Basil Valentine his Triumphant chariot of antimony with annotations of Theodore Kirkringius, M.D. : with the true book of the learned Synesius, a Greek abbot, taken out of the Emperour's library, concerning the philosopher's stone.

BASIL VALENTINE HIS Triumphant Chariot OF ANTIMONY.

SInce I, Basil Valentine, by Religious Vows am bound to live according to the Order of St. Benedict, and that requires another manner of Spirit of Holiness, then the common State of Mortals exercised in the prophane busi∣ness of this World; I thought it my duty before all things, in the beginning of this little Book, to declare what is necessary to be known by the pious Spagyrist, inflamed with an ardent desire of this Art; as, what he ought to do, and whereuto to direct his aim, that he may lay such Foundations of the whole matter, as may be stable; lest his Building shaken with Winds, happen to fail, and the whole Edifice to be involved in shameful Ruine, which other∣wise, being founded on more firm and solid Princi∣ples, might have continued for a long series of time. Which Admonition I judged was, is, and always will be a necessary part of my Religious Office; especially, since we must all die, and no one of us, which now are, whether high or low, shall

long be seen among the number of Men. For it concerns me to commend these Meditations of Mortality to Posterity, leaving them behind me, not only that honour may be given to the Divine Majesty, but also that Men may obey him sincerely in all things.

In this my Meditation I found that there were five principal Heads, chiefly to be considered by the wise and prudent Spectators of our Wisdom and Art. The first of which is, Invocation of GOD. The second, Contemplation of Nature. The third, True Preparation. The fourth, The Way of Ʋsing. The fifth, Ʋtility and Fruit. For he, who regards not these, shall never obtain place among true Chymists, or fill up the number of perfect Spagyrists. Therefore touching these five Heads we shall here following treat, and so far declare them, as that the general Work may be brought to light and per∣fected by an intent and studious Operator.

I. Invocation of GOD must be made with a cer∣tain Heavenly Intention, drawn from the bottom of a pure and sincere Heart, and Conscience, free from all Ambition, Hypocrisie, and all other Vices, which have any affinity with these, as Arrogancy, Boldness, Pride, Luxury, Mundane Petulancy, Op∣pression of the Poor, and other dependent evils, all which are to be eradicated out of the Heart; that when a Man desires to prostrate himself before the Throne of Grace, for obtaining bodily health, he may do that with a Conscience free from all un∣profitable Weeds, that his Body may be transmuted into an Holy Temple of GOD, and be purged from every uncleanness. For GOD will not be mocked (which I earnestly admonish) as Worldly Men, plea∣sing and flattering themselves with their own Wis∣dom, think: GOD, I say, will not be mocked, but the Creator of all things will be invoked with re∣verential

fear, and acknowledged with due Obedi∣dience. And for this there is great Reason. For what hath Man, that he must not own to be received from this his Omnipotent Creator, whether you have respect to the Body, or to the Soul, which o∣perates in the Body? Hath not he, for sustentati∣on of this, out of his meer Mercy communicated to us his Eternal WORD, and also promised Eternal Salvation? Hath not he also provided food and cloathing for the Body, and all those things, with∣out which the Body cannot subsist? All these, by humble Prayer a Man obtains of that most excellent Father, who created Heaven and Earth, together with things Visible and Invisible, as the Firmament, Elements, Vegetables, and Animals. Which is so very true, that I am certainly assured, no Impious Man shall ever be partaker of true Medicine, much less of the Eternal Heavenly Bread. Therefore place your whole Intention and Trust in GOD, call upon him and pray, that he may impart his blessing to you: let this be the beginning of your Work, that by the same you may obtain your desired end, and at length effect what you intended. For the Fear of the Lords is the beginning of Wisdom.

