A description of new philosophical furnaces, or A new art of distilling, divided into five parts. Whereunto is added a description of the tincture of gold, or the true aurum potabile; also, the first part of the mineral work. Set forth and published for the sakes of them that are studious of the truth. / By John Rudolph Glauber. Set forth in English, by J.F. D.M.

THE FIRST PART OF PHILOSOPHICAL FURNACES. (Book 1)

Of the structure of the first Furnace.

AS for the first Furnace it may be built greater or lesser as you please, a regard being had of the quantity of the water to be distilled, and also either round or square; either of Bricks or by a Potter with Potters clay. Now when the Dia∣meter is of one span, viz. withinside, the height must be of four, viz. one from the bottom to the grate, another from the grate to the hole made for putting in of Coales, and two from thence to the top of the Pipe, which must at least go forth out of the Furnace one span, lest the receivers should by the worms of the Furnace be heated. The Pipe also must have on the fore part a Diameter, answering the third part of the intrinsecal Diameter of the Furnace; also a little larger on the hinder part then the fore∣part. Let the grate be such a one, as may be taken out at your

pleasure and made clean, being stopt by the water that is cast in and distilled: for it is easily stopt in distilling of Salts melted with the coales, whereby the aire is kept from coming to the fire, and the distillation by consequence hindred; Or let there be put into the vessel cross-wise two strong Iron bars, upon which lay four or five lesser, distant the one from the other the breadth of a finger, going a little out of the Furnace, in which when they are stopt, you may take them with a paire of Tongs, stir them, and cleanse them from the burnt water, and then a∣gain put them into their own places: wherefore also the Fur∣nace must on the fore part be open under the grate, that you may the better order the grate.

Also the grate must have above, a covering of Iron or Stone, with a hole in the midle thereof with a certain distinction, which is to be filled with sand, that the cover may the better and more fitly shut the hole, and prevent the exhaling of the spirits which by this means will being forced, go forth thorow the Pipe into the receivers, after you have cast in the water which is to be di∣stilled.

Of the Receivers.

Let the receivers be made of glass, or of strong earth, which may retain the spirits, and such is Waldburgick, Hassiack, Frech∣heimensian, Siburgic earth, &c. They are better that are made of glass, if they are to be had, and those especially which are made of strong and firme glass, which may be smoothed about the joynts with a Smiris stone, and so fitted that they may the better be joyned together, and then they need not laving (but how they shall be smoothed with the Smiris stone, and be fitted, shall be taught in the fifth part, which treates of Manuals) be∣cause by this means they are joyned so close, that no spirits can go through the joynts: otherwise you must close the joynts with the best lute, such as will not let the spirits exhale, which shall be taught in the book treating of Manuals. The form of the re∣cipient you may see in the delineation thereof. As for the quantity thereof, know that by how much the greater they are,

so much the better they are, for then you need the fewer, but the more, by how much the lesser they are. Let the superior orifice be larger then the inferior, so that alwayes another re∣ceiver may with its inferior orifice be joyned to it, and let the inferior orifice have a Diameter of three fingers breadth or thereabouts, I mean in case the Diameter of the Furnace be of one span. For a greater Furnace requires greater holes, as also orifices of the receivers, by which means a sufficient, and due proportion of aire may be given to the fire: or if the Diame∣ter of the furnace be more then a span, it must also have two or three pipes (which being considered together should have a wideness answering the wideness of the third part of the Fur∣nace, for so great a wideness, and so much aire is required, if the fire burn freely and do its office) to which vessels of the aforesaid proportion must be applyed, that the fire be not choaked.

Now the figure that is annexed will teach the conjunction of the receivers, as also their application to the furnace. And in the first place the receiver stands in a threefoot stoole bored thorow in the middle, that the neck of the first receiver may pass thorow, to which is applyed a dish with a pipe receiving the dropping spirits: To the first there is joyned a second, and to that a third, and so consequently (viz. neer unto a wall or ladder) so many as you please. Let the upper receiver, and indeed, all the rest be left open; To the lower, as hath been said is joyned a dish with a pipe, by which the distilled spirits run down into another certain glass vessel added there∣unto, which being filled is taken away, and another is set in the place of it, because that is set under it without luting, and therefore may easily be changed. And if you please to di∣stil any thing else, you must take away that dish with a pipe, and make it clean, and then joyn it close again (that no spirit may breath forth) to the work of the lower receiver. And if that dish cannot be so closely joyned, that nothing exhale, pour in a spoonful of water, for that doth astringe, neither doth it hurt the spirits, because in the rectifying it is sepa∣rated.

Of Subliming vessels.

These you need not make of glass, or of such earth as may retain the spirits, as hath been above mentioned; it is suffici∣ent if so be they be made of good common potters earth and be well glazed within, viz. of such a form, and figure, as ap∣pears by the annexed delineation.

Yet you must choose good earth that will endure the fire, for the lower pots are so heated by the fire, that they would be broken if they should not be made of good earth.

Now I will shew you in general the manner it self of distil∣ing; as also the manual necessaries in every distillation.

The manner of distilling.

In the first place let there be some burning coales put in, which afterwards must be covered with more until the Fur∣nace be full almost to the pipe, which being done let not the uppermost cover be laid over its hole (that the heat and smoke, may pass that way, and not thorow the pipe, and receivers which will thereby be red hot; and this will be a hind••ance to the distillation) untill the fire be sufficiently kindled and the furnace be throughly hot; then cast in with an Iron ladle of the water prepared for distillation as much as will cover the coales, which being done, stop the furnace very close, by pressing down strongly the upper cover upon its hole, or sand, which is put in the lower part of the hole being a place made for that purpose. Now let him that casts in any thing thorow the middle hole, presently stop it with a stopple of stone, and that very close, for by this means all those things which were cast in, will be forced after the manner of a thick cloud to break forth through the pipe into the receivers, and there to condense themselves into an acid spirit, or oyle, and thence to distil into the dish set under, through the pipe whereof they do yet distil down further into an other glass receiver. The Coales being burnt out, and all the spirits being come forth, you must cast in more Coales, and more materials,

untill you have got a sufficient quantity of Spirits. In this way of distilling, you may at your pleasure cease, and begin again without any danger.

When you will make clean the Furnace, you need do no∣thing else, then draw out the Iron bars that ly on the cross bar, that the Caput Mortuum may fall down, which afterwards may be taken away with a fire shovel, which being done you must put in the bars again and ••ay them on the cross bars as before, upon which you must cast burning coals, and upon them others until there be enough, then on them all being well kindled cast your materials.

When you go to make clean the receivers, and to begin to distil an other thing, you need not remove them, but only pour pure water into them, viz. by their upper receiver, by the descending whereof the other are purified.

And by this way not only out of vegetables, volatiles, and minerals (incombustible) but also out of metals fixed, and stones, spirits, oyles and flowers are drawn forth wonderfully, easily, and in good quantity, which otherwise could never have been done by the vulgar art of distilling.

Now in this furnace are distilled only such materials, which being distilled yeeld an incombustible quantity, as common salt, vitrial, allom, and other minerals, & vessels, each of which doth yet require their peculiar manuals, if operated upon.

Now because this furnace doth not serve for every water, be∣cause the materials to be distilled are cast upon burning coals, which are things combustible, I have determined in the second part to give another, viz. a lesser unlike to this, yet convenient to distil all combustible things that are endued with volatile spirits, as Tartar, Hartshorn, Amb••r, Salt armoniac, of urine, &c There are by the help hereof made most subtile, volatil, sulphureous spirits of salts, and minerals, as of common salt, vitrial, allom, nitre, antim••ny, and of all other minerals, and metals, which otherwise without this furnace could not have been made, with which spirits wonderful things are perform∣ed in Medicine, and Alchymie, as in the second part shall be demonstrated more largely.

Now I will shew you a way to make other receivers belong∣ing to the first furnace, and indeed such as are more fit for some operations, as the former were more fit then others: where∣fore let him that will operate choose these, or the other, as he pleaseth.

As therefore the former being erected upwards by a wall, or ladder, by which means the spirit might ascend from one in∣to an other so long, untill being refrigerated, and condensed might again drop downward into the dish that is annexed thereto: so these are a contrary way set and placed collaterall in a vessel filled with cold water to condense the spirits, by which means you need not so many receivers; Also they must not be fashioned like the former, as to be open above, and below, but only above like pots that serve for boyling: but this you must observe that by how much the deeper and larger they are, by so much the better they are.

Also you must joyn them together by the help of earthen pipes, being so distinct, that the spirits may be kept back, being yet hot (and not refrigerated) from passing out of one into the other, but being forced through the middle of the separation of the pipes may go to the bottom of every re∣ceiver, and thence arise by another pipe into another re∣ceiver that hath a double cover like the former, where again descending to the cold bottom, remain refrigerated, and con∣densed. Now three or four of these are enough (whereas of other thirteen or fifteen are required) a regard being had of their greatness.

You may see the figure of these receivers, as also their joyn∣ing together by the annexed delineation. Now for the most part one is sufficient for him that distils a few things, especial∣ly if the water be not pretious, and then let one crooked earthen pipe at least be joyned, one arme with the pipe that goeth forth of the furnace, the other with the receiver, but so that it go into the receiver downwards, even to the middle thereof, and then you need not shut the orifice of the receivers, for it is no great matter if somewhat evaporate, viz. if the water to be distilled be not pretious▪ And by this way may

new spirits, and new flowers be made every houre, with the help of one furnace, and one recipient but with this caution, that for every new distillation, the recipient be washed with water before it be put to the pipe; which being put to, you may then cast your species into the furnace, and this do till you have a sufficient quantity of spirits.

