Metallographia, or, A history of metals wherein is declared the signs of ores and minerals both before and after digging ... : as also, the handling and shewing of their vegetability ... : gathered forth of the most approved authors that have written in Greek, Latine, or High-Dutch ... / by John Webster ...

CHAP. IV. Of the Causes assigned by the most approved Au∣thors for their generations, both efficient and material, and the manner thereof.

FOr the material and efficient causes, and manner of the generation of Metals; We shall enume∣rate some opinions of the chief Authors, and leave the Reader to chuse which he judgeth most probable, or most true; because we mean not to dogmatize nor impose upon any, but rather to move all men to a di∣ligent search after the things of this nature, that (if possible) the truth of their generations may be found forth, and discovered.

In the first place we shall give the opinion of the Aristotelians, and to eschew tediousness, shall tran∣scribe what Dr. Iorden hath written in that case, with his censure upon it, and his own opinion adjoyned; because that little Tract of his may be in few mens hands,* 1.1 and hard to be got; who relateth it thus:

For the manner of generation of Minerals, although it be alike in all, yet it differs from the generation of ani∣mate bodies, whether animals or vegetables, in this, that having no seed, they have no power, or instinct of producing other individuals, but have their species perpetuated, per virtutem seu spiritum semini Ana∣logum, by a spiritual substance proportionable to seed, which is not resident in every individual, as it is in animals and plants, but in their proper wombs. This (saith he) is the judgment of Petrus Severinus,* 1.2

however he doth obscure it by his Platonical grandi∣loquence. And as there is not vacuum in corporibus, so much less in speciebus; for that the species are perpetuated by new generations, is most certain, and proved before: that it is not out of the seeds of individuals, is evident by this, that if Minerals do not assimilate nourishment by attraction, retention, con∣coction, expulsion, &c. for the maintenance of their own individual bodies; much less are they able to breed a superfluity of nourishment for seed. And how can they attract and concoct nourishment, and expel excrements, which have no veins nor fibres, nor any distinct parts to perform those Offices with∣al? Moreover they are not increased as Plants are, by nourishment; whereas the parts already genera∣ted, are extended in all proportions by the ingression of nutriment, which fills and enlarges them: But onely are augmented externally upon the superfi∣cies by superaddition of new matter concocted by the same virtue and spirit into the same species.

The matter whereof Minerals are bred, is much controverted;* 1.3 Aristotle makes the humidity of water and the dryness of earth, to be the matter of all Mine∣rals: the dryness of earth to participate with fire, and the humidity of water with air; as Zabarella inter∣prets it: so that to make a perfect mixt body, the four Elements do concur: and to make the mixture more perfect, these must be resolved into vapour or exhalation, by the heat of fire, or influence from the Sun and other Planets, as the efficient cause of their generation: but the cause of their congelation to be cold in such bodies as heat will resolve.

This vapour consisting partly of moisture, and

partly, of dryness; if all the moisture be spent, turns to earth, salt, or concrete juices, which dissolve in moi∣sture. If some moisture remain before congelation, then it turns to stone.* 1.4 If this dry exhalation be unctu∣ous, fat, and combustible, then Bitumen, Sulphur, and Orpiment are bred of it: if it be dry and incombusti∣ble, then concrete juices, &c. But if moisture do a∣bound in this vapor, then Metals are generated, which are fusible and malleable. And for the perfecting of these generations, this exhalation is not sufficient; but to give them their due consistence, there must be the help of cold from Rocks in the earth, to con∣geal this exhalation.* 1.5 So that here must be two ef∣ficients, heat and cold. And for the better effecting of this, these exhalations do insinuate themselves into stones, in the form of dew or frost, that is, in little grains: but differing from dew and frost in this, that these are generated after that the vapour is conver∣ted to water; whereas Minerals are generated be∣fore this conversion into Water. But there is doubt to be made of frost, because that is bred before the conversion of the exhalation into Water,* 1.6 as may appear, Meteor. 1. According to this assertion, there must be two places for the generation of Mi∣nerals: the one a matrix where they receive their essence by heat, in form of an exhalation; and from thence they are sent to a second place, to receive their congelation by the coldness of Rocks. And from this matrix come our Mineral waters, and not from the place of congelation.

This is the generation of Minerals, according to Aristotle; but it is not so clear, but that it leaves many scruples, both concerning the matter and effi∣cients.

