Various injuries & abuses in chymical and Galenical physick, committed both by physicians & apothecaries, detected for the benefit of such, who being conscientious and studious in physick, aim chiefly at the welfare of the sick, and of those patients, whether rich or poor, who are willing to preserve their lives & healths / by Robert Godfrey, Med. Londinensis.

Against Mercurial, and Antimonial Remedies.

FOr to unmask Mercury and Antimony, and to shew the Danger of such Medicines as are vulgarly made of them, was no small cause of my penning this Discourse: that I might admo∣nish, and precaution those who are Lovers of Chymistry, and wish well to the Miserable Sick; not to endanger their credits, and the Health of their Neighbour by administring such mischie∣vous things; nor yet vainly spend their time, own healths, and monies, in fruitlesly handling those Subjects.

For he that will tame them especially Mercu∣ry, had need to have as many eyes as Poets be∣stow upon Argus, and a well nigh Immortal Menstruum: had need have so much understan∣ding in the more abstruse Philosophy, and in the gradual operations of Nature, as not to give credit to every Fabler, or else he will La∣bour in vain. As too many have done; some of whom I more than a little admired at, whilst they went, without reason or understanding, to build Castles in the Air: and promise themselves great things from a science they knew not, and an Art whose Theories they were ignorant of. And so like blind men groping in the Dark, whilst

through want of Study they want for no igno∣rance, hope to get something by hook or by crook, though it is but burn'd fingers for their pains.

Nor is there any thing much commoner a∣mongs our Junior Chymists, after Reading two or three Authors that write Mysteriously, than after meeting with these words; Mercury, Anti∣mony, Gold or Sol, Luna or Silver, Venus, Sulphur &c. To fall dismally foul on those Subjects, but chiefly the first four, till they have wel nigh made all their Gold Volatile. And whilst they incon∣sideratly put confidence in any author they meet with, as also in the literal sound of Aenig∣matical Writings; in seeking for the Lapis, in∣vent ill-contriv'd things that must pass for strangely-good Medicines.

Not considering in the interim that those ve∣ry Authors say, where they have spoken plainly they have said nothing; and that where they have Written Darkly, there is the Truth; And that Helmont confesseth their Writings were but for excitements; also that Chymical Authors wrote not to be promiscuously understood by all, but that they might not be understood: lest (saith ••e) in speaking plain we should cast Pearls before the unworthy. But 'tis no matter for that, they mind not what such idle men as Helmont say, for they are in the Right they think: and there∣fore without following Nature, or in the least

understanding her Laws, judging whatever they read must be so meant as they humbly conceive, presently go to work. Though there is no more reason to expect what they de∣sire from their operations, than to hope a fire will be made of flint-stones and water, or a Horse generated from a Dog and a Tree.

Nor do they count themselves a little behold∣ing to the Stars, if they meet with some Lapis-teaching Books: but hugging themselves up in their Fancies conceit they all shal be—Yea, what will they not be? seeing commonly upon twice or thrice tumbling a Bookover, & thorough∣ly believing such a thing is in Nature; having met with some passage that pleaseth not a little, thogh they underst••nd neither head nor feet of the Discourse, they forthwith fall to work, and soon spend ten or twenty pounds in vain, and are at last as wise as at first. Therefore having scratcht their heads well for vexation, the Book must have the other slight reading, and perhaps we may have another Book to expound it; but their fingers itching to be lapising, after a week or two spent in slightly tumbling the Book, to work they go afresh: & if they meddle not with the old Subjects, yet doubtless they have ingredients e∣very whit as Foppish; which being likewise workt upon, after a perdition of their costs, they sit soppishly down and lament, And some of these Juniors are so disingeniously witty, that be∣cause

such Authors talk of their Mercury sub∣lim'd, Precipated Mercury, and Mercury of Mercury, with other such like things: there∣fore forsooth to work they go on common Quick-silver, with Sulphur, Sal, and other ad∣juncts, adding also Gold that it may partake of the Solar Tincture; because (say they) if it have not the Tincture of Sol, how can it give it? (Nobly Philosophiz'd!) seeing nil dat quod non habet, nothing gives that which it has not. And thus when through tedious and repeated opera∣tings, they at last find not what they seek, to wit, their much coveted Elixir or Lapis: yet being unwilling to think they should work so long in vain, they begin to imagine That their—may we call it a Medicine? must needs be a succedaneum, or next in vertue to it; in regard 'tis made of Mercury and Gold, or perhaps of Mercury with some other adjuncts. And are somewhat confirm'd if they find it at a chance to do some good: For if at other times it does mischief, the Mercury being unslain, that they ascribe not to the Medicine, but to a mista∣ken or too great a dose.

Others also Reading such Books, and there most fortunatly meeting with the word Anti∣mony: acoordingly fall foul on't, and are resolv'd to get wonderful things from't whether Anti∣mony can afford them or no. But when they also have spent much upon inconsiderate projects,

and can't come at the coveted Elixir or Lapis: yet being also unwilling that their Works, and expences, should produce nothing; such Hot••h∣po••chly mixtures must pass currant for Medicines: And though they Purge, and Vomit so notori∣ously that they are enough to Kill a horse; yet must they have splendid Titles, to Gull the World with words.

