Medicina practica, or, Practical physick shewing the method of curing the most usual diseases happening to humane bodies ... : to which is added, the philosophick works of Hermes Trismegistus, Kalid Persicus, Geber Arabs, Artesius Longævus, Nicholas Flammel, Roger Bachon and George Ripley : all translated out of the best Latin editions into English ... : together with a singular comment upon the first book of Hermes, the most ancient of philosophers : the whole compleated in three books / by William Salmon ...

CHAP. L. Of Sublimation, Vessels, Furnaces.

I. THe cause of the In∣vention of Subli∣mation, was to unite Bo∣dies with Spirits, (since nothing can possibly be u∣nited with a Body but a Spirit.) Or to find some∣thing that can contain in its self the nature both of Body and Spirit, which be∣ing cast upon bodies, (with∣out being first purified,) ei∣ther give not perfect Co∣lors, or else totally corrupt, blacken, defile, and burn them, and this according to the diversitie of the same Spirit.

II. For Sulphur, Arsenick and Marchasite, are burn∣ings and wholly corrupt: Tutia (of every kind) burns not, yet gives an imperfect Color, 1. Because its adust∣ive Sulphureity, which is easily inflamed and black∣ens is not removed. 2. Be∣cause its Earthmess is not separated: for Adustion may create a Livid Color, and Earthiness may form it.

III. These things there∣fore we are constrained to cleanse from their burning Sulphuriety or Unctuosity, and Earthy superfluity, and this can be done by no Ar∣tifice but by Sublimation: for when Fire elvevates, it makes ascend always the more subtile parts, leaving behind the more Gross.

IV. Hence it is manifest that Spirits are cleansed from their Earthiness by Sublimation, which Earthi∣ness impeded Ingress, and gave an impure or dimi∣nished Color: from which being separated, they are freed from their Impurity, and are made more splen∣did, more pervious, and more easily to enter and penetrate the density of bodies, with a pure and perfect Tincture.

V. Adustion is also taken away by Sublimation; for Arsenick which before Sub∣limation was apt to adustion after Sublimation, will not be Inflamed, but receeds without Inflamation; the same you may find in Sul∣phur. And because in no other things than in Spirits, we saw an adherency to Bodies with Alteration, we were necessitated to make choice of them, and to pu∣rifie them by Sublimation.

VI. Sublimation then, is the Elevation of a Dry thing by Fire, with adhe∣rency to its Vessel but is done diversly according to the diversity of Spirits to be sublimed: for some are Sublimed with strong Igni∣tion, others with mode∣rate, and some again with a remiss heat of Fire.

VII. Arsenick, and Sul∣phur, are Sublimed with a remiss Fire; for otherwise, having their most subtil parts uniformly mixt and conjoyned with the Gross, their whole substance would ascend black or burnt, without any Puri∣fication: therefore you must find out the proportion of the Fire, and the Purifi∣cation, with commixtion of the Feces or Gosser parts, that they may be kept de∣prest,

and not suffered to ascend.

VIII. In Sublimation a threefold degree of Fire is to be observed. 1. One, so proportioned, as to make to ascend only the Altered, more pure, and Livid parts, till you manifestly see they are cleansed from their Earthly feculency. 2. A∣nother degree is, that what is of the pure Essence remain∣ing in the Feces, may be sublimed with greater force of Fire, viz. with Ignition of the bottom of the Vessel, and of the Feces therein, which you may see with your Eye. 3. The other degree is, a most weak Fire, which is to be given to the Sublimate without the Feces, so that scarcely any thing of it may ascend, but that only which is the most sub∣til part thereof, and which in our work is of no value, for that it is a thing by help of which Adustion is made in Sulphurs.

IX. The whole intention therefore of Sublimation is, That 1. The Earthiness be∣ing removed by a due pro∣portion of Fire. 2. And the most subtil and fumous part, which brings Adustion with Corruption, being cast away, we may have the pure Substance, consisting in Equality, of simple Fu∣sion upon the Fire, and without any Adustion, or fly∣ing from the Fire, or Infla∣mation thereof.

X. Now that that which is most subtil is adustive, is evident, for that Fire con∣verts to its own nature, all those things which are of affinity to it: it is of affini∣ty to every adustible thing; and every thing the more subtil the more adustible, therefore Fire is of most affinity to what is most sub∣tle.

XI. The same is proved by Experience; for Sulphur or Arsnick not sublimed, are most easily inflamed, and of the two, Sulphur the more easily: but either be∣ing sublimed, are not di∣rectly inflamed, but fly a∣way, and are extenuated without Inflamation, yet

with a preceeding Fusion.

XII. Now the proof in the administration of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with their proportion, is, that such Matter be chosen, with which the Spirits to be sublimed may best agree, and wherewith they may be the more intimately mixed: for that Matter with which they are or may be most united, will be more potent in the reten∣tion of the Faeces of the Matter to be sublimed; the reason of which is evident.