And this way of distillation serves especially for the try∣ing of the natures and properties of many and divers mine∣rals, such as yeild in the fire spirits, and flowers. For it would be too tedious in every new distillation to apply a new and distinct receiver: as also many studious of the Chymical art would quit their study, being able to make by retort but one tryal in a day. And no wonder if expences, and loss of time should deter many.

Now here there is no need of many Retorts, nor of laving them, without receivers, and such like superfluous things; neither is there here required the constant presence of the ope∣rator, the observation of the regiment of fire, the neglect whre∣of would otherwise endanger the loss of the retorts and re∣ceivers, and by consequence the loss of labor. These and such like tedious things are not here to be cared for, because it is sufficient only to cast the water upon the coals, and cover the furnace, and then presently go forth the spirits, and flowers of the same kinde with their mineral: of which when thou hast got a sufficient quantity, thou must draw out the Iron bars, upon which the coals lye, that they may fall down, and be taken away; and whilst the furnace is yet hot, to put in the Iron bars again, and upon them to lay fresh coals, which then will of their own accord be kindled with the heat of the furnace. In the mean time you must take away the receiver, and make it clean and set it to again, or if you had rather put another clean one, viz. for the new distillation of another water.

And by this way divers things may be in the space of 1. hour distilled, and sublimed, viz. in a small quantity. But he that will distil, or sublime in a greater quantity, let him take three or four pots that the spirits may pass from one into another,

that nothing thereof be lost. Here need not (as I said before) the continual presence of the operator, for he may be gone, cease, or repeal as he please, because the work is without danger of breaking the retorts, and receivers.

He that knows the use of this furnace may do many things in a short time without spending much time or cost. For any one may do more by the help thereof in one hour, then in the common way in 24. by which way also there is a great saving of coals, because ten pound of coals will do more this way then a hundred the other. As for example, he that will try shall make a pound of spirit of salt in one hour with 3. 4. or five pounds of coals; whereas after the other way are required fifty or sixty pounds, and at least twenty or thirty hours time, viz. in the common way by the help of retorts: which is indeed very tedious.

Also by this way may be made the flowers of minerals, and metals, in a great quantity, very easily, and in a short time without great cost, so as that in one hours space with three or four pound of coals may a pound of the flowers of An∣timony be made. And this is no small help to the Physitian, and Chymist.

Moreover this furnace being once built endures for many yeers, and being broken is easily repaired.

And by this way you shall need only materials to be distill∣ed, no retorts, and receivers are not in danger, by which means much cost is saved.

Besides the aforesaid wayes I have yet another, and that more compendious, viz. of distilling, and subliming, and more easie, by which means in a very little time, an incredi∣ble quantity of spirits of salts, and flowers of Minerals, and metals may be made: which I shall refer till another time be∣cause for the present I have said enough.

Now I do not doubt but diligent Chymists will follow my steps, and finde out those things which were unknown to me. For it is easier to adde to things founde out, then to finde out things unknown.

The construction therefore of the furnaces being in mine

opinion cleerly shewed, there now follows the manner of di∣stilling, and subliming with it.

Although haply, and contrary to my hope any obscurity should be met withall, yet one process will explain another: and the diligent operator, and searcher of nature shall with∣out doubt by his practise attain the effect after the same manner as I have prescribed. And this is that, which together with the blessing of God may overtake all pious Chy∣mists, Amen.

How the Spirit of Salt is to be distilled.

THE reason why I enter upon the spirit of salt, before I say any thing of the spirits of vegetables, is this, viz. be∣cause it is even the chiefest, which can be made in this furnace: for few exceed this in strength and vertues; wherefore I also have given it the preeminency. Neither is there any of the acid spirits, about which the Chymists hitherto have been more busied, then this, wherefore also it was of all, of greatest price, &c. For some have mixed salt with potters clay; and have made this mixture into little bals, which they have for to get the spirit, forced by retort into a very strong fire: some have mixed salt with bole, some with the powder of tyles, others with burnt Allume, &c.

Others using a more compendious way have made salt to flow in a retort, which hath a pipe both in the upper, and hinder part; by the upper pipe of which they have dropped in cold water, to elevate the ponderous spirits of the salt, but by the hinder they have blown with bellows, to force the spirits into the retort: and this way is not altogether to be slighted, yet it hath this inconveniency, that in process of time the retorts are broken, that they can no longer retain the salt, and so the distillation is intercepted. Some have at∣tempted it with Iron retorts, but by this means the spirits have been deaded, because they easily set upon the Iron, whence in stead of spirit they have had flegme. And such, and other

tedious wayes of distilling they have invented; and by the best of them indeed they could scarce distill one pound in 24. or 30. houres space with 50. 60. or 100 pound of coals; this being the reason, because the salt is very little wrought upon, and therefore it is that few ever had the spirit right, and good, whence also the vertues thereof have been unknown.

And this therefore I was willing to make known, that it might appeare, what price this spirit hath hitherto been of, and how easie, and abundantly, and with what little cost, it may after my new invented way be made.

It is said above, that the materials may in this way of distil∣ling be immediately cast into the fire; yet this must be wisely understood. For although some of the species may without any preparation be immediately cast into the fire, yet it doth not follow that all and every one of them must: for in some of them we must use our discretion, as in the distilling of salt. For if the salt be immediately cast into the fire, it will not only yeeld no spirits, but will leap so long upon the coals, untill it finde a descent to the lowest part of the furnace: Now this may be prevented divers wayes; and first indeed after this manner: Dissolve salt in common water, then quench burning coales in this water, that they may be impregnated with the salt, which afterwards set on fire in the furnace: but you must first cast in other burning coals, upon which you must cast those that are impregnated with salt untill the fur∣nace be full, as is above said: and whiles the coales burn the the salt is resolved by the force of the fire into spirit.

Now you must observe that he that distils spirit of salt after this manner must make choice of glass receivers, because the spirit whilest it is hot, penetrates by reason of its wonderful subtilty, those that are earthen. And this spirit is of a most grateful tast. But in defect of glass receivers, I shall shew you another way, wherein you may use those that be of earth.

Mix salt, and vitrial or allome together, grinding them very wel in a morter (for by how much the better they are ground the more spirit they yeeld.) Then cast this mixture into the fire with an Iron ladle, viz. so much of it as will be suffici∣ent

to cover the coals, and then with a great fire the spirits come forth into the receivers, where being coagulated, they distill down into a dish, and thence into another receiver. And if thou knowest how to work aright, the spirits will like water continually run out through the pipe the thickness of a straw; and thou mayest easily every hour make a pound of the spirit. Now the reason why thou shalt by this way have more spirits then by the other, is this, viz. because the vitriol, and allome which is mixed with the salt, makes it flow quickly, by which means it is prevented from falling down through the coals to the lower part of the furnace, but sticking to the coals is almost all of it turned into spirits. The Caput Mortuum, which is reddish, easily fals with the ashes through the grate, and can no more be distilled, but yeelds by excoction a white fixed salt, which serves for the flowing of metals; and being dissolved in warm water serves also for a glyster against the worms, which it kils, and purgeth also the bowels.

Thou wilt object, that the spirit made after this maner is not the true spirit of salt by reason of the mixture of vitriall and allome, but mixed, and compounded. I answer; There can by this way distill no spirit of vitrioll, and allome, being that which I often tryed, casting vitriol, or allome into the furnace, where I received no spirit at all; the reason of this is, because these spirits are far more heavy then the spi∣rit of salt, neither can they ascend so great a height, viz. of three spans, but are burnt, whence unless the flegme, nothing distils. Wherefore the spirit of salt that is made after this manner is not mixed, but pure and meer spirit of salt, of the same tast, and vertue as that is of, that is made by it self; because in this furnace the spirit of allome, and vitriol cannot be made unless a pipe go out of the furnace neer the grate, as you may see by the delineation of the furnace, for otherwise it cannot be made; besides, these spirits are better, and more truly taught in the second part. And if it be granted that somewhat together with the spirit of salt come forth (which is yet impossible) what hurt I pray you comes from thence

either in the solution of metals, or medicine? wherefore the spirit made after this way is not to be suspected. Yet I will satisfie the incredulous, and will shew him another way without the addition of allom, or vitrial, for the distilling of that spirit, but that will be in the second part of this book, where I will teach you the furnace by which is made spirit of nitre, Aqua foris, and amongst combustibles; the oyles of vegetables, and fats of animals and other things which can∣not be made by this: and by this way I will satisfie those, who are not pleased with the former.

Now for want of glass receivers we are forced to use earthen, but these cannot retain the spirit of salt made after the afore∣said wayes: in which case I could indeed discover a certain little manual, by vertue of which the aforesaid spirit may be received even in a great quantity in earthen recipients: but for certain causes I shall here be silent, and shal refer it till the edition of the second part. Let it suffice therefore that I mentioned such a thing, wherefore omitting that, I shall proceed to shew you the vertues, and use of this spirit, as well in Alchymie, as in medicine, & other Mechanical arts.