And undoubtedly after this manner, whilst many were seeking for the Lapis, were most if not all those pernicious Mercurial, and Antimo∣nial Remedies invented that currently pass in the Shops, and are taught by the Writers of the Be∣ginnings of Chymistry. For there is scarce any name given by Hermetick writers to their science; but the same, by some or other, has been given to some ill-contriv'd Medicine, which is foun∣ded on Mercury or Antimony.

This I thought meet to hint for the good of such, who are so extreamly Lapified, that meer∣ly upon the account of getting the Lapis Philoso∣phorum (though they oftner get the stone in the Kidneys) attempt the study of Chymistry: thereby losing much Silver in catching of Gold, & in unfortunately plundering the Golden fleece.

Whereas if they did but consider the sayings of those very Authors, That it requires the whole-man; which how can he that is incumbe∣red with Physick allow? also that many that sought if ever they got it, obtain'd it not under

nigh thirty years study and Labour: And that several Nobles, and Knights in pursuit thereof spent great part of their Estates before they obtained i••; and some such never did get it, but spent vast sums of money in vain. I say if they did but consider this, it might put some stop to their procedure, and teach them so much wit as to keep their monies, and not venture it upon they know not what; as also to be better satisfied and inform'd about what they would have, before they set to operate.

Besides, many are dubious whether or no, there is such a thing as the Lapis in Na∣ture.* 1.1 And truly for my own part, were it not that noble Helmont con∣fesseth, that he had some of the Gold-making powder given him by a Friend of one Evenings acquaintance: and that he was Constrain'd to be∣lieve there was such a thing, because he had made pro∣jection* 1.2 therewith several times, and confirms the same in diverse places of his writ∣ings. Were it not for this; the lovers of the Hermetick Science must pardon me if I should desire my own liberty in thinking. How∣ever I can assure you, I am so little an admirer of their prescrib'd processes, because some of

them seemingly contradict other some; that I should count my self worthy of blame, if I should spend five pounds on five the most plau∣sible receipts in their whole works: being bet∣ter admonisht by the Dogs mishap in the Fable, that catching at the shadow lost the Substance. But to return to our Physical affairs.

Let those who read Helmonts works, dili∣gently observe, and they shall soon find, he speaks but sparingly, and Aenigmatically of his Medicine the Alkahest; which (as he saith) was the Menstruum whereby he reduced things into their first being: and without which he denies, that his Horizontal Gold, Fire of Ve∣nus, and other his most potent Remedies may be made. Also they shall find, that without it he denies the destruction of Vulgar Mercury: and saith, that Paracelsus in speaking about his Arcana, doth commonly hide the Operation of his Alkahest? Of which though I am not a Possessor, yet have I seen so much as to confirm me that Helmont wrote not like a Novice, and that such a thing is in Nature.

However in the absence thereof 'tis admirable that our Mercury-mongers and pretended Hel∣m••n••ians, will offer to meddle with that Pro∣teus, who derides their endeavours: and make such a talking about rendering Gold volatile, and potable as also about extracting its Tincture, when Helmont plainly declare▪ that he profited

more by the Decoction of a Simple than by its Potest: Med. potable juice▪ For (saith he) after P. 480. that I knew how to unloose bodies by things agreeing with their radical Principles I then first began with a pleasant weariness to laugh at my foolish credulities, which caus'd me in times past to dissolve Gold: yet I profited less by its potable juice, than by the Decoction of a simple. But after that I could dissolve Gold, and make it look like Butter, Rosin, and Vitriol, I no where found the Vertues attributed to Gold, because it was reluctant to our Ferments. I per∣ceived therefore that Gold without its own proper corrosive is dead; Dead I say, unless it be radi∣dically pierced by its own Corrosive.

Elsewhere he saith 'tis impossible to alter Gold radically without the aid of one only Liquor: which I dare warrant you is not Aqua Regis, or any such pitiful Corrosive. Besides, if the Almighty, who is the God of the Poor as well as Rich, hath made all Nations of the Earth cur∣able as saith the Holy Scriptures, it need not be doubted but in the absence of Gold Salutiferous Medicines may be found. Yet seeing all the harm Gold in a Medicine can do, in regard 'tis not corrosive, is the encreasing an Apothecaries, or Doctor's bill, and making the Patients purse lighter; I shal let it here alone, & speak of Mercury

Against which I can't say enough, so long a 'tis not kill'd, and its malignity wholly de∣stroy'd.

Which I believe all the Vizards of Salts, and other adjuncts will be in no wise able to do; it being a Body more strong, than to suffer Death through such. Of which I can speak partly from experience; having not on∣ly operated on it with my own hands, to make it confess its vertues; But morover seen two others variously attempt, to fix, open and subdue it, whilst it apparently derided their endeavours, and made us conclude with Helmot, Nec mori potest per machinamenta sublunaria hujus seculi, to wit, that it can't die through the sublunary engins of this World. He confesseth indeed it may be radically pierced and divided by the Alkahest; but he deems not that a sublunary Engin, seeing 'tis an immortal Menstruum; & in resolving all bodies into their first being, burns up their hurtsul qualities, and sets their Vertues at Liberty. For (saith he) the Common People burn with fire, we with Water.