For the matter, it seems not probable that water and earth should make any thing but mud and dirt; for you can expect no more from any thing then is in it, the one is cold and dry, the other cold and moist; and therefore as fit to be the matter of any other thing, as of particular Minerals. And wa∣ter, whereof principally Metals are made to consist, is very unfit to make a malleable and extensible sub∣stance, especially being congealed with cold, as we may see in Ice. But some do add a mineral quality to these materials, and that simple water is not the chief matter of Metal, but such as hath imbibed some mineral quality, and so is altered from the na∣ture of pure water. This assertion doth presup∣pose Minerals in the earth before they were bred, otherwise what should breed them at the first, when there was no mineral quality to be imparted to wa∣ter? Again, this mineral quality either gives the water, or the vapour of it the essence of the Mineral; and then it is not the effect of water, but of the mine∣ral quality, or the potential faculty to breed it. If the essence, then this metalline water or vapour, must have the form of the Metal, and so be fusible and mal∣leable. If it have onely the power and potential fa∣culty, then the generation is not perfected, but must expect further concoction. This concoction is said to be partly by heat, and partly by cold; if by heat, it must be in the passages of the exhalation, as it is carri∣ed in the bowels of the earth. For afterwards, when the exhalation is setled in the stones, the heat is gone. Now if the concoction be perfected before the ex∣halation be insinuated into the stones, as it must be, if it be like dew, then it is perfect Metal, and neither

is able to penetrate the stones, nor hath any need of the cold of them to perfect the generation. If by cold, it is strange that cold should be made the prin∣cipal agent in the generation of Metals, which gene∣rates nothing; neither can heat be the efficient of these generations. Simple qualities can have but simple effects, as heat can but make hot, cold can but cool, &c. But they say that cold doth congeal Me∣tals, because heat doth dissolve them. I answer, the rule is true,* 1.7 if it be rightly applied; as we see Ice which is congealed by cold, is readily dissolved by heat. But the fusion of Metals cannot properly be called a dissolution by heat, because it is neither re∣duced to water or vapour, as it was before the con∣gelation by cold; nor is it permanent in that kind of dissolution, although after fusion it should be kept in a greater heat then cold could be which congealed it. For the cold in the bowels of the Earth cannot be so great, as it is upon the superficies of the Earth, seeing it was never observed that any Ice was bred there. Wherefore this dissolution which is by fusion, tends not to the destruction of the Metal, (but doth rather make it more perfect) as it should do accor∣ding to the former rule rightly applied. And there∣fore this dissolution by fusion, doth not argue a con∣gelation by cold: which being in the passive ele∣ments, doth rather attend the matter then the effi∣cient of generations: for it is apt to dull and hebe∣tate all faculties and motions in Nature, and so to hinder generations, rather then to further any. It is heat and moisture that further generations, as Ovid saith, Quippe ubi temperiem sumpsere humorque ca∣lorque concipiunt.

* 1.8And thus much, he saith, for Aristotles generation of Minerals; where the vapours or exhalations do rather serve for the collection or congregation of matter in the Mines, then for the generation of them, as Libanius doth rightly judge. Agricola makes the matter of Minerals to be succus lapidescens metallifi∣cus, &c. and with more reason, because they are found liquid in the earth. Gilgill would have it ashes, Democritus lime: but these two being artificial mat∣ters, are no where found in the earth. The Alchy∣mists make Sulphur and Mercury the matter of Me∣tals;* 1.9 Libanius Sulphur and Vitriol. But I will not stand upon discoursing of those materials, because it makes little to my purpose. It is enough for my purpose to shew the manner of these generations; which (saith he) I take to be this.

There is a seminary spirit of all Minerals in the bowels of the Earth, which meeting with convenient matter, and adjuvant causes, is not idle, but doth proceed to produce Minerals, according to the na∣ture of it, and the matter which it meets withal: which matter it works upon like a ferment, and by its motion procures an actual heat, as an instrument to further its work, which actual heat is increased by the fermentation of the matter. The like we see in making of Malt, where the grains of Barley being moistned with water, the generative spirit in them is dilated, and put in action; and the superfluity of water being removed, which might choke it, and the barley laid up in heaps, the seeds gather heat, which is increased by the contiguity of many grains lying one upon another. In this work Nature's intent is to produce more individuals according to the nature

of the seed, and therefore it shoots forth in spires; but the Artist abuses the intention of Nature, and converts it to his end; that is, to increase the spirits of his Malt.

