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THE MANUEL OF THE STONE OF THE PHILOSOPHERS.
IF you would (by Vulcan's Art) frame the Phi∣losophers Stone, which for very weighty causes we call a perpetual or perfect Bals••m; you are first of all to know and consider how that Stone is to be placed materially before thy Eyes, and be made visible and sensible; and likewise how the virtue or fire thereof may come forth and be known. But for the clearer setting forth of this my in∣tention, let's borrow an Example of Common Fire, viz. By what means the virtue or power thereof shews it self, and becomes visible: And that is done on this wise. First of all by the Vulcanick Art is Fire smitten out of the Flint: Now indeed this Fire can do nothing unless it hath such a matter as is friendly to it, upon which 'tis capable to operate, such as is Wood, Rosin, Oyle, or such like things, as it is naturally easily combu∣stible; When therefore the said Fire lights upon some such a like thing, it proceeds on to an uncessant operati∣on, unless it be destroyed or impeaded by its contrary, or unless the fuel sail by which it multiplies it self; for if Wood or such like be put thereto, then doth its force become stronger and stronger, and so it alwayes operates until there be no more fuel put thereunto. Now then,