But doth not Helmont, in his Ignotus Hy∣drops, highly commend Mercurius Diapho∣reticus, and say, that it being once obtain'd is sufficient for many 100 sick people, as also for him that is a Physician, and his Son? Yes he does: but adds moreover,

That that thing may succeed according to thy de∣sire,* 1.3 the Mercury ought to die, without any association of external salts, or fellowship of Forreign Spirits. Yet 'tis meet

that it so die, that in the Chariot a living be∣ing may remain, which may be able in the middle life of the Mercury, to carry it to its ap∣pointed places.

A little before he also declares, that in the Dropsy, Paracelsus commends his Praecipiolum, or Mercury drawn dead out of its mine: where the word his, plainly shews it was not the common praecipitate; neither is that dead. And he more fully manifests that his was not the common, by quoting Paracel∣sus saying; that he reverenceth and admires the endowments of simples as they arose from God, but not as they are a kin to Mineral Mer∣cury. Which Praecipiolum, saith Helmont, is difficult to be obtained; doubtless more diffi∣cult than the Vulgar Precipitate.

I could heartily wish they would for the fu∣ture be admonisht, and not refuse to learn at a cheaper rate than an utter loss of their ex∣penees: Seconded with a ruine of their healths by its volatile fumes, if not a destruction of their Neighbour by the Medicine. Such rash, and heedless, procedures in handling Mercury and Antimony, whilst they sought they knew not what, and despised the footsteps of Nature; being doubtless one cause that Chymistry in for∣mer Ages was so exceedingly undervalued. And the Medicines (if we may call them so) pro∣duced by its Professors, so very much exclaim'd against, and shun'd.

And what ever some opine, and imagine concerning Mercury's being the basis of the Al∣kahest: were I willing to declare my sentiments concerning it; I could easily prove, and back my assertions with Authority of good Authors that that neither it, nor Antimony is the Parent of the Alkahest, nor any ways contributing to its structure: and that they who think they are are no better than hood-winkt; will doubtless by operating on them prove dangerous know∣ers; and be Adeptists at Latter Lammas. This the Learned, and Ingenious may find with facility, if they studiously peruse, and thorowly compare, and digests the sayings of its Wise-Possessors: especially if they bring all things to a Rational Tast, and to a Possibility in Nature.

But as for the more Ignorant and Ʋnlearned sort of Chymists, 'tis in vain to admonish them; for they dearly love to buy Wit, or at least∣wise they commonly do so: as being those that dote on Mercury and Antimony, and expect wonders from them. For assoon as they get them into their clutches, having huddled over some wonderfull Author; they think they sha'l be for ever made, and can talk of little else but Arcana: such as Aurum Horizontale, the Lapis Philosophorum, or Glaubers Aurum po∣tabile, which many times they so long pursue till they have well-nigh spent all their Aurum

Portabile, and obtain the Vast secret of making Card-matches.

And though Helmont (whose Disciples they would fain be counted) doth tell them, that Mercury so long as it may be reviv'd, and Anti∣mony so long as it purge or vomit, are Poysons, and not the Remedies of a good man: yet will they sometimes drive a subtil Trade with such Mercurial and Antimonial Medicines, that either Purge, or Vomit, and have the Mer∣cury nor s••ain; till by the Death of several and loss of their own credits, they are somewhat startled. But they do not intend to leave them so. For Noble Mercury and dear Antimony is their All-in all; take them away and you half undo them. Well, let them keep them for all me; for I had rather the•• should run hazards with their Patients, tha•• I. And now to speak concerning Antimony, and Medicines made of it.

Which cannot possibly be enough disprais'd, so long as they either Purge or Vomit▪ because by such many are hu•••• and some do loose their lives.

And notwithstanding the Galenists blame the Chymists or using ••azardous remed••••s, and pretend, wh••lst they themselves use Poysons, to go safely to work; Yet who are more subject to give venomous Antimonial Medicines than they are? No••e I am perswaded. For with

such, which are bought of Mercenary Chy∣mists, the Apothecaries Shops are well (or ra∣ther badly being they are Poysons) furnished. And amongst many other perverse things called Medicines, there is Crocus Metallorum, a re∣medy fitter for a Horse than for a Man, though enough to infect & hurt the Stomachs of either▪ and of which there is such a Dose sometimes pre∣scrib'd, that 'tis enough to make a well-man Sick, and almost Vomit his Heart out as the People phrase it.

But 'tis no matter for that, the Doctor he must have his F••e; which he well deserves were the Medicine good. And if the Patient happens to be kill'd by means of it, 'tis but the Doctors laying the fault upon the malignity of the Disease, (though had one in health taken it 'twould almost, if not altogether have kill'd him) and telling you the Patients time was come; also that he prescrib'd secundum Artem; and then all will do wel, and 'twill be funda∣mentally done. So the Earth must hide his fault.