The like we find in Mineral substances, where this spirit or ferment is resident, as in Allom and Copper as Mines; which being broken, exposed, and moistned, will gather an actual heat, and produce much more of those Minerals, then else the Mine would yield; as Agricola and Thurniser do affirm, and is proved by common experience. The like is generally observed in Mines, as Agricola, Erastus, Libanius, &c. do avouch out of the dayly experi∣ence of Mineral men, who affirm, that in most pla∣ces, they find their Mines so hot, as they can hardly touch them. Although it is likely that where they work for perfect Minerals, the heat which was in fer∣mentation whilest they were yet in breeding, is now much abated, the Minerals being now grown to their perfection. And for this heat, we need not call for the help of the Sun, which a little cloud will take away from us; much more the body of the Earth, and Rocks; nor for subterraneal Fire. This inbred heat is sufficient, as may appear also by the Mines of Tin-glass, which being digged, and laid in the moist air, will become very hot. So Anti∣mony and Sublimate being mixed together, will grow so hot as they are not to be touched.* 1.10 If this be so in little quantities, it is likely to be much more in great quantities and huge rocks. Heat of it self d••f∣fers not in kind, but onely in degree, and therefore is inclined no more to one species then to another, but as it doth attend and serve a more worthy and supe∣riour

faculty, such as this generative spirit is. And this spirit doth convert any apt matter it meets withal to its own species by the help of heat; and the Earth is full of such matter, which attends upon the species of things.* 1.11 And oftentimes for want of fit opportunity and adjuvant causes, lies idle, without producing any species: but is apt to be transmuted by any mechanical and generative spirit into them. And this matter is not the Elements themselves, but subterraneal seed placed in the Elements; which not being able to live to themselves, do live unto others. This seminary spirit is acknowledged by most of Aristotles Interpreters, (and Morisinus calls it Elphesteria) not knowing how otherwise to attri∣bute these generations to the Elements. And this is the cause why some places yield some one mine∣ral species above another. Quippe solo natura sub∣est. Non omnis fer•• omnia tell us. The seminary spirit hath its proper wombs, where it resides, and forms his species according to his nature, and the aptness of his matter. But as Severinus affirms of animal seeds, that they are in themselves Hermaphroditical, and neither masculine nor feminine, but as they meet with supervenient causes. So it is in these Mineral seeds and species, which in one womb do beget divers sorts of Minerals, either according to the apt∣ness of the matter, or the vigour of the spirits.

Thus far this learned Author, whose reasons we shall not censure, nor confute his opinion, which may pass with as much probability as any others; but leave every one to his own liberty in judging. Onely we shall note one thing to the Reader to be considered of; and that is, where he makes Plants to be nourished and

augmented by the ingression of nutriment, which fills and inlarges them; but that Minerals are onely aug∣mented externally upon the superficies, by superad∣dition of new matter concocted by the same virtue and spirit into the same species. Of this we shall offer these things:

1. As for Plants we take it for a probable truth (though some may look at it as a new fansie and para∣dox) that the true and proper generation of the most (if not of all) Plants, is in the former generant Plant that did produce the seed in its husk or covering; and that the seeds contain in them a Plant of its own kind, as that was of that did produce the seed, though not to be discerned by our senses, nor, perhaps, by the best microscopes, because in many the little Plant contain∣ed in that husk or covering, is in so extream minute parts, and artificial means not yet found forth, to cause them to open themselves; nor due observations had from time to time as they open and display themselves in their several wombs in the Earth. And that after they are fallen, or cast into fit wombs in the Earth, that the warm and moist vapours, or steams of the Earth, as an external and adjuvant cause, doth soften and dissolve the husk, covering, or shell, and excite and stir up that heat in the seed, or little Plant (which is the true agent and efficient cause of its increase and growth) that before lay as it were idle, and asleep; by which means that little embrio doth open and ex∣pand it self, and receives in by its pores, or cavities of those parts ordered for roots (whether by attra∣ction, or propulsion of its heat and moisture by the steams of Earth and its saline atoms, I shall not here determine) the fit warm vapours, and assimilates it

to its own nature. And as this is (as we conceive) the growth of Plants, though commonly called their generation; so we commend this to be inquired of by all industrious persons, that if Nature (as is most probable) contain in her Cabinet the secret seeds of Minerals, then why may she not, meeting with fit matter and adjuvant causes, have those small semina∣ry particles stirred up and put into motion, grow and expand themselves in the manner of Plants, and by taking in new matter grow and increase. This I onely offer as fit to be noted and considered of.

