
defcribed only two actings of the Elements ( or if
they were willingly filent in it , who ſhall cenfure
them,feeing they dedicated their writing only to the
Sons of Art?)and named themSulphur, andMercury,
which alſo may fuffice us,to be the matter ofMetals,
as alfo ofthe Philofophers Stone.

Whofoever therefore will bee a true Searcher of
this facred Science muft of neceffity know the Acci-

dents, and an Accident it ſelf , that hee may learn to
what fubject, or Element hee purpofeth to come to,
that through mediums hee may apply himselfe to
that, if otherwiſe hee defire to fill up the number of
four. For as theſe three Principles were produced of
four, fo alfo by diminution muſt theſe three pro-
duce two, Male, and Female , and two produce one
incorruptible thing, in which thofe foure ſhall being
equally perfect, be purified, and digefted to the ut-
moft; and fo a quadrangle fhall anfwer a quadrangle.
And this is that quinteffence, which is very necef
fary for every Artificer , being feparated from many
contraries. And fo thou haft in theſe three Principles ,
in what naturall compofition foever, a body, a fpirit,
and an occult foule; which three, if thou shalt joine
them together being feparated, and well purified, as
wee faid before, without doubt will by imitating Na-
ture yeeld moſt pure fruit. For although the foule be
taken from a moſt noble place , yet it cannot come
whither it tends but by a fpirit, which is the place,
and manſion of the foule, which ifthou wilt reduce
to
toits due place, it is neceffary that it be waſhed from
all its faults; and that the place be purified, that the
foule may be glorified in it, and never more be fepa-
rated from it. Now therefore thou haft the originall
of the three Principles, out of whichit is thy part,by
imitating Nature,to produce the Mercury of Philo-
fophers, and their firft matter, and to bring thoſe
Principles ofthings, especially of Metalls to thy pur-
pofe feeing without thofe Principles it is impoffible
for thee to perfect any thing by Art,fince alfo Nature
her felfe can doe norproduce nothing without them .
Theſe three are in all things, and without them there
is nothing in the world, or ever fhall bee naturally.
But becauſe wee faid before, that the ancient Philo-
fophers named only two Principles, left the Searcher
of the Art ſhould erre, hee muſt know, that although
they did not defcribe any other but Sulphur , and
Mercury, yet without falt they could never have at-
tained to this work, fince that is the key,and begin-
ning of this facred Science : it is that, which openeth
the gates of Juftice; it is that which hath the keyes
to the infernall prifons, where Sulphur lies bound,as
hereafter fhal be more fully fhewed in the third Trea-
tife ofthe Principles, of Salt .
Now to our purpoſe,which is that theſe 3 principles
are altogether neceffary , becauſe they are the neer
matter. For the matter of Metalls is twofold . Neer,
and remote.The neer is Sulphur, and Mercury . The
remote are the four Elements : out of which God .
alone is able to create things . Leave therefore the
Elements , becauſe of them thou fhalt doe no-
thing, neither canft thou out of them produce any

thing but these three Principles , feeing Nature her
felfe
ļ
felfe can produce nothing elfe out of them . If there
fore thou canst out ofthe Elements produce nothing
but theſe three Principles, wherefore then is that
vaine labour of thine to feeke after, or to endeavour
to make that which Nature hath already made to
thy hands? Is it not better to goe three mile then
four? Let it fuffice thee then to have three Princi-
ples, out of which Nature doth produce all things

in the earth, and upon the earth, which three we find
to be entirely in every thing. By • the due feparation,
and conjunction of thefe,Nature produceth as well
Metalls, as Stones ,in the Minerall Kingdome, but in
the Vegetable Kingdome Trees, Herbs, and all fuch
things ; alfo in the Animal Kingdome the Body,
Spirit, and Soule, which efpecially doth reſemble
the work ofthe Philofophers . The Body is Earth,the
Spirit is Water, the Soule is Fire, or the Sulphur of
Gold : The Spirit augmenteth the quantity of the
Body, but the Fire augmenteth the vertue thereof.
But becauſe there is more ofthe Spirit in weight,then
is ofthe Fire; the Spirit is raiſed, and opprefleth the
Fire, and drawes it to it felfe and fo every one of
them, encreaſeth in vertue, and the Earth , which is
the midle betwixt them encreaſeth in weight. Let
therefore every fearcher of this Art conclude in his
mind what he feeks for out of thefe three,and let him
affift it in the overcomeing of its contrary ; and then
let him adde to the weight of Nature his weight, that
the defect of Nature may be made up by Art , that
fhee may overcome what is contrary to her. We faid
in the Element of Earth, that the Earth was nothing

elfe but the receptacle of other Elements,ie. the fub-
ject in which thoſe two, Fire and Water,do ftrive, the
Aire
A new Light ofAlchymie. arg
Airemediating , if the Water be predominant , it
brings forth things that are corruptible, and conti-
nue but for atime, but if the Fire overcome, it prq-
duceth things that are lafting,& incorruptible. Con-
fider therefore what is neceffary for thee. Moreover
know, that Fire, and Water are in every thing, but
neither Fire, nor Water makes any thing , becauſe
they only ftrive together , and contend concerning
fwiftneffe, and vertue,and this not of themselves, but
bythe excitation ofthe intrinfecall heat , which by
the motion ofthe heavenly vertues is kindled in the
Center of the Earth; without which thoſe two could
never doe any thing , but would both ftand ftill in
their own bound, and weight : but Nature after-
ward joined them two together proportionably, and
then ſtirres them up by an intrinfecall heat , and fo
they begin to contend one with the other , and each
of them will call to its help its like,and fo they afcend
and encreaſe, untill the Earth can afcend no higher
with them; in the mean time thoſe two by this re-
taining of the Earth are fubtilized; ( for in that fub-
ject of the Earth the Fire, and Water afcend incef-
fantly, and act through the pores which are reſerved
and which the Aire prepares ) and out of their fub-
tiliation proceed flowers, and fruit, in which they be-
come friends , as you may fee in Trees ; for by how
much the better they are fubtilized , and purified by
afcending, fo much the better fruit doe they bring
forth,efpecially if they end with their vertues equally
joined together.
Now then the things being purged , and cleanfed,
caule that the Fire , and Water bee made friends ,
which will eafily bee done in their own earth, which
Q3 did
1 116
Anew Light ofAlchymie.
did afcend with them; and then thou ſhalt in a fhor-
ter time perfect it, then Nature could , if thou shalt
joine them well together, according to the weight of
Nature, not as it was before,but as Nature requires,
and as is needfull : Becauſe Nature in all compofiti-
ons puts more of the other Elements then of Fire :
al waies the leaft part is Fire , but Nature according
as fhee pleaſeth, addes an extrinfecall Fire to ftir up
that intrinfecall according to more, or leffe , in much,
or little time, and according to this ifthe Fire exceed,
or be exceeded,things perfect,or imperfect are made,
as well in Mineralls, as in Vegetables . The extrin-
fecall Fire indeed doth not enter into the depth of
the compofition effentially, but only in vertue ; for
the intrinfecall materiall Fire is fufficient for it felfe,if
only it hath nouriſhment, and the extrinfecall Fire is
nouriſhment to it, and as it were Wood in refpect of
Elementary Fire, and according to fuch a nouriſh-
ment it increaſeth, and is multiplyed. Yet wee muſt
take heed that there bee not too much extrinfecall
Fire, for if any one eats more then hee is able, hee is
choaked : a great flame devours a little Fire : the ex-
trinfecall Fire muſt be multiplicative, nouriſhing, not
devouring,fo things are perfected. Decoction there-
fore in every thing is the perfection : fo Nature addes
vertue, and weight,and makes perfect.But becauſe it
is hard to adde to a compound,fince it requires a long
labour, wee adviſe that thou take away fo much of
that which is fuperfluous, as is needfull , and as
Nature requires : The fuperfluities being removed
mixthem, then Nature will fhewthee , what thou
haft fought after. Thou also fhalt know, if Nature
hathjoinedthe Elements well, or ill together, ſeeing
all
Anew Light of Alchymie. 117
all Elements confiſt in conjunction. But many pra-
ctitioners fow Straw, for Wheat ; and fome both :

and many caft away that , which the Philofophers
love fome begin, and end , becauſe of their incon-
ftancy; they feek for a difficult Art, and an eaſy la-
bour, they caft away the beft things, & fow the worſt:
but asthis Art is concealed in the Preface,. fo alfo is
the matter caft away in the beginning. Now wee
fay, that this Art is nothing elfe, but the vertues of
the Elements equally mixed : it is a naturall equality
ofhot, dry, cold, moift; A joining together of Male,
and Female, which the fame Female begot , i. e. a
conjunction of Fire, and the radicall moiſture of Me-
talls . By confidering that the Mercury of Philofo-
phers hath in itſelfe its owne good Sulphur, more or
leffe, depurated, and decocted by Nature , thou maift
perfect all things out of Mercury : but ifthou shalt
know to adde thy weights tothe weights of Nature,
to double Mercury,and triple Sulphur, it will quickly
be terminated in good, then in better, untill into beft
of all although there be but one appearing Sulphur,
and two Mercuries, but of one root, not crude, nor
too muchboiled, yet purged, and diffolved, if thou
haft underſtood mee.
It is not needfull to defcribe the matter of the Mer-
cury of Philofophers, and the matter of their Sul--
phur : no mortall man ever could , or ever hereafter
hall bee able to defcribe it more openly, and cleerly
then it hath already been defcribed , and named by
the Ancient Philofophers, unleffe he will bee an Ana-
thema of the Art. For it is fo commonly named,,
that truly it is not efteemed of, therefore doe Stu
dents of this Art bend their minds rather to other
Q3 fubtilties
mie .
*1 18 A new Light of Alchy
fubtilties, then abide in the fimplicity of Nature. We

doc not yet fay, that Mercury of Philofophers is a
common thing, and openly named , but the matter
ofwhich Philofophers doe make their Sulphur , and
Mercury for the Mercury of Philofophers is not to
be had of it felfe upon the Earth , but it is brought
forth by Art out of Sulphur, and Mercury joined to
gether; it doth not come forth into light, for it is na
ked, but yet is covered byNature in a wonderful man
ner. To conclude,we fay with repeating Sulphur, and
Mercuryto be the Mine of our Quick - filver(but be-
ing joined together ) that Quick-filver can diffolve
Metalls, kill them , and make them alive , which
power it receiveth from that fharp Sulphur, which is
ofits own nature. Butthat thou maift yet better con-
ceive it, hearken to me whilft I tell thee the difference
which is betwixt our Quick-filver , and common
Quick- filver, or Mercury. Common Mercury doth

not diffolve Gold, or Silver fo,that it cannot be fepa-
rated fromthem, but our Argent vive doth diffolve
Gold, and Silver, and is never feparated from them ,
but is as Water mixed with Water. Common Mer-
cury hath combuftible evill Sulphur, with which it is
made black : but our Argent vive hath in it incom-
buftible Sulphur, fixed, good, white,and red. Com-
mon Mercury is cold , and moift, our Mercury is hot,
and moift. Common Mercury makes bodies black ,
and ſtains them : our Argent vive makes bodies as
white as Cryftall. Common Mercury is turned by
precipitation into a Citrine powder, and an evill Sul-
phurour argent vive byvertue of heat,into moftwhite
Sulphur, good, fixed, and fluxible. Common Mer-
cury by how much the more it is decocted, the more
fluxible
A new Light of Alchymie. 119:
fluxible it is our Argent vive, by how much the

more it is decocted, the more it is thickned. By theſe
circumſtances therefore thou maift confider how the
Common Mercury differs from the Mercury of Phi-
lofophers. If thou doft not yet underſtand, do not
expect it, for no mortall man will ever ſpeake more
plainly, and cleerly, then wee have done : but now
of the vertues of it. Our Argent vive is offuch ver-
tue,that it is of it felffufficient for thee,and for it felf
without any addition of any extraneous thing , it is
diffolved, and congealed by anaturall decoction on-
ly : but Philofophers for brevities fake adde to it its
own Sulphur well digefted, and ripened, and fo they
work.
Wee could cite the Writings of Philofophers to
confirmwhat we have faid,but becauſe we have wrote
clearer things then are in their Writings , they need
not any confirmation, he fhall underſtand who looks
into other mens writings. Iftherefore thou wilt fol--
low our advice, Wee adviſe thee , that before thou
fetteft thy felfto this Art, in the first place thou learn
to hold thy tongue, and that thou inquire into the
Nature of Mines, and Metalls , as alfo of Vegeta-
bles, for thou shalt find our Mercury in every fub- ·
ject, and from all things the Mercury ofPhilofophers
may bee extracted, although it be neerer in one fub-
ject, then in another. Know alfo for certain,that this
Art is not placed in fortune, or cafuall invention , but
in a reall Science, and that there is but this one mat-
ter in the world, by which, and of which the Philos
fophers Stone is made . It is indeed in all things, but
in extracting of it a mans life would fail, and not be
fufficient. Yet without the knowledge of naturall
things,
things, efpecially in the Minerall Kingdome , thou

fhalt be like a blind man that walketh by ufc. Truly
fuch a one ſeeks after the Art but cafually ; and al-
that a man may
though, as it oftentimes falls out ,
by chance fall upon the matter ofour Argent vive,
yet then he ends the worke when hee fhould begins
and fo as hee found it out cafually, hee lofeth it cafu-
ally, becauſe hee knows not upon what hee fhould
ground his intention. Therefore this Art is the gift
of the most high God : and unleffe God reveales it
bymeans of a good wit,or friend, it is hardly known:
for wee cannot bee all as Geber , nor as Lullius :
And although Lullius was a man of aſubtill wit, yet
if hee had not received the Art from Arnoldus, cer-
tainly hee had been like unto thofe which find the
Art with difficulty : So alfo Arnoldus confeffeth that
hee received it of a friend. For it is ealy to write
what Nature dictates : It is a Proverb, It is eaſy to
adde to things already found out. Every Art , and
Science is eafy to the Mafter, but to a young Scholar
not fo : and to find out this Art there is a long
time required, many veffells , great expence , and
continuall labour, with much meditation, although
to him that knows it already all things are caly, and
light. To conclude therefore wee fay,that this Art is
the gift of God alone, which being known, he muſt
also bee prayed to that he would give his bleffing to
the Art, for without this divine bleffing it would be
of no use , and unprofitable , which wee our felves
have had experience of, feeing wee have by reafon of
this Art undergone great dangers, yea wee have had
more miſchief, and misfortune by it, then advan
tage : but there is a time when men are wife too late.
The
121
A new Light ofAlchymie
The judgements ofthe Lord are agreat depth .Yet

I admired at divine providence in theſe my misfor-
tunes : for I alwaies had the protection of our great
Creator alwaies at hand, that no enemie could bec
too hard for me, or repreffe mee. The Angell of the
Lord of this Treaſury hath alwaies been my Keeper,
into which Treaſury the moſt High Creator hath
fhut cloſe this treaſure only, which hee will alwaies
defend, and fecure. For I have heard that my Eno-
mies have fell into that fnare which they laid for mee .
They whichwould have taken away my life have loft
their own ;and fome of them which would have
taken away my goods have loft Kingdomes : More-
over, I know many that would have detracted from
mygood name, have perished with difgrace.So great
prefervation have I alwaies had from the great Crea-
ror of all things, who preſently took mee from my
"
Mothers wombe, put meeunder the fhadow of his
wings , and infufed the Spirit of underſtanding all
naturall things, to whom be praife, and glory , for
ever, and ever. So great bleffings have I received
from the moſt High God our Creator , that it is
impoffible not only for my pen , but my mind to
comprehend. God fcarce ever conferred upon any
mortall man greater things,yeafcarce fo great.I wish
I had fo much affections, fo much fpirit , eloquence,
and wiſdome, that I might render meet thankes to
him , for I know wee have not deferved fo great
ཟ་ཎཱ
things , only this I beleeve my felfe to bee, that in
him alone I have alwaies trufted , doe truſt, and
fhall truft. For I know that there is no mortall man
is able to helpmee, only this God, and our Creators
for it is a vain thing to truft in Princes, becauſe they
R are
are men (as faith the Pfalmift ) and that all theſe have
their breath of life from God, and this being taken
away they are duft, but it is a fafe, and fecure thing
to truft in the Lord God, from whom as from the
fountain ofgoodneffe all good things doe moſt abun-
dantly flow. Thou therefore that defireft to attaine
to this Art, in the firft place put thy whole truſt in
God thy Creator, and urge himby thy prayers, and
then affuredly beleeve that hee will not forfake thee :
for if God ſhall know that thy heartis fincere , and
thy whole truft is put in him, hee will by one means
or another fhew thee a way, and affift thee in it,that
thou shalt obtain thy defire. The fear of the Lord
is the beginning of wifdome. Pray, but yet worke::
God indeed gives understanding, but thou muſt know
how, and when to use it for as a good underſtanding,
and a good opportunity are the gifts of God,ſo alfo is
the puniſhment of finne, when a good opportunity is.
omited. But to return to our purpoſe,wee ſay, that
Argent vive is the firft matter of that work,and truly
nothing elſe, whatfoever is added to it, arifeth from
it.. Wee have faid oftentimes that all things in the
2
world are made, and generated ofthe three Princi-
ples, but wee purge fomethings from their accidents,
and being purged, joine them together againe , and
by adding what is tobe added, wee fupply what is
defective, and by imitating Nature, wee boile them
to the highest degree of perfection , which Nature
could by reason of Accidents never doe , and fo ended
where Art must begin. Moreover, ifthou defireft to›
imitate Nature, imitate herin thofe things in which
thee workes. Andlet it not trouble thee that our
Writings feem to contradict one another in fome
places;
places; for fo it must bee, left the Art be too plain .
ly diſcloſed : But do thou make choice of those things
which agree with Nature, take the rofes , and leave
the prickles. If thou dost intend to make a Metall,
let a Metall be thy ground work , becauſe of a Dogis
generated nothing but a Dog, and of Metall , nothing
but a Metall : for knowfor certain, ifthou shalt not
take out of Metall the radicall moiſture, well fepara
ted, thou fhalt never doe any thing, without grains of
Wheat thoufhalt till thy ground in vain : there is but
one thing, but one Art, but one operation. If there-
fore thou wilt produce a Metall , thou fhalt ferment
with a Metall; and ifthou wilt produce a Tree, let
the feed ofthe Tree be thy ferment. There is as we
faid, but one operation, and befide it there is none
other that is true. All they therefore are miſtaken
that fay, that any particular thing , befides this one
way, and naturall matter is true ; for a bough is not
to bee had , but from the trunk ofa Tree : It is an im
poffible, and fenfeleffe thing to go about to produce
abough, it is eafier to make the Elixir it felfe , then
any particular thing, although moft fimple, that will
bee advantageous, and abide a naturall examination,
and tryall. Yet there bee many that boaſt they can
fix Silver, but it were better for them if they could
fix Lead, or Tinne, feeing in my judgement it is all
one labour, because they doe not refift the tryall of
the fire, whileft they abide in their own nature, but
Silver is in its nature fixed enough, and needs not any
Sophiſticall fixation. But feeing there are as many
opinions, as men , wee will leave every one to his
own opinion : Let him that will not follow our
counſell, and imitate Nature, continue in his errous.
R 2 Indeed
Indeed prrticulars may eafily bee made, ifyou have

a Tree, whofe young twigs may bee graffed into
divers trees, as if you have one water, divers kinds
of flesh may be boiled in it, and according to the di-
verfity of the flesh the broth hath its taft , and this
from the fame foundation . Wee conclude therefore
that there is but one Nature, as well in Metalls as in
other things, but her operation is various , alſo there
is one univerfall matter according to Hermes. So
from this one thing allthings proceed. Yet there bee

manyArtificers,who follow every one his own fancy,,
They feek a new Nature,and new matter, and in con-
clufion they find a new nothing, becauſe they inter-
pret the Writings of Philofophers not according to
the poffibility of Nature,but the letter. But all thefe
are ofthat Affembly, of which mention hath been
made in the Dialogue of Mercury with the Alchy-
mift, who return home without any Conclufion ;
they looke after the end, without any medium , or
indeed beginning, and the reaſon ofthis is , becauſe
they endeavour not to attain to the Art out of the
Principles,and grounds of Philofophers ,and reading
of the books of Philofophers, but from reports, and
receipts of Mountebankes : ( although now indeed
the books of Philofophers are perhaps deſtroyed by
the envious,by adding in fome places,and detracting
in others) afterwards when things does not fucceed,
theybetake themſelves to Sophiftications , and affay
divers vaine operations , by making whites, by
making reds, by fixing Silver , and extracting out
the foul of Gold, which in the Preface of the booke
ofthe Twelve Treatifes hath been fufficientlyC deny →
ed.. We doe not deny,yea, we doe fay that it is als
together
Anew Light ofAlchymie, 125
"
together neceffary,that the Metallick foule bee ex-
tracted, but not for any Sophifticall operation, but
for the Philofophicall work, which being extracted ,
and purged, muft againe bee reſtored to its owne
body, that there may bee a true refurrection of a
glorified body. This was never our purpoſe , to
be able to multiply Wheat without the feed of
Wheate, but that that extracted foul bee able in a
Sophifticall way to tinge another Metall , know
that it is a thing moſt falſe , and that all thoſe
that boast of doing of it , are Cheaters : but of
that more fully in the third Principle of Salt ,
fince here is not place for any further Difcourfe.
OF
OF
S V L PH VR:
HE Philofophers have not undefervedly

placed Sulphur in the first place amongſt
the three Principles , as being the moſt
worthy Principle , in the knowledge of
which the whole Art confifts. Nowthere is a three-
fold Sulphur, and that is to be chofen above the reſt:
a Sulphur tinging, or colouring : a Sulphur congea-
ling Mercury the third is effentiall, and ripening. Of
whichwe ought to treat feriously,but becauſe we have
fet forth one of the Principles by way of Dialogue,fo
alfo wee hall conclude the reft , left welſhould feem
to be partiall, and detract from either ofthem . Sul-
phur is more mature then any of the other Princi-
ples, and Mercury is not coagulated but by Sulphur:
therefore our whole operation in this Art is nothing
elfe but to know how to draw forth that Sulphur out
of Metalls, by which our Argent vive in the bowels
of the Earth is congealed into Gold , and Silver :
which
which Sulphur indeed is in this work in ftead of the

Male, but the Mercury in ftead of the Female. Of
the compofition, and acting oftheſe two are genera-
ted the Mercuries of Philofophers.
Wee told you inthe Dialogue of Mercury with the
Alchymift,of an Affembly of Alchymifts that were
met together to confult out ofwhat matter, and how
the Philofophers Stone is to be made, and how that
bythe misfortune of a tempeft they were without
any conclufion difperfed almoft through the whole
world. For there arofe a ftrong tempeft , and very
great wind, which difperfed them all abroad, and fo
blowed through fome of their heads , that till this
time they cannot yet recover themſelves, by meanes
of which divers fort of worms are bred in their
brains. Now there were amongst them men of divers
opinions, and conditions , and among the reft there
was this Alchymift , which in this Treatife I fhalk
difcourfe of : hee was otherwife a good man bur

without a Conclufion, or unrefolved , alſo of the
number ofthoſe , who propound to themſelves to
find out the Philofophers Stone cafually, and he was
companionto that Philofopher, who diſputed with
Mercury. Now this man faid, if it had been my
fortune to have spoke with Mercury, I fhould have
fifhed him dry in few words , that other, faith hee,
was a foole, hee knew not howto proceed with him .
Mercury indeed never pleafed mee, neither indeed do
I think thereis any good in it; but I approve of Sul-
phur, becauſe at that meeting wee difcourfed moft
excellently ofit : ifthat tempeft had not difturbed
aswee had concluded that that had been the first
matter, for I am not wont to trouble my felfe with
light,
728 ie
A new Light of Alchym ,
light, and triviall matters, my head is full of pro-
found imaginations . And to being full of confidence
hee refolves to work in Sulphur, hee began therefore
to diftill it,to fublime,calcine, to fix it, to make oyle
per Campanam ofit, fometimes by itselfe, and fome-
mes with Cryſtals, and Egge-fhels , and hee tryed
divers other operations about it: and when hee had
fpent much time and cofts, and could find nothing
to his purpoſe, he was fad, and being in a miferable
perplexity paffed over many nights without fleep ,
alfo oftentimes hee went forth out of the City , to
behold things, that hee might the more conveniently
devife fomething that was certain in his operation :
Nowit fell out upon a time , as he was walking up
and down, hee fell into an extafy with beholding of
things, and came unto a certain green Wood , very
full of all manner of things, in which were Mines of
all Mineralls,and Metalls, and all kinds ofbeafts, and
birds,and abundance of Trees,Herbs, and fruit;there
alfo were divers conduits of water,for in thofe places
there was no water to be had, but what was brought
thither by divers inftruments, and pipes, and this by
divers Artificers from divers places : that was the
(
chiefeft, and clearer then the reft, which was drawne
by the beams of the Moon ; and this was procured
only for the Nymph of the Wood. There also did
feed Bulls, and Rams , and the Shepheards were
two young men, whom the Alchymift asking, faid,
Whofe Wood is this? & whom they answered faying,
This is the Wood , and Garden of our Nymph
Venus . The Alchymift walks up, and down in itsand
the place pleafed him well , but yet hee did ſtill think
of his Sulphur; and fo being weary of walking, and
in
A new Light of Alchymie, 129
in a fad condition fate by the fide of the channel,under
a certain tree, and began to lament moſt miferably,
bewailing his time, and charges,which he spent in vain
with operating he could not els have deceived others,
but have damnified himſelf only ) and faid, What is
this,all men ſay it is a thing common,ofſmall eſteem ,
eafy, and I am a learned man,& I cannot find out this
wretched Stone. And fo in his lamentation he began
to curfe Sulphur, becauſe he had spent fo much coft,
and labour in vain upon him and Sulphur alfo was
in that Wood, but this was unknown to the Alchy-
mift.Whilft he was thuslamenting, he heard thisvoice
as it were of fome old man : Friend, Why doft thou
curfe Sulphur? The Alchymift looked every way
round about him, and ſeeing no body , was afraid.
But that voice faid to him again , Friend why art
thou fo fad? The Alchymift taking courage, faid
Sir, The hungry man is alwaies thinking upon bread,

fo doe I alwaies upon the Philofophers Stone. Vox,
And why doft thou curfe Sulphur? Alch.Sir , I belee-
ved that that was the firft matter ofthe Philofophers
Stone, and therefore in working upon it many years,
I spent much, and could not find that Stone . Vox.
Friend, truly I know that Sulphur is the true , and
principall fubject of the Philofophers Stone , but I
know not thee,nor any thing of thy labour,and inten-
tion:thou doft without caufe curfe Sulphur , becauſe
he is in cruell prifons, and cannot be at hand to every
body; feeing hee is put bound in a moft dark dunge
on, and goes not forth, but whither his Keepers carry
him. Alh. And why is he impriſoned? Vox. Be-
cauſe hee would bee obedient to every Alchymift,
and doe what they would have him, contrary to his
S Mothers
Iza A new Light ofAlchymic.
Mothers will, who forbad him to obey any, but

fuch as knew her, wherefore thee put him into priſon,
and commanded that his feet should be bound , and
fet Keepers over him , that without their knowledg
and pleaſure hee fhould goe no whicher . Alb. O
wretch! for this reafon bee could not come to mec :
truly his Motherdoth him great wrong and when

fhall hee bee let out ofthoſe priſons? Wox, O friend !
The Sulphur ofPhilofophers cannor goe forth hence
but in a long time,and with a great deals of labour.
Alch. Sir! And whobehis Keepers that keep him
Fox, Friend! His Keepers are of the fame ftocke, but
Tyrants. Akch. And who art thou , and howart
thou called? Vox, I am Judge, and Governour ofthe
prifons, and my name is Saturne, Alch. Then Sul-
phuris kept in thy prifons. Vax, Sulphurindeed is
kept in my prifons, but he hath other Keepers. Alch.
And what doth hec doe inthe prifons? Vox,ble doth
whatſoever his Keepers will have him . Alch. And
what can hee doce Fox, Hec is the maker of a thou-
fand things, and is theheart of all things; hee knows
how to make Metalls better, and corrects Mincralls,
teacheth Animalls underfanding , knowes howto
make all kind of Flowers in Hearbs, and Trees, and
is chief over them , corrupts the Aire, whichhee
amends again : hee is theMaker of all Odours, and
Painter of all Colours . Alch.Out of what matter
doth hee make Flowers? Vex , His Keepers afford
matter, and veffells, but Sulphur digefts the matter,

and according to the variety of his digestion, and
weight ,various Flowers, and Odours are produced..
Atch.Is hee old? Vox, Friend, Know that Sulphur
is the vertus of all things, and is the fecand bybirth
but
Anew Light ofAlchymie. 33t
but yet older then all things,ſtronger, and more wor-
thy, yet an obedient child. th. Sir, How is hee
known? Vox, Divers wayes,but beft by the State
of the Vitalls in Animalls, by the colour in Metalls,
by theodour in Vegetables : without him his Mother
works nothing. Alch. Is hee thefole heir , or hath
hee brethren? Vox, His Mother hath but only one
fonlike him ,his other brethrenareaffociated with evil
things, hee hath a fifter which he loves, and is againe

beloved by her, for thee is as it were a Mother o
him. alch. Sir, is hee every where uniform ?Vox,
According to his Nature, but hee is changed in
the prifons, yet his heart is alwaies pure, but his gar-
ments areftained. Alch. Sir, Was hee ever at fi-
berty? Vox , Yea , eſpecially in thoſe times when
there were fuch wiſe men, betwixt whom , and his
Mother there was great familiarity, and friendſhip.
Alch. And who were they? Vox, There were very
many : There was Hermes, who was at it were one
with his Mother : After him were many Kings , and
Princes,as alfo many otherwife men,inages fince,as
Ariftotle,Avicen, & c. who fet him at liberty: Thefe
knew how to unloofe his bonds. Alch. Sir, What
did hee give them for fetting ofhim at liberty? Vox,

Hee gave them three Kingdomes for whenany
doth unbind him, and releaſethhim, then he over-
comes his Keepers , which before did govern in his
Kingdome, and delivers them being bound to hit
that releafed him , for to bee his fubjects, and gives
him their Kingdomes to poffeffe : but that, which is
more, in his Kingdomeis a Looking glaffe , in which
is feen the whole world. Whofoever lookes in this
Glaffe may fee , and learn in it three parts of the

S. 2 wif-
132 Anew Light of Alchymie.
wiſdome of the whole world , and fo fhall become

t
very wife in these three Kingdomes, fuch were Ari-
ftotle, Avicen, and many others, who as well as
they before them , faw in this glaffe how the
world was made : By this they learned what were the
influences of the Celeſtiall vertues upon inferiour
bodies , and how: Nature by the weight of Fire

compounds things; as alfo the motion of the Sun,
and Moon efpecially that univerfall motion, by
which his Mother is governed by this they knew
the degrees of heat, cold, moiſture , dryneffe , and
the vertues of hearbs , and indeed of all things,
whence they became most excellent Phyfitians.
And truly,unleffe a Phyfitian befuch a one as knows,
why this hearb, or that, is hot , dry, or moiſt in this
degree, not out of the books of Galen , or Avicen,
but out of the originall of Nature, from whence
they alfo underſtood theſe things, hee cannot bee a
well grounded Phyfitian. All theſe things they dili-
gently confidered, and bequeathed their Writings to です
their fucceffors, that men might bee ftirred up to ſtur
dies of a higher Nature, and learn how to fet Sul-
phur at liberty, and unloofe his bonds , but men of
this age take their Writings for a fufficient ground,
and authority, and feek no further; and it fufficeth
them if they knowhowto fay, So faith Ariftotle, or,
Thus faith Galen. Alch. And what fay you, Sir, Can
an herb bee known without an Herball ? Vox, Thofe
ancient Philofophers wrote their Receipts out of the

very Fountain ofNature, Alch. How Sir ? Vox, Know
that all things in the earth, and upon the earth, are
generated, and produced ofthree Principles ; fome
times of two, to which the third is joined he there
fore ;
Anew Light of Alchymie. 1331
fore that knows thefe three Principles , and the
weight ofthem, how Nature joins them together ,
may be easily able by decoction to underſtand the
degree of Fire in the fubject, whether well , or ill,
or indifferently decocted , and that according to
more or leffe : For all Vegetable things are known
by thofe , who know the three Principles . Alch
And how is this done? Vox, By fight , taft , and
fmell, in, and from theſe three fenfes are gathered
the three Principles of things , and the degrees of
their digeftions . Alch. Sir, Theyfay that Sulphur
is a Medicine. Vox, Yea, and the Phyfitian him-
felfe, and to them that fer him free from prifon , by
way of thankfulneffe hee gives his blood for a Me-
dicine. Alch. Sir , the univerfall Medicine being
had, how long may a man preferve himselfe from
death ? Vox , Even to the term of death but this
Medicine muſt bee taken cautioufly , for many wife
men have been deftroyed by it before their time.
Alch. And what fay you Sir, Is it poifon ? Vox, Haft
not thou heard that a great flame of fire deftroyes a
little one? There were many Philofophers , which
received the Art from other mens experience, which
did not fo throughly fearch into the vertue of the
Medicine; yea, by how muchthe more powerfull,.
fubtiler the Medicine was, it feemed to them to bee
the more wholfome; and if one grain of it can paffe
through many thouſands of Metalls , much more
Mans body. Alch. Sir, How then muſt it be uſed ?
Vox, It must bee fo ufed , that it may ftrengthen
the Naturall heat, but not overcome it. Alch. Sir,
I knowhowto make fuch a Medicine. Vox, Thou
art happy if thoudoft know. For the blood of that
S833 Sulphur
Sulphur is that intrinfecall vertue , and fictity that

turnes, and congeals Quick-filver , and all Metalls
into Gold, and Mens bodies into health. Alb. Sir,
I know howto make öyle of Sulphur, which is pre-
pared with calcined Cryftalls; Iknow alfo another,
which is done by a Bell. Vox, Certainly then thou
arta Philofopher of that Affembly, for thou doft
underſtand, and expound my words aright, as alſo,
unlerle I am deceived , of all the Philofophers.
Alch. Sir, Is not this oyle the blood of sulphur?
Fox, Friend! the blood of Sulphur is not given
to any but to thöfe, who know howto let him free
from prifon. Alh. Sir, doth Sulphur know any
thingin the Metalls ? Vox, I told thee , that hee
knows all things, and especially in Metalls, but his
Keepers know that there he could bee cafily for at
liberty, wherefore they keephim there bound faft in
moſt rongprifons, fo that hee cannot breath, and
they are afraid left hee should come into the Kings
palace. Alch. Is hee imprisoned fo in all Metalls ?
x, In all, but not alike, in fome not ſo ſtrictly.
Alth. Sir, And why in Metalls in fuch a tyrannicall
mánnet? #dx, Becauſe hee would ſtand in awe of
them no longer, when hee hall once come to his
Kinglypalaces, for then hee can be feen , and looke
freely out of the windows,becauſe there he is in his
?
proper Kingdome , although not yet as hee defires.
Alok, Sit, and what doth hee eat ? Vor, His meat
is wind, when hee is at liberty ,it is decocted ; but in
prifon hee is conſtrained to eat it raw. Alch.Sir,Can
thofe entities betwixt him and his Keepers beere-
conciled? yox, Yes, if any one were fo wife. Alch.
Whydoth not he treat with them concerning a paci
fication?
fication? Fox, That hee cannot doe by himfelfe ,
becauſe prefently hee waxeth hot with anger, and
rage. Alch. Let him doe it by a Commiffioner.
Vox, Certainly bee would bee themoſt happy man
in the world , and worthy of eternall memory,
who could tell how to make peace betwixt thera
but this no man can doc but hee that is very wife,
and can agree with his Mother,and have co-intelli
gence withher for if they were friends, one would
not hinder the other, but joining their forces to-
gether would make things immortall . Trudy hee
that would reconcile them together would bee a
man worthy tobe confecrated to eternity.Alb.Sir,
I will compoſe thoſe differences betwixt them, and
free him , Lam in other matters a man very learned,
and wife : Befides, I am very good at operations,
Fox, Friend, I feetruly that thou art big enough,
and thou haft a grear head , but I know not whe
ther thou canft doerhofethings or no. Akeb. Sir,
Perhaps thou art ignorant of what the Alchy
mifts know, in matterof treaty they have alwaics
the better ofit, and truly I am not the laſt , ſothat
his enemies will but treat with mee , if they will
treat,affure your felfe that they will have the worst.

