The art of glass shewing how to make all sorts of glass, crystal and enamel : likewise the making of pearls, precious stones, china and looking-glasses : to which is added, the method of painting on glass and enameling : also how to extract the colours from minerals, metals, herbs and flowers ... : illustrated with proper sculptures / written originally in French, by Mr. H. Blancourt, and now first translated into English ; with an appendix, containing exact instructions for making glass-eyes of all colours.

OF THE ART OF GLASS. (Book 6)

BOOK VI. (Book 6)

CHAP. CXLVII. Wherein proper Rules and Matter for all sorts of Ena∣mel are prescribed, with Directions for qualifying the Fire, in order to succeed well. How to make Gold∣smiths Enamel of several Colours for Gold. A neat Preparation of the Magnese. A Spirit of Saturn, a fixt Sulphur, and a mild Vitriol of Venus, of most sovereign Vertue and Vse.

THIS most agreeable way of enriching Gold by Enamel, which proceeds from the beau∣ful Variety of Colours which may be ap∣ply'd, being an Art no less painful than necessary for Ornament. We proceed to lay down such Me∣thods in this Book, as shall equally answer the Be∣nefits

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of the Publick, and satisfaction of the more Curious.

For should we omit this our Intention, the Work would be deficient, and this Art of Glass deprived of one of its most excellent and principal Beauties; therefore we propose in the first place, to give di∣rection for the Choice of Matter to be used, and thence shew the Preparations for all sorts, and how to make and suit the Colours most convenient on Enamel.

The Method not only used by the Goldsmiths, but by such as form Pourtraitures with it of all sorts, as Man, Beasts, Fowl, and other Curiosities, very naturally, by a just disposure of the Colours, is most admirable; to effect which no more is re∣quired than a lighted Taper, and a hollow Pipe of Metal for that purpose, to blow the Blaze to the Matter, and make it malleable and soft, and thence the several Figures are drawn or impressed thereon.

And this may be so far improv'd and heightned, as to admit of Performances rather to be thought the Essay of a Divine than Human Artist. Witness that notable Piece of Chariot drawn by two Oxen, of which Cardan takes notice in the fifty second Chapter of his tenth Book, which was so completely done in Little, that the whole might be covered with the Wing of a Fly. The Ship rigg'd and Man arm'd which Howel says he saw. Those little Statues of Men, with several other Curiosities of Figure Vormicus also as∣sures of. Not to omit the Church of St. Mark at Venice, where the Mosaick-Work is plentifully inter∣laced with History of all Sorts, distinguishable by the Variety of Colours, and Gildings, and all con∣sisting of several different Subjects. In short, what Account Agricola has left us of these Matters, in his twelfth Book, gives us no less cause to admire this Art than he had, when he saw such notable

Pieces of which he makes mention, and which he assures us was deservedly very great.

The use of Enamel is very ancient, however that of working on Metal is more modern; and for the great Perfection to which it is arrived, we are ob∣liged to this present Age, as we shall further shew in the Seventh Book, where we will also endeavour to discover further, and make greater Improvements therein.

CHAP. CXLVIII. To prepare the Matter for Enamel.

NOW we proceed to shew the Ingredients by which the principal Matter for Enamel is pre∣pared, before the Colours can be applied, of which we shall give Directions in the following Chapters.

Take Lead in Piggs thirty pound, Plate-Tin of Cornwall, thirty three pounds; mix and calcine them as directed for Lead in Chap. LXXXI. pre∣cisely observing the Directions there laid down. This done, fearce the Calx, and put it all into a glazed Earthen Pot, fill'd with Water, put it over a fire, and let it boil a little; then take it off, and pour the Water gently into another Vessel, which will carry along with it the more subtile Calx. Repeat this until no more of the Calx can be subtiliz'd; which you may discover by the Pureness of the Water in pouring it out of one Vessel into the other. After this calcine the Remains of what is in the first Pot, as before, and thus continue to calcine and subtilizetill you can get no more of the subtile Calx. Lastly, put the Waters out of all your Receivers into larger, and set it on a slow Fire to evaporate. The Fire must be very gentle for this Reason, that the Calx do

not founder or fall to the bottom, but continue more fine and subtile, than when it was first calcin'd.

Your Calx being thus prepared, take thereof about fifty pound, and as much Fritt of white Tarso beaten and searced, as directed Chap. VI. To these add eight Ounces of Salt of Tartar, finely searced and prepared as in Chap. XV. Mix all these Powders very well together in a Pot, and let it stand in the Glass-house Furnace or Oven about ten hours to digest and purifie. Then take them out, and reducing them to an impalpable Powder, keep it in a close dry place for use. Thus must your Matter for E∣namel be prepared to receive the Colours, but of that more hereafter.

CHAP. CXLIX. To make Enamel of a Milk-white Colour.

THIS Colour of all others is the purest; 'tis used for the Ornaments of Virginity, the Em∣blem of Innocence, as also the Symbol of Candour and Chastity. Nay more, we may even from it form a pretty and impressive Idea of the Bright∣ness and Excellency of Faith; and 'tis what has ever been esteemed and revered by all Nations.

We have already shew'd how to tinge Glass of this Colour, in Chap. LXX. of the Third Book, and now we will shew how to perform the like on Ena∣mel with no less Beauty, and very easily; thus: Take six pound of our prepared Powder, in the for∣mer Chapter, and forty eight Grains of Magnese of Piedmont, prepared as in Chap. XVIII. put them will together into one of your Furnace-Pots to melt and purifie over a very swift Fire, which will

be done in a little time. The Matter being thus melted, take it out of the Pot, and throw it into very fair Water, and being afterwards dryed, put it again into the Pot to melt; do thus with it thrice, changing the Water. When you have thus purified it, if you find it justly white, 'tis good; but if it be greenish, add a little more Magnese, and 'twill become white as Milk, and fit Enamel for Gold, or other Metal. Take it off the Fire, and make it up into Cakes, and keep them for use.

CHAP. CL. A Turcoise-blue Enamel.

