The triumphant chariot of antimony being a conscientious discovery of the many reall transcendent excellencies included in that minerall / written by Basil Valentine ... ; faithfully Englished and published for the common good by I.H. ...

OF THE Triumphant Chariot OF ANTIMONY, AND WHAT THE STONE Of Fire is.

ON a time by serious Prayers powred out before God, (be∣ing absolved & quitted from superfluous thoughts, and wordly affairs I decreed to me∣ditate on such spiritual cases, as might be useful for a more thorough search into the condition of Nature, I therefore re∣solved with my self to get me some wings

that so I might flye unto the superiour stars, and make inspection thereunto, as (by the Testimony of the Poets) Icarus and Dedalus have done. But when I ap∣proached overneer to the Sun, my wings were burnt by his heat, and down I tum∣ble headlong into the deepest sea; But because I called upon God in my necessi∣ty; he sent me aid and help from Hea∣ven, whereby I was reedeemed from de∣struction and danger. For an Angell from Heaven came unto my succour who Com∣manded the water to stand still, and there was opened a great Abysse, like a most high mountain, where walking up and down, I would needs search whether or no it were possible (as the sons of men speake) that there should be a familiari∣ty between things most high, and things most low, and whethet or no, the supream stars have received from the Creatour, force and virtue, sufficient for the produ∣ction of things in the earth like unto themselves, and having searched through all, I found it certainly true, which our ancient Teachers have long since left behind them for our Instruction, and In∣formation (if we are desirous Disciples

after truth and verity) and have set down as fundamental, for which I gave most cordial thanks to the omnipotent God, and author of all wonderful things.

Briefly, I find that all minerals flow from the Celestial Stars, and have their original out of an Aqueous Vapour, which haveing bin a long time nourished by the stars, is reduced by the Elements into a palpable forme; whence, that va∣pour is dryed, and the waterishnesse loo∣seth its dominion, and the fire (after or next to the water) by the benefit of Aire bears the sway, that out of the water the fire may be made, and out of the fire and the Aire, the earth may be made, which notwithstanding are found insepa∣rable in all the corporeal things of the world before their resolution. The first matter therefore of all bodies is water, which by the dryness of the fire and the aire is changed into earth.

But because I have determined to teach, how the stone of fire is to be pre∣pared out of Antimony, and because it doth not onely cure men, but particular∣ly cures even Metals also. It is convenient to advise what the stone of fire is; what its mineral is; whether or no a stone can be

made without matter, and also of the ulti∣mate difference, kinds and use of stones.

Let the Holy Spirit be assisting in this my determination, that I may truely ex∣plain this art as far as is lawful, from whence▪ I hope for an eternal absolution from my chief Confessour, who eternally sits in the throne of grace, and that from eternity, and will bear witnesse of all things, when the last sentence and decre∣tory Judgement shall passe upon all men, without protestation or Appellation.

In the first place, and above all other things know that the true Tincture of An∣timony, which is a medicine both for men and metals, is not to be made of crude melted Antimony, such as the drugsters and the merchants sell, But out of its mineral or Aes, as tis dig'd out of the Mountains, and that too, made into glass: But how to performe that extraction is all the art, and workmanship; and whosoever finds it shall be thereby inriched with health and wealth. Know also (friendly Reader) that the prepared, fixt, and per∣manent Tincture of Antimony (which I call the stone of fire) is a penetrating, spiritual, fiery essence reduced into a coa∣gulated matter, and may be compared to

the Salamander which cannot be burnt, but is purged and conserved in the fire. But our stone of fire doth not ting univer∣sally as the stone of the Philosophers doth, which is made of the essence of Gold, nor hath it so much virtue granted it: But it tinctureth particularly viz. Luna, Jupi∣ter, and Saturne into Gold; It toucheth not Mars and Venus, but onely as to what may by this separation be in part produced from them. Also one part of this Tin∣cture can transmute but five parts, so as to remain constant in the trial, colour, and weight, In Saturn and Antimony it self; when as contrarywise the true, antient, and great stone of the Philosophers doth perfect innumerably. But yet this can be yet exalted it its own augmentation. And its Gold is pure, and constant.

The Mineral of the stone of fire or of the Tincture is the Mineral or Aes of Stibium out of which (as I have afore men∣tioned) it is made, but how it is done, and what virtues and operations are therein I will presently declare.