Sir,belceve mee, the Alchymists knowhowto treat,
if they only will but treat with mee , Sulphur fhall
presently be at liberty. Fox, Ilikeyour judgement
well , I hear that you are approved of Alch. Sir ,
Tell mee if this bee the true Sulphur of the Philofo-
phers ? Fax, This truely is Sulphur, but whether
it be the Philofopher , that belongs tothee to know.
I have faid enough to thee concerning Sulphur.
Akk. Sir, IfIcanfind his priſons , fhall I bec able
136 A new Light ofAlchymite.
to fet him at liberty? Vox , If thou knoweſt well,

thou fhalt, foritis eafier to free him then find them .
Alch. Sir, I befeech thee tell mee but this , if I find
him,fhal I make the Philofophers ftone of him?Vox,
O Friend! It is not for mee to judge , doe thou
look to that, yet if thou knoweft his Mother , and
followeft her, Sulphur being at liberty, the Stone is
at hand. Alch. Sir, in what fubject is this Sulphur
Vo. Know for certain that this Sulphur is of great
vertue, his Mine are all things in the world , for hee
is in Metalls, Hearbs, Trees, Animalls , Stones , and
Mineralls. Alch. And what Devill is able to find him
out lying hid amongſt ſo many things, and fubjects ?
Tell mee the matter out of which the Philofophers
takehim . Vo. Friend,thou comeft too neer,yet that
I may fatisfie thee,know that Sulphur is every where,
but thee hath fome certaine palaces , where thee is
wont to give audience to the Philofophers ; but the
Philofophers adore him fwimming in his owne fea,
and playing with Vulcan, when the Philofophers goe
to him unknownin his vile garments. Alch. Sir , inces
the fea, why then is hee not mine , fince hee is hid t
here foneer? a. I told thee that his Keepers put him
into moſt dark priſons ,left thou ſhouldft fee him, for
hee is in one fubject alone, but ifthou haft not found
him at home,thou wilt fcarce find him in the Woods.
But doesnot thou defpaire in finding of him out:
I tell thee of a truth,that hee is in Gold , and Sil-
ver moſt perfect , but in Argent vive. moft cafy.
Alch. Sir, I would very willingly make the Philofo-
phers Stone. Vo . Thou defireft a good thing, Sulphur
alfo would willingly bee out ofbonds. And fo Sa
turn departed. Now a deep fleep feafed upon the Al-
chymift.
chymift, being weary , and there appeared to him

this Vifion , Hee faw in that Wood a fountain full
of water, about which walked Sal, and Sulphur, con-
tending one with the other, untill at last they began
to fight; and Sal gave Sulphur an incurable wound,
out of which wound, in ftead of blood, there came
out water, as it were moft white milk, and it became
to be a great river. Then out of that Wood came
forth Diana a most beautifull Virgin, who began to
waſh her felf in that river: whom a certain Prince , a
moſt ſtout man (and greater then his fervants)paffing
by, and feeing, began to admire at her beauty ; and
becauſe thee was of a like nature with him, hee be-
came enamoured with her, which when the percei-
ved, fhee was inflamed with love towards him.
Wherefore as it were falling into a fwoun fhe began
to be drowned : which that Prince ſeeing, comman-
ded his fervants to help her, but they were all afraid
togoe to the river, to whom the Prince faid, Why
doe you not help Diana that Virgin? To whom they
replyed, Sir, this river is indeed little , and as it were
dryed up, but most dangerous : Once upon a time
wee were willing togo into it without thy knowledge,
and wee hardly eſcaped the danger ofeternall death;
Wee know alfo that others that were our predecef-
fors perished in it. Then the Prince himſelfe laying
afide his thick mantle, even as hee was armed,leaped
into the river, and tohelp faire Diana hee ſtretched
forth his hand to her, who being willing to fave her
felfe, drew alfo the Prince himfelfe to her , and fo
were both drowned. A little after their fouls came
out of the river, flying above theriver, and ſaid , It
was well done of us , for elfe wee could not have
T been
138 A new Light ofAlebymie .
been freed from thofe bodies which are polluted, and

ftained . Alch. But doe you ever return into thofe
bodies againe? Anime, Not into fuch filthy bodies ,
but when they be purged, and this river fhall bee
throughly dryed up by the heat of the ſunne, and this
Province fhall bee often tryed by the Aire. Alch.
What ſhall you doe in the mean time. Anim . Here
wee fhall fly upon the river till thofe clouds , and
tempefts hall ceaſe . In the mean time the Alchymift
fell into a more defired dream of his Sulphur ; and
behold there appeared to him many Alchymifts
coming to that place to feek after Sulphur, and when
they found the carkaffe of that Sulphur that was
flain by Sal by the fountain, they divided it amongſt
themſelves : which when the Alchymift faw hee alfo
took a part with them ; and fo every one of them.
returned home, and began to work in that Sulphur,
and till this day they doe not give over. But Saturne
meets this Alchymift, and faith to him,Friend, how
is it with thee? Alch . O Sir, I have ſeen many won-
derfull things, my wife would fcarce beleeve them;
now alfo I have found Sulphur , I beseech you Sir
help, let us make the Philofophers Stone. Satur-

nus. With all my heart, my friend, make ready then
Argent-vive, and Sulphur, and give hither a glaffe.
Alch. Sir, have nothing to doe with Mercury, for he
is naught, he hath deluded my companion, and many
others. Sat. Without Argent- vive, in whofe King-
dome Sulphur is the King , the Philofophers have
done nothing, neither doe I know what to doe with--
out it .Alch.Sir, Let us make it ofSulphur alone.Sat.
Well then, my friend, but it will fucceed according-
ly. Then they took that Sulphur, which the Alchy-
mift
mift found, and they did what the Alchymift would

have done, they began to work divers ways , and to
make experiments of Sulphur in divers ftrange kind
of furnaces, which the Alchymiſt had : but in the
conclufion of every operation there was brought
forth nothing but Matches, fuch as old women ufu-
ally fell to light candles withall. Then they began a
new work,and fublimed, and calcined Sulphur accor-
ding to the Alchymifts pleaſure ; but in what way
foever they worked it, it fucceeded as before, for ſtill
they made nothing but Matches ; then faid the
Alchymift to Saturn, Truly Sir, I fee it will not
fucceed according to my fancy, I beseech thee doe
thou work alone, what thou knoweft. Then Saturn
faid, See then, and learn . Hee then took two Mer•
curies of a differing fubftance, but of one originall,
which Saturn washed in his owne urine, and called
them Sulphurs of Sulphurs , and mixed the fixed
with the volatile, and the compofition being made,
hee put it into its proper veffell, and left the Sulphur
fhould fly away, hee fet a keeper over him , and then
put him into a bath of a moft gentle heat, according
as the matter required, and hee made all things very
well. Then they made the Philofophers Stone , be-
cauſe ofthe true matter a true thing muft needs bee
made .The Alchymift being very glad took the Stone
with the glaffe , and beholding the colour thereof,
which was like burnt blood, hee was amazed , and
by reaſon of too much joy hee began to leap, in
which leaping the glaffe fell out of his hands upon
the ground, and was broken. And fo Saturn vani-
fhed away. The Alchymift alfo being awaked out of
his dream , found nothing in his hands but Marches
T2 which
which hee made of brimftone but the Stone flew
away, and doth ftill fly, whence it is called Volatile:
and fo that miferable Alchymift learned nothing elfe
by that Viſion but how to make Matches : who after .
wards laying afide the Stone, became tobe a Phyfiti-
an; by fearching after the frone of the Philofophers
hee got the ftone of the Kidneys. Laft of all hee
led fuch a life, as fuch kind of Alchymifts are wont
to doc, who for the most partbecome Phyfitians, or
Quackfalvers, which thing will happen to all , who
betake themſelves to the Art cafually without any
foundation, but only by hearefay, or by meanes of
Receipts.
Some of them, when things fucceed not, fay :We
are wife men , wee hear that thegraffe grows, if the
Art were true wee ſhould have had it before other
men : And ſo having brazen faces, left wee ſhould
bee accounted undeferving men (as indeed they are;
and alſo perverfe ) contemne , and undervalue the
Art. This Science hates fuch men , and alwaies
fhews themthe beginning in the end. Now we grant
unto the unworthy, that this Art is nothing , but to
the Lovers of vertue, and the true Searchers , and
Sons of Wiſdome, wee doe moft highly commend
it, and doe affirme it not only to be true, but alto-
"
gether the trueft which fometimes wee have re-
ally made good before men worthy of fuch a fight,
I fay before men of high, and low condition : (yet
this F Medicine was not made by us , but. received
from a friend, and yet moft true ) for the fearching
out of which wee have fufficiently inftructed the
Searchers thereof, whom if our Writings doe not
pleaſe, let them read thofe ofother Authors, which
are
are eafier, but with this Caution , That whatfo-
ever they ſhall read , they fhall alwaies compare
it with the poffibility of Nature , left they affay
any thing contrary to Nature . Neither let them
beleeve, although it were written in the bookes of
Philofophers, that Fire burns not , becauſe this is
contrary to Nature : but if it bee writ , that Fire
hath a drying, and heating faculty , this is to bee
beleeved,becauſe it is according to Nature : For Na-
turedoth alwaies agree with afound judgment, and in
Nature there is nothing difficult, all truth is plain
Then alfo let them learne , what things in Nature
are of affinity with each other, which wee conceive
may be eaſier done by our Writings , then any
other , feeing wee think wee have wrote fufficient--
ly , untill fome other fhall come , who fhall fet
downe the whole Receipt fo plaine , as to make
cheeſe of Milke , which is not lawful for us to
doe.
But that I may not direct all things I fay to the
new beginner only, wee fhall fay fomething to you
alſo who now have paffed over theſe painfull la-
bours. Have you feen that Countrey , where a
man marryed a wife, whofe nuptialls were celebra
red in the houfe of Nature? Have you underſtood
how the vulgar with you have feen this Sulphur If
therefore you will that old women ſhould practife
your Philofophy, fhew the dealbation of your Sul-
phurs; fay unto the vulgar,Come and fee, for now
the water is d vided, and Sulphur is come out; hee
will return white, and congeale the Waters.Burn
therefore Sulphur from incombuftible Sulphur, then
washit, make it white, and red, untill Sulphur be--
T3 come:
come Mercury, and Mercury bee made Suphur ,
which afterwards you fhall beautifie with the foule
of Gold : For if you doe not fublime Sulphur,
from Sulphur, and Mercury from Mercury , you
have not yet found out the Water , which out of
Sulphur, and Mercury is created by way of diftil-
lation ; hee doth not aſcend , that doth not de-
fcend. Whatſoever in this Art is remarkable ,
by manyis loft in the preparation , for our Mer-

cury is quickened with Sulphur , elſe it would bee
of no ufe. A Prince without a people is unhappy ;
fo is an Alchymift without Sulphur, and Mercu
ry. If thou haft underſtood mee , I have faid
enough.
THE
A new Light ofAlchymie ; 143
THE
CONCLVSION
Very fearcher of this Art muft in the

first place with a mature judgement
examine the creation, operation , and
vertues of the four Elements together
with their actings : for if hee be igno-
rant of the originall , and Nature of thefe , hee
fhall not come to the knowledge of the Principles ,
neither fhall hee know the true matter of the
Stone, much leffe attain to any good conclufion; be--
cauſe every end is terminated upon its beginning.
Hee that well knowes what hee begins , fhall well
know what ſhall bee the end. For the originall of
the Elements is the Chaos , out of which God the
Maker of all things created, and feparated the Ele-
ments , which belongs to God alone : but out of
the Elements Nature produceth the Principles of
things, and this is Natures worke, through the will
of
144 A new Light of Alchymie .
of God alone : Out of the Principles Nature after-

wards produceth Mineralls, and all things out of
which the Artiſt alfo by imitating Nature can doe
many wonderfull things . Becaufe Nature out of theſe
Principles, which are Salt, Sulphur , and Mercury,
dothproduce Mineralls , and Metalls, and all kinds
of things, and it doth not fimply produce Metalls
out of the Elements, but by Principles , which are
the medium betwixt the Elements , and Metalls :
Therefore if Nature doth not make those things,
much leffe fhall Art. And not only in this example,
but alſoin every naturall proceffe a middle difpofiti-
on is to bee obſerved. Wherefore herein this Trea-
tife wee have fufficiently defcribed the Elements ,
their actings, and operations , as alfo the originall
of the Principles (becauſe hitherto no Philofopher
hath diſcovered things more cleetly ) that the well
minded fearcher might the more eafily confider in
what degree the Stone differs from Metalls , and
Metalls from Elements. For there is a difference
betwixt Gold, and Water, but leffe betwixt Water,
and Mercury, and leaſt of all betwixt Mercury,and
Gold. For the houſe of Gold is Mercury, and the
houfe of Mercury is Water : but Sulphur is that
which coagulates Mercury; which Sulphur C indeed
is most difficultly prepared , but more difficultly
found out. For in the Sulphur of Philofophers this
fecret confifts , which alſo is contained in the in-
ward rooms of Mercury, of whofe preparation, with- .
out which it is unprofitable, wee fhall difcourfe here-
after in the third Princple of Salt , feeing here wee
treat ofthe vertue, and originall, not Praxis, of Sul-
phur.
Where-
A new Light of Alchymie, 145
Wherefore now wee have not writ this Treatife
that wee would difprove any of the ancient Philo-
fophers, but rather confirm their Writings , and
fupply those things, which they have omitted : fee-
ing that Philofophers themſelves were but men,they
could not be accurate in all things,neither is one man
fufficient for all things. Miracles alfo have feduced
fome men from the right way of Nature, as wee read
happened in Albertus Magnus amoft witty Philofo-
pher, who writ,that in his times there were grains of
Gold found betwixt the teeth of a dead man in his
grave.Hee could not find out this Miracle,but judged

it to be by reafon of the Minerall vertue in man being
confirmed in his opinion by that faying, of Morien:
And this Matter, O King,is extracted from thee : but
this is erroneous,forMorien was pleafed to underſtand
thoſe things Philofophically. For the Minerall ver-
tue is placed in its own Kingdome, as the Animallis
in its Kingdome, as in the book of the Twelve Trea-
tifes wee have diftinguiſhed thofe Kingdomes , and
divided them into three Kingdomes , becauſe every
one of theſe without the ingreffe of any other thing
ſtands in it ſelf,and is multiplyed. It is true indeed
that in the Animall Kingdome , Mercury is as the
matter, and Sulphur as the vertue, but the Animall
is not Minerall. The vertue of the Animal Sulphur
ifit were not in Man, it could not congeal the bloud
Mercury into fleſh, and bones : fo alfo ifthere were
not a vertue of the Vegetable Sulphur in the Vege-
table Kingdome,it could not coagulate Water , or
the Vegetab e Mercury into Herbs, and Trees. So
alfo it is to bee underſtood inthe Minerall King-
dome. Theſe three Mercuries doe not indeed differ
V in
in vertue , nor the three Sulphurs , becauſe every
Sulphur hath a power to coagulate its own Mercury,
and every Mercury hath a power to bee coagulated
by its owne proper Sulphur , and by no other
that is a ſtranger to it. Now the reaſon why
Gold was found, and generated betwixt the teeth of
the dead man is this,becauſe in his life time Mercury
was by fome Phyfitian conveyed into his infirme
body, either by unction , or by Turbith , or fome other
way, as the cuſtome , and manner was and it was
the nature of Mercury to goe up to the mouth, and

through the fores thereof to be evacuated with the
flegme . If therefore in time of fuch a cure the fick W
man dyed , that Mercury not finding any egreffe,
A
remained in his mouth betwixt his teeth , and that W
锕
carkaffe became the naturall veffell ofMercury , fo
being fhut up faft for a long time was congealed in-
to Gold by its own proper Sulphur , being purified
by the naturall heat of putrefaction , cauſed bythe
corrofive phlegme of the Mans body. But if Mi-
nerall Mercury had not been brought in thither,
there could Gold never have been produced . And
this is a moft true example , that Nature in the
bowells of the earth, doth of Mercury alone pro-
duce Gold, and Silver, and other Metalls ,according
to the difpofition of the place, or marrix ; for Mer-
cury hath inits felf its own proper Sulphur , with
which it is coagulated into Gold, unleffe it bee hin-
dred byfome accident, or hath not a requifite heat,
or a clofe place. The vertue therefore of Animall
Sulphur doth not congeal Mercury into Gold , but:
into Fleſh: for if there were fuch a vertue in Man, it
would happen tobe fo in all bodies ; which it doth

not.
not.Many fuch miracles,and accidents fall out,which

being not well confidered by the Writers, occafion
the Readers to fall into errors: yet the honeft fearcher
muft apply all things to the poffibility of Nature ; if
they doe not agree with Nature, they muſt be let
alone, and waved.
It fufficeth the diligent Student, that he hath here
heard what is the Originall of the Principles ( fince
the beginning being unknown , the end is alwaies
doubtfull ) of which wee have in this Treatife not
Enigmatically, but as cleerly as we could, and as it
was lawfull for us , fpoken unto the fearcher
thereof by means of which, ifGod ſhall enlighten
any ones mind, hee ſhall know what a fucceffor owes
to his predeceffors, feeing this Art is alwaies acquired
by the fame kind ofwits, and difpofitions.Which Art
wee after this kind ofclear manifeftation of it, lay up
into the bofome of God the moſt high Creator, and
our Lord, and commend our felvs together with all
honeft hearted Readers to his grace,and infinite mer.
cy. To whom be praiſe , and glory , for ever , and
ever.
FINIS.
V 2
A TABLE
OF THE
CONTENTS
Of this BOOK.
F Nature, what fhee is , and what her

Searchers ought tobee. page 1.
of the operation of Nature according

to our intention in Sperm. P. 5.
of the true firft matter of Metalls. p. 9.
How Metalls are generated in the bowells of the

Earth. p.11.
of the generation of all kinds of Stones. P.14.
of the fecondMatter, and putrefaction of things.

p. 17.
af
The Contents.
of the vertue ofthe fecond Matter. P. 22.
How by Art Nature works in Seed. P. 24.
of the commixtion ofMetalls,or the drawingforth

their Seed.
P. 26.
ofthe fupernaturall generation of the Son ofthe

Sun.
p. 28.
ofthe Praxis, and making ofthe Stone,or Tincture

by Art. p. 30.
of the Stone, and its vertue. p. 36.
The Epilogue,or Conclufion of thefe Twelve Trea-

tifes. P. 39.
A Preface to the Philofophicall Enigma , or

Ridle. p. 47.
The Parable, or Philofophicall Ridle, addedby way

of conclufion, andfuperaddition. P.51 .
A Dialoguebetween Mercury, the Alchymift , and

Nature. p. 59.
A Treatife ofSulphur. The Preface. P.75 .
ofSulphur, theſecond Principle. p. 81 .
ofthe Element of Earth. p. 83.
ofthe Element ofWater. p. 85.

of
The Contents!
of the Element ofAire. P.95.
ofthe Element ofFire. P.99.
of the three Principles of all things. p. 111.
of Sulphur. P. 126 .
The Conclufion. p.143.
FINIS
1
OF THE
NATURE
OF THINGS ,
NINE BOOK S:
Written by Philipp Theophraftus
of Hebenbeim,
CALLED
PARACELSUS :
The Titles of the Nine Bookes .
(Generations
Growths
Confervations
Life
of the Death of Naturall things.
Renewing
Tranfmutations
Separations
Signatures
London, Printed by Richard Cotes, for Thomas Williams,

at the Bible in Little- Britain , 1650 .
C
22222222222222222222
NINE BOOKS
OF THE
NA TV RE
Of Things :
Written by Philipp Theophraftus , of

Hobenheim, called P ARACELSUS .
To the honeft and wife man , Jobn
Winckelsteiner of Friburge , his moſt
intimate friend, and dear brother, Theophra-

Atus Paracelfus wifheth all health.
T is moſt fit that I
fhould ( moſt inti-
mate Friend , and
dear brother)fatisfie
your friendly, and
daily requeſts, ex-
preffed in your frequent Letters to
me:and feeing that in your laſt Let-
ters you do earneſtly, and courteouf-
ly invite me to you,ifit were conve-
A a2 nient
The Epiftle
nient (I cannot diffemble with you)
yet by reafon ofmany hinderances I
cannot : but as foryour other requeſt,
vig that I fhouldgive you fome clear
Inftructions , I cannot deny you , but
am conftrained to gratifie youthere-
in. I knowthe honefty ofyour mind,
and that you do willingly hear or fee
any thing that is new or wonderfull
in this art. I know alfo that you have
fpent good part of your eftate and:
life in it. Becauſe therefore you have
expreffed much good will, and bro-
therly fidelity towards mee, I cannot
forget either, but am conſtrained to
be thankfull , and, if I never fee you
more, to leave a brotherly legacy to
you,and yours, as a remembrance of
of mee. For I will not here only an-
fwer, and cleerly inftruct you concer-
ning thoſe points only of which you
have asked me; but wil alſo dedicate

Dedicatory.
a Book to you, which I will call, Of
the Nature ofthings, and will divide
it into nine little books . In this book
I will fatisfie all your requeſts, and
further then you demanded : al-.
though haply you will much won-
der, andperhaps doubt whether all
theſe things are true that I thal write.
But doe not fo ,yea beleeve them not
to be ſpeculations , and theories , but
practicall, and proceeding from ex-
perience. And althoughI have not
tryed all of them my felfe, yet I have
them from, and have approved them
by others , and know them by that:
kind of experience , as alfo by the
light of nature
. If in fome places you
cannot underſtand mee what I fhall
fay, and in fome proceffes require of
me further explication , write to mee
privately, and I will declare the mat--
ter more cleerly, and give you fufficie

Aa3 enti
The Epiftle
ent inftruction, and intelligence. Al-
though I beleeve you cannot well
miſunderſtand what I fhall write,fee-
ing I know you are fo well qualified
and gifted by God with arts , and a
good understanding. Moreover, you
have know nmy mind and meaning,
and therefore will quickly, and eafily
underſtand me. Now Ihope , and do
not doubt , that you wil refpect this
prefent worke, commended to you,
and efteem of it according to its
worth,and not at all divulge it, but
keep it in great fecrefie for your felfe,
andyours, as indeed it is a hid , and
great treaſure, an excellent gem , and
pretious thing,which is not to be caft
to fwine,i e.Sophifters , and contem-
ners of all good naturall arts , and fe-
crets , who are worthy neither to
read them,much leffe to have,know,
or understand them. And although
this
Dedicatory,
this book bee very little, confifting of
few words,yet it is full of many, and
great fecrets. For I do not here write
out offpeculation, and theorie, but
practically out of the light of nature,
and experience, left I ſhould burden
you,and make you weary with many
words, & c. Wherefore moſt deare
friend, and loving brother , ſeeing I
have wrote this book out of love to
you alone, and to no body elfe, I be-
feech you that you will keep it as a
thing of value, and a great fecret, and
not let it goe out of your hands as
long as you live, and at your death,
bequeath it in like manner to your
children , & heirs , that they alfo may
keep this book fecretly, which alfo I
fhal particularly defire of them, that
they wil not let it goe out of your
familyat any time, and be made pub-
lique , ſo as to come to the hands of
Sophi
The Epift. 1
Sophifters , & fcoffers, who contemn
all things, which are not agreeable to
them ,and indeed detract from them :
Thefe are pleafed onely with what is
their own, as indeed all fools are wont
to bee,whom their owne toyes onely
pleafe , not any thing which is ano-
thers , hating all kind of wiſdome.
Wherefore they account wiſdom as
folly.bec nothing doth the any good
they know the uſe ofnothing. As one

workman cannot ufe the inftruments
of another, fo a foole can uſe no wea-
pons better then his owne ſticke, or
boughes ; and there is no found plea-
fanter to him then the ringing of his

own bell. Wherefore moftdear bro-
ther be you faithfully admonished ,
as I have entreated you, and do what
I have enjoined you , which I hope

you will, and you fhall doe what is
right and well. Farewell with the
protection of God.
LIB. I.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
OF THE
NAT VRE
Of Things .
THE FIRST BOOKE.
Ofthe generations ofNaturall
things.
He generation ofall natural things The generati

is twofold : Naturall, and with- on of naturall
things is two
out Art, and Artificiall, viz.by fold.
Alchymie. Although in generall
it may bee faid that all things are
naturally generated of the Earth
by means of putrefaction. For
Putrefaction is the chiefe degree, Allthings
ceed frompro-
pu
and first stepto Generation. Now Putrefaction is trefaction.
Aa occafioned
N
LIB
,
F
(
Nature
things
Of
the
of
,
The cauſe of occafioned by a moift heat. For a continuall moist
moift heat, heat caufeth putrefaction, and changeth all naturall
things from their firft form , and effence, as alfo their
The powerand
vertues, and efficacy, into another thing. For as pu-
nature ofpurre trefaction in the ftomach changeth, and reduceth all
meats into dung , fo alfo putrefaction out of the
ftomach in a glaffe , changeth all things from one
form into another , from one effence into another,
from one colour into another , from one fmell into
another, from one vertue into another , from one
power into another, from one property into ano-
ther, and generally from one quality into another.
For it is evident , and proved by daily experience,
that many good things,which are wholfome, and me-
dicinable, become after putrefaction naught , un-
wholfome, and meer poifon. So on the contrary,
there are many bad, unwholfome, poifonous, and
hurtfull things , which after their putrefaction be-
come good, lofe all their unwholfomneffe , and be-
come wonderfull medicinable becauſe putrefaction
produceth great matters, as ofthis wee have a moſt
famous example in the holy Gospel , where Chrift
faith : Unleffe a grain of Wheat bee caff into the
Earth, and be putrefied, it cannot bring forth fruit
in a hundred fold. Hence alfo we must know, that
many things are multiplyed in putrefaction fo as to
What putre. bring forthexcellent fruit . For putrefaction is the
faction is. change, and death of all things , and deftruction of
the firft effence of all Naturall things; whence there
arifeth a regeneration, and new generation a thou-
fand times better, &c.
Seeing therefore putrefaction is the first degree ,
and ftep to generation, it is very neceflary that wee
know
LISI. Of the Nature of things. 3
know putrefaction well. Now there are many kinds Patrefaction is
the first degree
of putrefactions , and one produceth its generation to generation
in another manner, then doth another. One alfo foo-
ner then another. Wee faid alfo that moifture , and Putrefaction is
manifold.
heat were the first degree, and ſtep to putrefaction,
which produceth all things, as a Hen doth her egs .
Wherefore through, and in putrefaction , all mucila-
ginous flegme, and matter is made living, whatſoever
it prove to be at laſt.
An example ofthis you have in egs,in which there An artificial
hatching of
is a mucilaginous humour,which by any kind of mo- Chickens.
derate continuall heat is putrefied, and turned into a
living Chicke, not only by the heat of the Hen , but
anyfuch kind of heat. For in fuch a degree of Fire
egs may be brought to maturity in a glaffe , and
alhes, and become living birds : yea any man may
ripen an egge in his arm-hole, and hatch a Chicke, as
well as the Hen .
And here wee must take notice of fomething that The railing of
is greater, and more then this : viz. if that living a dead bird to
life.
Chicke be in a veffell of glaffe like a gourd, and fea-
led up, burnt to powder, or afhes in the third degree
of Fire, and afterward fo clofed in, be putrefied with
the exacteft putrefaction of Horfe-dung, into a mu-
cilaginous flegm, then that flegm may be brought to
maturity, and become a renewed , and new made
Chicke to wit, if that flegm bee againe incloſed in
its former fhell, or receptacle. This is to revive the
dead by regeneration,and clarification, which indeed
is a great, and profound miracle of Nature . Accor.
diug to this proceffe may all Birds bee killed , and
made alive againe, and made new and this is the
higheft, and greateſt miracle, and myſtery of God,
A 22 which
4 Of the Nature of things. LIB.I
which hee ever difcovered to mortall man.

The Atificial Wee muft alfo know that after this manner men
generation of
Man. may bee generated without naturall Father, or Mo.
ther , i.e. not of a Woman in a naturall way : but by
the Art, and induftry of a skilfull Alchymift may a
Man bee borne , and grow, as afterwards fhall bee
fhewed.
The generati-
It is poffible alfothat men may be born of beafts,.
on of menby according to naturall caufes, but yet this cannot bee
brutes,
done without much impiety, and herefie, to wit, if a
man ſhould couple with a beaft, and that beast fhould,
as a woman doth, receive the Sperm of the man,with
defire and luft into her matrix , and conceive : then
the ſperm doth ofneceffity putrefie, and bythe conti
nual heat of the body,a man, and not a beaft is thence
As the feed is, produced. For alwaies as the feed is that is fown,
. fo alfo is the fruit that is brought forth, and unleffe it
fo is the fruit
fhould be fo,it would be contrary to the light ofNa
ture, and to Philofophy. Wherefore as is the feed,
fuch is the hearb that springs from thence. So ofthe
Seed of an Onyon is brought forth an Onyon, not a
Rofe,nor a Nut, not a Lettuce. So of Corne, Corn
is brought forth, of Barley, Barley; of Oats , Oats :
and fo it is with all other fruits, which have feed, and
are fown, & c. :.
The force of Inlike manner alſoit is poffible , and not contrary
womens imag to Nature , that an irrationall bruit fhould bee
nation,
produced by a woman, and a man. Neither are wee
to judge of, or cenfure the woman, as the man,(as in
the former cafe) fhee therefore is not to bee accoun
ted impious, or hereticall, as if thee acted contrary
to Nature,but it is to be imputed to her imagination.
For her imagination is alwaies the cause of it. And
" the
LGBT Ofthe Nature ofthings,
the imagination ofabreeding woman is fo powerful,

that in conceiving the feed into her body , thee may
change her infant divers wayes : becauſe her inward
ftarres are ſo ſtrongly bent upon the infant, that they
beget an impreffion, and influence upon it .Wherefore
the infant in the Mothers wombe in its forming is put
into the hand, and will of its Mother , as clay in the
hand ofthe Potter, who thence frames , and makes
what his will ,and pleaſure is : fo the Woman that is
i breeding, forms the fruit in her body , according to

her imagination, and her ftarres . Therefore it often
falls out, that ofthe feed of a man, Cattle, and other
horrid Monſters are begot, according as the imagina-
tion of the Mother is ftrongly directed upon the
Embryo, &c.
Now as you have heard, that by putrefaction ma-
ny, and various things are generated,and made alive,
fo allo you muſt know, that of many hearbs, by pu-
trefaction divers living creatures are bred, which they
that are skilled in thefe thiugs know.
Here alfo wee muft know, that all fuch Animalls, All animals that
which are bred, and made of putrefaction, containe are bied meerly
of putrefaction
fome poifon, and are poifonous , yet one far more are poisonous,
ftrong then another, and one after another manner
then another : as you fee in Serpents, Vipers, Toads,
Frogs , Scorpions, Bafiliskes , Spiders, Wood-bees,
Pifmires, and many forts of Wormes , as Cankers,
Maggots, Locufts, &c. All which are bred in , and
through putrefaction. Alfo amongſt Animalls there
are bred divers Monsters ; And there are Monſters
alſo which are not bred ofputrefaction ofthemſelves,
but are made by Art in a glaffe , as hath been faid;
because they oftentimes appear in a very wonderfull
fhape,
Ofthe Nature ofthings. LIB. I.
hape,and form,fearful to behold,as oftentimes with

many feet, many tailes , many colours , oftentimes
many heads,worms with the tailes of Fishes or fea-
thers,and other unuſuall forms,that the like have not
been ſeen.
VVhat Mon.
fers are. Wherefore not only all Animalls, which have not
proper Parents, and are not borne of things like to
them felves are Monſters , but alſo thoſe which are
bred of other things.
The fecret poi So you fee it is concerning a Bafiliske, which alfo
fon of theBa.
filisk. is a Monſter, and indeed a Monſter above all Mon-
fters, and then which none is to bee more dreaded,
becauſe hee can kill any man with his meer looks , and
fight and becaufe his poifon is above all poiſons, to
which nothing in the world is to bee!compared . Hee
carries his poifon in a moft fecret manner in his eyes ,
and it is a conceived poifon, not much unlike a men-
ftruous woman, who alfo carrieth a fecret poison in
her eyes, fo that only by her looks a Looking glaffe
is fouled, and tainted. So alfo if fhee looke upon a
wound, oran ulcer, thee infects that in the like man-
ner, and hinders the cure thereof : fo alfo with her
breath, as well as fight,fhee infects divers things , cor-
rupts, and weakens them; and ſo alfo with her touch.
Foryou fee if thee medle with wine in time of her
menftrues , that it is fuddainly changed and made
thick, The Vineger alſo that the medles withall, be-
comes dead, and ufeleffe : fo alfo Hot-waters lofe
their ftrength . In like manner Civet, Amber,Gryfe,
Musk, and fuch like perfumes, lofe their odour by.
fuch a womans carrying , or handling of them.
So alfo Gold , and Coralls lofe their colour,
alfo many Gemmes, and Looking- glaffes are
foiled
LIB.I. Of the Nature ofthings.
7
foiled therewith, &c. But to return to what I propoſed
concerning the Bafiliske, by what reafon,and in what
manner hee carries poifon in his looks,and eyes; you
muſt know that hee hath that property , and poiſon
from menftruous women,as is aforefaid. For the Ba-
filiske is bred of, and proceeds from the greatest im
purity ofa Woman, vi , her Menftrues , and from
the blood of the Sperm , if it bee put into a gourd
glaffe, and putrefied in Horſe-dung, in which putre-
faction a Bafiliske is brought forth. But who is fo
couragious, and bold to make, take him out , and
kill him again, unleffe hee cover, and fortifie himſelfe
well firft with glaffes : I fhould perfwade none to
doe it, nay, I would adviſe them to take heed of
it.
But that I may proceed in treating of Monsters, Monflers doe

Know that Monſters amongſt brutes, which are notlive long,
brought forth of other things, and not of their like,
feldome live long, efpecially if they fhall live neer,
or amongſt other brutes , becauſe of an imbred
difpofition, and Gods difpofing, all Monſters are
odious unto brutes that are genuinely brought
forth , and fo alfo Monſters of men , which are
generated by man , feldome live long. And by
how muchthe more wonderfull, and remarkable they
are,fo much the fooner they dye, fo that none exceed
the third day amongſt men, unleffe they bee prefent-
ly carryed into fome fecret place,and kept apart from
all men. Moreover you must know that God abhors
thefe kind ofMonſters, and that they are difpleafing
to him, and that none of them can be faved , feeing
they bear not the image of God : whence wee can
conjecture nothing elfe, but that they are fo formed
by
8 LIB.I.
Ofthe Nature ofthings.
Monsters come by the Devil,and are made for the Devills fervice,ra-
fom the Devill.
ther thenGods, becaufe no good work was ever done
byany Monster, but ratherall manner of evill, wic
kedneffe, and devillish deceits. For as an Exccutio-
ner marketh his fons in cuttingofftheir ears, putting
out their eyes, burning their cheeks , fingers, hands,
and cutting off their heads : fo doththe Devil mark
his fons through the imagination of their Mothers,
which intheir conceiving they drew from evill de-
fires,lufts, and cogitations.
Monsters are
are Alfo all men are to be fhunned, which abound with,
to be,fhunned.
or want any member, or have a double member. For
that is a prefage of the Devills, and a moft certaine
figne offome occult wickedneffe, and deceit , which
follows upon it. Wherefore they feldome dye with-
a out the Executioner , or at least from fome marke
made by him.
The artificiall But wee muft by no means forget the generation
generation of of Artificiall men . For there is fome truth in this
Men;
thing, although it hath been a long time concealed ,
and there have been no fniall Doubts, and Queſtions,
raifed byfome ofthe ancient Philofophers, Whether
it were poffible for Nature, or Art to beget a Man
out of the body of aWoman, and naturall matrix?
To this I answer, that it is no way repugnant to the
Art of Alchymie, and Nature; yea
, it is very poffi-
ble : But to effect it, we must proceed thus..
Let the Sperm of a man by it felfe be putrefied in a
gourd glaffe, fealed up, with the highest degree of
putrefaction in Horfe dung , for the space of forty
days, orfo long untill it begin to bee alive,move and
ftir ,which may cafily be ften. After this time it will
bee fomething like a Man, yet tranfparent ,and with-
Out
LIB.I. Of the Nature of things.
out a body. Now after this, if it bee every day was

rily, and prudently nourished and fed with the Arca-
num of Mans blood , and bee for the space offorty
weeks kept in a conftant , equall heat ofHorse - dung, it
willbecome a true, and living infant, having all the
members of an infant, which is born of a woman,bud
it will bee far leffe. This wee call Homunculus , or

Artificiall. And this is afterwards to be brought up
with as great care, and diligence as any other infant,
untill it come to riperyears of underſtanding. Now
this is one of the greateſt fecrets,that God ever made
known to mortall, finfull man. For this is a mi
racle , and one of the great wonders of God, and fe
cret above all ſecrets , and deſervedly it ought tobec
kept amongſt the ſecrets until the last times,when no
thing fhall be hid, but all things be made manifeft.
And although hitherto it hath not been known to
men,yet it hath beenknown to Fairies of the Woods, Fairies ,
Nymphs, and Gyants many ages fince,because they Nymphs, Gy
ants, &c. are
come from them. For of fuch Artificiall men, made of artifi
when they cometo Mans age, are made Pygmiesciall men.

Gyants,and other great and monftrous men ,who are
inftruments of great matters , who obtaine great
victories against their Enemies, and know all fecrets,
and myſteries : becauſe by Art they receive their
lives, by Art they receive their bodies,fleſh ,bones,
and bloodtby Art they are bornes wherefore Art is
now incorporated with , and imbred in them , and
they need not learn ofany, but others are conſtrained
to learn of them, for by Art they have their originall
and prefent exiftency ,as a rofe,or flower in a garden,
and they are called the children of Fairies , and
Nymphs by reason that in power , and vertue they
Bb arc
to Of the Nature ofthings, LIBI
are like not to Men , but Spirits , &c.

Here it is neceffary that wee fpeak fomething of
the generation of Metalls,but becauſe we have wrote
fufficiently of that in our book of the generation of
Metals, wee fhall verybriefly treat of it here, only
briefly adding what was omitted in that book. Know
Of 3 princi- that all the feven Metalls are brought forth after this
ples Mercury
the Spirit, ful manner,out of a threefold matter, viz.Mercury, Sul-
phur is thethe phur, & Salt,yet in diftinct , and peculiar colours . For
body. this reafon Hermes did not ſpeak amiffe,when he ſaid,
that of three ſubſtances are allthe feven Metalls pro-
duced,and compounded, as alfo the Tinctures , and
Philofophers Stone. Thofe 3 fubftances he calls the
Spirit, Soul,and Body : but hee did not fhew how
this is to bee understood, or what hee did mean by
this, although haply hee might know the three Prin-
ciples,but did not make mention ofthem . Wherefore
we do not fay,that he was here in an error , but only
Awas filent now, that thoſe 3 diftinct fubftances may
be rightly understood, viz. Spirit, Soul, and Body, we
muft know, that they fignifie nothing else but the
three Principles , i.e.Mercury,Sulphur, Salt, of which
all the feven Metalls are generated. For Mercury is
the Spirit, Sulphur the Soule,and Salt the Body,but
a Metall is the Soul betwixt the Spirit, and the Body
(as Hermes faith) which Soule indeed is Sulphur, and
unites theſe two contraries , the Body, and Spirit,:
and changeth them into one effence, &c.
Nowthis is not to bee underſtood fo as that of
Whether me every Mercury, every Sulphur, or of every Salt, the
talls can be feven Metalls may be generated, or the Tincture, or
made artifici-
ally by fire. the Philofophers Stone by the Art of Alchymic,
or induftry, with the help of Fire ; but all the feven
Metalls
LIB.I. Ofthe Nature ofthings, IT
Metalls muſt be generated in the mountains bythe
Archeius of the Earth. For the Alchymift ſhall
fooner tranſmute Metalls, then generate , or make
them .
Yet nevertheleffe living Mercury is the Mo- Living
• is
ther of all the feven Metalls , and defervedly it the mother of
metails.
may be called the Mother ofthe Metalls . For it is an
open Metall, and as it contains all colours , which
it manifefts in the Fire, fo alfo occultly it contains
all Metalls in it felfe , but without Fire it cannot
fhew them , & c.
But generation , and renovation of Metalls is
made thus : As a man may return into the womb of
his Mother,i.e. into the Earth, out of which hee
was first made a man, and fhall again bee raiſed at
the laſt day :fo alfo all Metalls may returne into living The regenera
againe, and become , and by Fire bee regene- tion of metalls
tures,
into tin&
rated, and purified,iffor the space of forty weeks,
they bee kept in a continuall heat, as an infant is in
his Mothers wombe . Sothat now there are brought
forth not common Metalls,but Tinging Metalls.For
if Silver bee regenerated ( after the manner as wee
have ſpoken ) it will afterward tinge all other Me-
talls into Silver, fo will Gold into Gold, and the
like is to bee underftood of all the other Me-
talls .
Now forafmuch as Hermes faid, that the foule
alone is that medium, which joines the fpirit to The Soul is
the body , it was not without caufe hee faid fo, that medium
For feeing Sulphur is that foule, and doth like Fire wherewith the
foule is united
ripen, and digeft all things ; it can alfo bind the to the body.
foule with the body , incorporating , and uniting
them together, fo that from thence may bee pro
i Bb 2 duced
12 Of the Nature ofthings. LIB. I.
duced a moft excellent body. Now the common

combustible Sulphur is not to bee taken for the
foule of metalls , for the foule is another man-
ner of thing then a combustible , and corruptible:
body.
What the foule Wherefore it a can bee deftroyed by no Fire, fee...
of metalls is.
ing indeed it is all Fire it felfe : and indeed it is no
thing else but the quinteffence of Sulphur, which
is extracted out of reverberated Sulphur by the fpi-
rit of wine,being of a red colour , and as tranfpa
rent as a Rubie and which indeed is a great , and
excellent Arcanum , for the tranfmuting of white
metalls, and to coagulate living into fixt , and
true Gold. Efteeme this as an enriching trea
fure , and thou maift bee well contented with
this onely fecrer in the Tranfmutation of Me-
talls.
Concerning the generation of mineralls,and halfe
metalls nothing else need bee knownthen what was
at firft faid concerning metalls, viz. that they are in
Where is the like manner produced of the three Principles , vt .
generation of
metalls and Mercury, Sulphur, and Salt, although not as metalls
mineralls
ofperfect,but of the moreimperfect,and bafer Mer-
cury, Sulphur, and Salt, and yet with their diftinct
colours.o
Whence the The generation of Gemmes is from the fubtilty

generation of of the Earth, of tranſparent and cryſtalline Mercury,
Gemmes
Sulphur, and Salt, even according to their diftinct
colours.
Allo ofCom - But the generation of common Stones is of the
mon Stones. fubtilty of Water , of mucilaginous Mercury , Sul-
phur, and Salt. For of the mucilaginoufneffe of Wa-
ter are produced all ftones , as alſo fand , and gra-
adt vell
LIB.I. Of the Nature ofthings. 13
vell are thence coagulated into Stones, as wee of-
ten fee.
For any ftone put in the Water,doth fuddenly con-
tract a mucilaginoufneffe to itfelf. Nowifthat muci- An artificiall
generation of
laginous matter, bee taken from this Stone, and Stones
coagulated in a glaffe, it becomes fuch a Stone , as
was in that Water , but it would require a long
time before it would be coagulated of it felfe.
Bb 3 OF
14 LIB.II
OF THE
NAT VRE
Of Things .
THE SECOND BOOK,
Ofthegrowth, and increaſe of
Naturall things.
Heat andMoi- Tis fufficiently manifeft , and knowne to

fture the caufe
ofthe growth every one, that all naturall things grow,
of things, and are ripned throughheat,and moisture,
which is fufficiently demonftrated by rain,
and the heat of the fun. For no man can deny that
rain doth make the Earth fruitfull, and it is granted
by all, that all fruits are ripened by the fun.
Seeing
LIB.II Ofthe Nature ofthings. 15
Seeing therefore this is by divine ordination natu- An artificiall
ripeningof
rally poffible, who can gain- fay, or not beleeve that things.
a man is able, through the wife, and skilfull Art of
Alchymic, to make that which is barren,fruitfull,and
that which is crude, to ripen,and all things to grow ,
and to be increaſed . For the Scripture faith, that God God hath fub
fubjected all creatures to man, and put them into his jected all
hands as being his own, that hee might use them for thingstoman.
his neceffity, and rule over the fish of the fea, fowles
of the aire, and all things upon the Earth,nothing ex-
cepted . Wherefore man might well rejoice that God
fhould fo endow him with the excellency of Nature,
that all the creatures ofGod ſhould be forced to obey,
and be fubject to him, efpecially the whole Earth,and
all things which are bred,live,and move in, and upon
it. Since therefore wee fee with our eyes , and are
taught by daily experience , that by how much the
oftner, & more abundantly therain doth moisten the
earth,and the fun doth again with its heat and warmth
dry it,fo much the fooner doe the fruits of the Earth
come forth and are ripened , yea all fruits doe cleerly
grow, and increaſe,what time of the yeer foever it be;
Let no man henceforth wonder, that the Alchymift The artificiall
alſoby à manifold imbibition, and diftillation fhould generation of
not doe the fame. For what elſe is rain but the imbibi-
tion ofthe Earth? and the heat ofthe Sun , but the
diftillation ofthe un, which drawes up thofe humi-
dities again? Wherefore I fay it is poffible by ſuch a

kind of Art, even in the midle of Winter to bring
forthgreen Herbs , Flowers, and other fruit,through
Earth,and Water, out ofthe feed, and root : Ifthen
this can bee done in all Herbs, and flowers , it may
alſo bee done in many other like things, as in all mi-
neralls
16 Ofthe Nature ofthings, LIB. II.
neralls,whoſe imperfect metalls by vertue of a mine-

rall water may bee brought to maturity through the
induſtry,and Art of a skilfull Alchymift .
The ripening In like manner may all Marcafites, Granati, Zineta,
et mineralls.
Arfenica, Talka,Cachymie, Bifemuta, Antimonies,&c.
( all which carry with them crude Gold, and Silver,
bee fo ripened, that they may bee equalized to the
moft rich veins of Gold, and Silver,only by this Art.
So alfo the Elixir, and tinctures ofmetals are brought
to maturity, and perfected.
What the
Seeing therefore,as it hath been faid, moiſture, and
Beard of a dead heat doe ripen all things , and make them grow, Let
man fignifies. none wonder, that the beard, haire, or nailes off a ma-
lefactor hanging on a Gibbet, or Wheel do for a long
time grow, neither let it be accounted for a ſign ofhis
innocency ,as the ignorant beleeve,for this is naturall,
and from naturall caufes. For whileft that any moi-
fture remains in him,his beard, haire,and nailes grow,
even till the fecond year, or till hee bee wholly putre-
fied, & c.
Wee muft alſo know, that there are many? things
that growfor ever, and are increaſed in bigneffe
weight,and vertue, in the Water, and Earth, in which
they continue good, and efficacious , as are Metalls,
Marcafites, Cachymic, Talka, Granuty, Antimony,
The augmen Bifemuta, Gemmes, Pearles, Corals, all Stones,and
tation of O.
Clay. So alfoit may be ordered , that Gold may
grow, and bee increaſed in weight, and body, ifonly
it bee buryed inthe Earth looking towards the East,
and bee alwaies foiled withthe fresh urine of a mang
How Gold
and pigeons dung.
maybe in agene- It is poffible alfo that Gold, through induſtry, and
glaffe. skill of an expert Alchymift may bee fo far exalted ,
that
LIB.II. Ofthe Nature of things. 17
that it may growin a glaffe like a tree , with many

wonderfull boughs , and leaves,which indeed is plea-
fant to behold, and moſt wonderful.
The proceffe is this. Let Gold bee calcined with How the Phi
Aqua Regis, till it becomes a kind of chalke , which lofophicall
Tree is made.
pas into a gourd glaffe, and poure upon it good new
Aqua Regis , fo that it may cover it foure fingers
breadth, then again drawit off, with the third de-
gree of fire, untill no more afcend. The water that
is diftilled off, poure on againe, then diftill it off a
gaine. This doe fo long untill thou feeſt the Gold to
rife in the glaffe, and grow after the manner ofa tree ,
having many boughes, and leaves : and fo there is
made of Gold a wonderful, and pleaſant ſhrub, which
the Alchymifts call their Golden hearb, and the Phi-
lofophers Tree.In like manner you may proceed with
Silver,and other Metalls ,yet ſo that their calcination
bee made after another manner , by another Aqua
fortis, which I leave to thine experience . If thou
art skilled in Alchymie , thou shalt not erre intheſe
things.
Know alſo that any flint taken out of River water, To make an
(and put into a gourd glaffe , having River water artificiall ftanë
poured upon it , that the glaffe may bee filled of any forme,
which Water is againe to bee diftilled off as long
as a drop will arife , and the Stone dryed , and
the Glaffe againe filled with this Water , and a-
gaine diftilled off , and this done fo long till the
Glaffe bee filled with this Stone ) may in a few
dayes by the Art of Alchymie bee made very
great, which the Archeius of the Waters could
Icarce doe in many yeers.
Cc If
LIBIN
18 Ofthe Nature ofthings,
If then thou breake the Glaffe , thou fhalt have
a Flint in the forme of the Glaffe , as if it had
been put into the Glaffe , and although this bee
not for profit, yet it is a thing that is ſtrange,and
wonderfull.
OF
LIBIII. 19
OF THE ba
NAT VRE
Of Things .
w vd
THE THIRD BOOK .
Oftheprefervations of Naturall
things.
rod wo
Hat things may bee preferved , and kept

from harm, it is neceſſary in the firſt place
The enemies
to knowwhat is an enemic to them that fo of things are
theymay be preferved from that, & not be tobe knowne

hurt, or corrupted by it either in fubftance , vertue,
power, or any way whatſoever. Much therefore in
this cafe depends upon the knowing of the Enemie

of all Naturall things. For who can take heed of
danger when hee doth not know what can hurt him?
Cc 2 Truly
ure gs
20 Of the Nat ofthin , LIB.III
Truly no body; Wherefore it is neceffary to know

ones Enemie, For there are many forts ofEnemies.
Wherefore it is as neceflary to know evill things,as
good things:for who can knowwhat is good, without
the knowing ofwhat is evill? Truly no body.So no
man can know what a bleffing health is, that was never
fick.Who knows what joy is, that was never heavy,
or fad?And who can rightly underſtand what God
is, who knew nothing of the Devil? Wherefore when
God made known to us the Enemic of our Soul, viz.
the Devill, he alfo fignified to us the Enemie ofour
Death is the life, viz. Death, which is the Enemic ofour body,
enemie of
of our health, and the Enemie of Medicinall , and all
*bings.
naturall things : alfo he made known to us how,and
by which means it may be fhunned. For as there
is no diſeaſe againſt whichthere is not created , and
found fome remedy, which should cure,and expell it:
There is a
fo alſo there is alwaies one thing ordained againſt
found in all another,one Water against another,oneStone against
things, another, one Minerall againſt another, one Poifon a
gainst another, one Metall against another and fo in
many more things all which it is not requifite here to
recite.
Now how, and by what means every thing is to
bee preferved, and kept from hurt , wee muft know,
that many things are to bee preferved in the Earth,
Cam and efpecially all rootesdoe for a longtime remaine
in the Earth without lofing their vertue, or being cor-
rupted : in like manner herbs, flowers, and all fruites
C
continue in the water incorrupted , and green : there
are alfo many fruits and apples that may be preferved
in water from all manner of putrefaction, untill new
fruit come againe grond
So
LIB. III. Of the Nature ofthings. 21
So alfo flesh,and blood,which indeed are putrefied, ferv

