Paracelsus, his Archidoxis comprised in ten books : disclosing the genuine way of making quintessences, arcanums, magisteries, elixirs, &c : together with his books of renovation & restauration, of the tincture of the philsophers, of the manual of the philosophical medicinal stone, of the virtues of the members, of the three principles, and finally his seven books of the degrees and compositions, of receipts and natural things / faithfully and plainly Englished, and published by J.H., Oxon.

THE MANUAL OR, A TREATISE OF THE PHILOSOPHICAL, MEDECINAL STONE.

The PREFACE to the READER.

REader, Forasmuch as it hath pleased God to permit the Spirit of Medicine truly to Operate by Macha∣on, Podalirias, Apollo, and Hypocrates, &c. that so true Medicine ••hining through the Clouds, (for it cannot possibly be known fully and plainly by them) might proceed forth unto the light, and be manifestod unto ••••n: He was also pleased by that same means to prohibit the spirit of Darkness from wholly suppressing and quenching the Light of Nature, whereby the Magnalia of God which lie hidden in Arcana's, Quintessences, Magisteries, and Elixirs, would have been unknown. God therefore hath or∣dained certain Mediums, that so the diligent search of such Arcana's and Mysteries might furthermore be implanted in ••••n by the good Spirits, even as some men (there have been, ••h••) have received Angelical Natures from the Heaven

in which the Angels are: Such men could afterwards (as being endowed with a perfect understanding of Nature) search thereinto, and into its daylie Course, more profoundly then other men, and compare the pure with the impure, and seper∣ate these two, and so alter and change the Pure, that it seemed to some a thing impossible: For they (as being natural and true Physicians) do know how by convenient Medium's to help Nature, and to bring ••••r by their Arts, to perfection: And therefore all imperfect and diabolical Operations, must give place to them, even as a lye doth to the truth and perfe∣ction. 'Tis beh••veful I say, that we speak the truth, if no would arrive to a happy End: And if it be absolutely law∣ful to lay hold upon the truth, let it be no shame to any one to seck it, whatsoever place is be in.

So then, let no body take it in evil part, that even I my self have loved it, and sought after it; for 'twas expedien: for me to follow Her, & not that She should have sought after me: Whosoever will see a strange City, he must not lye at home in his C••uch, nor must he be a rosting of Pears in his Chimney; 'tis not sitting that he should be made a Doctor there. There can be no famous Cosmographer made at his table on∣ly: Nor no Chyromancer in a Parlour: nor no Geoman∣cer in a Cellar. So▪ neither can we obtain true Medicine without abundance of diligent search. 'Tis God that makes a true Phisician, but not without trouble and labour, as himself saith, viz. Thou shalt eat of the Labours of thy hands, and it shall be well with thee. Whereas therefore, to SEE, precedes the truth, & such things as the sight perceive••, so the heart is accordingly either exhilerated, or affright••ned: I•• will not be lost labour to me, nor any infamy, to visit (or go travelling into) other places, and to adhere to such men as fooles do contemn, that so I may try what lyes hid in the Lim∣bus of the Earth, and may fulfil the Office and Duty of a true Phisician, that so Medicine may be administred to our Neighbours benefit, according to Gods appointment, and that least it should bring loss and damage rather then benefit: But

this it not to be done by an idle, lazie man. Let him that will (therefore) set in his Couch: My journying to and fro de∣lights me, together with such things as God and time permits me to search into, and see.

But, because of the Candid Readers, who desire to learn, and who love the Light of Nature, I have thought good to write this Book, that so they might know the foundation of my true Medicine, and may reject the tris••es of the evil Physici∣ans, and may be in some measure able to defend my Cause a∣gainst them: But I suppose that even these things will be ac∣counted fabulous; For those ••gregious Fellows have very well known all these things long ago: And the Ass-like-Do∣ctor hath long since had these things in his Budget, but yet he shall not so easily obtain them: For verily he that would un∣derstand this Book, must be a good Alchimist, such an one a•• the Coales do not hurt, and such an one as is not tyred with the daylie smoake: So then, let these things be pleasing to whom they list, I will compel none; but this I say, That this will no•• fall without some fruit, howsoever the lying Phisicians (my Adversaries) may blame and accuse me.

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,

as the Fire exerciseth & shews its operation in the Wood, even so is the same thing done with the Stone of the Phi∣losophers, or the perpetual Balsom in Mans Body.