Moreover the Reader may observe that many stones tinge particularly, (for all fixt tinging powders are by me called stones) but yet one tingeth deeper then

another; as first; The stone of the Philoso∣phers which far transcends all others. Next which are the Tinctures of the Sun, and of the Moon &c. As to the white. Then the Tincture of Vitriol or Venus, and the Tincture of Mars, both which con∣tein in them the Tincture of the Sun, if they have bin formerly brought unto fixa∣tion; next to these follow the Tincture of Jupiter and Saturne for the Coagulation of Mercury and then finally the Tin∣cture of Mercury itself, this is the diffe∣rence and multiplicity of Stones and Tin∣ctures, which notwithstanding are all ge∣nerated out of one seed and one principal Matrix, from whence also flowes the true Universal one, and without these no me∣tallick Tincture can be given.

And verily tis not in other things of what name soever; I value not stones and Gems as to my present purpose, for I will speak not of such now, since that they con∣teine in them a medicinal virtue onely; I will also omit animal and vegetable stones, as appartaining to medicine solely, being unprofitable in metallick operati∣ons; As the virtues of which Mineral ve∣getable and animal stones, are conteined in the Philosophers stone together, and at

once. Salts cannot ting, but are onely a Key to the preparation of stones, otherwise, they are impotent of themselves; (At least, as to what belongs to metallick and mineral Salts) and now I speak to the purpose if thou rightly understandst me, as to what dif∣ference I suppose to be between mineral Salts) they ought not to be rejected, (neither can they) in Tinctures, in whose composition none can be wtthout them; for in them is found an excellent treasure by which every fixation and constancy hath its original and foundation.

Some body will now haply enquire (whō I do not upō this account reprehend) whether or no without matter such a stone can be made; I say, No. For every thing necessarily hath its own matter, but di∣versly. The animals, theirs; The mine∣rals, theirs, and vegetables their matter: Yet consider exactly, that no body with∣out fermentation; (of which in the end of the work of the preparation of the great stone where I consider the transmutation of other metals with profit;) which can∣not be wanting, is profitable or fit for any stone. Although at the beginning a bodily form & corporeal essence, visible & palpa∣ble

be taken, yet out of such a bodily es∣sence the heavenly and spiritual vision (for I cannot otherwaies call it) ought to be extracted, which was at first infused into that body by the stars, and also be∣gotten and concocted by the Elements, which spiritual essence ought in like man∣ner palpably and formally to be again changed with a little fire by the regiment and disposing of the Microcosme into a Palpable, fixt and constant matter. I speak without any imagination into an open∣field, if I were wise I should not so much as whisper, and would refrain my hands from writing. Therefore all Tinctures of metals ought so to be prepared, that they may singularly love the metals, and ear∣nestly and solely desire to be united to them, and to perfect them, just like two lovers who burning with love cannot rest until they are united and accomplish their desires; then at last, they rest and are multiplyed by the will of God; man lyes subject to many and wonderful de∣seases, which in some, doe debilitate and take away the strength of nature; Those diseases may be dealt withall by anti∣dotes; and that man may be restored to his former health.

But love it is, that overcomes all other diseases, for which is no redress, or help but by a reciprocal love, and because that the desire of both sex is mutual, tis onely ex∣tinguished by satisfaction of the inflamed and hungry longing; many things may be testified of the power of love, which doth not onely seize upon the younger sort, but the elder also, who in their extreame age, doe not onely doat, but even grow mad by the fury of love. There are other di∣seases which imitate or follow the natu∣ral complexions of men, and so assualt one more then another; But love sets upon all without distinction, rich and poor, old and young, nor fears it any net that may be laid to trap it; In other natural disea∣ses the grief possesseth onely some certain members, the others being peaceable and quiet; But love captivates the whole body, all its essence, forme, and sub∣stance, not the least part escaping; for the heart is so filled with heat, that it is di∣spersed through out all the veins and si∣news. And (as I may so speak) love reign∣ing in its power, seizeth upon the sense, reason, and thoughts, and withdraws a man from his mind, that he forgets, omits and dis-estems every thing; he contemnes

God; Gods word, promises, wrath, threats and punishment (I speak of inordinate & forbidden love) nor can any thing recal him from that love, he is unmindful of his office, of his condition and vocation; he tramples upon admonitions, despiseth the adhortations of his well wishing neighbour, yea he shuts his eyes from most things, that he sees not his own de∣struction; stopping his eares to the faith∣ful advise of such as do admonish him. It deprives many a one of sleep, takes away the appetite to food, procures a ne∣glect of labour and arts, that so love may be followed and wayted on. Many fall into a melancholy sadness, because of love, especially if things do not presently succeed according to desire, and they consume away like a candle, yea some loose both life and soul, as is apparent by examples. But such a one cares not, he contemnes the dangers both of soul and body, which indeed is a dreadful thing, let this suffice, for tis unseemely for me who am an Ecclesiastical man, to give place to such things in my heart, even as (be not offended with the word) hitherto all my life time I have forborne it, and moreover will supplicate my God and

Lord that I may conserve my self for my bride (the Christian Church) to which by a faithful vow I have devoted my self. But this I induce for examples sake onely, that so I might discover and evidence, that al Tinctures ought to have a love to the metals, (else they cannot enter into true friendship) and by a true penetrative love attaine to Melioration or a better condition.

