The practise of chymicall, and hermeticall physicke, for the preseruation of health. Written in Latin by Iosephus Quersitanus, Doctor of Phisicke. And translated into English, by Thomas Timme, minister

THE SECOND part of this Treatise, wherein is contained in some mea∣sure, the practise of the Herme∣ticall Physicke. (Book 2)

CHAP. I.

SAlt (whereof hath bene spoken before at large) is a thing of such qualitie,* 1.1 and so ex∣cellent in it selfe, that all creatures by a cer∣taine natural instinct, doe desire the same as a Balsam, by which they are preserued, con∣serued, & doe grow and increase. They loue it, and like it so wel (I say) that they long af∣ter it, and doe drawe it vnto them by their breath, and doe licke it with their tongue out of walles, and old rubbish. Byrdes, as Doues and such like, doe search after it with their beakes, and wil (if they can) attaine it, though out of ••eculent places, which are made ••at by mens excrements and vertues. What huge multitudes of fishes are bread and nourished in the Salt Sea? The which being so apparant. I wonder that men are of so per∣uerse iudgement, that they knowe not, or at least will not ac∣knowledge,* 1.2 the admirable effects, of this radical balsam of na∣ture. And who wil not admire the vertual properties and quali∣ties of Salt, yea euen of that which is extracted out of liuing crea∣tures: which qualities are to be séene in making liquide, in clen∣sing,

in binding 〈…〉〈…〉 preseruing from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 corruption, and 〈…〉〈…〉 [ 1] Are not all these faculties and many others sufficient,* 1.3 to proue that Salt is a thing animal? And so much the rather, because there haue bene some chiefe Phylosophers, who haue affirmed the Mag••es or Loadstone to be animate▪ or indued with life; onely because it hath power to draw ••ron to it. How many faculties far greater then these, yea and the same magnetical also, do we find in Salt, if we looke diligently and throughly into them? What is greater, and more admirable then the Salt of mans ••ri••e? which after conuenient preparation, is made fit to dissolue gold and siluer? which by this their simpathy and concordance, ••o sufficiently de∣clare, and manifestly giue attraction, and magnetical vertue, oc∣casioned or caused by their coniunction and copulation. Who seeth not those admirable things, which are to be discerned, and which fal out in the preparation thereof, and in the exaltation, whether you respect so great variety of colours, or the coagulati∣ons, and dissolutions, when the spirit returneth into the body, and the body passeth againe into spirit? Christophorus Parisiensis, that great Phylosopher, did not in vaine take the subiect here∣hence, and begin the foundation of his worke. Thus I hope I haue sufficiently declared, that our Salt may be saide to be ani∣mate.

[ 2] But that it may appeare also to be as vegeta••, as it is animal; that is to say,* 1.4 that it is not depriued of the growing facultie, it may hereby be demonstrated, because it is the first mouing thing in nature, which maketh to grow, and to multiply, and therefore serueth for the generation of all things: so as with the Poets and auncient Phylosophers it may be said, that Venus the mother, and first beginner of al generation,* 1.5 is begotten of the Salt spume or froath of the male, the which also Athenaeus confirmeth. For this cause Venus was called by the Greekes Aligene, as aff••anced to the Salt sea. And also the generation of most precious pearles in the shels of fishes, and of coral springing out of the bowels of hard stones and rockes in the sea, spreading forth branches like a

〈◊〉〈◊〉 doe yet more and more confirme this sentence. The•••• are the ••••fects,* 1.6 which that fier of nature, Salt, bringeth forth, yea euen in the middest of most cold water.

But let vs see also what it worketh in the earth. The effects which it hath in the earth are these: namely, it heateth and ma∣keth the earth fat:* 1.7 it anima••••th, fortifieth, and giueth power vnto it: It increaseth and giueth a vegetating and growing vertue with séede into euery thing in the same. For what other thing is it which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the earth 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and bringeth to passe, that one graine multiplyeth into a hundred but a certaine ••••ercoration, and spreading of 〈…〉〈…〉 which commeth from cattle? What other thing openeth the earth and maketh it to sproute ••n the beginning of the spring time after that the Sunne is exalted into the signe of Ari•••• (which signe is the full of Saturn, and the house of Mars, signes altogether f••ery) but the eleuations and subl••••ations of the spirits of the said Salt, and of the balsam of nature? This is 〈…〉〈…〉 and quickeneth, which maketh to grow, and which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and ioyeth the medowes and the fieldes, and which produceth that most ample and vni∣uersal vigor and vertue.

Who seeth not this in the very a••er also,* 1.8 by the sublimations of the spirits of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 nature of Salt, which spirits being su∣blenated into aier in the said spring time, doe fal againe in forme of a deawe, vpon corne and all things that spring out of the earth? And who seeth not that these deawes arysing from the earth, and falling againe from the aier, is a cause of vegetation and growing. But that the dewe is the spirit of the foresaid Salt, and indued with Salt, they which thinke themselues great Phi∣losophers, against their wils and not without shame, do confesse, when they sée that the true Phylosophers doe extract out of the deawe a Salt, which dissolueth corall and pearles, no lesse then doth the Salt▪ which is extracted out of common Salt, out of Salt-Péeter, out of Niter, or out of other Salts which are pre∣pared for the same end.

Furthermore, the same Salt, may rightly also be said to bee

vegetall, because it is manifestly found in all vegetables, and be∣cause those things in the which it doth most abound, haue the longer life and continuance, and doe more manifestly shew forth the vegetable effects, either in their owne proper nature, ••or at such times as they are to serue for vse.

[ 3] Salt also is well known to be metallick or minerall. And all men knowe it the better so to be,* 1.9 for that such sundry and di∣uers kinds of Salts are found in the bowels of the earth: such are Salt, Gem, Allum, Vitriol, Salt niter, and such others moe, all which are of metallick nature,* 1.10 or else doe participate much with the same. But a Phylosopher knoweth how to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this thing further, and to find out the innermost 〈…〉〈…〉 by the helpe of diuers strong waters, which hee knoweth how to prepare: which are nothing else, but the spirits of the foresaide Salts which haue power to dissolue and to bring metallick bo∣dies into waters,* 1.11 as is knowne to euery one. I say, that by this dissolution, we may be••••ld the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 simpathy of these Salts, with the metallick nature. For because they are like, they wil be wel mingled together, conioyned and vnited, dissoluing his like, and associating himselfe to his like. For strong waters doe neuer worke vpon wood, or vpon any o••her matter, which is not of metallick nature:* 1.12 As it was most truly said of a certaine great Phylosopher▪ Nature loueth her like, and delighteth in her owne nature▪ And by another wittily thus spoken: Easie is the passage of things one into the other, which are one in likenesse. Sulphur, and other things, which are of an oyle like nature, are sooner and better dissolued with oyles, as with the oyles of Te∣rebinth and of Flaxe, or Linsede▪ which is most sw••••te, then with that great force, and most violent sharpnesse of strong waters, which are nothing else but the spirits of Salts, and by conse∣quent doe disagrée with Sulphur, which is a beginning contra∣ry to the said spirits. Here i•• offered large occasion of 〈…〉〈…〉 i•• time and place would serue, but I omit it.

Let vs returne to our Salt:* 1.13 the which if I shal shew that it may be moulten and dissolued, no lesse then gold and siluer, with the force of fire, and being cold againe, may be congealed into a

masse, as metalls be, then no doubt it wil euidently appeare, that Salt is of a me••allick nature. And this I say is to be do••e, not onely in Salt which is sound in mines and in caues of the earth, but also in the very Salt of the Sea. But for so much as the same is better knowne to them that haue but meane skil in me∣talls, then that I shal néede at this time to spend much labour a∣bout it, I cease to speake any word more thereof.

Hereby it doth appeare very euidently, that this opio••e of Aristotle is false, where he saith, that cold dissolueth the things which are congealed with heate: and that those things which are coagulated by cold, are dissolued by heate. The which not∣withstanding we grant to be true on the one part, for that wée knowe well, that Salt which is coagulated or congealed by the heate of the Sunne▪ is dissolued in cold water. But it must bée confessed also to be true, that Salt, by the vehemencie of the heat of fier, is to be dissolued, moulten and made fluxible, and to be cast into a moulten lumpe, as easily as metalls be.

Moreouer Salts may be extracted out of all calcined metals which are to be dissolued,* 1.14 filtred, and coagulated, after the same manner as are other salts, whether they be common and not moulten, or whether they be moulten by the force of heate. For it is known to a Chymist of smal practise, that out of one pound of calcined lead, tenne or twelue ounces of Salt may be extrac∣ted. All which things doe sufficiently demonstrate and proue, that the nature of Salt is metallick: and that therefore metall is nothing else but a certaine ••u••il Salt.

By that which hath bene spoken, it may easily appeare, how Salt is animal, vegetal, and mineral, and that it agreeth with that which all the Phylosophers haue decréed with one consent concerning the matter and subiect of the vniuersal Medi∣cine.

And hereunto tend all other signes, whereby they describe their foresaid matter, albeit most abscurely. All which things to agrée with the nature of Salt•• as that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is of smal estimation: that it is to be found in euery thing, 〈…〉〈…〉 our selues: the which is most plaine, for so much as there is nothing compounded in

vniuersal world, out of the which, and at all times, Salt cannot be extracted.