How fles
to pre-
e h and
and grow unfavoury quickly , are preferved in cold blood.
fountain-water, andnot only fo,but by the addition of
new aud fresh fountaine-water , may be turned into
a quinteffence, and bee for ever preferved from pu-
trefaction, and an ill favour , without any balfome.
And this doth not only preſerve the flesh, and blood
of dead things, but alfo of the living, wherefore Mans
body may bee preferved from all manner of putre-
faction, and divers diſeaſes that proceed from putre-
faction, better then common Mummie. Now that
blood may be preſerved of it felf from putrefaction,
and ftinking, and not as a quinteffence, & fo as it may
preferve the blood of the living(as we now faid) thou
muft followthis proceffe.
Let the blood bee feparated from its flegm, which How the Ar
canum of mans
is feparated of its felfe,
and is driven to the upper clouds to be
part. This water poure gently out ofthe veffell, and prepared.
in ftead of it put as much of the water of the falt of
blood, which water wee teach to make in our Chi-
rurgerie : That water doth prefently mixe with the
blood, and preferves it fo, that it will never bee pu-
trefied, or grow unfavory, but continue many years
as fresh, and very red as it was the firft day : and this
indeed is a great wonder. But if thou doft not know
howto makethis water,or haft it notinreadiness,then
poure upon it fo much of the beft, and moſt excel-
lent balfome, and this will doe the fame. Now this
blood is the balfome of balfomes, and is called the
Arcanum ofblood,and it is ſo wonderful, and of ſuch
greatvertue, that it is incredible to be ſpoken,where-
fore thou shalt conceale it as a great fecret in Phy-
fick. 10
Cc 3 In
32 Ofthe Nature ofthings. LIB.III
How metalls In preferving of Metalls, their Enemies are first to
may be prefer bee known , that fo much the better they may bee
ved.
What are the preferrved from harme. • The chiefeft Enemies of
enemies of
metalls, Metalls are all sharp corroding Waters , all Corro-
five things, all Salts, crude Sulphur, Antimony , and
Mercury. But that you may know particularly
Sharp Wan
how they fhew their enmity, it is thus.
ters, and fuch things as are Corrofive , and Salts
fhew their enmity, in that they mortifie, diffolve, cal-
cine, corrupt Metalls , and reduce them to no-
thing.
How the fume Crude Sulphur fhews its enmity in the fume thereof;
ofSulphur
doth difcolour for by its fume it takes away from Copper its co-
metalls. lour, and redneffe, and makes it white. From white
Metalls, as Silver, Tinne, Lead, and Iron it takes
away the whiteneffe, and makes them red, and yel-
lowish . From Gold it takes away that faire ami-
able yellowneffe , and golden colour , and makes
it black, and fo foule , that nothing can bee more
foule.
How Antimo- Antimony fhews its enmity in this, in that all Me-
ny fpoiles and talls withwhich it is melted, or mixed, it fpoiles,
difcolours me- carryeth away, and preys upon,and alſo not unlike to.
talls,
Sulphur , by its fume it takes away from Metalls
their crue, and naturall colour , and brings in an-
other.
Quick-filver Quick filver doth defroy Metalls upon this ac-
diftroyes me- compt, in that it enters into Metalls, with which it is
talls, and how. joined , and diffolves them , fo as that it makes an
Amalgama of them : Wherefore the fume thereof,
which wee call common Mercury, makes all Metalls
brittle, that they cannot be malleated, and calcines
them, alfo it makes all red Metalls of a golden co-
lour.
LIB.I. Ofthe Nature ofthings: 23
lour, to bee white : but it is the greateſt enemie of all

to Iron, and Steel; for if common Mercury doe but
touch a barre ofIron, or Steel, or that be but ſmeared
over with Mercuriall oile, that bar will afterward be
broken like glaffe, and be bowed, which indeed is a
great fecret, and deferves to be kept exceeding clofe.
In like manner muft the Loadſtone be kept from
Mercury, for the like enmity it fhews to that as to
Iron. For any Loadſtone that Mercury hath but How the load
touched,or which hath been ſmeered with Mercuriall tone may be
oyle , or only put into Mercury , will never draw fpoyled,
Iron more. Let no man wonder at this , for there
is a naturall caufe for it, and it is this , viz. becauſe
Mercury extracts the fpirit ofIron,which was hid in
the Loadſtone , which fpirit draws the fpirit ofIron
to it and this is not onlyin the Loadſtone , but in
all naturall things elfe, fo that alwaies a ſtrange ſpi
rit in a body which is not of the fame Nature with
it felfe, drawes to it felf a body which is of the
fame Nature and this wee must knowto bee fo,
not only in the Load-ftone , but alfo in all other
naturall things,as Mineralls , Stones, Hearbs, Roots,
Men, and Brutes.
That Metalls have an enmity, and hate one the What antipa-
other naturally,as you fee in Lead,which is naturally thy thereme-
betwixt is
a very great enemy to Gold. For it breaks afunder talls them
all parts of Gold, it makes it foule, weak, fpoiles, felves,
and deftroyes it even to death, more then any other

Metall.
Tin alfo hates, and is an enemy to all Metalls for

it makes them bafe, immalleable, hard, unprofitable,
if it bee mixed with them in the fire, or in melting..
Since therefore you have nowheard of the Enemies
of
24 Ofthe Natureofthings. LIB. III.
of Metalls, you muſt next know their preſervatives ,

which keep themfrom all manner of hurt, or corrup
tion, alfo ftrengthen them in their Nature , and
vertue, and exalt their colour.
Gold
ferv pre-
is boye
ed in s First therefore concerning Gold, you muſt know,
urine.
that it cannot bee preferved better, and fairer then
in boyes urine,in which Salt Armoniack is diffolved,
or in water alone of Salt Armoniack. In them in
time the colour is fo highly exalted that it can bee
exalted no higher.
How filver is
preferved. Silver cannot be better preferved then ifit be boi-
led in common Water, or Vineger, in which Tartar
or Salt have been diffolved. So any old Silver, 2 that
is made black, and fouled, is renewed by being boi-
How Iron
and Steel led in theſe waters : The beft prefervative for Iron
may be pre- and Steel is the lard of a Barrow- hog not falted,
ferved.
which indeed preferves Iron , and Steel from ruft,
if once every moneth they be fmeered over with it.
Alfo if Iron bee melted with fixt Arfenicke, it will be
fo renewed and fixt, that it will like Silver never con-
HowCopper
is preferved. tract ruft. Copper may be preferved , if it bee only
mixed with fublimed Mercury, or bee fmeered over
with the oyle of Salt,and fo it will never any more be
grown over with verdegreaſe.
How Leadis
Lead can no wayes bee better preferved then in
preferved.
cold Earth, and in a moift place , according to the
How the
Nature thereof. The Load-ftone is preferved beft
Load-ftone is
preſerved. of all with the filings of Iron , and Steel , for by
this meanes it is never weakened,but daily ftreng-
thened.
The preferva- Now concerning the prefervation of Salts, and all
tion ofSalts .
things, that are of a faltish Nature, and may be com
prehended under the name of Salt ( of which there are
more
25
LIB.III. Ofthe Nature ofthings.
more then T an hundred forts ) you must know that

they are tobee preferved in a hot dry place, and in
woodden veffells, not in Glaffe , Stone , or Metalls :
for in thoſe they are diffolved and become a Water,
and an Amalgama which cannot be in Wood.
Moreover you muſt know how Cſome kind of
Waters, and Liquors preffed out of hearbs,roots,and The preferva
tion of liquors
all other fruits , and Vegetables , which doe eafily with oils.
contract filth, and flime as ifa skin were spread over
them,may be preferved . Thefe Waters therefore,and
Liquors muft bee put up into glaffes that are narrow
towards the top, and wide below, and the glaffes be
filled to the top, then adde a few drops ofoyl Olive,
that all the Water, or Liquor may bee covered: fo
the Oyl will ſwim on the top, and preferve the Li-
quor, or Water along time from filth or fime . For
there is no Water, or liquor if it bee covered with
oyl , that will bee mufty, or ofan ill favour.
By this means alfo may two forts of Water, of
Liquors of Wine bee kept apart in one veffell , that
they may not bee mixed : and not only two forts,but
three, four, five, and more, if only the oyle bec put
betwixt : For they are fevered by the Oyle, as by a
wall,which wil not fuffer them to bejoined together,
and united, for oyland water aretwo contraries, and
neither can be mixed with the other : For as the Oyle
will not fuffer the Waters tobe united , fo on the con-
trary,theWater will not fuffer the Oyls to be mixed.
Now to preferve Cloath, and Garments from How clothes
moths , there is no better way then with Ma- are preferved.
stick , Camphire ,Amber Gryfe , and Muske
and Civet , which indeed is the best of all ,
which doth not only preferve them from moths
Dd but
Of the Nature ofthings LIBIII
but alſo drives away moths,and all other vermine , as

Fleas , Lice, &c.
How all forts Alſo all manner of Woods,as in Houfes , Bridges,
of Wood may Ships, or wherefoever they be, may bee preferved fo
be preferved.
that they will never bee putrefied, either in waters, or
under waters,orout ofwater in the earth , under the
earth or above the earth, whether they be fet in the
rain, or wind, aire,fnow, or ice, in winter,or fummer;
alfo that they be not worm-eaten,nor that any worms
may breed in them whenfoever they bee cut. Now
this prefervative is a great Arcanum againſt all kinds
of putrefactions, yea fo excellent a fecret that none
may bee compared to it. And it is nothing elſe but
Fixed oyle of Oyle of Sulphur, the proceffe whereof is this. Let:
Fulphur,
common yellow. Sulphur bee powdered , and puc
into a Gourd glaffe, upon whichlet there be poured
fo much ofthe ſtrongeſt Aquafortis , that may cover
it three fingers breadth : then draw it oft by diftilla
tion,three, or four times ; and last of all; till it be dry.
Let the Sulphur that remaines in the bottome be
ing of a black, fad red colour,be put upon marble, or
in a glaffe, and it will eafily bee diffolved into Oyle,
which is a great fecret in preferving of Wood from.
putrefacton, and wormes. For this Oyle doth fo
tinge the wood that is nointed with it, that it can
never bee washed out of it againe. Many more
things may bee preſerved with this Oil ofSulphur,
from putrefaction, as ropes, cords in fhips,and mafts,
of fhips, in carts , fishing- nets, and gins which
Fowlers,and Hunters ufe,and fuch like, which are of
tentimes uſed in waters, or raine, and are otherwiſe
eafily rotted, and broken,fo alfo linnen clothes, and
many other fuch like things.,
Alfox
L1B. III. Ofthe Nature of things 27
Alfo you muſt know how potable things are to be Which arepo-
preferved , by which wee underſtand Wine, Beer , tab
andle how they,
Meade, Vineger, and Milke . Now ifwe would are preferved.
preferve thefe from harm, and in their full vertue, it
is very neceffary that you know well what is an E-
nemie tothem, and that is menftruous women : for
if they doe handle the forefaid things , 2 or have Which is an e-
nemie to them.
any thing to doc about them, or looke, or breath
upon them, they corrupt them. For Wine is thereby
changed, and become thick,Beer , and Mead grow
fowre, Vineger grows dead, and loſeth its ſharpneſſe:
and Milke grows fowre, and curded.
This therefore you muſt well know, before
you come to prefervé each of theſe in particu-
lar.
Wine is preferved chiefly by Sulphur , and the How Wine is
Oyle of Sulphur, by which all Wine may bee prefer- preferved by
ved a long time, fo that it be neither thick, nor any Sulphur.
other way changed.
Beere is preferved with Oyle of Cloves , if fome Beere is prefer-
drops thereof bee put into it, to every Gallon two ved with oyle
or three drops, or, which is better, with the Oyl of ofCloves,
the root of Avens, which doth preferve Beer from
fowring.
Meade is preferved with Oyl of Sugar,which muft Mead is pre-
bee uſed as the Oyle of Cloves aboveſaid .
ferved with
oyle
Vineger is preferved with Oyle of Ginger, which gre
muſt be uſed as the Oyle of Cloves aboveſaid . How of Sugar.
Vineger
is preferved.
Milke is preferved with Oyle of Almonds made How Milke is
by expreffion , which muſt bee uſed asthe Oyle of preferved.
Cloves abovefaid.
Cheeſe is preferved with St. Johns wort from Cheeſe is pre-
worms, for ifit doth but touch it , no worme will ferved with St.
Dd 2 breed Johns wort.

+
Ofthe Natureofthings, LIB. III,
breed init: and if there bee any in before , it will

kill them, and make them fall out of the Cheeſe.
How Hopey is Honey hath no peculiar prefervative, onely that it
to be preferved. may bee kept from its Enemie. Now its chiefEne-
What its chief
mie is bread : for if a little bread made of Corne bee
enemic is,
but put, or falnin into it, all the Honey is turned
into Emmots, and ſpoiled.
197
ર
LIB.IV.
AAA
qpAAAAPAAAAAAAAA
Æ Æ HÆ Æ Æ ÆER
OF THE
NAT VRE
Of Things.
THE FOURTH BOOK .
Ofthe life of Naturall
things. -75
mancan deny that Aire gives life to all What ufe their
Aire is for, as
things, bodies , and fubftances , that are to the lifeof
N
produced , and generated of the Earth, things . 2
Now you muſt know what , and what
manner of thing the life of every thing in particular
is, and it is nothing elfe then a fpirituall effence , a What the life
thing that is invifible, impalpable , a ſpirit, and fpiri- of things is.
tuall. Wherefore there is no corporeall thing,which What things
hath not a ſpirit lying hid in it, as alfo a life,which, as have life,
Dd3 I
30
Ofthe Nature ofthings,
LIB.IV.
I faid before, is nothing but a fpirituall thing. For
not only that hath life which moves , and ſtirres
as Men, Animalls, Vermine of the earth , Birds in
the Aire, Fish in the fea, but alſo all corporeall , and
fubftantiall things . For here wee muſt know that God
in the beginning of the Creation of all things, crea-
ted no body at all without its fpirit, which it ſecretly
contains in it.
What is the
body without a fpirit ? Nothing
difference be- For what is the
twixt the Spirit at all. Wh er efore the fpirit contains in it fecretly the
and the Body. Vertue, and power of the thing , and not the body.
For in the body there is death, and the body is the
ſubject of death, neither is any elſe to be fought for
in the body, but death .
The Spirit ne- For that may feverall wayes bee deftroyed , and
ver dyes.
corrupted, but the ſpirit cannot. For the living fpi-
fit remains for ever, and alfo is the ſubject of life :
and preferves the body alive, but in the ruine ofthe
body it is feparated from it , and leaves behind it a
dead body,and returnes to its place, from whence it
came, vi , into the Chaos, and the Aire ofthe
and lower Firmament. Hence it appears that up thpe
erer
are divers fpirits, as well as divers bodies.

The division of For there are fpirits Celestiall,Infernall, Humane,
the ae-
cording to the Metalline, Minerall, of Salts, of Gemmes, of Mar-
variety of bo- Cafites, of Arfenicks, of Potable things , of Rootes,
dies.
of Juices , of Flesh, of Blood , of Bones, &c . Where-
The Spirit is fore alfo know that the fpirit is moft truly the life.
the life of all and balfome of all Corporeall things. But now wee
Corporeall
things. will proceed to the fpecies, and briefly defcribe to you
in this place the life of every naturall thing in parti-
cular.
The
LIBIV Ofthe Natureofthings. 31
The life therefore of all men is nothing else but What the life
of man is.
an Aftrall balfome, a Balſamick impreffion, and a
celeftiall inviſible Fire, an included Aire, and atin-
ging fpirit of Salt. I cannot name it
1 more plainly,
although it bee fet out by many names. And
fecing wee have declared the best , and chicfeft ,
wee fhall bee filent in thefe which are leffe mate-
riall.
The life of Metalls is a fecret fatneffe, which they Whas the life
have received from Sulphur, which is manifeft by of Metalls is

their flowing , for every thing that flowes in the
fire, flowes by reafon of that fecret fatneffe that is
in it unleffe that were in it, no Metall could flow,
as wee fee in Iron , and Steel , which have leffe
Sulphur , and fatneffe then all the other Metalls ,
wherefore they are of a dryer Nature then all the
reſt.
The life of Mercury is nothing else but the inter- What the life
nallheat, and externall coldneffe, ie . it makes the of Mercury is.
internall part of its body hot , and the outward Mercury is like
to agarment
part cold, and therefore might well bee compa- ofskins;
་ red to a garment made of skins, which doth even
as Mercury make hot, and cold. For if a man
wears fuch a garment it makes him warme , and
keeps him from the cold but if the ſmooth part
of thofe skins bee put upon his naked body , it
makes him cold , and is good againſt too much
heat; wherefore it was a cuftome in ancient time,
and ſtill is in fome places, to weare skins as well in
Summer , as in Winter , as against cold in the
one, fo againſt heat in the other in Summer they
turn the ſmooth fide inward , and the hairy fide
outward; and in Winter the hairy fide inward, and
the
Of the Nature ofthings. LIB.IV.
I
at the fmoothfide outward. As therefore you have
heard of the garment of skins, fo alfo it may bee
faid of Mercury..
What the life
i The life of Sulphur is a combustible, ftinking fat--
ofSulphur is.
neffe, for whilft it burns, and ftinks, it may be faid to
be alive.
What the life
Now the life of all Salts is nothing else but the
of Salts is.
fpirit of Aqua fortis for that water being drawne
from " them ,that which remains in the bottome , is
14.3 called Dead earth.
What the life The life of Gemmes , and Coralls is only their
ofGemmes colour, which withſpirit of Wine may be taken from
and Coralls is.
them .
What the life The life of Pearls is nothing elſe but their fplendor ,
of Pearls is.
which they lofe in calcination.
What the life The life of the Loadftone is the fpirit of Iron ,
of the Load- which may bee extracted, and taken away with fpirit
ftone is.
ofWine.
The life of
Flints what. The life of Flintes is a mucilaginous mat-
ter.
The life of The life of Marcafites , Cachymia , Talcum ,
Marcafites
what. Cobaltum,Zimri, Granata,Wifmat, and ofAntimo-
ny is a tinging Metalline fpirit.
The life of The life of Arfenickes, Auripigment, Operment,
Arfenicks.
Realgar, and fuch like matters,is a Minerall,and co-
agulated poifon.
The life of
The life of Excrements , .e.of mans dung,or beaſts
Excrements.
dung is their ftinking fmell, for this being loft they
are dead.
The life of
The life of Aromaticall things, viz. of Muske,
aromaticall
things. Amber Gryfe , Civet , and whatfoever yeelds a
ftrong , good , and fweet fmell, is nothing elfe
but that gratefull odour:for if they lofe this they are
dead and ofno ufe. The
LIB.IV. Ofthe Nature of things, 33
་་
The life of fweet things, as of Sugar, Honey , fw The lifeof
eet th ings,
Manna, Caffia,and fuch like is in their tinging, andfub
tile fweetneffe, for ifthat ſweetneſſe bee taken from
them by diftilling, or fubliming they are dead,umpro-
fitable, and nothing worth.
The life of all Rozzens, as Amber, Turpentine, The lifeof
Gumme, is the muciliginous fhining fatneffe , which Rozzen,
gives that excellent verniſh to them all : for when
they will yeeld no more verniſh,and loſe their ſhining,
they are dead.
The life of Hearbs,Roots,Apples, and other fuch The life of
like fruit,is nothing elfe but the liquor of the Earth, Plants,
which they loſe of their own accord , if they do but
want water,and Earth.
The life of Wood is a certaine Rozzen , for The life of
Wood.
any wood if it want Rozzen can live no lon-
ger.
The life of
The life ofBones is the liquor of Mummie. Bones.
The life of flesh, and blood is nothing else but the The life of flefli
fpirit of Salt, which preferves them from ftinking,
and putrefaction, and is of it felfe as water ſeparated
from them .
Now concerning the life of Elements, you muſt The life of
every Element
know that the life of Water is its running. For
whenby the coldneffe ofthe Firmament it is con-
gealed into ice , it is dead , and its mischievouf-
neffe is taken from it, that no body can bee drowned
in it.
The life of Fire is Aire,for Aire makes fire burne What the he
with greater vehemency , and heate : Alfo there ofFire is.
cometh forth from all Fire a kind of Aire, which
will blow out a candle, and drives up a feather, as
you may dayly fee before your eyes. Wherefore
Ec the
34 Ofthe Nature ofthings, LIB. IV.
the flame of Fire is choaked if it bee ſo ſtopt up,

that it can neither receive in Aire,and let out its own
Aire.
What the life The Aire lives by, and ofit felfe, and gives life to all
of Aire is,
other things .
What the life The earth of it felfe is dead, but the Element ofit
of Earth is, is aninvifible, and fecret life.
OF
LIB. V. 35
OF THE
NATVRE
Of Things .
THE FIFTH BOOK,
‫تا‬
Of the Death, or ruine ofall
things .
He death of all naturall things is nothing What Death is

elfe but an alteration and deftruction of
their powers,and vertues, a predominancy
of that which is evill , and an overcoming
of what is good, an abolishing of the former nature,
and generation of a new, and another nature. For
you muſt know that there are many things that,
whilſt they are alive, have in them ſeverall vertues,
but when they are dead retaine little or nothing of
Ee a their
36 Of the Nature ofthings. LIB.V.
their vertue, but become unfavory, and unprofita-

ble. So on the contrary many things, whileft they
live, are bad, but after they are dead,and corrupted,
manifeft a manifold power, and vertue, and are very
ufefull. Wee could bring many examples to con-
firme this , but that doth not belong to our pur-
pofe. But that I may not feem to write accor
ding to mine own opinion only, but out of my ex-
perience, it will bee neceffary that I produce one
example, with which I ſhall filence thofe Sophifters,
who fay, that wee can receive nothing from dead
things, neither muft we feek , or expect to find any
thing in them. The reafon is, becauſe they do efteem
nothing ofthe preparations of Alchymifts,by which
many fuch like great fecrets are found out . For looke
upon Mercury, crude Sulphur, and crude Antimony,
as they are taken out of their Mines, i.e. whileft they
are living, and fee what little vertue there is in them,
how flowly they put forth their vertues, yea they do
more hurt, then good, and are rather poiſon, then a
Medicine. But if through the induſtry of a skilfull
Alchymift,they bee corrupted in their firſt ſubſtance,
The preparati- and wifely prepared ( ifMercury be coagulated,
on of Mercury
Sulphur and precipitated,fublimed , diffolved, and turned into an
Antimony oyle, if Sulphur bee fublimed, calcined, reverbera-
ted, and turned into an oyle , alfo if Antimony bee
fublimed, calcined, and reverberated and turned into
oyle) you fhall fee how usefull they are, how much
ftrength, and vertue they have , and how quickly
they put forth,and fhewtheir efficacy, which no man
is able to ſpeak enough in the commendation of or
to defcribe. For many are their vertues , yea more
then will ever bee found out by any man.Wherefore
let
LIB.V. Ofthe Nature ofthings. 37
let every faithfull Alchymift, and Phyfitian ſpend
their whole lives in fearching into thefe three : For
they will abundantly recompenfe him for all his la
bour, ftudy, and cofts.
But to come to particulars, and to write particu
larly of the death, and deftruction of every naturall
thing, and what the death of every thing is,and after
what manner every thing is deftroyed , you muſt
know therefore in the first place, that the death of What
Deaththe
of man
man is without doubt nothing elſe, but an end ofhis
daily work, the taking away ofthe Aire,the decaying
of the Naturall balfome , the extinguiſhing of
the naturall light, and the great feparation of the
•
three fubftances, viz. the body, foule , and ſpirit ,
and their return from whence they came. For be-
cauſe a naturall man is of the earth , the Earth alfo
is his Mother, into which hee muſt return,and there
muft lofe his natural earthly flesh,and fo be regenera
ted at the laſt day in a new celeftiall , and purified
flesh , as Chrift faid to Nicodemus when hee came to
him by night. For thus muſt theſe words bee under-
tood of regeneration .
The death, and deftruction of Metalls is the dif What the de-
tion of
ftru&
joining of their bodies , and fulphureous fatneffe , Metalls is,
which may bee done feverall ways, as by calcination,
reverberation ,diffolution, cementation , and fublima-
tion.
But the calcination of Metalls is not of one fort: Calcination of
Metalls is ma
for one is made with Salt,another with Sulphur,ano- nifold.
ther with Aqua fortis , and another with com-
mon Sublimate , and another with Quickfil-
ver.
What Calci
Calcination with Salt is that the Metall be made nation with
Ec 3 into Salt is
Of the Nature ofthings. LIB.V.
38
into very thin plates,and ftrowed with Salt, and ce-
mented.
Calcination Calcination with Sulphur is, that the Metall bee
with Sulphur . made into thin plates,and ftrowed with Sulphur, and
reverberated.
Calcination Calcinaion with Aqua fortis , is that the Me-
with Aqua for- tall bee made very ſmall, and diffolved in Aqua for-
tis.
tis, and precipitated in it.
Calcination Calcination with fublimed Mercury is this , that
with Subli.
mate the Metall bee made into thin plates , and that the
Mercury bee put into an earthen veffell narrow to-
wards the top, and wide at the bottome ; and then
let it be fet into a gentle fire made with coales,which
muftbee blowed a little untill the Mercury begin to
fume, and a white cloud goe forth of the mouth of
the veffel , then let the Plate of the Metall bee put
into the top ofthe veffel, and fo the fublimed Mer-
cury wil penetrate the Metall, and make it as brittle
as a ſtone of coal .
with Quickfil- Calcination with Quick-filver , is that the Me-
ver. tall bee made very ſmall, and thin, and be amalgama-
ted with Quick - filver, and afterward the Quick-filver
bee ftrained through Leather, and the Metall remain
in the Leather like chalke , or fand .
Divers other Now befides theſe mortifications of Metalls , and
forts of morti- deftructions of their lives, know alſo that there are
fication of me-
talls. yet more. For ruft is the death of all Iron, and Steel,
and all vitriall,burnt braffe is mortified Copper : all
precipitated, fublimated, calcined Cinnabar is mor-
tified Mercury, all Cerufe, and Minium of Lead is
mortified Lead,all Lazure is mortified Silver: alſo all
Gold from which its tincture , Quinteffence , Roz-
zen, Crocus, Vitriall , or Sulphur is extracted, is
dead,
LIB.V. Ofthe Nature of things: 39
dead, becauſe it hath no more the form of Gold,

but is a white Metall like fixed Silver.
But let us proceed to fhew how Metalls may bee

yet further mortified . First therefore of Iron, know A two fold
that that is mortified,and reduced into Crocus this preparation of
way. Make Steel into very thin plates : Make thefe tis
Crocus Mar
plates red hot, and quench them in the beſt Wine-
Vineger, doe this fo often til the Vineger hath con-
tracted a confiderable redneffe, then diſtil of the Vi
neger, til therebee nothing but a dry powder re-
maining. This is a moft excellent Crocus Mar
tis.
There is alſo another way of making Crocus
Martis, which doth partly exceed the former, and is
made with farre leffe cofts , and pains , and it is
this.
Strow upon the plates of Steel , Sulphur , and
Tartar, being both in a like quantity ; then reverbe

rate them , and this wil produce a moſt excel-
lent Crocus , which muſt bee taken off from the
plates .
Alfo you muſt know, that every plate of Iron,
or Steel, ifit bee melted with Aqua fortis , will alfo
make a very fair Crocus; fo alfo it is made with oyle
of Vitriall, fpirit of Salt, Allum water , the water
of Salt Armoniacke , and of Salt Nitre, as alfo
with fublimated Mercury, all which mortifie Iron,
and bring it into a Crocus ; but none of theſe
latter wayes is to bee compared to the two for-
mer, for they are only uſed in Alchymie , and
not at all in Phyficke ; wherefore in this , ufe
only the two former, and let alone the rest.
The
Ofthe Natureofthings. LIB. V.
Themortifica The mortification of Copper,viz. that it may be

tion of Cop- reduced into Vitriall, Verdegreafe , may bee done
pet.
many wayes,and there are more proceffes in it , yet
The Vitriall one far better then another, and one more profitable
of Copper is then another.Wherefore it is moft convenient here to
ma detwo
waycs fet down the beft, and moft profitable, and to bee
filent in the reft. The best therefore,the moſt eaſy,and
exacteſt way of reducing Copper into Vitriall is this.
Let plates of Copper bee dipt in fpirit of Salt,

orSalt - Petre, and let them bee hanged in the Aire
until they begin to be green,which indeed wil quick.
ty be, wash off this greenneffe with cleer fountaine-
water, drythe plates with fome cloath, and wet them
again with the spirit of Salt, and Salt Nitre, and do
again as before, fo long until the water bee appa
rently green, or much Vitriall fwim on the top :
then poure away the water, or evaporate it, and thou
hafta moſt excellent Vitriall for medicine. In Al-
chymie there is not a fairer, more excellent, and bet-
ter Vitriall then what is made by Aquafortis, or A-
qua regis, or spirit of Salt Armoniacke. And the pro-
ceffe is this .
Let plates of Copper be melted with one of the a

forefaid waters, &as foon as the greeness isextracted,
and the plates dryed,let the greenefs be taken offwith
the foor of a Hare,or fome other way as you pleaſe,
as Cerufe is taken offfrom the plates of Lead : let

them bee again wetted as before, until the plates bee
wholly confumed, thereby is made a most glorious
Vitriall , that thou canst not chooſe but wonder at
it.
How water of The water ofSalt Petre is made thus. Purifie, and
Salt petre and
Salt-armoni- powder it; afterwards diffolve it of it felfe in a blad-
ack is made. der
LIB.V. Ofthe Nature of things
bladder , put in boylingwater. So thou shalt have

the water ofSalt Petre.
The water of Salt Armoniacke is made thus : Cal-
cine Salt Armoniack , and diffolve it in a Cellar
upon a Marble, and this is water of Salt Armoni,
ack. csiberoni prom yli vol
But to make Verdegreaſe out of Copper,there are Verdegreafe
divers wayes which it is not needful here to recite may be made
two wayes.
Weefhall defcribe only two,but with a double pre
paration, vi The one for Phyficke , the other for
Alchymie. The proceffe therefore of Verdegreaſe
to be used in Phyfick is this horts cop15fthod :
Take plates of Copper, whichwet over with the How verde-

greafe to be
following matter.noTake Honey, ands Vineger of fed in phy-
each likequantity
a of Saltas much aswil forvoto fick is to be
make them up into a thick pat , Mixe them well to prepared.
gether , then put them into a reverberatory, or Pbt-
ters furnace fo long as the Potter is birning his pars
and thou shalt fee the matter that itkes no the ad ofsisang
•ydɔlA ni bəlir
plates to bee very black bürlernot that trouble thee.
For it thou fetreft those plates in the Air the
black matter wil in a few days becomegtore to ant
become a most excellent Verdegreafe, dvhich may
bee calledtheBalfome of Copper, and is anymon The Balfom of
ded by all Phyfitions. But nevertheleffed and thom Copper.
wonder that this Verdegreafe becomes green in this
Aire, and that the Aire can change the blacknolo
inrollo fairagreen-Vezist somi ben eed liw 29lq
& For here thou muſt know that daily exparidade im Alte changeth
Alchyinie doch fhewythat any cidade candy Caput the Colours of
things burnt.
Mortuum,asfoon as it cohesion of the ferbintofole worl
Adreydorkquickly geranosqqplot, and laves its 10 m
eivifcoloy which gopin the few Fortbekhanges 15 bem od
to 912
u
al Ff zof
42 Of the Nature ofthings. LIB.V
of thoſe colours are various. For as the matter is ,fo

are the colours that are made, although for the most
part they flow from the blackneſſe ofthe dead earth.
For you that are skilful in Alchymie fee that the dead
earth of Aquafortis comes black from the Fire, and
by how many more ingredients there bee in it ,
by fo much the more varioutly doe the colours
fhew themſelves in the Aire fometimes they feem
red , as Vitriall makes them fometimes yellow ,
white, green, blew fometimes mixt , as in the Rain-
bow, or Peacocks taile. All thoſe cololours thew
themſelves after the death, and by the death of
the matter. For in the death of all naturall
slo strong
things here/ are feen other colours, which are chan-
dor ai bagedfrom the firftcolourin other colours, every one
benzgeraaccording to its nature, and property, cu mot dam
preparati- Now wowilspeakof that Verdegreafe which is to