Whosoever purposeth in himself to seek after that, which is the greatest of Terrene things, espe∣cially the knowledge of every good thing, that is in the Creatures, and GOD hath liberally imparted to Men, and implanted (as to their effective power) in Stones, Herbs, Roots, Seeds, Animals, Plants, Mi∣nerals, Metals, yea and indeed in all things; let him cast away all Earthly thoughts, reject all that de∣pends on them, and hope for freeness of Heart, and pray unto GOD with great lowlyness of mind: So doing, his hope of freeness may at length be turned into true freedom. Which no Man will doubt, who knows, that he alone is GOD, who de∣livered

Israel from all his Enemies; which delive∣rance he did in very deed effect, not only for Israel, but also for all Men making humble supplications to him, and praying with brokenness of Heart. Therefore let Prayer be the first point of our Ad∣monition, which also is, and by us is called Invoca∣tion of GOD, which if made, not with Hypocrisie and a feigned Heart, but with such Faith and Trust, as that, with which the Centurion in Capernaum pray∣ed; with such lowliness of mind, and confession of Sins, as the Woman of Canaan was endued with; with such Charity as the Samaritan shewed to the Man wounded in the Way to Jericho, pouring Wine and Oyl into his Wounds, paying his Charges in the Inn, and giving order he should be very carefully looked to; Lastly, if a Man's Christian Charity ex∣tends it self so far, as if he obtain what he prays for, he would willingly communicate of the same to his Neighbour, then he shall undoubtedly ob∣tain Riches and Health, the end of his Prayer.* 1.1

2. Next in order after Prayer is Contemplation, by which I understand an accurate attention to the business it self, under which will fall these conside∣rations first to be noted. As, what are the Circum∣stances of any thing, what the Matter, what the Form, whence its Operations proceed, whence it is infused and implanted, how generated by the Stars, conformed by the Elements, produced and perfected by the three Principles. Also how the bo∣dy of every thing may be dissolved, that is, resolved into the first Matter, or first Essence (of which I have already made mention in other of my writings) viz. how the last Matter may be changed into the first, and the first into the last.* 1.2

This Contemplation, which absolves the second part of our Admonition, is Celestial, and to be un∣derstood with Spiritual Reason; for the circum∣stances and depth of every thing cannot be percei∣ved any other way, then by the Spiritual cogitation of Man: and this Contemplation is twofold. One is called possible, the other impossible. The later consists in copious cogitations, which never proceed to effects, nor exhibit any form of a matter, which falls under the Touch. As if any one should en∣deavour to comprehend the Eternity of the Most High, which is vain and impossible, yea a Sin a∣gainst the Holy Spirit, so arrogantly to pry into the Divinity it self, which is Immense, Infinite, and Eternal; and to subject the incomprehensive Coun∣sel of the Secrets of GOD, to humane Inquisition. The other part of Contemplation, which is possible, is called the Theory. This contemplates that, which is perceived by Touch and Sight, and hath a formed Nature in time: this considers, how that nature may be helped and perfected by Resolution of it self; how every body may give forth from it self, the good or evil, Venome or Medicine latent in it; how Destruction and Confraction are to be handled, whereby under a just Title, without So∣phistical deceits, the pure may be severed and sepa∣rated from the impu••e. This Separation is institu∣ted and made by divers manual operations, and

various ways; Some of which are vulgarly known by experience, others remote from vulgar experi∣ence. These are, Calcination, Sublimation, Reverbe∣ration, Circulation, Putrefaction, Digestion, Distillation, Cohobation, Fixation, and the like of these; all the degrees of which are found in operating, learned, perceived and manifested by the same. Whence clearly appears what is moveable, what is fixed, what is white, red, black, blew, or green, viz. when the operation is rightly Instituted by the Artificer, for possibly the Operator may err, and turn aside from the right way; but that Nature should err, when rightly handled, is not possible. Therefore if you shall err, so that Nature cannot be altogether free, and released from the Body, in which it is held Captive, return again into your way, learn the Theory more perfectly, and enquire more accurately in the method of operating, that you may find the foundation and certainty in Separation of all things. Which is a matter of great concern. And this is the second foundation of Philosophy, which follows Prayer: for in that the sum of the matter lies, and is contained in these words. Seek first the Kingdom of GOD, and his Justice by Prayer, and all other things, which Man seeks in these Tempo∣rals, and he hath need of, either for the susten∣tation or health of his body, shall be added to you.

3. Next to the Theory, which searcheth out the inmost properties of things, follows Preparation, which is performed by Operation of the hands, that some real work may be produced. From Prepara∣tion ariseth Knowledge, viz. Such, as opens all the fundamentals of Medicine. Operation of the Hands requires a diligent application of, it self, but the praise of Science consists in experi∣ence, but the difference of these Anatomy distin∣guisheth,* 1.3

Operation shews how all things may be brought to light, and exposed to sight visibly: but knowledge shews the practice; and that, whence the true Practitioner is, and is no other then confirmation: because the operation of the hands manifests something that is good, and draws the latent and hidden nature outwards, and brings it to light for good. For, as in Spirituals, the way of the Lord is to be prepared; so also in these things, the way is to be opened and prepared, that no er∣rour be from the right path, and Process may be made, without devious errours, in the direct way to health.