CHAP. II. The three principles of all things are contained in Salt, extracted out of the earth.

BVt to shewe now more particularly those things whereof we haue spoken generally, namely, that Salt doe participate with the animal, vegetal, and mineral nature, wée wil vse a common example, the which not∣withstanding, being exactly and diligently waighed and considered by a true Phyloso∣pher, is a notable mistery. The which, albe∣it it bee taken from out of the earth, yet it may lift vp our eyes to heauen.

I meane to speake of Niter, which men commonly cal Salt-Peeter. I let passe the detestable and pernicious vse thereof, inuented for the destruction of men: And yet I must confesse that it deserueth great admiration, in that it sheweth forth so great, and incredible effects, when as we being in these lower parts, it representeth thundrings and lightenings, as if they were in the aire aloft. But it we should consider what it is, and of what quality, in his owne nature and composition, what di∣uers faculties, and qualities, and effects there are in a thing so vile and so common, it would no doubt make vs to wonder out of measure.

Niter is made and compounded of earth his mother, which bringeth forth the same: or it is taken out of old rubbish gr••unds, or out of places where stables for beasts haue bene, or out of such

kind of groundes which haue bene replenished with salt liquor, or with the vrine of beastes, rather then out of a leane hungry land, washed with raine, or by some such like occasion, depriued of that radical humour. It is most plentifully extracted from the ground where doue-houses are seated, and out of Pigeons dung: and this is the best Niter of all others: the which is worthy the noting. Whereby it appeareth, that Niter doth participate with the excrements and vrines of liuing creatures.

For vrines are nothing else, but a superfluous seperation of the Salt of vegetables, by which, liuing creatures are nou∣rished and doe liue. Whereby it euidently appeare, how the foresaid Salt doth in kind participate with the nature animal, and vegetable. For as touching that which pertaineth to the mineral, it is not much pertinent to our purpose to speake there∣of, sauing that wée thinke good to adde thus much, that it is ex∣tracted out of the earth, which is the reason why it is called Salt-Péeter, when as more properly it should be called the salt of the earth. But let vs goe forward.

Nature ministereth matter to Art, whereof Salt-Péeter is compounded: Art cannot make by it selfe, no more then nature can make Salt-Péeter-pure, and seperated from all ter∣restrilie and heterogeneal or vnkindly substance. For that it may produce the same effects which the other produceth, it must be prepared by the industry of workemen. For these make choyse of conuenient earth, and out of fit places, to them well knowne, and being filtered, or strained with hote common water, againe and againe, through the same earth, as lyes are vsually made with ashes, it commeth to passe that a salt∣nesse or brinish taste is mingled therewith, which is proper to all salts.

Of the which like, or water so distreined, if two thirds or ther∣aboutes be vapored away by séething at the fire, and then let coole, the salt will be thickened into an Ice, whereof the maker of Salt-Péeter finisheth his worke, purifying the same by sundry dissolutions, and coagulations, that it may loose his fatnesse quite and cleane.

This common worke, being triuial, and no better then me∣chanical, if it be rightly considered and weighed, is (as I haue said already) full of admiration. For by the very same prepara∣tion, the thrée beginnings are extracted out of earth, which may be seperated one from the other, and yet neuerthelesse the whole thrée, doe consist in one and the same essence, and are onely dis∣tinguished in properties and vertues.* 1.15 And herein we may plainly see as in a glasse (after a certaine manner) that in com∣prehensible misery of the thrée persons in one and the same Hy∣postasis or substance, which make the diuine Trinitie. For thus it hath pleased the omnipotent Creator, to manifest and shewe himselfe a v••••trine, or Trinne, not onely herein, that he is found so to be in the nature of earth, but vniuersally in all the workes of the creation. For this our comparison of the Salt of the earth is general, and is euery where found, and in all things.

Also in this comparison of Salt,* 1.16 wée may beholde thrée dis∣tinct natures, which neuerthelesse are and doe subsist in one and the same essence. For the first nature is Salt com∣mon, fixed, and constant: and the other nature is Volatil, Salt, the which alone, the Sal-péeter-man seeketh af∣ter.

This volatil or flying Salt, containeth in it two kindes of Volatil Salt: the other full of Sulphur, easily catching flame, which men call Niter: the other Mercurial, watery, sower, par∣taking of the nature of Salt Armoniac.

Wherefore in that most common essence of earth, these thrée seueral Salts are found, vnder one and the same nature of the which thrée, all vegetables and animalls whatsoeuer doe par∣ticipate. And we determine to place our thrée hypostatical and substantial beginnings, vpon these thrée Salts, as vpon the fun∣damental grounds, in that our worke, concerning the hidden nature of things, and the misteries of Art, the which we had thought to haue published before this time: whereof we thought it conuenient to say some thing by the way, because the ground∣worke and beginnings of Medicines depend vpon them.

Wherefore to the end so large & immensurable doctrine, may the better and more diligently be considered of all men, especial∣ly of the wiser sort, then heretofore it hath bene, I wil set plainly before their eyes, those three distinct natures of Salt, compre∣hended (as already is sayd) in one Hupostasis, or substance.

For the maker of Salt-peter, or Niter, to make his salt the more effectual, volatile, and more apt to take fire, taketh away the fatnesse (as they terme it) from the same, and seperateth the Salt thereof, which is al one with the sea salt▪ or common salt, which is dissolued into common water: Contrariwise, Salt-pe∣ted (as men cal it) is congealed into such péeces, as we sée it to be: and so there is made a visible seperation of both the Salts. For the water (wherein the common Salt being defused and dissol∣ued as we said) being euaporated or boyled away, there remay∣neth a portion of Salt in the bottome, which is somewhat like to our common marine Salt, and of the nature thereof, for it hath the same brynish qualities,* 1.17 it is fixed, it melteth not in the fire, neither is it set on fire, and therefore is wholy different from that which is congealed in the same water, which is called Salt-pe∣ter. The which thing truly deserueth to bée diligently conside∣red, not of ordinary Salt-peter-men, which are ignorant of the nature of things, but of Phylosophers, if they desire to be repu∣ted, and to be such. To whom it shal manifestly appeare, that Salt which by nature and qualitie (according to the common opi∣nion of Phylosophers) is hote and dry, a sulphurus Salt, fierie, and apt to be set on fire, such as is Salt peter, wil be coagula∣ted or congealed in water, wherein al other saltes are dissolued, no lesse than that salt which procéeded from the very same essence of Salt-peter, may be dissolued in water, as we haue said.

Therefore not without great cause, the admirable nature of Salt-peter deserueth to be considered, which comprehendeth in it two volatile partes: the one of Sulphur, the other of Mercurie. The Sulphurus part is the soule thereof,* 1.18 the Mercurial is his spirit.

The Sulphurus part commeth to that first moouing of na∣ture, which is nothing else, but an ethereal fire, which is neither

hote nor drie, not consuming like the Elementarie fyre, but is a certaine Celestial fyre, and Ayerie humour, hote and moyste,* 1.19 and such as wée may almost beholde in Aqua Vi∣tae; a fyre, I say, contempered, ful of life, which in Vegeta∣bles, wée cal the vegetating soule: in Animals, the hote and moyst radical: the natural and vnnatural heate, the true Nectar of life, which falling into any subiect, whether it bée Animal or Vegetable, death by and by ensueth. The which commeth so to passe vppon no other cause, but vp∣pon the defect of this vital heate, which is the repayrer and con∣seruer of life.

The same vital heate, is also to bée found, albeit more ob∣scurely in Minerals:* 1.20 which may more easily bée comprehended by the sympathy and concordance, which the sayd salt-peter hath with Mettals: as is to be séene in the dissolutions, whereof wée haue spoken somewhat before.

Beside that sulphurus part, there is also found in salt-peter, a certaine Mercurial of ayerie nature, and which not∣withstanding cannot take fyre, but is rather contrary there∣vnto. This spirit is not hote in qualitie, but rather colde, as appeareth by the tart and sharpe taste thereof: the which sharpnesse and coldnesse is wonderful, and is farre different from the Elementary coldnesse: for that it can dissolue bo∣dies, and coagulate spirites, no lesse then it doth con∣geale salt-peter:* 1.21 the which sowernesse is the generall cause of Fermentation, and coagulation of al natural things.

This same sower and tart spirit, is also found in sul∣phurs, of the same qualitie, not burning, nor setting on fire, and which congealeth sulpur, and maketh it firme, which other∣wise would bée running like Oyle. Vitriol, among al the kindes of salt,* 1.22 doth most of al abound with this spirit, because it is of the nature of Ʋenus, or Copper: which sower spirit in∣constant Mercurie (which notwithstanding alwayes tendeth to his perfection, that is to say, to his coagulation and fixation) ful wel can make choyse of, and attract it to him, that hée may bée

fixed and coagulated,* 1.23 when it is mixed and sublimed with the same vitriol. Euen as Bées suck hony from flowers, as Ripley saith.