The
on of Verde- boyfed in Alchymie: The preparation , and proceffe
greafe tobe ofthat is this, 11 de bus
ufed
me. in Alchy- Maevery thinplates of Copper, ftrow upon them
Sak ,Sulphu , and Tartar ground, and mixed toge

ther, of each like quantityin a great calcining pot.
Then deverberaterheventy foupe hotires with a
To mollel od T AroughFire, ba foghatthe plates ofCoppellato not
melt, then take them our and break the poty and fer
the planes with the matter that Aicks to them into
the Aire foriafew dayes, and the matter upon the
plates wil bee turned into a faire Verdegrease, which
Anababang Gorfodingwaters! farersofExaltation,
20 Paulo franchin Cements,and in colouring offGold,doth tinge
How Es v Gold and Silver with flodcup.colouratio
frum, or Cro- ati Nowlton tunnelCappeorintos byhich
cus of Copper
isto be made .. iscalled the root of: Copper dothe proceffevis
this » 17 Let
LIB.V. Ofthe Nature of things. 43
Let Copper be made into thin plates, and be ſmee-

red over with Salt made into a paſt with the beſt Vi
neger, then let it be put into a great Crucible , and
fet in a wind furnace, and be burnt in a ſtrong Fire
for a quarter ofan houre, but fo that the plates melt
not let theſe plates being red hot bee quenched in
Vineger, in which Salt Armoniack is diffolved , al-
waies halfan ounce in a pint of Vineger; let the plates
bee made red hot again,and quenched in Vineger as
before, alwaics fcraping, or knocking off the fcales
which tickto the plates after quenching , into the
Vineger. Do this ſo long, until the plates ofCopper
bee in good part confumed by this means : then diſtil
off the Vineger, or let it vapour away in an open
veffel, and bee coagulated into a moft hard ſtone. So
thou haft the best Crocus of Copper, the ufe whereof
is in Alchymie.Many make Crocus of Copper by ex-
tracting of it with the ſpirit ofWine, or Vineger, as
they do Crocus Martis : But I commend this way far
above it.
Now the mortification of Quickfilver that it may The fublimati

on of Quick-
bee fublimed, is made with Vitriall , and Salt, with filver.
which it is mixed,and then fublimed, ſo it becomes
as hard as Cryſtall,and as white as fnow but to bring
it to a Precipitate,the proceffe is this :
Let it first be calcined with the beſt Aquafortis, then How to make
a fixt Precipi-
diftil off the Aquafortis, and do this about five times, tat Diaphore-
until the Precipitate become to bee ofa faire red co- ticall,
lour : Dulcifie this precipitate as much as thou canft:
And lastly poure upon it the best rectified spirit of
Wine you can get,diftil it offfrom it eight , or nine
times , or ſo often until it be red hot in the fire,and
doe not fly:thenthou haft a Diaphoretical precipita-
ted Mercury. Ff2 Morcover
Of the Nature ofthings; LIEVA
How to make Moreover, you must take notice of a great fecret

a fweet Preci .
pitate, concerning precipitated Mercury, viz., if after it is
coloured, it bee dulcified with water offalt of Tartar,
pouring it upon it,and diftilling ofit offfo often, until
the water rifeth no more fharp from the Precipitate,
but bee manifeftly fweet ; then thou haft a precipi-
And the uſe of tate as sweet as fugar, or honey,which in all wounds,
it
Elcers,and Venereal Difeafe is for excellent a fecret
that no Phyfitian need defire a better.
Befides it is a great comfort to defpairing Alchy.
mifts. For ir doth augment Gold , and hath ingreffe
into Gold, and with it Gold remafnes ſtable , and
good. Although there is much pains,and fweat requi
red to this Precipitate, yet it wilfufficientlyrecom
penfe thee for thy pains,and cofts , and wil yeeld thee
more gain, then can bee got by any Art or Trade
whatſoever : Thou maift wel therefore rejoice in this
and give God,and mee thanks for it.
How Quick-
Now that Quickfilver may bee coagulared , I faid
filver may be that that muft beedone in fharp Aqua fortis , which
Coagulated.
muft bee drawn offby Diftillation, and then the Pre-
How Quickfil cipitate is made. But that Quickfilver may bee
may be brought into a Cinnabar you muft firftmortifie, and
turned to Cin ,
nabar. melt it with Salt, and yellow Sulphur, and bring it
into a white powder, then put itin agourd, and put
upon it Alude or head, and fublime it in the greatest:
Aux you can, as the manner is, fo the Cinnabar will
afcend into the Aludel, and ſtick as hard as the ftone
Hematites.
There are two The mortification of Lead to bring it to a Cerufe
rufe. of Ce
kinds is twofold, the one for Medicine, the other for Al
The preparati chymie. The preparation of Cerufe for Medicine is
en of them. this::
Háng
LIB VA Ofthe Nature of things, 45
Hang plates of Lead in a glazed pot over ftrong
Wine vineger, the pot beingwell ftopt that the fpi
rits doe not exhale : put this pot into warm afhes, or
in the Winter into a furnace, then alwaies after ten or
fourteen dayes, thou fhalt find very good Cerufe
fticking to the plates, which ſtrike off with the foot
of a Hare :then put the plates over the Vineger again,
untill thou haft enough Cerufe.
Now the other preparation of Cerufe for Alchy
mie is like the former, only that in the Vineger muft
bee diffolved a good quantity of the beſt, and fairest
Salt Armoniack, forby this means thou fhalt pur
chaſe a moſtfaire, and beautifull Cerufe, for the pur
ging of Finne, and Lead, andthe whitening ofCop
per
But if wee would make Minium of Lead, we muft Thepreparatio
firft calcine it with Salt into Calx,and then burn it in on of Minium
out of Lead.
aglazed veffel, alwaies ftirring it with an Iron rod,till
it be red. This is the beſt,and chiefelt Minium,and it
is tobe uſed as wel in Phyfick as Alchymic : but the
other which Mercers fell in their fhops is nothing
worth. It is made only of the afhes ,which remaine of
the Lead in the melting of it, which alfo Potters ufe
to glaze their veffells , and fuch Minium is uſed
for Painting, but not for Phyficke , or Alchy
inie.
Now that Lead may bee brought into yellow The Crocus of:
neffe, the preparation of it is not unlike to the prepa Lead,
ration of Minium. For Lead muſt here becalcined
with Salt, and brought to a Calx, andafterwards be
ftirred with an Iron rod in a Broad bafon ,fuch as try-
ers of Mincralls uſe, in a gentle Fire of Coales, dili .
gently taking heed, that there be not too much heat,
Ff. 3 nor:
46 Ofthe Nature ofthings. LIB. V.
nora neglect in ſtirring, for elfe it will flow , and be-

come a yellow glaffe . And fo thou haft a fair, yellow
Crocus of Lead.
Howthe The mortification of Silver, that ofit maybe made
Azure Colour the Azure colour , or ſomething like to it , is
is made of
filver. thus:
Take plates of Silver,and mix them with Quickfil-

ver, and hang them in a glazed pot over the beſt Vi-
neger, in which Gilt - heads have been firſt boiled,and
afterward Salt Armoniack,and calcined Tartar have
been diffolved; in all the reft doe as hath been faid
of Cerufe,then alwaies after fourteen days thou fhalt
have a most excellent, and faire Azure colour ftick-
ing to the plates of Silver, which muſt be wiped off
with a Hares foot.
The Mortifis The Mortification of Gold that it may he brought
cation of Gold. into its Arcana, as into a Tincture , Quinteffence,
Refine, Crocus, Vitriall, and Sulphur , and many
other excellent Arcana, which preparations indeed
are many. But becaufe for the mioft part wee have
"
fnfficiently treated of fuch Arcana in other bookes,
as the extraction of the Tincture of Gold , the Quin-
teffence of Gold, the Mercury of Gold, the Oile of
Gold, Porable Gold,the Refine of Gold,the Crocus
of Gold, and in the Archidoxis, and elſewhere, wee
conceive it needleffe here to repeat them. But what
Arcana were there omitted, wee fhall here fet down,
As the Vitriall of Gold, Sulphur of Gold,which in-
deed are not the leaft, and ought very much to cheer
up every Phyfitian.
But to extract Vitriall out of Gold , the proceffe
is this ,
酱
Take
LIBAV Of the Nature ofthings. 47
Take of pure Gold two, or three pound , which How the ful
phur, and the
beat into thin plates, and hanging them over Boyes Vitriall of
urine mixt with the ftones of grapes,in a large gourd Gold are made
glaffe, well cloſed, which bury in a hot heap of Itones
of Grapes, as they come from the preffe ; when it
hath ftood fourteen dayes,or three weeks, then open
it, and thou shalt find a moft fubtil colour, which is
the Vitriall of Gold fticking to the plates of Gold,
which take off with the foot ofa Hare, as thou haft
heard concerning other Metalls ; as of the plates of
Iron, Crocus Martis, of the plates of Copper , the
Vitriall of Copper and Verdegreafe, of the plates of
Lead, Cerufe, of the plates of Silver the Azure co-
Jour, &c.comprehended under one proceffe, but not
with one manner of preparation. When thou haft
enough of the Vitriall of Gold ; boyle it well in
WILD
Rain-water diftilled, alwaies ſtirring it with a ſpatle,
then the fulphur of the gold is driven up to the fuper-
ficies ofthe water, as fat ,which take off with a fpoon:
Thus alſo doe with more Vitriall. Now after all
AMAT
the Sulphur is taken off, evaporate that raine water
JOT: 0
til it bee all dry, and there will remain the Vitriall
of Gold in the bottome, which thou maiſt cafily
diffolve of ir felfe upon a marble in a moiftplace. In
thefe two Arcana's, viz, the Vitriall of Goldyand
the Sulphur of Gold lies the Diaphoreticall vertue
Ifhal not here fet down their vertues , for in the book 1
of Metallick Diſeaſes, and alfom other bookes wee

have fet them down at large. .1103
or The mortification ofSulphurthat the combuftible
and ftinking fatneffe may bee taken away , and it
broughtinto a fixed fubftance , is thus sa
Cumilin
has Take
ure f hings BV
48 Of the Nat o t . LI
The mortifica
on and Exation Take common yellow Sulphur finely powdered,
of Sulphus and draw from it by diftillation Aqua fortis , that is
very harp, and this doe three times , then the Sul-
phur which is in the bottome of a black colour dulci
fie with distilled water, until the water come from it
fweet, and it retains no more the ftink of Sulphur.
Then reverberate this Sulphur in a cloſe reverberato
ry asyoudoe Antimony, then it will firft be white,
then yellow, and lastly as red as Cinnabar, And when
it is fo, then thou mailtrejoice For it is the begin-
ning of thy riches : This reverberated Sulphur tingeth
Silver moſt deeply into molt excellent Gold, and the
body ofManinto moft perfect health. This reverbe
rated, and fixed Sulphur is of more vertuethen it is
lawfull to fpeak.
The Mortifi-
cation of The mortification of all Salts, and whatſoever is
Salts, faltih , is the taking away , and diftilling offthe
aquofity, and oylineffe,and of the fpirit of them. For
if theſe be taken away,they are afterwards called the
dead Earth,or Caput Mortuum , de cob evde ant
The Mortifi=
cation of The mortification of Gemmes, and Coralls , is
Gemmes, to calcine, fublime, and diffolve them into a liquor ,
as Cryftall. The mortification of Pearls is to calcine
them , and diffolve them in aarp Vinegar into the
form of Milkenny ɔdi u PonsonA own studi
The Mortifi» The mortification ofthe Loadſtone, is to anoint it
cation ofthe
Load- ftone. With the oyle of Mercury, or to put it into Quick-
fles ofor afterward it will nor draw Iron at all
to it. .997si za awob med: 1st svad
The Mortifie The mortification of Flints, and Stones 3 is to
cation offlints
and ſtones. calcine them, er eed your stentat grianift bas
The Mortifie The mortification of Mancabirass Cachiya's
cation of Mare Talke, Cobaltus , Zinri, Granuti,Zunitter, Unifmur ,
and
LIB. V. Ofthe Nature ofthings, 42
and of Antimony is their Sublimation , i.e. that
they bee fublimed with Salt, and Vitriall, then their
life which is a Metallick fpirit, together with the fpi-
rit of Salt, afcends. And let whatfoever remains
in the bottome of the Sublimatory , bee washed ,
that the Salt may bee diffolved from it, and then
thou haft a dead Earth, in which there is no vertuc
The mortification of Arfenickes , Auripigment, The Mortifi-
Operment, Realgar, &c. is , that they flow with Salt cation of Real-
gar.
Nitre, and bee turned into an Oyl, or Liquor upon a
Marble, and be fixed.
The mortification of Excrements, is the coagulati The Mortifi-
cation of ex-
on of Aire.
crements.
The mortification of Aromaticall things is the ta- The Mortifi-
cation of Aro
king away oftheir good fmell. matical things.
The mortif ication of fweet things , is to fublime of Sweet
and diſtill them with corrofive things . things:
The mortification ofAmbers, Refines, Turpentine, Of Refines.
Gumme,and fuch like,is to turn them into Oyle, and
Verniſh.
The mortification of Hearbs, Roots, and fuch like, OfHearbs and
is to diftii offfrom them their oyle, and water , Roots.
and
preffe out their liquor with a preffe, and alſo to make
their Alcali .
The mortification of Wood , is to turne it into OfWood.
Coales,and Afhes .
The mortification of Bones, is their Calcination. Of Bones.
The mortification of Fleſh, and Blood, is the ta- Of Fleſh.
king away of the fpirit of Salt.
The mortification of Water is by Fire,for all heat OfWater.
dries up, and confumes water.
The mortification ofFire is by Water, for all Wa- Of Fire.
ter, quencheth Fire,and takes from it its power,and
force. Gg So
Ofthe Nature ofthings, LIBV
30
So now you are fufficiently inftructed in few
words howdeath lyes hid in all naturall things , and
how they may be mortified, and bee brought into
another form, and nature,and what vertues flow from
them. Whatfoever fhould have been faid further,we
put in the following book, of the Refurrection ofNa-
turall things.
OF
LIEVI
$4AAAALAAAAAEAAAAAA
OF THE
NATVRE
Of Things .
THE SIXTH BOOK.
Of the Refurrection of Naturall
things.
HE Refurrection, and renewing of Natu- The raising

rall things,is not the leaft,but a profound, again of
Naturall
and great fecret in the Nature of things, things.
and rather Divine, and Angelicall , then
Humane, and Naturall .
I defire to bee here underſtood with great diftin-
ction, and no otherwife then my opinion is , and
Nature dothdaily, and manifeftly fhew, and experi-
ence make good, left I ſhould bec expoſed to the lies,
Ggz and
52 Of the Nature ofthings,
LIB. VI.
and flanders of Mountebankes , my enemies ( which
doe conftrue all that I doe in the worft fenfe ) as it
-I
would ufurp the Divine power, and attribute this to
Nature , which thee was never able to performe:
Wherefore wee muft cautiously confider that there is
Death is two a twofold Death, viz. violent, and voluntary. The
fold.
one can raife a thing again, the other not. Wherefore ,
doe not beleeve thofe Sophifters that fay, that a thing
that is once dead, or mortified, can never bee raiſed
again,and that make no account of refufcitation, and
reftauration ofthings, which error indeed of theirs is
notthe leaſt . Andindeed it is true , that whatſoever
dyeth, or perisheth with a naturall death, and what
Nature mortifies by reafon of her predeftination,
God alone can raiſe again, or muſt of neceffity bee
done by his command : fo whatſoever Nature de-
What things , ftroyes , Man cannot reftore again.. But whatſoever
may be raiſed
againe, Man destroyes hee can reſtore again,and being refto-
red spoil again , and Man hath no further power of
himfelfe , and ifhee fhould attempt to doe any thing
more, hee would arrogate the power of God to him-
felfe, and yet hee would labour in vain , and be con-
founded, unleffe God did affift him , or hee had fo
much faith as to remove mountains : Even to fuch a
man , this is poffible, and greater things then this.

Because the Scripture faith , and Chrift himselfe
fpake it . If thou haft fait has a grain of Muſtard-
iced , and faift unto this Mountaine, Goe and
bee removed thither, and it fhall bee removed, and
all things bee poffible to thee, and nothing impof-
fible.
But to return to our purpoſe, what difference then

there is betwixt dying , and being mortified , and
which
LIB. VI. Ofthe Nature ofthings 53
which of theſe may be raiſed again, fo thefe areto
underſtood.rally
bee Whatſoever dies hath
its end by predeftination, and fo the will and ordi-
nation of God permits. Yet it happens that this is What things
can not be rais
alfo done by divers difcafes ,and variouscafualries ,and fed againe.
this can never be raiſed again,neither is there any pre-
fervative to bee uſed against predeftination, and the
naturall term of life. But that which is mortified,
may bee both raiſed again, and revived, which may
bee proved by divers arguments, which wee fhall fet
down inthe end of this book.
Wherefore there is a great difference betwixt dy- It is onething
ing,and being mortified, neither muſt they bee taken to Dye, and o-
for one, and the fame things, under the fame name. bether thing to
For in the very example they are far different. For
look upon a man that dies a naturall, and predeftina-
ted death, what further good , or profit is there in
him? Nothing, hee is only caft into the earth to
L.
worms. For heeis a ſtinking carkaffe , and due to
the earth. 7:300q9 bis 2
But the fame is not to be underſtood ofa man that
is flain with a fword, or dies by fome fuch like vio-
lent death. Forhis whole body is profitable , and
good, and may bee prepared into a moft pretious
Mummie. For although the fpirit of life went out of
fuch a body, yet the balfome in which lies the life
remains , which indeed doth as balfome preferve other
mens bodies. sled older to Stoll in oVY
So you may fee in Metalls, when a Metall is about

to die, it begins to bee overcome with ruft , and as
much as is thus overcome, is dead: and when all the
Metall is devoured with ruft, it is all dead,and fuch a
ruft can never bee reduced into true Metall againe,
Aut Gg3 but
Ofthe Nature ofthings, LILVI.
54
but it becomes only droffe, and not a Metall. For it
it is dead , and death is in it , neither hath it any
more balfome of life , but is quite deſtroyed in it
felfe.
The difference Now the Calx of Metalls, and their afhes are two
betwixt the
Calx of Me- things : And there is a great difference betwixt theſe
talls, and their two,for one may be revived, and brought back again
alhes.
into a Metall, but the other not the one is volatile,
the other fixed , the one died , the other morti-
fied.
What the A- The Ashes is volatile, and cannot be brought back
hes of Metalls into a Metall, only into glaffe , and droffe but the
Calx of Metals is fixed , and maybe be brought back
into its own Metall.
What the But to underſtand the difference , and the cauſe,
Calx of Me know, that in the Afhes there is leffe fatneffe , and
talls is,
more dryneffe then in the Calx, which indeed makes
it fluxil; but the Calx is fatter, and moifter , then
the Athes, and doth ftill retain its refine,and fluxible-
nefs, and especially the Salt, which naturally is Auxil,
and makes Metalls flow, and reduceth them . Hence
now it follows, that the Salt muſt bee extracted out
ofthe Ashes ofMetals, that they may not be brought
back into a Metal, then they are perfectly volatile, and
this difference, and this clauſe is chiefly to bee taken
notice of, for much depends upon it .
The errours of For amongſt Mountebankes this is no ſmall error,
Mountebankes
who in ftead of Potable Gold , the Quinteffence of
concerning
Gold. Gold,Tincture of Gold, &c. have given to men an
impure Calx of Gold, not confidering the difference,
and evill that follows upon it . For there are two re-
markable, and neceffary things to be taken notice of
here, vime of 1 boomber ch mòr mandi a
[3 ] $20 Firft,
LIB.VI. Ofthe Nature ofthings: 53
First, that Gold calcined, or powdered, if it be gi

ven to Men, is gathered into one heap in the fto-
mach, or goeth forth again with the dung,and fo it is
taken in vain, without doing any good; or that which
is reduced bythe great inward heat in mans body,
it gilds over, and makes hard ina cruft , both the
bowells, and ftomach, by reafon of whichthe con-
coction ofthe ftomach is hindred, whence many, and
various fickneffes follow , and at length death it
felfe.
1
As you have heard of Gold, ſo alfo muft it bee When Metal-
like Arcana
underſtood of all the other Metalls , viz. that you are to be taken
take not any Metallick Arcanum , or Medicine into inwardly.
yourbody, unleffe it bee firft made volatile, and it be
reduced into no Metall.
Wherefore the first degree , and beginning to How to make
prepare Potable Gold is this :fo may fuch a Volatile Metalls Pota-
ble and Irre-
bee afterwards diffolved in fpirit of Wine,that both ducible.
may afcend together, bee made volatil, infeparable.
And as youprepare Gold, fo may you alfo prepare
potable D9 ♂ ¥ and 9 .
But to return to ourpurpofe, let us prove byexam- The raiſing a-
ples, and fufficient reafons, that things mortified are gaine of things
is proved by of
hot dead, and forced to abide in death, but may bee theWhelpes
reduced, raiſed again, and revived, and this truly by a Lyon.
man, and according to the courfe of Nature. You
fee Lions how all of them are brought forth dead,
and Firit of all are made alive by the horrible roa
ring of their Parents, as one that is afleep is raifed
with a noife, fo alfo are Lions raiſed , not that they How Lyons
arethus afleep . (for theywhich fleep a naturall fleep are made alive
muft of neceffity rife again , which the Lions of again ,

themſelves doc not. ) For if they were not raiſed
by
56 Of the Nature of things. LIB VIN
by this roaring, they would remain dead , and life

would never bee perceived in them. Wheerefore it
is apparent, that by this roaring they receive their
life.
The reviving So alfo you fee in all Animalls which are not ingen-
ofdead Flies. dered, but proceed from putrefaction, as Flies, which
if they bee drowned in water, that no life at all is
perceived in them,and iftheywere foleft, they would
continue dead , and never return to life of them-
felves any more. But if you caft falt upon them,and
Y: put them in the warme Sunne , or behind a warme
furnace, they will recover their former life, and
this truly is a railing of them up againe. For if
this were not done, they would continue dead for
ever.
The generati- So alfo you fee in a Serpent, if hee be cut into pie-
on of many
ces, and thefe pieces put into a gourd glaffe , and
Serpents of one bee putrefied in Horſe- dung, the whole Serpent
will become living againe in the glaffe , in the
form either ofWorms, or fpawn of Fishes . And if
thofe Wormes bee in a fitting manner brought out
of putrefaction,and nouriſhed, many hundred Ser-
pents will be bred out of one Serpent,whereof every
one will be as big as the first, which is done only by
putrefaction. And as it is faid of the Serpent, fo
alfo many other Animalls maybe railed, and restored
again. by Gollowed
Hermes,and ༩
According to this proceffe Hermes , and Virgil
Virgils
vou ſe have attempted (bythe affiftance of Negromancy)to
endea
r to rai
themfelyes af- renew , and raife themfelves after death, and to bee
ter Death.
born again as infants, but it fucceeded not according
to their purpofe.
-
But
LIB.VI. Ofthe Nature of things. 57:
But to omit examples , and fall upon the Praxis of The nRefufci-
tatio of Me™
Refurrection, and Reftauration, it is neceffary ,and talls is twofold•
moſt convenient to begin with Metalls , forafmuch
as Metalline bodies do oftentimes refemble Mens
bodies.
Wee muſt know the Refur- The reducing
therefore, that
of Metalls in-
rection,and Reftauration of Metalls is twofold.The to Quickefil-
one which doth reduce calcined Metalls into their ver.
firft Metallick body : the other which doth reduce
Metalls into their first matter , i . e . into Quickfil-
ver.
The proceffe of the latter is this : Calcine a Metall

with common Quickfilver , put this Calx , and as
much Quickfilver into a Sublimatory, and let them
ſtand ſo longtill both be coagulated into an Amal-
gama, then fublime the Mercury from the Calx , then
grind it again with the Metallick Calx, and fublime it
as before,this do ſo often, till the Metallick Calx ſhal
over a candle melt like wax, or ice, and then it is well
done.Put this Metall in digeftion for a time,and it wil
all be turned into Quickfilver,i. e.into its firft matter,
which Mercury of Metalls is indeed called the Mer-
cury of Philofophers, which many Alchymifts have
fought after , but few have found. Now after
this manner may Quickfilver bee prepared out of
all Metalls,vi . § auri, & 2 ♂ E.
Now the railing again, or reftoring of coagulated The reduction
in a retort for ‫د‬
Mercury is done by diftillation ofSublimate
Quickfilver alone afcends into cold water, the Afhes and
purging of it,
of hor Sulphur being left behind .
Now the railing again, or reftauration of Mercury
fublimed-is done in feething hotwater:but it muſtfitft
be ground veryſmall,fo the hot water wil feperates it
Hh from
58 Of the Nature ofthings. LIB.VI.
from it the fpirit of Salt ,and Vitriall, which it car-

ries up with it,the quickfilver running in the bottome
of the water. Nowifthis Quickfilver fhall be again
fublimed with Salt, and Vitriall , and revived againe
in Hot water , and this done ſeven or eight
times , it can never bee better purged , and re-
newed.
And this may bee kept for a greatfecret in Alchy-

mic, and Phyfick, and be much rejoiced in . For
by this means all the impurity, blackneffe , and poi.
fonoufneffet is taken away.
The reduction Mercury calcined can never bee reftored againe
of calcined and without fublimation, for unleffe it be fublimed after
Precipitated calcination,itwill never bee revived, wherefore thou
fhalt firft fublime it, and then reduce it as other Sub-
limate.
The refufcitation of Azure Cinnabar, Aurum vite,
alfo of Precipitate,that they may bee reduced into
Quickfilver is thus :
Take either of thefe, grind it fmall upon a marble,
make it up into a paft with the white of an egge , and
fope,then make pills of the bigness of Filbeards
whichput into a trong carthen gourd, upon the
mouth of it put a plate of Iron, with many little holes
in it, and lute it on,and diftill it per defcenfum with
a ftrong fire , fo that it may fall into cold wa-
ter,and thou shalt have the Quickfilver again.
The renewing Now the refufcitation, and restoring of Wood is
of Wood that hard , and difficult, yet poffible to Nature , but
is
without much skilfulneſs , and induftry it can ne-
ver bee done : But to revive it , the proceffe is
this :
Take
LIB.VI. Ofthe Nature of things, 59
Take Wood which muſt firſt bee a Coale , then
Ashes, which put into a gourd together with the Re-
fine, Liquor, and Oyle of that tree of each a like
weight, mingle them , and melt them with a foft
heat, and there will bee a mucilaginous matter, and
ſo thou haft the three Principles, of which all things
are produced, and generated , viz. flegm , fatneffe,
and Afhes .
The Flegm is Mercury , the Fat is Sulphur, the The flegme of
Aſhes is Salt. For whatſoever fumes , and e- of Wood is its
the
vaporates in the Fire is Mercury : what foever fat its fulphur,
flames , and is burnt is Sulphur, and all Aſhes is falt.
the afhes its
Salt.
Now feeingthou haft these three Principles toge-

ther, put them in Horse-dung, and putrefie them for
a time. Ifafterward that matter bee put in, and buri-
ed in fat ground,thou shalt fee it live again,and a little
tree spring from thence, which truly in vertue is farre
more excellent then the former. This Tree or Wood
is, and is called Regenerated Wood , renewed, and
reftored, which from the beginning was Wood, but
mortified,deſtroyed, and brought into coales,afhes,
and almoſt to nothing, and yet out of that nothing is
made, and renewed. This truly in the light of Na-
ture is a great mystery, viz. that a thing, which had
utterly loft its form, and was reduced to nothing ,
fhould recover its form , and of nothing bee made
fomething, which afterward becomes much more
excellent in vertue , and efficacy then it was at
firft .
Butto fpeake generally of the Refurrection , and Algenerall rule

Reftauration ofNaturall things,you muſt know,that for ra ifing of
the chiefeft foundation here,is,that that bee reftored things againe,
Hh 2 to
бо Ofthe Nature ofthings. LIB.VI.
to every thing,and made to agree with it, which was

taken from it in mortification, and ſeparated from it,
which is hard to bee here fpecifically explained.
Wherefore wee fhall conclude this book , and fhall
fpeak of thefe things more at large in the next book,
Concerning the tranfmutations of naturall things.
I 1:12 2
OF
700. Ta
X..
&
mulo noi ELOK

A nobelagði RAMS
61
LIB.VII.
3
OF THE
NATVRE
Of Things . Ainwyn fods '
THE SEVENTH BOOK
Ofthe Tranfmutation ofNaturall
pobru paghiwo things .
F wee write of the Tranfmutation of all 106 V

Naturall things, it is fit,and neceffary that C
in the first place wee fhew what Tranfmu-
tation is. Secondly, what bee the degrees
to it. Thirdly , by what Medium's, and how it is
done.
Tranfmutation therefore is, when a thing lofeth What Tran
mutation is.
itsform, and is fo altered , that it is altogether unlike
to its former fubftance, and form, but affumes ano-
ᎻᏂ 3 ther
62 Ofthe Nature ofthings. LIB. VII.
ther form, another effence, another colour, another

vertue, another nature, or property, as if a Metall bee
made glaffe, or ſtone ifa stone bee made a coale : if
wood be made a coal:clay be made a ftone, or a brick:
askin bee made glew : cloth bee made paper , and
many fuch like things. All these are Tranfmutati-
ons of Naturall things .
Thereare
After this,it is very neceffary alfoto know the de-
Leven principal grees to Tranfmutation, and how many they be. And
degrees of "
tranfmutati- they are no morethen feven. For although many
on. doe reckon more, yet there are no more but ſeven,
which are principall,and the reft may bee reckoned
betwixt the degrees , being comprehended under
thofe feven: And they are thefe,
Calcination , Sublimation , Solution ,
Putrefaction , Distillation , Coagulation ,

Tincture.
If any one will climbe that Ladder, he fhall come
into a most wonderfull place, that hee fhall fee, and
have experience of many fecrets in the Tranfmutation
of Naturall things .
The first degree therefore is Calcination , under
which alfo are comprehended Reverberation, and
What Calcis Cementation . For betwixt theſe there is but little
nation is, and
itskinds are. difference as for matter of Calcination : Wherefore
it is here the chicfeft degree. For by Reverberation,
and Cementation, many corporeall things are calci
hed, and brought into Athes, and elpecially Metalls
Now what is calcined is not any further reverberated,
Sted.
or
By Calcination therefore all Metalls Mineralls,
Stones, Glaffe, &c. and all corporeall things are
made
LIB. VII. Of the Nature ofthings. 63
made a Coal, and Aſhes, and this is done by a naked
ftrong Fire with blowing , by which all tenacious,
foft, and fat earth is hardened into a ſtone, Alfo alí
ftones are brought into a Calx,as wee fee in a Potters
furnace of lime, and brickes .
Sublimation is the fecond degree, and one of the
What Subli
moſt principall for the Tranfmutation ofmany Na- mation is,and
turall things under which is contained Exaltation, its kinds,
•
Elevation, and Fixation; and it is not much unlike
Diftillation. For as in Diſtillation the water afcends
from all flegmatick, and watery things , and is fepa-
rated from its body, fo in Sublimation , that which
is fpirituall is raiſed from what is corporeall , and is
fubtilized, volatile from fixed,and that in dry things,
as are all Mineralls,and the pure is ſeparated from the
impure.
Befides Sublimation, many good vertues , and
wonderfull things are found out in Mineralls , and
many things are made fixed, and become conftant,
fo as toabide in the Fire, and that in this manner.
Let that whichis fublimed be ground, and mixed
with its feces , and bee againe fublimed as before,
which muſt bee done fo long, till it will no longer
fublime,but all will remaine together in the bottom,
and bee fixed.
So there will bee afterward a stone, and oyle when
and as oft as thou pleaseft, viz. if throu putteft it a-
·
into a cold place , or in the aire in a Glafs.
For there it will prefently bee diffolved into The fixation
ofMineralls
an Oyle. And if thou putteft it againe into the into a stone,
fire, it will againe bee coagulated into a Stone
of wonderfull , and great vertue. Keep this as
a great fecret , and mystery of Nature , neither
diſcover
64 Of the Nature ofthings. LIB.VII .
difcover it to Sophifters . Morevover, as in Sub-

limation many Corrofive things are made fweet in
the conjunction of two matters, fo on the contrary,
many fweet things are made Corrofive : many ſweet
things are made fowre, harfh, orbitter; and on the
contrary, many bitter things as fweet as Sugar.
Rules concer
Here alfo wee must take notice, that every Metal
ning Salt Ar.
moniack:---- which is brought into Sublimation by Salt Armo-
niack, may afterward in the cold, or in the aire bee
brought into an oyle, and againe bee coagulated
into a ſtone in the Fire , which indeed is one of
the chiefeft, and greatest Tranfmutations in all na-
turall things , viz. to tranfmute Metall into a
Stone.
What Solution
is,and its The third degree is Solution, under which are to
kinds. to bee underſtood Diffolution , and Refolution
and this degree doth moft commonly follow
Sublimation , and Diftillation , viz. that the
matter be refolved which remaines in the bottome.
Now Solution is twofold : the one of Cold 2.
the other of Heat ; the one without Fire , the
other in Fire.
A cold diffolution diffolves all Salts , all Corrofivé
things, & all calcined things Whatfoever is ofa Salt,
and Corrofive quality, is by it diffolved into Oyle
Liquor, or Water. And this is in a moiſt, cold cel-
lar, or elfe in the Aire on a marble, or in a glaffe:
For whatſoever is diffolved in the cold, contains an
rolan Airy fpirit ofSalt , which oftentimes it gets , and
affumes in Sublimation, or Diſtillation And whatſo-
ever is diffolved in the cold, or in the Aire,may again
by the heat of the Fire bee coagulated into powder,
oraftone.
But
LIEVIL Ofthe Nature ofthings, 65
But a hot Solution diffolves all fat, and fulphu- What things
hot Solution
reous things. And whatſoever the heat of the Fire diffolves.
diffolves , the fame doth coldneffe congeal into a
Maffe.
And whatſoever heat/coagulates ,is again diffolved A double Solu❤
tionziz.ofHeat
by cold, or inthe Aire. Here alſo we muſt know and Cold
that whatſoever Aire, or the Cellar_doth reſolve ,
is of a very great dryneffe, and hath a fecret cor-
rofive Fire hid in it fo whatfoever is diffolved
in Fire, or in the heat thereof, hath a ſweetiſh
frigidity out ofthe Fire. Thus, and no otherwiſe is
Solution to be underſtood.
Putrefaction is the fourth degree, under which is Putrefaction
what it is, and
comprehended Digeſtion, and Circulation. its kind.
Now then Putrefaction is one of the principall
degrees, which indeed might defervedly have been
the first of all, but that it would be againſt the true
order, and myſtery, which is here hid , and known
to few: For thofe degrees muft , as hath been al-
ready faid,fo followone the other,as links in a chain,
or ſteps in a ladder.
The aforefai
For ifone of the linkes fhould bee taken away, order ofDes d
the chain is difcontinued, and broken, and the pri- grees istohe
foners would bee at liberty, and runne away. So obferved in

in a ladder , if one ſtep bee taken away in the making tin
middle, and bee put in the upper , or lower part,
the ladder would be broken, and many would fall
down headlong by it with the hazard of their bo-
dies, and lives.
Soyou muſt underſtand the matter here,that thofe
degrees follow one the other in a juft order, or elfe
the whole work ofour mystery would be mar'd, and
our labour,and pains would bee in vain , and fruit-
Leffe. Ii Now
66 LIB VII.
Of theNature ofthings.
The force of Now putrefaction is of fuch efficacy , that it a-
tion.
putrefa &
bolitheth the old Nature, and brings in a new one.
All living things are killed in it , all dead things
putrefied in it , and all dead things recover life
in it.
Putrefaction takes from all Corrofive ſpirits, the
fharpneffe of of the Salt, and makes them mild, and
fweet, changeth the colours, and feparates the pure
from the impure, it places the pure above , and the
impure beneath.
What Diftilla- Diftillation is the first degree tothe Tranfmutati-
tion is,and its
kinds are. on of all naturall things. Under it are underſtood
Afcenfion, Lavation, and Fixation.
By Diſtillation all Waters , Liquors , and Oyles
are fubtilized out of all fat things Oyle is extracted,
out of all Liquors , Water , and out of all Fleg-
amaticke things Water , and Oyle are fepara-
ted.
Cohobation. Befides there are many things in Diftillation
Fixation by fixed by Cohobation, and efpecially if the things
Deftillation, to bee fixed containe in them Water , as Vi
*
triall doth, which if it bee fixed is called Colco-
thar.
Allum, if it bee fixed with its proper Water, is

called the Sugar of Allum, which alfo is refolved
into a Liquor,which Liquor if it bee putrefied a
moneth, produceth a Water of the ſweetrefle of
Sugar , which is of great vertue, and an ex-
cellent fecret in Phyficke , to extinguish any
Metalline heate in Man , as wee have wrote:
more at large in our Booke of Metalline Difea-
fcs.
And
67
LIB.VII. Ofthe Nature of things.
And as you have heard of Vitriall,and Allum ; fo

1
allo Salt nitre, and other Watery Mineralls may
bee fixed by Cohobation.
Now Cohobation is,that the dead head be often- What Cohos
times imbibed with its own water, and that again bation is.
bee drawn off by Diftillation, s
4
Moreover, in Diftillation many bitter, harth, and The force of
Distillationin
harp things become as fweet as Honey, Sugar , or
things to be
Manna, and on the contrary, many fweet things, Transmuted.
as Sugar, Honey, or Manna, + may bee made as
harth as Oyle of Vitriall, or Vineger, or as bit
ter as Gall, or Gentian , as Eager , as a Corro-
five.
Many Excrementitious things lofe their great
ftink in Distillation, which indeed goeth forth in
the water.
Many Aromaticall things lofe their good fa-
vour.
And as Sublimation alters things in their
Quality , and Nature fo salfo doth Diftilla-
tion.
Coagulation is the fixt degree : Now there is a What Coagu
lation is,and
twofold Coagulation, the one by Cold, the other its kinds.
by Heat, i . e.one of the Aire, the other of the
Fire and each of theſe again is twofoldon ſo that
there are foute forts of Coagulations, two of Cold,
and two of Fire.
The Coagulations ofFire are fixed, the other of
Cold are not. romlot prim „ neɔ wond
The one is done only by common Aire, or with
out Fire . The other by the fuperiour Firmament
of Winterſtarres, all which coagulate Waters into
fnow, and ice.
I ia But
68
Of the Nature ofthings. LIB.VII.
But the Coagulation of Fire, whichalone is here

to.bee taken notice of, is made by an Artificiall , and
Graduall Fire of the Alchymifts , and it is fixed, and
-
permanent. For whatſoever fuch a Fire doth coa-
gulate, the fame abides fo.
The other Coagulation is done by the Etnean,
and Minerall Fire in in Mountains , which indeed the
Archcius of the Earth governs, and graduates not
unlike to the Alchymifts, and whatſoever is coa-
gulated by fucha Fire, is alfo fixed, and conſtant;
as you fee in Mineralls , and Metalls , which indeed
at the beginning are a mucilaginous matter, and are
coagulated into Metalls, Stones, Flints, Salts , and
other bodies , by the Etnean fire in Mountaines,
through the Archeius of Earth , and operator of
Nature.
What things
Alfo wee muft know that Fire can coagulate no
cannot be
Coagulated, water, or moisture, but only the Liquors,and Juices
of all Naturall things .
Befides alfo there can no flegm bee coagulated,
unleffe in the beginning it was a corporeall matter,
into which by the induſtry of a skilfull Alchymiſt it
may return..
91 So alfo any mucilaginous , matter, or fpermaticke
flimyneffe may by the heat of Fire be coagulated into
a body and corporeall matter,but never bee refolved
into water again..
10 And as you have heard of Coagulation, ſo alſo
know concerning Solution, viz. that no corporeall
matter can bee diffolved into Water , unleffe at the
beginning it was water and ſo it is in all Mine-

ralls..
Tincture
LIB. VII. Ofthe Nature ofthings. 69
Tincture is the feventh , and laft degree , which What Tine-

concludes the whole worke of our mystery for ture is, and its
kinds.
Tranfmutation , making all imperfect things per-
feet , and tranfmuting them into a moft excellent
effence , and into a moft perfect foundneffe , and
alters them iuto another colour.
Tincture therefore is a most excellent matter,where-

withall Minerall , and Humane bodies are tinged,
and are changed into a better , and more noble ef-
fence , and into the highest perfection , and pu
rity.
For Tincture colours all things according to its
own nature, and colour.
Now there are many Tinctures , and not only All things that
for Metalline , but Humane bodies, becauſe every are to be tin-
thing which penetrates another matter , or tinged must be
fluid,
geth it with another colour, or effence , fo that it
bee no more like the former , may bee called a
Tincture .
Wherefore there are many , and various forts of
Tinctures, viz. of Metalls, Mineralls, Mens bodies ,
Waters, Liquors, Oyls, Salts, all fat things , and
indeed of all things which may bee brought to flux,
out of the Fire, or in the Fire.
For if a Tincture muſt tinge, it is neceffary that the
body, or matter which is tobee tinged,bee opened,
and continue in flux, and unless this fhould bee fo,
the Tincture could not operate. But it would bee,as
ifany one fhould caft faffron,or any colour upon co-
agulated Water, or Ice for fo it would not fo
fuddenly tinge the Ice with its colour , as if it were
caft into other water.And although it should tinge,
yet it would at the fame time reſolve the Ice into
Li 3. Water.
LIB. VII.
70 Ofthe Natureofthings.
Water, Wherefore thofe Metalls that wee would
ation
tinge, must first bee melted in the Fire, and bee freed
froni Coagulation .
And here wee muſt know, that by how much the
ftonrger fire is requifite for their melting,fo much the
fooner the Tincture runs through them,as Leaven
penetrates, and infects the whole maffe with fowre-
nefs; and by how much better the maffe is covered
and kept warm, fo much the better is it fermented,
and makes the better bread : for ferment is the Tin-
Feces are of a cture of Dowe, and Bread.