Of the use of the spirit of Salt.

IT is worth while to speak of the power, and vertues of this excellent spirit; what other authors have cleerly described, I shall here pass over, and refer the reader to the writings of those Authors; touching only on some few of which they said nothing.

The Spirit of salt is by most accounted a most excellent me∣dicine, and safely to be used as well inwardly, as outwardly: It extinguisheth a preternatural thirst in hot diseases, abster∣geth, and consumeth flegmatique humors in the stomack, ex∣citeth the appetite, is good for them that are hydropical, have the stone, and gout, &c. It is a menstruum dissolving metals, excelling all other therein: For it dissolveth all metals and minerals (excepting silver) and almost all stones (being right∣ly prepared) and reduceth them into excellent medicaments.

It doth also many excellent things in mechanicall arts.

Neither is it to slighted in the kitchen, for with the help thereof are prepared divers pleasant meats for the sick as well as for those that are in health, yea and better then with vine∣gar, and other acid things: and it doth more in a small quan∣tity, then vinegar in a great. But especially it serves for those countreys that have no vinegar. It is used also instead of verjuice and the juce of Lymons. For being prepared after this way, it is bought at a cheaper rate then vinegar or juice of Lymons. Neither is it corruptible as expressed juices are, but is bettered by age. Being mixed with Sugar it is an excel∣lent sauce for rost meat. It preserves aso divers kinds of fruits for many yeers. It makes also-raisins, and dryed grapes to swell, so as to acquire their former magni∣tude again, which are good to refresh a weak stomach in ma∣ny diseases, and serves for the preparing of divers kinds of meats of flesh and fish; but you must mix some water with the spirit, or else the raisins will contract too much acidity. This spirit doth especially serve for making meats delightfully acid; for whatsoever things are prepared with it, as Chickens, Pige∣ons, Veale, &c. are of a more pleasant tast then those which are prepared wirh vinegar. Beefe being macerated with it be∣comes in a few dayes so tender, as if it had been a long time macerated with vinegar. Such, and many more things can the spirit of salt do.

A distillation of vegetable oyles, whereby a greater quantity is acqui∣red, then by that common way, by a gourd still.

AS many distillers as hitherto have been, have bin ignorant of a better way to distill oyles of spices, woods, and seeds, then by a gourd still, or alembick, with a great quantity of water. And although they may also be made by retort, yet there is a great deal of care required, or else they contract an Empyreuma; wherefore that way by a still is alwayes accoun∣ted the better, which way indeed is not to be slighted if you distill vegetables of a low price, and such as be oleaginous;

but not so in the distillation of spices, and of other things that are of a greater value, as are Cinnamon, Mace, Saffron, &c. which cannot be distilled in a gourd still without loss, because then there is required a great quantity of water, and by con∣sequence great, and large vessels, to which something adheres, wherefore we lose almost half, which is not to be so much valued in vegetables that are oleaginous, as in annisseed, fen∣nel, and caryoway seed, &c. But the loss made in the distilling of dryer and dearer vegetables, as of Cinnamon, Lignum Rhodii, Cassia, is evident enough, and by consequence not to be slighted. Neither can it be, that all things can be distilled that way, for a good quantity by coction acquireth a gum∣my tenaciousness, which cannot ascend with the water. But that this way for the future be prevented, I will shew another way to distill the oyles of spices, and other pretious things, which is done with spirit of salt, whereby all the oyle is drawn forth without any loss, the process whereof is this, viz. Fill a gourd with cinnamon or any other wood, or seed, upon which pour so much of the spirit of salt, as will be suf∣ficient to cover the wood, then place it with its Alembick in sand, and give it fire by degrees that the spirit of salt may boyle, and all the oyle will destill off with a little flegme, for the spirit of salt doth with its acrimony penetrate the wood, and freeth the oyle that it may distil off the better and easier. And by this way the oyle is not lost by the addition of that great quantity of water in those great, and large vessels, but is drawn in lesser glass vessels with the addition of a little moy∣sture. Distillation being finished the spirit is poured off by inclination from the wood, being again useful for the same work. And if it hath contracted any impurity from the wood, it may be rectified: but the residue of the spirit which remains in the wood ye may recover, if that wood be cast into the a∣foresaid furnace upon burning coals, by which means it may come forth again pure, and clear: and by this means we lose none of the spirit of salt. And after this way by help of the spirit of salt are drawn forth oyles of dearer vegetables to∣gether with their fruit which cannot be done by a still.

There are made also by means thereof oyles of gummes and rosins, cleer, and prospicuous.

The cleer oyle of Mastick, and frankincense.

TAke of frankincense, or mastick powdered small as much as will serve to fill the third part of a cornute (which must be coated) upon which pour a sufficient quantity of the spirit of salt, taking heed that the retort be not filled too full, or else the spirit when it boyles, flows over it, then place it in sand, and give fire by degrees, and there will first come out some phlegme, after which a clear transparent oyle toge∣ther with the spirit of salt, which must be kept by it self, after this a certain yellow oyle which must be received by it self: and last of all there follows a red oyle, which although it is not to be cast away, yet it is very unlike to the first, serving for outward uses, and to be mixed with oyntments and Em∣plasters, for it doth wonderfully consolidate, and therefore good in new and old wounds. The first being well rectified is in its subtilty, and penetrating faculty not unlike to spirit of wine, and may profitably be used inwardly, and outwardly, viz. in cold affects, but especially in the stiffness of the Nerves caused by cold humors, upon which follows a contracti∣on; but then you must first rub the member contracted with a linnen cloth, that it may be well warmed, into which then the oyle must be chafed with a warm hand. For it doth do wonders in such like affects of the Nerves.

After the same maner may oyles be made out of all gums. The red, tenacious, and stinking oyles of Tartar, Hartshorn, Amber, &c. distilled after the common way by retort are also rectified with spirit of salt so as to become transparent and to lose the Empyreuma contracted by distilla∣tion.

Now the cause of the blackness, and fetidness of these kind of oyles is a certain volatile salt which is to be found as well in vegetables, as certain Animals, which is easily mixed with

the oyle, and then makes it of a brown colour. For every vola∣tile salt whether it be of Urine, Tartar, Amber, Hartshorn, and of other vegetables, and Animals, is of this condition, and nature as to exalt, and alter the colours of sulphureous things, and that either for the worse, or for the better: but for the most part it makes oyles thick, black and stinking, as you may see in Amber, Hartshorn, and Tartar. The cause there∣fore of the blackness, and fetidness of these oyles being known we may the more easily take heed thereof in distilling, and be∣ing contracted, correct them again by the help of spirit of salt. For all volatile salt hath contrariety to any acid spi∣rit, and on the other side, every acid spirit hath a contrariety with all volatile salts, that have the nature of salt of Tartar. For metals that are dissolved with acid spirits are as well pre∣cipitated with spirit of urine or any volatile salt as with the liquor of salt of Tartar; which shall be more at large decla∣red in the second part.

The volatile salt therefore is by the mortifying acid spirits, as of salt, vitrial, allom, vinegar, &c. deprived of its volatili∣ty, and is fixed, by which means being debilitated it forsakes its associate which was infected with blackness by it: it is ne∣cessary that we should proceed after the same maner with these fetid oyles, viz. as follows.

Take any fetid oyle of Tartar, Amber, &c. with which fill the fourth part only of a glass cornute, and upon it poure by drops the spirit of salt; and it will begin to be hot, as it is used to be, when Aqua fortis is poured on salt of Tartar; wherefore the spirit is to be poured on it by little and little, and by drops for fear of breaking the glasse: Now the signe of the moriification of the volatile salt is when it ceaseth to make a noise, and then no more is to be poured on, but set your retort in sand, and give fire to it by degrees, as is used to be done in the rectifying of things of easie elevation: and first of all will go forth a certain stinking water, after which comes a transparent clear, and odoriferous oyle, and after that a certain yellow, clear, and also well smelling oyle, but not so as the first, wherefore each must be taken a part by chan∣ging

the receivers. Now these oyles become more grate∣ful then those fetid of the shops. For these oyles retaine their cleerness, and fairness, the cause of their fetidness, and redness being taken away by the spirit of salt. In the bot∣tom of the retort remains the black volatile salt with the spi∣rit of salt, from whence it may be sublimed into an odorife∣rous salt, resembling salt armoniack in tast. The spirit of salt is also deprived of its acidity, and coagulated by the volatile salt, and is like tartarum vitriolatum, appointed also for its uses, as shall be spoken in the second part of the spirit of urine.

After the same manner also are rectified other oyles, which by length of time have contracted a clamminess, as are oyle of Cinnamon, Mace, cloves, &c. with the spirit of salt, if they be rectified by retort, for then they acquire again both the same clearness, and goodness, as they had when they were new∣ly distilled.