XIII. But the addition of Foeces is necessary, because Sulphur or Arsenick to be su∣blimed, if they be not con∣joyned with the Foeces of some fixed thing, would necessarily ascend with their whole substance not cleansed, which thing we know by experience to be truth: this is proved, be∣cause, if the Foeces be not permixed with them thro' their least parts, then the same happens as if they had not Faeces, for their whole Essence will ascend without any cleansing.

XIV. Experience also proves this to be true, be∣cause when we sublime from a thing forraign to the nature of Bodies, we su∣blime in vain, so that they are found in no wise purifi∣ed after the ascension: but subliming with the Calx of any Body, the sublimation is well, and with facility it is perfectly cleansed.

XV. The intention of Faeces then is, that they be administred or taken from the Calxes of Metals; for in them the work of subli∣mation is easie, but in other things most difficult; for which cause there is no∣thing that can be instituted in their stead; for that without the Calxes of Bo∣dies, the Labor will be long, tedious, and most difficult, almost to despa∣ration.

XVI. But in this there is some benefit, for what is sublimed without Faeces or the Calces of Bodies, is of greater quantity, but with Faeces of lesser: So also, what is calcined with the

Calces of Bodies is of least quantity, but of easiest and most speedy Labor.

XVII. However every kind of Salt prepared, and things of like nature to it, excuses us from using the Foeces of Bodies, for that with them we make sublimation in a greater quantity; for separation of things to be sublimed from the Foeces, is easily made by solution of the Salts, which happens not in other things

XVIII. But the propor∣tion of Faeces is, that it be equal to the quantity of the matter to be sublimed, in which you cannot easily err: Yet if the Foeces be but half the weight, it may serve with care, to an experi∣enced Man: For the less the Foeces are, the greater will be the Exuberation of the sublimate, provided, that according to the Subtraction of the Foeces, an abatement of the Fire be in proportion thereto: For in a small quantity, a small fire serves for perfection; in a great, a great; and in a greater quantity, a greater fire is re∣quired.

XIX. Now because fire is a thing which cannot be measured; therefore it is, that error is often commit∣ted in it, when the Artist is unskilful, as well in respect to the variety of Fornaces, as Woods and Vessels to be used, and their due joyn∣ing.

XX. Therefore in things to be sublimed, you must re∣move their wateriness only, with a very small Fire, which being removed, if any thing ascend by it, then in the beginning, this Fire must not be increased, that the most subtil part may (by this most weak fire) be se∣parated, and put aside, which is the cause of Adu∣stion.

XXI. But when little or nothing shall ascend (which you may prove by putting a little Cotton Weik into the hole in the top of the Alu∣del) increase the fire under it; and how strong the fire should be, the Cotton Weik

will shew: For if little of the sublimate comes forth with it, or it be clean, it shews your fire is small, and therefore must be en∣creased: But if much and unclean, that it is too great, and must be diminished.

XXII. When then you find your sublimate to come forth with the Weik Clean, and much, you have the due proportion of your Fire, but if unclean the contrary: For accord∣ing to the quantity of clean∣ness, or uncleanness of the sublimate adhereing to the Cotton, must you order your Fire in the whole fa∣blimaiton: by this means you may bring it to its due height without any error.

XXIII. Yet the way of Faeces is better, viz. To take Scales of Iron, or Copper calcined: these indeed by reason of the privation of an Evil humiditity, do easi∣ly imbibe Sulphur or Arse∣nicck, and Unite them with themselves; the method of which the experienced on∣ly know.

XXIV. It is fit therefore, that we should rightly in∣form you in the sublimati∣on of these two Spirits [Sul∣phur and Arsenick] least you should erre through Igno∣rance: We say then, that if you put in many Faeces, and augment not the Fire proportionally, nothing of the Matter to be sublimed will ascend.

XXV. If you put in a small quantity of foeces, or none of the Calx of Bodies, and have not a fit propor∣tion of Fire, the matter will ascend with its whole substance: So likewise by reason of the Fornace, you may err: For a great For∣nace gives a great heat of Fire; a small Fornace, a small, if the Fewel and Vent∣holes be proportionate.

XXVI. If you sublime a great quantity of matter in a small Fornace, you can∣not make a fire great enough for Elevation: If a small quantity in a great Fornace, you will exterminate the sublimation by excess of

heat. Again, a thick For∣nace gives a condensate and strong Fire: A thin For∣nace, a rare and weak fire, in both which you may ea∣sily err.

XXVII. So also, a For∣nace with large Vent holes, gives a clear and strong fire, but with small Vent-holes, a weak fire: And if the di∣stance of space between the Fornace and the Vessel be large, the fire will be the greater, but if small, the less; in all which, without care, you may easily also err.