more fixt na Wee muft alfo note, thatall feces are of a more
ture then their fixed fubftance then the liquor of it is, alfo ofa ſhar-
Flegme.
per, and more penetrating nature : as you fee in the
pirit of Wine which is made of the feces ofWine ,
and of Aqua vita , which is diftilled out of the
grounds of Beer, and burns like ſpirit ofWine, and
is inflamed as Sulphur.
The preparati- Alſo if of the feces of Vineger another Vineger
on, and Nature
of diftilled bec diftilled, as commonly (pirit of Wine is diftilled ,
Vineger. there will bee thereby made a Vineger of fo fiery,
*
and ſharp a nature , that it confumes all Me-
talls , Stones , and other things , as Aqua for-
tis.
How the Tin- Moreover, it is neceffary, that Tinctures be of
tallsmust be fixt , Auxil , and incombuftible nature , fo that
made. ifa little of a plate of any Metall red hot bee
caft into them , theywill preſently flow like wax
without any manner of fume at all, and they pene-
tratethe Metalls, as oyle doth paper , or water a
fponge, and tinge all Metalls into white , and red,
that is ,into Silver or Gold.
Qui soi ede
CAL Now
LIB. VII Of the Nature of things.
Now thefe are the Tinctures of Metalls, which it

is neceſsary muft bee turned into an Alcool, by
the first degree of Calcination , then by the ſecond,
degree of Sublimation , muft get an cafy , and
light flux. And lastly, by the degree of Putre-
faction , and Diftillation are made a fixt , and
incombuftible Tincture ་, and of an unchangeable,
colour.
Now the Tinctures of Mens bodies are,that they The Tinctures
bee tinged into the higheſt perfection of health of Men.
and all Difeafes bee expelled from them , that
their loft ftrength , and colour bee restored
and renewed , and they are thefe , viz. Gold ,
Pearles, Antimony, Sulphur, Vitriall, and fuch like,
whofe preparation wee have diverfly taught in other
books, wherefore it doth not feem to us necefsary
here to repeat them.
Wee ſhalll write no more of Tinctures, feeing eve. Of Dying
and Painting
ry extracted colour may bee called a Tincture
which doth indeed tinge things with a permanent
colour,which doe not go into the Fire , or preferve
colours fixed in the Fire.
All theſe are in the hand, and power ofthe Dyer
and Painter , who prepares them according to his
pleaſure.
It is very neceffary in this bookto knowthe degrees How many de-
of Fire, which many wayes may bee graduated,and grees of the
Alchymifts fire
intended, and every degree hath a peculiar operati- there be
on, and one produceth the fame effect , as ano-
ther, as every expert Alchymift,by the daily experi
ence, and exerciſe ofthe Art knows.
For one is as living, and flaming Fire, which rever-

berates, and Calcines all bodies : Another is the Fire
of
LIB.VII
72 Of the Nature ofthings,
of a Candle, or Lamp , which fixeth all volatile
bodies : Another is a Fire of coals, which cements,
colours, and purgeth Metalls from their drofs, exalts
Gold and Silver to a higher purity, whitens Copper,
and in brief renews all Metalls.
Another Fire is of an Iron plate made red hot , in
which the Tinctures of Metalls are proved , which
alfois profitable for other things.
The Filings of Iron heat after one faſhion, Sand
after another, Aſhes after another, a Balneum Marie
after another, in which manifold Diftillations, Sub-
limations, and Coagulations are done.
Balneum roris after another, in which there are
made many Solutions ofcorporeall things.
Horfe-dung after another,in which the chiefeft pu-
trefactions, and digeftions are made.
The Celeſtiall And after another fashion works the invifible Fire,
fire
by which wee understand the rayes of the Sun , and
that which is manifefted by a glafs, or Cryftall, and
fhews it operations and effects, of which Fire the An-
cients wrote nothing at all, and by this fire the three
Principles of every corporeall thing may bee fepa-
rated.
This Fire is offuch wonderfull force,that by it Me-
talls may bee melted, aud all fat,and fluxible things,
mayupon the table without any Fire bee together
with all combuftible things, reduced into coales, and
alhes.
Therefore after I have propofed, and opened
to you the degrees of the Art of Alchymie , and
the degrees of the Alchmyifts Fire : I will yet fur-
ther fhew, and declare to you in generall , various
Tranfmutations of naturall things : ofMetalls firft
fecondly
LIB.VII. Ofthe Nature ofthings. 73
fecondly of Stones, and thirdly of divers things in

generall. The tranfmutation of Metalls therefore is
a great fecret in Nature, and it can hardly bee done
by reafon of many impediments, and repugnancies.
Yet it is not againſt Nature,nor Gods ordination, as
manyfalfly affirm.
But that the five leffer, and impurer Metalls , viz. The Tranfmuš
tation ofMe.
handy may be tranfmuted into the greater, calls into Silves
pureft, and moft perfect Metalls, viz. into and , and Gold.
It cannot be done without the Tincture , or Philofo-
phers ftone.
Now feeing we have before fufficiently opened the
fecrets of Tinctures in the feven degres,and defcribed
them there, it is not neceffary that wee ſpend any fur-
ther labour inthis, but rather bee fatisfied with thofe
things, which we have wrote in other books concer
ning the Tranfmutations of Metalls .
Nowthere are other Tranfmutations ofimperfect, tati
TheonTranfmut
of Iron
and impure Metals, as the tranfmutation ofinto ? into Copper,
which may bee done divers wayes.
If plates of Iron bee boiled in water ofVitriall, or
bee cemented with calcined Vitriall,or being red hot
be quenched in oyl of Vitriall. A
Thefe three ways Iron may be tranfmuted into very
good, and ponderous Copper , which indeed flows
well , and hath its weight as well as any naturall
Copper.ong €7,1
Plates of Iron may bee as it were reduced , and The Tranfmuir
tranfmuted into Lead, fo that it bee as foft as natu- tation of Iron-
into Lead.
rall Lead, but doth not flow fo eafily:and the proceffe
is this :
Take Filings of , and fo much ofthe powder of

Borax, mingle them well together , put them in a
Kk crucible ,
Ofthe Nature ofthings. LIB.VII.
74
crucible , and into a wind furnace, let there bee made
a ftrong Fire, but fo that the doe not flow , but
ftand as it were in a Cement for a whole houre ,
then encreaſe the Fire , that it may bee red hot.
and flow : then let the crucible cool ofit felfe , and
thou shalt find the regulus of Lead in the bottome
of the crucible, foft, and malleable,as naturall Lead
can be.
But to transmute 9 into the proceffe is this:
The Tranfmu
tation of Cop + First ofall bring Copper with g fublimate , and
per into Lead fixt Arfenick to bee white, yea as white as , then
beat it fmall. Take this,and the powder of Borax, of
each a like quantity,and firft cement it, then let it bee
melted into a regulus, and thou haft a true regulus
ofLead.
The Tranfmu- Now on the contrary , it is eaſy to transmute
tation of Lead Lead into Copper , neither doth it require much
into Copper.
pains, and it is done thus .
Take plates of Lead, ftrow them over with calci-
ned Vitriall, or Crocus of Venus , cement them ,
and then melt them, and thou shalt fee naturall Lead,
tranfmuted into good , ponderous , and malleable
Copper.
A Metalline
Nowif this Copper, or any other Copper be bea-
mixture like
Gold. ten into plates , and ftrowed over with Tutia , or
Capri Celaminaris, and be cemented, and lastly mel-
ted, it will bee tranſmuted into an excellent red-
difh Electrum like to Gold.
To make If thou wilt turne into make plates of ,
EnglishTin out ftrow them with Salt Armoniack, cement, and melt
of Lead.
them,as abovefaid, fo will all the blackneſſe , and
darkneffe bee taken away from the Lead, and it will
be in whiteneffe like fair English Tin..
Now
LIB.VII. Ofthe Nature ofthings: 75
Now as you have in briefe heard of fome Mu-
tations of Metalls , fo alfo know , that there are
Tranfmutations of Gemmes, which indeed are va-
rious,and in no wife like.
For you ſee how great Tranfmutations of Oyl of Sulphur

tranfmutes
Gemmes there lies in oyle of Sulphur . For any Cry Gemmes
ftall may bee tinged , and Tranfmuted in it ,

and in time bee exalted with divers colours as
to bee made like to the Hyacinth, Granat , oren wolls
Rubic .
Know alfo that the Loadftone may be tranfmu To Tranfmute
the Load-ftone
ted into a tenfold greater power, and vertue,and it is into great
done thus : ftrength.
Take the Loadſtone, and heat it very hot in coales,
but fo that it bec not fired,which prefently quench in
the Oyle of Crocus Martis, made of the best Ca-
rinthian Steel , that it may imbibe as much as it
can.
Thoufhalt by this meanes make the Loadſtone
fo powerfull , that thou maift pull out Nailes out
of a wall with it , and doe fuch like wonderfull
things with it, that the common Loadſtone can
never doe.
Moreover , in Tranfmutation of Gemmes you
muſt know that the world is placed in two degrees of
Tincture, and Coagulation.
For as the white of an Egge may bee tinged To tranfmute
the white ofan
with Saffron , • and then bee coagulated into a
Egge into Am
faire yellow Amber with the fmoke of a Pine ber of any
tree into blacke Amber with Verdegreafe in Colour.
to green, like Lapis Armenius with green juice
into Amber, like the Emerald and with the A-
zure ſtone , into blew Amber , like a Saphir :
Kk 2 with
76 Of the Nature ofthings , LIS,VIL
with the Wood called red Wood, into red , like
a Granat, or Rubie with a purple colour, like

to an Amethyst with Cerufe , like to Ala-
blafter.
So all Liquors , eſpecially Metalls, and Mine-

ralls, may be tinged with fixed colours , and af-
terwards bee coagulated , and tranſmuted into
Gemmes .
How counter. So alfo may Pearles be made like true Pearles in

feit Pearls are form,fo that for fplendor,and beauty they can hardly
To bee difcerned from the true : And they are made.
thus :
Cleanſe the white of Egges through a ſpunge ,
み
as purely as may bee, then mingle with it the fai-
reft white Talke, or Mother of Pearle, or Mercury
coagulated with Tinne , and brought into an Al-
cool, then grinde them all together on a Marble , fo
that they become a thick Amalgama , which.
muft bee dryed in the Sunne , or behind a fur-
mace fo long, untill it bee like Cheeſe , or a Li-
iver.
Then of this maffe make Pearles as big as

thou wilt , which hang upon the briftles of a
Hog, and being thus boared through , dry them
as Amber,and then thou haft fished them.
4
If they are not beautifull enough, anoint them.
over with the white of an Egge, and dry them again,
and they will bee moft goodlypearls,in form like the
naturall, but not in vertue ..
In the like manner are Coralls made , with which

men endeavour to deceive one the other as with
Pearle. The proceffe is this :
Take
LIB. VII. Of the Nature ofthings. 77
Take Cinnabar, grinde it on a Marble , withthe How counters
feit Coralls
white of an Egge , for the pace of an houre , may be made,
then dry it , as Potters doe their Earth then
make it into what forme thou pleaſeft : After-
wards dry them as much as maybee , and noint
them over with the white of an Eggelas
thou didst Pearle , and dry them by themſelves
again.
So thou fhalt have Corall like to the naturall in
form,but not in vertue.
Thou muſt alfo know , That the white of A Golden or
an Egge may bee ofit felfe coagulated into moft Silver vernifhs
cleer Verniſh, in the coagulation of which Silver, or
Gold may bee ftrewed.
There are alfo many other , and various
Tranfmutations of Naturall things : Whereof
thoſe which I know , and have had experience
of, Dwill by the way fet down, and briefly declare to
you.
And first of all know , That any Wood , if it How wood is
bee put for a certaine time into the water of Salt made a ſtone,
Gemme , is turned with much admiration into a

Stone .
Alfo Stones in the Ætnean fire are tranfmuted into Coales of
Coales,which are called ftony Coals. ftones.
Alfo Glew is boiled out of Skinnes.. Glew ofskins.
Of Linnen cloth is made Paper. Paper of Line
nen-cloath.
Of Flax boiled in ſharp Lie made ofthe Aſhes of
Silke of Flax,
Wood is Silke made.
Alfo the feathery parts pulled offfrom quills, and Feathers may bes
boiled in that Lie, may bee fpun , and weaved like Spun
Cotton.
Kk3
Any
78 Ofthe Nature ofthings. LIB.VII .
Any Oyle or Spermatick mucilage may bee coa-
gulated into Verniſh.
Any Liquor into Gumme, &c.
All these are Tranfmutations of Naturall things ,
ofwhich Science wee have ſpoken enough,and there-
wee fhall here make an end.
OFF
19 to mutat e
cacor
mubarek kan ellius motto be the

LIB.VIII. 79
OF THE
NAT VRE
Of Things.
THE EIGHTH BOOK .
Of the Separation ofNaturall
things.
N the Creation ofthe world, the firft fepa- The Chaos the
ration began from the foure Elements,fee- Matter of the
World
ing the firft matter of the world was one
I Chaos.
Of this Chaos God made the greater world, being

divided into four diftinct Elements, viz. Fire,Aire,
Water,and Earth. Fire isthe hot part,Aire the moiſt,
Water
всей LIB . VII.
Ofthe Natu
re ofthings.
Water the cold, and Earth the dry part of the greater
world
What feparati- But that you may in brief understand the reafon of
on fhall be
here spoken ourpurpose in this 8th book, you must know, that we
of. doc not purpoſe to treat here of the Elements of all
Naturall things, fecing wee have fufficiently difcour
fed of thofe Arcana in the Archidoxis of the fepara
tion of Naturall things : whereby every one of them
is apart, and diftinctly feparated,and divided materi
ally, and fubftantially, vi fecing that two , three,
or foure , or more things are mixed into one
body, and yet there is feen but one matter. Where it
often falls out , that the corporeall matter of that
thing cannot bee known by any, or fignified byany
expreffe name, untill there bee a feparation made.
Then ſometimes two,three, four, five or morethings
come forth out of one matter : as is manifeft
by daily experience , in the Art of Alchy-

mie.
What Elec-
crum is. As for example, you have an Electrum, which of it
felfe is no Metall,but yet it hides all Metalls in one
Metall. That ifit be anatomized by the induſtry of
Alchymic, and feparated all the feven Metalls, viz.
Gold, Silver, Copper, Tinne, Lead, Iron, and Quick-
" and per-
filver come out of it , and that pure , and
fect.
What Separa D
But that you may underſtand what Separation is ,
tion is,
note, that it is nothing eife then the fevering of one
thing from another, whether oftwo, three, four, or
more things mixed together I fay a feparation of
thethree Principles , as of Mercury, Sulphur, and
Salt , and the extraction ofpure out ofthe impure, or
the pure, excellent fpirit, and quinteffence , from a
groffe
LIB.VIII. 81
groffe, and elementary body; and the preparation of

two, three, four, or more out of one or the diffoluti
on, and fetting at liberty things that are bound , and
compact , which are of a contrary nature , acting ,
one against the other, untill they deftroy one the
other.
Now there are many kinds of feparation , many of How many
kinds of Sepa
which are unknown to us; thofe, which wee have ex- tation.
perienced out of elementary , diffoluble naturall
things, fhall in this place, according to their kinds, be
defcribed .
The first feparation ofwhich wee fpeake, muft be- of

Thethefeparation
Micro
gin from man, becauſe hee is the Microcofme , or cofme
little world, for whofe fake the Microcofme or grea-
ter world was made, viz. that hee might be the fepa-
rator ofit.
Nowthe feparation of the Microcofme begins at The body of
his death. For in deaththe two bodies of Man arefe- man after deach
is twofold .
parated the one from the other, vi.his Celeſtial, and
Terrestial body.e.Sacramental , and Elementary: one
ofwhich afcends on high like an Eagle;the other falls
downward tothe earth like lead.
The Elementary is putrefied, confumed , and What the Ele

"
becomes a putrid ſtinking carkafe, which being is. mentary Body
,
buryed in the earth, never comes forth, or appeares
more.
But the Sacramentall,. e. Syderiall, or Celefti- What a Sacra
all, is never putrefied, or buried, neither doth it pof- mentall Body.
is.
Leffe any place. This body appears to Men,and alſo
after death is feen.
Hence Ghofts, Vifions , and Supernaturall Appa-

ritions. Whence the
Hence by the ancient Magicians, the Cabalisticall Cabalisticall
LI Art art.
82 Of the Nature ofthings . LIB.VIII.
Art took itsbeginning, of which we fhall treat more

at large in the books of Cabalic.
After this feparation is made, then after the death
ofthe Man three ſubſtances, viz. Body ,Soule,and Spi-
rir are divided the one from the other , every one go-
ing to its ownplace, viz, its own fountaine , from
whence it had its originall , v the body to the

Earth, to the firft master of the Elements the
foul into the first matter of Sacraments , and
laftly, the spirit into the firft matter of the Airy
Chaos.
"
The feparation What now hathbeen spoken of the feparation of
ead the Macrocofme, the fame alfo may bee understood

of the Macro
sofme.
in the greater world which the great Ocean hath di-
vided into three parts, fo that the univerfall world is
fevered into three parts, viz. Europe, Afia, and Africa,
Three parts of which feparation is a certain reprefentation of three
the
Principles, which can be feparated from any Ter-
rene, or Elementary thing. Thefe three Principles.
are Mercury, Sulphur, and Salt , of which three the
world was made, and compofed. འཛིན ''
The feparation The next thing to bee known is the feparation of
of Metalls. / Metalls from their Mountainsi . the feparation of
Metalls , and Mineralls . god
By vertue of this feparation many things come
forth out ofone matter, as you fee out of Mineralls:
36 come forth, The droffe ofMetalls, Glaffe, Sand, Piipi-
tis , Marcafite, Granatus , Cobaltum, Talke, Cachinna ,
Zinetam, Bifemutum , Antimony, Litharge, Sulphur,,
Vitriall, Verdegreafe , Chryfocolla , the Azure Stone,
Auripigmentum , Arfenicke, Realgar, Cinnabar, Clay
of Iron, Spathus, Gyphus , Ocree , and many more
ats༣ བྱཱརསྭཱསྶ
Le like to thefe , as alfo the Waters , Oyles , Re-
fines
LIB VIII. Ofthe Nature ofthings. 83
fines, Calxes, Mercury, Salphur, and Salt, &c.

Vegetables in their feparation yeeld, Waters , Oyles, Of Vegetables.
Juices, Refines, Gums, Electuaries , Powders , Afhes,
Mercury, Sulphur, andSalt.
Animalls in their feparation yeeld , Water, Blond, Of Animalls,
។ Flefb, Fat, Bones, Skin, Body , Hairs, Mercury, Sul-
phur, and Salt.
Hee therefore that boafts himselfe to bee able to What a good
feparate all naturall things afterthis manner, muft of feparator ought
to be.
neceffity have long experience,and perfect knowledge
of all naturall things.
Moreover, hee muft bee a skilfull,and well practi-
fed Alchymift, that hee may know what is combuſti
ble, and what not; what is fixt, and what not, what
wil flow,and what not,and what things are more pon-
derous one then another: alſo he muſt be experienced
in the naturall colour, fmell,acidity,harthneffe,fowre-
neffe, bitterneffe, fweetneffe,the degree, complexion,
and quality of every thing.
Alfo hee muſt know the degrees of Separation, as The degrees of
of Diftillation, Refolution,Putrefaction, Extraction, What and how
Calcination, Reverberation, Sublimation, Reducti- many there b
on, Coagulation, Powdering, and Washing.
By Diftillation is feparated Water, Oyle from all What diftillati-
on ſeparates.
corporeall things.
By Refolution are feparated Metals from Minerals , What refoluti-
and one Metall from another,and Salt from the other on
Principles, and fat, and that which is light, from that
which is heavy. 1 2 C350 stall, Budi HOY
ByPutrefaction is feparated fat from lean,pure from Purtefaction,

impure,putrid from not putrid.
By Extraction is feparated pure from impure, and Extraction.
fpirit, and quinteffence from body, and thinnefrom
thick. LI 2 By
84 Of the Nature ofthings, LIB.VII
Calcination;
By Calcination is feparated watery moisture , fat ,
naturall heat, odour,and wharfoever elſe is combuſti-
ble.
Reverberation . By Reverberation is. feparated colour , odour ,
what is combustible, all humidity , aquofity , fat,
and whatſoever is inconſtant , or fluxil , in any
thing, &c.
Sublimation. By Sublimation is feparated the fixed from the
volatile, fpirituall from the corporeall, pure from
impure , Sulphur from Salt, Mercury from Salt, &c.
By Reduction is feparated what is fluxil,from what
Reduction. is folid, a Metall from its Minerall, and one Metall
from another, a Metall from its droffe, fat from what

is not fat.
Coagulation. By Coagulation is feparated wateriſhines from humi-
dity,water from Earth.
Poydering. By Powdering are feparated powder,and fand,afhes,

and Calx, Minerall, Vegetable , and Animall one
from the other,and all powders,which are ofan une-
quall weight are feparated , and by winnowing , as
chaffe from corne .
Washing. By washing are feparated afhes, and fand, a Mine-

rall from its Metall, that which is heavy from what
is light , a Vegetable, and Animall from what is Mi-
nerall, Sulphur from Mercury, and Salt, Salt from
Mercury.
The Preparatie But paffing by the Theorie, we will now fall upon
on of Metall is the practife, and come to particulars.
You muſt therefore note , that the Separation of
Metalls is the first by right , and wee ſhall therefore
treat ofit after this method, and manner.
OF
LIB.VIII. Ofthe Nature ofthings $5
粉粉
Ofthe Separation of Metalls
from their Mines.
He ſeparation of Metalls from their Mines is By Auxing

THE
done divers ways, viz. by boiling , and melting powders.
with fluxing powders,fuch as are falt Alcali, Lithar-
ge, falt fluxile, the droffe ofGlaffe, Salt Gemme, Salt
Petre, &c. Let them bee put in a Crucible , and
melted in a furnace ; fo will the Metall , or regulus
fall tothe bottome of the Crucible, but the other
matter will ſwim above, and become droffe. Thou
fhall boil this Metalline regulus in a reverberating
furnace fo long, till all theMetall become pure , and
freed from all its droffe; by this means the metall is
well digefted, and as I may fay refined from all its
droffe.
Manytimes one mine contains more then one Me-
tall,as. Copper and Silver, Copper and Gold, Lead
and Silver, Tinne and Silver, you fhall know it by
this , ifthe Metalline Regulus after Reverberation in
a melting pot bee fufficiently after the true manner
diffolved. Forin it are all imperfe &
t Metalls fepara-
ted, as are Iron, Copper, Tin, and Lead , and ſo with
a double quantity of Lead to the Regulus being put
to it, they all goc into a fume, and only fine Silver,or
Gold are left behind in the pot.
Alfo two or three Metalls mixed together may bee By Aquafortig
feparated in Aquafortis, and extracted the one from
Ll 3: the
86 LIB. VIII .
Ofthe Nature ofthings
the other. Iftwo Metalls or one bee refolved , the
otherwill fall to the bottome like fand,and be preci-
pitated and be after this manner feparated . Alfo
Metalls may be feparated by flowing after this pro-
cefs:Make metals How and when they are in flux, caft
By Sulphur. into them the best flower of Sulphur as you can get,
viz, an ounce to every pound of the metall , and let it
burn, and by that means it wil draw up the lightest
metall to the top, the heavy falling to the bottome.
Then let them ftand together till they be cold. And
fo in one Regulus two metalls are found, not as be-
A wonderfull fore mutually mixed , but one feparated from the
power of Sul other by the Sulphur , as by a partition , as Oyle
fepara
tion. divides two Waters , that they cannot bee joined
By Quickfil- together or mixed : Sulphur therefore is a fingular
Arcanum worthy ofgreat commendations .
Fixt metalls,as Gold and Silver, becauſe they can-
not wel bee extracted with Fire or Aquafortis, muſt
bee amalgamated with Quickfilver,and fo feparated
and extracted , theQuickfilver being afterwards extra-
cted and feparated by a certaine degree of Diftilla-
tion from the Calx of the metals, viz. Gold, & Silver.
After this manner alſo may other metalls ,not only
Gold, and Silver, but Copper, Iron, Tin,Lead, &c .
as alfo whatfoever are prepared out of them , as red
Electrum, the white Magnefia, Aurichalcum, calci-
ned Lead, Laton, Braffe of Cauldrons, and whatſo-
ever metalls of this kind are transmuted , bee with
Quickfiver,but firft being powdered, abftracted,and
feparated from what is heterogeneous. For the na-
ture, and condition of Quickfilver is this, that it wil
bec united , and amalgamed with metalls , but yet
with one fooner then with another, according asche
metall is ofgreater or leffelaffinity to it. In
LIB. VIII. Of the Nature of things. 87
In this confideration fine Gold is the chiefeft, then

fine Silver, then Lead, then Tinne,then Copper, and
laftly Iron.
So amongſt tranfmuted metalls , the firft is part
with part,then Afh coloured Lead, then Laton, then
Braffe of Caldrons , then red, and the neweſt white.
Although for the first courfe Mercury may take no
more then one metall, with which it is amalgama-
ted yet that Amalgama is tobe ftrained hard through .
Leather , or Cotton cloath. For by this means nos
thing but the Quickfilver will paffe through the
Leather , or Cloath and that metall which it
did attract remains in the leather, or clothlike Calx,
which afterwards thou maiſt with falt Alcali, or fome
other falt reduce into a metalline body by melting.
Now bythis Art Quickfilver is much fooner fepar
rated from all manner of metalls , then by Diſtilla-
tion, &c. d beingtoo od
By this proceffe with Mercury all metalls mily
after calcination,and powdering be by a skilful , and
induftrious Alchymift extracted, and feparated one
from the other. 11:30
In the fame manner, and that cafily, may Tinne,

and Lead bee feparated from Copper , or Copper
veffels , from Iron, and Steel overlaid with Tin with
out any fire, or water, by the Amalgama of Quick-
filver alone. D
Allo Beaten Gold, or Leafe Gold, or Silver , as
alfo any other metall beaten , or ground , being
written, or laid over with a pencill , or quill upon
cloth, parchment, paper, leather, wood, ftones, or
any thing elfe,may bee refolved by Quickfilver, and
fo , that the Quickfilver may bee afterward ſeparated
againfrom thoſe metalls. Now
88
Ofthe Nature ofthings, LIE,VII,
By Corrofive
Now the feparation of metalls in Aqua fortis ,
waters.
Aqua Regis, and like corrofive waters, is after this
manner.
Let a metall that is mixed,andjoined with another,
be taken, and beaten intto thin plates, or brought in.
to powder. Put it into a feparating veffel, andpoure
? upon it commonAquafortis as much as is fufficient,ler
them ftand and bee macerated,until all the metall bee
reſolved into a clear water. If it be Silver, and contain
any Gold in it,all the Silver wil bee refolved into
water, and the Gold wil alfo bee calcined, and ſettle
in the bottome like black fand. And after this man-
ner Gold,and Silver are feparated. If now thouwilt
ſeparate the Silver from the Aqua fortis without
Diſtillation, put a plate of Copper into the water ,
and the Silver will preſently fettle in the bottome of
the water like fnow,and the Copper plate will begin
to be confumed by little, and little.
The feperation of Silver, and Copper by common
Aquafortis is done after this manner. Let the Copper
which contains Silver, or the Silver which contains
Copper be brought to thin plates or powder,and put
into a glafs veffel ,upon which pour as much commen
Aquafortis as is fufficient and bythis means the filver
will bee calcined, and fettle to the bottome like white
chalk:but the copper wil be diffolved,and turned into
•
a clear water. If this water, together with the diffolved
copper,be by a Glaffe funnel feparated from the filver
calx into another Glaffe : then the Copper that is dif-
folved in the water, may bee fo precipiated with
common water , or rain water, or any other water,
that it wil fettle to the bottom of the Glafs like fand.
Now the feparation of hid Gold,from any metall,
15
LIB.VIII. S9
is by the degree of Extraction in Aqua Regis. For

this kind of water will attempt to diſſolve no metall,
but only pure,fine Gold , &c.
The fame Aqua Regis doth feparate alfo fine gold
from gilded plate. For if that be waſhed over with it,
$
the Gold will be ſeparated from it, &c.
Moreover alfo with cement by the degree of Re- Bythe degree
verberation two Metalls mixed togethermay be fepa . oftionReverbera-
.
rated the one from the other , but especially if they
are not in the like degree of Fixation , as Iron and
Copper. For that Metall,which is but little fixed ,as
Tin, and Lead, is all ofit confumed by the degree of
Reverberation in cement. For by how much the more
a Metall is fixed,ſo much the lefſe is it confumed by
cement.
You muſt know therefore , that fine Gold is the
moſt fixt, and perfect Metall, which can bee deſtroy-
ed, or confumed by no cement. Next to this is fine
Silver. If then Gold, and Silver be mixed together
in one body, which is wont to bee called part with
part, or ifSilver contain Gold, or Gold Silver : I fay
thefe being thus mixt if they bee reverberated into ce-
ment, then the Gold remains entire, and not at all in-
jured, but the Silver is confumed by the cement,and
fo is extracted from fine Gold : fo alfo is Copper from
Silver, and Iron,and Tinne from Copper, and Iron,
or Lead from Tinne, and ſo forth .
M m OF
ga of the Nature ofthings. LIVII
Ofthe Separation ofMineralls.
After that wee have explained ( as hitherto wee

have done the feparation of Metalls from their
Earth, and matter, as alfo of one Metall from anō-
ther, and how it is done having paffed through it with
as muchbrevity as might be it will inthe next place
bee neceffary that wee treat alfo of thofe things out
of which Metalls grow, and are generated, as are the
three Principles. Mercury, Sulphur, and Salt, as alfo
all Mineralls , in which the firft being of Metalls,.
i. e. the fpirit of Metalls is found, as is manifeft in
Marcafites, Granats , Cachymiles , red Talke , the
Azure ftone, and the like, in which the first being of
Gold is found by the degree of Sublimation . So in
white Marcafite, white Talke, Auripigmentum,Arfe
nick, Litharge, & the first being of Silver is found: In
Cobaltus,Zinétus, & c.the firft being of Iron:In Zine-
tus,Vitriall, Verdegreafe, &c.the first being of Cop-
per:In Zinetus, Bifeinatus, &c.the firft being of Tin:
In Antimony, Minium, &c. the first being of Lead::
In Cinnabar the firft being of Quickfilver is.
found.
Concerning this firft béginning you muſt know,

that it is a volatile fpirit,as yet confifting in volatility,
as an infant liesin the wombe of its Mother , which
fometimes
LIB.VIII. Ofthe Nature of things, 91
fometimes is made like to Liquor,fometimes to Al-

cool.
Whofoever therefore defires to bufie himfelfe
about the getting of the first beingofany fuch body,

or to feparate it , muft of neceffity have much ex-
perience , and knowledge in the Art of Alchy-
mie.
For if hee fhall not diligently and skilfully work in
Alchymie, hee fhal attempt many things in vain, and
་ རྒྱུ་
accomplish nothing,
But after what manner the firft being is to be fepar
rated out ofany Minerall,is fufficiently explained in
the booke called Archidoxis, and need not here tedi
outly bee repeated.

But as concerning the feparation ofMineralls , you
muft note, that many of them are to bee feparated
by the degree of Sublimation as fixed from thofe
which are not fixed , fpirituall and volatile bodies
from fixt bodies, and fo accordingly of all the mem
bers, as is declared concerning Metalls . For of all
Mineralls there is one, and the like proceffe through
all degrees , as the Art ofAlchymie teacheth, &c.
bino v molio0 vinin

ilgoord moed sviit cond
12
Mma OF
Ofthe Nature ofthings, LIB.VIII.
Ofthe Separation of Vegetables.
How Vegeta. He feparation of thofe things , which grow out

bles are of the Earth , and are combuſtible, as fruits ,
rated.
hearbs, flowers, leaves, graffe, roots, woods, &c. is
nade many wayes .
For firft by Diftillation the Flegm is fepara : ed from
them ,then the Mercury,then the Oyle,then the Re-
fine,then the Sulphur, and laftly the Salt.
All theſe Separations being made according to the
Spagiricall Art many notable, and excellent medi-
cines,come from thence, which are to be used as well
within, as without the body.
But nowfeeing idleneffe is fo much in requeſt a-
mongst Phyfirians, and all labour and ftudy is turned
only to infolency, truly I do not wonder,that all fuch
preparations are every where neglected , and coales
fold at folowa price, that if Smiths could be fo eafily
without coales in forging, and working their Metalls ,.
as Phyfitians are in preparing their Medicines , cer-
tainly Colliers would long fince have been brought
to extream want..
A reprehenfi In the mean time I will give to Spagiricall Phyfiti-
on of Phyfitians their due praife.. For they are not given to idle--
neffe, and floth, nor goe in a proud habit,orpluſh and

velvet garments, often fhewing their rings upon their
fingers, or wearing fwords with filver hilts by their
fides, or fine and gay gloves upon their hands, but di-
ligently follow their labours , fweating whole-
nights, and dayes by their furnaces.
Theſe
LIB.VIII. 93
Ofthe Nature rfthings.
Thefe doe not ſpend their time abroad for recrea The commen
dation of Chy-
tion, but take delight in their laboratory. They wear mifts, and how
Leather garments with a pouch , and Apron where- they differ
from other
with they wipe their hands. They put their fingers Phyfitians,
amongft coales, into clay, and dung , not into gold
rings. They are footy, and black , like Smithes , or
Colliers, and doe not pride themselves with cleane,
and beautifull faces. They are not talkative when
they come to the fick, neither doe they extoll their
Medicines : ſeeing they well know that the Artificer
muſt not commend his work , but the work the
Artificer, and that the fick cannot be cured with fine
words.
Therefore laying afide all theſe kinds of vanities, How many de-
they delight to bee bufied about the fire, and to learn grees ofAlchy
mie there be
the degrees ofthe fcience of Alchymie. Of this order
are Distillation, Refolution, Putrefaction,Extraction,
Calcination , Reverberation , Sublimation , Fixa-
tion, Separation , Reduction , Coagulation , Tin-
&
ture, &c.
But howtheſe feparations may bee done by the
help of diftinct degrees according to the Art of
Alchymie, hath been in generall spoken of already.
Wherefore it is needleffe here to make repeti-
tion.
But to proceed to particulars, and briefly to ex-

plaine the practife, you muſt know that Water ,
Spirit, Liquor, Oyle , & c. cannot bee feparated
after one and the fame proceffe, out of Flowers,
Hearbes,Seeds, Leaves,Roots,Trees, Fruits,Woods,
bythe degree of Diftillation.
For Hearbs require one proceffe, Flowers another,'
Seeds another, Leaves another, Roots another,Trees
Mm 3 another,
Ofthe Nature ofthings. LIB. VIII.
94
another, the Stalkes another , the Fruite another ,

Woods another.
fire degreesof
The in And in this degree of Diſtillation , there are
lation
alfo foure diftin&
t degrees of Fire to bee confide-
red.
The first degree of Fire in Diftillation is Bal.

neum Maria , this Diftillation is made in Wa-
ter.
Another degree of Fire is Diftillation made in

Afhies.
The third in Sand.
The fourth in a naked Fire : as alfo Diftillation
may bee made by Aqua fortis , and other fharp
Waters.
With what
To the first degree of Fire belong, Hearbs , Flow-
degrees
eve ofeta
ry Veg fire ers, Seeds , and fuch like.
ble is to be To the fecond, Leaves, Fruits , & c .

Distilled,
To the third, Roots, and Boughes of trees,&c. ›
To the fourthWood, and fuch like.
Note, that every one of thefe muft bee beaten
fmall , and bruifed before they bee put into the
Still
And thus much bee fpoken concerning the Die
ftillation of Waters out of the Vegetable fubftan-
ces.
As concerning the Seperation and Diftillation of
Oyls, the procefle is the fame as that of Water, only
fome of them are to bee diftilled per defcenfum, and
cannot afcend as Waters, the proceffe of thefe in this
cafe is tobee changed.o
But Liquors are not feparated in Diſtillation as
Waters, or Oyles, but are expreffed from their cor-
poreall fubftances with a preffe. dpreday.
And
. VIII.
LIB Of the Nature ofthings. 97
And here wee muſt know , that there are fome
Oyles that are preffed out, and ſeparated after the
fame manner, by a Preffe as liquors are , and that
for this reafon , becauſe they ſhould not contract
an ill odour from the Fire, as otherwiſe they would
doe.
Of this Order is the Oyle of Almonds ,Nuts,hard
egges, and the like.
Alfo wee muft note, that all Oyles, if they be pre-
<
pared, and coagulated according tothe Spagiricall
Art, yeeld a kind of Vernish, Gumine, Amber, or
Refine , which may bee alfo called Sulphur , and
that which remaines in the bottome of the Still
may bee calcined , and brought to afhes , and

from it may bee with warme water alone , the
Alcali extracted,and feparated from it.
The Ashes which is left behind is called the Dead
Earth, out of which never any elfe can bee extra
cted..
Ofthe Separation of Animalls.
Tis neceffary , that Anatomie goe before the

Separation of Animalls , that the bloud may bee
apart, the flesh apart, the bones apart , the skinne
apart, the bowels apart, the tendons apart, &c. and
after this muſt every one oftheſe bee ſeparated by it
felfe by the help ofthe Spagiricall Art.
Therefore
LIB.VIII .
96 Ofthe Nature ofthings.
Therefore the feparations in this place are chiefly 4.
Foure degrees The firft draws forth a waterie, and flegmatick hu-
of the
tion fepara- midity from the bloud. For from the bloud being
ofAni-
nalls. after this manner, according to the proceffe fhewed
in the book of Confervations, prepared,there comes
Mummie, &c. forth a moft excellent Mummie, and fo excellent a
Specificum , that any freſh wound may bee cured, and

confolidated in the space of twenty four hours, only
with one binding up.
Balfome,&c.
The fecond is the feparation of fat from flefli,
for that being feparated from Mans flefh is a moft
excellent balfome allaying the pains of the Gout,
and Cramp, and fuch like pains, ifany part affected
bee anointed with it warm . It helps alfo the tendons
of the hands, or feet, being drawn together, if they
bee daily anointed with it. It cures alfo the ſcab , and
all kinds of Leprosy .
Therefore it is the chiefeft Chirurgical ſpecificum ,
and in all cafes, as in wounds and the like moſt pro-
fitable, &c.
The third is the feparation of waterie , and fleg-
matick moiſture, together with the fat extracted out
of bones. For ifthefe two bee carefully by the Art
of Alchymie feparated from Mens bones by the de-
gree of Diftillation , and the bones bee reduced, or
burnt into moft white afhes by the degree of Calci
nation, and then thefe three bee again after a right
manner joined together,fo that they refemble butter,
they become a moft wonderfull fpecificall Arcanum,
with which thou maift foundly cure any fracture of
bones without any pain at three bindings up , fo
that thou doft handle , and fet the fracture ac-
cording to the rules of Chirurgery , and then apply
that fpecificum by way of plaifter, &c. This
LIB.VIIL Ofthe Nature ofthings. 9%
This alfo doth moſt ſpeedily cure the wounds of
the skull, and any other contufion of bones whatfo-
ever.
The fourth,and the laſt is the feparation ofRefines,
and Gummes from the Skin, Bowels , and tendons.
For this Refine being extracted , and feparated out
of them by the degree of Extraction, according to
the Spagiricall Art, and coagulated bythe beams of
the Sun,become a cleer tranſparent Glew. Out of
this glew being prepared,extracted and ſeparated out
of Mans body,as is prefcribed, a moſt excellent dr.
canum , and fpecificall ftiptick comes forth , where-
with Wounds, and Ulcers may speedily bee confo
lidated, and their lips bee brought together : ( event
as two boards are glewed together with glewput bet
twixt them ) fo that you put two or three drops of it
being refolved into the wound. This alfo fis a fingu
lar Arcanum forBurns,Falling ofthe nails,Scabs, & c.
if the place affected bee nointed with it. For the skin
will preſently bee brought over the raw flesh.
There might many other feparations of thefe and
other things bee reckoned up. But feeing wee have
mentioned them in other places,it would bee but loſt
labour here to repeat them. It wil bee neceffary that
wee fpeak ofthose things here , of which wee have
made no mention elsewhere.
And lastly in the end of all things shall bee The laft Sepa
I isgme
thent.
the laft feparation , in the third generation , the fation
Iud
great day when the Son of God fhal come in majefty,
and glory, before whom fhal be carried not fwords,
garlands, diadems, ſcepters, &c. and Kingly jewels, The Mannet
with which Princes, Kings, Cefars, &c. doe ofthe laft
pom- Iudgements
pouſly fet forth themfelves,but his Croffe, his crown