If that Stone be made by a prudent Phisician, out of a convenient matter, and by a philosophick manner, and (after a due consideration of all the circumstances of man) it be administred unto him, it doth then renovate and restore the Organs of Life, in such wise as if Wood were put to a Fire, by which the well-nigh dead Fire is cherished, and a shining and clear Flame procured: From hence therefore 'tis evident, that there's much placed in the matter of this Balsom, forasmuch as 'tis behoveful that it have a singular Harmony with the body of man, and may so exercise its virtue, as that the Human Body may be safe from all the accidents as might be able to happen thereunto from such a matter.

And therefore there is not onely much placed in the preparation of the Stone or Balsom, but 'tis much more behooveful to know the true matter it self, that is there∣to sit; and furthermore, to prepare and use it as is sitting, viz. soberly and prudently, that so such a Medicine may be able to purge away all the desilements of the Blood, and other superfluities, and may induce Health in the room of the Disease. 'Tis therefore expedient for a true and honest Phisician, to have a good knowledge, and not to regard ambition and pomp, nor to appoint things doubtful or contrary, nor to trust an Apotheca∣ry too much, but well to know the Disease and Diseased, or otherwise ye will alwayes heal sinisterly, and will get nothing thence-from, but onely this, viz. The sick is deluded, and only deceived by the pride and ignorance of the foolish & unmeet Physician But this is a great sin, and such as wil not go unpunished: For what is it else but a voluntary wickedness, viz. For any one to demand money, and a reward for that which he knows Nothing of, and yet he'le be a Master, but with infamy enough;

For many men do dis-esteem money, and not regard it, could they but be rightly advised and informed: But if this be not done, they lose both their Bodies, and For∣tunes: And yet nevertheless 'tis counted a praise to de∣mand money and fees; but believe it he that lists, for my part I'le reckon of such a Doctor after another-gess-manner: For 'tis manifest, that of such Doctors (who in their own conceits are most highly learned) there's not a tenth part that hath a right knowledge of Simples, and much less that are certain of what they command to be done, and how the Medicine is boiled by the Apothecary; so it often comes to pass, that such a Doctor orders such or such a simple to be taken in his composition, which himself never knew, and haply the Apothecary much less; and verily it frequently is so, that the Apothecary hath it not at all; and yet this Me∣dicine must be called Perfect, and the sick must drink it off as a good Medicine, and pay deer enough for it, but as to the Event, that the Patient feels; for although it be no wayes profitable to him as to his health, yet 'tis profitable to the Doctor and Apothecary, as to the filling of their Purses. But if the Doctor and Apothecary themselves should be possest with the like Disease, they would not take such a like Medicine: Therefore it may well be guest, how miserably and wickedly they act, and that 'tis most highly necessary for them to order their Affairs otherwise, to amend their errors, and to follow better things: But I fear 'twill be a hard matter to tame and master old Dogs.

But to return to my purpose, (from whence a just zeal to the miserable and forlorn sick persons withdrew me) and to give satisfaction concerning it, I say, That it is not so much expedient onely to prate or boast of the Philosophers Stone, but 'tis necessary that that Stone be framed and prepared out of a convenient Matter, and be discreetly used: But know, that many of the An∣cients

have in their parabolical writings sufficiently dis∣covered that Matter, and have, moreover, disclosed the Operation under figurate expressions, but yet have not wholly, and perfectly, manifested it; that so the foolish ones might not abuse it, and yet their sons might not have it hidden from them.

But whereas they are but a few that have followed them, and that have aptly set upon the thing, these se∣crets have, in process of time, been, as 'twere, blotted out of remembrance, and Galenical fables have crept into the room thereof: But as the foundation thereof was at first laid, so doth it even yet stand in the same state, or rather grow daily worse and worse: This you may see in their Herbaries, how do they torment them∣selves therein? How do the Germanes mix Italy with Germany; when as, notwithstanding, Germany doth not need those ultramarine herbs, but hath even suffici∣ency of perfect medicine in her self. And therefore lest the truth should be constreined to give place to a Lye, and least the darknesses of Galen, and his Complices, should quench or suppress the Light of nature in medi∣cine, it is expedient for me Theophrastus to speak in this little book, not as an imaginary Physician, but as a knowing one, and as such an one as is not ashamed of his actions in Medicine, and who (by the grace of God assisting) have had good proof and experience in ma∣ny sick persons, such as thou Galenist du••st not to have visited: Tell me now, thou Galenical Doctor, from whence came thy foundation? Do'st thou not place the bridle upon the horses tail? Didst thou ever cure the Gout? Didst thou ever dare to go to the Leprous? Hast thou cured the Dropsie? I believe, and that upon good reason, that thou wilt be mute, and suffer Theophrastus to be thy Master. But if thou wilt learn, learn and see what I shall here write and say; viz. That the body of man hath no need of thy Herby-chariot, especially in