But I believe, if any amongst you should be so inhumane, as with a weapon to wound one to Death; and plead afterwards, that you could not help it, for his time was come▪ 'twould be counted but a shallow excuse. For that God had permitted such a thing to come to pass is Apparent: ye•• doubtless was not his time

so come, but that if the Weapon, (as it should have been) had been kept out of his Bowels, he might have lived many years longer. In like manner after taking a Poysonous Remedy, that destroyes the life of his Patient; though the Doctor to excuse himself tell you his time was come: yet grant me leave to tell you, had innocent Remedies been given, he might doubt∣less have liv'd some years longer.

But if the Doctor prove so happy as not to kill, yet if the Disease is stubborn, and deeply impre••t through the vigour of the Sto∣mach, or some other noble Bowel, ••ailing, the Disease not being Acute but Chronick, 'tis much if it is not exasperated by such Poysons, (I may not well call them Medicines) and if the Patient is not made worse by much. Whereas were it not much better for the Phy∣sicians Credit, and the Patients good, to give such Medicines as are harmless, yet cleansing and Vertuous? Yes it must needs. Only such are gain'd by Sweats, as well as Readings; both which together agree well.

But to speak in a word; I verily believe there are several Physicians, who would not take some such Vomits, as they order for their Patients for twenty pounds sterling: how∣ever I speak seriously, if they would, I would not for thirty; and therefore should think my self exceedingly Wicked, if I should give such

a Vomit to another. These are commonly given under pretence of cleansing the Stomach, but it oftner defiles it, and lays the foundati∣on of future weakness. I speak experimental∣ly: for I heretofore, in my youthful dayes▪ took several of them, according as I was or∣dered, to my small comfort but great hurt: a∣way with such poysonous Medicines; away with them.

And not go to prescribe Crocus Metallo∣rum for a Vomit, as one did not long since; and the Apothecary in a jest shewing the Bill said 'twas a great deal too much: and he might have added as fit to Kill as Cure. But being askt why he would send it, answered What was it to him, he must do as the Doctor ordered. The event of which I have not heard of, by reason the Patient liv'd far off in the Country. But a Lady in the West of England, a few years since took a Vomit that was prescrib'd for her: and the poyson being great she never left vomiting till she died: as her Daughter told, complain∣ing against poysons to my friend a Chymical Physician. Helmont also in one place gives an account, of three Persons which were destroy'd by Vomits: one of whom was his Wifes Bro∣ther, and the other two were young N••ble Ladies, and Sisters: but to be brief, both of them died at once, for which they may thank, (I should say blam••) their Physician. But

all three, after Death, being dissected, Black∣ish and stinking Liquor (see the excellency of Poysons) floated on the Pylorus or lower mouth of the Stomach, which was contracted through indignation against the admitted Venom.

But are only Antimonial Vomits hurtful? No: For all other whose virulency is such, as with indifferency to work upon the Healthy and Sick, are poysonous. The cause of Vomit∣ing after admitting such Venoms (I must not wrong them by calling them Medicines) be∣ing no other than a close shutting up of the Py∣lorus. For though the Palate, and tongue, being cheated by the vehicle which 'tis put in, unadvisedly admit it unto the Stomach: yet the lower mouth of the Stomach through its great sensibility, perceiving an Enemy to the Life to have entred, presently shuts up the pas∣sage into the Guts by contracting it self like a Purse: Wise Nature by this designing the pre∣servation of other cohereing parts. Which be∣ing done, she with her whole might endeavours to cast forth the Venomous Dose, and at a chance if the Disease was from a surfeit, and of no long continuance, dislodgeth the cause of faex, but not without hazarding the Life: as also of leaving some Venomous Character, or Thorny∣nest behind it. But if at any time whilst vo∣miting is intermitted, the Pylorus having pret∣ty well freed it self, gives passage to any of the

Poysonous Medicine: then the neighbouring Bloud, and Latex, is summoned out of the Me∣senterick veins, and other cohereing parts; to help Nature to cast forth the Venomous guest, and thereby cause stools. But if on the con∣trary (as it sometimes happens) the Lower mouth of the Stomach, does not open, Death unavoidably follows.

Let this admonish People to take a special care of their Stomachs, and not endanger their Lives and Healths by poysonous or clogging Me∣dicines: but let them be assured 'tis a blockish, and Heathenish trick, to cast out one Poyson by another, or Diseases which act like Poysons, and are virulent and leavenous.