Furthermore, this sharpe, sower, and cold spirit, is the cause why Salt-Péeter hauing his sulphur set on fire, giueth a cracke: that so salt-péeter may be of the number of them, whereof Ari∣stotle writeth, as that they are moued with a contrary motion: Which words of his are diligently to be considered. But what doe I meane to open the gate of passage into the orchard of the Hesperides, in speaking so plainly of salt-péeter, giuing thereby a free accesse vnto the doltish and ignorant? Be not therefore de∣ceiued, in taking my words according to the letter. Salt-Péeter of the Phylosophers or fusile salt (whereof at the first came the name of Halchymie) is not Salt-Péeter, or that common Niter: yet neuerthelesse, the composition and wonderful nature thereof, is as it were a certaine example, and Lesbian rule our worke. Howbeit I haue spoken more plainly & manifestly vnto you of this matter, then any other which hath gone before me hath done.

Let therefore Momus from henceforth hold his peace, and let slaunderous tongues bée hereafter silenced. Also let the ig∣norant open their eares and eyes, and giue good héede to that which followeth, wherein shal bée plainly shewed many ad∣mirable things, and secrets of excéeding great profite. Where∣with bée you wel satisfied, and take my good will in good part, till hereafter I shal deliuer that which shal better content you.

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,* 1.24 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

much more wonderful. For Salt-peter is the especial key and cheife Porter, which openeth most hard bodies, and the most solid things, as wel stones as Metal: and bringeth gold and sil∣uer into liquor, which the proper water extracted out of the whole maffe, without separation of the male or fixed. And as it maketh al bodyes metallick, spiritual and volatile: so on the contrary part, it hath vertue to fixe and to incorporate spirits, how flying soeuer they bée.

Who now wil not wonder, or rather bée amazed, which knoweth that Salt-peter is so apt & ready to take fire, by which it passeth into ayre and smoake, and yet in the meane time seeth that it remaineth liquid and fusible in a red hote crucible, placed in the center of burning coales? notwithstanding the which most burning heate, it conceiueth no flame, except the flame or fyre happen to touch it. And which is more, being of nature so vola∣til, it is at the length fixed, neither is it ouercome by the fire, nei∣ther doth it yéelde bée it neuer so violent and burning, no more then doth the Salamander (if it be true which is reported of that beast) which before notwithstanding it could not abide, nor by any manner of meanes indure. Thus therefore yée sée, that by fire onely his nature is transformed.

Furthermore the same Salt••peter, which was of late right∣ly prepared and clensed, so white and Christalline, (at the least outwardly so appearing) being now put into a fixatorie fire, you shal sée that it conteineth within it al maner of colours, as gréene, red, yellow, and white, with many others moe. The which if a∣ny man wil hardly beléeue, because he wil bée rather incredulous than docile, I wish him to make tryal thereof, and then hée shal learne so notable a mysterie of Nature, within the space of tenne houres, with very little cost.

And least yée should take mée for some Lycophrone, or Gra∣marian writer of Tragedies, I wil teach you how to worke truely and plainly.

Take of Salt-peter the finest and clearest, one pound or two; put it into a glasse Alembic with a couer,* 1.25 and set it in sand: no otherwise than if you should distil Aqua Fortis. Put fyre vnder,

and moderate the same by degrées according to Art: she which fyre thou shalt increase the third or fourth houre after, in such wise, til the sand appeare very hote. This fyre in the highest de∣grée thou shalt continue by the space of fiue or sixe houres: and then thou shalt finde and plainly sée, that the spirits of Salt-peter, haue penetrated the very glasse of the Alembic, and that it hath dissoloued the same as wel within as without.

Furthermore the spirits of the Salt-peter, which are come through the body of glasse, cleauing to the out-side therof like vnto flower, yée make take off with a soft feather, and easilie gather to∣gether in great quantitie. This flower is nothing else, but the spi∣rit of Salt-peter, wherein ye shal sée al sorts of colours very liue∣ly expressed.

That which remaineth in the bottom of the Culcurbit, so white as snow, and wholy fixed, is a special remedie to extinguish al Feauers. It is giuen from halfe a drachme to a drachme, dis∣solued in some conuenient liquor.* 1.26

And to speake in a word, this remedy hath not his like, to cut, to clense, and to purge, and euacuate the corruptions of humors, and to conserue the body from al pollution of corruption. For séeing it is of the nature of Balsamic Salt, it must néedes bée in∣dued with such vertues and properties. And in very déede to deale plainly and truely, I cannot if I would, sufficiently extol with prayses, the true Salt-peter, and Fusile salt of the Phylo∣sophers. This Salt, Homer cals diuine. And Plato writeth, that this Salt, is a friend and familiar to diuine things. And ma∣ny Phylosophers haue said, that it is the soule of the vniuersal, the quickening spirit, and that which generateth al things.

It may peraduenture séeme that we haue bene too tedious in the inquisition and speculation, as wel of the general, as of the particular, concerning the nature of Salt: but it is so profitable and necessarie, that it is the Basis, and foundation of al medici∣nable faculties (as more at large shalbe shewed in his place) that Physitians may haue wherewith to busie themselues, and to vn∣derstand.

But as touching a Chymical Philosopher, let him know

that hée ought to bestowe his labour most chiefely in fusil Salts, and to remember that Philosophers haue not without good cause euer and anon cryed; Bake it, Bake it, and bake it againe: which is al one, as if they had sayd, Calcine, calcine, or bring it to ashes.

And in very déede if wée wil confesse the trueth of the mat∣ter, al Chymical workings, as Distillations, Calcinations, Reuerberations, Dissolutions, Filtrations, Coagulations, Decoctions, Fixations, and such other appertaining to this Sci∣ence, tend to no other ende, then so to bring their bodies into dust or ashes, that they may communicate the spirits of Saltes and sulphur which haue made them (placed neuerthelesse vn∣der one and the same essence) after a certaine imperceptible manner, with their metallick water, and true Mercurie: and that to this ende, that by the infernal vertue and force of Salt, the Mercurie may bée consumed, boyled, and altered from his vile nature, into a more noble: when as of common Mer∣curie, it is made by the benefite of the spirit of Salt, the Mercurie of the Phylosophers: which Salt it hath attracted out of the ashes, or calx vine Metallick.

Euen like as it commeth to passe in the lye-wash which is made of ashes and water, the which béeing oftentimes messhed and drawen away, the ashes leaue al their life and strength, communicating all their Salt to the foresayd wa∣ter: the which water, albeit, it alwayes remaineth fluxile and liquid, yet it abydeth not simple and pure water, colde, or of smal vertue: but béeing now made lye, it is become hote, and of a drying qualitie, clensing, and of qualitie wholely actiue, which is altogether the vertue and facultie of an al∣tering medicine.

But it is to bée considered, of what matter this quicke and metallick ashes are to bée made. Also of what manner of wa∣ter the lye is to bée prepared, that thou mayest exalt the Salt or Sulphur of the Phylosophers, that is to say, the Balsamick me∣dicine, which is ful of actiue qualities like vnto thunder, béeing reduced into a true liuing calx.

And whereas at the first, it was a certaine dead body voyde of life, it shal then be made a liuing body indued with spirit, and medicinal vertue.

CHAP. IIII. Gold animated, is the chiefe subiect of the metallic Medicine of the Philosophers.

OF so great power and force is the Phyloso∣phical Sulphur of Nature, that it multi∣plyeth and increaseth gold in strength and vertue, béeing already indued with great perfection, not so much for the equal con∣currencie of Sulphur and Quick-siluer, as in regard of the perfect combination, adequation, equabilitie of Elements, and of the principles which make gold.* 1.27 And the sayd principles or beginnings (to wit, Salt, Sulphur, and Mercurie,) doe so order themselues, that the one doth not excéed the other: but being as it were equally ballanced and proportionated, they make gold to bée incorruptible: in such wise, that neither the earth (béeing buried therein) can canker, fret and corrupt it, nor the Ayre al∣ter it, nor yet the fire maister it, nor diminish the least part of it.

And the reason hereof is, for that (as the Phylosopher saith) No equal hath any commaund or maisterie ouer his equal.* 1.28 For be∣cause also, in euery body equalled and duly preportioned, no acti∣on or passion can be found; Also this is onely that equalitie, which Pithagoras called the Mother, the Nurce, and the defen∣der of the concord of al things. This is the cause that in gold and in euery perfect body, wherein this equalitie is, there is a cer∣taine incontrollable and incorruptible composition. The which when the ancient Phylosophers obserued, they sought for that great and incomparable Medicine in gold.

And because they vnderstood, that gold was of so smal com∣pacted and firme composition, that it could not worke, and send his effects into our body, so long as it remained in that solidity, they sought & indeuored to dissolue and breake his hard bonds, and by the benefit of vegetable Sulphur, and by the artificious working of the Balsam of life, to bring it to a perfect adequation, that the vegetable spirits of gold, (which now lay hidden as it were idle, might make it of common gold, (which before it was) gold phylosophical and medicinable, which hauing gotten a more perfect vegetation and seminal vertue, may be dissolued in∣to any liquor, and may communicate vnto the same that flowing and balsamic perfection, or the Balsam of life, and of our nature.

And because we are now speaking of the animation of gold,* 1.29 be it known for a surety, that the auncient Fathers and Phylo∣sophers sweat and laboured much to find out the mistery hereof, that they might compound a certaine Balsamic Medicine, to vegetate and corroborate, and by the noble adequation, and she integritie of nature thereof, to conserue the radical Balsam, and that Nectar of our life, in good and laudable temperament. But indéed it is not to be wondered at, that gold being deliuered from his mannacles and fetters, and being made so spiritual and ani∣mate, and increased in vertue and strength, doth corroborate na∣ture, and renue the Balsam of our nature, and doth conserue vn∣to the last period of life, being taken in a very smal dose, as in the quantity of one or two graines.