2. The other thing that I would note is, That though Plants when young, may receive their nutri∣ment, by the matter having ingression by their pores; yet when they are grown older, and their truncks great and hard, it is probable that then their growth is by superaddition of more matter to their outward parts, and assimilating it into their species. For it is generally in the North parts of England (especially in old Oaks) that yearly great store of sap ariseth betwixt the bark and the trunck, which afterwards hardens into wood, like unto the other: and if this be a truth, as all our Carpenters, and buyers of Timber affirm, if Metals do but increase by addition of new mat∣ter to the superficies, then in some sort it differs not from the increase of Trees when grown great and old. But if the relation given by Galen,* 1.12 and approved of by Agricola, be true; that Lead being placed in a moist Cellar or subterranean rooms, where the air is gross and turbid, will be increased both in bulk and weight; then it must probably be by taking in some parts of that gross air, or the mineral particles con∣tained in it, by which it makes protrusion of its parts,

and getteth an increase in weight. By all which we may learn to observe:

• 1. That it may be that the seeds of Metals rising in steams, may sometimes, finding a fit room or vault, setle together, and in time become an hardned and metalline substance.
• 2. Or that other-sometimes those mineral seeds may become setled in some holes and cavities of rocks, in the form of water, or of that thicker substance that the Germans call Gur, and so in continuance of time grow to be a Metal.
• 3. Or that after they be hardned into a metalline substance, if the place will give leave, may protrude it self further and further (as the roots of Vegetables do in hard Rocks and old Walls) by virtue of the mi∣neral steams, piercing from the root, through insensi∣ble pores, or at least may ripen from one degree of perfection to another; as from Lead to Silver, and the like. For my self and divers other ingenious per∣sons have observed, that in the late Wars, when many Castles and other old buildings were dismantled or demolished, that the Leads that were taken from off them, would have sold dearer then any other Lead; and I have heard divers persons of credit affirm, that it would yield very considerable quantities of silver, and the longer it had laid, the more. Which (if true) is an evident argument, that either by long lying, the Lead being the softer part, wasted away with the Sun and Weather, and so left more of silver in the same bulk of matter, then the same bulk of Lead con∣tained, when newer and fresher; or else that the Silver in the Lead (as all Lead contains some more or less) did maturate some part of the Lead into its own more

• noble Nature, or got increase from the beams of the Sun, or particle in the Air, or both. And these no∣ble hints I onely give, as worthy to be considered of, and inquired after.

Now we shall come to the other opinion of the causes and manner of the generation of Metals, which is that of the mystical Authors, learned Chymists, and expert Mineralists, which we shall handle fully and at large. And for order sake, we may consider: First the matter, of which they hold they are generated. Secondly, the efficient cause of their generation. Third∣ly, the manner how they are generated.

1. The ancient Chymical Philosophers held, that the matter out of which the Metals were generated, were Sulphur and Mercury; but Basilius Valentinus, Paracelsus, and the later Chymists have added Salt as a third; which notwithstanding though they seem to make them three in number, and properties, yet they intended but one Homogeneous substance or essence; and the most of them joyned Salt with the Sulphur, so that in effect they held but two. And this Sulphur and Mercury they did not mean of those that are vul∣gar, as the most of their adversaries have too grosly mistaken; and therefore it will be necessary in the first place, to clear what they understand by Sulphur, and Mercury, and how those two are first gene∣rated.

* 1.131. Their Sulphur and Mercury they variously de∣scribe, as Sendivogius saith: Prima materia metallo∣rum, & principalis est, humidum aeris caliditate mix∣tum, hanc Philosophi Mercurium nominarunt, qui radiis solis & lunae gubernatur in mari Philosophico. The first and principal matter of Metals is, the humidity of

the Air mixt with calidity; this the Philosophers have named Mercury, which is governed with the rayes of the Sun and Moon in the Philosophers Sea.* 1.14 Secunda est terrae caliditas sicca, quam vocarunt Sulphur. The second is the dry calidity of the Earth, which they have called Sulphur. And again he saith, Quatuor elementa in prima operatione naturae stillant per Ar∣chaeum naturae in terrae centrum vaporem aquae ponde∣rosum,* 1.15 qui est metallorum semen, & dicitur mercurius propter ejus fluxibilitatem, & uniuscujusque rei con∣junctionem, non propter essentiam, assimilatur Sulphuri propter internum calorem, & post congelationem est hu∣midum radicale. The four Elements in the first ope∣ration of Nature, do distill by the Archaeus (or Work∣man) of Nature, into the centre of the Earth, a pon∣derous vapour of Water, which is the seed of Metals; and is called Mercury, because of its fluxibility and its conjunction with every thing, not because of its essence; it is likened to Sulphur because of its inter∣nal heat, and after congelation is the radical moist••••e. Trevisan defines Sulphur thus:* 1.16 Sulphur enim aliud nihil est, quam purus ignis occultus in mercurio, qui longo successu temporis excitatur, atque movetur moti∣bus corporum coelestium, digeritque frigiditatem & hu∣miditatem in mercurio pro varietate graduum decoctio∣nis, & alterationis in diversas formas metallicas, &c. For Sulphur is nothing else then pure fire hid in the Mercury, which in long continuance of time is exci∣ted, and moved by the motions of the celestial bo∣dies, and doth digest the coldness and humidity in the Mercury, according to the variety of the degrees of decoction and alteration, into divers metallick forms. Elsewhere he hath called Sulphur the masculine agent