Chronick and long continued diseases, the which (by reason of Ignorance) thou callest wholly incurable; for thy Herbs are too too weak for these diseases, and cannot, of their own nature, find out the Centre of the disease.

Neither wilt thou be able to do any thing with thy Pills, unless to purge the Excrements onely; and with∣all, because of their inconveniency, thou oft expellest the good with the bad; the which cannot possibly bee done, without the great dammage of the sick; and therefore well might those Pills have been omitted: Furthermore, neither do thy Syrups profit any thing, yea rather are as a thing of no value; and bring such a nauseate to him that takes them, because of their hor∣rible and loath some favour, that they burthen the sick, and do afterwards induce gripings and danger, and do operate against nature.

But now I'le leave the rest of thy absurd and impro∣per medicaments, for that they fight directly against na∣ture, nor should be made use of by any means. Whereas, therefore, those things that I have spoken are true, and that ther's no true medicine to be found in Galen, Rha∣sis, or Mesue, that can set upon the said diseases in their root, and purge them out, (even as the fire mundisies the skin of the Salamander;) it necessarily follows, that the Cure of Theophrastus is far different from the Gale∣lenical Fantasies, and that his Curing flows forth from the fountain of Nature; otherwise Theophrastus should be as reproach-worthy as they.

If therefore we would follow Nature, and use natu∣ral medicine, let us see what things they are, amongst all the others, that are most convenient in medicine for the body of man; viz. for the Conserving it (by rea∣son of their virtue and efficacie) in soundness and health, even to the term of the predestinated death.

This then, if considered of, I doubt not but that 'twill be on all hands Consest, that Metalline things have the greatest agreement with the body of man; and that the perfect Metalls, by reason of their perfection, but principally their radical humidity, are able to do much upon the body of man: for that a man is also a partaker of that Salt, Sulphur, and Mercury, which doth in some measure, though hidden, ••est in mettals, and metalline things. Now then like is to be applied to like, the which is wonderfully profitable to nature, so it be rightly done, the which is a great secret in Medi∣cine, yea, may be called an Arcanum.

What wonder therefore, is it, if excellent, unheard of, and inseparable Cures do follow, and such as igno∣rant men accounted impossible to be done?

But that I may not digress any further, I must for brevities sake, here hint what I have determined to write in this Book; for I have a mind of treating more clear∣ly here in this place concerning true medicine, then else∣where. But we have afore toldhow man hath his original of Sulphur, Mercury, and Salt, even as Metals have; this therefore being sufficiently declared in the book, P A∣RAMIRV M, 'tis needless to repeat it here▪ wherefore I shall only shew you, how the aforesaid Stone of the Phi∣losophers may be known, and in some measure prepared: Know therefore of a Certainty, that there's nothing so small, out of which any thing is to be made, that can stand without Form; for all things are Formed, genera∣ted, multiplied, and destroied in their Concordancy, and propet agreeableness, and do shew their Originality, whereby it may be perceived, what it was in the begin∣ning; and that, that same also must be in the Vltimate matter, and that, that which runs, or steps in between, is like to that imperfection which nature admixeth in the Generation.

But whereas such Accidents may be separated by

Vulcan, least they might do somewhat that may be an hindrance, Nature may in this case be amended: and this is likewise done in this Stone; for if thou wouldst make it of the right proper matter (the which may bee well enough known by the aforementioned circumstances) 'tis necessary that thou take from it its superfluities, and frame, multiply, and augment it in its Concordancy, or uniformity, like another, or third thing: for with∣out its Concordancy it cannot be thus done, for Nature hath left it imperfect here, forasmuch as it hath not fra∣med the Stone, but the proper Matter, and is hindered by accidents, whereby 'tis uncapable of doing those things that the Stone, when prepared, is able to effect: and therefore such a Matter, without preparation, is, in respect of the Stone, but an half and imperfect thing, and stands not in any Concordancy, and Harmony, whereby it may be called perfect, or may be helpful for the health of mans body. The Microcosm affords thee an example of this thing: for behold, man as formed by the working Framer, into a man onely, is not an whole & perfect work, whilst standing out of his concordancy, but is but an half-work, until the framing of the woman sui∣table to him, and then he is a complete entire work.