My thus handling Mercury and Antimony, reminds me of an eminently-unlearned preten∣der to Chymistry; one that used not to write much above thirteen words of false English in twelve lines; & one that for all he understands Latin scarce more than a Horse, yet has the confidente to tell us he read over the writings of those accounted the best Authors. How∣ever I will clear him ••rom a Ly; for I verily believe that those Authors he read were coun∣ted the best, by Himself, his Wife, and same other such Sublime Learned Head••. For you may, without being counted a Cunning Man, guess that his Authors were no l••s•• than N••ch: Cul∣pepers works, or some such ••••n••er-working

Books of Physick: seeing hr utterly defy'd all pittiful Latins Authors, and such as write in∣telligible phrases. Only he now and then a∣mongst the honest Women, would thunder forth such an All-astonishing word or two, that were enough to amaze'em: frightning'em with no less Bully-boes than Lapis Philosophorums; for either such Aurum Potabile, or Aurum Ho∣rozontale he much desired. And having a∣bus'd himself into a belief he should do won∣ders, and obtain'd some small skill in Chymi∣stry, he resolv'd to get one of them by hook or by crook. To which end therefore, and the better to inform himself, he would sometimes visit a Grave Ingenious Chymical Physician, that for several years together had kept his Bo∣dy in good plight, though otherwise he was naturally of an infirm constitution.

This our Piece of Ʋnlearnedness you must understand, by being the Doctors constant Pa∣tient, had sometimes admittance into his Labo∣ratory, and was thereby doubtless the more excited* 1.4 to the study of Chymistry. For he having seen various Furnaces and Glasses, ima∣gin'd according to likely∣hood that he could do very strange things: yea what could he not do? For I have heard as if he

could break Glasses as well as most; and that he was an able Man at it too.

But as I said before, he sometimes visiting this Grave Man, amongst many other things, would oft exceedingly please himself in talking Tara∣tan-tara about the Philosophers stone and Ho∣rizontal Gold, and gazing in our faces would magnify Mercury and Antimony, and tell us there was a noble thing in'em; to which the Grave Doctor would say, so; what then; or nod a little; and that was as much as he could get. Thus at last when he had told out a Tale of two or three hours long, home he would go as Wise as he came. But in the mean time you must needs, think that to have our ears weekly boxt about with the Philosophers-stone, Hori∣zontal Gold and Noble Mercury, was a very irksome thing, as indeed it was: yet I assure you, the Repetition of his Mineralline conceits did abundantly recompence that injury, by of∣ten produceing a smile or two at least.

But to proceed; many such visits being past, to work he went on Gold and Mercury; amal∣gamized the first with the last; conjoyn'd them with Antimony after a previous preparation; and firmly resolv'd, after he had made it into a Cinnabar that it should be Horizontal Gold: and enumerating praises in no wise due to it, striv'd to recompense the fewness of its vertues by a

Swelling and Glorious Title. This we having the sight of easily perceiv'd that 'twas a Mock me∣dicine, first from its Taste, secondly from its flying the Fire, thirdly from the sparkling of the quick-silver disperst, but not fixt in the com∣position: so we, or to say more truly, my Tu∣tor in my hearing, told him 'twas not the true Horizontal. However he esteem'd on't not a little, but would tell the People 'twas a rare Medicine for there was Gold in it, and would thereby make them think that it was strangely good indeed: inasmuch as 'tis the custom of those who are ignorant in Physick, to judge a Medicines Vertues according to the costliness of its ingredients, or Mysteriousness of its com∣position, not considering in the mean time that a price happens not in Nature; that a Disease will not be baffled with a naked name; and that God who is the Patron of the Poor, has chosen in Nature, as well as in Divinity, the Mean things of this World to confound the Mighty.

This Medicine which wanted not for Price, he therefore liberally made use of; and ma∣nag'd his business so untowardly, that few Practisers had worse success than he had, till he had lost his practice wholly in a manner. How∣ever I would not have you think but that some receiv'd good, for many Mercurial, and An∣timonial Medicines don't hurt alwayes: Nay,

I verily believe believ that some, and those not a few, receiv'd great benefit by it. But yet some others were very much injured. For when such Mercurial Medicines do meet with a sto∣mach whose Ferment goes to work and resolves them, and by consequence sets the Mercury at li∣berty, then is't that the Villain, Mercury plays knavish Tricks, and makes the Patient wish him out of his body: and if I my self were Sick, and should send for a Physician, if he give me a Mercurial Medicine that six others before me had done well after, whilst their Stomachs did not resolve it; yet my Stomach through the propriety of its Ferment, setting the Mercu∣ry at liberty (which none of theirs could) it might be a means to Kill, or mischief me. There∣fore I say with Helmont, that Mercury so long as it may be reviv'd, is a Poyson, and not the Medicine of a good Man. I remember,

A young Man falling Sick was perswaded by some Visitants to accept of our piece of un∣learnedness for his Physician, and accordingly took as I was inform'd a Dose of a certain pou∣der, which, by its descriptions, I deem'd was either the conterfeit Horizontal, or some such hazardous Mineralline production. But in short, the young Mans head sw••l'd so exceedingly that (as one related to us that saw him and was a next neighbour to him) his eyes were gastly, and his

swell'd very much (Oh Noble Mercury and Antimony) also his Tongue black, and so swell'd as not to be easily contain'd within its limits; and thus being in very great Misery he breath'd his last.