THIS Colour of the Turcois, or Turkey-stone, is very fine for Enamel, but withal very diffi∣cult to make well, and requires a great deal of Experience. Now 'tis sufficiently known, that Pra∣ctice will at length make the most uneasie Begin∣ners Masters of their Trade, therefore we must not be discouraged if we fail in our first Tryals, be∣cause by continuing to repeat them, we shall at length be sure to perform well: 'Tis always sup∣posed you understand your Undertaking, and are sufficiently qualified to distinguish when you are in the right or wrong, or you can never hope to suc∣ceed. For this cause we ought not to stand dozing on every Unsuccess, for Nature, which never fails, will still be ready to inform us, provided we have Judgment enough to determine her Precepts.

Though we have taken occasion from the Turcois, to make this Digression here, it may nevertheless be a convenient enough Consideration in Cases of a subli∣mer Nature, even in all the Undertakings of Man. Since we are so naturally apt to be impatient and di∣sturbed

if we can't effect those Matters in (as it were) a moment of Time, which Nature it self takes a whole Age to perform: And this is what mostly arrests the Accomplishments of our greatest Designs, and imposes on us a seeming Impossibility in the most easie things: Thus Obscurity interposes in the brightest Essays of the Sun, and we can't en∣joy one day, though never so serene and fair, that is not more or less over-shadowed with Clouds.

Thus far I have made my Attempt on this Thought, which I hope the Learned will freely par∣don, because I have discoursed nothing but Truth, and what they already are much more familiar with, and satisfied of. But now for our Enamel, which to make of this Turcois 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you must put of our prepared Powder, Chap. CXL••••••••. six pound, into a white glazed Pot to melt and purifie it; then cast it into Water, and when dry put it again into the Pot, and being melted over again, add to it at four times, this Composition, Scales of Copper thrice calcin'd, as in Chap. XXXIV. three Ounces of prepa∣red Zaffer, eighty six Grains of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, prepared as in Book I. forty eight Grains, all these mixt and reduced into a very fine Powder, stir the Matter ve∣ry well each time with your Iron Hook, that the Powders may incorporate, and for Reasons by us given elsewhere before.

Thus when your Matter is fully and well tinged, take the Approbation of a Goldsmith on some of it, as to the Colour, that you may have the more assurance before you proceed to empty your Pot. Your own Experience must shew you how to pro∣portion the Ingredients for tinging the Matter more or less. If you perceive that the Tinging-powders are too predominant, add the more principal prepa∣red Powder; if it be too faint, add the greater quantity of the Tinging-powders: And thus do to improve

or lessen the Colour until it be compleat or to Satisfaction.

CHAP. CLI. To make a very fine blue Enamel.

FEW Persons but are much taken with this Co∣lour, as being the most sightly agreeable of all others, both from the esteem of its natural Beau∣ty, which makes it eminent above the rest of Co∣lours, as it has resemblance to that of the Heavenly Arch, and is taken for the Symbol of Generosity.

You may make Enamel of this Colour with four pound of our principal prepared Powder in Chap∣ter CXLVIII. two Ounces of prepared Zaffer, forty eight Grains of Copper thrice calcined, mentioned in the precedent Chapter; these reduc'd to a mixt im∣palpable Powder, must be put into a white glazed Pot; when the Metal is well melted, cast it into Water, and when 'tis dry return it to the Pot; after that let it stand upon the Fire until it be well digested and incorporate: Then take it off, and you have a very fine Enamel for Goldsmiths, which make into Cakes, and keep for use, as before.

CHAP. CLII. Another blue Enamel.

THis Enamel is altogether as gay as the former, only the Colour is not the same, for which reason we prescribe it here, which else would be un∣necessary.

To make it, take Principle Powder of Chap. 148. four pound, Plates of Copper calcined, as in Chap. 30. two Ounces, prepared Zaffer, as in Chap. 17. forty eight Grains, mix and reduce 'em to an impalpable Powder, put this into your white glazed Pot, and having melted the Metals until they incorporate, cast it into Water, whence being dry, return it to your Pot, and let it remain therein until it purifie; when the Colour is well mixt and even so as to satisfie you, take it off, and Cake it as usual.

CHAP. CLIII. To make a pretty Green Enamel.

THE Gaiety of the Spring being conceived by this Colour, renders it exceeding pleasant to the Eye; 'tis an Idea of Nature revived, a Triumph over its Death, and the Symbole of its Victory.

It may be very perfectly imitated if you put four Pound of the Principal Powder in your White glazed Pot, and let it melt and purifie ten or twelve Hours in the Furnace, afterwards cast it into Water, dry it and put it again into the Pot, and let it be fully refi∣ned; then take Scales of Copper thrice calcined as in Chap. 34. two Ounces, Scales of Iron at the Smith's Forge on the Anvil-Block, forty eight Grains, mix and reduce them to an impalpable Powder, and throw it at three several times and Portions into your Pot of Principal Matter, stirring the Metal very well that it may be equally tinged by the mixture of the Colours; if it be to your Fancy, and of a pleasant colour, let it stand a while in the Fire, until it be throughly incorporated; thus take it off, and you'll have a delicate Green Enamel very proper for all sort of Goldsmiths Work.

CHAP. CLIV. Another Green Enamel.

THE colour of this following, is something dif∣ferent from the former, but no less excellent: Take six Pound of Principal Powder, two Ounces of Feretto of Spain, prepared as in Chap. 23. forty eight Grains of Crocus Martis, prepared with Vinegar ac∣cording to direction in Chap. 25. make these into an impalpable Powder, and mix 'em well, and put them into your White glazed Pot; let it remain in the Furnace to melt and refine the Matter; cast it after this into Water, and again into your Pot, having dryed it before, until it refine very well; when 'tis melted, observe whether the colour be satisfactory, and let it stand some hours longer to refine, and when 'tis taken off, you'll have a very fine Green Enamel for Goldsmiths.

If the colour be too faint, add more tinging Pow∣der proportionably enough to perfect it.

CHAP. CLV. Another Green Enamel.

THERE is another way to make Green Enamel after this manner: Put into a White glazed Earthen Pot, four Pounds of Principal Powder, and let it refine in the Furnace a little while, cast the Me∣tal afterwards into Water, and (being dryed) again into the Pot; then add at three equal Portions, this

Powder compounded of Scales of Copper thrice cal∣cined two Ounces, Crocus Martis prepared with Vi∣negar, forty eight Grains, these well mixt and pow∣dered together, stirring the Metal with the Iron Hook, to incorporate it, let it remain until it be well refined on the Fire, and when 'tis well and perfectly colour'd to satisfaction, take it off, and keep it for use.