fire and air, which in the metallick seed doth maturate and digest the two feminine passives of Earth and Water: because that heat is an intrinsick and essential part of the Mercury it self; to wit, the two more a∣ctive elements in it, that is to say, the Air and Fire. And again,* 1.17 because Sulphur is no other thing then the pure act of the Air and Fire making hot, digesting, or decocting the Earth and Water proportionable to it self, and Homogeneous in the Mercury. And Geber saith, it is nothing else but light and tincture; and o∣thers call it the most ripe part of the Mercury. And the ingenuous and candid Nollius defines it thus:* 1.18 The Sulphur, with which Argent vive is impregnated, is not the vulgar Sulphur, but fire placed in the Argent vive, by which it is excocted into a Metal in the Mines by the intervening of Motion.

* 1.192. These two are not distinct, as though Mercury were one thing, and Sulphur another, as extraneous bodies one to another. For Trevisan saith, Sulphur is not something separate by it self, without the sub∣stance of the Mercury, neither common Sulphur; o∣therwise the matter of Metals should not be Homoge∣neous, which is repugnant to the opinion of all Philo∣sophers. Likewise Morienus and Aros say: Our Sul∣phur is not vulgar Sulphur, but sixt and not volatile; of the nature of Mercury, and not of any other thing whatsoever.* 1.20 And Trevisan again saith: Some per∣sons do judge amiss, that in the procreation of Metals some Sulphureous matter doth intervene; but it is manifest on the contrary, that Sulphur is included in his Mercury when Nature doth operate.

3. Now for the generation of their Mercury or viscous fatness, they describe it thus: Aethereus mundi

spiritus,* 1.21 quem animam appellitant, duo elementa aquam & terram inter se committit, atque ex utrisque conjun∣ctis spiritum quendam prolicit unctuosum, eumque in centrum terrae demittit, ut ex eo sursum elevetur, & in matricem deferatur debitam, ac in ea in argentum vi∣vum sulphure, & sale naturae impraegnatam concoqua∣tur. The Aethereal spirit which they call the soul, doth commix betwixt themselves the two Elements, Water and Earth; and of them both being conjoyn∣ed, doth draw forth a certain unctuous spirit; and doth dimit it down into the centre of the Earth, that from thence it may be lifted upwards, and be carried into a fit matrix, and in it may be concocted into Argent vi∣ve impregnated with the sulphur and salt of Nature. And Sendivogius thus:* 1.22 Res omnes nasci ex aere liquido vel vapore, quem elementa perpetuo motu in viscerae terrae stillant, hunc postquam naturae Archaeus accepit, per poros sublimat, & unicuique loco sua sagacitate tri∣buit, & sic locorum varietate, res etiam proveniunt, & nascuntur variae. Quando enim ex terrae centro sub∣limatur vapor ille, transit per loca vel sicca, vel calida. Si igitur transit vapor per loca calida & pura, ubi pin∣guedo sulphuris parietibus adhaeret, vapor ille quem Philosophi mercurium Philosophorum dixerunt, accom∣modat se & jungitur illi pinguedini quam postea se∣cum sublimat, & tunc fit unctuositas relicto nomine vaporis, accipit nomen pinguedinis. That all things do grow of the liquid air or vapour, which the Ele∣ments do distil by a perpetual motion into the bowels of the Earth, which after the Archaeus (or Workman) of Nature hath taken, he doth sublime it through the pores, and doth distribute to every place by his saga∣city; and so by the variety of places, various things

do come and grow. For when this vapour is subli∣med from the centre of the Earth, it passeth by pla∣ces either drie or hot. If therefore the vapour pass by places hot and pure, where the fatness of Sulphur doth cleave to the walls, that vapour which the Phi∣losophers have called the Mercury of Philosophers, it accommodateth it self, and is joyned to that fatness; which afterwards it sublimes with it self, and then it is made an unctuous thing, the name of vapour being lost, it receiveth the name of fatness.

Now having described their Sulphur and Mercury, and how they are generated, and how they differ on∣ly in property, and not in homogeneal essence, which they hold to be the matter of the generation of metals. We shall more distinctly handle it in order, and from what is already said, and to be shewed, deduce their fuller meaning.

They make the matter of the Minerals threefold.