Here I must make mention of a certain error of Physitians, not only of ignorant Galenists, but Spagyricks, committed in the preparations of some Chymical medicaments. For many have perswaded themselves that oyle of Tartar, Harts∣horn, &c. having lost its stink, is a medicine radically taking away all obstructions; but this must be taken with a graine of salt. For some have rectified these kinds of oyles by calci∣ned vitriol, and by that means have somewhat made them lose their Empyreuma, but withall their vertues: which others observing have conceived that the fetidness thereof is not to be taken away, because the vertue of them is thereby lost, as if the vertue consisted in the fetidness thereof; but that is a very great error, because fetidness is an enemy to the heart and brain, and in it is no good. But this is granted, that they that take away the fetidness of those oyles mortifie the vertues of them. But thou saist, How then must we proceed in ta∣king away their fetidness without the loss of the vertues? Must they be rectified by the spirit of salt? as even now thou taughtest. R. No, for although I said that oyles might be clarified with spirit of salt, yet it doth not follow that my

meaning was that that clarification was the mending of them: this is only a way of clarification, whereby they be∣come more gratefull; and it is not to be slighted, a better be∣ing unknown. But how they are to be rectified from their fetidness, and blackness without the loss of their vertues, and to be made more noble, doth not belong to this place, because it cannot be done by this furnace: I shall refer the reader therefore to the second part, where it shall be shewed, how such spirits are to be rectified without the loss of their vertues, which being so prepared may well be accounted for the fourth pillar of Physick. And these things I was willing at least for information sake to shew you, not to offend you, and that because I was moved with pity, and compassion towards my neighbor.

The Quintessence of all vegetables.

POur upon spices, seeds, woods, roots, fruits, flowers, &c. the spirit of wine well rectified, place them in digesti∣on to be extracted, untill all the essence be extracted, with the spirit of wine; then upon this spirit of wine being impregnated pour the best spirit of salt, and being thus mixed together place them in Balneo to digest, untill the oyle be separated and swim above from the spirit of wine, then separate it with a separating glass: or distill off the spi∣rit of wine in Balneo, and a cleer oyle will ascend: for if the spirit of wine be not abstracted, then that oyle will be as red as blood; and it is the true quintessence of that vege∣table, from whence by the spirit of wine it was extracted.

The Quintessence of all Metals, and Minerals.

DIssolve any metal (excepting silver, which must be dis∣solved in Aqua fortis) in the strongest spirit of salt, and draw off the flegme in Balneo: to that which remaines pour the best rectified spirit of wine, put it to digesting, untill the oyle be elevated to the top as red as blood, which is the tin∣cture,

and quintessence of that metal, being a most pretious treasure in medicine.

A sweet, and red oyle of metals and minerals.

DIssolve a metal, or Mineral in spirit of salt, dissolve al∣so an equall weight of salt of wine essentificated; mix these dissolutions, and distill them by retort in a gradual heat, and there will come out an oyle sweet, and as red as blood together with the spirit of salt: and sometimes the neck of the retort, and receiver will be coloured like a Peacocks taile with divers colours, and sometimes with a golden colour.

And because I would without any difference comprehend all metals and minerals under one certain general process; let him that would make the essence of silver take the spirit of nitre, and proceed in all things as was spoken of the other metals. Concerning the use of these essences, I need not speak much thereof; for to him that knows the preparation shall be discovered the use thereof. Concerning the corrosive oyles of metals and minerals, seeing they cannot be descri∣bed by any one process, it will be worth while to set down what is peculiar to each of them, as followeth.

The oyle, or liquor of Gold.

DIssolve the calx of gold in the spirit of wine (which must be very strong, or else it cannot dissolve it) but in defect of the strongest spirit thereof mix a little of the purest salt-peter; but that oyle is the best which is made with the spirit of salt alone. From the gold dissolved abstract half the solution, and there will remaine a corrosive oyle, upon which pour the expressed juice of limons, and the dissolution will become green, and a few feces fall to the bottom, which may be reduceed in melting. This being done put this green liquor in Balneo and draw off the flegme: that which remains take out, and put upon a marble in a cold moist place, and it will be resolved into a red oyle, which may safely, and without

danger be taken inwardly, curing those that are hurt with Mercury. But especially it is commended in old ulcers of the mouth, tongue, and throat, arising from the French pox, leprousie, scorbute, &c. where the oyle of other things can∣not be so safely used. There is not a better medicine in the exulceration, and humors of the glandules, in the ulcers of tongue and jaws, which doth sooner mundifie, and consoli∣date. Neither yet must we neglect necessary purgings, and sudorifickes for fear of a relapse, the cause not being taken away.

Neither will there any danger follow, whether it be given inwardly, or used outwardly, as in the accustomed use of other medicaments, and gargarismes; for it may dayly, and truly without all danger be used at least three times with a wonderful admiration of a quicke ope∣ration.

Oyle of Mars.

DIssolve thin plates of Iron in rectified spirit of salt, take the solution, which is green, of a sweet tast, and smel∣ling like fetid sulphur; & filter it from that filthy and seculent residence: then in a glass gourd in sand abstract all the humi∣dity (viz. with a gentle fire) which will be as insipid as rain∣water, because the iron by reason of its dryness hath attract∣ed all the acidity to it self: but in the bottom will remain a masse as red as blood, burning the tongue like fire: It takes away all proud flesh of wounds, and that without all dan∣ger. It is to be kept in a glasse close stopt from the aire, lest it be resolved into an oyle, which will be of a yellow colour. But he that desires to have the oyle may set it on a marble in a moist Cellar, and within a day it will be resolved into an oyle which will be in colour betwixt yellow and red: It is a most excellent secret in all corroding ulcers, fustula's, cancer, &c. being an incomparable consolidator, and mundifier. And it is not without profit mixed also with common water to wash the moist, fetid ulcers of the leggs; which cause humors, by

being applyed warm like a bath, for it dryes, and heales sud∣denly, if withal Purges be administred. It cures also any scab. That red masse (being yet unresolved) being put on the oyle of sand, or flints (of which in the second part) makes a tree to grow in the space of one or two hours, having root, trunk, and boughs: which being taken out, and dryed in the test yeelds good gold, which that tree extracts from the earth, i. e. from the flints, or sand. Thou maist if thou pleas∣est, more accurately examine this matter.

Oyle of Venus.

SPirit of Salt doth not easily work upon Copper, unless it be first reduced into a calx, and that after this manner. Take plates of Copper made red hot in an open crucible, quench them in cold water, & they will cleave into red scales: then the remainders of the plates make red hot, & quench as before: do this so often till thou hast got a sufficient quantity of the calx; which being dryed, and poudered extract with the rectified spirit of salt, in sand, untill the spirit of salt be sufficiently coloured with a green timcture, which you must de∣cant, and filter, and then abstract from it the superfluous moisture, that there may remain a green thick oyle, which is an excellent remedy for ulcers, especially such are venereal, being applyed outwardly.

Oyle of Jupiter and Saturne.

NEither are these two metals easily dissolved in the spirit of salt, yet being filed are dissolved in the best rectified spirit of salt. But the operation is performed better with the flowers of these metals (the preparation whereof shall be hereafter taught) Take therefore the flowers, upon which in a gourd glass pour the spirit of salt, and presently the spirit will work upon them, especially being set in a warm place; filter the yellow solution, and abstract the humidity

untill there remain a yellow heavy oyle, which is proper a∣gainst pitrid ulcers.

Oyle of Mercury.

NEither is this easily dissolved with the spirit of salt: but being sublimed with vitriol, and salt is easily dissolved. Being dissolved it yeelds an oyle very corrosive which must be used with discretion, wherefore it is not to be administred unless it be where none of the other are to be had. For I saw a woman suddenly killed with this oyle, being applyed by a certain Chirurgeon. But this oyle is not to be slighted in eating ulcers, tetter, &c. which are mortified by it.

Oyle of Antimony.

CRude Antimony that hath never undergone the fire, is hardly dissolved in spirit of salt: as also the Regulus thereof; but the Regulus being subtilly poudered is more ea∣sily wrought upon in case the spirit be sufficiently recti∣fied.

The Vitrum is more easily, but most easily of all the flow∣ers are dissolved, being such as are made after our prescripti∣on a little after set down. Neither is Butyrum Antimonii (being made out of sublimed Mercury, and Antimony) any thing else but the Regulus of Antimony dissolved with spirit of salt: for sublimed Mercury being mixed with Antimony, feeling the heat of the fire, is forsaken by the corrosive spirits associ∣ating themselves with antimony, whence comes the thick oyle: whilest which is done the sulphur of Antimony is joyned to the quick-silver, and yeelds a Cinnabar, sticking to the neck of the retort; but the residue of the Mercury remains in the bottom with the Caput Mortuum, because a little part thereof doth distill off: And if thou hast skill thou maist recover the whole weight of the Mercury again.

And these things I was willing the rather to shew thee be∣cause

many think this is the oyle of Mercury, and therefore that white pouder made thence by the pouring on of abun∣dance of water they call Mercurius vitae, with which there is no mixture at all of Mercury, for it is meer Regulus of Anti∣mony dissolved with spirit of salt, which is again separated, when the water is poured on the antimoniall butter; as is seen by experience: For that white pouder being dryed, and melted in a crucible yeelds partly a yellow glass, and part∣ly also a Regulus, but no Mercury at all.

Whence it doth necessarily follow that that thick oyle is nothing else but Antimony dissolved in spirit of salt. For the flowers of Antimony being mixed with spirit of salt make an oyle in all respects like to that butter which is made of An∣timony, and sublimated Mercury; which also is after the same manner by the affusion of a good quantity of water pre∣cipitated into a white pouder, which is commonly called Mer∣curius vitae: It is also by the same way turned into Bezoardicum minerall, viz. by abstracting the spirit of nitre, and it is no∣thing else but Diaphoretick Antimony.