4. After Preparation, and especially after separa∣tion of the good from the evil, we are to proceed to the* 1.4 Ʋse of the Weight or dose, that neither more, nor less then is fit, may be given. For above all things, the Physician ought well to know, whe∣ther his Medicament will be weak or strong, also whether it will do good, or hurt, unless he resolve to fatten the Church-yard, with the loss of his fame, and hazard of his own Soul.

5. After the Medicament is taken into the body, and hath diffused it self through all the Members, that it may search out those defects against which it was administred, the Ʋtility comes to be conside∣red; for it is possible, that a Medicament diligently prepared, and exhibited in due weight, may do more hurt then good in some Diseases, and seem to be Ve∣nome rather then Medicine. Hence an accurate reflexion is to be made to those things, which profit or help; and they are diligently to be noted, that we may be mindful to observe the same in other cases.

Yet both in the* 1.5 Ʋse and Ʋtility, this one thing is necessary to be considered, viz. whether the Di∣sease be an external and open wound, or only an in∣ternal and latent evil: for as the difference of these is great, so the way of curation is not the same. Therefore the bottom of every Disease is to be known, that it may be understood, whether the same may be cured by external remedies only, or must from within be driven outwards.

For if the Center of the Disease be within, such a Medicine must be given, as can search out, appre∣hend and restore that Center: otherwise the

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Physician's labour will be fruitless and in vain.

Moreover, if there be an internal Disease, which ariseth, and is fed from an internal Original, it must never be driven inward by external remedies; for great discommodity will thence ensue, and at length Death it self. Which may be understood by the similitude of a Tree: for if any one, whilst it ger∣minates or flowers, repels the Humours to the Inte∣riours, whence they proceeded to the nutriment of the Earth; that Tree will be so far from bringing sorth the desired Fruit by the flower, that a suffoca∣tion of the same ariseth from the violent conjuncti∣on of humours not finding any out-let. Therefore there is great difference between fresh wounds in∣flicted by Prick, Cut, or any other way, and the old which derive their Original from within. For the fresh wounds may be perfectly cured by external re∣medies only; but in those, which are nourisned from within, an external application of Oyls, Bal∣soms, Unguents, and Plaisters prosits little, unless the Internal Fountain be stopped, whence the hu∣mours flow to the external parts. When the Foun∣tain shall be stopped, the Flux will cease, and the evil may easily be cured with Diet only. It is no great point of Art to heal any fresh wound; for this every Country-man can easily effect with crude Lard: but to remove all Symptomes which happen in wounds, and to dry up the Fountain of the evil, this is the work, and this the labour of the Artist.

Now come hither, you Physicians, how many so∣ever there be of you, that arrogate to your selves the Title of Doctor of either Medicine, viz. of internal and external Diseases; understand ye the Title of your honour, and consult your own Con∣science, and see, whether you received that from GOD, that is, possess it in verity, or whether you usurp it as a form, for honour sake. For, as much

as Heaven is distant from the Earth, so vastly diffe∣rent is the Art of healing internal Diseases, from the Sanation of external wounds. If the Title be given to you by GOD, the same GOD will give a Blessing, Felicity, Health, and happy events; but if your Title be vain, and only devised and assumed for ambition, all things will evilly succeed to you: your honour will fail, and you will prepare for your self Hell-fire, which can no more be extinguished, then it can be expressed by words. For Christ said to his Disciples; You call me Lord and Master, and ye do well, Therefore whosoever assumes a Title of Honour, let him see, whether he do well, and whether he ascribes not more to himself, than he knows and hath learned, which is the real abuse of this Title. For he, who will write himself Doctor of either Medicine, ought to understand, know, and be well skilled in both, viz. the Internal and External Medicine. Nor should he be ignorant of Anatomy, that he may be able to shew the Constitu∣tion of the Body, and discover from what Member every Disease proceeds, together with its Fountain and cause. Also remedies, with which he may cure the Disease, and circumstances of external Wounds, are to be understood by him. Good GOD! where will the Title be found, what will become of the Master, when an exact Trial shall be made, for dis∣covering the ignorance of these Doctors of either Medicine?