1. The most remote matter, which they call the first; and this Nollius doth call the Aethereal spirit, which doth commix the two elements of Water and Earth, and draws a certain mineral spirit forth of them. And Trevisan saith it is the four Elements. Etenim ele∣menta quatuor aeque sunt ad informationem asini vel bo∣vis apta, ac ad metalla. For the four Elements are equally fitted for the information of an Ass, or Oxe, as they are for Metals. And Sendivogius saith, that the Elements do continually distil down into the centre of the Earth, a ponderous vapour or water, which is again sublimed into divers matrixes.

2. The remote matter they establish to be this va∣pour mixt with the Sulphur that stuck to the Walls, growing into a middle substance like to fat or gluti∣nous water.

3. The third is the proxime, or next matter of Me∣tals, and that is this fat and glutinous substance, grown more thick, and may be that which before we have named Gur: which Trevisan thus excellently defines. Apprime sciendum materiam primam esse rem ipsam, in quam immediate specifica forma introducitur, uti prima hominis materia, est utrumque viri semen & mulieris. First of all we are to know, that the first matter (to wit of Metals) is that very thing, into which immediately the specifick form is introduced, as the first matter of a man, is both the seed of the man and woman. And this is it they call their metallick seed, in the nearest power; for after it be conceived and brought to this, it cannot then be changed into any thing, but into some kind of Mineral. From all which, we may note these things.

1. That the sperm of Metals (to wit in its first pro∣duction) is not different from the sperm of other things, to wit, an humid vapour.

2. This metallick seed is not like the animal and ve∣getable seed, easily to be known or had; for they say of it:* 1.23 Semen minerale vel metallorum creat natura in visceribus terrae, propterea non creditur tale semen esse in rerum natura, quia invisibile est. Nature doth create the mineral or metallick seed in the bowels of the Earth, therefore it is not believed that there is such a seed in the Nature of things, because it is invi∣sible. And again, The Mineral seed is known of the Philosophers. And lastly: Semen autem metallorum filii tantum doctrinae noverunt. But the Sons of Art have onely known the seed of Metals.

3. This metallick seed is but one, and not divers;* 1.24 for so he witnesseth, Sunt qui opinentur, Saturnum

habero aliud semen, aurum quoque aliud, & sic conse∣quenter metalla reliqua, sed vana sunt ista, unicum tantum est semen, idem in Saturno, quod in Auro inve∣nitur, idem in Luna, quod in Marie. There are those that imagine that Saturn hath one sort of seed, and Gold another; and so consequently the rest of the Metals: but these are vain, there is onely one seed, the same in Saturn that is found in Gold, the same in Luna that is in Mars.* 1.25 And Basilius Valentinus, far more fully, saith thus; Therefore observe and take notice, that all Metals and Minerals have onely one root, from which generally their descent it; he that knoweth that rightly, needs not to destroy Metals to extract the spirit from one, the sulphur from a second, and the salt from a third. For there is a nearer place yet, in which these three, Spirit, Soul, and Body, lie hid in one thing, well known, and may with great praise be gotten. He that knoweth exactly this gol∣den seed, or this magnet, and searcheth throughly in∣to its properties, he hath then the true root of life, and may attain unto that his heart longeth for. Where∣fore I intreat all true lovers of Mineral Science, and Sons of Art, diligently to inquire after this metallick seed or root, and be assured that it is not an idle chi∣maera or dream, but a real and certain truth.

Sometimes (and perhaps not untruly) they affirm the Metals to be generated of the element of Water; as Helmont, who proves not onely that metallick bo∣dies, but also all other Concretes to have their rise from thence, and demonstrateth the immutability of elemental Water, as well as of the homogeneous Mercury of Metals:* 1.26 Who saith, Estque ideo in ipso Mercurio, prout in elementis, ratio propinqua inde∣structibilitatis.

There is therefore in Mercury it self (meaning metallick Mercury) as in the Elements, the nearest cause or reason of indestructibility.* 1.27 And that Metals were generated forth of the Element of Water, I find Plato holding that opinion, who saith, Aquae genera duo sunt praecipua, unum humidum 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, alterum fusile 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. There are two chief sorts of Water, one moist, the other fusile, or to be poured forth. And a little after, he speaketh thus of the Water he calleth fusile: Ex his vero quas aquas fusi∣les appellavimus, quod ex tenuissimis levissimisque fit densissimum, uniforme, splendidum, flavumque, pretio∣sissima res est, aurum florescens per petram compactum est. But of these waters which we call fusile, (or to be melted) gold flowering through the Rock is com∣pacted, because it is made of most tenuious, most soft (or tender) things, most dense, uniform, splendent, yellow,* 1.28 and is a most pretious thing. The rest may be seen more fully in the place quoted. And that Pa∣racelsus was of opinion that Metals had for their ma∣terial cause Water, is manifest; for he saith, Sic er∣go mirabili consilio Deus constituit, ut prima materia naturae esset aqua, mollis, levis, potabilis: & tamen foetus seu fructus ipsius est durus; ut metalla, lapides, qui∣bus nihil durius est. So therefore God hath ordered by a wonderful counsel, that the first matter of Na∣ture should be Water, soft, gentle, potable. And notwithstanding the off-spring or fruit of it is hard; as Metals, Stones, then which nothing is more hard.