And so much lesse it is to be maruailed at, that forsomuch as by that great adequation of temperature, it doth conueniently a∣grée and communicate with our radical Balsam, it doth checke the rule of phleame, the burning of choller, and the adustion of melancholy, and by his incorruptible vertue, doth preserue our nature, but also to ouercome all the diseases which belong to our body. And so much the rather, in regard that the same Balsam of nature, that natural spirit, is the principal cause in vs, of all acti∣ons, operations, and of motions, not depending vpon tempera∣ture or mixture, but concerning the same, as Galen himselfe is compelled to confesse, speaking of that our natural heat. Ye must

vnderstand (saith he) that Hypocrates calleth that, inset heate, which we call the natiue spirit in euery liuing thing. Neither hath any other thing formed any liuing creature from the begin∣ning, or increased it, or nourished it vnto the appointed time of death, but onely this inset or natural heate, which is the cause of all natural workes.

Therefore they can be excused by no maner of meanes, which contumeliously, & without any reason, doe dispise, discōmend, and caluminat these kind of remedies, which doe principally tend to the restoring & corroborating of our radical Balsam, which alone (holpen with the said medicine) is able to seperate those things which are vnkindly & grieuous to nature, & méerely heterogeni∣al, by expulsions conuenient, & ordinary euacuations: & to retaine the homogenial & kindly parts, with the which it doth most espe∣cially agrée to their further conseruation. Whereas, if for the cor∣roborating of mans strength, there could bee any vse made of leafe gold (the which is nothing else but a certaine dead matter, in no sort fit to participate with our nature, & much lesse able to be digested by our natural heat) which is most cōmonly in vse in all restoring medicins, as in Confectione alkermes, electuario de gem∣mis, aurea Alexandrina, Diamargariton Aricenna, and in such o∣ther like: why I pray you is the vse of gold animate disallowed, prescribed in that maner and forme already shewed? But in good sooth, they doe in vaine & too vnaduisedly discōmend, & contemptu∣ously speake against metallick remedies, as if they were no bet∣ter then poysons: when as the world knoweth, that men which are irrecouerably diseased, when no other cōmon medicines wil helpe, are then sent to Bathes, to the Spawe, and to such other wa∣ters which are medicinable, in regard they spring from Niter, Allum, Vitriol, Sulphur, Pitch, Antimonie, Lead, & such like: all which doe participate of a substance & spirit metallick, which we haue found by experience, to purifie & to euacuate our bodies by all manner of euacuation, not without great profit, as we will declare more at large, when we come to speake more particu∣larly of the same in our booke concerning the hidden nature of things, and of the misteries of Art: In the which worke we wil

shewe plainly and openly, the vertual qualities of those metallick spirits. And it shal be there proued by reason, and also by experi∣ence, that those metallick spirits, haue the same effects that the foresaid medicinable waters of Bath,* 1.30 and the S••awe, and other such like haue, which are natural and naturally hote: and there∣withal we wil shew plainly, that such waters artificial, by indus∣try may be made at any time, and in any place, and with no lesse commodity and profit.

There are a sort of men, which in some measure are to be ex∣cused, which being old, and thinke that they know all things, are ashamed to begin now to learne againe: but they which oppose themselues obstinately, and through enuy and malice, doe carpe and cauil, are more out of course, against whom we haue no∣thing to say in our defence but this, that they bewray their grosse ignorance and malice.

But the order and maner of preparing the Medicine, where∣of we treat here, was in old time called mineral, in regard that the Phylosophical Sulphur or Salt, which serueth for animation or vegetation, is extracted out of the first vegetatiue spring of mineral nature.

Many Phylosophers haue taken Saturn or Lead for the mineral subiect. Other some haue taken the Saturnal Magne∣sia or Loadstone, which is the first metallick roote, and of the stocke and kind of vitriol. Isaac Holland, Ripley, and many other Phylosophers, haue written their workes concerning this mat∣ter, the which, forsomuch as they are extant, euery one that list may read them. For we haue no other purpose in this place, but to teach and demonstrate in plaine maner, what that Bal∣sam radical is, and that vniuersal medicine, so much spoken of by auncient phylosophers, for the conseruation of health, and for the curing of diseases in mans body.

Others (among whom also is Raymund Lully) sought their fire of nature in a vegetable, to animate gold. For this was that which al men especially laboured for, to put life into gold.

And this is the reason why they all say▪ that there is onely one way, and one matter, or Balsamick Sulphur and of nature, which yéeldeth actiue and internal fire, to the same work.

And among all vegetables, the chiefest is wine. For of all o∣ther it partaketh very much of the vitriolated nature: which may be gathered, not so much by that gréene collor of the vnripe clus∣ters of grapes and their sharpe fast: as by the saphiric and red∣dy colour of those that are ripe, which appeareth both within and also without, and by the sharpe tast: all which things doe plainly declare both the external and internal qualities of Vi∣triol.

It is also wel knowne that there are certaine such waters in Auuergne in France, which haue the taste of wine with a cer∣taine pricking facultie or relish.

Vineger also, whereto wines is easily brought, when his sul∣phurus life is gone, (that is to say, when his spirit is seperated) doth represent the tart qualitie of Vitriol, as doth also other im∣pressions of wine sufficiently known to true Phylosophers.* 1.31 The which also may be gathered by the concordance and agréement which wine hath with the metallick nature, séeing that as well out of wine as out of Vitriol, the Menstrue of Chymical Art may be prepared, which is able to dissolue metals into liquor.

These are (I say) the reasons why Raymund Lully, and other famous Phylosophers, placed their workings in wine, for the ex∣tracting of their Balsamick Sulphur, that thereby they might make true potable gold, and the infallible Balsamick medicine.

But now we wil goe forward to open in few wordes Lullies method, which he so greatly hid in his booke of Quintessence, and in other places, which if it be rightly vnderstood, it wil easily di∣rect and instruct euery true Phylosopher, to extract out of all things (and therefore to compound) that Balsamick medicine.* 1.32 For the scope is euery where all one, there is but one ende, and there is but one onely way, to the composition of that Balsam, or Phylosophical Sulphur, which existeth in all things, mineral, ve∣getable, and animal: howbeit in some more, in other some lesse.

CHAP. V. By what Art the Sulphur and Mercury of the Phyloso∣phers may be prepared out of a vegetable, to make true potable gold.

THerefore to the end all things may be duly performed,* 1.33 which are required to such wor∣king, choyse must be made of the best red wine that can be gotten, being made of that vine whose wood is all so red, and of this wine must bee taken one hogs-head at the least, out of the which thou shalt extract an Aqua vitae, according to the woonted maner, the which thou shalt rectifie to the highest perfection. This spirit of wine thou shalt set vp in a most cold place, in a vessel very close stopt, least that it breath out, by reason of the excéeding subtilty thereof. The re∣mainder of the wine thou shalt distill againe, and there wil come out of the same a middle Aqua Vitae, if the wine bee of the best sort. The which so distilled, kéepe apart, or by it selfe. This thou shalt doe againe with the rest of the wine, seperating as afore the Aqua Vitae from his fleame, euery one seuerally restrained by it selfe. At the last thou shalt gather the forces which remaine in the bottom, out of the which thou shalt drawe the last humi∣dutie, by a Balneum vaporosum, or by moyst Balneum, or by a∣shes, vntil it waxe thick and pyththie. These pitchy remainders being put into diuers alembicks (if they be much) put so much thereto of the reserued fleame, as may stand aboue it foure or fiue fingers thicke: Put altogether vpon a hote Balme, or vp∣pon hote ashes: so within fewe dayes, the fleame which afore was white, receiuing tincture againe, will become very red,

hauing attracted vnto it a combustible Sulphur, out of the im∣pure feces or lées of the wine.

Seperate this tincted fleame by inclination, and kéepe it by it selfe if you will, for such vses as hereafter shall bee shew∣ed.

After that againe powre a newe quantitie of fleame vppon the same feces, in seueral allembickes, if there be great plenty of them, as is shewed afore: that which is tincted with red, sepe∣rate againe as afore, and powre it to that which is already tinc∣ted and seperated.

Thou shalt continue this so often, vntill the fleame will drawe no more rudenesse with it, and that the feces are now become somewhat white, or Christalline. The which that thou maiest the more easily knowe, powre vpon it an other fleame, and with thy finger or a cleane sticke stirre them together, that thereby thou mayest sée whether any more tincture remaineth. For all must bée cleane extracted, that the least fleame being powred vpon it, will tinct or co∣lour no more. By which proofe thou shalt certainly know, that the residence is very well depured, which in another place wée will call the Chrystal of tartar:* 1.34 because out of all common lées, and by a more easie method, the like christalls are extracted.

This is a most pleasant and swéete remedy, and if a∣ny in the world bée acceptable it is this. It doth very rea∣dily clense the stomack, the liuer and the spléene from their impurities, prouoking vrine, and mouing one or two sieges ex∣traordinarily.* 1.35 But let vs returne to our worke.