In times past, long before my days, the Doctors of Medicine did themselves cure External wounds, and judged that a part of their Office; but in these our times, they take Servants, whom they employ in these things, and this way the noblest of Arts is become a Mechanick Operation; and some of those who exercise it, are indeed so very rude, as they know not Letters, and scarcely know how (accord∣ing

to the Proverb) to drive an Ass out of the Corn. These, I say, profess themselves Masters in curing wounds, and Doctors of Doctors; and to speak the truth as it is, they may by a better right glory in this Title, then thou magnificent Doctor, umbrati∣cal Chyrurgion, and most ignorant Boaster of Ti∣tles, why do you stile your self Doctor of either Medicine. What more now Master Doctor, what say you, most expert Chyrurgion? I pray be not offended at this, or take it amiss; for you your self will quickly confess, if you do but seriously consider wounds made by Prick or Cut, that you have as much knowledge in the cure of them, as is in the Brain of a dunghil Cock, which Children learning their A. B. C. are wont to set in the Frontispiece of their Primer.

Therefore I perswade all Men, of what state or condition soever, who are desirous of Learning, from your Masters to search out the true Doctrine, which consists in Preparation, and afterward in the Ʋse; so they, or you, shall possess the Title assumed with honour, and Men will undoubtedly have confi∣dence in you, and you will in very deed do them good, then will you to the Eternal Creator give thanks cordially without feigning. But let every Man seriously think with himself, what it is he ought to do, and what he is to omit, and whether he doth justly or unjustly use the Title assumed. For he, who assumes any Title, ought especially to understand the condition of that Title, and why he assumed it, or what the true foundation is. It is not sufficient, if any one with the vulgar say (sa∣ving your reverence, let the more delicate Men pardon us, if we intending to speak to the purpose, make mention of putrefaction) this is egregious dung, it hath a strong and grievous ill savour, and know not how it comes to pass, that a Man, who

perhaps eats food of a most grateful taste and o∣dour, and well accommodated to his natural Appe∣tite, thence makes excrement endued with quali∣ties so contrary, and yielding an odour so very un∣grateful, and repugnant to Nature: of which there is no other reason, then natural putrefaction and corruption. The same happens in all Aromatical well smelling things. It is the Philosophers part to enquire, what odour is, and whence it receives its vertues, and in what the virtue of it may be made manifest to true profit. For the Earth is nourished and fatned by stinking dung, and noble Fruit is produced of it. Of this matter there is not one cause only, but our Book would swell to an huge Volume, if we should but briefly hint at all natural Generations and mutations; yet Digestion and Putrefaction are the principal keys of them. For the Fire and Air make a certain Maturation, by which a Transmutation of the Earth and Water may follow; and this is also a certain mutation, by which of evil smelling Dung a most fragrant Balsam may be produced; and on the contrary, of most grate∣ful Balsam ill savoured Dung. But perhaps you will say, why do I produce examples so very rude and absurd? I do confess the example is taken from a Cottage, rather then a Royal Court; yet a pru∣dent considerer of things, more accurately diving into the matter, will easily understand, what such examples intimate to him, viz. that of the highest things the lowest are made, and of the lowest the highest, so that, of a Medicament is produced Ve∣nome, and of Venome Medicine; of the sweet, bitter, acid, and corrosive; and on the contrary of the corrosive, another thing more profitable.

O good GOD, how much is Nature absconded from Men, so that she seems to disdain to be wholly seen by us? But since thou hast ordained so very

short a time of our Life, and thou the Judge of all, reservest many things to thy self in the Creatures, which thou hast left to be admired, not known, by us, and of which thou alone wilt be the beholder and Judge, grant unto me, that unto my Life's end I may keep thee and my Saviour in my Heart, that besides health and necessaries of the Body, which thou hast liberally bestowed, I may also acquire the health of my Soul and Spiritual Riches; of which inestimable good I am freed from all doubt by that thy mercy, in which, for me a miserable sinner, thou didst (on the Tree of the Cross) shed the Sul∣phur and Balsom of my Soul; which is indeed a mortiferous Venome to the Devil, but to us Sinners a most present remedy. I do certainly heal my Brethren, as far as concerns the Soul, by Prayer, and in relation to the body, with apt Remedies; there∣fore I hope they will on their parts use their endea∣vour, that they with me, and I with them, may at length inhabit the Tabernacle of the Most High, and in him our GOD enjoy Eternity.