CHAP. CLVI. The Way to make▪ Black Enamel.

THO this Colour be mournful, and representing the Image of Death and Darkness, yet 'tis the Symbole of Constancy, Prudence, and Resolution; the Life of Silence and Secresie, and, in short, of all things which are lasting.

'Tis most necessary in this Art, and can least of all be spared, because it has a peculiar Beauty which sets it off among the more splendid and sparkling Pieces; you may make a very fair Velvet-colour with 4 Pound of the Principal Powder in Chap. 148. two Ounces of prepared Zaffer, and two Ounces of Manganese of Piedmont prepared as directed before; mix and pul∣verize them altogether very well, and put them into a glazed Earthen Pot in the Furnace for some Hours; the Pot must be more than ordinary large, because the Metal will rise very much: When 'tis purified, cast it into Water and dry it, and return it into the pot to be refined over again, which will be in a little time; then see whether the Colour be to your Fancy, and accordingly as you find it, put in more or less of the former Ingredients, and having thus perfected it,

take it off and cake it; this Enamel will be a good Velvet-black for Goldsmiths.

CHAP. CLVII. Another Black Enamel.

THIS second sort is distinct from the other by the difference of the Quantities and the tinging Ingredients.

Take six pound of Principal Powder, two Ounces of Zaffer prepared according to Chap. 17. two Oun∣ces of Crocus Martis, prepared with Vinegar as in Chap. 25. two Ounces of Feretto of Spain assigned in Chap. 23. pound and mix them very well together, making an impalpable powder, and put it into your glazed pot in the Furnace to melt and purifie, when ••t is well digested cast it into Water, dry it, and put ••t again into the pot, where let it remain a while to ••efine; when 'tis for your purpose take it off and cake ••t as usual, and you'll have a very good and most con∣••enient Enamel for the Goldsmiths to set in Colours, ••nd Enamel with.

CHAP. CLVIII. Another Black Enamel.

HERE is a third Way of making the Velvet-black Enamel much fairer and of a finer gloss, sur∣••assing the former.

To make which, you must take four pound of ••rincipal Powder, four Ounces of red Ta••tar, two

Ounces of Manganese of Piedmont prepared, reduce these to very fine powder, and put them into a gla∣zed pot bigger than ordinary, because the Metal will rise; let it melt and digest in the Furnace, and cast it into Water, and (after it is dry) again into the pot, there to remain until it melt and refine anew; when you find the Colour sufficient for your use, make it up into Cakes, and keep it for the Gold∣smiths.

CHAP. CLIX. To make Purple-coloured Enamel.

PURPLE is a Colour highly in request with all Grave Philosophers, as if it did express the End of their Expectation, the Fulness of their Delight and Desire; it was so mightily esteemed by the Ancients, that among the Romans the Emperors, the Princes, the Renowned Chiefs, and other Magi∣strates of that Puissant Empire only made use thereof: And the Lacedemonians, who looked upon themselves to be the most Ancient People on Earth, cloathed themselves with it, that they might be the more emi∣nently distinguished, so great an Affection they bore to this Noble Colour: The Emperors of Greece had so much value and regard for Purple, that they sought out the choicest and most exquisite to have the young Princes of the Blood Born in, intimating by this a Glo∣rious Omen of their Generosity, the Colour truly im∣plying a perfect Symbole of Heroick Vertue, and by which their Illustrious Parentage, and Royal De∣scent from Kings and Princes, was most eminently shewn.

The Art of Dying in this Rich and Noble Colour was formerly so very considerable among the Anci∣ents, that such as practised it in the City of Tyre, were ex••mp•••• (as well as the Nobility or Members of the Government) from all manner of Taxes and Contrib••••ions; which Priviledges and Advantage have a very near resemblance to those which our Art of Glass have received; and this costly Colour is e∣qually estimable in both; and besides, the Employ∣ment of this latter admits only of Gentlemen, by whom alone ••uch Priviledges are enjoyed without de∣rogation from their Nobility, as we have shewn in Chap. 3.

The grand Prerogatives of these two Gentile Arts, are Arguments which may serve easily to convince us that they have nothing in the practice of them either Mean or Vulgar, but have in them always something of Elevation and Sublimity beyond all other Occupa∣tions: And 'tis observable, that such as wrought in the first, enjoy'd the Priviledges of Nobility, and that such of the Nobility as Exercise themselves in the latter, may do it without prejudice to their Birth.

Now to make Enamel of a Purple-colour, you must take four pound of Principal Powder, as prepa∣red in Chap. 148. add to this two Ounces of Manga∣nese of Piedmont, prepared as we shall direct in Chap. 164. put these into a White glazed Earthen pot, al∣lowing it large enough to bear with the Ebullitions and raising of the Metal: When it's throughly melt∣ed, cast it into Water, dry it, and put it again into the pot to refine; then consider whether it be well e∣nough coloured, and accordingly make it up into Cakes, and keep it for use as before.

CHAP. CLX. Another Purple Enamel.

WE will give you another Way to make Enamel of this Colour, no less delicate than the for∣mer, for all manner of Goldsmiths Work.

Take six pound of our Principal Powder, three Ounces of Manganese of Piedmont prepared, six Oun∣ces of thrice calcined Scales of Copper, as we have before prescribed, reduce all these to an impalpable Powder, and let them dissolve and refine in the White glazed pot in your Furnace; afterwards cast the Metal into Water, dry it well, and return it in∣to the pot to refine over again; examine the Colour, if it be right, take it off and cake it up for use as before.

CHAP. CLXI. To make Enamel of Violet-colour.

THIS Colour as it is the nearest to it, succeeds the Purple, and is a mixture of Red and Blue, 'tis worn by the Fathers of the Church Militant, for their proper Livery, as being altogether Heavenly, and by which the Character which they bear is best signi∣fied.

To make it, take six pound of Principal Powder, as in Chap. 148. two Ounces of Manganese of Piedmont prepared, and forty eight Grains of thrice calcined Scales of Copper, make 'em all into a very fine

powder, and being well mixt put them together into your White glazed Earthen Pot in the Furnace, let it melt and digest, then cast it into Water, and dry it, put it again into the Pot, and let it refine very well; try its Colour, and if 'tis agreeable, take it and cake it, and you'll have a very fine Violet-co∣lour'd Enamel, proper for all manner of Goldsmiths Work of that sort.