The ••eces aforesaide being now rightly and conueni∣ently prepared and depured as is saide, must bee put in∣to diuers smal cucurbits with long neckes, and into euery one of them, put of the rectified spirit of wine, so much, as that it may stand ouer it three fingers thicke: presently set vppon euery one of them a smal cappe or couer, with his receiuer, strongly and well luted, Hermetically clo∣sed

rounde about, that nothing breathe through: then set them vppon the hote ashes that they may boyle, and dis∣till: powring in againe the same which shall distill forth, and so let them boyle againe. After that suffer all to coole.

Then as warily as thou canst by inclination, seperate the spirit, that nothing thick or troubled passe forth there∣with. And then againe, powre into euery cucurbittel ano∣ther spirit of wine, and doe as thou diddest afore. This thou shalt doe so often, and continue it, vntill the feces which by their owne proper nature are calcined, beginne to waxe blacke and to smoake, if they be put vpon a red hote plate. For this is a signe, that the first Phylosophycall calcination is fi∣nished, and that the spirit, by the same worke, is now be∣come animate by reason of the tarte Balsam, and Ferment of nature, contained in the foresaid feces, reduced into Chris∣tal, as is said.

These animated spirits ioyned together, and very well re∣serued, that they breathe not, nor issue forth, thou shalt put the foresaide feces into vessels which are called Matrats, like vn∣to round globes, hauing straite neckes, by which the matter is powred in.

These vessels being Hermetically closed, and stopt, that nothing may vapour forth, let them bee couered in sand, in the Furnace of Athanor, which will yéelde flame, round a∣bout the compasse of the foresaide vessell. Then put fire thereunto by the continuance of fiue or sixe dayes, vntill the earth doe become as white as snowe, and is well cal∣cined and fixed. The which, that thou maiest make the more volatil or flying, and maiest also make the Sulphur and Mercury of the Phylosophers, thou mayest if thou wilt diuide this thy callixe into two or thrée cucurbittils of conuenient great∣nesse, first waighing the waight of euery of the calxes, and pow∣ring vpon euery of them a forth part of the spirit of wine, ani∣mated as aforesaide.

Put a smal head vpon each of the cucurbittels, with their se∣ueral receiuers wel fitted as afore. Place them in B. M. which is moyst,* 1.36 by the space of one day. After that, the same vessels be∣ing set in ashes, put thereto a meane fire that the liquor may distill forth, which whereas afore it was most ardent and most sharpe, now it shal come forth altogether without taste, hauing no other relish vppon the tongue and palat, then hath common wel-water: the reason hereof is, for that the foresaid spirit, hath left and forsaken his Balsamic Salt, which afore being mixed with the spirit stilled forth with the Salt of the foresaid Calx: For nature loueth nature, and followeth her in her nature, as Phy∣losophers teach.

Then againe thou shalt powre on another spirit of wine animate, as afore, in the same proportion, and the for∣mer order of distillation obserued, vntill in taste thou finde the foresaide animate spirit, to come forth and to distil, as strong in taste and relish, as it was then when thou powredst it on.

For this shall be a signe, that the foresaide fixed Salt, hath retained out of the volatil, so much as shal be sufficient and con∣uenient to retaine.

And now if thou waigh and counterpoyse thy matters, thou shalt finde that they are increased a third part in waight: as if there were one ounce in euery vessell of Calxe, thou shalt finde that euery of them doth waigh thrée ounces or more.

The which is diligently to bée obserued for sublimation, and for the last working which as yet resteth to bee done that the volatill may transcende, and ouercome the fix∣ed.

In the which businesse that thou maiest procéede the more safely, thou must take s••me of the foresaide Phyloso∣phycal Calxe vine, and cast it vppon a red hote plate of yron, and if thou sée all the saide Calxe to vapour away and to vanish in smoake, like Salarmoniack, thou hast an absolute

and perfect woorke. If otherwise, thou must begin the foresaide worke againe, and continue it, vntil the foresaid signe doe ap∣peare.

This done, thou shalt put these matters into smal long Lym∣beckes in forme of a Sublimatorie, with heads vpon them, and receiuers to receiue the spiritual sulphurus humiditie: and then thou shalt distil it in ashes with a gentle fire, by y^e space of a whole day: afterward thou shalt increase the fire by a further degrée, more & more, so long, vntil about the end of eightéene houres or twenty, the fire bée made sublimatorie, and that thou see the ves∣sels to bèe no more obsucred or darkenes with spirites: or with white fumes. And then shal yée sée the sublimated matter clea∣ning to the sides of the glasses, fayre and bright, and transparent like vnto pearles, or such like. Vppon this matter beaten into pouder, in a Purphorie morter of smal bignesse, thou shalt pouder the sulphurus spirit distilled, moystening it by little and little, and boyling or straining the whole by the space of foure dayes in a strong Athanor.

And thus thou shalt haue a pearelike matter,* 1.37 a Balsam radi∣cal, extracted from a Vegetable, the Mercurie of the Phyloso∣phers, the Sulpur Balsamick, and to conclude, that fire of Na∣ture so much commended, and so hidden by al the Philosophers, which with one consent say, Ignis & azoc tibi sufficient: Let Fire, and the Matter suffice thée.

This onely Balsam is the vniuersal medicine, to defend and conserue health, if it be giuen with some conuenient liquor to the quantitie of one or two graines. Great and admirable is the vertue thereof, to restore our radical Balsam: the which wée af∣firme to be the Medicine of diseases, euen by the common con∣sent of al Physitians.

But our Lullie and other Phylosophers, are not content with this, but procéeding further, do dissolue the forsaid Phylo∣sophical Sulphur in a conuenient portion of the spirit of wine, rectified to perfection, as afore, and suffer them to be vnited, and very well coupled together by way of Circulation in a Pellican Hermetically stopt or closed: and within fewe dayes, the water

is made azure like or Celestial: which béeing distilled, is of force to dissolue gold, and doth reduce it into the true Calxe of the Phylosophers, into a precious liquor, which itterated circulati∣ons and distillations, can also passe by the necke of the Allembic or by Retort.

In the which working, if thou procéede as thou shouldst, thou shalt be able to separate from gold (already phylosophically dis∣solued and animated) thy phylosophical dissoluing, which wil continually serue for newe dissolutions. For very little is lost in euery dissolution.* 1.38 And so thou hast the true potable golde: the vniuersal Medicine, which neuer can bée valued béeing in∣estimable, nor yet sufficiently commended.

After the same manner thou shalt make the dissolutions of Pearles, and of pretious stones, most general remedies, and de∣seruing to be placed among the chiefe, if they bée dissolued after the order and manner aforesaid, with a natural dissoluing. Re∣medies I say, which can much better confirme and strengthen our nature, than if according to the common manner, they bée onely powdred and searced, as is wont to bée done in those our common preparations and cordial powders.

But some paraduenture wil say, that these kinde of preparati∣ons are too hard, or such as they vnderstand not, or at least care not to vnderstand.

But this is a vaine obiection to preuent for excuse of their ig∣norance, the difficultie of these preparations, and the protract al time, when as the thing is neither difficile, nor long, to them which know how to take it in hand. These things are not to bée estéemed, nor labour is to bée spared, to attaine so excellent & pre∣cious medicine, which in so little & smal a dose, as in the quanti∣tie of one or two graines, can worke so great and wonderful ef∣fects: which bringeth great commendation and honour to the Physitian, and to the sicke perfect health and vnspeakable sollace and ioy.

But to conclude, I wil say with Cicero, in his Tusculans: There is no measure of seeking after the truth: and to be wearie of seeking, is disgrace, whē that which is sought for is most excellent.

CHAP. VI. The way to prepare and make the Balsamick Medicine, out of all things.

BY the foresaid preparation of sulphur, Bal∣samick vegetable, which wée haue before taught, faithfully, plainly, and manifestly, it is easie to vnderstand, after what manner the same Sulphur may bée extracted out of euery mixed body. In the wich bodie (that I may summarily gather al things toge∣ther) there is first found a liquor,* 1.39 without al odour,* 1.40 or rellishing taste, which is called Phlegme, or passiue water.* 1.41 Then commeth a liquor which hath taste, colour, odour, and other impressions of vertual qualities, which is called the Hercurial liquor. And after that commeth foorth an oylie liquor, which floteth aloft, and conceiuing flame, which is cal∣led Sulphur.

After the extraction of these thrée seueral moystures, there remaineth nothing but ashes, or dry part: out o•• the which ashes,* 1.42 béeing wel calcined, Salt is extracted, with his proper Phlegme, messhing oftentimes, and powring water warmed, vpon the foresaid ashes, put into Hypocrates bagge, and repea∣ting this so often times, til you perceiue a Salt water to come, which hath a brinish taste: after the same manner, as women are woont to make their lye-wash.

This béeing done, let the moyst be distilled, and the salt wil remaine in the bottome. The which salt notwithstanding, in this first preparation is not made cleane enough, nor sufficiently pu∣rified. Wherefore the same distilled water is to be powred vp a∣gaine, that the Salt may againe bée dissolued in the same: the which so dissolued, filter it, or straine it through a bag oftentimes, as afore, til it be most cleare: then coagulate it at a gentle heate. And after this maner thou mayst extract a Salt, cleare & pure, out

of al vegetable ashes. Vppon this Salt being put into an Allem∣bic, powre al his mercurial sharpe water: let them be digested by the space of one or two dayes, in the gentle heate of the Balme: and then let them be distilled by ashes, and so the water wil distil forth without taste or rellish. Because whatsoeuer it contained of the volatile Salt, wil reside in the bottome with his per fixed salt. Goe forward therefore in thy working as before I taught thée concerning the wine.