And that Water was the matter out of which Me∣tals and all other mixt bodies were framed, seems not altogether disliked by that honourable and learned person Mr. Boyle,* 1.29 who saith; Yet thus much I shall

tell you at present, that you need not fear my reject∣ing this opinion for its novelty; since, however the Helmonti••ns may in complement to their Master, pre∣tend it to be a new discovery; yet though the Argu∣ments be for the most part his, the opinion it self is ve∣ry ancient, as there he further proveth at large: to which for brevity sake, I remit the Reader.

But no Author (in my judgment) hath more fully, plainly, and truly described the matter, manner, and order of the generation of Minerals, then that learned and most experienced Chymist Helmont hath done; and therefore we shall give you his opinion at full, though some part of it hath been recited before; who saith:* 1.30

Non raro nempe contingit, quod metalla∣rius in fodinis, saxa diffringens, dehiscat paries & ••imam det, unde tantillum aquae, subalbidae virescen∣tis, manavit, quod mox concrevit instar saponis liqui∣di (Bur voco) mutatoque deinceps pallore subviridi, flavescit, vel albescit, vel saturatius viridescit.

The English of it you have before. And from thence he draweth these conclusions.

Sic enim visum est, quod alias intus absque saxi vulnere fit. Quia succus ille interno efficiente perfi••itur. Est ergo prima seminis metallici vita, in condo, sive promptuario loci, homini plane incognita. Ac ubi semen in lucem, liquore ve∣stitum prodit, & Gas incoepit sulphur aquae inquinare, vita est seminis media, ultima vero cum jam indure∣scit. So that it seemeth, it is made otherwise with∣in, without the breach (or wound) of the stone. Be∣cause that juice, or liquor, is perfected by an inter∣nal efficient. Therefore the first life of the metal∣lick seed is in the cup, hole, or little cellar of the place, altogether unknown unto man. But when

the seed doth appear unto light invested, or cloathed, with the liquor, and the Gas hath begun to stain, or corrupt the sulphur of the Water, it is the middle life of the seed; but is the last life when it beginneth to harden.

To this we shall onely add the opini∣on of the Author of the Arcae Arcani artificiosissimi a∣pertae, who saith thus.* 1.31 Which, because it is large, I shall onely give in English.

Therefore it is to be known, that Nature hath her passages and veins in the Earth, which doth distil Waters, salt, clear and tur∣bulent. For it is always observed by sight, that in the Pits, or Groves of Metals, sharp and salt Waters do distil down. While therefore those waters do fall downwards, (for all heavy things are carried downwards) there are sulphureous vapours ascend∣ing from the centre of the Earth, that do meet them. Therefore if the waters be saltish, pure and clear, and the sulphureous vapours pure also; and that they embrace one another in their meeting, then a pure Metal is generated; but in defect of purity, an impure Metal: in elaborating of which, Nature spreadeth near, or about a thousand years, before that she can bring it to perfection; which cometh to pass either by reason of the impurity of the salt Mercurial waters, or of the impure sulphureous vapours. When these two do embrace one another, shut up close in the rocky places; then of them a moist, thick▪ fat vapour doth arise by the operation of natural heat, which taketh its seat where the air cannot come (for else it would fly away) of which vapour then a mucilaginous and unctuous matter is made, which is white like Butter; which Mathesius doth call Gur, which may be clam'd like Butter; which

I (saith this Authour) can also shew in my hand, a∣bove the Earth, and forth of the Earth. The La∣bourers in the Groves do often find this matter which is called Gur; but of it nothing can be prepa∣red, because it is not known what was the intention of Nature in that place; for a Marchasite, as well as a Metal, might equally have been made of it.