For it is all one whether that Diaphoretick be made with spirit of nitre, or with nitre it self, viz. corporeal, for these have the same vertues, although some are of opinion that that is to be preferred before the other: but the truth is, there is no difference. But let every one be free in his own judgement, for those things which I have wrote, I have not writ out of ambition, but to finde out the truth.

Now again to our purpose, which is to shew an oyle of antimony made with the spirit of salt.

Take a pound of the flowers of Antimony (of which a little after) upon which pour two pound of the best rectified spirit, mix them well together in a glass, and set them in sand a day, and night to dissolve, then pour out that solution together with the flowers into a retort that is coated, which set in sand, and first give a gentle fire, untill the flegme be come off, then follows a weak spirit with a little stronger fire, for the stron∣ger spirits remaine in the bottom with the Antimony: then give a stronger fire, and there will come forth an oyle like

to the butter of Antimony made with sublimed Mercury, and is appropriated to the same uses, as follows.

The flowers of Antimony white and vomitive.

TAke of this butter as much as you please, upon which in a glass gourd, or any other large glass pour a great quan∣tity of water until the white flowers will precipitate no more; then decant off the water from the flowers, which edulcorate with warm water, and dry with a gentle heat, and thou shalt have a white pouder.

The Dose is, that 1. 2. 3. 8. 10. grains be macerated for the space of a night in wine, which is to be drank in the mor∣ning, and it worketh upward, and downward. But it is not to be given to children, those that be old, and weak, but to those that be strong, and accustomed to vomiting. When at any time this infusion is taken and doth not work, as some∣times it fals out, but makes the patient very sick, he must pro∣voke vomiting with his finger, or else it will not work but make those that have taken it to be sick, and debili∣tated even to death. We must also in the over much working of these flowers drink a draught of warm beer or rather of warm water, decocted with chervil, or parsly, and they will work more mildly. But let not him that is able to bear the operation thereof any way hinder it, for there is the greater hope of recovering his health thereby, for they do excellently purge choler, and evacuate flegme in the stomack, being hu∣mors that will not yeeld to other Catharticks; they open ob∣structions, resist the putrefaction of the blood, the causes of many diseases, such as are feavers, headaches, &c. they are good for them that are leprous, scorbutical, Melancholical, hy∣pochondriacal, infected with the French pox, and in the begin∣ning of the plague. In brief, they do work gallantly, and do many things.

After the taking of them the patient must stay in his bed or at least not go forth of his house for to avoid the aire, or otherwise they may be mistrusted.

And because of their violence they are feared, and hated, I shall in the fourth part of this book for the sake of the sick set down such as are milder, and safer, such as shall work rather downward then upward, causing easie vomits, which also thou mayest give to children, and those that are old without danger, yet some respect being had of the disease, and age.

The flowers of Antimony, diaphoretical.

THE foresaid flowers if they be cast into melted nitre, and be left a while in melting, are made fixt, so as to become Diaphoretical, and lose their Cathartical vertue. The acid water being separated from the flowers, if it be evaporated, leaves behinde the best spirit of salt, serving for the same, or such like uses again.

Of the external use of the Corrosive oyle of Antimony.

THis oyle hath been long used by Chirurgions, for they have with a feather applyed it to wounds almost uncu∣rable, to separate impurities, for the acceleration of the cure that after other medicaments being applyed may the better operate. But it is better if it be mixed with spirit of salt, for they are easily mixed, and it is made more mild thereby, and the too great corrosive faculty thereof is mitigated. Neither is there any other beside the spirit of salt, with which this oyle can be mixed, unless it be the strongest spirit of nitre, for the weak spirit of Antimony precipitates the butter of Antimony, as you may see in the preparation of Bezoardicum Minerale. But the strongest spirit of nitre dissolving this butter, makes a red solution of won∣derful vertue in Chymistry, of which we are not to treat in this place; and if this be drawn off again by distillation, it leaves behinde the first time a fixed Antimony, and Diapho∣reticall, which otherwise must be drawn off twice, or thrice, viz. if it be weak, and not able to dissolve the butter with∣out precipitation.

Now this Bezoardicum, is the best, and safest Diaphoretick in all diseases that require sweat, as in the plague, french pox, feavers, scorbute, leprosie, &c. if it be given from 6. 8. 10. to twenty grains in proper vehicles; it penetrates the whole body, and evacuates all evil humors by sweat and urine.

The Oyle of Arsenic and Auripigmentum.

AS the spirit of salt doth not easily work upon Antimony by reason of the abundance of crude sulphur, unless it be reduced into flowers, in the preparation whereof some part of its sulphur is burnt; so also Arsenic and Auripigmentum are hardly dissolved with spirit of salt, unless they be reduced in∣to flowers, and the spirit of salt be very strong, which may be able to work upon it. These may be distilled by retort like Antimony into a thick heavy oyle; which being used in cancrous eating ulcers exceeds that of Antimony in mortify∣ing, mundifying and purging those evils. After the same manner may corrosive oyles be made out of all the realgars being ordained for outward uses.

Oyle of Lapis Calaminaris.

TAke of the best yellow or red Lapis Calaminaris very subtil∣ly poudered, as much as you please, and pour upon it five or six times as much of rectified spirit of salt, mix and stir them well together, and do not leave them long unstirred, but ever and anon shake the glass with the materials; and this do oftentimes, or else the Lapis calaminaris will grow together into a very hard stone, which can be dissolved no more, which is prevented by the aforesaid often shaking: and when the spirit of salt will dissolve no more thereof in frigido, set the glass in warm sand so long untill the spirit be tinged with a most yellow colour, which then decant, and pour on fresh and again set it in digestion to extract, and do not forget to shake the glass often. The solution being finished filter it,

and cast away the residue of the terra mortua. Afterwards set the solution in sand, and give fire, and almost three parts of the spirit of salt will go over insipid, which is nothing but the flegme, although the spirit was never so well rectified; the reason whereof is the most dry nature of lapis calaminaris▪ to which the spirit of salt is very friendly, and therefore very hard to be separated from it. For I never knew any mineral or metal (beside Zinck) which exceeds lapis calaminaris in dry∣ness. At last when no more flegm will go over, let all things coole; which being done, take out the glass, and thou shalt finde a thick red oyle, as fat as oyle olive, and not very cor∣rosive; for that spirit of salt being almost mortified with lapis calaminaris is deprived of its acidity. This oyle is to be kept from the aire; or else within a few dayes it attracts much aire which it converts into water, and thereby becomes weakened.

This oyle is of wonderful vertue, being used as well in∣wardly as outwardly. And I wonder that in so long a time there hath been no body, who hath operated in lapis calami∣naris & described the nature thereof, seeing it hath in it a gol∣den sulphur (of which thing in the fourth part) for if the ter∣restreity thereof were separated from it artificially, pure gold would be manifested therein; now the greatest part thereof is volatile, and immature, and cannot easily be redu∣ced into a body in melting, wherefore hitherto that stone hath not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 esteemed of by Chymists, but to the wise was 〈…〉〈…〉 &c.

The use of the oyle of Lapis Calaminaris.

〈…〉〈…〉 given from 1. 2. 3. drops to ten and fifteen with su∣table vehicles, it purgeth the dropsie, leprosie, gout, and other noxious fixed humors not yeelding to vegetable Ca∣tharticks, of which more at large in the second part of the spirit of urine and salt of tartar. It serves outwardly for an excellent vulnerary balsome, the like to which can scarce be shewed, not only in reducing old corrupt wounds, but also

in those that are green, for it doth powerfully dry, mundifie, and consolidate.

It is also used in houshold affaires, for birdlime being dis∣solved in it yeelds a certain tenacious matter serving to catch birds, mice, &c. about the house or in the field. For it is as permanent in the heat of the Sun, as in the cold of winter, wherefore it may be used at any time of the yeere; all small animals stick to it if they do but touch the matter.

A ligature or string smeered therewith, and bound about any tree prevents the spiders from climbing up thereon, and other kindes of insects that are noxious to the fruit; a thing worth taking notice of.

This oyle is not by the pouring on of water corrupted, nei∣ther is it precipitated, as that of Antimony: wherefore it is useful for many things. Common yellow sulphur boyled in it, viz. in a strong fire, so as to be dissolved in it, swims upon it like fat, is thereby purified and made as transparent as yellow pellucid glass, and a better medicine then those common flowers of sulphur: it serves also for other uses, all which to relate here it would be too tedious.

This oyle being mixed with clean sand, and distilled by retort in a fire that is very strong (otherwise the spirit of salt will leave the lapis calaminaris) yeelds a most fiery spirit, the lapis calaminaris remaining in the bottome of the re∣tort.

This spirit is so strong, that it can scarce be kept; it dis∣solves all metals, and all minerals (excepting silver & sulphur) wherefore by the help thereof many excellent medicaments are made, which cannot be made with the common spirit though never so well rectified, which although it be often rectified, yet is not without flegme, which cannot be separa∣ted from it by the power of rectification, so well as with lapis calaminaris.