Another cure though less mischievous than the former was on a Gentleman of his acquain∣tance, and of the same Neighbourhood; one that for many years together had been a Patient to my Sober Tutor. By whom having now for several years been kept sound, through taking when need required such innocent, and lively remedies as were meet: was at length overper∣swaded (thinking perhaps any one might be a Chymist, and that all Medicines call'd Chy∣mical were safe) to accept of our piece of Unlear∣nedness for his Physician; and when his Body required converse with Medicines, to take some of him, which he did. But after a few months following his ill-contriv'd mixtures, was re∣duced to that weakness, that his Legs seem'd un∣able to support his Body. Thus being tormen∣ted with a daily declining of his strength and an almost incessant gnawing in his Stomach, (Oh Noble Mercury and Antimony! He sends his Wife to his former Chymical Physician, with requests to send something to give him ease, forasmuch as he supposed, and so did his Wife, that the Medicines taken from the o∣ther; had exceedingly weaken'd him, and were

the cause of that Gnawing. His desires were answered, as to obtaining ease, and getting strength; but not a real Cure: Mercury and Antimony scorning to be baffled after that pit∣tiful rate, whilst the very texture of his Sto∣mach and other vital bowels was vitiated. In∣somuch that about six months after, whilst as yet he was infirm, his occasions calling him to London, he relapst; and there being helpt for∣ward in his Heavenly journey, by a Mineral∣line dose which another half-witted Ignorant, and unlearned Chymist gave him, he fairly breath'd his last.

But leting our Piece of Unleardness pass I will give you another relation. A Learned Physician my very familiar acquaintance, who from his Infancy was educated in Phy∣sick, and chiefly in Pyrotechny; accidentally about the one and twentieth year of his Age, met with an Author that magnifies some Mer∣curial preparations, and impertinently styles on an All-curer, This the studious young Physician reading, was no little animated to follow the Authors prescrib'd process, and prepare this Medicine: but before hand ac∣quaints his experienced Father with his design, and accordingly was disswaded from attempt∣ing. Nor was it without cause; for his Fa∣ther had been deceived in his Junior searches by that Pr••t••an Subject, and such Collecting

Authors, who not seldom write untried Processes and Recipes taken upon Trust, that are too often Decipes.

But he notwithstanding believing the Au∣thor, Proceeded, Operated Variously accord∣ing to order, and that at no mean Charge; and at last having finisht it, took a few grains of it first himself: which made him so unmercifully Sick, and paid him off so cru∣elly; that he would gladly, have been freed from his perverse Guest, if he could. But in brief his Life being in Danger, (Oh Noble Mercury!) he applies himself to some Vali∣ant, and innocent Remedies, which they had in their Repository, that quickly dispatcht it out of his Stomach, and other the more Vital Bowels: and sending it to his Throat, it rais'd a small sore so painful, that for nigh half a years time, it disquieted him day and night; but in the end by strengthening Remedies he was cured. Whereas, for ought I know, had they wanted good Medicines, he might have been Kill'd by Noble Mercury.

And since, for this and diverse other good Reasons, he is so much an Enemy to Mercu∣rial Medicines; and so irreconcileably angry with them: that I perswade my self he will not deal with them on any account; nor give such to the Sick were he hired.

Neither is he only averse to Mercury; For

Antimony so long as it Purges or vomits he hates even as much: And that not without cause. For his ingenious and grave Father, who in his junior studies hoped well concerning Antimo∣my, was several times very much hurt by it: Whilst he honestly (because he would not dammage the Health of his Patients, and be∣cause he had good Medicines to cure himself) would venture to take such Remedies first him∣self, to the loss and hazard of his health. And to what end was it? That he might not give a hazardous Medicine to the Sick, but might cast away such as he found were disturbers of Nature. But this his tenderness towards his Pa∣tients, and Love to the sick, once almost cost him his Life; for trying an Antimonial Me∣dicine, as he had oftentimes done several, he Purg'd and Vomited, so cruelly, that had he not had good Medicines to put a stop to its Venom, it might have cost him his Life howe∣ver it hurt his stomach. Here was candour and honesty indeed! Oh that we had many more such as he; or if not such; yet such as would be ad∣monisht, to take heed of Poysons, and defend the Lives of their Patients: As this true-hearted Physician used to do: For when he by taking a Medicine found it malignant, his next work was to cast it away; that he might not hurt his Patients, nor discredit himself by giving such.

Though by this means amongst some people

he lost the Repute of a Skilful knowing Man; ••s if there were any skill in filling a Cupboards head with insignificant Glasses, and Gally-pots; or as if there were any Art, or Knowingness, in giving Poysonous Medicines to the sick. But he minded not, as I tell you, the Poysoning Trade; haveing run through that before: and was more willing to be counted unskilfull by the Ignorant and Foolish, than to be both Fool, and Knave, in walking against his Conscience; and in giving such Medicines as were hurt∣full.

But to reassume our Discourse about Mercu∣ry, and to shew our great adorers of it Hel∣monts judgment; I shall desire them to take notice, he saith.