But to return to my Philosophy of Antimony, I would have the Reader, before all other things, to understand, that all things contain in themselves operative and vivificative Spirits; which inhabi∣ting in the Body feed and nourish themselves, and are sustained by the Body. Elements themselves want not these Spirits, which (the living GOD per∣mitting that) whether they be good or evil, have their Habitation in them. Men and Animals have in them a living operating Spirit, which receding from them, nothing but a Carkass remains. In Herbs, and all things bearing Fruit, a Spirit of Sa∣nity exists; otherwise they could not, by any Pre∣paration, be reduced to Medicinal use. Metals and all Minerals, are endued and possessed with their own incomprehensible Spirit, in which, the power

and virtue of all their possible effects, consists. For whatsoever is without Spirit, wants Life, and con∣tains in it self no vivifying Virtue. Therefore, you are to know, that in Antimony also there is a Spirit, which effects whatsoever is in it, or can proceed from it, in an invisible way and manner, no otherwise, than as in the Magnet is absconded a cer∣tain invisible power, as we shall more largely treat in its own place, where we speak of the Magnet.

But there are various kinds of Spirits;* 1.6 visible to the Intellect, and endued with Spiritual know∣ledge, which notwithstanding cannot (when they will) be touched or apprehended, as Natural Men are touched; especially they, who have their fixed Residence in Elements, as are the Spirits of Fire, Lights, and other Objects formally darting out Light from themselves: such are Airy Spirits, who inhabit the Air; Aqueous Spirits living in Waters; and Terrene Spirits living in the Earth, which we Men call Earthly Men, which are chiefly found in wealthy Mines of the Earth, where they shew and discover themselves to us.

These Spirits are endued with Senses and Un∣derstanding, know Arts, and can change themselves

into divers Forms, until the time of their Judge∣ment; but whether a definitory sentence ought to be pronounced against them as yet, or no, that I leave to the Providence of the Divine Majesty, from whom nothing is hid. There are other Spi∣rits, wanting speech, which cannot shew themselves visibly in the very act; and they are those which live in Animals, as in Men and the like, in Plants also and in Minerals; nevertheless they have in them∣selves an occult and operative Life, and manifest and discover themselves by their efficacious power of operating, which they contain in and bear a∣bout themselves, and most apparently give testimo∣ny of their virtue of healing, whensoever that (by the help of Art) is extracted from them, being ac∣curately separated from their body. After the same manner, the efficacious Spirit, and operative power of Antimony, manifests its gifts, and distributes them among Men, being first loosed from its own body, and freed from all its bonds, so, that it is able to penetrate, and rendred fit to be applyed to those Uses, which the Artificer proposed to himself in Preparation.

But the Artist and Vulcan ought to agree: the Fire gives separation for an operative power, and the Artificer forms the matter. As a Black-smith useth one sort of Fire, also Iron only is his matter, which he intends for forming divers Instruments. For some times of it he makes a Spit, at another time Horse-shoes, another time a Saw, and at length innumerable other things, every of which serves for that Use, unto which the Smith intended it, al∣though the matter is but one, which he prepares for so many divers uses. So of Antimony various works may be made for different uses: in which the Artist is the Smith that forms; Vulcan is as it were the key which opens; and Operation and U∣tility

give experience, and knowledge of the Use. O! if foolish and vain Men had but Ears to hear•• and true eyes with understanding, not only for hear∣ing what I write, but for understanding the Arca∣num and knowledge of the use; assuredly they would not suck in those insalubrious and turbid Po∣tions, but hasten to these limped Fountains, and drink of the Well of Life.

Therefore let the World know, that I shall prove those pretended Doctors, who seem to be wise, to be mere Fools and Ideots, and cause many unlearned Men (but such as are studious Disciples of my Doctrine) to become true Doctors in very deed. Wherefore I here solemnly cite and invite all Men; who earnestly aspire to knowledge, with a chearful mind, good Conscience, and certain hope, to em∣brace and become Spectators of our Doctrine, and accurately to peruse my Writings and Informations; for so, at length, they (being possessors of what they sought) will extol and commend me after death, rendring my mortal name immortal, with their perpetual remembrance of my praises, as long as the World endures. But if when I am dead, any one be pleased to institute a disputation in the Schools against me, my writings will fully answer all his Objections, and I am assured my Di∣sciples will never forget the benefit received from me, by which they will obtain the Empire of Truth, which ever was to me, and always will be to them, sufficient to suppress a Lie to the Worlds end.