XXVIII. You must there fore build your Fornace, according to the strength of the Fire you would have, viz. thick, with free Vent-holes, so as there may be a good distance between the Vessel, and sides of the Fornace, if you would have a great fire: But if a mean fire, in all these things you must find a mean propor∣tion: All which we shall teach you.

XXIX. If you would e∣levate a great quantity of matter to be sublimed, first be provided of a sublima∣tory of such a capacity, that it may contain your matter to be sublimed, the height of ones hand breadth above the bottom: To this fit your Fornace, so as the Aludel, or Sublimatory may be received into it, with the distance of two Fingers round about the Walls, or Sides of the Fornace; which being made, make also to it ten Vent-holes, in one proportion, equally distant, that there may be an equal∣lity of the fire in all parts thereof.

XXX. Then put a Bar of Iron into the Fornace transverse, which fasten at each end in the sides of the Fornace, which Bar let be distant from the bottom of the Fornace about a Span, or 9 Inches: About an Inch above it the Sublimatory must be firmly placed, and inclosed round about to the Fornace.

XXXI. Now, if your Fornace can well and clear∣ly

discharge it self of the Fumosities, and the Flame can freely pass through the whole Fornace in the cir∣cuit of the Aludel, it is well proportioned; if not, it is not so. Then you must o∣pen its Vent-holes, and if by that it is mended, all is well; if not, you must ne∣cessarily alter it, for the distance of the Vessel from the sides of the Fornace, is too small: Wherefore en∣large the distance, and try it, continuing these Tryals, till it can freely quit it self of the smoak, and the flame is bright and clear.

XXXII. But as to the thickness of the Fornace, if you intend a great fire, it ought to be about 5 or 6 Inches; but if a moderate fire, 3 or 4 Inches; if a les∣ser fire, 2 or 3 Inches thick will be sufficient.

XXXIII. Then as to the Fewel, solid Wood gives a strong and durable fire; lighter Wood a weak fire, and soon ended; dry Wood gives a great fire and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 green Wood a small and long lasting. From the consideration of all these things, the diversity of Fires may easily be found out.

XXXIV. In the subli∣mation of Sulphur, the co∣ver of the Sublimatory must be made with a great and large concavity within, af∣ter the manner of an Alem∣bick with a Nose, for other∣wise the whole sublimate may descend to the bottom of the Vessel, through too great heat, for that in the end of the sublimation, the Sulphur ascends not, unless with force of fire, even to Ignition of the Alndel: And if the Sulphur be not retain∣ed in the Concavity above, seeing it easily flows, it will descend again by the sides of the Vessel, to the very bottom, and nothing will be found sublimed.

XXXV. The Aludel is to be made of thick Glass, for other matter is not suffici∣ent, unless it be thick, and of the like substance with Glass; because Glass only, or what is like to it, wanting Pores, is able to retain Spi∣rits

from flying away: For through Porous Vessels, the Spirits would pass and va∣nish.

XXXVI. Nor are Me∣tals serviceable in this case, because Spirits (by reason of their Amity and Sympa∣thy) penetrate them, and are united therewith: There∣fore in the Composition of your Aludel, let a round Glass, or Concha, be made with a flat round bottom; and in the middle of the sides thereof, a Zone, or Girdle surrounding the same; and above that Gir∣dle, cause a round Wall to be made, equidistant from the sides of the Concha, so that in this space, the sides of the Cover may freely fall without pressure.

XXXVII. But the height of this Wall (above the Girdle) must be according to the height of the Wall of the Concha, little more, or less. This done, let two Covers or Heads be made equal to the measure of this Concavity of the two Walls the length of the two Covers must be equal, and each a Span, or 9 Inches The Figure of one of them also Pyramidal, in the su∣perior parts of which Co∣vers, must be two equal holes, one in each, so made that a Hens Feather may conveniently be put in.

XXXVIII. The intention of this Concha is, That its Cover may be moved at pleasure; and that the jun∣cture might be ingenious, so that through it, though without any luting, the Spi∣rits might not pass. But if you can better contrive this Vessel, you may do so, notwithstanding this our description.

XXXIX. Yet in this we have a special intention, that the interiour Concha, with its sides, should enter half way within its Cover, for seeing it is the property of Fumes to ascend, not to descend, by this means they are kept from vanish∣ing: Also that the Head of the Aludel should be often emptied, left part of what is sublimed (being over

much) should fall down to the bottom again.

XL. Another intention is, that what ascends up in the form of pouder, near the hole of the head of the A∣ludel, be always kept apart, from that which is found to have ascended fused and dense in small lumps; po∣rous and clear at bottom thereof, with adherency to the sides of the Vessel; for that it is known to have less of Adustion, than what is found to ascend nigh to the hole of the Head: Now the sublimation is well per∣formed, if it be found clear and lucid, and not burnt with inflammation: This is the perfection of the sub∣liming of Sulphur and Arse∣nick: And if it be not so found, the Work must so often be repeated, till it is so.