This spirit doth perform many things in medicine, as in Alchymie, as also in other arts, as you may easily conjecture, but here is not opportunity to speak more of these things, yet

for the sake of the sick I shall add one thing, to which few things are to be compared, the plaine and short process where∣of I would not have thee be offended at. And it is this, viz. Mix this spirit with the best rectified spirit of wine, di∣gest this mixture somewhile, and the spirit of salt will se∣parate the spirit of wine, and will make the oyle of wine swim on the top, the volatile salt being mortified: and this oyle is a most incomparable cordial, especially if with the said spirit of wine spices have first been extracted, and with the said spi∣rit of salt, gold hath been dissolved. For then in the dige∣stion of this mixture, the oyle of wine being separated at∣tracts the essence of the cordial species, and of other vege∣tables, being extracted before with the spirit of wine, as also the tincture of gold, and so by consequence a most effica∣cious imcomparable and universal medicine for all diseases, fortifying the Humidum radicale, that it way be able to over∣come its enemies; for which let praise and glory be given to the immortall God for ever who hath revealed to us so great secrets.

Of the extrinsecal use of the spirit of salt in the kitchen.

I Said before that in stead of vinegar, and verjuice it may be used, as also in stead of the juice of Limons, now it remains that I shew you how it is to be used, and that indeed as wil for the sake of the healthy as the sick▪

Let him therefore that will dress a pullet, pigeons, veale, &c. in the first place put a sufficient quantity of spices, of water, and butter, and then as he pleaseth a greater, or lesser quantity of spirit of salt: and by this means fleshes are sooner made ready being boyled, then that common way; an old hen though the flesh thereof be old is made as tender as a chicken by the addition of this spirit: but he that will use it in stead of the juice of Limons with rost meat, must put into it the pill of limons for preservation sake, because it preserves it. It is used in stead of verjuice by it self alone, or mixed with a little sugar, if it be too acid.

He that will stew beef, and make it as tender as kid, must first dissolve it in tartar and a little salt before he wets the flesh therewith, and the flesh will not only be preserved but made tender thereby: but to keep flesh a long time you must mix some water therewith, and with weights press down the flesh, that it may be covered with the pickle: for by this means flesh may be preserved a great while.

After the same manner may all kinds of garden fruits be pre∣served, as cucumbers, purslaine, fennel, broom, German ca∣pers, &c. and indeed better then in vinegar. Also flowers, and hearbs may a long while be preserved by the help thereof, so that you may have a rose all the winter.

It preserves also wine, if a little be mixed therewith. A little thereof being mixed with milk precipitates the cheese, which if it be rightly made is never corrupted, being like to such cheese as they call Parmesan. The whey of that milke dissolves Iron, and cures any scab being washed therewith.

With the help of spirit of salt is made with honey, and sugar a most pleasant drink, not unlike to wine. There is made also of certain fruits with the spirit of salt a very good vine∣gar like to the Rhenish vinegar. Such and many more things, which I wil not now divulge, may be done with spirit of salt▪

And thus have I in some measure taught the use of the spi∣rit of salt, which I would not have you take as if I had re∣vealed all things; for, for brevities sake, as also for some other reasons I have silently passed over many things. Neither do I know all things my self: but those things, which I do know, I have so far declared that others may from thence have hints of seeking further. He that would describe all, & every power & vertue thereof, had need to write a whole volume, that which is not my purpose at this time to do, but may prehaps be done another time. There shall also be shewed in the second part of this book, some secrets which may be prepared by the help of this spirit: as how it may be dulcified to extract the tincture of gold, and of other metals, leaving a white body, which tincture is a medicine not to be slighted. Wherefore now

seeing it is manifest how great things this spirit can do, every one will desire a good quantity for his houshold uses, especi∣ally seeing most excellent spirits may be made after an easie and short way.

How an acid spirit, or vinegar may be distilled out of all vegetables, as hearbs, woods, roots, seeds, &c.

FIrst put a few living coals into the furnace, then put upon them the wood that is to be distilled, that it may be burnt: out of which whilest it is burning goes forth the acid spirit thereof into the receiver, where being condensed it fals down into another receiver, resembling almost common vine∣gar in its smell, wherefore also it is called the vinegar of woods.

And after this manner you may draw forth an acid spirit out of any wood, or vegetable, and that in a great quantity without costs, because the wood to be distilled is put but up∣on a very few living coals, and upon that another, for one kindles the other; and this spirit requires no more charges then of the wood to be distilled; which is a great difference betwixt this, and the common way of distilling, where besides retorts, is required another fire; and out of a great retort scarce a pound of spirit is drawn in the space of five or six hours; whereas in ours in the space of one day, and that without any cost or labor may be extracted twenty or thirty pound, because the wood is immediately to be cast into the fire to be distilled, and that not in pieces, but whole. Now this spirit (being rectified) may commodiously be used in di∣vers Chymical operations, for it doth easily dissolve animal stones, as the eyes of Crabs, the stones of Perches, and Carps, Corals also and Pearle, &c. as doth vinegar of wine. By means thereof also are dissolved the glasses of metals, as of tin, lead, Antimony, and are extracted, and reduced into sweet oyles.

This vinegar being taken inwardly of it self doth cause sweat wonderfully, wherefore it is good in many diseases, especially that which is made of Oake, Box, Guaiacum, Juni∣per,

and other heavy woods; for by how much the heavier the woods are, by so much the more acid spirit do they yeeld.

Being used outwardly it mundifies ulcers, wounds, consoli∣dates, extinguisheth, and mitigates inflammations caused by fire, cures the scab, but especially the decoction being made of its own wood in the same. Being mixed with warm water for a bath for the lower part of the body, it cures occult dis∣eases of women; as also malignant ulcers of the leggs.

This spirit therefore deserves some place in the shops, i. e. it is unjustly rejected in the shops, seeing it is easie to be made. In distilling of wormwood and other vegetables, there re∣maines in the bottome of the furnace ashes, which being ex∣tracted with warme water yeelds a salt by decoction, which being again dissolved in its own spirit or vinegar, and filtred, doth by the evaporating of flegme, being placed in a cold place pass into a Crystalline salt, which is of a pleasant tast, not like unto a lixivium, nor unto other salts that are dissolved in aire. This salt is also more efficaci∣ous (being reduced into Crystals by its proper Spirit) then that which is made by the help of sulphur, or Aqua fortis, and oyle of Vitrioll, and otherwayes which Chymists, and Apothecaries use.

The spirit of paper and linen cloth.

PEices of linen cloth gathered, and got from Sempsters being cast into the furnace upon living coales yeeld a most acid spirit, which tingeth the nailes, skin, and hair with a yellow colour, restores members destroyed with cold, is good in a gangrene, and erysipelas if linen clothes wet in the same be applyed thereto, &c. The same doth spirit made of paper, viz. of the peices thereof.

The spirit of Silk.

AFter the same manner is there a spirit made of pieces of silke, which is not so sharpe as that which is made of linnen and paper, neither doth it tinge the skin, but is most excellent in wounds as wel old as green, and it makes the skin beautiful.

The spirit of mans haire, and of other animals, as also of horns.

OUt of horns also, and hair is made a spirit, but most fe∣tid, wherefore it is not so useful, although otherwise it may serve for divers arts: being rectified it becomes clear and to be of the odour of the spirit of urine. It dissolves com∣mon sulphur, and yeelds a water, that cures the scab in a very short time.

Now for this business shreds of woollen cloth undyed may serve, being cast in a good quantity into the furnace. Pieces of cloth dipt in this spirit and hanged in vinyards▪ and fields, keep out Deer and Swine from coming in, because they are afraid of the smell of that spirit as of a huntsman that waits to catch them.

The spirit of vinegar, honey, and sugar.

HE that will distill liquid things, must cast red-hot coals into them, as for example into vinegar in the furnace, or if it be honey, or sugar, let them first be dissolved in water, by which means they will be drunk up by the coales, which be∣ing therewith impregnated, must afterwards at several times be cast into the furnace, and be burnt; and whilest the coals are burning that which is incombustible comes forth. And by this means you may distill liquid things in a great ••uantity.

Vinegar which is distilled this way, is of the same nature, as that which is distilled in close vessels.

But honey and sugar that are distilled after this manner are a little altered, and acquire other vertues: but how they shall be distilled without the loss of their volatile spirit shall be taught in the second part. Also after this manner may all liquid things being drunk up by living coales be di∣stilled.

Of the use of distilled vinegar many things might be said, but because the books of all the Chymists treat abundantly thereof, I account it needless to repeat what they have writ. Yet this is worth taking notice of, that the sharpest vinegar hath a great affinity with some metals, which may be extract∣by the help thereof; also dissolved, and reduced into medica∣ments; yea many things may be made with the help thereof, as the books of all the Chymists testifie.

But there is yet another vinegar, of which there is often mention made in the books of the Philosophers, by the help whereof many wonderful things are performed in the soluti∣ons of metals, the name whereof the ancients have been silent in; of which I do not here treat, because it cannot be made by this furnace; but I shall treat of it in another part; yet so that I incur not the curse of the Philosophers.

How spirits may be made out of the salt of tartar, vitriolated tartar, the spirit of salt tartarizated, and of other such like fixed salts.