Or if thou wilt not worke so exactly, meshe vp againe al the mercurial liquor, and make it passe through the foresaid Salt, which wil take into it, al that vitriol impression which that wa∣ter shal haue, and the water or liquor, shal haue neither rellish nor taste, but shal be altogether like to common water. But if thou adde so much that the volatile part doe excéed the fixed, that is to say, that there be more of the volatile, than of the fixed, (the which thou shalt easily know by waight, because it wil be increased thréefold, or by trial vpon a red hote copper or Iron plate, when this matter béeing cast vppon the same, vapoureth and passeth away in smoke) then thou must sublime it, and it wil become the Sal A••moniack of the Philosophers: (so it pleaseth them to cal this matter) which wil bée cleare and transparant like pearles.

Vppon this powdred matter, thou shalt powre by little and litle the oylie liquor purified, and thou shalt boyle this matter, that of volatil it may be fixed againe. Neuerthelesse, that which shal be fixed, shal be of nature more fusible than waxe, and con∣sequences wil more easily communicate with spirits and with our natural Balsam, when it is seperated from his passiue wa∣ter, and passiue earth which are vnprofitable.

Both which matters the Phylosophers cal the passiue Ele∣ment,* 1.43 because they containe no propertie in them, neither doe they shew forth any action. And thus a body or nature is made wholely homogenical & simple: albeit there are to bée séene, thrée distinct natures, the which notwithstanding are of one or the same essence and nature.

And so a body shal bée compounded exactly pure out of those three hypostatical beginnings, namely salt, Mercurie, and Sul∣phur.

The which Sulphur in some part is answerable to truely simple, and Elementarie fire: Mercurie, to Ayre and to Water: in like manner most simply and truely Ele∣mentarie: and Salt, to pure Earth, simple and Elementa∣rie. The which Earth is not colde and dead, but hote earth,* 1.44 liuing earth, and full of actiue, and vegetable qua∣lities.

Beholde then how a perfect and vniuersall Medicine is pre∣pared out of all the things of Nature. The which if thou wilt vse for purgation, choose for thy subiect some purging sim∣ple, if thou wilt, especially corroborate and strengthen, make choise of such things as doe yéelde most comfort. If thou wilt either specially or generally lenifie, and mittigate paine, then choose such things as are most lenifying and asswagers of paine.

And yet know thou this, that in one and the same Remedie onely, prepared in this manner, as for example, in the na∣ture of Balsamick Salt, thou hast a clenser and a purger, and an vniuersal emptier, a corrector of all impurities and corrup∣tions.

Thou hast also in the particular nature of Sulphur, a ge∣neral and spiritual anodine or asswager.* 1.45 In the Mercurial na∣ture, there is an vniuersal comfortatiue and the same nourishing: Al which natures ioyned together as afore, by the Art and in∣dustrie of a true Physition and Phylosopher, are able to per∣forme and effect al these functions, without any griefe and per∣turbation: and in the meane time it doth corroborate by his Balsamical vertue, or radical Balsam, supplying vnto it al meanes, not onely for defence, but also for expulsion and sup∣pression of al diseases.

And this is the true Medicine, this is the reason of his vniuer∣salitie, this is his puritie and perfection.

Neither is there any thing more easie then the preparation thereof, if it be rightly vnderstood. Moreouer, so exceeding great is the vtillitie and excellencie thereof, that no labour, no paines, no industrie, ought to bée omitted, or to bée repu∣ted

hard, whatsoeuer difficultie or doubts may arise, or bée obiected.

But if there bée any man, which wil not take vpon him this labour, albeit most profitable, and ordained for health and the prolonging of mans life, and for the same hée may exactly prepare these Balsamick medicines: yet at the least hée wil by the meanes thereof, as it were by a certaine Director, seeke out in general, the euacuating, mundifying, and clensing faculties, which are in most vse, and which chiefly consist in Salts: and in like manner the asswagers, mittiga∣tors, ayd healers, in Sulphur and Oile: and finally the nou∣rishers, restorers, and comforters in the liquor or Mer∣curie.

And by the same way and reason it shal bée taught, that the true correctors of all remedies, are purifying and cocti∣ons only: and that these alone are the true hony and Sugar, to swéeten al things.

For those things also which are most tart, sharpe, and sowre, yea and bitter, are by this meanes made swéete, and al manner of euil qualitie corrected, and contempered, euen as fruites before their perfect concoction, and maturitie, are tart, sharpe and sowre, euery one according to their kinde and qualitie.

So wée sée, that wines, in whose maturation or rypening the heate of the Sunne failed, are made more crude and sharpe: which is the reason why some yéeres, wines are made more ripe, acceptable, and better agréeing with nature, albeit they came as wel afore,* 1.46 as then, from one vine. Albeit much héerein is to be attributed to the region also, and to the place, whereinto the beames of the Sunne may make a more strong impression.

And this may bee the cause, that some are sweete, and ful of wine, some meane, others very crude, and scarce wine.

So the Tigurine wines, and others in mountaine places, which are colde, are for the most part crude; and must haue a for her rypening in their caskes, before they can bee drunke with pleasure and profite▪ Also the same wines wanting a

kindely rypening and concoction, remaining still crude, are so full of léese, and tartarous matter, that the inhabitants which dwell in those places,* 1.47 where these wines doe growe, are more subiect to the disease of the Stone, than others.

Now, if this defect bée to bée seene in wine, so greatly nutri∣tiue, and agréeing with our nature: what shall wee say of Hel∣lebor, and of many other poisonfull M••••••nes which spring out of most colde Mountaines, and wilde, without Tillage, much lesse are they concocted by the Moone?

Therefore no maruaile that our Hellebor answereth not those effects,* 1.48 which Hypocrates attributeth vnto it. For that which he commendeth in Greece, commeth out of a conuenient Region, where no doubt there are Plants and Vines of greater efficacie. Wherefore I haue vsed for a first preparati∣on of Hellebor••, to transplant them into gardens, scituate in a more temperate 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and place.

The which how much they differ from those which grow vpon wild and cold mountaines,* 1.49 as do also garden Succorie and endiue, from the wylde, the difference and vse, doe sufficiently declare.

But those preparations, which procéede and are done by Art, and the concoctions which Art imitating nature fini∣sheth, are much better, and more contracted and swéetned, as by the preparation following, farre more exact than that those common, in which there appeareth nothing but that which is crude and impure, shal manifestly appeare, and the thing it selfe plainely proue.

CHAP. VII. The vertue, and preheminence of the Medicine Bal∣samick.

SOme Phylosophers séeke the matter of Medicine in our selues: othersome in the hony of the animal and Celestial nature: othersome in a certain animal nature, not in act or effect, but in power: which repre∣senteth the similitude of the world, and which conteineth in his belly Gold and sil∣uer, white and red: Sulphur, and Mercu∣ry: which Nature the most ancient disposes vnder God, hath mixed together by due proportion. Out of the which matters▪ by sundry fayre and long preparations, they prepared their vni∣uersal Medicine: which by reason of perfect ••••temperance, ade∣quation, and puritie, can contemperate, conserue, and also in∣crease the radical humour, and that quickening Nectar of ours: because in puritie of his spiritual nature, hée doth communicate with our spirits.

Furthermore, let vs sée how much the said Medicine perfor∣meth in the driuing away diseases, and what infinite multitude of remedies it hath. And first, forsomuch as it may be applyed and fitted to al intentions requisitie (as may be gathered by that which hath béene said afore) and forsomuch as it may bée giuen in so small a dose, which wil bring no violent action, nor loath∣somnesse to our body, nor any kind of perturbation, and yet ne∣uertherlesse worketh excéeding wel, according to the disposition of our nature, I sée no reason why this vniuersal and most noble Medicine, should not be preferred before these rapsodies of Medicines.

Who so vseth rightly this Medicine, and in fit time, shal bée refreshed and corroborate, and so armed with strength, that from thenceforth hée shal more easily and readily shake

off his sicknesse: whereof nature otherwise being destitute, would easily be ouercome. Let vs vse a familiar example that those things which we haue hitherto spoken, may more plainly appeare to all men.