CHAP. CLXII. The Way to make Yellow Enamel.

YELLOW is the Colour of Gold, and may there∣fore deserve all its Commendations, which are so extraordinary great, that they require a whole Volume to contain 'em; but we'll only satisfie our selves to intimate, that it bears the likeness of the first and more perfect Body, which rouls under the Heavenly Arch: And can there be any other so great Comparison? 'Tis likewise the Symbole of true No∣bility, and of all excellent Causes.

You may make this rich Colour with six pound of Principal Powder, three Ounces of Tartar, seventy two Grains of prepared Manganese, the whole redu∣ced to an impalpable Powder, well mixt and put in∣to a glazed Earthen pot large enough to dispense with the Ebullition and raising up of the Metal; let it stand in your Glass-house Furnace to melt and in∣corporate; after cast it into Water, dry it, and leave it in the pot again to refine very well; then try the Colour, and if it be sufficient, make it up into Cakes as before directed, and you'll have a very ta∣king Yellow Enamel for all sorts of Metal but Gold, which by its resemblance it would only dull and spoil

the Beauty, unless it were placed among other Co∣lours, as the Goldsmiths already are very well ac∣quainted withal.

CHAP. CLXIII. The Way to make a Crystal-Ground for our Red Enamel.

THE Red requires a Chrystal more lasting than any of the former, therefore we will give you a Composition here sufficient for that purpose.

Take twenty four Pound of Salt of Polverine, Ro∣chetta, or Soda prepared as directed in Chap. 5. and six pound of Frit, as in Chap. 6. these mixt and finely powder'd, must be steept in Water to bring the Mass into a Body like Paste; and then make it up into small thin Cakes, lay them on Tiles in a Lime-kiln, or Potters-Furnace for six Hours to calcine, or near the Glass-house Furnace Vault, or on the Upper Vault, taking special care that they don't melt, let them re∣main there for three or four Days, or until they be very well calcined.

This done resolve them into an impalpable pow∣der, adding thereto four pound of Calx of Lead and Tin prepared and calcined according to directions in Chap. 148. and Chap. 81. four pound of White calci∣ned Tartar, prescribed in Chap. 5. and elsewhere. These being all mixt and very finely pulverized, put them them into your glazed pot at the Glass-house Furnace to melt and refine; thence throw the Metal into Water, and again (when dry) into the pot to melt; cast it a second time into the Water, and dry it, let it melt and refine over-again in the pot for some Hours, and 'twill be fit for use.

Consider always the Lead which is among the o∣ther Ingredients, and be very careful that you let none of it remain in the pot when you throw the Matter out into the Water, for it will be apt to pre∣cipitate to the bottom, and this for several Reasons elsewhere given, too tedious and needless to be here repeated.

CHAP. CLXIV. An Excellent Preparation of Fusible Manganese to be used in making of our Red Enamel.

WE have already given sufficient direction to prepare Manganese of Piedmont, in Chap. 18. for tinging these Matters, of which we have already discours'd, but for Red and Rose-colour Enamel, there are some more exquisite Ingredients and Prepa∣rations required, which we think proper to give ac∣count of here, before we speak of the Enamel it self.

Any other than Manganese of Piedmont, will not serve your turn, for that only is fit for our use to contribute to the Fairness and Life of the Colour; take therefore equal Quantities of this Manganese and Salt-petre, as much as you please, and let them rever∣berate and calcine in an Earthen pot in your Furnace twenty four Hours; take it off and wash it well in warm Water to separate the Salt-petre, dry it well, and the Mass will be of a red Colour: To this add an equal quantity of Sal-Armoniack, grind these on a Marble with distilled Vinegar, as Painters do their Colours; dry it, and reduce it to Powder, putting it afterwards into a strong Matrass or Bolt-head of Glass, big-belly'd and long-neck'd, there to subli∣mate

about twelve Hours; break your Matrass, mix all the volatile and fixed parts together, adding the same quantity of Sal-Armoniack, as there are Flowers, and take care to weigh them before Com∣position; grind, pulverize, and sublime as before, repeating this until your Manganese remain fusible in the bottom of the Matras, and this is that which you must preserve to tinge Crystal with, and make it rud∣dy and diaphanous, or transparent as a Ruby.

CHAP. CLXV. The Way to make a Fixt Sulphur, to be used in Composi∣tions for Enamel.

THIS Fixt Sulphur serves for several uses in Chy∣mistry, and very convenient for obliging young Artists.

Now, tho' it be not so unavoidably necessary for making Red Enamel, yet we will not omit it here, be∣cause it contributes to our prescribing two sorts of ways for it, as well as to satisfie the more curious Goldsmiths.

Put Flowers of Sulphur, as much as you please, into a Glass Cucurbite luted at bottom, pouring there∣to Oyl-Olive as much as will drown the Matter by two Inches, set the Cucurbite on a violent Sand-Furnace, for a full Hour, then take it off, and pour in strong Vinegar, and the Sulphur will soon preci∣pitate, and the Oyl ascend on the Surface of the Vi∣negar, decant this from the Sulphur into another Vessel, and put in more fresh Oyl as before, do thus thrice, and you'll have at length a fixt Sulphur to make use of for Enamel.

CHAP. CLXVI. Another fixt Incombustible Sulphur.

THERE is yet another way for fixation of Sul∣phur for the same use, and several Chymical Operations, wherein it has very great Vertue.

Make strong Lye of Quick-Lime and harsh Oak∣Ashes, put therein Flowers of Sulphur until the li∣quid Surface be four Inches upmost; boil it for a con∣siderable while over the Fire, this will cleanse and purge the Sulphur from its Unctuosity and Corrup∣tion, and qualifie it for your purpose; separate the Lye from the Sulphur, and drying it, you'll have it white, fixt, and incombustible, exceeding proper for the Goldsmiths to make use of on Gold.

We cou'd prescribe several ways more to make Sulphur fixt and fusible, but these two already given are sufficient for our purpose; we reserve them there∣fore for some other place to be discovered among Matters more excellent, and of greater Curiosity, for the Advantage of such Persons who Study the im∣provement and profounder parts of Chimistry.