But both of them are Earth; and so now these two Earths do constitute, or make up an entire man, capable of Augmentation and Growth; and this is done by the thus framed concordancy. In such wise must be done with the Philosophers Stone, if you would have it Reno∣vate as well Men as Metals: If it be unburthened of its superfluous Accidents, and placed in its Concordancy, it causeth wonderful effects in all Diseases: Except this be done, all your Attempts thereabouts are but vain.

But now if you would thus place it into its Concor∣dancy, 'tis expedient that you reduce it into its First Mat∣ter, that so the Male may act upon the Female, and that its outside may be turned inwards, and its inside out∣wards,

and that both the seeds, viz. the Male and Fe∣male, may be inclosed in their own concordancy, and be by Vulcan's help brought to a more then perfect con∣dition, and be exalted in their degree, and withall, may from it self pour in all virtue, (as being a clarified, tem∣perate, and qualified Essence) into mans Body, & like∣wise into Metals, and may render them sound & whole, driving out all the desilements by way of expulsion, and that the good in the blood of man may thereby be drawn to the due places, by the means of attraction, that so the Microcosms which is posited in the Limbus of the Earth, and framed of the Earth, may by this Medicine as being like himself, be Radically, and not imaginarily, but most assuredly restored to health, or preserved there∣in. This therefore, is a Mystery of Nature, and such a secret as every Physician ought necessarily to know; And indeed every one that's born of the Astral Medi∣cine is capable of comprehending it: But that I may more clearly describe the Matter▪ and the preparation of a Medicine so excellent, that so an entrance may be given to the Sons of Learning, who love the truth.

You must know, that Nature hath given us a certain thing in which (as in a chest) are mysteriously conclu∣ded, or comprehended 1. 2. 3. the vertue and power whereof is more then enough sufficient for the conser∣vation of the health of the Microcosm, insomuch that af∣ter preparation, it expels all imperfections, and is a true Defensive against old Age, and by us is called a Balsom.

But now you must first know what thing it is that Na∣ture hath placed such a number in; for I cannot describe it thee more clearly, for many reasons

But as to the preparation thereof, neither Galen, Rha∣sis, or Mesue, understood it, nor shall those that follow them attain it: For this Medicine hath such a prepara∣tion, as your Pill-sellers attain not unto, and much less for an Helvetian-Calf to apprehend. Moreover it hath

as it were celestial and singular operations; for it doth purifie and renovate by (as 'twere) a regenerating way as you may read more at large in my Archidoxis; and withall, well and advisedly take notice of the Original and the Essence, together with the vertue of Metals and Metalick things. He therefore that hath ears to heare, let him hear and see whether or no Theophrastus writeth lyes or truth, and whether or no he speaks groundlesly and from the Devil, as thou Sophister triflest and suppo∣sest, who art thy self invironed with the Devil, ••yes and Darkness, and callest nothing Good but what thy foolish head is able to comprehend, and what serves for thy fan∣cy without any previous labour: For thou seest but with one Eye, and erroneously wandrest, nor goest thou to the right Window of the Kitchin: But yet thou maist without offending me, wind about thy intricate thred, and search for the Centre of the Labyrinth amongst the dark stars. But notwithstanding, if thou shalt at any time hap to make use of thy Wisdom, and consider what thing the Paracelsian-Art is founded upon, and how lame thy hotch-potch-fragments are, there would not be that contrariety betwixt thee and Paracelsus: For, as concerning the things whereof I now do, and shall briefly write, whereby my Astral Disciples may appre∣hend and enjoy them, and glory of them; these things I say, may by the diligence of such an one as is not asha∣med to learn, be well understood, there being nothing so difficult but may be known, and learned by labour and study.

The practice therefore of this Work, is as follows.

The preparation of the Matter of the STONE.