Therefore although the Mercurial part of Mettals, as also in the very Body of Mercu∣ry,* 1.5 may resemble Vitrol, Oyl, Salt, or Water, by reason of things put to it; yet are they nothing but the deceivings of the Eyes, as being that which alwayes returns, from those masked forms, to Mercu∣ry again: because it is alwayes therein, ac∣cording to all its properties, and Nature.

Al∣so a little after denying the dividableness of Mercury▪ he saith.

For Nature cannot de∣stroy the seed which cannot die, nor be se∣perated from its own matter; neither through the sublunary Engins of this World can it

die.

Thus doth he not only deny the Sepe∣ration of Mercury; but hints, that mixing it with other ingredients, is no wayes able to alter it, nor its properties. The which had he been silent experience would have manifest∣ed from miserable events, as well as others have declared it in their Works. But he else∣where tells you that the Mercury ought to die, without the association of Forreign Salts, or spi∣rits: Upon this word Forreign lies the stress: for he teacheth that his Alkahest turns Mercu∣ry into Horizontal Gold, but that it, to wit, his Alkahest is a thing so much unworthy of the name Forreign, that he calls it a thing Consentaneous or agreeing with the Radical Principles of Bodies, for saith he Postquam sci∣vi corpora denodare, per consentanea suis prin∣cipiis radicalibus, tum primum caepi cum salu∣tari ••••dio irridere &c.

And now to let our Piece of Ʋnlearnedness see his mistake about Horizontal Gold, I will borrow a few lines more from Helmont. He saith.

For as Gold is reckoned to be bred in the Horizon of the* 1.6 Hemisphere, so Mercury when tis made Diaphoretical, Sweet as Hony, ☞ and as fixed as Gold; is Gold in its Horizon; and in Med icine is so much more Noble than Gold, by how much an Oriental, Pearl, exceeds a Scotish one.

He also, in the foregoing Discourse, telling us of some, who with requests & threatnings, wold have obtain'd from him the secrets of Horizon∣tal gold & Fire of Venus saith,

First of all I have answered that the secret of Paracelsus his Liquor Alkahest doth hinder, to wit, the teacher and dispenser, of which the Almighty hath decreed to remain even to the end of the world, for reasons in part known to adeptists.

But those who go to transform Mercury into the likeness of Salt, Water, or Oyl; there∣in following the Writers of young beginnings of Chymistry, do erre: as saith Helmont, who adds by way of Confutation, amongst other things:

I•• I had not (saith he) seen Quick-silver to delude every endeavour of Artificers, so as that it wholly flyes away, as yet intire, or doth wholly remain in the Fire; and after either manner keeps its unchangeable Identi∣ty, and undissolvable hom••geneity of same∣liness: I should say that that Art was not true, which is true, without a Ly, and most exceeding true.

You may remember I de∣clared in the forgoing discourse, how mightily our Piece of Unlearnedness wold talk of the lapis Philosophorum, & on that account was wel pleas'd with Noble Mercury: But I forget to tell you how he was seconded in his attempts, by the assistance of another, who was neither well∣studied, nor very Learned; but a great Ad∣mirer of ••he Lapis. This his assistant (who

was counted a very honest Man) unhappily had a Receipt confer'd on him by a Woman which had found it, (as she said) in an Old-Doublet left at her house; yet you must know, that he had it on strict engagements of privacy; for if I thought you would not blab it abroad, I could tell you it was no less than how to make the Philosophers stone. This Receipt being pre∣sented to our Piece of Unlearnedness, and he having seen it was pleas'd exceedingly with the thoughts of being a Philosopher, and thereup∣on regarded not his money: nay he spared not to say that were he worth thousands he would venture it, not doubting but that the end would pay him with Usury.

Whereupon to work he went; and after long, tedious, and charegable Operatings to no purpose, he pulls down his Laboratory, and builds another much larger; but all prov'd in vain and to no purpose: For the Old-Doub∣let was defective, and made him ineffectually cast away more money on't than would have bought many new New-Ones. Only whilst he was a stone-hunting, he obtain'd the secret (as he thought and boasted) of making Gold Volatile. For, (saith he) I having Amal∣gamiz'd many pounds worth of Gold with Mercury, and incorporated it with other things, put it into heat; But the Glass breaking, away they flew, Gold and all. Which in my opini∣on

was neither a profitable Project, nor more an argument of Volatility in the Gold, than 'tis of Life in a Dead Child, forceably carried by an Active Man to the Top of a House. For the Gold being almost Atomical, at least wise eaten into very small Particles, was by the adjuncts carried away.

But what if the Old-Doublet had produced a Philosophers stone? What could you have said then? You must needs have not only call'd it Miracle: But have consequently conclud∣ed, and reasonably expected that a New-Doublet should produce two.

Several such pretty stories I could afford you were I willing to spend Ink and time in vain. In vain I say, seeing this one instance about La∣pising is enough. For my desire is (and to that end I inserted it) that such unwary ig∣norant men may take heed: and not trust every Fabler and receipt they meet with; nor every conceit of their own sublime Heads. Lest whilst they hunt after Gold they ruin and undo themselves, and by following a crew of secret∣tellers prove themselves such, of whom Augu∣rellus speaks.