CHAP. CLXVII. To Extract Spirit of Saturn, an Excellent Ingredient for Enamel and Glass-work.

WE think fit to propose all the Preparations pro∣per for making a Red Enamel, before we shew the way to make it, because the Ingredients to

be used must first be provided, or we can't proceed regularly to our Business.

Among the rest, this Spirit of Saturn is not to be laid aside, which tho considered here as useful only in Enamel and Glass-work, may have other Vertues familiar to the Learned; but for our Business 'tis such as does very nobly heighten and much improve the Matter for our Work, and for any other not imme∣diately relating to us here, we pass over in silence.

Reduce good Litharge, as much as you please, to an impalpable powder, and set it in a glazed Earthen Vessel over a still Fire; add to this good distilled Vi∣negar, till four Inches above it, mix 'em well toge∣ther, and then let them settle until the Vinegar be∣come Milk-coloured, which will be in a little time; decant this Vinegar off gently, and put on fresh, con∣tinuing to do thus until it admits of no more colour∣ing; then put all the Milk-coloured Vinegar into a glazed Earthen Vessel, and let it stand until the Lead precipitate to the bottom; from whence pour of the clear Vinegar, which will be at top, and that Milk-coulour'd Sediment which remains, is what we call Spirit of Saturn, tho improperly, and that which we'll make use of for the Enamel and Glass.

If it do not precipitate well to your liking, and that the Vinegar at top be not very clear, cast among it some cold Water; if that won't do, and that your Vinegar still continues muddy, set all the Water and Vinegar together over a gentle Fire to evaporate, and thus you'll have the more Spirituous part of your Vi∣negar a Sediment in the bottom of the Vessel, which is exceeding useful for Glass-work; keep it together with the rest of the Saturn for use.

This Noble Preparation which we call Spirit of Saturn, does indeed contain it, but you must have skill to extract it thereout; to say that 'tis all Spirit of Saturn is untrue, for 'tis that wherein the Spirit

is contained, and from whence it may be more easily and better separated, than from the Mass of Lead, I propose this first step towards extracting it as such, whereby the Curious may succeed with small trou∣ble.

CHAP. CLXVIII. The Way to make Enamel of a Blood-colour Red.

SINCE we have given a small Elogy to every other Colour, 'tis unjust for us not to continue the like on this, which is a true Symbole of Blood, by which the Glory of the Martyrs, who with so much Generosity and Courage shed theirs for the Faith of Christ, may be represented as well as of those many Brave and Heroick Persons, who have interposed for the Preservation and Support of Church and State, 'tis therefore an Illustrious Badge of Eminent Cou∣rage. Thus Alexander, Hannibal, Scipio, and very many other Great and Noble Princes, chose this Co∣lour for their Livery, and for their Shields.

To stain Enamel of this Colour, take ten pound of common Frit, mentioned in Chap. 12. add thereto six pound of Glass of Saturn, prepared as in Chap. 82. the whole made into a very fine powder, must be put into a glazed Earthen pot at the Glass-house Furnace, to melt, boil and refine; after this cast thereon pow∣der of thrice calcined Copper, as in Chap. 34. at dis∣cretion, stirring it all about that they may incorpo∣rate together with powder of red Tartar, until the Mass become red as Blood, observing whether the Colour be too pale, and if so, continue to put in more of these Powders of Copper and Tartar, until it be perfectly stained; and thus you'll have a delicate

deep Sanguine Enamel fit for all manner of Work you can desire to apply it.

CHAP. CLXIX. Another Blood-colour Enamel.

THIS Enamel will be very beautiful, and may serve instead of the Rose-colour Enamel here∣after prescribed.

To make it, put ten pound of Frit for Crystal, Chap. 6. and six pound of Glass of Saturn before men∣tioned, into one of the Glass-house Furnace pots, let it melt and purge well; after this cast it into Wa∣ter, dry it, and return it into the pot; when 'tis well melted again, throw in at several times, five or six Ounces of powder of thrice calcin'd Copper, stir∣ring the whole with the Iron Crook to mix and incor∣porate them well together, and also a like quantity of powder of red Tartar, still stirring it; this being well boil'd and refined, observe whether the Colour be perfect, if not, add equal parts of the Powders of Copper and Tartar, according to your Judgment, as much as you find necessary, to bring it to a perfe∣ction; let it remain to boil and purifie, trying it a∣gain and again, until you find it compleatly co∣loured.

CHAP. CLXX. Another Red Enamel of a very Splendid Ruby-colour.

THE Beauty of this Enamel is very surprising, and of as lively a Lustre as the Ruby it self, which it communicates to all the Work wherein 'tis used.

For this fine Effect we must have recourse to the fusible Manganese in Chap. 164. add twenty Ounces thereof to each pound of Crystal ground, mentioned Chap. 163. let the whole be well purified, then try the Colour, and according as you find it, add the greater or lesser quantity of Manganese, or Crystal ground respectively, until it be brought to its just degree of perfection, as a Ruby, and which ought to be very admirable.

CHAP. CLXXI. Another Ballas-Ruby-colour Enamel.

THE same Manganese must be had to make this fine Colour; put ten Pound of Crystal ground, ••n Chap. 163. in a glazed pot to melt and purge at the Glass-house Furnace; throw the Matter into Water, dry and melt over again; do thus thrice, and when the Mass is afterwards well melted, tinge it with the fusible Manganese as before, and 'twill become Pur∣ple-colour'd. Add to it at eight times impalpable Powder of Alom to bring it to a Red. Be very care∣ful that the Alom do not blacken it, but rather make

it Yellowish, and the Manganese dissipating 'twill be∣come Red, and so make the Colour most perfect and just of a fine Ballas-Ruby.

CHAP. CLXXII. Another Enamel of a Rose-colour for Gold.

NOTHING is fairer and of greater Gaiety than this, for all Work where it may be used, and therefore we'll give you several ways for its Prepa∣ration.

Take ten Pound of Crystal ground, in Chap. 163▪ melt it at the Glass-house Furnace in a glazed Pot; add to it at four times five Ounces of red calcined Copper, as in Chap. 33. stirring the Metal every time, then put into it Crocus Martis, Chap. 26. and Manga∣nese as before prepared; then let it alone to cleanse for six Hours, and if the Colour is not true, put in by little and little more Crocus Martis, until it come to your liking, and be of a fine Rose-colour.

