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CHAP. III. Wherein by Examples, the forces and properties of Salt are manifested.
YEe haue séene out of that first remaining Chaos (that is to say, out of that base earth, or out of a matter confused and deformed) an extraction, and seperation of a fairer, bright cléere, and transparent forme: that is to say, of that Salt, which is opt to receiue many other formes, and which is endued with diuers and wonderfull properties.
Ye haue also séene, how out of one, and the same essence, thrée distinct and seueral things, yea, thrée beginnings of Nature are extracted: of the which all bodyes are compounded, and with skilfull Chymist can extract and seperate out of euery natur••ll bo∣die, that is to say, out of Mineral, Vegetal, and Animal: to wit, Salt, Sulphur, and Mercurie: principles verily most pure, most simple, and truely Elementarie of Nature, all compre∣hended vnder one essence of Salt, Sulphur, and Mercurie, which Phylosophers are woont to compare with the body,* 1.1 Spirit and Soule: for the body is attributed to salt: the spirit to Mercurie: and the soule to sulphur: euery one to their apt and conuenient attribute.
And the spirit is as it were the mediator, and conseruer of the soule with the body, because through the benefite thereof, it is ioyned and coupled with the soule. And the soule, quickeneth the spirit, and the body.
Yée haue also seene in the aforesaide salt, a Hermaphroditicall Nature: Male and female: fixed and volatil: Agent and Paci∣ent: and which is more, hot and cold: fier and Ice, by mutual friendship and simpathie ioyned in one, and vnited into one sub∣stance: wherein is to be séene the wonderful nature thereof.
The properties thereof are no lesse wonderful: nay, rather