NA of
LIB.VIII.
88 Of the Nature ofthings.
of thorns, and nails thruft through his hands , and

feet, and spear with which his fide was pierced , and
the reed, and fpunge in which they gave him vineger .
to drinke, and the whips wherewith hee was fcour-
ged, and beaten. Hecomes not accompanyed with
troopes ofHorſe, and beating of Drums , but foure
Trumpets fall bee founded by the Angells towards
the foure parts of the world, killing all that are then
alive with their horrible noiſe, in one moment , and
then prefentlyrailing thefe again, together with them
that are dead, and buryed..
Matth.25% For the voice fhall bee heard : Arife yee dead,
andcome tojudgment. Then fhal the twelve Apoſtles
fit down, their feats being prepared in the clouds, and
fhal judge the twelve Tribes of Ifrael. In that place
the holy Angels fhall feparate the bad from the good,
the curfed froin the bleffed , the goats from the theep.
Thenthe curfed fhall like ftones, and lead be thrown
downward but the bleffed fhall like cagles fly on
high. Then fromthe tribunall of God fhal go forth
this voice to them that ftand on his left hand : Goe yee
Curfedinto everlasting fire prepared forthe Devill,
and his Angells fromall eternity : For I was an hun-
gry, andyeefed me not , thirsty,andyougave no drink,
fick, in prifan, and naked, and you visitedme not freed
mee not, cloathed me not, and you shewed no pity to-i
wards me, therefore shale you expect no pity from me.
On the contrary, hee fhal speak to them on his right
band: Comeyeebleffed, and chofen into my Fathers
Kingdome, which hathbeenpreparedfor you, and his.
Angells fromthe foundation ofthe world. For I was
2
hungry, andyou gave me meat, thirsty, andyougave
me drink, I was aſtranger,andyoutook me in; naked,
and
LIB,VHI. Ofthe Nature ofthings, 99¹
andyou covered me, fick,andyou wifited me, in prifon,

andyou came unto me:Therefore Iwillreceive you into
my Fathers Kingdom,where are provided many manfi.
onsfor the Saints. You tookpity on me, therefore will
I take pity onyou.
All these being finished, and dispatched, all Ele-
mentary things wil returne tothe firft matter of the
Elements, and bee tormentedto eternity , and never
bee confumed, & c. and on the contrary, all holy
things fhall return to the first matter of Sacraments :
i.e. fhall be purified, and in eternall joy glorifie God
their Creator, and worship him from ageto age,from
eternity, to eternity, Amen.
Na s OF
100 LIB.IX.
OF THE
NAT VRE
Of Things.
THE NINTH BOOK,
Of the Signature of Naturall
things,
Nthis Booke it is convenient for us fpea

king of the Signature ofthings in the first
place, to declare by whom things are fign
ed, and who the Signator is,and how ma-
ny things there be that are figned.You must therefore
know, that things that are figned are of 3 forts .The
first fort ofthem Man figns: the fecond,the Archeius:
the
LIB.IXI Ofthe Nature ofthings, 101
the third, the stars offupernaturall things . Therefore

upon this account there are three Signators : Man
the Archeius, and Stars.
Morcover, you muſt note,that impreffions figned

by men do bring with them aperfect knowledge, and
judgement of hid things,and impart the knowledg of
their hid vertues, and faculties rasa yang
The markes ofthe Stars caufe Prophecies,and Pre-
fages, and declarethe fupernaturall vertues ofthings ,
and take out the true judgements and fignes, in Geo+
mancy, Chitomancy, Phyfiognomy, Hydromancy,
Pyromancy, Necromancy, Aftronomy, the Berilli-
fticall art, and other Aftrall fciences.
But that wee mayexplain briefly, and truly all the
fignes , or markes, it wil be neceffary inthe first place,
that wee ſpeak of thofe fignes of which Man is the
Signer. Thofe being understood, you may the more
rightly underſtand the reft,whether naturall,or fuper-
naturall. It is therefofeknown, that the lows carry
about them, upon their cloak, or coat a yellow fign.
And this is nothing elfe but that mark,bywhich they
2
would have you , when you meet them , to know
that they care Irms. So a Serjeant is known by
his divers coloured coat , or fleeve. So every Magi
grate apparells his fervants with his own colours, and
liveries.t
Every Mechanick marks his work with a certaine

figne, that every one may know whofework it is.l
For whichend Carriers wearethe liverie of their
maſter or pity,thatit maybe known whom they ferve
and from whence they travell,that thereby they may
got the faferle yazm zonanın end
aloudes abrow to porten atomvol vrti
No 3 Sa
102 LIB.IX
3 So every Souldier wears a marke, or badge, as co-
lours , black, white, yellow, green,blew, or red, & c .
that he maybe diftinguished from the enemic .Hence
it maybee known that this is Cefars fouldier,that the
Kings, this an Italian, this a French fouldier, &c.
Thereare fignes which belong to order, or office,of
which many more may bee reckoned up. But yet
becauſe wee have intended to defcribe the fignes of

naturall, and fupernaturall things, wee fhal not fill up
this booke with other fignes ..
As concerning thofe fignes , which Man makes ,
which doe not only refpect order, office, or name,but
"
conduce to the knowing ofhis knowledge,age, dignit
ty, degree, &c. You muſt know concerning Money,
that every kind thereof hath its peculiar triall , and
marke, by which it is known how much it is valued
at, who is the Mafter ofit , and in what place it is
ufually currant. Hence is that German Proverb,Mo-
ney is no where more in requeftthen where it was coi
ned. wollby smoo to.kob
The fame alfo is to bee understood of things that
are looked upon and examined by men fworn and
appointed for that purpofe, before they bee figned :
as Clothwhich is marked with peculiar marks , by
which it may be known, that in examining they were
found good, and proved. Whyis a feal put upon
Letters, but that there is a certain bond, which it is
lawfulk forno man to violate ? For a feal is a con-
firmation ofLetters, whence theyare ofallimen ac-

counted ratified. Without afeale an Acquitance is
void, and of no force, wars walls daud
Afterthe fame manner many things are marked
with few letters, names, or words, as books , which
&n being
LIB.IX.. Ofthe Nature ofthings .
1030
being writ upon the outfide but with one word, doe
prefently fhew what is contained within .
The fame rule alfo there is for glaffes and boxes in
Apothecaries fhops, all which are difcerned by pecu-
liar names, or papers put upon them. Unleffe that
were done, who could difcern fo many Waters , Li-
quors, Syrups,Oyles,Powders, Seeds,Unguents, &c.
and all fimples After the fame manner doth the
Alchymift in his Elabatorie mark with names , and
papers all Waters, Liquors, Spirits, Oyles, Flegms,
Crocus,Alcali, and all fpecies, that thereby hee may
when there is occafion make uſe of any of them, and
knowthem : without the help of which his memory
could never bear them.
So alfomay all houfes and buildings bee marked
with numbers or figures, that the age ofevery one of
them by the first fight of the number may preſently
beknown.
Thefe and other things that are marked I was wil-
ling tofhewto you,that thefe being comprehended, I
might bee the better understood by you in the reft,
and fo the fignification of every thing might bee the
more plain, and clear.
Ofthe Nature ofthings . LIB. IX.
Ofthe Monstrous Signes of

PHL Men.
Divers mon- MAny men are brought forth deformed with

ftrous fignes monftrous marks , or fignes : fo one abounds
or Markes, with one finger, or Toe, another wants one , The fin
gers of fome grow all together in the mothers womb.
Another hath a wry foot, arm,or neck, &c.andbrings
it with him out ofthe womb. Another hath abunch
in his back , ſo allo, are Hermaphrodites born , i. c.
they which are both Male, and Female, and have the
members both of Man, and Woman , or elfe want
both.I have obferved many ofthefe monftrous figns,
as well in Males, as inFall which are to bec
accounted for monftrous lignes of fecret evil afcen-
What mon- dents. Whence that proverb is made good;The more
Arous fignes crooked,the more wicked : Lame members , lame
Thew.
deeds.For they are fignes ofvices,feldome fignifying
any good.
As the Executioner marks his fons with infamous
markes : fo the evil Afcendents impreffe upon their
yong,fupernatural mifchievous marks,that they may

bee the better taken heed of, which fhew fome marks
in their forehead, cheeks, ears, fingers, hands , eyes,
tongues, &c.being fhort,or cutted. Every one of thefe
infamous fignes denotes a peculiar vice . So a mark
burnt upon theface of a Woman, or the cutting off
her cars,for the moſt part fignifies theft : the cutting

off the fingers, cheating Dicers the cutting off the
hand,
LIB
.IX. Ofthe Nature of things, 107
band,breakers of the peace: the cutting off two ofthe ..
fingers perjured the pulling out of the dye ,cunning,
and fubtile villains the cutting out of the tongue,
blafphemers, fanderers ,&c . So alfo you may know
them that deny the Chriftian Religion by a croffe
burnt in the foles of their feet, becaufe viz they have
denyed their Redeemer.
But that paffingbythefe we mayproceed to the mon
ftrous figns ofMalignants afcending, you muſt know,
that all monftrous fignes do not arife from anAfcen-
dent only,but oftentimes alfo from the ſtars of Mens
minds ,which continuallyand every moment afcend,
and defcend with the fancy, eftimation , or imagina
tion, no otherwiſe then in the fuperiour firmament
Hence either from fear, or terrous of breeding Wo
men, many monsters, or children marked with mon-

ftrous fignes in the womb, are borne. The primary
cauſe oftheſe is fear, terror , appetite from which is
raiſed the imagination. If a woman with child begin
to imagine, then her heaven by its motion is carryed
round,no otherwife then the fuperiour firmament
every moment, with Afcendents, or rifings, or Set-
tings . For according to the example of the greater
firmament, the ftars of the Microcofme alfo are
moved by Imagination , untill there be an affault,
whereby the ftars of the Imagination convey an
influence, and impreffion upon the Woman that is
breeding, just as if any one should impreffe a feales
or ftamp money. Whence thefe fignes, and genialt
marks are called Impreffions of inferiour fears , of
which many Philofophers have wrote many things,
and men have endeavoured much togive a full,and
rationall account of , which could never yet bee
done.
108 LIBIX™
done. Yet they doe adhere, and are impreſſed on the

infants, as the ſtars of the Mother, whether frequent
or violent,doe reft upon the Infants, or the Mothers
longing is not fatisfied : For if the Mother long for
this , or that meat, and cannot have it, the ſtarres are
fuffocated asit were inthemſelves , and dye And
that longing doth follow the infant all its life time ,
that it can never bee well fatisfied. The like reaſon is
there of other things,of which we fhall not hear Dif-
courſe any further.
冰康
Ofthe Aftrall Signes of Phyfiognomy

in Man
TheOriginall He fignes of Phyfiognomy receive their original

of Phyfiogno from the fuperior ftars, this art of Phyfiognomy
mie. was greatly efteemed ofby our Anceſtors, and efpeci-
ally by Heathens,Tartars, and Turks, &c.and other
people, amongst whomit was the custome to fel men
for flaves, and it is not yet altogether laid afide a-
mongft Chriftians . Yet together with it many errors
crept in, not yet taker
. notice ofby any, whileft every
blockifh ignorant fellow would take upon him with
out any manner ofjudgement to judge of any one.
Where it is worthy of admiration that thofe erours
fhould never bee taken notice of from the workes
deeds, and abilities of the men.
Now ifany one ſhall in this place argueagainst us,
faying, that the fignes of Phyfiognomy are 1 from the
ftars, and that the fars have no power to compellany
one,
LIB.IX. Ofthe Nature ofthings. < 109
One or ftir him up, he indeed doth not ſpeak amiffe:but

yet there is fome difference in it which muſt be taken
notice of,becauſe the ſtars compell fome, and others
they doe not compell.
For here we muſt know, who can rule or con-
ftrain the ftars, and who can be governed by them.
Therefore for this you muft
muſt note,
note , that a wife man
can rule the ſtars,and not be fubject to them. The
ftars are fubject to a wife man, and are forced to obey
him, and not he the ſtars. But the ftars compell an
Animall man, that whither they lead him hce muft
follow, juft as a thiefdoth the gallows, and'a high-
way robber the wheel, the fisher the fishes,the fowler
the birds, the hunter the wild beafts. And what
here is the cauſe of this, but that fuch a kind of
man doth neither know himſelf,nor his own ftrength,
never confiders, or thinks that he is the leffer world,
and that he hath the univerfall Firmament with the
powers thereof hid in him? Wherefore he is called
an Animall, an ignorant man,and a flave to any bafe
fervice , and all earthly matters , yet whereas he
received that priviledge from God in Paradife , that
hee ſhould rule, and reign over all other creatures of
the Univerfe, and fhould not bee obedient to them 3 Man is the
therefore God created him laft of all, all the reft be- Lord of all o
ing made before him. This priviledg man afterwards ther Creatures,
loft by his fall but yet the wifdome of man was
not made fervile, nor did hee let that liberty goe out
of his hands. Whence it is requifite that the ftarres,
fhould follow him, and obey him, and not he the ſtars.
And although hee indeed be the fon of Saturne, and
Saturn his Afcendent, yet hee can remove himfelfe
from him, and ſo overcome him,that he can be the
002 off- fpring
HowTIO
Of the Nature ofthings. LIB.IX.
a man
maywithdrawe off- fpring of the Sun, and bring himselfe under any
him felfe from other planet, and make himfelfe its Son. And it is
One ftar, and the fame cafe here as with a Digger, who for a time
brin
und g him
er r. hath spent his pains with the Mafter of the Mines,
felfe
anothe
and with the hazard of his life hath performed his fer-
vice faithfully, at length reaſons,and difcourfethwith
himfelfe 7 thus.
What will become oftheeat laft,if thou ſpendeft

all thy life under the earth,and by thy continuall la
bours doft alfo bring thy body and life into danger
I will get a releaſe from my Maſter, + and I will ferve
another Mafter, where my life may be made (weeter,
where I may have plenty ofmeat, and drink, where I
may wear better clothes, have little work and much
wages, where there fhall bee no danger of the moun
tain hanging over mee,and ready to fall upon me,&c.
After this manner hee would bee at liberty , when as
otherwiſe hee muſt remaine a Mercenary fervant ,
and flave, pining away with much labour , and low
feeding, &c.
Nowyoufee how a wife man commands the ftars ?
andcan remove himselfe from any malignant planet
and bring himſelfe under another better, how he can
bring himselfe out of flavery into liberty, and can free
bimselfe out of the prifon ofan ill planet.
¿ So alfo an Animall man, whois the ſon of the Sun ,
of Iupiter, Venus, and Mercury , may remove himfelf
from a benigne planer, and fubject himſelf to Saturne,
or Mars : fuch a man is like to a man , who runs from
areligious Colledge, and being impatient of an eafy
life becomes a Souldier , or elfe a man of no repute,
who afterwards fpends all his life in forrow, and mi-
fery .
Such
LIBIX. Of the Nature ofthings? ftt
Such an one allo is a rich man, who being given to
levity ,spends, and wafts all his goods , in Dicing
Feafting, Whoring, &c. which hee gives himfelfe to
fo long untill all beefpent, then hee comes to wan
and being miferably afflicted with infamous want,
becomes defervedly a laughter and feorn to all men,
yea even to the very boyes inthe streets , whom you
may hear faying Behold a beggerly man worth
nothing, who when hee was a Mafter difdained his
Maſterſhip, and had rather be a flave, a begger, a ilave
to ſervants, ſeeing he can never come to his priviledg
again.
And hither doth a Malignant ſtar , or Afcendent
drive him. Unleffe he had been a foole, and diſho
neft ,he had not left fo certain a Dominion, which hee
hadover the ftars, but had ftrove againft it : And
although of himselfe hee knewnot how to refift the
ftars; yet hee might have bent his mind to the exam-
ples of others; thinking thus with himfelfe : See how
rich that man was, but foolishly, and fhamefully hath
brought himſelf to poverty.Alfo he lived gallantly,
without much labour, had ſo much meat, fuch wages,
that he could not live better.Nowhe lives (paringly,
andfordidly,and in ftead of Wine hee minft drinke
Water, his labours daily increafe, his wages de-
creaſe.
Now howoften doth fuch a kind of Man talke
after this manner with himfelfe. What have I
done ? Whither am I running headlong, ſo bafely
fpending my goods that I got, who will repaire

my eftater If ever I fhall receive what hath been
&
thus spent will take a fat other courfe oflife,
and will by my harm's learne to bee wife , and
003 will
113 Ofthe Nature ofthings. ·LIB.XI,
"
will make amends for my evill deeds.
No man is But it is convenient to know , that no man can
wife byhis own bee wife by his owne harme. For it is a fooliſh,
harmos, but by
ค and fenfeleffe thing to bee wife by ones owne
anothers.
harme. Let him that will be wife , be wife by
another mans example , not by his owne. For
hee that hath once spent his eftate , would ſpend
3.
it againe if hec fhould have it , and he that once
perifheth , perifheth for ever. Hee which once
hath caft a Dice, cafts it again. Hee which once
ftole, and cfcaped the gallowes , will endeavour
to fteal the fecond time alfo. For hee thinkes
thus with himfelfe. My enterprizes have fuccee-
€
ded once , and again, and why not the third , or
fourth time? If God fhould once reftore what I
have loft, hee would reftore it the ſecond, and third
time, &c. If hee did not forfake mee in my
firft mifery , hee will not in the fecond , or
third,& c..
All thefe doth an Animall man doe , the fer-
vant, and flave of the ſtars, who is turned every
where, and moved by the ftarres , as a Reed in

water.
And this is the reafon why his life is fpent in mi-
fery, and he dies in infamy.
Who therefore will fuftain fuch ' fervitude , and
not deliver himselfe from ſuch a nafty priſon ? For
any one may by his owne wifdome , together
with the help of his ftar,deliver, and free himselfe
from thence. Confider the matter thus:
A Fowler by his prudence , and help of his

ftar , overcoming another ftarre, needs not goe-
after birds , for they will come after him Ay-
ing
LIB.IX.
Ofthe Nature ofthings. 113 :
ing to unuſuall places , contrary to their na

ture.
So a Fiſherman can by making ufe of the wif
dome which God hath given him make fiſhes ſwim
to him of their own accord, fo that he may take
them up with his hands.
A Hunter improving his wifdome , doth by his
ftar fo compell the wild beafts, that hee need not
follow them , but they will follow him without
any impulfe of nature. So alfo ofthe rest of living
creatures.
Now forthe better understanding oftheſe things, Stars are twee

you muſt know, that Stars are twofold,terreftriall , fold.
and celeſtiall, theſe of wiſdome , the other of

folly.
And as there are two worlds,the greater , and the
leffer, and the greater governs the leffer : fo alfo
the ftarres of the Microcofme doe rule, andover-
come the celeftiall.
Neither did God create the planets, and other The end of the
ftars of the heaven , that they should rule over man, ferve not
Starrs, isto
but that they , as all other creatures , fhould obey, command,
and ſerve him. And although the fuperiour ftars man
loe incline men, and figne them as alfo all other
terreftiall bodies, with naturall fignes, accordingto
the manner oftheir generation; yet that is no power,
or foveraignty, but only a predeftinated com
mand, and office , whereby nothing may re-
maine hid, or concealed , but the inward force,
and power may bee brought forth by exteriour
fignes .
But to return to our purpoſe ofthe Phyfiognomia Signes arevivoz

call fignes of Men,you must know, that they are twofold.
fold
1141 Ofthe Natureofthings. LIB. IX.
fold, inexternall flapeindeed alike, but in power,and

effect unlike .
Some are from fupernaturall flars of the heaven ,

the other from theinferiour ſtarres, uk, ofthe Mi-
crocofmeed indbadly , biepos ATƏ
Whatſoever the fuperiour far fignes according to
generation, even to the midle age, that thing figned
is predeftinated , not wanting peculiar powers.
For it doth teftific of the nature and condition
of Man. Whatſoever therefore the inferiour ftar of
the Microcofme doth fign in generation , hath its
originall from the Father, and Mother, vix.asoft as
the Mother by her imagination, or appetite,feare, or
terror hath by contact affected her infant in her
womb withfupernaturall fignes , which are called the
Mothers marks, or the Womb marks, of which fince
wee have spoke already, wee fhall now fave the la-
bour ofiteration, feeing our purpofe is only totreat of
Phyfiognomicall fignes, where wee fhall ſpeak only
What are Phy- of the predeftinated fignes of the ftars, under which
fignomicall
fignes.
300 wee underſtand thofe fignes of Men, which neither
DI their Father , or Mother had any likeneffe of in
then body.
Of this fort are black, gray, little, or great eyes,
long, crooked, fharp, nofe, pits in their checks , the
check bone being raised up a far , or broad nofe,
Imall, or great cars, long neck,long face , wide , or
little mouth, thick or fmall, many orfew, black,yel
low, and red haires, &c.
Ifone, or more of thefe fignes appear in Man,
you muſt know, that they doe not want their lig
Sova sza tany12 nificationglodalo 56qaq ofmy off
*077* 9**
blot : But
LIB.IX. Ofthe Nature ofthings. 115
But it is neceffary that you confider them accor
ding to the Phyfiognomicall art, and that you have
certain knowledge of the Art of Signatures, where
by you may know through the externall fignes the
internall man .
But to proceed to the practife of what we inten- What Black

ded , and to reckon up fome of the fignes of Eyes fignifie.
Men, and their fignification in part.
You must know,that black eyes befides a healthful
conſtitution , alſo many times fignifie a conſtant
mind, not wavering, or fearfull,but lufty, hearty,true
and loving vertue.
What Gray.
Gray eyes are a figne of a deceitfull, and change .
able man .
Weak eyes fignifie good judgement , witty, and Weake Eyes.

profound deliberation .
Purblind eyes, and fuch as turne upward , and Purblind,
downward, and to both fides , fignifie a falfe man,
and crafty, that cannot eaſily be deceived, treache-
rous , hating labour , flothfull , getting his living
-
flothfully , by Dice, Ulfury, Whoring, Robbe-
ry, &c.
Small and deep eyes doe for the most part figni- Small and
deep.
fie weak, and feeble eyes , and blindneffe enfuing
in old age, as alfo ftrong men, warlike, bold , de-
ceitfull , nimble , factious , patiently undergoing
their condition, yet the end of whofe life is for the
moft part tragicall, & c.2
Great eyes, a covetous, ravenous man , especially Great."
if they hang out ofthe head.
Allwayes
Eyes that are alwaies winking, declare a weak fight, Winking.
and a man to be fearefull, and folicitous .
Pp Rol-
116
Ofthe Nature ofthings. LIB.IX.
Roling. Rolling Eyes fhew an amorous affection , and.
a prudent man , and a man of quicke inten-
tion.
Eyes continually dejected fhew a baſhfull , modeft

Continually man, &c .
dejected.
Eyes that are red , fignifie a bold , and ſtrong
Red. man, &c .
Clear eyes, and not eafily moveable, fhew an hero-
Cleare.
ick, magnanimous, ftrong, chearfull, and a man for-
midable to his enemies, &c.
Great cares fhew a good hearing , a good
Eares great memory, attention, diligence, a found brain , and
head, & c.
Low cares are an ill omen. For, for the moft
part they fignifie a man to be malitious , fraudulent,
unjuft,and a bad hearing, a bad memory, abold man,
and cafily expofing himfelfe to dangers.
A long nofe, and crooked downwards is a good
Along Nofe fign,it fignifies a man to bee valiant, prudent, clofe,
2.
rigorous, and yet juft , & c.
A flat nofe fignifies a man to be malicious , luftfull,
A flat Nofe, given to lying,inconftant, &c ..
I
A fharp nofe , a man to bee a turne-coate , a
Sharp. mocker, & c.
A long nofe a man to be flow in all his actions,and
Long. to be of a very quick ſmell .
The checkes with pits in them fignifie a
Hollow checks man to bee talkative , a Scorner , contenti-
&c..
A long chin, with a long face,fignific a manto be
A long Chin given to anger,and flow to labour,&c.
LIB. VIII. Ofthe Nature ofthings, 117
A divided chin fignifies a man to bee faithfull, Adivided

Chin.
officious, fubtile , and various in his words,fpeaking
one thing , and meaning another , angry , yet
forry for his anger, ingenious, and given to inven-
tions.
A great and large mouth fignifies a man to bee a A great
great devourer , filly , foolish , imprudent, dare. Mouth.
ing , &c. A little mouth fignifies the con-
trary.
Lips drawne to , where the upper is greater Lips drawn top
then the lower , fignifie a man to bee angry,
warlike , couragions , yet for the most part of
rude, and uncivill behaviour, and manners like to a
fwine.
Lips great beneath, fignifie a man to be dull, foo : Lips great

beneath.
lifh, and blockifh, &c.
Judgement by the haires either of the head, or Haire fignifies

beard, is not very certain, becauſe uſe teacheth that nothing by
Art.
they can be divers wayes varyed , as to bee made
black, or yellow, or red , or white, and hoary , or
curled, foft, or hard, as any one defires to have
them.
Hence it will come to paffe , that many who
are otherwife skilfull enongh in the Art of Phyfi
d ogmony,would be moft fhamefully deceived, whilft
they should rafhly judge by the hairs, imputing that
to the ſtars, which ſhould rather be afcribed to men
themselves .
Yet it cannot bee denyed , but that haires firm-
ly faſtened on the head , doc fignific a good
health of the head , as alfo of the whole
body.
And this is the reafon, why they that buy Horfes
Pp2
pull
118 LIB,IX
Of the Nature ofthings .
pull their tails, that by this means they may judge of

their foundneffe.
So Hogges are tryed by their briftles , Fish
by their fhells , and fcales , a Bird by his fea
thers , & c.
The necke, ifit be too long , fignifies a man to
Long Necks.
bee follicitous, prudent, and attent, &c.
Broad Sholders Broad fhoulders , and backe , fignifie a man
and backs.
to bee ftrong , and able for carrying or remo-
ving, &c.
Mufculous
Armes that are mufculous , fignifie a man to be
Armes.
ftrong and able for any exerciſe ,as beating,pounding,
fhooting, &c.
Hard hands. Hands that bee hard fignifie a man to bee
laborious , and a hireling, &c. Soft hands,the con-
trary.
Afhort Body.. A fhort body, and long legs fignifie a man tobe
a good runner , to bee eafily fatisfied with meat
and drinke, and for the moſt part to bee of a ſhort
life.
Great and clear veines under the middle age of
man fignifie a man to be full of bloud and juice,but
above the midle ofhis age to be commonly fick, yet
long lived .
Nothing can
As much as concerns the manners , geftures of
-be judged by
by the man- men, nothing can be fo cafily known, andjudged by
mers,and be them .
haviour of .
Men. For experience teacheth that thefe can every mo
ment bee changed, as to deceive the Signator , and
make him erroneous in his judgement : And becauſe
it hath not been obferved hitherto ſo accurately by
all Aftronomers; It is therefore the Signators part →
not alwayes to look to the manners and actions of
men
LIB.IX. Of the Nature ofthings. 119
men , but rather to other figns ofthe body,which are

fixed, and can by no Art be counterfeited or chan-
ged.
For if red hairs, moving the forehead , and eye-
lids, a cheerfull, raifed, and unmoveahle countenance, ..
a frequent agitation of the mouth , a ftout muſed
walking, and a light mind, fhould neceffarily declare
a man to be a gallant fouldier and ftout , every one
could by his induſtry and art make himſelfe ſeem to
be fuch an one, that hee might by his lookes bee
the better approved of , and obtaine greater
pay.
The like alfo may be judged ofother kinds ofbe-
haviour, which pretend to wiſdom,folly,truth,lying,
fortune, victory, &c.
Pp3 OF
120 Ofthe Nature ofthings . LIB. IX.
Of the Aftrall Signes of

Chiromancy.
Concerning the Signes of Chiromancy , we muſt

hold that they doe arife from the fuperiour
ftars of the feven planets; and that wee muſt know
and judge ofthem by the feven planets.
What Chiro= Now Chiromancy is an Art , which doth not
mancyis,
only look into the hands ofmen, and make judge-
ment by their lines and wrinkles, but alſo confiders
all hearbs, woods, hard ftones , earthes , and ri-
vers, and whatſoever hath lines , veins , or wrin-
kles.
Neither doth this Art want its errours,which thofe
Aftronomers were guilty of.
For they affigned the fingers ofboth hands to the
planets, and chiefeft ftars , whereas there are but
five fingers in one hand, and in both ten; yet the pla-
nets are reckoned but ſeven.
How then can theſe things agree amongſt them-
felves ?
Now ifthere were feven fingers on each hand, it
then might bee granted, that every finger might bee
afcribed tofeverall planets.
Whether the But yet it falls out many times,that fome men may
fingers be have but feven fingers on both hands, the reſt being
affigned to the cafually cut off : but feing that they were cut off,and
Planets.
juft
LIB.IX. Ofthe Nature ofthings. for
juſt feven were not at their birth, this matter cannot

be related hither.
And ifit should be fo, that a man fhould bee borne
with feven fingers , whether on one hand, or onboth;
yet that were monftrous, and befide the ufuall order
of Nature, and not fubject to the ftars. Therefore
this alſo cannot belong to this place.
But if there must be but five fingers on each hand,
and feven planets, and thefe mutually bee compared
amongst themſelves, it would then be convenient that
the lots of the planets fhould be put into a box , to
know which two planets must give place , and bee
left out .
Yet becauſe this cannotbee, and the planets have

neither dice , nor lots in the Firmament, It would be
worth wondering at, if any one should ufurp this
power to himself, as to allot bythe name of the pla
net, and figne, the thumb to Venus, the fore-fingerto
Jupiter, the midle-finger to Saturne, the ring finger
to the Sun, and the little-finger to Mercury, in the
meane time cafting out Mars, andthe Moon , as it
were out oftheir tribeand liberty.
Which things being fo ; who can wonderthat
Marsdoth ſtir up his fons with juft indignation to kill
that cafter oflots, or to beare a perpetuall hatred a
gainst him? Who can wonder why the Moon fhould
enfeeble the brain of that player , or take away his
i
reafon ?
And this is their firft errour , which , as wee
have faid, they have committed in Chiroman-
cy.
The fecond errour init is this :
122 Ofthe Nature ofthings. LIB.IX.
It oftentimes happens that the originall , and na-

turall lines of the hands are changed by hurts, and
caſualties, or are made greater, or leffer , or doe ap-
pear in other places.
For as if there be a high-way obstructed by any
thing or be ſtopt up by the fall of a mountain, or be
fpoiled by the overflowing of waters, men go about
in anotherway neer to it : fo it happens in the old
lines of the hands, that fometimes after the curing of
wounds, or ulcers , together with new flesh , alfo
new lines doe grow out, and the old are quite abo-
liſhed.
.
In the fame manner alſo by reaſon of hard labours
the lines are defaced, or they which were originall
grow great ; as it is in trees : For if a young tree
fend forth many branches on all fides , thefe
being cut off, the tree it felfe becomes big-
ger.
But that wee may at lengthproceed to the practife
of the Art of Chiromancy , and briefly declare
ouropinion, I would have you know , that I will
indeed change nothing of what concerns the hands ,
but acquiefce, and be fatisfied with the obfervations,
and deſcriptions of the Ancients. Yet I purpoſe in
this practife of Chiromancy to write ofthoſe things,
of which the Ancients have made no mention of, as
of the Chiromancy ofHearbs, Woods, Stones,and
the like.
The Chiro- And it muſt firſt be noted, that all Hearbs,which
mancy of
Hearbs and are of one kind muſt be ofone, and the fame Chiro-
Woods. mancy .
But if their lines bee unlike, and appeare grea-
ter, or leffer in ſome ofthem : that is , by reaſon of
their
LIB.VIII. Ofthe Nature ofthings . 123
their age.
age . Wee doe therefo clearly profeff , that What uſe is of
re e them.
the Chiro o f H e a r bs , c o n d uceth t o n othing
mancy
elfe but to know , and underſ
tand the age of any
Hcarb, or Root . "
But by way of arguing any may here object , that
there is no hearb as long as it growes is older then
another, four or five monthes at the moſt, ifthe ſup-
putation begins from May till Autumne , at which
time hearbs die, and fall from their root.
To this I anfwer , that from God there is but one The condition
of the spirit of
vertue in a root, which is the firft being and ſpirit ofthe Hearb
the hearb, by reafon of which the hearb grows, and is
fupported untill the predeftinated time , and untill it
bee exalted to the production offeed. And this is
a fign, and a mark, that the vertue returns back to the
root, and fo the hearb is dryed . As long as that fpi-
rit which is the chiefeft vertue ofthe hearb remaines
in the root, the hearb every yeer is renewed. unleffe
it be, that that ſpirit together with the hearb be taken
way, and decayes. Then the hearb is not renewed . For
the root is dead,and hath no more life remaining in it.
But after what manner that ſpirit together withthe
hearb is taken from the root, or with the root from
the earth, thatthe vertue thereof cannot goe backe
into the root, or from the root into the earth, is not
to be confidered in this place. For that is a fublime
myſtery of Nature, and not to be openly difcovered.
by reafon of ignorant Phyfitians, who doe not only
fcoffe at but contemne fuch fecrets. Therefore what
here wee have om t ed, wee hall fet downe in our

Herball
Moreover, by how much the younger hearbs are,

fo much the more doe they excell in power and ver-
tue. Qq As
Ofthe Nature ofthings, LIB.IX
134
As by age a man is weakned, and fails in ftrength, fo

alſo doe hearbs.
But to know what the Chiromancy, and age of
hearbs, and fuch like things, is , daily experience is
required, feeing the number oftheir years is not writ-
ten upon them, but it must be divined, as I have faid,
by Chiromancy only.
Now Chiromancy doth not confider numbers, let.
ters, or characters, but lines, veins, and wrinkles on-
ly, &c. according to the age of any thing . For by
how much the older a thing is, fo much the greater,
andeaſier to be ſeen are the lines, and the vertue, and
operation of the thing fo much the duller.
For as a diſeaſe of one moneth or yeare , is more
eafily cured then that which is of two , three , four,
Young hearbs
must be apply- or five moneths, and years: So an hearb doth fooner
ed to old cure a difeafe of one moneth,or year, then that which
difcafes, and fo is oftwo, three, or four moneths, or years. And for
on the con-
trary. this caufe young hearbs muft bee applyed to old
griefs, and old hearbs or medicines to young or
new difeafes. For ifan old hearb fhould be applyed
to an old difcafe, the blind would lead the blind ,and
both would fall into the ditch.
This is the reaſon why many medicines doe not
work, but are taken into the body , and poffeffe the
members, as dirt fticks to the fhooes, whence diſeaſes
are afterward doubled, &c.
Now ignorant Phyfitians never confidered this,
but by their ignorance have deftroyed more then ever
they cured.
In the first place therefore, you that are Phyficians
muft know, that the medicine must be younger then.
the difeafe, that it may bee ftronger to expell it. For
• if
LIB,IX. Ofthe Nature ofthings: 125
ifthe medicine be more powerfull then the difcafe,the

diſeaſe will be overcome as fire is quenched with wa.
ter. But if the difeaie bee ſtronger then the medicine,
it turnes the medicine into poifon,whence diſeaſes are
afterward doubled, and increased.
So ifa difeafe bee like Iron , it muſt be cured with a
Chalybeat medicine . For Steel cannot be overcome
byIron. The more powerful doth alwaies overcome,
and the weaker is overcome.
Although therefore it was not our purpofe in the

beginning to write in this place of Phyfick yet forthe
fake of true, and genuine Phyfitians, I could not pass
over theſe things in filence.
Of Minerall Signes.
Mineralls alfo, and Metalls before they come to How Mine-

ralls differ.
the have their true
whichthey have received from the Archeius, and the
fuperiour ſtars , every one of them refembling fome
kind ofthem by diſtinct colours , and differences of
the earth. Forthe Minerall of Gold, is diſtinct from
the Minerall of Silver: fo alfo is the Minerall of Sil-
ver from that of Copper : and the Minerall of Cop-

per from that of Iron : fo the Minerall of Iron from
that of Tinne, and Lead, and fo ofthe reſt.
No man can deny, but that the Minerall , and all
Metallick bodies of Mines, whichlie hid in the earth,
Qq2 may
126 LIB.IX.
Ofthe Nature ofthings .
may be known by art ofChiromancy by their exte-

riourfignes . That is , the Chiromancy of Mines,
Veines, and Conduits, &c. by which not only thoſe
things, which being hid within them , are brought
forth,but alſo a certaine depth , and richneffe of the
Mine, and plenty of Metall is manifefted. And in this
Chiromancy three things are neceffary to be known,
viz. the age, depth, and breadth of the veins ,as hath
been faid a little before of hearbs. For by how much
the olderthe veins are,by fo much the richer , and
more augmented are the Mines.
4 Concerning this we muſt knowthus much, that all
Metalls, which as yet lie hid in their matrix doe con-
ftantly grow.
Whence alſo it is manifeft, that every thing that
growes,although it be placed out of its matrix cannot
be made leffe, but forthwith grows, ( i.e. ) is multi-
plyed, and according to its fubftance , meaſure, and
weight, grows untill the predeftinated time. Now
this predeftinated time is the third part, of the ap-
There are pointed age of all Mineralls , Vegetables, and Ani-
Threechiefe
heads of all malls, which are the three chief heads of all earthly
things. things.
Now whatſoever doth yet remaine in its matrix,
r
doth grow fo long untill the matrix dies . For the
matrix hath its appointed time to live, and die, efpeci-
ally if it be ſubject to externall Elements.
What is the That which is not fubject to them, hath no other
tearme of time, or term then the Elements themſelves have ,
Elements.
with which it alfo fhall die and perish in the day of
Renovation (which is their term. )
Hence it follows, that all things which are within
the earth,are not fubjected to the externall Elements,
nei-
T LIB.IX. Ofthe Nature ofthings.
127
neither are they ſenſible ofcold, or moisture, or dry-

neffe,or wind, or aire, by which they may bee de-
ftroyed. Such kind of bodies therefore cannot bee
putrefied, or contract any filthineffe, or ftink, or die,
as long as they continue within the earth , in their
Chaos.
So much be ſpoken of Metalls , and as of them,
fo alfo it may bee faid of many men, who inthe
caves of mountaines live fome hundreds ofyears,as
if they were gyants, or pygmies , of which we have
wrote a particular book.
But to defcend to the practife of the Chiromancy of
Mines, which wee fhall give you to underſtand in
few words ; you muſt know that the veines by how
much the deeper, and broader they are , fo much
the older. For where the courfe of the veins is a great
way extended, and at length decay , and are not hid-
〃 den, it is a bad figne. For as the courfes of the veins
doe decay,fo alfo doe the Mines themſelves decay ,
which they fignifie by their depth. Although fome
times there are good Mines found, yet by how much
the deeperthey goe, they doe more, and more decay,
fo that it is not worth while to worke in them , But
when the veins are enlarged with other additions , or
oftentimes cut off, it is a good figne, fhewing that the
Mines are good not only in the top, but that thefame
alfo are increaſed , and multiplyed in depth , and
length for the most part, the Mines being made
I
more rich , afford pure gold, and fo a moſt large.
treafure.
It is without ground, that many Miners commend

thofe veins only which go directly downward, and in-
1
cline from the Eaft to the Weft.For the nature ofthe
5, Co Mines
Q93
128 Ofthe Nature ofthings . LIB.IX
Mines and experience teacheth, that veins oftentimes

which bend from the Weft to the Eaft , or from the
South to the North, and fo contrarily from the
North to the South,are not leffe rich then others are.
Therefore there is no vein to be eſteemed before ano-
ther. But we think it convenient to difcourfe of this
no longer.
Bywhat Now concerning the other fignes of the internall
LignesMinesed earth, as alfo the colours of Mineralls, we ſhall brief-
are difcover .
ly difcourfe of them thus .
As oft as Miners fall upon a fat earth, which doth
fignifie a vein of a pure, and new metall, that is a very
good figne afluring that , that Metall, ofwhich it is a
vein , is not far off.
So aalfo if the carth that is digged have no Metall
T
in it, but be fat, of a white colour, or black , or like
clay or green,or blue, &c. then that alfo is a good
figne of fome good Metall that is hid under it.
Therefore you muft continue digging , and not give
Over.
Miners in the first place have respect to the excel-
lent,beautiful,and chiefeft colours,as are green earth,
for Chryfocoll, Verdegreafe, Azure, Cinnabar, San-
daracha,Auripigmentum , Litharge of Gold, and Sil-
ver, &c. every one of thefe almoft doe for the
moft part fignifie a peculiar Metall, or Mine-

rall.
So Verdegreafe, Chryfocolla , green earth , for
moft partfignific Copper.
So Azure, or white Arfenick,or Litharge ofSilver
fignifie the Metall of Copper.
So Cinnabar and Sandaracha do fometimes fignifie
Gold,fometimes,Silver,and fometimesa mixture of
both So
LIBIX Of the Nature ofthings. 1291
So Auripigmentum, red Sulphur , and Litharge of

Gold,forthe most part fignifie Gold .
So when Chryfocoll is found mixt with the A-
zure or the Azure with Chryfocoll , and Anripig-
ment,for the most part they fignifie an excellent and
rich Minerall.
Where ſtones, or earth are found ofan Iron colour,
they doc certainly betoken, an Iron Mine.
You must note, that fometimes it comes to paffe ,
that the Archeius of the earth doth by fome fecret
paffagecaft up fome Metall from the more inward
part of the earth. And that is a good figne.
Miners therefore must not bee difcouraged when
they fee fuch certaine fignes, and hope of fome excel-.
lent Mine lying under. And ifthin leaves of Metalls
like Talke,do adhere to rocks, or ftones, that is a moft
fure lign. Cha
Now concerning Corufcations they muft Bee dili- What Corufca-
tions fignifie
gently, and ftudioufly obferved, for they are moft in Mines. oked
certain fignes of Metalls lying hid under them,as allo
ofthe fame extent, and fame kind. Where yet wee
múſt note,
that thofe Metalls are not yet come to
perfection,but are as yet in their firſt being. And whi-
ther foeverthe Corufcation reacheth, ſo far alſo rea-
cheth the courſe of Metalls , &c.
7 Moreover you muſt know,that Corufcation is ofa Corufcations

threefold colour, as White, Yellow, and Red, where are of three
colours.
by all Metalls are difcovered to us . For a white Co.
rufcation fignifies white Metalls , as Tinne , Lead, Sil-
very &e a red Corufcation fignifies red Metalls , as
Copper,and Iron, & c.a yellow Corufcation fignifies
golden Metalls.
Add
13060
1 Ofthe Natur o t . LIB. IX .
e f hings
Add moreover, that a thin,and fubtil Corufcation
is the beft figne.
For as you fee it is in trees, that by how much the
fewer flowers there are,fo much the better , greater,
and more favory are the fruit : fo alfo fmall and fub-
tile Corufcations fignifie fubtile and excellent Me-
talls,as the contrary doe the contrary.
Morcover you muſt know , that as long as thoſe
Corufcations appear, whether they be great, or fmall,
or of this or that colour, the Metalls in thoſe Mines
have not yet attained to perfection,but are yet in their
first being as the ſperm of a man in the matrix of a
woman.
WhatCorufca- But now what Corufcation is , wee muſt confider
tion is. in this place and we must knowthat it appears in the
Mines by night like a sparkling fire,no otherwiſe then
gunpowder that is laid in a long train, and being kin-
dled at one end makes a long flashing, boo
After the fame manner is Corufcation carried
along , from the Eaft to the Weft , or from the