Take the Mineral Electrum, filed; put it into its own Sperm, [Others read it thus: Take the Immature Mine∣ral Electrum, put it into its own Spheare:] that the desile∣ments

and supersluities thereof may be washt away, and purge it to the utmost, as much as you can with Stibi∣um, after a Chymical manner, lest that otherwise thou shouldst suffer loss, by reason of its impurity. Then resolve it in the stomach of the Ostrich which is born in the earth, and is comforted and strengthened in its vir∣tue, by the sharpness of the Eagle. But when the Ele∣ctrum is consumed, and hath, after its solution, gotten a Marigold-colour, be not unmindful of reducing it into a spiritual transparent essence, resembling the colour of true Amber: then add half so much onely of the exten∣ded Eagle as the corporal Electrum (afore its prepara∣tion) weig••ed, and oft-times abstract thence-from the stomach of the Ostrich, for so thy Electrum will be still more and more spiritual. But when the stomach of the Ostrich is wearied, or spent with labour, 'tis needful that thou refreshest, or renewest it, and from time to time abstractest it. Then lastly, when it hath again lost its sharpness, add the Tartarizated Quintessence, yet in such a proportion, as to over-top it the height of four singers, that so it may be deprived of its redness, and may pass, or distill over together therewithall: this do so long and so often, untill it becomes white of it self: Now then when 'tis enough for thou wilt see with thine eies, how it will by little and little ••it it self for sublimation) and thou perceivest that sign, sublime it, and so the Electrum will be converted into the white∣ness of the exalted Eagle, and 'tis brought thus to pass, and is transmuted by a little labour. This now is that wee seek for, for our use in Medicine; with the which thou maist make a safe progress in many Diseases, which will not yield to vulgar medicines. Thou maist likewise convert this same into a water, an oil, or a red pow∣der, and make use thereof in all such medicinal cases as need requires.

Give me leave to tell thee, and that truly, that there

is not a better foundation for the whole structure of Me∣dicine, then what lies hid in the Electrum. Albeit I do not deny but that (according to what I write in my o∣ther Books) there lye hid even in other Mineral things great secrets, but then they require a longer and greater labour, and besides 'tis more difficult to use them aright, especially for the unskilful; sor if such make use of them, there accrews more hurt then good thence from.

For these respects therefore, it is not laudable for e∣very Alchymist to exercise the Medicinal Art, if he bee ignorant thereof. It would be expedient that, as to this, some let and bar were here instituted, that so an inhibi∣tion might be imposed on such putatitious, imaginary Physicians. For my part, I'le not bear their blame, not acknowledg them for disciples, seeing they follow not the truth; but account of them as notorious deceivers, and sloathful Loyterers, such as snatch the bread out of the true disciples mouths, and of set-purpose hurt men, esteeming neither Conscience, nor Art. But in our said Electrum prepared, there lies so great a virtue of Curing men, that there cannot be sound a more cer∣tain and more excellent medicine in the whole world.

Indeed the Galenical Triacle-selling Doctors do call it Poison, and oppose it, not knowingly, but out of pride and meer foolishness. I my self do likewise grant that in its preparation it is a poison, and as great, or greater then that of the Tyrian Serpent, or Adder, that is put into Triacle; but that it remains poisonous after in preparation, that is as yet indemonstrable: for though to some blockish brains it be incomprehensible, yet doth nature alwaies tend unto its perfection, and it may therefore be much rather brought to that pass by conve∣nient Arts, then alone. But I'le grant yet farther, that after its preparation, it is a greater venome, and more vehement then afore; but yet 'tis onely such a venome

as is so directed, as to seek after its like, and to find out fixed and other incurable diseases, and expell them; not in such wise, as to suffer the Disease to be operative, and so hurtful, but 'tis, as it were, an enemy to the dis∣ease, and attracts to it self the like matter, and radical∣ly absumes it; and it doth so wash, even as Soap scour∣eth off the spots in soul cloaths, and together with the said spots, doth it self also go off, and leaves the cloaths purified, unhurt, clean, and fair.