Let us now come to the preparation of the stone reserving its use to the latter end; And since this stone is of a most pe∣netrative and meer fiery property, let it be boiled with fire and ripened as other things of the world; but yet differently according to the different natures of things, even as there are divers fires.

1. The first fire is celestial, instituted by God, whereby charity is kindled and faith towards the most high God, most holy Trinity, and our most merciful Sa∣viour Jesus Christ, which faith will never deceive us, nor forsake us in any necessity, but will deliver our souls from eternal destruction.

2. The second fire is the Sun, or Ele∣mentary fire produced from the Sun, which brings all things in the Macro∣cosme

to maturity.

3. The third is corporeal, whereby all meats and medicines are boiled and pre∣pared, which men cannot want either for health or nourishment.

We also find in the Holy Scripture, that before the last judgment, God will consume this visible world with fire, but what fire this will be, let us refer it to the judgement of the most high.

There's also mention made in the word of God of another, or an eternal fire, which is reserved in hell for the eter∣nal punishment of the damned; (being infinite and without ceasing, God per∣mitting it; and not onely for them, but for the devils also, from which fire I pray the almighty God to preserve us; whence I do faithfully admonish all, that they pray uncessantly that the call and life of every one, may have an harmony betwixt them, for thereby shall he conserve him∣selfe and be delivered by God from that infinite punishment.

Now let all know, that our stone of fire ought to be boiled and maturated with the corporeal fire of the Microcosme, even as other meats and medicines are; for at the farewel of the operative fire

of the Macrocosme, doth the fire of the Microcosme begin the production of a new generation, and therefore let no man wonder at this coction.

Wheat grew and ripened by the ele∣mentary fire of the Macrocosme, and a new coction and maturation is again pro∣duced by the corporeal fire of the Mi∣crocosme, that so man may further use that blessing for his own conservation, and that he may enjoy even the utmost, and the least thing, which (by the first and great world, was under operation and wor∣king on.

The true Oyle of Antimony out of which the stone of fire is prepared, is of a most sweetly pleasant property, and is thus purged and separated from its own Earth, place a glasse filled therewithal in the Sun, and it emits from it selfe sundry and admirable beames like to the reddy Rubine, shining with a fiery brightnesse, resembling other wonderfull Colours and shapes, like to manifold Speculums exposed unto the solar bright∣nesse.

But hear me, thou studious Lover of art and truth, if thou desirest to make a farther progresse in experience, Take in

the name of the most high, the Aes or mineral of Antimony born after the Ri∣sing of the Sun, one part, of the purest and best mundified salt petre, as much, grind them, and mix them exceedingly well, place them in a gentle fire, burne or fire them together according to art, (this is the work, and this is the Labour) then shalt thou finde a dark, dusky, colou∣red matter remaining behind, of which make glasse, out of which being powde∣red, extract a most red Tincture with a most strong vinegar, distilled and made out of its own proper Minerall, abstract the vinegar in B. M. and there will re∣maine a powder which yet again ex∣tract with spirit of Wine rectified unto the height, and some feces wil remaine, and thou shalt have a most red extraction, profitable in medicine.

This is a most pure sulphur of Antimo∣ny separated to the utmost, which if thou hast two pounds of, add foure ounces of the salt of Antimony (made as I have a∣fore taught thee) thereto, mix them, and circulate them in a vessel well shut for a month at least, so wil the salt be u∣nited to the extraction, if any feces re∣main let them be separated, then first of

all destil off the spirit of Wine in B. M. and that being abstracted, augment the fire, and there wil come forth the most sweet, pellucid red oyle, with many mi∣raculous colours, rectifie this oyle in B. that a fourth part may remaine, and tis good. Which being done, take of the quick mercury of Antimony already spo∣ken of, and pour thereto a red oyle of Vi∣triol made out of Iron, and supreamly rectified, distil the phlegme in sand, from the mercury, and thou shalt have a precipitate, a fairer then which cannot be seen, nor a more profitable in old wounds and ulcers, for it dryes up accidentall hu∣mours, from whence martial diseases have their Rise, where (also) the united spi∣rit of the oyl assists him.