AS many Chymists as there hath been, almost all have been of the opinion that a spirit cannot be drawn out of salt of tartar, and other fixed salts. For experience hath taught that by retort little or no spirit can be drawn from thence, as I had often experience of before the invention of this furnace: the reason of which thing was the admixtion of sand, earth, bole, pouder of tiles, &c. for to prevent the flowing of salt of tartar being by this means dispersed. But this is done through the ignorance of Authors, who have been ignorant of the pro∣perties

of salt of tartar. For a stony matter, as sand, flint, bole, &c. being mixed with salt of tartar, feeling the heat of the fire, and being made red with the same, is joyned to it most closely, so as no spirit can be drawn from thence, but be∣come a most hard stone. For sand, and such things that are like to it, have so great an affinity with the salt of tartar that being once united can scarce ever be separated. Yet it may be made by Art by the addition of pure sand, or flint, because the whole substance of the salt of tartar may be turned into a spirit in the space of one or two hours, as shall be taught in the second part, and it excels all other medicaments in vertue, in curing the stone, and gout. And if by the regiment of art there be left any Caput Mortuum in that distillation, it hath being dissolved in the aire a power to putrefie metals being prepared, and mixed with it, in the space of few hours, so as to make them become black, and to grow up like trees with their roots, trunks, & boughs, which by how much the longer they are so left, become the better. Of calx of lead being sub∣tilized, and of salt of tartar may be made a spiritus gradatorius of wonderful vertues as well in medicine as Alchymie. There is made of the Caput Mortuum, per deliquium a green liquor which doth wonderful things; whence it is proved, That Saturne is not the lowest of the planets; Enough to the wise.

And so is Lac Virginis, and the Philosophical Sanguis Draconis made.

SOmetimes there is found a certain earth, or bole, which hath no affinity with tartar, which being mixed with salt of tartar yeelds a spirit, but very little. But in this fur∣nace may all fixed things be elevated, because the Species not being included in it, but dispersed, being cast upon the fire, are from the fire elevated through the aire, and are being refrige∣rated in the recipients again condensed, which cannot be so well done by a close retort.

He therefore that will make the spirit of the salt of tar∣tar, need do nothing else then to cast the calcined tartar into

the fire, and it will wholly come over in a spirit: but then there are required glass recipients, because those that are ear∣then cannot retain it.

And this is the way whereby most fixed salts are distilled into a spirit by the first furnace. In the second furnace (viz. in the furnace of the second part) it may be done better, and easier, where together with the preparation shall be taught the use thereof.

The spirits, flowers, and salts of Minerals and stones.

BY this way spirits may be raised from any minerall or stone, and that without the addition of any other thing: yet so as that the minerals, and stones, as flints, Crystal, talke, lapis calaminaris, Marcasite, Antimony, being ground be with an Iron ladle cast upon the coales, and there will arise together with a certain acid spirit, some salt and flowers, which are to be washed off from the recipients, and filtred, and the flowers will remain in Charta bibula, for the water together with the spirit, and the salt passeth through the filter, all which may be separated, rectified and be kept by themselves for their proper uses. Now this you must know, that you must choose such minerals which have not been touched by the fire, if you de∣sire to have their spirit.

How minerals, and metals may be reduced into flowers, and of their vertues.

HItherto the flowers of metals, and minerals have not been in use, excepting the flowers of Antimony, and sulphur, which are easily sublimed: for Chymists have not dared to attempt the sublimation of other metals, and fixed minerals, being content with the solution of them with Aqua fortis, and corrosive waters, precipitating them with the li∣quor of salt of tartar, and afterward edulcorating, and dry∣ing them; and being so prepared they have called them their flowers: but by which flowers I understand the same water,

which is by the help of fire without the addition of any o∣ther thing sublimed, and turned into a most subtile pouder, not to be perceived by the teeth or eyes, which indeed is (in my judgement) to be accounted for the true flowers; when as the flowers which others make are more corporeal, and cannot be so well edulcorated, but retaine some saltness in them, as may be perceived by the increase of their weight, and therefore hurtful to the eyes, and other parts.

But our flowers being by the force of the fire sublimed by themselves, are not only without saltness, but are also so subtile that being taken inwardly presently operate, and put forth their powers, viz. according to the pleasure of the Physitian. Neither is their preparation so costly as the others.

Metals also, and minerals are maturated, and amended in their sublimation, that they may be the more safely taken; but in other preparations they are rather destroyed, and corrup∣ted, as experience witnesseth: Now how these kind of flowers are to be made I shall now teach, and indeed of each metal by it self, whereby the artist in the preparation cannot erre, and first thus.

Of Gold and Silver.

GOld and silver can hardly be brought into flowers, because many are of opinion, that nothing comes from them in the fire, especially from Gold, although it should be left there for ever: which although it be true, viz. that nothing comes from gold in the fire, although it should remaine there a long time, and from silver but a little, except it have copper or any other metal mixed, which yet vapours a∣way but by little and little.

Which I say although it be so▪ yet they being broken and subtilized and scattered upon coales, and so dispersed, may by the force of the fire and help of the aire be sublimed, and re∣duced into flowers.

Now seeing the aforesaid metals are dear, and of a great

price, and the furnace with its recipients large, I would not that any one should cast them in, especially gold, because he cannot recover them all; but I shall to those that desire to make these flowers shew another way in the second part, whereby they may make them without the loss of the metal; to which I referr the reader. For this furnace serves for the subliming of metals, and minerals, which are not so preti∣ous, the loosing of part whereof is not so much regarded▪ And thus much is said to shew that gold, and silver, although fixed, may be sublimed. Now other metals may more easily be sublimed, yet one more easily then another, neither need they any other preparation but beating small, before they be cast into the fire.

Flowers of Iron and Copper.

TAke of the filings of Iron or Copper, as much as you please, cast them with an Iron laddle upon burning coals, viz. scatteringly, and there wil arise from Iron a red va∣pour, but from Copper a green, and will be sublimed into the sublimatorie vessels. As the fire abates it must be renewed with fresh coales, and the casting in of these filings be con∣tinued, untill you have got a sufficient quantity of flowers, and then you may let all coole. This being done take off the sublimatorie vessels, take out the flowers, and keep them, for they are very good if they be mixed with unguents, and em∣plasters: and being used inwardly cause vomiting; therefore they are better in Chirurgery, where scarce any thing is to be compared to them. Copper being dissolved in spirit of salt, and precipitated with oyle of vitriol, edulcorated, dryed, and sublimed, yeelds flowers, which being in the aire resolved in∣to a green balsom, is most useful in wounds and old putrid ulcers, and is a most pretious treasure.

Flowers of Lead and Tin.

YOU need not reduce these metals into small crums, it is sufficient if they be cast in piece by piece, but then you must under the grate put an earthen platter glazed, and filled with water, to gather that which flows down melted, which is to be taken out, and cast again into the fire, and this so often until all the metall be turned into flowers, which after∣wards are again, the vessels being cold, to be taken out, as hath been said of the flowers of Mars and Venus. And these flowers are most excellent being mixed with plaisters and oyntments in old and geeen wounds, for they have a greater power to dry, then metals calcined, as experience can testifie.

Of Mercury.

THis is easily reduced into flowers, because it is very vola∣tile, but not for the aforesaid reason, because it leapes in the fire, and seeks to descend. And if you desire to have the flowers thereof, mix it first with sulphur that you may pulverize it, and cast it in mortified. And if you cast into a red hot crucible set in the furnace, a little quick Mercury, viz. by times with a laddle, presently it will fly out, and some part thereof will be resolved into an acid water, which is to be preferred before the flowers in my judgement; but the rest of the Mercury drops into a receiver. But here are required glass vessels, because the aforesaid water is lost in earthen. And this water without doubt doth something in Alchy∣mie: It is also good being applyed outwardly, in the scab, and venereal ulcers.

The flowers of Zinck.

IT is a wonderful metal, and is found in the spagyrical ana∣tomie to be meer sulphur, golden, and immature. Being put upon burning coales doth suddenly fly away wholly;

it is inflamed also, and partly burns like common sulphur, with a flame of another colour, viz. golden purple: and yeelds most gallant white, and light flowers.

The use.

BEing given from 4. 5. 6. grains to 12. they provoke sweat wonderfully, and sometimes vomit, and stooles according to the offending matter. The vertues thereof being exteranlly used are also wonderful, for there are not found better flowers; for they do not only speedily consolidate fresh wounds, but also old, such as alwayes drop water, in which cases they excell all other medicaments. For they are of such dryness, which hath joyned with it a consolidating vertue, as that they do even things incredible. They may be used divers wayes, as to be strewed by themselves putting over them a stiptick plaister, or being brought into a unguent with honey to be put into wounds; which unguents in deep wounds may be boyled to a hardness for the making of small suppo∣sitories, which are to be put into the wounds, which must af∣terwards be covered with some plaister, and preserved from the aire. Being applyed after this manner they cure fun∣damentally, being mixed with plaisters also they do wonder∣full things.

If they be mixed with rose, or raine water, so as to be united together, and afterwards some of this mixture be sometimes every day dropt into red eyes that water, yeelding not to other ophthalmicks, do restore, and heal them.

These flowers being taken up in lint and strewed upon those places of Children that are galled with their urine (those places being first washed with water) heale them quickly. They heale also quickly any excoriation which is contracted by lying long in any sickness, and is very paineful, if they be strewed thereon.