Wefttothe Eaft,from the South to the North, or
contrarily.
All thefe Corufcations,how ever they appear, are a
*
certain figne of Courfes of Metalls , that by them
they may be known, and Metalls as certain gifts of
God may be brought forth out of the earth, Fór
what God created for mans ufe, hee put that nature
into it that it fhould not be hid: and although it were
hid,yet he made peculiar externall fignes which con-
duce to the finding of it out, by which the wonderful
predeftination of it may be known. 760
In the fame manner if men hide treaſures they
marke the place with fome certain marks, and bury
them
LTB.IX. Ofthe Nature ofthings. 1Z1
them by fome bound, ftatue, or fountaine , or any

other thing, that when there is occafion they may
find, and dig them up again.
The ancient Chaldeans and Grecians, if in times of How Chalde-
war fearing to be driven away,or banished, theywould ans and Greci
hide their treafure, would marke the place no other ans hide their
wife, then propofe to themſelves a certain day, hour,
and minute of the year, and did obferve in what place
the Sun, or Moon fhould caft their fhadow, and there
did bury, and hide their treasure.
This Art they call Sciomancy, i. e. the Art of What Scio-
Shadowing. By thefe fhadowings many Arts have mancy is.
had their ground , and many hid things have been
revealed, and all Spirits , and Aftrall bodies are
known.
Theſe are Cabaliſticall fignes , that cannot de-
ceive , and therefore diligently to bee taken notice
of.
You must therefore take heed, that you fuffer not Divining
your felves to be feduced by the divinations of uncer- Rods uncer-
taine.
tain Arts; forthey are vain, and fruitleffe, especially
Divining rods, which have deceived many Miners..
For ifthey fhew a thing truly once , they faile ten
times.
Alfo wee muſt not truft other fraudulent fignes of

the devill, which are made, and appeare in the night,
and at fome inconvenient times preternaturally, fuch
as are ghofts, & vifions. For I would have you know,
that the devill can fhew, and caufe fignes, but out of
meer fraud, and deceit.
So there is no Church built, but the devill hath his
Chappell there. There is no Chappell built,but hee
fets up his Altar. There is no good feed, but hee fows
Rr amongſt
132 "OftheNature ofthings. LIB.IX
amongſt it his tares. The fame is the nature of Vifi-

fions, and fupernaturall Apparitions , in Cryftalls,
Berills, Looking-glaffes, and Waters; as they are
by Ceremoniall Negromancers contrary to Gods
command,and the power of the light of Nature baſe
ly abuſed.
Vifions indeed are not abfolutely to be rejected ;
for they have their place , but then they muſt bec
done after another proceffe . For now wee are not
any longer in the first generation , but the fe-
cond. Ceremonies therefore, and Conjurations are
not any longer to be uſed by us Chriftians in the rege-

neration, as the Ancients in the old Teftament, who:
lived in the first generation ufed them.For thofe pre-
figurations were for us who were to live in the New
Teftament.
Whatfoever things therefore the Ancients that

were under the Old Teftament,and in the firft Gene-
ration did doe by Ceremonies , Conjurations, & c.
wee Chriftians ofthe fecond Generation, and in the
New Teftament muſt doe by prayer, knocking, and
fecking, and procure by faith .
In what chiefe In thefe 3 chiefpoints confifts all the foundation of
the
Foundations of the Magicall, and Cabaliſticall Art , by which wee
Magick and may obtain whatſoever we defire, fo that to us Chri-
Cabaliecon- ftians nothing is impoffible.
Gifts ,
But wee fall defift to treat here of more things
concerning thefe and other monuments of Cabalic ,
fpoken of fufficiently in the book ofVisions. I refer
you thither,that you may fee how wonderfully Chrift
the Son of God works by his Angells in us Chrifti-
ans, and the faithfull , and how brotherly he is con-
verfant with us. Whence we are the true Angels and
members
LIB.IX. Ofthe Nature of things. 133
members of Chrift, as hee is our head, as hee is in us,
fo we live in him, as is taught in the booke of the
Lords Supper.
But to returne to our purpoſe concerning Minerall
fignes , and especially concerning the Coruſcation of
Metalline veins , we muſt know, that as Metalls , which
are yet in their first being, fend forth their Corufca-
tion ,. e. Signes, fo alfo the Tincture ofPhilofophers, What is the
which changeth all imperfect Metalls into Silver,and vertue ofe of
the
Tinctur
Gold (or White Metalls into Silver, and Red into Philofophers,
Gold)puts forthits proper figns like into Corufcati-
on, if it be Aftrally perfected, and prepared . For as
foon as a fmall quantity of it is caft upon a Auxil me .
tall, fo that they mixe together in the fire, there, arie
fetha naturall Corufcation, and brigthneffe , like to
that of fine Gold, or Silver in a teft , which then is
a figne that that Gold , or Silver , is freed and
purged without all manner of addition of other Me-
talls. dayd : w. zuć oti bag
But how the Tincture of Philofophers is made A- How the Tin
ture of Philo-
&
ftrall , you must conceive it after this manner fophers is made
First of all you must know, that every Metall , as aftrall.
long as it lies hid in its first being , hath its certaine
peculiar ftars.
So Gold hath the ſtars of the Sun , Silver the ſtars
of the Moon, Copper the ftars of Venus , Iron the
ftars of Mars, Tinne the ſtars of Jupiter, Lead the
ftars of Saturne , Quickfilver the ftarres of Mer-
cury.
But as foon as they come totheir perfection, and
are coagulated into a fixt Metalline body, their ftars
fall off from them , and leave them , as a dead
body.
Rra Hence
£34 Ofthe Nature ofthings. LIB.IX
..
Hence it follows, that all fuch bodies are afterwards.

dead, and inefficacious, and that the unconquered ftar
of Metalls doth overcome them all , and converts
them into its nature, and makes them all Aftrall .
Gold that is For which cauſe alfo our Gold, and Silver, which
made by the is tinged, and prepared with our tincture , is much
Tincture is
better then na- more excellent, and better for the preparation ofMe-
*
fugall, dicinall ſecrets,then that which is naturall , which
Nature generatesin the Mines,and afterwards is fepa-
rated from other Metalls.
So alfo the Mercury of a body, is made Aftrally

of another body, and is much more noble , and fixt
then common Mercury. And fo of the other Me-
talls.
Ifay therefore, that every Alchymift , which hathi
that ftar of Gold , can turne all Red Metalls into
Gold by tinging of them .
So by the ftar of Silver all White Metalls are chan
ged into Silver : by the ftar of Copper into Copper :
by the ftar of Quickfilver into Mercury of the body;
and ſo of the reft.
But now how all theſe ſtars are prepared according
to the Spagiricall , Art , it is not our purpoſe at
this time to declare but the explication of them
belongs to our bookes of the Tranfmutation of
Metalls. 19006
The nature of But as forthat which concerns their fignes, I would

the red Tin- have you know, that our Red tincture, which contains
aure.
the ftars of Gold to bee ofa moft fixt fubftance , of
moft quick penetration, and ofa moft intenfe redness,
in powder refembling the colour of Saffron , but
in its whole body the colour of a Rubie , I fay it
is a Tincture as fluxil as Wax , as tranfparent as
Crye-
LIB.IX. Of the Nature ofthings.
135
Cryftall, as brittle as Glaffe, and for weight moft
heavy.
The white tincture, which containes the ſtar ofthe The nature of
Moon is after the fame manner ofa fixt fubftance, of the white.
an unchangeable quantity, of wonderfull whiteneffe ,
as fluid as Refine, as tranfparent as Cryftall , as
brittle as Glaffe , and for weight like to a Dia-
mond:
lour , of Copper is of a wonderfull citrine co- The ftar of
The
lour, like to an Emrald , as fluxill as Refine , much Copper.
heavier then its Metall.
The ſtarre of white Tinne is as fluid as Refine, The ftar of
of a darke colour with fome mixture of yel white Tin
low..
The ftar of Iron is very red , as tranfparent as The ſtar of
a Granate, as Auxil as Refine, as brittle as Glaffe, Iron,
of a fixt ſubſtance , much heavier then its Me
tall.
The ftar of Lead is like Cobaltum, black, yet The ſtar of
transparent, as fluxile as Refine , . as brittle as Lead.
Glaffe, equall to Gold for weight, heavierthen other
Lead.
The ftar ofQuickfilver is of a wonderfull white The ftar of
Quickfilver
fparkling colour, like to fnow,in the extreameſt cold
1
weather, very fubtile, of a penetrating , corrofive a-
crimony, as tranfparent as Cryftall, flowing as caft
ly as Refine , very cold to the taft , but very hot
within,as if it were fire,but of a very volatil ſubſtance
in the fire.
By this defcription the ftars of the Metalls are to
be known, and understood.
Alfoyou muft underſtand,that for the preparation
of both tinctures, viz. of the Red and White , you
Rr3. muft
136 Of the Nature ofthings. LIB.IX.
muſt riot in the beginningwake of your workthe body

of Gold,or Silver, but the firft being of Gold,and
Silver. For if in the beginning there be an errour
committed all your pains, and labour will be in vain.
So allo you muſt underſtand of Metalls , that
every one ofthem receives a peculiar figne in the
fire, by which itis known.
Of this kind are fparks,flames, gliſterings , the co
lour, fimell, taſte of fire,& c.
So the true figne of Gold , or Silver in the teſt is
gliftering.
That appearing,it is certain that Lead , and other
Metalls that were mixed are fumed away , and that
the Gold,and Silver is fully purged.
The fignes of Iron being red hot in the furnace,are
cleer tranfparent ſparks flying upward. Thofe ap
peating, the Iron unleffe it be taken from the fire is
burnt like ftraw, &c .
To know how After the fame manner any earthly body fhews
Metalls have
more or leff of its peculiar, and diftinct fignes in the fire , whether
the three prin- it have more ofMercury, Sulphur, or Salt,and which
ciples, of the three principles it hath moſt of. For ifit fume
before it flame, it is a figne that it containes more
Mercurythen Sulphur..
- . But if it prefenlly burn with a flame, and without
anyfume, it is a figne that it contains much Sulphur,
and little or no Mercury.
This you fee in fat fubftances, as Tallow , Oyle ,
Refine, and the like : but ifwithout any flame it goes
all into fume,it is a figne that there is init much Mer-
cury,and little or no Sulphur.
This you fee happens in hearbs , and flowers, & c.
and other Vegetable fubftances, and volatile bodies,
as
LIB.IX. Of the Nature ofthings .
137
asare Mineralls, and Metalls, remaining yer in their
firft being, and are not mixed with any fulphureous.
body, which fend forth a fume, and no flame.
"Mineralls, and Metalls , which fend forth nei-
?
ther fume nor flame , doe fhew an equall mix-
tion of Mercury, and Sulphur, and a perfect fixa-
tion .
Offomepeculiar Signes of Naturall

and Supernaturall things.
EE muft yet further fpeak offome peculiar

fignes, of which hitherto we have faid no-
thing.
In which Treatife it will be very neceffary for you,
that boaſt your ſelves to have skill in the Art of Sig-
natures,and defire to be called Signators , that you
rightly underſtand mee. For wee fhall not in this
place write theoretically, but practically , and fhall
declare our opinion in few words.
And firft know, that the Art of figning doth teach What the art
how true, and futable names are to bee put upon all of igning is
things,all which Adam truly knew, For prefently af-
ter the Creation hee gave to every thing its proper
name, as to Animalls, foto Trees, Hearbs, Rootes,"
Stones, Mineralls , Metalls, Waters, &c. And to all
the fruits of the earth,Water,Air, Fire, &c.And what
names be put upon them all,were ratified , and ap-
proved ofby God. For from the true, and intrinfe-
calli
138 Ofthe Nature ofthings. LIB. IX .
call foundation he tooke them all, not from opinion,

or from a predeftinated fcience, viz. the Art of Sign-
ing.
Adam the firftAdam therefore was the firft Signator. And it can-
Lignater.
not be denyed, that alfo from the Hebrew tongue true
and proper names doe flow, and are put upon every
thing according to its nature, and condition .
The nature of For what names are put upon them from the Hebrew
the Hebrew tongue,doe with the fame labour fignifie their vertue,
tongue.
power, and property.
So when wee fay,this is a Hog, a Horſe, a Cow, a
Beare, a Dog, a Fox, a Sheep.
The fignifica The name of a Hog fignifies together with it a fil-
tion of a Hog, thy and unclean Animall: foa Horſe fignifies a ſtrong
Beare,Fox, and patient Animall : a Cow, a devouring,and infatia-
Dog,theep, in ble beaft: a Bear,a ftrong,victorious,and an untamed
the Hebrew brute : a Fox, a fhifting,and crafty beaft : a Dog, an
tongue.
animall falfe to thofe ofhis own kind: a Sheep,a mild
and profitable beaft,and hurtful to none.
Hence it is that a man is called a Hog , for his for-
did and fwinifh life.
And a Horſe for his bearing , for which hee is
eminent.
And a Cow, becauſe thee is unfatiable with meat,
and drink, and knows no meaſure of herbelly.
And a Bear,becauſe he is miſhapen , and ſtronger
then other men.
A Fox,becauſe he is a turn- coat, and deceitfull, ac-
commodating himfelfe to all , and offending none.
A Dog, becauſe he is faithfull to none, but his own
mouth, is falfe,and inofficious to all.
And a Sheep,becauſe hee hurts no body but him-
felfe, and is usefull to all, ratherthen to himself, & c.
After
LTB.IX. Ofthe Nature ofthings. 139
Afterthis manner alſo many Hearbs, and Rootes In what hearbs

there is a figna
have got their name. ture,
So Eye -bright is focalled, becauſe it cures weak ,
and fore eyes.
So the Root Bloudwort is fo called , becauſe it

ftops bloud better then any other.
So the Hearb Pile- wort is fo called ,becauſe it cures
the piles better then other hearbs.
The lame alfo may be faid of divers other hearbs , of
which fort I could reckon a great number, all which
were fo called from their vertue, and faculty, as fhall
more largelybe declared in our Herball.
Moreover , there bee many Hearbs, and 'Rootes,
which are denominated not only from their imbred
vertue, and faculty, but alfo from their figure, forme,
and repreſentation : As , Devills-bit , Five-leaved
graffe, or Cinquefoile, Hounds -tongue, Adders-
tongue, Horfe-taile, Liver-wort, Ox- tongue , Lung-
wort ,the hearb Chameleon, St. Johns - wort, or the
hearb boared through,the hearb Dog-ftone,Tongue-.
laurell , Thorow- leafe, Turne- fole,and many others
which shall not here, but in the Herball bee ſeverally
confidered.
The fame alfo holds concerning the fignes of Ani- What Gignature
malls, for bythe bloud, and its circle , and by the there is in A.
nimalls,
urine and its circle all diſeaſes that lie hid in Man may
be known,
By the liver ofa flain beaſt the fleſh is known whe-

ther it be wholſome to be eaten or no . For unleffe the
liver be clear, and of a red colour, but blew, or yel-
low, or rough,or full of holes, the beaſt is diſeaſed,
and therefore his fleft unwholſome .
d and early neval ?
AL Sf And
140 Of the Nature of things. LIB.IX.
The Liver the
And it is no wonder that the liver can fhew that by
originall, of
Bloud, naturall fignes. For the originall of the bloud is in
the liver, and hence through the veins it is diffuſed in-
to the whole body ,and is coagulated into flesh.
Therefore from a difeafed, and ill affected liver, no
found or fresh bloud can be produced,as of bad bloud
no wholfome fleſhcan be coagulated.
Alfo without infpection into the liver , flesh and
bloud may be known. For if both be found , they
‫י‬
have their true, and naturall colour, which is red, and
clear, mixed with no other ftrange colour, as yellow,
or blew. For thoſe ſtrange colours do fignific difea-
fes, and fickneffes.
What the knots Allo there are other fignes worthy of admiration,
in Navell
of the Infant viz, when the Archeius is the Signator , and fignes
Gignifie. the navell in the infant with little knots , by which
it may bee conjectured, what the Mother of the in-
fant did bring forth, or fhall bring forth.
The branches The fame Signator figns the horns ofa Hart with
of a Harts horn branches, by which his age is known. For as many
fignifie his age. branches as the horn hath, fo many years old is the
Hart. And fecing he hath every year a new horn,the

age of the Hart may be known to twenty , orthirty
years a Aadi neimonos ek fod dib; sinal pu
The circles of So the Signator of a Cow markes her hornes with
the hornes of a circles, by which it may he known how many Calves
Cow, what,
fhee hath brought forth. For every Circle fignifies
a Calfeed stoned flood night viloya
The teeth of a The fame Signator puts forththe fuift reach of a
Horfe,
Horfe that the first feven yeers his age may be known
by his teeth. For at firft a Horfel is brought forth cl
with fourteen teeth, of which every yæer hèo loſetl
two, and fo in the ſpace of feven yeares hee lofeth
12 all..
LIB.IX. Ofthe Nature of things. 141
all. So that after feven yeares his age can hard-
ly be known , unleffe by one that is very skillfull.
The fame Signator doth fignethe bills and claws of The bills and
Birds with peculiar fignes , that the skilfull Fowler claws of Birds
may know their age bythem . vilifol. Da
The fame Signator doth marke the tongues of The tongues of
diſeaſed Hogs with little puſhes, by which their im. Hogs.
purity is known, and as their tongue is impure, fo is
their whole body. Maar dat Jurgonyouded wom
The farme Signator doth figne clouds with diver's Colours of
colours, by whichthe feafons of the heaven may bee Clouds.
foreknown .
So alfo he figns the circle of the moon with diftinct circle

Colours ofthe
ofthe
colours , of which every one is ofpeculiar interpreta
Moon.
tion.So rednefs fignifies that there wil be wind, green-
neffe, and blackneffe, raine,thefe two mixed together
wind and rain, the fame in the fea is a figne of great
ftorms, and tempefts , clearneffe, and a bright white
neffe is a good fign, efpecially in the ocean . For, for the
moft part it fignifies a quiet, faire feafon. Dont en to I
Whatſoever the Moon portends by her figns, fhall
cometo paffe the next day.
And fo much for Naturall fignes. Now for Super-
naturall fignes,they are things of a particular fcience,
as of Magical Aftronomy,&c.and the like.It is there
fore neceffary that you be skilled in them.
Hence alfo many other Arts proceed, as Geoman- The kinds of
cy, Pyromancy, Hydromancy Chaomancy , and Aftronomic,
Magicall
Necromancy, whereof every one hath its peculiar
ftars, which fars doe fofigne them after a fupernatu
rall manner. And you must know,that the ftarres of
Geomancy impreffe their figns upon the earthy bo
dies ofthe whole Univerfe,and that divers wayes. For
Sfa they
Ofthe Nature ofthings. LIB.IX.
142
they change the earth, and caufe earthquakes , and
gapings, they produce hills, and valleys , and bring
many new Vegetables, they produce alfo Gama-
heaus with naked figures , and images , having
wonderfull vertues, and powers, which indeed they
receive from the feven planets,as the But or mark re-
ceives the arrowfrom the Archer.
But how thofe figns , and images of Gamahcaus

may be known apart, and what they fignific magical
ly, there is required a great experience and knowledg
of the nature of things, which canby no meanes bec
here perfectly taught.
Hereyou muſt well note, that the ſtone , or every
Gamaheats, cannot excell in the prperty , and ver
tue but of one ſtar, and fobe qualifiedbut by one pla
net.
And although there bee two or more planets in
earthly bodies, as they are joined together in the fu
periour firmament : yetone is repreffed by the other.
For as one houſe cannot bear two Maſters , but the
one thrufts out the other : fo alfo it is here , the ore
rules,the other ferves: Or as one that overcomes him
that keeps any houfe, cafts him out by force, and
and fets himself, as mafter of the houfe, difpofing of
all things according to his pleafure, and making the
other his fervant..
So alfo one ftarre expells another , one planet
another, one Afcendant another , one influence
another, one impreffion another , one Element
•
another ; For as water quencheth the fire; fo one
planet deftroyes the property of another , and brings
inits owne
The fame is after the fame manner to be under-
ftoodi
LIB.IX. Ofthe Nature rfthings. 143
ftood of their fignes, which are manifold , and not

only characters,as many conceive,but all those,which
are found in the whole mapof the planets,i . e. what-
foever are of affinity with, or fubject to the planets.
But that you may the better underſtand mee by What things
adding an example : I would have you know , that are fubject to
the Sun.
unto the planet of the Sun are fubjected a crowne , a
fcepter, a throne, and all kingly power, majefty,and
rule, and all riches,treaſures,ornaments,and furniture
of this world.
Unto the planet of the Moon are fubjected all What to the
Moone.
husbandry, navigation, travelling, and travellers, and
fuch things as belong to thefe.
Unto the planet of Mars are ſubjected all fortifica- What to Mars.
tions,armour, coats for defence, Ordnance of War,
fpears , and all weapons , and whatſoever belongs
to war..
Unto the planet of Mercury are fubjected all What to Mer

Artifts, all Mechanick inftruments, and whatfoever cury.
is required to Arts . HOM
Unto the planet of Jupiter are fubjected all What to Iupi-

ter.
judgments, and rights, the whole Leviticall order,
all Minifters of Churches , ornaments of Temples, all
jewells, and fuch like.
Unto the planet of Venus are fubjected whatfoever What to Vé-
things belong to Mufick , as Muficall inftruments , nus.
venereall exercifes , loves,whorings, &c.
Unto Saturne are fubjected whofoever work in and What to Sa-
beneath the earth, as Miners, Pioners , Bearers of the turn.
dead,Diggers of Wells, as alfo all inftruments fer-
5 ving to either ofthefe , &c..

Pyromancy draws forth its fignes by the ftars of Whatbe the
fignes of Pyro
the fire, in common fire by particular fparkes,flames, mancy.
Sf3 or.
44 Ofthe Nature ofthings. LIB. IX.
or noiſe, Sc. in the mines by Corufcations : in the

Firmament by ftars, comets, flashing,and lightning,
and Nostock, and the like in Viſions by Salaman-
drine,and fiery fpirits.
What the Hydromancy gives its fignes by the ftars of the
fignesof Hy Water, by their overflowings , their fcarcity, difcó
dromancy are.
lourings, commotions, new ftreames, the washings
away of earthy things in Magick, and Necromancy
by Nymphs, vifions and fupernaturall Monſters in
the waters, and fea. Bhowaldsto
What are the
Mignes of ChaChaomancy fhews its fignes by the ftars of the
omancy. Aire, and Wind, by the difcolouring, deftroying of
all tender,and fubtill things , to which the Wind is an
enemie, by beating off the flowers , leaves, boughes,
and branches. If the ftars ofChaomancy are moved,
fpirits fall from the fuperiour Aire, and voices,and an-

fwers are often heard: Alfo Trees are pulled up by the
rootes, and Houſes are thrown down. There are feen
Hobgoblins, Houfhold Gods, airy fpirits, and Wood-
men, &c. alſo a heavenly dew, and manna falls upon
Trees,and Hearbs .
The fignes of Necromancy draws forth its figns by the ftars of
Death, which we call Eveftra, which are prophetical
fpirits, figning the body ofthe fick , and dying man
with red, blue, and purple ſpots, which are certaine
figns of death, in the third day of their rifing. They
fign alfothe hands,and fingers of men with a clay co-
lour,whichare certain figns of change, either good or
bad. When therfore the ftars ofNecromancy are mo
ved, thenthe dead fhew fome wonderful fign , as Blee
ding,and voices are heard out of the graves tumults,
tord & tremblings arife in the places where bones are laid,
and dead men appear in the form, and habit of living
men
LIB.IX.
Of the Nature ofthings .
men, and are feen in Vifions, in Looking -glaffes , in $45
Berills, in Stones , and Waters, and divers shapes.
Eveftra, i.e. fpirits give their figns by beating , ftri-
king, knocking, falling, cafting, & c. where there is a
great hurly burly and noife only heard, but nothing
feen,all which are certain fignes of death, prefaging
it to him,in whofe habit they appear , or to fome in
what place they are heard.
Befides, thefe fignatures many more may be recko-
ned up. But feeing they bring with them, evill, hurt-
full and dangerous fancies , and imaginations , and
fuperftitions, which may be an occafion not onely of
fome misfortune, but alſo death; I fhall paffe them
over in filence . They are prohibited from being
revealed to us, feeing they belong to the ſchoole of
fecrets, and divine power. Therefore now. I shall put
an end to this book.
FINIS
A CHYMICALL
DICTIONARY:
EXPLAINING
Hard Places and VVords
met withall in the Writings of
Paracelfus, and other obfcure
AUTHOURS .
H
E
DI
E
London, Printed by Richard Cotes , for Thomas

Williams at the Bible in Little -brittain, 1 6 5 0.
A TREATISE
OF THE
Explication of hard Places,
and Words met withall in
the Writings of Paracelfus,

and other hard Chymicall
Authors,
Cetum Philofophorum is a Mercu

riall water, or otherwife is called
Virgins milke , wherein they ſay
Metalls are diffolved.
Acetum radicale is Vineger di
ftilled out of its owne roote ,
and matrix , and is called the
Diffolving Water.
Adamita is a certain kind of Tartar.
Aaa Adech
A Chymicall Dictionary,
Adech is our interiour, and invifible man , which

reprefents the formes of all things in our mind, which
afterward our outward man doth frame, and imitate
with its own hands ; both ofthem work accordingto
their nature.
Aerdadi are corporeall fpirits living in the air.
As doth not alwaies fignific Copper , but fome-
times Gold, or Silver, or any other Metall that is
pure, and generated by it felf, without the mixtion of
any other Metall, or Stone; out of fome fuch kind of
Metall , they formerly made and coined money.
Ethna is called Subterranean fire,invifible,and ful-
phureous , which burnes ftones into coales , like

Jeat in the mountains, which are full of Refine, and
Bitumen ...
Aftphara is the burning offlesh, or the fubftance of

the body into afhes.
Ethnici are called fiery fpirits , or spirituall men
burning in the fire, which appear in divers forms , and
fhapes, as fiery flames , firebrands, round balls of
coals, and that efpecially in Sulphur mountains.
Alcali is called all manner of Salt, which is extra-
ted out of afhes, or calx ofany matter by boiling in
lie.
Alcaeft, or Altaeft, is faid to be prepared Mercury,

fome will have it to bee Tartar, but the mind of the
Authour is more cafily underſtood by the defcripti .
on of the preparation of it.
Alchymia is the feparation ofthat which is impure
from a purerfubftance.
Alsol, Alcool, or Alcoholis a moſt fubtil powder of
any thing.
Alcool vini is the fpirit ofWine rectified.
Alcabrith
A Chymicall Dictionary.
Alcubrith, or Alcur, or Alazar is the fame that Sul-
phur is.
Alcofol, or (as fome will have it Alcofol ) is ftibium,
or Antimony.
Alandahal, or Alhandal is Coloquintida.
Alembrothis falt of Mercury , or falt of Philofo-
phers.
Alembrot purified is falt of Tartar, and the Magifte
ry ofit.
Almizadiris Verdegreafe.
Altey plumbi is the Iweet matter of Lead.
Alufar is Manna.
Amalgama is the making of Gold, Silver, or any
other Metall into a paft with Quickfilver.
Amianthus is a ſtone like to Alumen plumofum in
nature,and condition,it is not burnt in the fire,where-
fore it is alſo called the Salamander.
Amidum, or Amilum is the whiteſt flowre made in-
to bread in the Sun.
Amygdale , with Chirurgions is called the fuper-
fluous flesh which growes at the roote of the
tongue.
Amnis alcalifatus is water paffing through the chalk
of the earth, out of which Alcali is taken .
Anachmus is an incorporeall spirit.
Andena is Steel brought from the orientall coun-
tries, which melts in the fire like other Metall, and is
caft into feverall forms.⠀
Anathron, or Anachthron is a kind of Salt growing
upon rocks like white, and ftony moffe , fome call it
falt nitre. The ancients falfly thought it to bee the
gall of glaffe , feeing it is rather the gall of
ftones.
Aaa 2 Anatrum
AChymicall Dictionary.
Anatrum is glaffe melted into divers colours, which

they call fmaltum,or terra Sarafenica.
Anthos in Vegetables fignifies Roſemary flowers,
and in Metalls it fignifies the Elixir or quinteffence
ofGold .
Anatomia Effata is the mother of diſeaſes.
Anticar is Borax.
Anatris , or Antaris is Mercury .
Aniaday fignifies an eternall (pring,a new world to
come, or paradife.
Aniadum is a a celeftiall body planted in us Chrifti-
ans bythe Holy-ghoft, by the holy facraments , or it
is the fpirituall man regenerated in us.
Aniada are the fruits, and vertues ofparadife , and
heaven, alfo the facraments of Chriftians, in naturall
Philofophy it fignifies the Aftrall vertues , and cele-
ftiall , as they conduce by their influence unto long
life,Star
Aniadus is the efficacy of things.

Anima is our Mercury.
Anodyna are Medicines procuring fleep.
Anodus is that which is feparated from the nutri
ment by the kidnies.
Anontagin is the Philofophers ftone.
Anima Saturni is the fweetneffe of Lead.
Annus Platonicus is a common moneth , or an
age.
Annus Aniadin, is a long life.
Annora is the ashes of Egs , or Quick- lime.
Anetafier
Allocab are Salt Armoniack .
t
AlemZadar
Anterit is Mercury.
Antera
AChymicall Dictionary,
Antera is a Medicine extracted out of hyacinths,
alſo that yellow which growes in the middle of Lil-
lies, and the like.
Anthonor, or Athonar is a furnace .
Aphorifmus is a generall rule in Phyfick, taken for
granted.
Aqua Celeftis is rectified Wine,being in fome fort
made like to the heaven for fubtilty , and pure-
neffe.
Aquaceleftina is Mercuriall water.
Aquacorrodens is Vineger, and all Corrofive Li-
quor.
Aquafecum vini, is that which is made of the
afhes of the lees of Wine,diffolved upon a marble like
oyle ofTartar.
Aqua lubricata is made of mucilaginous things, as
Sugar, Juleps, and the like.
Aquapermanens is that which is made oftwo moſt
perfect Metalline bodies by a Philofophicall folu-
tion.
Aqua Saturnia is that which retains in it felfe the
medic, as are Bath-waters,
nature of the three Principles
which are naturally
Aquafolvens is diftilled Vineger.
Aquafter is a vifion reprefenting fomething to
our eyes , fometimes which truly is not, but only in
appearance .
Aquila is the Queen of birds , and it is uſed for
falt Armoniack by reafon ofits lightneffe in fublima-
tion. But Paracelfus will have it in many places
to be taken for Mercury precipitated with gold.
Aquila Philofophorum is the Mercury of Meralls
ke. Merall reduced into its firft matter.
Arbor
Arbor Maris is Corall, which grows like a fhrub

in the fea.
Arcanum in generall as it fignifies any thing that is
hid, fo in Paracelfus it fignifies any fecret incorporeall
vertue in naturall things , partaking of a perpetuall,
and immortal life,derived upon it from heaven, which
also may bee multiplyed by the Spagiricall art above
its former condition.
Archaltes, is in Paracelfus the foundation of the
earth, or a pillar,which feems not to be upheld by its
fellows,but as it were by a wonderfull providence of
God.
Archeius is the higheſt, exalted , and invifible fpi-

rit, which is feparated from bodies, is exalted , and
afcends, the univerfall occult nature, operator, and
Phyfitian in all things . So Archiatrus is the fupream
Phyfitian of Nature, which diftributes to every thing
and every member their peculiar Archcius occultly
by Ares. Alfo Archeius is the first in Nature, the
moft fecret vertue , producing all things out of
Iliafte, being fupported by a divine power.Ares is the
difpenfer of Nature hid in all the three principles,
whence every thing hath its being, and which difpo-
feth to all things in a particular form,fhape, and fub-
ftance,that it may put on its own proper fpecifical na-
ture,&not anothers.But you must note, the difference
betwixt these 3 in nature,to fpeak after the manner of
fchools. Iliaftes is the fubftance of the higheft genus,
or kind confifting in the firft univerfall matter of all
things,which it doth first difpofe into three kinds,viz.
into Sulphur, Mercury, andfalt. The Archeius is the
firft difpenfer of Nature , and then it produceth all
things into its next genera or kinds. Then comes Ares
another
Ares another difpenfer of Nature, which produceth

from kinds,or genera,forms, and fpecies into indivi-
dualls.
Ardentia are fuch things which having received
no food, are by their owne nature fubject to bur-
nings , as Amber , Turpentine , Jeat , and fuch
like.
Aridura is the totall confumption ofthe body, and
parts thereof.
Arles- crudum is drops falling in the moneth of
Tune, like May dew.
Aromata,are all fuch things, which yeeld a ſweet,
and gratefull ſmell.
Aroph is Mandrake .
Arfaneck is fublimed Arfenick .
Arfenicum is the flaſhing ofMetalls, or the falt of
them , or ofSaturne, which in fome places is called:
Artanek, or Artanech.
Artetifeus is he that wants any member.
Artheicam is red oyle , artificially extracted
out of the rootes of Hearbs digefted with bread in
dung .
Afphaltum is a Bitumen extracted from the
mudde of the carth , and water , and is like
pitch.
Afcendentia figna are called either the ftars of
the Firmament of heaven , or the fydereall fpi-
rics..
Afapbatum is an itch bred betwixt the skin,and the

flesh,like worms : and if the skinne bee crushed long
threds with black heads come forth.
Afalais called a Nutmeg.
Afalia vermes are thofe wormes which breed in
wood,,
wood, or betwixt two boards, and they are called Te
redones.
Asthmais a difcafe of the lungs caufing difficulty.
#
of breathing.
Astrum is in this place called the vertue and power
got by the preparations of things as the ftar of Sul-
phur is its inflaming which is turned into moſt excel-
lent oyle: fothe ftar of falt is its refolution into water,
or oyle,which thereby receives more vertues then it
had before. The ftar of Mercury is its fublimation ,
by which it acquires a wonderfull power , and
vertue, greater , and more fubtile then its natu-
rall.
Astrum ex igne, is a burning Fire of great impref-

fion.
Athanor, or Athanaris a furnace in the ſpagirical

Art, but especially a reverberatory , fometimes of
other ufe as the artificer pleafeth.
Attramentum fignifies divers things according to
the adjective that is put to it : as that which Shoo-
makers ufe , is Copperis , The fuch as is red within:
that which Writers ufe , is called inke , footy,
and it is called blacking, alſo all kinds of Copperis.
Attractiva are called magnetick medicaments
which have a power to draw to them fuch things as
are compounded ofthe like attractives.
Augurista is called a fuperftitious Artist who
practifeth his Art in Looking-glaffes, Chryftalls, and
in Waters, especially in the finging , and flying of
birds, that he may prefage by them ; he alfo obferves
other rites forthe fame cauſe.
Aurum planatum is that which they call Leafe

Gold, or malleated Gold.
£2
Aarum
Aurumpotabile is liquor of Gold , without any

Corrofive, which very few know, yea ofthofe who
daily prepare it rather to the deftruction,then health
ofmen.
Aurum vite is precipitated Gold,and reverberated

into the highest degree of redneffe, like ground Cin-
nabar. That isthe beſt which is made,and precipita-
ted with its proper Mercury.
Avis Hermetis is the Mercury of Philofophers,
which aſcends , and then deſcends for nouriſhment.
Aurum vivum is fometimes taken for Quick-
filver.
Auštromantia is a certain kind offuperftition inven-

ted,concerningthe obfervation of ofWinds,as when
the ftarsof the Winds break forth into great vehe-
mency, contrary to their cuſtome, whence menthat
are more idle then rationall, pronounce a prefage of

fomething to come.
Axungia de Mumia, or Mumia de Medullis is the
marrow of Bonés .
Akemafor is Minnium, or Cinnabar.
AZoth is Quick-filver extracted out of any body,
and it is properly called the Mercury of the body,
but in Paracelfus it is the univerfall medicine
things.
Bbb B
B.
Alneum Maria, or Maris,as many call it, is a

furnace for diftillation containing water,in-
which being warm Chymicall veffells are
B
put for the putrefaction of the matter
which they contain, as alfo for their feparation, and
for the performing the operations of that kind of
moiftafcenfions.
Balneum roris is a furnace, in which the veffells of
Diftillation are put over the vapour of the water only,
that the vapour doe not touchthe body alfo it is cal
led a vaporous furnace.
Balfamum is a fubftance of bodies preferving things
from putrefaction. It is internall , and externall. Inter-
nall in man is a certain temperate fubftance, not bit-
ter, norfweet, nor foure, not Minerall falt , but the
falt of liquor, which preferves the body ftrongly from
putrefaction. Externall is Turpentine, which hath ne-
ver come to thefire, but is digefted ..
Balfamum de Mumiis is that which is extracted
from fleſh.
Balfamum Elementorum externum is a liquor of ex-
ternall Mercury, i . e. the Mummie of externall ele-
ments, one of the three principles, the firmamentall
effence of things ..
Baul is urine..
Banract
4 Chymicall Dictionary.
Banracis any kind ofbrine .
Berillus is a Cryftalline Looking- glaffe fuperftiti
oufly confecrated by the Augurs.
Berilliftica is an art of obferving vifions in thoſe
kinds of glaffes .
Bifmutum is the lighteft,whiteft,and baſeſt kind of
Lead .
Bitumen is a certaine kind of flimie mud extracted
out of water, and is like to pitch and is as it were the
pitch of the earth..
› Botinis Turpentine.
Bathor are wheales, or puftles.
Braffadella, or Braffatella is Adders-tongue.
Brunus is St. Anthony's fire.
Bruta is an influence of a Celeftiall vertue, which
by Brutes is manifefted to men , as in the Sal-
lendine by the Swallow, in Salt the uſe of a
Glyfter by the Storke , and many more of that
kind.
Butyrum Saturni is that which above is called Al-
rey, and it is the fweetneffe ofLead .
Bbb z
AChymicallDictionary.
C.
Abela, or Cabalia is a moft fecret fcience

which is faid to be delivered by divine in-
C Ipiration, together with the lawof Mofes ,

the Hebrew Rabbies afferting the fame . The
Perfians were moft diligent feekers of this Art,being
alfo profeffors of the fame, as appears by their cal-
ling of their wife men . They call their Prieſts wife
men, and moft skilfull of all fecrets, fuch as were
thofe three that came to Chrift out of the East to
worship him, and not Kings, as the ignorant vulgar

think themto be. It was not fet down in writing,but
delivered by word of mouth. Now after a while fu-
perftitious men, a kind of apes , began to fpatter its
1
with their pen, fo that at laft it is degenerated into
monftrous fuperftition; by which means alfo Magick,
which is the true wiſdome that is received by divine
infpiration, is accounted in thefe times Necromancy,
and Nigromancy, fo that it is an offence to be a wife
man, and hee that profeffeth it openly fhall caft him-
felfe intodanger. But to teachthe foolishneffe of In-
fidels publickly is commendable, and a gift of fingu
lar wifdome, and no man is judged wife, but hee that
is the greateft foole.
Caballi, or Cabales are ghofts , and Aftrall ſtars of
menthat dyed before their time..
Galle
Calcedoniam tartarum is an offenfive matter in mans
body,which comes by reafon of the defect of the
expulfive faculty in not expelling what is fepara-
ted.
Cafa is Champhir.
Calcanthum is Vitriall.
Calcinatum majus is called all that which is made
fweet by the Spagiricall art, which of its own nature
was not fo, as the ſweetneffe ofMercury , of Lead
of Salt or the like,which alſo is called their foul, and
doth quickly confolidate any wound.
Calcinatum minus is all that which is natural ſweet,
and is very healing , as Sugar, Manna , Honey ofthe
Wood, Noftockand the like.
Callena is a kind ofSaltpetre.
Caleruth is a figne of a defire to the firft perpets-
um , as when any thing defires to return into its
first matter from whence it had its originall .
Calliette are yellow mufhromes upon Juniper
trees brit
10 Calx Mercuriiis precipitated Mercury.
GalxVeneris is Verdegreafe.90
CalxSaturni is Minium.
Calx Lovis is fpirit of Tin.
Calx Martis is Crocus of or Iron.
Calx Solis is calcined Gold.
Calx Luna is the Azure flower of Silver.
Calxpermanens or fix , is an incombuſtible mat-
ter…
Calx peregrinorum is Tartar.
Calx lignorum is the ashes ofWood.
Calcitis is a ftone out ofwhich braſſe is boiled.
Chaomancy is an art of prefaging by the aire.
Bbb 3 Chaos
Chaos, befides the confuſed, and unfhaped matter

of all things, is in Paracelfus taken forthe Aire, it is
alfo taken for Illiafte, or Illiaftro.
Claretta is the white of Egs.
Cambuca is an apofteme, or ulcer inthe groin.