CHAP. CLXXIII. Another very fine Rose-colour.

AMONG our Rose-colour Enamels this seems the finest; to make which, take four Pound of Crystal ground, of Chap. 163. let it melt in a glazed Pot at the Glass-house Furnace, cast it after∣wards into Water, and melting it over again, add by little and little an Ounce and half of Calx, prepa∣red

as in Chap. 148. stirring the Metal every time to incorporate, then let it alone for a little while, until you perceive it of an Ash-colour; when it comes to that forbear putting in any more Calx, lest you make it too white; then refine the Mass, and after add to it Minium two Ounces, purge, refine, and throw it out into Water, and putting it into the Pot, let it stand to melt and purifie over again about eight Hours, then put in an Ounce and half of red thrice calcin'd Copper, and as much crude white Tartar, with a Dram of Blood-stone, and the like quantity of fixt Sulphur, in Chap. 165. these pulverized very fine and mixt together, stir the Metal and incorporate them very well together; afterwards see if the Co∣lour answers your expectation; if it be too deep, add a little more Manganese to weaken it, if it be too pale, improve it with some more of the last Compo∣sition of Copper, Tartar, Blood-stone and Sulphur, until it be to purpose: And thus you have an Enamel of an exceeding fair Rose-colour.

CHAP. CLXXIV. Another Rose-colour Enamel.

PRACTICE has already experienc'd so many ways to bring this fine Enamel to the most advanced Improvements, that 'tis impossible to expect any greater; and for such as wou'd make it, they may proceed boldly thus.

Set six Pound of Crystal ground, as in Chap. 163. in a glazed Pot at the Glass-house Furnace to melt and cleanse; then cast into it at four several times in∣termitting, four Ounces of Calx, as prepared of

Lead and Tin, in Chap. 148. stir the Matter very well at each time until it incorporate, then let it all purge for a while, and cast it Ladle-full by Ladle∣full into Water, and again put all into the Pot to melt and refine anew; after this add to it an Ounce and half of red Copper pulverized and calcined, as in Chap. 33. which will tinge the whole of a deep Colour, but cast it in at three Intervals, and stir it very well to incorporate; two Hours after, add to it at thrice, an Ounce and half of Crocus Martis, given in Chap. 24. mix it well as before, and let it remain to refine about three Hours, then throw on it six Ounces of Tartar calcined, as in Chap. 57. Chimney∣Soot vitrified one Ounce, Crocus Martis again one Ounce and half pulverized, and all well mixt at four several Intermissions, and Quantities, stirring the Metal always with the Iron-Crook, lest it swell or boil over: After this let it repose and purifie about three Hours, stir it again and try the Colour, if it be red as Blood it's right, if not, add at discretion, a little more of each of these Powders of Tartar, Soot, and Crocus Martis, until the Colour be full and true, and so let it stand for a whole Hour, and try it again; if you find it perfect, proceed no further, but keep it for use, 'tis very proper to apply to Gold for Ena∣mel.

CHAP. CLXXV. Another Splendid Enamel of a Carbuncle-colour.

NOT to particularize any farther on the Car∣buncle, which we have sufficiently enough discoursed of already, we will shew how to imitate the Colour ascribed to it with Enamel, and which

will be of a wonderful fine Beauty, as has been often experimented. Now the whole Secret of this Ope∣ration consists in calcining the Gold perfectly, and bringing it to an absolute and just fineness, which must create this precious Colour.

Take very pure Gold, and for the better assurance refine it your self, and dissolve an Ounce of it in three Ounces of Aqua Regalis, as directed in Chap. 55. let the Solution distil over a gentle Fire until the Gold precipitates, and thus repeat an Exhalation and Cohobation six times, and the last time take out the Gold, powder and put it into a Crucible covered and luted, on a Reverberatory to calcine; let it remain until it become of a very excellent and Scarlet Red, which will not be without a considerable allowance of many Hours.

This done, take of our Crystal ground, and melt a quantity of it in a glazed Pot at the Furnace of the Glass-house, and being well purged, throw in a twentieth part of the Powder of Gold, in propor∣tion as the quantity of Metal, stirring the whole ve∣ry well, let it alone for some time, then try it, and according as you find the Colour, put in more Pow∣der until you bring it to a true transparent Carbun∣cle-colour.

We have given another way to calcine Gold in Chap. 115. no less sufficient than this, together with a way to make a fine Carbuncle, and this rare Colour may as well be given to the Stone as the Enamel by the Directions for preparing the Gold in either Chap∣ter, the Curious may choose which they will, they being equally sufficient.

CHAP. CLXXVI. The Way to calcine Copper for making Vitriol of Venus, without Corrosive.

WE promised in Chap. 45. to shew this fine Es∣say, which is certainly the Noblest Prepara∣tion can be made of Copper, so the Learned may take notice of it: If the Caput Mortuum of Vitriol has many excellent Vertues for tinging of Glass, this Vitriol it self, or rather Spirit, must have far greater and more extraordinary in Matters of a more sublime Nature: A famous Philosopher, very eminently re∣commendable and Judicous, was never weary of dwelling on the Praise of this hidden Treasure, and extolling its Vertues to the highest.

Tho this Vertue be known to many of the Learned, yet we may boldly say, 'tis unknown to very many indifferently so, who as soon as they have run over the Writings of some Sage Virtuoso, pretend to be ac∣quainted with all the Secrets of Nature, and which they undertake to disclose and unravel as soon as they can force 'em to any sense comformable to their weak Capacity, tho never so different from the Author's meaning, to which they are altogether Strangers, and this gives us Authority enough to condemn them for truly ignorant.

Nature is veiled, and her Vertues not so plainly disclosed to all the World, she has those secret Re∣cluses for them as can be opened by no other than her own Key, which can't be match'd, and therefore not to be found in the Hands of every Man; besides that, one must be lead by the same Genius as he that forged it, before one can truly find and distinguish it, and

we may assure our selves that none but the Wise are in possession of this rare and precious Treasure.

The greatest of those who have writ on this Art, have always held this Key as the last Secret; all the profound Arguments they have alledged, and Pains they have been at to screen those obscure Avenues, were designed to make them inaccessible to the Base and Unworthy, and preserve these All-Divine Secrets from being prophaned by the Hands of such as wou'd abuse them.