Also let the well meaning and sincere observer of Art know, that there are two kinds of Antimony very different each from other: one is fair, pure, and of a golden property, and that contains very much Mercury, but the other which hath much Sul∣phur is not so friendly to gold as the first, and is di∣stinguished by fair long and white shining streaks.

Therefore one is more fit for Medicine and Alchimy, then the other: as when the Flesh of Fishes is com∣pared with the Flesh of other Animals, although both these are, and are called Flesh, yet each of these very much differs from the Flesh of the other; even so of Antimony the difference is the same. Many do indeed write of the Interiour virtue of Antimony, but few of them ever taught the true Foundation of the virtues with which it is endued, or found out which way, or in what manner it re∣ceives them; So that their Doctrine is founded up∣on words only, exists without any true foundation, and they themselves lose the Fruit they hoped to re∣ceive by such Writings. For to write truly of An∣timony is a work that requires profound Meditati∣ons, a mind largely unfolding it self, and knowledge of its manifold Preparation, and of the true Soul of it, in which all the Utility is cited, and which being known you may be able to give an indubitate Judgement, of what evil or good, Venome or Me∣dicine is latent therein. It is not a matter of small moment by a true Examen to search into Antimony, and thereby to penetrate fundamentally into its Essence, and through earnest study to attain the fi∣nal knowledge thereof, that the Venenosity of the same (against which unskilful Men ignorantly ex∣claim) may be taken away, and it be changed and prepared into a better State, becoming a Medicine fit for use and void of Venome.

Many Artists intending to Anatomize Antimony, have divers ways vexed, wrested and tormented the same, in such wise as it cannot be well described in Words, much less believed; yet, the matter being truly examined, they effected nothing. For they sought not its true Soul, and therefore could not sind the feigned Soul of it, which themselves sought. By the black Colours a mist was cast before their

Eyes, so that they could neither observe the true Soul it self, nor know it. For Antimony like unto Mercury, may fitly be compared to a round Circle, of which there is no end; in which the more dili∣gently any Man seeks, the more he finds, if Process be made by him in a right way and due order. Yet the Life of no one Man is sufficient for him to learn all the mysteries thereof. It is Venome and a most swift poyson, also it is void of Venome and a most excellent Medicine; whether it be used outwardly or inwardly. Which is a thing hid from most Men by reason of their own blindness, and they judge it an incredible, foolish and vain work, because (through their ignorance) it is unknown to them, who can no otherwise be excused, then that they deserve the name of Stupidity: yet that is not to be suffered in them, because they desire not to learn or be better informed, either here, or else∣where.

Antimony is endued with all the four first qualities; it is cold and humid, and again it is hot and dry, and accommodates it self to the four Seasons of the year, also it is volatile and fixed. The volatile part of it is not void of Venome, but the fixed is free from all venenosity; which is so very strange, as it may be reputed one of the seven Wonders of the World, of which so many Writers have discoursed, not knowing themselves what they writ. There hath been no* 1.7 Man before me, and at this day there is none found, who hath so throughly learned the power, virtue, strength, operation, and efficacy of Antimony, or so profoundly penetrated into all the Energy thereof, as nothing more is latent in it un∣found out, or which cannot be brought to light by experience. If such a Man could be found he would be worthy to be carried about in a Triumphant Cha∣riot, as in times past was granted to Monarchs, and

potent Heroes, after they had happily fought Battels, and were returned with Victory. But I fear, that many of our Doctors will be constrained to provide a Chariot for themselves.

For the Masters of this terrene World are so intangled with their own Thoughts, that they seek nothing from Antimony but Riches, and for∣get to search its utility for medicine, and the Health of the Body, which notwithstanding ought above all things to be sought, that (being brought to Light) the wonderful Works of our GOD may be made manifest, and the Glory given to him, with great thankfulness. It is not to be deny∣ed, but that more of Riches and Health may be found in it than either you all, or I my self, can believe: for I profess my self no other than a Disciple in the Knowledge of Antimony, although in it I have seen, experienced, and learned more than you, and all such as you are (who arrogate to your selves great skill therein) either have lear∣ned, or ever can learn. Yet no Man should therefore be troubled, or despair of his well doing, since GOD wonderfully dispenseth his Goods and Benefits; but because the World, indulging their own Ingratitude, have neither esteemed,

nor with due Reverence acknowledged the Mu∣nificence of the Most High, but have preferred Riches before Health, GOD hath spread as it were a Spider's Webb before their Eyes, that being blind they might not know the Secrets of Nature abscon∣ded in the Form of this Mineral.