Caput corvi is Antimony.
Caputmortuum is the feces remaining after diſtil-
lation,and fublimation .
Carbones cæli are the ſtars.
Carbunculus is an apofteme, or peftilent ulcer.
Cardonium is a medicinable Wine made of Hearbs.
Carena is the twentyeth part ofa drop...
Caffatum is weak, and dead bloud in the veins ob-
ftructing the motion of the good blood.
Cafeuspræparatus is the viscous refidency remaining
in the bottome of the milke that runnes out of the
cheefe
Cathimia is the fpume of Silver.
Cauda vulpis rubicundi is Minium of Lead.
Cautela in Spagiricall art is a certaine kind of in-
duftry gotten by a habit, whereby the profeffors of
the art doe more eafily undergoe their labors , and
perfect their operations.
Cauterium is a chirurgicall inftrument, which opens
the skin with burning, alfo it is a medicine that effects
the fame, but without pain.
Cedurini are dull wits."
Cenigdam , or Geningotam is a Chirurgicall in-
ftrument wherewith the Cranium is opened in fits of
the Epilepfic .
Ceniotemium is Mercury prepared for the Venereal
difeafoliod
Cinificatum is the fame as Calcinatum, i, e.burnt to

alhes. Cer-
Cervicula is the fpirit made out of the bone which

is in the heart of a Hart.
Character veneris is love, which is in ſtead of a
fhield in keeping offdanger.
Cherva is Cataputia, i.e. the Hearb Spurger
Cheiri in Paracelfus ifit be put abfolutely without
any adjection , and if it be spoken of Mineralls, it
fignifies Quickfilver, if of Vegetables Vegetable
flowers. But when it is found with an adjection after
this manner, flos Cheiri, it fignifies the white Elixir
made of filver,as Flos Anthos fignifies the red Elixir.
Cherio is the occult accidentall vertue of the exter-
nall Elements,and not the qualities of heat,and cold,

and the like.
Cherionium is that in which Natture cannot be alter
red as Crystal,which is fo hardened by nature, that it
cannot bee melted as that which is made by Art..
Cherubin is a celeftiall vertue, and influence, do
mination, and power above all dominations, and
powers, proceeding from God, and defcending upon
the earth, and upon all men . Of this divine glory
Paracelfus peaks largely in the expofitions of the
Pfalms of David.
Chifir Minerale is of fome interpreted Gold, but

Ijudg it by what goes before to bee the Sulphur of
any Metall.
Chiromancy according to Paracelfus doth not

treat ofthe lineaments of the hands only, but also of
the whole body, and not only ofmen, but all naturall
things befides.
Chymia is the art of Separating pure from impure,
and of making effences.
Chybur, or Cibur is Sulphur,
Chrysocolla
Chryfocolla is a kind of green earth like Verde-
greafe .
Chryfos is Gold, inv
Chymus is Feces.
Cineritiam is Ciment of Gold, or Silver , which
fome call Regale.
DE A
Citrinalus is pale Cryftall.
Citrinulum is atransparent falt,made out of calci
[
ned vitriall.
Citrinula is a bliftering Hearb called Crow -foot.
Cist, or Kist is the quantityof two Gallons of
Wine.
Cliffus is the occult vertue of things returning
from whence they came,as the vertue of an hearb into
the root in Autumne.
Coagulatio is the making of athin thing thick.
Calum Spagiricum is the upper part of a Philofo
phicall veffell.
Calum Philofophorum is any quinteffence , or
univerfall medicine , efpecially the Philofophers
ſtone. 20ren's 100, fom Bus betra
· Cali planetarum are the proper orbs, and their
fpheres.
Cementum is a dry Corroſion, when any Metal-
line body is calcined with falts , or fuch like drying
things.
Cobhobatio is the often drawing offa liquor from
its body,being oft put upon it.
Cohopb, or Cohop is the fameas Cohobation.
Cobos is whatfoever the skin contains in the whole
body. An ama
Colcothar is calcined Vitriall, or the caput Mortu-
um ofoyle of vitriall .
Col·
Collatenna is an hearb called Lyons-foot , or a

certain ftiptick medicine .
Colliquation is melting, as Metalls are melted.
Colica is Tartarrefolved in the bowells, or a fixt
diſeaſe in the Colon gut.
Celeritium is a Liquor compounded ofthe corro-
five materialls of Metalls.
Cometz is halfa drop .
• Complexio is the nature of any part, or the quali
ty of heat , and cold , and the like.
Compofitum put abfolutely is a body not fepa-
rated.
Confirmamentum is the body ofa ftar in man,or an
Aftrall body.
Confortativa,or Confortantia are medicines which
comfort the heart, and ftrengthen Nature.
Congelativa are medicines which ſtop any flux.
Congluten is that, whichby putrefaction is turned
into a viſcous matter.
Confolidativa are externall medicines which Chi-
rurgions uſe in healing , and drying wounds , and
ulcers .
Conftellatio is the impreffion offuperiour ſtars , or
their vertues upon inferiour bodies. i kartonagy
Constrictiva areftiptick medicaments which Chi-
rurgions ufc.
Contorfio is a torment of the bowells .
Contractio is a weakneffe of the members , and
drawing of them together.

Confervativa are medicaments which preferve
Nature from putrefaction , being ſuch things as are
full of Aftrall vertue.
Cooftrum isthe middle part ofthe Diaphragma .
Ccc Cer
Coramongst Metalls is called Gold.
Corbatum is Copper.
Cornucerviis amongſt the Chymifts the nose ofa
ftill,amongst a Paracelfus a vulnerary bearb.
Corpus is the fubject in which the vertues ofthings
tie hid.
Corpora cæleftia Spagyrorum are Aftrall vertues in
their matter.
Corporafupercelestia are fuch bodies that are not
known by ſenſe, but by reaſon.
Corpus invifibile is the foul,which is corporeall in
refpect of its fuftentation , and inviſible by reaſon
of its fpirituality.
Corrofiva are medicines that Chirurgions tife to
eat offfuperfluous fleſh.
Cortex Marisis the Vineger ofPhilofophers.
Coraftur is moufe- eare.
Cotorenium isa Liquor.
Cruorfalis is falt feparated from the first falt by
fault of the fecond digeſtion.
Cucurbita is a veffell like a gourd.
Cycimais Litharge.
Cydar is Iupiter.
Cyphantum is a diſtillatory weffell , or the Art it
felfe.
D.
Ardo is a fucceffive generation by propaga.

tion.
Daurais Hellebor.
D
Demotinus lapfus is fuddain death.
Defcenforium is a Chymicall furnace in which the
liquor falls downward from the groffe matter.
Derfesis an occult vapour of the earth, by reafon
ofwhich all kind of Wood grows,and increafeth.
Deliquium is a cold defcenfion , when coagulated
bodies are diffolved into a liquor in any cold place.
Diaceltateffon is a speciall remedy againſt feavers.
Diameter Spagiricus is a temperament.
Diapenfia is Alchamilla, i.e. Ladies mantle.
Diaphanum is that which is tranfparent .
Diaphoreticum is a fweating medicine.
Diafatyrion is a confection provoking luft .
Diate fadelton is precipitated Mercury.
Diene are fpirits that dwell amongst hard ftones.
Digestio is a Chymicall operation , alluding to
the digeftion ofa Mans ftomach , in which, 孟 and by
which the matter is decocted intoa feparation of pure
from impure.
Difcus folis is Quickfilver made out of Gold.
Divinatio is prophecying, or foretelling.
Divertalium, or Divertellum is a generation made
by Elements.
Ccca DTA-
3 A Chymicall Dictionary.
Dracunculusis Braffatella, i.e. Adders tongue.

Dubelech is the cavity of an impofteme .
Duelechis a kind of Tartar in Mans body , or the
ftone in the bladder,or any other part which is fpon-

gious,and dangerous.
Duenech is Antimony.
Dulcedo Saturni, is Altey, or Cerufe.
Durdales are corporeall fpirits inhabiting trees .
Diotais a circulating veffell.
E.
Delphus is any one that prognoſticates by

the Nature of the Elements.
SE Edir is ſteel orIron.
Electrum is fometimes taken for Amber,
but in Paracelfus it is a mixture of a compound metall
made by melting all the feven planets into one
body.
Elementum in Paracelfus is the corruptible , and
tranfient effence of the world,and of all things,which
are fubject to change.
Elephas is Aqua fortis.
Elixiris properly a ferment,the leaft part ofwhich
turnes the whole maffe of any thing into its owne
1 kind : alſo it is the effence of any thing.
Elevation is making a thing fubtile.
Emundtorium is the place of expulfion of any ex-
crement,
·Enock-
Enochdianum is that which hath long life.

Entali is flaked Allum , and ſometimes it is made
fpagirically offalt gemme.

Enur is an occult vapour of the water , by which
ftones are bred.
Erodinium is the fign ofany thing to come.
Efcara, or Eftphara is black and dead flesh cauſed
by a cauftick,and is commonly called the Eſcar.
Effara are Wheales.
Effatum effentiale, is the effentiall , and power that
is in Vegetables, and Mineralls .
Effatam vinum is rectified ſpirit of Wine.
Effentia quinta according to Paracelfus his definiti-
on, is acertain matter extracted from things purified
from all manner of impurity, and corruption, where-
by it ismade incorruptible .
Effila is a tincture made by the heat of the fun in
the face, or any other part of the body.
Effodinum is a certain prefage of things to come by
their marks .
Efthionemusis a moft corrupt impofteme feeding
upon the whole member,as a Wolfe.
Evestrum is a propheticall fpirit, which prefageth
by figns,or fomething going before.
Excrementa are all fuperfluous things ejected by
Nature.
Exitura is any apofteme which cafts out matter.
Exaltatio is the fubtilizing of any thing.
Exorcifta is a fuperftitious artift which calls up fpi-
rits.
Extractum is that which is extracted out ofcorpo-
reall concretion,the groffeneffe being left behind.
EZeZich is Salt.
Ccc3 F
AChymicall Didionary.
F.
Abais the third part ofa fcruple.

Fabiula is the flower of Beans.
Fel Draconis is Quickfilver out of Tin.
Fel vitri is the fpume ofglaffe .
Fermentum is a fixt matter, which reduceth a mat-
ter to its own nature, and fixedneffe.
Ficus cutis is a wart growing to the skinne upon
Horfes legs, andit is a medicine to help difeafes ofthe
matrix .
Fido is called Quickſilver, and ſometimes Gold.
Fidais Silver, and fometimes Gold.
Filius unius Diei is the Philofophers ftone.
Filum arfenicale is the Philofophers ſtone.
Fimus equinus is a digeftion made any way, either
by Horse - dung, or warm alhes, or water.

Filtratio is training a thing through a woollen
cloth, or paper, &c.
Flaga are fpirits which knowthe occult ſecrets of
men.
Flos cheiri is the effence of Gold,
Flosfectarum Cree is the flower ofNutmeg, or as

fome will, of Saffron .
Fadula is a kind of mufbrome.
Fixatio is making that which flies in the fire to
endure the fire.
Folia
AChymicallDictionary,
Folia daure are leaves of Gold.
Føns Philofophorum is Balneum Maris.
Forma rerum are called the influençes of celeſtiall
bodies,which inferiour bodies receive from them, or

they are the vertues ofany thing.
Formica are little impoftemes like warts.
Fugile is anapofteme in the cares.
Fuligo Metallorum is fometimes called Arſenicke,
and fometimes it is taken for Mercury.
Fulmenis purified Silver.
Fumigatio is calcining any thing with a fharp core
roding fume .
Fufio is melting, or making any thing flow in the
fire.
G.
Amathei are ftones in which celeftiall ver

tues, and fupernaturll conftellations are
impreffed, being marked with wonderfull
characters, and images .
Gamakerare images impreffed by a fupercelestiall
influence.
Gamonymum is that one only Anatomic of all
things.
Glacies dura is Cryſtall .
Gladialis is an Art whereby according to the
courfe
courfe ofthe firmament ofthe ftars fwords are fo for-
ged,that anvills cannot refift them, whence it other-

wife called incufma.
Gelion is a Leafe.-
Geomancy is the moſt known Art of the earth, but
in this place it is taken for the ftars of the earth, ma-
nifeftingthemſelves to men , fo that thereby they
may take fome ground for prefaging.
Geluta is the hearb called Chameleon.
Gemma tartarea is called the ftone that is generated
of diaphanous, and perfpicuous tartar.is
Genula is a plant degenerating by tranſplanting
ofa parsnip .
Gibar is a Metallick medicine .
Gigantes are men exceeding the bounds ofNature.

Gluten is any viſcous matter in the body , from
whence proceed many obftinate diſeaſes.

Glutinis tenacitas is the Minerall Refine.
Gluta is the efficacy of renacious pitch.
Gnomi are called homunciones, or rather corporeall
fpirits,living under the earth,or elfe Pygmies of a cu-
bit long.
Graca Magia is a fuperftitious Art invented by the

Grecians , by which they made things appear, which
really were not.
Gravus is the ftone Porphyrites, the use of which is
as of a marble to diffolve things in the cold..
Grilla, os Grillus,is vitriall diffolved of its owne
accord into water.
Guarini are men living by the influence ofthe hea-

ven.
Guma is Quickfilver .
Gumicula is Valerian.
Gutta
A Chymicall Dictionary
Gutta refacea is a redneffe efpecially in the face like

that tincture which is in the beginning of a Le-
profic.
H.
Adid is Iron.
Halis Salt.
Harmel is the feed of wild rue
H
Haro is a kind of Ferne.
Helis Honey.
Henricus rubeus is the Colcathar ofVitriall.
Hellebria is a kind ofblack Hellebore bearing red
flowers .
Heliotropium is Paracelfus his balme .
Helifmidan is a balfamicall Mummie.
Hinicula,genicula, or gumicula is Valerian.
Homunculus in Paracelfus is a man made artificial-
ly,the proceffe whereofyou may fee at large in the
foregoing treatiſe the eight page,and fometimes they
are taken for fuperftitious images.
Horion is the Mercury of Gold .
Humor vite is the radicall moiſture.
Hydri are juices or fruits .
Hydromancy is an Art taken from the ſtars of the
water,when they manifeft themſelves to men, as from
unufuall inundations , and the like.
Hydropiper is Arfmart tinged with red fpecks , or
Ddd I
ſpots .
AChymicallDictionary.
Affa is the hearb of the Trinity.

Ieteritia rubea is an Erifipelas.
Idea, is a figure ofa thing conceived in
the imagination as a perpetuall being, or a
pattern of all things of that nature.
Idiote are contemners of true arts, although they
are skilfull profeffors ofthe falle.
Fefabach is fupernaturall.
Ignisleonis is the Element it felfe of fire.
Ignis Perficus is a hot burning ulcer.
Ignis pruinus adeptus is the quinteffence of vitriall
rectified with tartar.
Ilech primum is the firſt Principle.

·
Ilech fupernaturale is a conjunction of the fuper-
naturall, and firmamentall ftars , with the inferiour
ftars ofterrreftial things, and with wine.
Ilech magnum is an Afcendent or a ſtar of a medi-
cine,which together is taken with it, in which alſo it is
hid, and as the fuperiour ſtars are in the firmament,
fo alfo are the inferiour in man..
Hech crudum is a compofition ofthe first matter of
the three first principles .
Ileidus is the Elementary aire but in men it is the
fpirit which paffeth through all his members.
Iliafter, or Iliaftes, or fliadum , is the firft matter
of
of all things ,confifting of Sulphur, Mercury , and
Salt, and it is fourefold according to the number of
the Elements. The firft is the chaos of the Earth,
the fecond is the chaos of the Water,the third is the
chaos of the Aire , the fourth the chaos of the Fire.
Alfo there are four Iliaštri of men respecting long
life.
Iliafterprimus is the term oflife , or the life it felfe,

orthe balfome of life in man .
Iliafter fecundus is the tearm ofthe balfome , and

the life which we have by Elements, and things ele-
mentated.
Iliafter tertius the term of the balfome , or life
which we have by the quinteffence of things .
Iliafter magnus, or quartus is ofthe mind, or foule
caught up into another world, as Enoch, and Elish
were .
Iliaft er in generall is called the occult vertue of

Nature,by which all things are increaſed , nourished ,
multiplyed ,and flourish;of which you fhall read more
at large in the book of Paracelfus concerning the ge-
nerations ofMeteors.
Imagines are Metallick figures, or effigies, in which
the celestiall powers operate.
Imaginatio is a ſtar in man, a celeftiall and fuperce-
leftiall body .
Impreffiones are fruits as of ftars in inferior things.

Impurum alcali, is fpume which is taken from it in
purging of it.
Inanimats are Pigmies.
Inclinatio is a power of Nature which is manifefted
in man as he is prone to this or that thing.
Incarnativa are Chirurgeons medicaments bree-
Dddz
ding
ding flesh and skinne in the wounds or ulcers.

Incubus is a nocturnall fpirit deceiving Women in
their fleep,as ifthey coupled with them.
Influentia is the acting of fuperiour bodies upon
inferiours.
Innaturalia are fupernaturall bodies .
I'osis poison .
Iupiter is Tin.
Lumnium is Leaven, or Ferment .
K.
Achimia, or Kahimia is the unripe Mine of

any Metall, as it is in its first being.
Kaldis Vineger..
K
Kali is Sope aſhes..
Kamir is Ferment..
Kaprili is Sulphur..
Karena is the twentyeth part of a drop..
Karlina is wild dill.
Kibrith is Sulphur..
Kimit elevatum is whiteCinnabar fublimed ..
Kift , or Cift, is halfa gallon, or four pints..
Kobalt,orCobaltum,orCobletum ,is a metallick mat-
ter blacker then Lead, or Iron, without a Metallick .
fplendor, yet will be melted, and malleated..
Kymenna is a buble.
Kyram is Snow...
L
A Chymicall Dictionary ,
L.
Abor Sophia is Paradiſe , or another world.

Lac Virginis is Mercuriall water.
Lapisis taken for any fixt thing.
Lapis Philofophorum is the higheſt ver-
tue of all terrene things, giving tincture.ite
Lapfus Demotinus is a fuddaine death,more dange
rous then an Apoplexy .

Laterium are capitall lees which Sope - boilers ufe,
ofwhich Chirurgions make their caufticke called Las
I
pis infernalis.
Lato is copper tinged with lapis calaminaris into a
golden colour ..
Laudanum is a compound medicine made of Gold;
Corall, Pearle, &c. by Paracelsus..
Laudina is Angelica.
Laxa Chimoleais falt growing to ftones..
Laxativa are medicines working upwards , and
downwards.
Leffa is called the predeftination of hearbs
Leffas is an occult boiling vapour of the earth, by
which hearbs and plants grow
Lephante, or Lephantes is the firft kind of Tar
tar,or Bole ,holding the midle betwixt ftones, & clay.
Lemures are fpirits ofthe Element of Aire , which
Heathen think to bee ghofts of men departed.
Ddd3. Lethargi
Lethargyrium in Paracelfus is the fpume of Mer

cury, or of Silver, or of Lead , which is ſeparated in
their purifying,and purging.
Lethargius is the finder of Mines.
Limbus in Paracelfus is the great and univerfall
world , the feed , and first matter ofman .
Liquor Aquilegius is deftilled Wine.
Liquor effentialis is that humour which is turned
into flesh, and bloud.
Liquor Mercurii is the balfome of things,in which
the vertue ofcuring or healing confifts .
Liquor Mumia is the fat of a Man.
Liquor is many times taken for oyle , when the
name of the thing of which it is a Liquor, is put to it.
Liquor Mumia degummi is oyle of Gumme.
Liquidum de refoluto,is that which is liquid of its
own nature.
Liquor herbarum is made of hearbs pounded and
preffed, and digefted.
Liquorfalis is the balfome of Nature , by which
the body is preferved from putrefaction .
Locus vita is the feat of the mind or foul.
Locufta are tops of boughs of trees , as yet tender
and green.
Lorindt is the commotion of waters,or a harmony
made bythem .
Ludus is a medicine that cures the ftone by diffol
ving of it.
Lumbrici Nitri are worms found in the earth , or
mud, fo called for their flipperineffe.
"
Lunacompacta is Quickfilver.
Luna is Silver.
Luftrum is the creame ofMilk.
Lunaria is the Sulphur of Nature, M
Chymicall Dictionary.
M.
Acha is a flying worm.

Magia Metaphyfica is an art lawfull for
Chriftians to ufe,by which any occult ſe,
M
crets are diſcovered.
Magia in generall is wiſdome,and it is twofold.Na-

turall,which is lawfull, and is the ground of all true
Phyfick,and the occult wiſdome of Nature,without
which all mans reafon or knowledge is ignorance.
The other is Diabolicall, fuperftitious, and unlawful,
and is called Necromancy, whereby men attaine to
the knowledge of things by the affiſtance of evill
fpirits.
Magifterium is in Paracelfus any fecret extracted
out of naturall things without any Elementary fepa
ration, with which other things are wont to bee pre-
pared, yet with the addition only of other things
from which that which is extracted is fepara-
ted .
Magralia are peculiar works of God.
Magnefta is commonly taken for a Marcafite , but
that which is artificiall is melted Tinne into which is
put Quickfilver, and both mixt into a brittle matter,
and white maffe.
Magneticus tartarus is a ſtone, in a man as hard
as a Loadſtone,and ſpongious.
Magorcune
Magoreum is a Magick medicament,or fecret .

Maius nofter is our dew , and the philofophicall
Loadftone .
Malek is Salt.
Mandella is the feed ofblack Hellebor .
Mangonaria is an art uſed in weights,whereby that

which is made heavy is eaſily made light.
1
Mandibularum liquor is oyle of jaw bones .
Mannais not only called a dew faln from heaven,
which is a kind ofbalfome or fruit of the aire , but
alſo it is taken for any fweet matter extracted out of
any thing.
Marcafita is an unripe matter of Metalls , and it is
of as many kinds as there be Metalls .
Marmoreus tartarus, is a ftone in man as hard as
a marble.
Martath, or Martach is Letharge.
Mater metallorum is Quickfilver.
Materiafaphirea is an homogeneal liquor,in which

there is no offending matter.
Matrices rerum are Elements .
Maturativa are medicines that Chirurgeons ufe to
ripen any apofteme.

Mechanopeotica is an invention of water- workes to
carry waters by pipes into high places, or the like.
Melaones, or Meloes are Beetles that fly, and are
of agolden colour, and being rubbed make a ſweet
fmell, they are commonly found in Meadows in the
moneth of May.
Melibaum is Copper.
Meliffais in Alchymie taken for Manna extracted

out of the best hearbs.
Menfis
Menfis Philofopbicas is the full time of Digeftion ,

vi.forty dayes.
Mercurius à natura coagulatus is a folid Metal.
Mercurius Crystallinus, is that which by often fub- i
limations is brought into a cleerneffe like Cryftall.
Mercurius Corallinus, is that which by yelkes of
egges,and other waters , is brought into a redneffe
like Corall .
Mercurius Crudus is that which is not yet feparated
from its Mine. .V
Mercurius laxus is Turbith Mineral.
Mercurius metallorum pracipitatus . is Mercury ex-
tracted out ofMetalls and precipitated .
Mercurius mineralium is an oylineffe extracted out
of the Mines of Gold, and Silver.
Mercurius regeneratus is the first being of Mer-

cury.
Mercurialisfevais the water of Allum.
Menftruum is a liquor wherein any thing is diffol-
ved, or digefted.
~Metallum currens is Quickfilver .
Microcofmus is a little world, or man.
Minium is the Mercury, or rather Crocus of Lead
precipitated.
Miffadam is Quickſilver.toka vody v
Mitigativa are Chirurgicall medicines which allay
paine.
Monftra are Animalls which either have not proper
parems,and are not born of things like to themſelves,
or have fome defect , or exceffe in Nature but of this
fee more in the first book ofthe foregoing Treatife.
Morus is an apofteme like to a Mulberry.
Male are puftles arifing from heat, or cold.
Eec Mumia
Mumia is not only mans fleſh ſeaſoned with balſom,

but any other flesh thus prepared.
Mumia Elementorum is the balfome of externall
Elements .
Mumia tranfmarina in Paracelfus is Manna,
Mumia verfd is the liquor of mummie.
Mufcilagaisa vifcous liquor.
Mundificativa are cleanfing medicines.
Mustus is the white Calx in urine.
Myffadar is Mercury.
Myfterium magnum is the firſt matter ofall things .
Muriais brinc.
N.
Acta is anapofteme ofthe breaft .

Narcotica are medicines caufing fleep.sim
Nafda or Nattaisa bunch in the back.
·Nebulgea is falt of the moifture of a
cloud falling upon ftones in meadowes,and hardened
with the heat of the fun .
Necromancy is an unlawfull art,whichdid in time of
old worke with the dead, aswhen the ftars were ma
nifefted with the dead. And heistruly called a No-
cromancer,who can make the dead appeare, and can
draw words andanswers from thomalla, jon Aleta
Necrolica
Necrolica are medicaments expelling death , and

preferving life.
Nenufareni, are fpirits dwelling in the aire.
Neutha, or Neuta, is a little skin growing to the
eares, or eyes of infants, and fometimes covering the
whole body.
Nigromancy is a wicked,and execrable art,whereby

devils , and wicked fpirits fuffer themſelves to bee
commanded by man, and obey them , but only to
their hurt .
Nitrum is Salt-petre.
Nitriales are all burning things which conduce to
calcination.
Neboch is an inftrument uſed in Necromancy.
Nodi are hard tumours ofthe joints. Wate
Noftech is that which we call a falling ftar , a kind
of gelly or flime found oftentimes in the fummer in
fields, and meadowes .
Nuba is a kind of red Manna which falls in Ireland.
Nympha, or Nymphidica, are fpirituall men , or

women, or corporeall fpirits dwelling in waters, fuch
a one was Melufina.
Nymphidica are metaphorically ſpirits of diffolving
waters in the fpagiricall art.
Nyfadir is falt Armoniack .
Ob
O.
Brium is pure gold calcined by art into a

light red colour.
Ocobis falt Armoniack.
Odorifera are medicines, which by their
odour,whethergood or bad,expell difeafes.
Oleitas rerum is the fulphur in all things .
Oleum ardens is oyle of Tartar corrected to the
highest degree.
Oleum Vitrioli aurificatum, is that which is dulcifi-
ed withgold artificially . evicbcom
Oleum Calcotharinum is red oyle of Vitriall.
Oleum fquaminum is oyle ofTartar..
Olympicus fpiritus is a ftar in man,that makes him:
to yeelda fhadow of himſelf.
Operimethiolim is the fpirit of Mineralls .
Oppilativa are medicines which ftop fluxes..
Oppodeltoch in Paracelfus is an ointment ..
Opopopyron Laudani is Paracelfus his medicine to
ftop feavers.
Ordoleum is a little apofteme like a barley corne..
Orexis is a heat cauſed by tartarous matter.
Organopeotica is an Art finding out warlike inftru-

ments.
Orizonaternitatis is the fuperceleftiall vertue of
things.
@rizeum
" Orizeum is Gold .
Orizeum foliatum is Leaf-gold.

Orizeum pracipitatum is Gold brought into a Cro-
cus, by the help of the Crocus of Mercury .
Orobo is the glaffe ofMetalls.
Offa paraleli area univerfall medicine in the Gout.
Ovum Philofophicum is a glaffe of the form of an
egge which Philofophers ufe in their operations.
Oo is Arfenick.
P.
Andalitium, Paneritium, or Paffa, is an apo-

fteme in the ends of the fingers , called
a white flaw.
Panna is a naturall (pot.
Parscum parte is a maſs confiſting of equal parts of
Gold, and Silver... Thorni
Pauladadum is a kind ofterra figillata growing in
Italydo
Penates are fpirits of the Element of Fire , called
Familiars.
Pentacula are figns, or delineaments engraven with
wonderfull and ſtrange letters, and images , which be-
ing hanged about the neck,are faid to be prefervatives
against evill fpirits,and witcheries. Cas
Percipiolum is any medicine that is approved..
Perdeta are rapes finall and yellow.
Eċe 3 Perdo
Perdomium is wine made out of hearbs.
Periodus is the term of life.
Peucedamum is English Angelica.
Phantafmata are fpirits of the wood, or the deferr,
which live in any obfcure place,
Phiala is a viall,or glaffe bottle.
Pionitides are naturall enemies which perfecute
one the other to death, as the Storke, and Frogs, &c.
Pelicanus is a circulatory, or circulating veffell.
Phenix is the quinteffence of Fire; alfo the Philo-
fophers ftone.
Phyfiognomy is an Art whereby mens natures, and
conditions are perceived by their faces.
Plumbum Philofophorum is that which is extracted

out of Antimony.
Porofa is S.Johnf-wort.
Prafagium is fome notable ſign of ſomething to
come.
Prefervativa are medicines preferving bodies from

corruption.
Primales are called fallacious bodies whichare by
the ftars put before our eyes.
Pruinum is the firſt kind of Tartar.
Pruina is Ignis Perficu .
Pulpezia is a fuddain aſtoniſhment or change in a
mans body by reafon ofthe ſtars.
Pufta is the digeftion ofcorrupt matter. 151
Pygmee are called artificiall men , and ſometimes
fubterrancall fpirits.
Pyramis is a veffell made like a Pyramis.
Pyromancy is an art prefaging by fire.
20.
Qua
A Chymicall Dictionary
Valitas is called a complexion, whether hot

or cold,dry or moift, according to the pre-,
dominancy of any Element.
Quartatio,or Quartura is the higheſt try-
all of Gold, and that this way, vi . that nine parts of
Silver bee mixed with one part of Gold in melting
bythe fire. Then let them both bee diffolved with
Aquafortis: All the Silver is turned into water , and
the Gold fettles to the bottome like a dark powder.
Quinteffentia is called a certaine fpirituall matter
extracted corporeally out of hearbs, plants , and all
things that have life , and the exalting of it to the
highest degree of purity, by feparating all impurities.
Quintum effe cujuflibet Elementiperfefolum, is an
animall produced out of that alone.
Agadia are apoftemes ofthe privitics.

Rana is an apofteme under the tongue.
R Realgar is the fume of Mineralls being
properly taken, but being metaphorically
it is any vitious matter in mans body, ofwhich grow
apoftemes, ulcers, or the like. Rebis
Rebis is the excrement of the belly.
Rebus is the laft matter of things.
Bebifola is a fecret urine againſt the jaundife.
Rebona is the fame as Mummie.
Redue is a powder whereby calcined Metalls, and

Mineralls are melted .
Regale is a Ciment whereby Gold is purged .

Regulus is the pureft metalline part of any metall ,
or the pureft part ofa minerall,the feces being fepa-
rated.
Relloleum is a vertue from the complexionn , as in
St. Johnf- wort,the firft vertue is in heat, and is hea-
ling, the other is accidentall , and occult , and is a pre-
fervative againſt worms,and corruption.
Refina auri is a Crocus extracted out of Gold.
Refina terra is Sulphur. "
Refina terre potabilis is fublimed Sulphur, brought
into a liquor, balfome, or oyl.
Repercuffiva are medicines which drive back any
Aux.
Reverberatorium is a furnace in which the matter is
calcined by a flame .
Rillus is an inftrument which Goldsmiths ufe to
poure their melted metalls into long forms, and it is
called a Jngat.
Rofea is the fame as Erifipelas.
Rubella is a fpirituall effence extracting by its dif-
folvingpower, the tincture out of bodies.
Sa
S.
Agani are fpirits of the four Elements .

Salamandri are fpirits dwelling in the fire,
or fiery men.
Saldini the fame as Salamandri.
Sal aluminofum is falt which is extracted out of
alumen plumofum.
Sal anathron is falt extracted out of the tony
moffe.
Sal crystallinum is falt made out ofmans urine.
Sal Calcotharinum is falt which is made out ofthe
Colcothar of Vitrial .
Salcongelatum is falt which grows in baths.
Sal enixum is falt diffolved.
Sal Mercurii is the ſpirit of the wine which cauſeth
drunkenneffe.
Salpetre is that which grows in cold places upon
ftones, congealed by the cold aire.
Sal nitrum isf alt which is boiled out of the earth,
efpecially fat earth, as in ftables,or any place of excre-
ments.
Salpracticum is a mixture made of equall parts,of
Salt-petre, and Salt Armoniack.
Salfciffum,and alumen fciffum are all one.
Saltz faltz, Selenipum , is brine .
Sal taberet, is whiteft Tartar of all .
Saltabari is fal Alembrot .
Sallena is the a kind of Salt-petre.
Fff Sa-
Samech is Tartar.
Sandaracha is Auripigmentum.
Sanguis calcetus is that which is ofas quick a taft,
as Calx , and as white.
Saphirea materia is a liquor, in which there is no
impurity , or corruption, the pure being ſeparated

from the impure.
Sapofapientia is common falt prepared.

Saxifraga are all fuch things which break the
ftone, or gravell.
Saxifragus is pale Cryſtall.
Scacurcula is the fpirit ofa bone in the heart of a
Hart..
Scaiola are the fpirituall powers , and faculties of

the mind,and are four,according to the number ofthe
Elements .
Scironais the dew of Autumne ..
Scuma is the fame as fquama.
Sedativa are medicines that allay pain..
Semen veneris are called fquama aris.
Senio maximus is the Author of long life.
Sephirus is a hard,and dry apofteme.
Seraphin is an unutter able vertue,an infinite power
of the heaven, and efpecially the affembly of Angels,
Serpheta is a medicine melting a ſtone..
Sibar is Quicksilver.
Sile is earth.
Similitudines are called celeftiall appearances.
Simus is Gilla..
Sinonia is white glew of the joints..
Sirenesare puftles or wheals ,in the handsefpecially..
Sirza is efchara.
Solin homine is the invifible fire flowing from the
celeftiall
▲ Chymicall Dictionary.
celeftiall Sun,preferving and nouriſhing that naturall

fire in man .
Soladini are corporeall ſpirits dwelling in the invi-

fible fire.
Somnia are operations which are made in man by

the ſtars when hee is fleeping.
Sonath is Anthos.
Sophia herba is the beftkind ofbone - wort.
Sophiste arefometimes taken for Maſters of any
art, or the wifeft in any art; or fometimes for fophi-
fters, i.e. Deceivers , or Mountebankes.
Sortilegium, is a prefage by fpirits.
Spagirus, orfpagiricus is he which knows to diſtin-
guish betwixt good, and bad ? to ſeparate pure
from impure, or a Chymift, or Alchymiſt.
Spagiria is commonly taken for Alchymie.
Spara is the Minerall vertue out of the first being
of metalls.
Sperma aque fortis is its feculency.

Sperniolum is a mucilaginous liquor of frogs.
Spiritus Animalis is a power ofthe foul whereby it
becomes like to the heavens .
Stannar is called the mother of metalls, an occult
fume out of which Elenients are generated.
Staraphaxat is a refinging or repercuffive vertue.

Stellio aduftus is Cinnabar,
Stibium is Antimony.
Stiptica are drying medicines.

Struma is Butium.
Sublimatio is when any dry matter is forced upward

bythe heat offire .
Succubus is a nocturnall fpirit,whereby men are de-
ceived,thinking they are coupling with women.
Fff 2 Sulphur
2
Sulphur vitriolatum is fulphur extracted out of
vitriall by common water ſwiming on the top of it.
Sulphur rerum is many times taken for their quin
teffence.
Supermonicam is Enigmaticall..
Sylo is the whole world..
Sylpbes are Pigmies.
Sylveftres, orfylvani are aicry men, and aiery fpi-
rits, fometimes they are taken for woodmen that are
ftrong giganticall men..
Syphita prava is a diſeaſe called S.Vitus his dance.
Syphita ftricta is a phantaftick ſpirit of them that
walke in their fleep.
Τ.
Alk, or Talcum is a clear fhining matter, like
T to pearls in colour, compacted with thinne

leaves or flakes, whereof there bee foure
kinds, viz. white, yellow, red, and blacke.

Taffus is a worme.
Tartarum is a hard faltiſh dregs that ſticks to the
fides of Wine veffels ,also it is often taken for ſtones
or gravell in mens bodies.
Telon is as it were a darr of fire.
Temperatum is that which exceeds not in any qua-

lity.
Tenacitas glutinis is minerall refine .
Tereniabin is the fatneffe of manna, or wood- hony,
which is found in good quantity in the moneths of
Inne,July, Auguft.. Terr
Terra auri is Litharge of Gold.

Ferra argenti is Litharge offilver.
Terra fidelis is filver.
Terra Hifpanica is Vitriall .
Terrelati are corporeall fpirits living in the earth.
Testa is the skin ofmans body.
Thamatica is an art of inventing engines which are
moved by aire,and water.
Thaphneus is a clean purified medicine .
Thiſmais minerall veins .
Tinkaris Borax .
Tinctura is that which tingeth any body with its
colour.
Torufcula is a drop.
Trackfat is a metall, as yet in its mine.
Trarames are actions of fpirits not ſeen, but heard.
Trifertes are called fpirits dwelling in the fire.
Trigonum is a fourefold tranfmutation of the fpi-
rits of the ſtars according to the number of the four
Elements .
Tronus , or Tronoffa is called the celeftiall dew
made of the air,or the ſweeteſt kind ofManna.
Truphat is an occult vertue of Mineralls, by which
they act toward that end for which theywere ordaind.
Turba magna is an innumerable multitude of the
ccleftiall ſtars, and is a prefage made by any of them.
Turbith minerale is Mercury precipitated into a
fweetneffe without any corrofive.
Fff3 Ves
t
A Chymicall Di&
fionary.
V.
Egetabilia are things that grow by ha-

ving a root fixt inthe earth, and having
ftock, branches in the aire , as hearbes,
plants, and trees, &c.
Veneris gradus is a mild and ſweet na-
ture.
Verto is the fourth part ofa pound .
Viltrum philofophorum is an Alembick, but being
taken abfolutely is a ftrainer.
Vinum correctum is the Alcool of Wine.
Vinum effatum is Wine impregnated with the ver-
tues of hearbs or any thing elſe.
Viriditas falis is the green oyle offalt.
Virgultafofforum are certain rods which Miners
ufe to difcover mines withall.
Vifcaleus is Milleto.
Vifcus is properly pitch boiled out of the tender
tops of trees.
Vifcusfecunda generationis is bloud dropping from
falts.
Vifio is a fupernaturall apparition of fpirits after a

mannerfeen by men.
Vitriolatum is Vitriall which is liquid , and never
can be coagulated.
Vitriolum Novum is white Vitriall.
Vlcus astiomenum is a cancerous apofteme that
feeds upon the place.
Vmbra-
A ChymicallDictionary,
Vmbragines are Pigmies.

Vmbratiles are aftrall bodies .
Vnde, or Vadena are aiery, and earthy fpirits.

Vrdofs are called the excrements of any Animalls.
VnitasTrithemii is the reduction ofthe number of
Three into a unity by cafting away the number of
Two,and it is fupernaturall,and fpagiricall.
Vniones are pretious pearls, or gemmes .
Volans, or Vnquafi is Quickfilver.
Volatile is in generall any light matter which is
carryed upward.
Vrina vini is Vineger, and fometimes it is uſed for
the urine of a man that alwaies drinks wine.
Vulcanii,or Vulcanici are fuch as alwaics worke
about the fire..
Vulcanus is fire .
Kifur is Cinnabar.
W.
VVArnus is the Vineger of Philofophers.

Wifmodt in Tin that is foule and immallea-
ble, and cannot be wrought upon..
Xenectuma
Enectum is any outward medicine hanged

about the body as a prefervative againſt
the Plague.
Xeninephidei are fpirits which delight to

diſcover the ſecret or occult properties of nature unto
men,the power of which is granted to them.
Xifinum is Vineger. :
101
Y.
Reusis a Male Goat, whofe blood is faid to
Y foften glaffe,and flints, &c.

Tfopus is the art of Alchymy to feparate pure
from impure.
Z.
Aidar is Mercury.
Zaidir is Copper or Verdegreaſe.

Zerus is Gold.
Zarfa is Tin.
Zelotum is ftony Mercury.
Zoraba is Vitriall.
Zinck is a metallick marcafite, and a certain natu-

rall mixture offour immature metalls , whereof Cop-
per is moſt apparent .
Ziniar is Verdegreaſe.
Zuitter, or Zitter, is a Marcafite.
Zymar, or Zyfar is Verdegreaſe.
FINIS.
1
1
93
QD 25
551
1650

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THE OHIO STATE

1st Giglish Cam

THE OHIO STATE

Taken out of the fountaine of

NATURE , and Manuall

To which is added a TREATISE of

Written by Micheel Sandivogius :

i.e. Anagram matically,

Alfo Nine Books Ofthe Nature of Things,

Alfo a Chymicall Dictionary explaining hard places

All which are faithfully tranflated out of the

London, Printed by RichardCotes, for Thomas Williams, at the

ledge, yet but little truth

known. The generality of

two ways that are ordained for the getting

Naturezand thefe alfo,but as they are read

with reafon, Many look upon the former

as a thing below them, upon the latter as

ground of Atheilme, and therefore neg-

fect both. Itis my judgement, that as to

fearch the Sciptures is molt neceffary, fo

out reafon is but implicite, If I cannot un-

belecving of the Scripture upon reaſon ,

Iwill improve my reafon by Philofophy.

truth of the Scriptures , but by principles

own image, How was that ? But by making

lay afide Reafon in the reading of facred

errors.Hence it is that their Religion is de-

generated into irrationall notions, Now to

fay, that pure Philofophy is true Divi-

nity, will haply bee a paradox, yet if any

rodox. When Job had been a long time

juftifying himselfe againſt God, which I

of God, and himselfe, God undertakes to

convince him ofhis errour by the princi

ples of Nature, and to bring him to the

large, fob 38. Can any deny that Hermes,

Plato, Ariftotle (though pure Naturalifts

Divinity? I dare alfo affirm that they are

Divinity, and Philoſophy and ifrightly

ledge of God, and thy felfe,then all the

better underſtanding of them,make uſe of

moft profound Sandivogius the author of

Expofitor of them : in that treatiſfe of his

Nature unfolded, even to admiration as to

fee what that light,and fire is which is the

throne ofGods Majefty, How he is in the

heaven moſt gloriously, & in the creatures

univerfall Spirit which is diffuſed through

is that moved upon the Waters What

Firmament,and which are under the Fir

mament. What that Sperm and Seed was

which God put into all creatures by which

ner of Mans Creation, and his degenerating

why Gold, which had a Seed put into it,as

well as other creatures,,whereby it ſhould