Ut videas quandoque bonum sua praedia civ••m Vend••nt••••, patriasque domos, mercesque re∣postas; Fornaces inter versari: ac follibus auram

Captare, in tenuem, nefas, convertere fumum, Rem dubias dum quaerit opes insanus, avitam. Difficilem interea conjux, maestissima vitam Protrahit, illachrimant nati, sit sordidus ipse E lauto, ludusque patens, & fa••ula vulgi.

As thou mayest see a Citizen that's rich, Sometimes to sell his farms; and houses which His Fathers were, and hoarded wares to sell, To catch the Bellows breath, and likewise dwell with Furnaces, and (wicked 'tis!) presume, His Grand-sires wealth to turn to slender-fume, Whilst for uncertain gain he madly hoes His Wife most sad and Melancholy goes, His Sons lament, and being dirty, he The vulgars sport and Fable comes to be.

Besides they themselves whilst to the ruine of their Estates & healths; they run blind-folded on in their Operations, never consider what those Authors, from whose writings they take the confidence of seeking it, doe say. There∣fore that I may a little admonish such forward & over credulous Persons to take heed for the future, and let them see such Receipts are worth nothing; I will quote two or three of the most noted amongst them, and begin with Count Trevisan first. Quicunque cupit artem veram addisc••re, versetur cum sapientibus, (i. e.) istorum Libros legat & non impostorum,

licet obscuris verbis eam doceant nullibi eni•• claris & apertis verbis, descriptos ejusmodi Li∣bros reperies. Whosoever (saith he) desir∣eth to learn true Art, let him be conversant with the Wise, that is, let him read their Books (and not those of Impostors) though they teach it in obscure words. For thou shalt no∣where find such Books written in words plain and clear. Which saying of Count Trevisan much contradicts the Actions of Receipt mon∣gers, or such who would find it stitcht up in an Old-Doublet; for if we shall no where find it written in plain and intelligible phrases, never expect that the secret of secrets (for those who write of it call it so) will be committed to half a sheet of Paper. And if it is impossible, as Dionysius Zacharias saith it is, to find all things written in order, which are necessary to the Art; and that one Book expounds ano∣ther, because what is wanting in one is suppli∣ed in another: doubtless all Recipes and such∣like half witted-stories must needs be explod∣ed as error: his words are, Unus liber alio de∣claratur, siquidem quod fortasse in uno deest sup∣pletur in alio; impossibile namque est (sic dis∣ponente divino consilio) reperiri omnia ex ordine Scripta quae ad hanc artem sunt necessaria. Thus he. Nor sayes the Author of Correctio Fatuorum much less in his Prologue, whilst he speaks of the benefit of Study. Imprimis (in∣quit)

est, necessarium perstudium, hujus suavis operis scientiam acquirere. Qui autem studu∣ere abhorruerint, & tamen laborare voluerint; impossibile est iis secreta Philosophorum, ad per∣fectum finem praeparare. De his sapientes di∣cunt, quod ii transeunt ad practicam, sicut a∣sinus ad coenam, nescientes ad quid rostrum por∣rigant. Ideo omnes hujus artis apicem diligen∣tes, studiis conentur insistere, & ex libris hau∣rire veritatem, & non ex mendosis (alias nido∣sis) neque fabulis fictis, quia haec ars non inveni∣atur nisi per continuum studium, & Philosopho∣rum dictorum cognitionem. It is (saith he) a thing chiefly necessary, to obtain by study the knowledge of this pleasant work. But they who abhor study, and yet are willing to go to Labour; to such, it is a thing im∣possible, to bring the secrets of Philosophy to perfection. Concerning these, the wise say, that they go to practice like an Ass to supper, not knowing to what they reach forth their snouts▪ therefore all the lovers of this Arts perfection, endeavour to persist in their studies, and to ga∣ther Truth from Books, and not from lying, though otherwise plausible Fables, nor yet from seigned ones. Because this Art is not found unless through continual study, and through the knowledge of the sayings of Philosophers. Ma∣ny more Authors I could quote you to this ve∣ry purpose, did I not judge these three had

said enough to satisfie those that are intelligent. Therefore I shall next with as much brevity as I may speak a little concerning the Writings of Johannes Rudolphus Glauberus, as being those that have injured and abus'd many.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Arbor vitae P. 793.
• * 1.2

  Cogor credere lapidem aurificum, & argen∣tificum esse: quia di∣stinctis vicibus manu mea unius grani pul∣veris, super aliquot mille grana argenti viviferventis, projec∣tionem feci, adstante multorum corona, &c.
• * 1.3

  P. 521.
• * 1.4

  The event of Chymi∣cal Physicians shew∣ing their Laborarities to their Patients, or o∣ther busie desi••ers.
• * 1.5

  Pa. 408.
• * 1.6

  D•• Lith. P. 69.