So then, this venome (as thou callest it) hath a far o∣ther and better efficacie then thy Axu••gia, which thou art wont to make use of, in the cure of the French dis∣ease, and which thou oftner anointest withall, then the Currier doth his skins. For this Arcanum which lyes hid in this medicanient, hath in its self a well proportio∣ned, well-prepared, and excellent essence; such as ad∣mits not of any Comparison with other poison, unless you apprehend me according as my self said before, and it is as much different from thy ••Span, which thou anointest with; and from thy Precipitate, as to virtue and efficacy, as the heaven is from the earth 'tis therefore called, and indeed is a Medicine blessed by God, and is not revealed unto all; for 'tis much bet∣ter corrected then those mucky, dirty medicaments that the slow-paced Doctor hath in his gown, or hath sil••red through his double Strainers, or Fools-bag: Further∣more, this blessed Medicine hath thrice greater force and operative virtue in all diseases, whatsoever name they are called by, then have all the Store-houses and Shops thou ever sawest. But now I attained not hereunto by idleness, sitting still, and ••loth, nor did I find it in an Vrinal; but by Travelling, and as thou termest it •• Wandring: I perceived that if I would indeed know, and not conjecture onely, 'twas necessary for me to learn by much diligence and labour. But as for thee, thou suckest thy Medicine and Artour of the old Mat∣tress,

or Pallet, old Cushion, or Couch, wherein the Necromantick Old Wife sitteth; 'tis shee who hath in∣spired thee, and hath covered thy Coelestial Intellect with a Blew Cap for Medicine: It doth not therefore •••• all repent me of my Journyings, for I shall continue to be thy Master, and trace the steps of Machaon, which spring forth from the Light of Nature, even as a flower doth by the heat of the Sun. But that the Work I have intended may not be retarded, and be left imperfect, wee shall go on to observe how the procedure is to bee made, and what virtue and property Medicinal Na∣ture hath given to this Philosophical Stone, and how it may be brought to the end.

The Residue of the Preparation follows.

Thy Electrum being destroied, as aforesaid, if then wouldst make a farther progress, and arrive to thy wish∣ed end, Take the destroied and flying-made, or Vola∣tilized Electrum, as much of it as thou hast a desire to perfect, and put it in a Philosophical Egg, and seal it excellently well, that nothing may evaporate: Let it stand so long in an Athanor, until it doth of itself, with∣out any addition, begin to be resolved from above; in such wise that there be an appearance of, as 'twere, an Island in the midst of that sea, the which doth day by day grow less and less, till at last it be changed into the blackness of Shoomakers-black, or Ink: This blackis the Bird which flies without wings by night, the which even the first cloestial dew hath by a perpetual Coction, and ascension, and descension, transmuted into the blackness of the head of a Crow, the which doth after∣wards assume the Peacocks tail, and then gets the fea∣thers of the Swan, and last of all, receiveth the highest Redness of the whole world; the which is a sign of its fiery nature, by the which fire it expells all the Acci∣dents

of the body, and cherisheth the cold and dead members.

Such a Preparation as this is done (according to the saying of all Philosphers) in one onely Vessel, one For∣••ac••, one Fire, the vaporous Fire never ceasing.

So then, that Medicine is as 'twere Celestial and Per∣fect, or at least may be made a more then perfect ☽ or Me∣dicine, by its own proper Flesh and Blood, and by its internal Fire, produced and turned outwards, as was spoken of but now, whereby both all the desilements of Metals are washed away, and by which also the hidden parts of Metals are manifested: For that same More-then-perfect Medicine, can do all things, it penetrates all things, and infuseth, or pours in health in that very self-same time when it expels the Evil, and Disease. There∣fore there's no Medicine in the Earth that is likeit. Here∣in then exercise thy self, and be strong, for this is it which will bring thee praise and glory; neither wilt thou be an imaginary, but a knowing Physician, yea, thou wilt be even constrained to love thy Neighbour; for such a Divine Arcanum cannot be perceived or understood by any one without Divine Assistance, nor its vertue, for 'tis unspeakable and infinite, in, and by which the Om∣nipotent God is to be known

But know, that there's no Solution made in thy Ele∣ctrum, unless it hath perfectly run through the Circle of the seven Spheres thrice; for this Number becomes it, and this Number it must fulfil: Give heed therefore to the Preparation, for 'tis the cause of Solution, and to the glorified, destroyed, and spiritualized Electrum, use the Tartarizated Areanum to wash off the superfluities which hapned in the Preparation, least you labour in vain: But yet notwithstanding, nothing of the Arcanum of Tartar will remain there, but you are to proceed with it onely circularly, according to the aforesaid Number; for so it easily becomes of it self in the Philosophical Eg,

and Vapour of the Fire, a Philosophical Water, the which the Philosophers call a Viscous Water: It will also coagulate it self, and represent it self in all colours, and at last be adorned with the highest Redness.