2. In the next place we come to the efficient cause of their generation; which Aristotle and his followers have made external, some of them hot, and some of them cold, and some both; vainly holding that the ef∣ficient cause in natural generations, did not enter the compound, being seduced (as is most probable) by the similitudes taken partly from artificial and manual operations, as the Painter, or Statuary, being the effi∣cient cause of the Picture or Statue, were external and separate from them, after they were wrought and fi∣nished: Not considering that these, and the like, make no alteration intrinsecally in the compound, but one∣ly are conversant about the figuring, and altering the dimensions of quantity: partly from humane, ani∣mal, and vegetative generations, wherein they con∣ceive the male and female to be efficient causes of ge∣neration, and so to be external and separate from the thing generated. Which is merely false, for the male and female are but instrumental, or artificial causes of moving and ejaculating the seeds into the due ma∣trix 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which seeds being joyned together, become agent, and patient (being excited by the heat of the matrix, as an adjuvant cause) and the intrinsecal efficient cause is contained in them, which we call the Archaeus, or seminal Idaea that doth form and organize the body, according to the species from whence it

was derived, if the matrix be proper, and of due kind for it. And the male and female in this do no more then the husbandman that ploweth and tilleth the earth, and then casteth in the seed, (onely Nature hath prepared and provided seed intrinsecally in the male and female, which the husbandman must have elsewhere provided by Nature for him ab extra) be∣ing no intrinsecal; or efficient cause of its generation or growth; but onely that particle of vital air or aether within it. Which being the Faber or Archaeus, and excited with the hot and moist vapours in the Earth, or matrix, doth produce its like; or as the Holy Writ words it, gives to every seed its own body.

But to come to the true efficient cause of the gene∣ration of Metals (though what hath been said might suffice) the substance seems to be this. That the Solar particles, celestial spirit, or internal and incombusti∣ble Sulphur (which is the true fire of Nature) hid in the viscous matter or mercury, and excited a••d stirred up by the motion of the celestial bodies, central sun, or subterraneous fire or heat (which we shall not take upon us to determine, but leave it to the judgment of the learned Reader) doth generate, per∣fect, and ripen Metals; as most of what hath been said before, doth sufficiently testifie. And all do con∣sent that Sulphur is the efficient cause, or father, and Mercury the passive or mother of all Metals.

Now for the manner of their generations, there hath been so much related in the passages of this Chapter, that we shall but onely add this short collection. That the Water being sharp and salt, and falling down in the subterraneous caverns and passages of the Earth, doth meet with the drie, sulphureous, and warm steams

that rise from the lower pa••ts of the Earth, do joyn together, and so becomes unctuous and fat, which setling in close holes, and cavities of Rocks where the air cannot enter,* 1.32 as in a close womb, is in length of time thickned into a soft substance, which they call Gur; and after by the warmth of the place, or womb, and its own internal fire, sulphur, or heat, is concocted into a metallick body, pure or impure, according as the steams were, when they joyned together, and the place in which they are generated.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Of Nat: Bath. &c. c. 11. p. 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59.
• * 1.2

  Cap. ••.
• * 1.3

  Erastus. Ca••erius. Caesalpinus. Martinus. Moresinus. Fachius. Magyrus. Libanius.
• * 1.4

  Meteor 3 c. ••lc. Caesalp. l. 3. c. 1.
• * 1.5

  Liban. de Nat. Metall. c. 14. Caretius. 178.
• * 1.6

  Septal. in Hyp. de aere, aqu. &c.
• * 1.7

  Valesius Sac. Philos. c. 49.
• * 1.8

  Singularium, l. 1. part. 1.
• * 1.9

  De nat. Metal. c. 10.
• * 1.10

  Carer p. 212.
• * 1.11

  Fachius. Martinus. Morisius. Magyrus. Libani. Velcurio. Yalesius. Car••rius. Erastus, &c.
• * 1.12

  Gal. de Simp. Med. fac. p. 2124.

  Ag••ic. de ort. & caus. subter. p. 519.
• * 1.13

  No. lum. Chym. Tr. 3. p. 309▪
• * 1.14

  Ibid. ut supr.
• * 1.15

  Ib. Tr. 6. p. 320, 321.
• * 1.16

  Alchym. p. 766, 767.
• * 1.17

  Vid. Correct. Rich. Augl.
• * 1.18

  Phys. Herm. p. 308.
• * 1.19

  Ut supr.
• * 1.20

  Ib. ut supr.
• * 1.21

  Noll. Phys. Herm. l. 8. c. 3. p. 313.
• * 1.22

  No. lum Chym. Tr. 6 p. 320.
• * 1.23

  No. lum Chym. T••. 6. p. 319.
• * 1.24

  Ib▪ Tr. 4. p. 313.
• * 1.25

  Elucid••t. of the 12 gates, p. 117.
• * 1.26

  Progym. Me∣teor. p. 70.
• * 1.27

  Timae. Plat. p. Graec. 488. Latin. 718.
• * 1.28

  Lib. de Miner. Tr. 1. p. 342.
• * 1.29

  Scept. Chym. p. 118.
• * 1.30

  Magn. oport. p. 157.
• * 1.31

  Theatr. Chym. Vol. 6. p. 305.
• * 1.32

  Vid. No. Lum. Chym. p. 314, 315.