These flowers also are more easily dissolved in corrosive waters, then other metals, and minerals, neither doth the spirit leave them in the fire, but an insipid phlegme only

distils off leaving a fat, and thick oyl, as is above said concern∣ing the lapis calaminaris, being ordained for the same uses, but more efficaciously then that. Which spirit if it be by the vi∣olence of fire driven forth, is of so great strength, that it can scarce be kept. And not only spirit of salt, but also Aqua fortis, and Regia may after this manner be exalted, so as to be able to do wonderful things in the separation of metals; but here is not place for these things they shall be spoken of in the fourth part.

But you need not make flowers for this work, because crude Zinck doth the same, although the flowers do it something better: whence it appears that a metal contracts a higher degree of dryness in sublimation.

Flowers of Antimony.

THere is no difficulty to make the flowers of Antimony, for Chymists have a long time made use of them, and because their preparation was tedious, they were not sold at a low rate.

Wherefore there was no body willing to attempt any thing else in them, because they were used only for vomiting; the dose whereof was from 1. 2. 3. 4. grains to 8. and 10. in af∣fects of the stomack and of the head, as also in feavers, plague, morbus gallicus, &c. Neither is it a wonder if Chymists try∣ed no farther in them, for we see that there are found men in these dayes who perswade themselves that there is nothing which was not found out by the learned ancients, can be found out in these dayes, and if there were any thing to be yet found out it was found out already by them. But this opinion truly is very foolish, as if God gave all things to the ancients, and reserved nothing for them that should come after. Neither indeed do they understand nature in their operations, which works incessantly, and is not wearyed in her labours, &c. But how ever it is manifest that God hath revealed things in these times which were hid from them of

old, and he will not cease to do the same even to the end of the world.

But to return to our purpose againe, which is to shew an easier way of making the flowers of Antimony, whereby a greater quantity may be had, as also that they may serve for other uses.

Take of crude Antimony poudered as much as you please, & first make your furnace red hot, then cast in at once a pound of Antimony, or thereabouts▪ viz. scatteringly upon the coals; and presently it will flow, and mixed with the coals by the force of the fire will be sublimed through the aire into receivers like a cloud, which will there be coagulated into white flowers. Note that when the first coales are burnt up, more must be put in to continue the sublimation, and those must be first kindled before they are put in, lest the flowers be by the dust of the coales arising together with the flowers discoloured, and contract thence a gray colour: but it matters not if you will not use them by themselves to provoke vomiting, because there is no danger thereby, for that colour comes only from the smoake of the coales, wherefore you need not be afraid of them. But let him that dislikes this colour, first kindle the coales before he put them into the furnace, and then he shall have white flowers. Also you must not shut the middle hole▪ through which the coales, and Antimony are cast in, that thereby the fire may burn the more freely: for else the flowers of the superior pots will be yellow and red, by reason of the sulphur of the Antimony, which is sublimed higher then the regulus. Now you may by this way make a pound of the flowers with 3. 4. 5. pound of coals. It is a little that goes away from the Antimony, viz. the combustible sulphur, which is burnt, all the rest going into flowers. You must have a care to provide a sufficient quantity of subliming pots by reason that a large space is required for the sublimation of the flowers.

The flowers that are prepared after this way are sold at a lower rate, so that one pound thereof is cheaper, then half an ounce of those that are made after the other manner. Also

they are safer, as being made with an open and free flame of the fire, for they do not provoke vomit so vehemently; morever the flowers of the lower pots are not vomiting, but diaphoretical, as if they had been prepared with nitre, for thus they are corrected by the fire; And by this way at one and the same operation divers flowers of divers operations may be made, for the flowers of the lower pots are diaphoreti∣cal, of the middle a little vomitive, but of the uppermost ve∣hemently vomitive. For by how much the more they have endured the fire, by so much the better are they corrected; from whence the diversity of their power proceeds. Where∣fore each of them are to be kept by themselves, and the upper∣most for plaisters or butter, or oyle, and those to be made sweet or corrosive thereby; The midle for purging, and vomi∣ting, but the lowermost for sweat, being more excellent then Bezoardicum▪Minerale, or Antinomium Diaphoreticum made with nitre. Truly I do not believe that there is an easier way of making vomiting, and diaphoretical flowers then ours. Now for the use of them, you must know that those that are vomi∣tive are to be administred to those that are strong, and ac∣customed to vomit: but to children, and old men with dis∣cretion, as hath been said above of the butter of Antimony: but those that are diaphoretical may be given without danger to old and young, to those that are in health, and to the sick; in any affection that requires sweat, as in the plague, Morbus Gallicus, scorbute, leprosie, feavers, &c. The Dose of them is from 3. 6. 9. 12. graines to 24. with proper vehicles to sweat in the bed: for they do expel as well by sweat, as by urine all evil humors. And because they that are vomitive are in a greater quantity then those, that are diaphoretical, and not so necessary as these, and there may be many more doses out of them, it is necessary to shew you how those that are vomi∣tive may be turned into diaphoreticall: and that may be done three wayes, the two former whereof I have before shewed con∣cerning the butter of Antimony made of flowers with spirit of salt, the third is this, viz. put flowers in a crucible covered (without luting) lest any thing fall into it, so set them by

themselves in a gentle fire, that they melt not, but be made only darkly glow for the space of some hours, then let them coole, for they are become fixed, and diaphoreticall. Although they had before contracted some yellowness or ash colour, yet by this means they are made white and gallant, fixed, and diapho∣retical. Also these flowers are used in stiptick plaisters by reason of their dry nature, with which they are endued.

Also they are melted into a yellow transparent glass, nei∣ther is there taught an easier way of reducing Antimony by it self into a yellow transparent glass, where crude Antimony is first sublimed, and being sublimed is melted into glass.

This sublimation serves in stead of calcination, by the help whereof 20. pound are more easily sublimed, then by the help of the other one pound is brought into calx.

Neither is there here any danger of the ascending fumes, be∣cause when the Antimony is cast into the fire you may be gone, which is a safe, and easie calcination, whereas the com∣mon way requires the continual presence of the artist stirring the matter, who also takes out the matter when it is once grown together, and grinds it again; by which means he hath much to do, before the matter come to a whiteness; but by our way, the matter is at the first time made sufficiently white, and more then by that common way of calcination and agitation. I suppose therefore that I have shewed to him that will make glass of Antimony, the best, and hitherto unknown way; which being taught I hope there is no man will here∣after like a fool go that tedious way of the ancients, but ra∣ther follow my steps. For by this way may any Physitian, most easily be able to prepare for himself vomitive and diapho∣retical flowers, and also glass of Antimony per••se.

Of those flowers may bemade oyles both sweet and corro∣sive, and other medicaments, as hath been above said of the spirit of salt, and shal afterwards be spoken in the second part.

Let him that will make flowers of the regulus, fairer then those which are made of crude Antimony, east it being poude∣red into the fire, and in all things proceed as hath been said, and he shall have them, &c. for they are easily sublimed. Now,

how the regulus is to be made after a compendious manner you shall finde in the fourth part. The scory also are subli∣med, so as nothing is lost. But he that will make flowers that shall be dissolved in the aire into a liquor must adde some cal∣cined tartar, or some other fixt vegetable salt, and he shall have flowers that will be dissolved in any liquor: but he that will make red flowers as well those that are diaphoretical as those that are purging, must mix Iron, and he shall have flowers like to cinnabar: Let him that desires green, mix cop∣per, if purple, lapis calaminaris.

And thus out of any mineral may be made flowers whether it be fixed, or volatile; for it is forced to fly on high being cast into the fire. And these may be used diversly in Chirur∣gery, in plaisters and unguents; for they dry, and astringe potently, especially those that are made of lapis calaminaris. Neither are they to be slighted that are made of the golden, and silver marcasite. Those that are made of Arsenic and auripigmentum are poysonous, but are useful for painters. Arsenic, & auripigmentum being calcined with nitre, and then sublimed, yeeld flowers that are safely to be taken inwardly, expelling all poysons by sweat and stoole. For they are cor∣rected two wayes, viz. first by by the nitre, secondly by the fire in the subliming: they are not therefore to be feared, be∣cause that Antimony was poysonous before the preparation thereof. For by how much the greater poyson it was before preparation, so much the greater medicine afterwards.

The flowers of sulphur are taught in the second part, al∣though they may also be made by this furnace, viz. the na∣ture, and properties thereof being known by an expert artist or otherwise it is burnt.

So also stones being prepared are brought into flowers, and many other things, of which we need not say any thing, on∣ly let him that pleaseth make tryal thereof.

And now I suppose I have made plain, and shewed you cleerly how distillation is to be made in this our first furnace, wherefore I will now end. He therefore that nnderstands and knows the fabrick of the furnace (which he may understand

by the delineation thereof) and the use thereof, will not de∣ny but that I have done a good work, and will not disap∣prove of my labor.

And this is the best way of distilling, and subliming in∣combustible things. In the second part you shall finde an∣other furnace in which are distilled, combustible things, as also most subtile spirits, &c. The first furnace serves also for other uses, as the separation of metals; of the pure from the impure; for the making of the central salt, and of the humi∣dum radicale of them all. But because it cannot be done after the aforesaid way, by which things are cast into the fire to get their flowers, and spirits, but after a certain secret Philoso∣phical maner, by the power of a certain secret fire, hitherto concealed by the Philosophers (neither shall I prostrate that secret before all) It is sufficient that I have given a hint of it for further enquirie, and have shewed the way to other things.

FINIS.