I am prohibited to write more plain of this Mysterie, it is at the Dispose of the Divine power; For this Air is most assuredly the Gift of God, and therefore all men cannot understand it, God bestows it on whom it plea∣seth him, nor will be suffer it to be sorcibly wrested out of his hand, but will alone have the Honour herein: Whose Name be blessed for evermore:

Amen.

Now follows the use of the STONE.

'Tis likewise expedient that I write of the use of this Medicine, and its Weight: Know therefore, that the Dose of this Medicine is so little and small, that it is scarcely credible, and that it must be taken onely in Wine, or the like; but however taken, it must be of the very smallest Quantity, because of its heavenly force, vertue, and efficacy; for it is onely for this end mani∣fested unto man, that so no imperfection may remain in Nature; and it is so provided and predestinated by God, that the Virtue and Arcanum thereof may be pro∣duced by Art, to the intent that all creatures may be constrained to be profitable unto man, as being Gods I∣mage; but above all, that the Omnipotency of God may be made known. He therefore that receiveth his understanding from God, to him shall this Medicine be given: But the ignorant Galenical Drone will never be able to comprehend it, but rather loath and abhor it; for all his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are Darknesses, whereas this Work doth opera•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the Light of Nature. Thus in few, but true words, hast thou the Root of all true Medicine, and its Original, such as no body shall pluck from me; no, though Rhasis with all his soul off-spring be staring∣mad;

though Galen be as bitter as Gall, and Avicen gnasheth his teeth, and Mesue lyes largely, yet it will be too high for them all, and Theophrastus will stand firm in the truth: Whereas on the other side, the maimed works of the Apothecaryes, and the sinearings of the Physici∣ans, together with all their pomp and foundation, will tumble down.

One thing more 'tis convenient for me to speak, be∣cause my present Writing will seem obscure to many: thou wilt haply say, My Theophrastus, then speakest too briefly and intricately unto me, I know not thy kind of speak∣ing, and how rightly thou declarest thy things and Arca∣naes, this Writing of thine will not profit me at all. Hereto I answer thus: Pearls belong not to Swine, nor a long tale to a Goat, for Nature would not give it them; there∣fore I say, He to whom God will vouchsafe it. he shall find sufficiently, and more then enough, yea more then he hath been desirous of.

I write these things for an entrance and beginning, follow thou on prudently, neither shun thou study, la∣bour, or the Coales: Let not the bragging praters se∣duce or hinder thee, nor turn thee aside from that dili∣gence which is requisite, for by perpetual Meditations, are many fruitful & profitable things found out: Where∣fore accept of what I give thee in good part, and apply thy self to make use of the Fountain, so shalt thou have no need to drink out of the pits of the Philosophers, nor shalt thou have any thing to do with the dead-bury∣ers, but shalt be able to serve thy Neighbour well, and bring praise and honour to God: He that is a master of Hares dung, even so let him remain, with him is neither help nor counsel. These things I was willing briefly to set down in this my little Book of the Philosophers Stone, least men might imagine that Theophrastus cures many Diseases by Diabolical means. If thou followest me a∣right, thou shalt do the same, and thy Medicine shall be

like unto the Ayre, which pierceth through all open things, and is in all things driving forth all six Dise••ses, and immixing it self Radically, whereby health ••••••y succeed in the place of the Disease: For out of this Fountain doth True Aurum potabile abundantly flow, nor can better be any where found.

Accept of these Instructions as a faithful Admoniti∣on, and do not reject and vilisie Theophrastus before thou knowest what he is: I am ••••willing to set down any thing else in this Book, though it would have been ne∣cessary to say somewhat of Aurum potabile, and to speak of the Liquor of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, philosophically. But I shall onely hint at these things, the which if they are but rightly prepared, are not to be contemned in their virtues. But because my other books do ••eat much, and declare sufficiently enough as to these things, viz. What a true Physician ought to know, I will even here for∣bear, hoping that this little Book will not be altogether fruitless, but rather be a sufficient Counsellor to the sons of Learning. The Lord bestow his Grace for his Own glo∣ry and honour:

Amen.