This Sacred Mystery does not only consist (as ma∣ny fansie) in the making of Gold and Silver, which is Ambitiously suggested by the meer Avarice of the major part of all Mankind, but is indeed the meanest Excellency thereof; for Health, which it contains, is beyond all the Treasure in the World; be∣sides, the Knowledge it affords us of an Omnipoten∣cy in the true God, and of all the other Most Holy Mysteries of Religion, wherein it gives an opportu∣nity to make a perfect Discovery: Are not those much more sublime and eminent Vertues which lead us to a Blessed Eternity? Whereas on the contrary, all the Transitory Wealth on Earth has nothing in it but Imposture, and serves only to precipitate us in∣to the Bottomless-Pit.

We'll leave this lofty Subject to be discoursed on by the Learned, and go on to the calcining of Cop∣per, which is the first Preparation to be made in ma∣king the Vitriol of Venus without Corrosive, which is known to very few, and whereof we have already given an Elogy.

Take thin Leaves of red Copper, and put them into Crucibles, stratifying 'em lay upon lay with Powder of common Sulphur, filling your Crucibles until all the Copper Leaves be put in, as in Chap. 22. then cover well and lute the Crucibles, let the lute dry, and put them into the Furnace of Chap. 52. con∣tinuing

a good Charcoal-Fire for two Hours; after∣wards let them stand and cool, then take off the Crucibles, and you'll find your Copper calcin'd and blackish, inclining to a deep Purple Powder; searce it, and to each Pound add six Ounces of Powder of Sulphur, mix and put them into a round flat-bottom Earthen Pot, strong enough to bear the Fire, lay up∣on the Furnace a strong Earthen-Dish, fill it with ve∣ry live Coals, and place your Pot thereon with the Copper; when the Pot grows hot, and the Sulphur takes Fire, stirring it with your long Iron Crook, lest it should stick to the Pot, or become concrete, continue thus till the Sulphur be all consumed and smoaks no more; take the Pot hot off the Fire, and empty the Copper out with an Iron-Ladle; pound it well in a Brass Mortar, and searce it all finely, and you'll have a blackish Powder, reiterate this Calcina∣tion thrice, with the like proportion of Sulphur as before, and the third time let it remain until the Copper become Red and Yellow; then take it off, and pound it in a Brass-Mortar, and searce it finely, pounding what remains over again, untill all be sear∣ced, and you'll have a very well coloured Calx of Copper, most effectual and proper for extracting this fair Vitriol of Copper, whereof we will give the Pre∣paration in the next Chapter.

CHAP. CLXXVII. To make Vitriol of Venus without Corrosive.

THOSE who make Vitriol of Venus, have not all one and the same method, most of them dissolve the Copper in distilled Vinegar, Spirit of Nitre, or some other Corrosive, for our part Water alone is

the Dissolvent, or rather Agent to extract the Tin∣cture, as we shall shew.

Take Glass Cucurbits as many as will serve your turn, to contain all your Calx of Copper, and put six Pound of fair running Water to a Pound of Calx, into each Cucurbite; place them on a moderate Sand-Furnace for four Hours, to evaporate until one third of the Water go off; let the Furnace cool, and af∣terwards decant the remainder of the Water into o∣ther Glass Vessels, and dry the Sediment in a Crucible on the Furnace; let this Water settle for two Days, and then you'll find in the bottom of the Vessel small Grains of Copper of a blackish Colour; you must filtrate, or strain the Water, and preserve all the Grains together, to add to the former Sediment, ha∣ving first well dried them, and keep the Water.

Take all these Sediments, and to each Pound add six Ounces of Powder of Sulphur as before, putting it into your flat-bottom'd Earthen Pot to calcine as in the former Chapter; take care to stir it well as long as the Sulphur fumes, and it stands over the Fire, else it will stick to the Pot and not calcine; take it off and powder it immediately in a Brass-Mortar, searce the Powder, and you'll find it black; mix this again with Sulphur proportionably six Ounces to a Pound, and put it to calcine anew, stirring it very well as before directed; let it stand a while on the Fire to alter the Matter from a Russet to a Yellow; then take it off and pound it instantly in a Brass-Mor∣tar before it cool, and then searce it all finely over.

Put a Pound of this Powder with six Pound of Wa∣ter, into each Cucurbit, and these Cucurbits on a slow Sand-Furnace, where let it stand four Hours to the consumption of one third of your Water, which decant into other Vessels; let it settle two Days, then filtrate these Waters, and pour them among the former, gathering the Sediments that remain in the

bottom, and mix them with these in the Cucur∣bits.

Dry the remaining Sediments as before, and repeat the calcination anew with the same proportionable quantity of Sulphur; then extract the Tincture, fil∣trate and mix the filtrated and tinged Waters with the former, exactly observing the Order already taught, and continue to do thus six times, so will the Copper remaining in the bottom of your Vessels, be∣come as it were a soft impure Earth deprived of all its blueness, which throw away as fit for nothing, for all the Vertue of the Copper is contained in the Waters; put these all carefully together to extract from them this precious Vitriol of Venus, as hereaf∣ter directed.

CHAP. CLXXVIII. The Way to extract a fair Vitriol of Venus from our our Coloured Waters.

OF all the Preparations to be taught for this rare Work, this is the most easie and vulgar, there being no more required, than to evaporate and cry∣stalize the Matter; but as we are to leave nothing in the Dark, we resolve to explain every circumstance thereof for the benefit of our Readers, and such as wou'd know it.

We have said you must mix together all your co∣loured Waters, now we will tell you what must be done with them; you must have a low Glass-Cucur∣bit that will hold two * 1.1 Paris Pints, or more, which put into a moderate Ash or Sand-Furnace; put there∣in

three Pound of the Tincture to evaporate gently, and put the rest into Glass-Bottles set round your Furnace, so that they may be heated, and ready to fill the Cucurbit as fast as the Exhalation consumes its Tincture, which may be done with a Glass Ladle, or the Bottles themselves, lest the Waters being cold might cause the Cucurbit to burst, and so all would be lost.