We sée in our elemental fire, that if thou cast into the same▪ a∣ny thing that wil easily take flame, as strawe, or any such thing which wil readily burne and increase the force of burning, which before was almost extinguished, for because it was destitute as it were of nourishment, and wholy as it were ouerwhelmed of as∣shes: So also our radicall Balsam the fire brand, and burning lampe of the fire of our nature, wanting conuenient and proper nourishment whereby it fainteth, or else so ouerwhelmed by the feces and ashes of obstructions, that it is in danger of suffocation and smoothering, or else kindred by some other cause, whereby it cannot exercise liuing flame for the conseruation of our life: then indéed it standeth in néede of a calefactor, and restorer of heate, that in better maner and more readily it may shew forth the pro∣per qualities and functions. The like reason and considerati∣on also is to be had concerning our natural Balsam, the which being diminished, or being hindred or hurt by any occurrent outwardly, being againe increased by that Balsamick medicine, it ariseth est soone, and most perfectly performeth his woonted functions. For séeing that medicinall Balsam is of a certaine e∣thereal nature or a heauenly fire, because it quickeneth and bur∣neth not, nor consumeth: therefore out of hand, as if it were a permanent and certaine spiritual water of life, it doth comm••∣nicate, and is as it were vnited with our spirit, and doth repaire and increase it, by reason of the simpathy, and common likenesse therewith. Neither is it to be thought, that this commeth so to passe, for any other cause, but only of this (as was said euen now) namely of that friendly conuenience, and agréeing friendship, which that Balsamick medicine, hath with our radical Balsam. The which is the onely reason why I call the one, Balsam of life, and the other the medicinal Balsam, euen for the relatiue conuenience of them both. And yet beside this similitude and fa∣miliarity of nature, it hath other particular vertues. For it is en∣du••d

with great actiuitie, it is spiritual and excéeding pearcing: for this cause it doth attenuate and make thinne, it doth digest, dissolue, and euacuate these seculent s••uffings and ashes, threa∣tening peril of suffocation and choaking to the Balsam of life. Moreouer, if there be any impurity or corruption, by which it is much offended, by what other meanes can it bee more safely and better rooted out, then by a thing so pure and incorruptible? And if any burning feauer doe inuade the body and the instru∣mental parts of life about the heart, with what more conuenient sharpe Syrup, or Syrup of Limons, canst thou extinguish it, then by the Balsamick sharpnesse of this our medicine? Let gun-poulder speake for vs: and by a sufficient testimony of this thing, which this liquor doth not onely extinguish, but also will not suffer it to take flame, but maketh it idle. Witnesses also are the most burning and volatil spirits, which al the Ise of the Nor∣therne mountaines cannot congeale, and yet are congealed with that liquor in Baln•••• Mariae: & yet with all, the same liquor hath this property, that it wil attemperate and dissolue the most hard Ise. Is there any paine and griefe that would be asswaged? This medicine shal be thy mittigating anodine, and most health∣some Nepenthes. Is there any pestilent poyson, or malignant quality to be e••tyrped? There is not a more safe Treacle or Mi∣thridate then this, which is the summe of all Alexipharmacons, & the most chiefe preseruatiue from all infection. Is the heart to be corroborated, & the spirits to be vegetated? No confection Alker∣mes, no confection of Hyacinth, is to be preferred before this bal∣sam. To conclude, what more spéedy altering medicine can there be found, which is able to correct a distemperature, then that most temperat remedy? To these vnspeakeable vertues, adde yet this one, that this medicine, neuer bringeth with it a glutting loath∣somnesse, or perturbation of the body: but quickly, safely, & plea∣santly performeth his workings. And the same with so small a∣doe, that whereas in other medicine, ounces, are required, in this a few graines dissolued in wine or in broath, or in other conueni∣ent liq••••••, are sufficient to be opposed against the sicknesse, which produce great and wonderful effects.

These are those great properties of this vniuersal medicine so much spoken of by the ancient Phylosophers. These are the ad∣mirable vertues of our said medicinable Balsam, the coadintor, & priuie director of our natural Balsam, which is the only meane to conserue our life: which natural Balsam, is the onely immedi∣ate putter away of sicknesses, and of all corporal infirmities. For if sicknesses (as Galen saith) be an effect against nature, hurting actions, then must it also needes be contrary to our radical Bal∣sam & Nectar of our life, which is nothing else but the same nature or else an instrument so resisting it, & conioyned with it, that with∣out the helpe hereof, it can intend to doe or performe nothing.

Therefore now whether the functions be diminished, or de∣praued, or altogether abolished, it cannot otherwise be, but that our said radical Balsam, is in some part hurt, seeing it is certaine that all those laudable functions procéed there from. This is that which Hypocrates calleth mans nature. This is that disposer, which maketh the attractions, expulsions, mixtions, sepe∣rations, and concoctions of meates and drinkes. To this chiefely, the same Hypocrates attributeth al the foresaid functions of our body. Not that the same Balsam of our radical, can take vpon it selfe and on his substance, alterations, and that it can suf∣fer, séeing it is of an ethereal and celestial nature, & therefore after a certaine maner incorruptible: but because his action is delayed, or hindered by lets, which lye hidden in the internal members and bowels, and which doe occupy and trouble the same.

This is the occasion, this is the beginning, and principall foundation of diseases.* 1.50 Therfore to take vpon me the dispute, and to defend it, thus I determine.

If such a disease comming vpon a man, be to be taken cleane away, first of all nature is to be restored to her landable, whole, and woonted state: to the which end, all our cogitations ought to tend.* 1.51 First of all therefore, we must prouide to take away all lets.

To this the disciples of Hermes Trismegistus answere: Al this may be sufficiently performed & done, onely by restoring the ra∣dical Balsam, for that vpon the same all action, & demonstration of health, do depend: the which Balsam being holpen as is conue∣uenient,

it wil come to passe, that the sicke man, within the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of one hower, shal haue and féele more solace, and so much the more, when the same Balsam of life, being holpen with that Balsamick medicine, doth more boldly expulse the enemy: and that in a very short time, I say to the greater ioy and comfort of the sicke, then can the huge multitude of common potions, powred into the loathing of the patient, bring to passe, and that very hardly in a long time.

And least any man might thinke, that these are our owne in∣uentions,* 1.52 rashly and inconsideratly broached by vs, let vs heare what Galen saith.

The principal intention (saith he) of the Physi∣tion, ought to be to reduce the sicke to his natural estate, and that neglecting all other things, his onely care must be to con∣serue that, from whence the faculty of acting cometh. And this consisteth in that natural heate, the which so long as it is of force and not hindred, it preserueth the body in safety, in such wise, that whatsoeuer happeneth to the body vnnaturally, and must be taken away, it is an vndoubted axiome, that it standeth in néede of a strong natural heate. And albeit in external sick∣nesses, and in certaine others, it may séeme that natural heate is little auaileable, as in the remouing of flesh which groweth too ranke in a wound, or for the reuniting of the lippes of a wound, yet for all that, the coniunction and generation of flesh, and the healing thereof, cannot be done without natural heate.

This forespeaketh Galen, and very truly. Yea, all his followers wil willingly confesse, that it is onely nature, and that quickening radical Balsam, which sheweth forth all those wholsome functi∣ons: the which nature both here and before by the authoritie of Galen, we haue rightly called the true healer of all sicknesses: but so farre forth nature is holpen, stirred vp, and corroborated by all maner helpe and arte of that Balsamick medicine, that it can expel, ouercome, and cast out all whatsoeuer is grieuous or con∣trary vnto it. Thus farre forth they and we agrée together.

Neuerthelesse, this also is to be granted, that the same nature is the beginning, and as it were the first mouing to all curing: because without the strength and vigor of nature, all medicine

is vnprofitable and vaine. For nature is alwaies one and like to her selfe, neither is she at any time idle in vs, but is perpetually occupied, alway stirring mouing, and vegetating, vntill by too much let, she being hindred, shée doe worke more slowly and weakely. The which impediments and contrarieties, she her selfe of her owne accorde, and by her owne proper strength go∣eth about to put away and ouercome: But when she hath to doe with a most strong enemie, or with many, she sooner and far more easily can ouercome them, if she be strengthened with the helpes of arte, and hauing conuenient meanes, she shall with greater strength and security preuaile.

To bring which thing to passe, our Balsamick medicine by that exquisite preparation, hath gotten a most pure, quickening, spiritual, strengthening, and kindly nature, which without all exception, is farre more conuenient and effectual, then other me∣dicines of common Physitians, prepared by no arte, by no in∣dustry, or dexterity.

The which, forsomuch as they are yet crude, impure, and grosse, and are clogged with a terrestrial thicknesse, they doe ra∣ther cloy and ouerlay nature, before she can extract their ma∣ligne quality, concoct their cruditie, and deuide their earthly gros∣nesse and impurity: the which being her taske and burden, shee fainteth before shee can receiue any helpe or com∣fort.

And that we may not digresse from our similitude, let vs ap∣ply that which is said, to fire, whereof we haue spoken before. As we sée fire when it is ouerwhelmed with many ashes, and hindered from taking aier, (by which it is nourished) is easily smoothered and put out: and that the same againe is stirred vp, if a man with his hand doe take away the ashes, and doe blowe the sparkes which remaine, giuing frée accesse of the aier: héere the cause of the fires refreshing and beginning againe, is attri∣buted to him which remoued the Ashes, when as indéede hee was but the instrument of restoring the fire.

But the principal efficient consisteth in the fire it selfe, the which he had spread abroad and winded or bellowsed in vaine,

if it had bene quite and cleane out. Therefore that renuing is to be attributed to the fire alone which remained, as to the first, next, and inset cause, onely the outward ventilation or winding comming betwéene as the instrument.

Moreouer, as we sée, that when the fire is so weake, that very fewe sparkes are to bee found, that then in vaine a great heape of dead coales are cast vpon the same to make a spéedy fire, which will sooner put altogether out, then make a quick fire.