Take of this precipitate, and of the a∣foresaid dulcorated oyle of Antimony e∣qual parts, mix them, put them into a glasse wel shut, in a gentle continuall heat, & the precipitate wil be dissolved in the oyle and be fixt, consume all the phlegme in the fire, and then shal you have a fix, dry, red, fusible powder, emit∣ting no fume; My disciple, I wil now speake in the manner of the Prophets, foretelling things to come: When thy

studies have guided thee thus far in Phi∣losophy, and thou hast perfected the La∣bour of Antimony, which I have prescri∣bed thee, thou hast a medicine both for men and metals, it is sweet and safe, it penetrates, it moves not the belly, it corrects and expels what is evil; If thy progresse hath been right, this medicine wil reward thee in thy health and food, that nothing in the world shal be wan∣ting unto thee, for which thou owest unto God a sacrifice of praise.

My God! I now speake with a sadned mind, being an Ecclesiastical man, for I do not know whether I have done right or otherwise, whether too much or too litle: I leave it to every ones judgment: ye that are my disciples make tryal as I have done, if you attaine to your end, give praise to God, and thank me who am your master, if ye erre from the way, blame your selves, for I am not the cause of your errours.

I have spoken enough, I have written enough, yea so clearly that none can teach more cleare, unlesse a man would purposely run into Hell, and there drown himself, uttering things prohibited by the Creatour, and eating of the tree placed

in the middle of Paradise: but what I have done, shal suffice me, until I can more largely judge of what is lawful as to this thing, and now Ile speak a few words of its use.

The use consists in the view of the per∣son and observation of his complexion, as to humane health, see thou givest nei∣ther too much nor too little, that thou neither burden nature nor deny her what is sufficient. Albeit it hurts not, al∣though too much be given, for it helps lost health and resisteth poisons.

Yet know that three or four graines at a dose, is sufficient for the expulsion of all diseases, being given with spirit of wine; This stone or Tincture penetrates all the joynts of the body, and far transcends other Arcanums, it doth most readily take away the Pthisis, and all diseases a∣rising from the Lungs, the Asthma, the Cough, Lepry, and Lues venerea; the Plague, Jaundise, dropsie, and all Feavers, it expels any poisonous drink, tis profi∣table for such as are infected by a phil∣tre or love potion; it comforts the head, the brain, and what is of affinity to them, the stomack, the Liver; it heales the diseases of the Reines, it purgeth cor∣rupt

bloud, expels maligne humours, lessens the stone of the bladdet, and drives it forth, heales the windy Dysu∣ry, &c. It brings back the vitall spirits, compresseth the suffocatian of the Matrix, provokes the Menstrues, and allayes their overflowings, it begets fruitfulness, and sound seed in both sexes.

Outwardly. This stone of fire (but yet it must be be also taken into the body and a suitable wound plaister externally applyed) heales the Gangrene, and all other corroding diseases, the scab, and infirmities arising from the corruption of the bloud, and the Noli me tangere: In a word, this stone (as a particular Tincture) is a remedy, for almost all the diseases whereto man is subject, which experi∣ence showes, together with the way, if only thou beest a true Physitian sent and called by God.

I will write no more of Antimony, I have acted my part, let another also act his, that the mysteries of God may be layd open (before the worlds end) to the glory of him, and for the health of men; Ile hold my peace, and returne to my monastick order, until I shal have made larger progresse in my Philosophy,

that I may also write those things which I have a long time decreed, viz. of Vi∣triol, common sulphur, and the Magnet, their beginnings and virtues, may it please the Prince of Heaven to bestow upon us health of body, and eternall welfare of our soules in the unsearchable joyes of his celestial delight, Amen.

I conclude this Tract of Antimony, those things, which I have written of the red oyle of Antimony made of its purifi∣ed sulphur, and of its spirit which is pre∣pared of its salt, observe, and therewith compare this last Doctrine of the stone of sire, wherein if thou whettest thy wit and mind, from this comparing wilt thou finde their conjunction, for the Basis and Foundation is one and the same, and the Amiry and Freindship is the same, by which health is attained unto, and the lamenting Stag caught by a pleasant cheer¦full hunting.

The Water, Fire, Aire, Earth, yea all things shall be reduced into powder and Ashes, whatsoever is borne of them, doth also in time perish: The mercy of God only endures to all Eternity, which alone Man enjoyes, for which let us be thank∣full.