Reduce ten Pound of this by evaporation to two and half, or three at most, which will be a very high Tincture, pour it into two or three glazed Earthen Vessels, and place them all Night in a moist cold place, and you'll find the Vitriol at bottom, and stick∣ing to the sides of the Vessels, like little long Icicles, which will have the true colour of Oriental Eme∣ralds, pour all the remaining Waters into the Cu∣curbit, and dry the Vitriol that it may not stick, pre∣serving it in a close Vessel.

Place your Cucurbit again on the Furnace to eva∣porate anew at the consumption of half the Waters, and crystalize the strong Tincture as before. Thus whilst any Water remains evaporate and crystalize until all be consumed, to the end that none of this may be lost, whose Vertues are infinitely useful, not only in the Art of Glass, and the Metallick, but in Physick too, for the curing of many Chronick Di∣stempers, which we pass over in silence, as foreign to our Subject, and continue to prescribe the rest of this rare Work, to conceal nothing from the Curi∣ous, but give them entire satisfaction.

CHAP. CLXXIX. The Method of drawing the Spirit of the Vitriol of Ve∣nus, which has a wonderful Blue, and how to separate the Caput Mortuum for tinging of Glass.

THE Caput Mortuum of Vitriol of Venus, which we prescribe to tinge Glass of a Sea-green, and whereof we discoursed in Chap. 45. has ingaged us to give this most excellent and hidden Secret of Na∣ture, which the Philosophers have never explained but by ambiguous Riddles, and veiled Parables to conceal the Knowledge thereof from the Vul∣gar.

We confess, 'tis not without some regret we con∣descend to it in this Ungrateful Age, wherein very few deserve to be instructed, or truly admire, and so perfectly love the Mysteries of Sage Philosophy, as to imitate the Vertue and Charity of its devoted Professors; 'tis however in consideration, and for the sake of this small number of Votaries that we have explained and delivered many excellent things in this Book, which we might (but out of regard to such) have laid aside (as foreign to the Art of Glass) but our desire to please them has promoted the opening these intricate Paths, and leaving them in a condition to be enlarged by our small Discovery under the serious Speculations, and smart issues of their own Wit.

Now to finish our precious Essay, you must take a Pound of this Vitriol into a Glass Retort strongly lu∣ted, as directed in Chap. 52. the lute being dry, set the Retort in a Sand-Furnace, fitting to it a very large Receiver, as directed for Aqua fortis in that Chap∣ter;

this done, kindle the Fire, and continue it gen∣••e for four Hours to prevent a too excessive heat, ••hich would drive out the Spirits impetuously, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 burst the Receiver, whereof great care must be ••••ken not to spoil all: As soon as the Spirits ascend like ••hite Clouds, improve your Fire by degrees, until ••ey disperse and your Receiver clears again and ••ols, and all the Spirit comes together: Then let ••e Fire go out of it self, and after twenty four ••ours, unlute the Joynts, take away your Receiver, ••d put the Liquor it contains into Glass-Bottles stopt ••ry close with Glass Stopples to prevent Air, which ••hey could draw, would disperse it all by Exhala∣••n. This choice Liquor has that Noble Blue which ••ords us wonderful Tinctures, and other inestima∣•••• Operations, as well as such surprizing Effects in ••ysick, as cannot be equalled.

The strength of this rich Liquor may be known 〈◊〉〈◊〉 its very penetrating acid smell, and if we were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 afraid to prophane so sublime a Mystery which ••rsons much more Sage and Considerate than we, ••e kept so secret: We would enlarge more on its ••••ellent Qualities, and disperse those Obscurities, •••• we should look upon our selves unworthy of the ••ht we have been able to acquire in this most im∣••••••tant Matter, if we abandoned those Treasures to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ravage of the whole Earth, which ought only to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 possest by the Sacred, Wise, and Studious Mem∣••••s of the Hermetick Science and Philosophy.

But to return to our Caput Mortuum of this preci∣Vitriol, which has occasioned us to give its Pre∣••ation, and is what we make use of for this fine ••ter-colour, or Egmarine on Glass, you'll find it ••he Retort, out of which the white Spirit was di∣••ed, whereof we have discoursed already; to get ••ou must break the Retort, then reduce it to Pow∣•• with a mixture of Zaffer, as directed in Chap. 45.

and so tinge your Crystal of an admirable Sea-green-colour.

We were mistaken in Chap. 45. in saying that the Caput Mortuum must be exposed to the Air before you do pound it with the Zaffer, for that is not alto∣gether incumbent in tinging of Glass, tho this expo∣sing of it cannot but add something to the lustre, for it draws thereby with a certain Magnetick Property, the occult Spirit of the Air, and so from a Black, of which it was before, becomes of a pale Blue-colour, and partly assumes what it lost by Distillation and Ex∣traction of the Spirits, so you may save a great deal of time and pains by this Preparation, to your no small Advantage, in expediting the Matter.

Such as shall comprehend the Vertues of those things we have shewn in the four last Capters, ought to be secret, for many will read these things, and not apprehend, or only Laugh at them, whether it be that the Divine Power, for Reasons best known to himself, will not let them discern, or that they confide in a false Presumption on their own Know∣ledge, as beyond all other Mens. God has neverthe∣less not confined to one only Wit, the whole Know∣ledge, or all the sublime Excellencies of Nature, but on the contrary, to declare his great and unbounded Charity, permits it to be communicated to many for his greater Manifestation and Glory; yet he reserves those more important Secrets to be revealed to his Faithful Servants, that such as would be acquainted with the same Mysteries, may apply to this Father of Light, who alone can inspire them with sufficiency enough for penetrating into these which they could never do without his Assistance.

Now the true Method thereof is obvious to all the World, a Holy and Regular Life opens the Passage, and continual Study and Application guides us

through; but we must add to these an upright Inten∣tion of making good use hereof, that we may not wander; a Love for our Neighbour conformable to the Will of God, to bring us to a safe Port, an ex∣tended Charity to the Poor, to lay open for us the Gate of Heaven; and in a Word, an unlimited and immense Love for this Omnipotent Creator, Eternal, and Incomprehensible, to Hand us to his very Throne: This is the prevailing Attractive, which all the Ju∣dicious Philosophers made use of to draw down this Divine Intelligence, and which I most heartily wish to all that would imitate them.

The End of the Sixth BOOK.

Notes

• * 1.1

  London Quarts.