But if thou put vpon them quicke burning coales, they will by and by increase the fire, without feare of extinction: euen so in like maner, the principal vertue or function, is alway to be ascri∣bed to our vital or radical Balsam, rather then to the Physi∣tion or Medicine, albeit the same may bee some helpe, in putting away the ashie feces, and in dissoluing the troubled lées which are an impediment, that so it may more fréely haue tran∣spiration and aire, that by them it be not oppressed and choa∣ked.

Such is this Balsamick Medicine, which being purified, exalted, and brought vnto the highest essence and perfection, it doth stirre vppe, refresh, and restore our vitall fire, liuing, but yet languishing, to his former vigor and strength. The which, forsomuch as it doth sooner, more safely, and more pleasantly performe without all comparison then that other ordinary and common Physick, thou shalt not miscompare that of theirs to dead coales, or to gréene wood, but this of ours as prepared▪ and brought to a Balsam, to a burning coale, which is the summe of our whole disputation.

Let these things suffice to be spoken concerning the property, quality, & excellency of our Balsamick medicine, which Phylo∣sophers prepare out of one thing onely, not out of many, whether it be mineral, vegetal, or animal. Of this medicine alone is the saying of the wise man to be vnderstood,* 1.53 when he saith; The Lord hath created medicine out of the earth, and he that is wise wil not abhorre it. For by this word (Medicine) he vnderstandeth

remedy, not the Art of Physick. For it was ordinary and com∣mon in those first ages, to vse this medicine, taken out of one onely matter. But the latter age succeeding, after long search, found out that radical Balsam, and saw by experience, that it was in some thing more, and in other some lesse. Whatsoeuer it is, it is knowne that they of olde time did vse most simple reme∣dies: neither did they care for so great confusion of compositions and mixtures which fill a whole ware-house and shoppe, as our Physitians and Apothecaries do at this day.

And if we will consider of those things which Theophrastus Dioscorides, and others of the auncients haue left vnto vs in writing, concerning medicine, and the vertues of simple reme∣dies, we shal perceiue and finde, that they vsed the most simple method and order of curing, and that they had not so much re∣spect to the actiue or passiue qualities, of hote and cold, of dry and moyst, out of the which came the originall of so many mixtions and confusions. But it is plaine and euident, that they attribu∣ted to their simples, this and that property, either because they had so learned from others, peraduenture by tradition, or else by experience, obseruing the impressions, formes, and figures of their simples.

But they of more late time haue bene so rash of iudgement, that they wil take vpon them to iudge of the faculties of simples by their taste and relish, and thereby discerne and determine, their first, second, and third qualities, to the which afterward all the vertue of the saide simples was attributed. But be∣cause they found not this an vniuersal rule alwaies and in all things, and that it did deceiue, therefore some fled to the secret and hidden properties, arysing from the forme, and the whole substance.

These and such like starting holes and subtilties, haue brought vpon vs great incertainty and doubtfulnesse, which way to discerne and find out those things, which serue for our best good.

Tell me I pray you (if you can) how many bitter things

there are in taste, which neuerthelesse according to the edict of that rule, are not hote at all? Of this sort among others many moe is Opium and Cichory. Againe, how many sowre things are there, which by their rule should be most cold, which notwith∣standing are most hote, as the spirits of Vineger, of Niter, and of Sulphur? How many swéet things are there in outward taste, which in their internal substance are nothing at all contempe∣red. How many things are outwardly and at the first beginning of taste altogether vnsauory and without relish, which inward∣ly and in faculty,* 1.54 are most sharpe and byting, Honey, Cassia, and Sugar, are in their internal substance so hote and violent, that out of them also may be prepared such dissoluers, as are woont to be made out of Aqua Fortis, or Aqua Regalis: which can dis∣solue gold and siluer as spéedily as the other.

Lead yéeldeth out no taste to the tongue:* 1.55 and yet his inter∣nall substance, is a certaine sugared delightfull swéetenesse. So outwardly Copper hath no relish and is of a ruddie colour: but that gréene where into it is changed, is most sharpe.

We might shewe of such examples, almost an infinit num∣ber, whereunto we must not rashly giue credit, nor stand vpon taste, nor leane to much vpon the exteriour qualities and tem∣perament of things. For if they be more inwardly and exactly examined, then by that superficiary and slight maner of tasting and experimenting, and that their inward bowels, be diligently anatomized, they shal be found farre otherwise, and oftentimes different, not onely in taste, but also in odour, in colour, and in their whole substance.

But if so be a seperation be made of the thrée hypostaticall or substantial essential beginnings, as of Salt, Sulphur, and Mer∣cury, then there will appeare a true and lawfull difference of tastes. Because one and the same substance may containe in it seuerall tastes. How then canst thou giue a safe iudge∣ment of his properties and vertues? As for example, consider well of Guaiacum: whose diuers vertues and properties there∣in contained, thou canst not easily discerne by simple taste.

Neither canst thou alleage any certaine cause why it should be Diaphoretical, that is to say, apt to prouoke sweates: which by the separation of the aforesaid beginnings, thou canst attaine vnto. For thou shalt find in his mercurial tartnesse, & in his oylie sulphurus, and thinner substance, that facultie to enforce sweate, which is also in Iuniper, in Boxe, in Oake, in Ashe, and almost in al woodes and barkes, as also in many other things: but here∣after wée wil shewe the cause, why those sharpe and sulphurus substances, doe prouoke sweates. But you may also extract out of the same bitterish Guaiacum, a Salt apt for purgation, and euacuation of humours. The like is to bée said of Cinamom, and almost of all other things. For Cinamom hath facultie both to bind and to loose. The opening force consisteth in his sulphu∣rus oilie, and thinne substance, which being separated from his feces, thou shalt find a substance of the nature of Allum, won∣derfully binding.

Also whereas Opium is bitter,* 1.56 that commeth by reason of his Salt, from the which being separated by his oile or narcoti∣cal Sulphur, it becommeth purging no lesse than out of any other bitter thing, as if out of Gentian Centorie, & such like, the same Salt should bée separated and rightly prepared.

To these bitter Salts is giuen the name of Salt-gemme as a difference of other Saltes, whereof there is great diuersitie of kindes, as more at large shall be shewed in another place. But nowe in fewe wordes I say, that some Saltes are bitter, some sweete, some tart, sowre, sharpe, austere, pricking, and brinish: whose particular facultie, is rightly attributes to the proper sub∣stance of the same Salt, rather than to any other qualitie, what∣soeuer the same be.

Notes

• * 1.1

  All things naturally loue Salt.
• * 1.2

  Salt the Bal∣sam of nature
• * 1.3

  Salt hath life in it & is ani∣mal.
• * 1.4

  Salt is also vegetal.
• * 1.5

  Salt the ori∣ginal matter of pearles and corall.
• * 1.6

  Salt the fier of nature.
• * 1.7

  The effects of Salt in the earth.
• * 1.8

  The effects of Salt in the aier.
• * 1.9

  Salts mine∣rall.
• * 1.10

  Salts of di∣uers kinds.
• * 1.11

  Stirring wa∣ters.
• * 1.12

  Nature ac∣cord••••h with nature.
• * 1.13

  Salt is fusible
• * 1.14

  Salts may be extracted out of metalls
• * 1.15

  A Figure of the Tri∣nitie.
• * 1.16

  Phree di∣stinct natures in Salt.
• * 1.17

  Two salts appeare in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of salt-peter.
• * 1.18

  Two flying parts of salt-peter.
• * 1.19

  Sulphur of Nature.
• * 1.20

  The Mer∣curial part of salt-peter.
• * 1.21

  The cause of ferment, is sowernesse.
• * 1.22

  Vitriolis of the nature of Copper.
• * 1.23

  The spirit of Vitriol fix∣eth Mercu∣rie.
• * 1.24

  Body, soule, and spirit.
• * 1.25

  A practise.
• * 1.26

  A good pur∣gation of bad humours.
• * 1.27

  Gold tryum∣pheth in earth, in aier and in fire.
• * 1.28

  The incor∣ruptibilitie of gold, maketh it the best Medicine to helpe a cor∣ruptible bo∣dy.
• * 1.29

  The wonder∣ful effects of potable gold.
• * 1.30

  Bathes and waters arti∣ficial.
• * 1.31

  The Chymi∣cal ministries
• * 1.32

  Balsam is in euery thing.
• * 1.33

  The spirit of wine.
• * 1.34

  The Christal of Tartar.
• * 1.35

  The good ef∣fects of the spirit of wine.
• * 1.36

  B. M. signifi∣eth Balneum ••arie
• * 1.37

  A Balsam Radica••.
• * 1.38

  Potable gold.
• * 1.39

  1. Phlegme.
• * 1.40

  2. Mercury.
• * 1.41

  3. Sulphur.
• * 1.42

  4. Salt.
• * 1.43

  Elements passiue.
• * 1.44

  Actiue El••∣ments.
• * 1.45

  A Medicine particular and general.
• * 1.46

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.47

  Crude wines breede the stone.
• * 1.48

  Hellebor•• poisonfull.
• * 1.49

  Transplan∣ting of herbs helpeth their nature.
• * 1.50

  Obiection.
• * 1.51

  Answer••.
• * 1.52

  Galen. Lib. 13. Method.
• * 1.53

  Syrach. 38. 4
• * 1.54

  A Dissoluing water.
• * 1.55

  Copper is red without and greens with∣in.
• * 1.56

  Narcotical is Stupefac∣tiue.