All men cry out Rich, Rich we would be. I confess you all aspire to Riches, and with the E∣picure say, The Body must first be provided for, the Soul may at length also find somewhat; and with M das (as in the Fable) you desire that all things whatsoever you touch may be turned into Gold. Hence it is, that so many seek their desired Riches in Antimony: But because they accept not that Guift of the Creator with a grateful Heart, which before all Things should be procured, and cast the Love of their Neighbour behind their back, therefore they in vain look the Horse in the Mouth; for they know his Age and Strength no more than the Guests at the Marriage-Feast in Cana of Galilee knew the wonderful Work, which Christ there wrought, when he turned Water into Wine. They knew, that Wine was Water, and that the Water was turned into Wine, they perceived by the Tast; but how that Transmutation happened was hid from them. For the Lord JESUS, our Sa∣viour, reserved that Supernatural Work to him∣self, as a Testimony of his Omnipotency. Where∣fore I say, it is every Man's duty, to search out the Mysteries and Arcanums, which the Creator hath insited in all Creatures; for although (as we said) it is not Credible, that we Men can through∣ly learn and penetrate all Things; yet we are not forbid to inquire into them, since by Study and Diligence so much may be effected, as although through some defect a Man be hindred in such wise, as he cannot attain to the desired Riches

and perfect Sanity, yet he may acquire enough to occasion him not to repent of his Labour, but ra∣ther to minister unto him matter of Joy and Re∣joycing, that he sees himself so far an Adeptist, as he stands always obliged to render thanks to his Creator.

Therefore, whosoever desires to become a per∣fect Anatomist of Antimony, the first thing to be considered by him is Solution of the Body; and in or∣der to this, he must take it in a convenient place, and propose to himself the right way, that he be not seduced into devious Paths. Secondly he must observe the Governance of the Fire, taking Care that it be neither too much, nor too little, or too hot, or too cold. For the summ of all is sited in an exact Governance of the Fire; by which the vivifying Spirits of Antimony are ex∣tracted, and loosed from their bonds, and so ren∣dered capable to manifest their Effects operative∣ly. Also he must take great Care, that this O∣perative Vertue be not mortifyed and perish by Adustion. Thirdly, the Use or Dose is to be ob∣served by him, that he may administer it in due manner, knowing the Measure, as I above men∣tioned, when I spake of the five principal Heads requisite in the Exercise and Practice of Chymistry; but here I only hint at it cursorily by way of a Pa∣rable.

By Resolution the sum of the Matter is propo∣sed, but by Fire it is prepared to profit. For a Butcher cuts out an Ox, and divides it into parts, but no Man can profitably enjoy this Flesh, un∣less he first boyl it by Fire, by which Operation the Red Substance of the Flesh is changed and pre∣pared into white Aliment. If a Man constrained by hunger, should eat that Raw and Red Flesh, it would be Venom to him rather than Medicine;

because the natural Heat of the Stomach is too weak to concoct and digest that crude Body. Hence, my dear Friend, you may conclude, that since Antimony hath greater Venom, and a more gross Mineral Body than Animal Flesh (as by the above recited common Example I have alrea∣dy shewed) it will also prove more perillous, if used Crude, without Preparation, Separation and Coction by Fire; yea it will be and remain Ve∣nom, which will suddenly kill the Sick. There∣fore the Venenosity of Antimony is so to be taken away, as it may never again be converted in∣to Venom, after the same manner, as Wine, which being once, by putrefaction and corruption turned into Vinegar, never afterward yeilds any Spirit of Wine, but always is and remains Vine∣gar. But on the Contrary, if the Spirit only of the Wine be separated, and the Aquosity left by it self, and the same Spirit afterward exalted, it will never in any wise be changed into Vinegar, although it should be kept an hundred Years; but will always remain Spirit of Wine, no o∣therwise, then as Vinegar remains Vinegar.

This Transmutation of Wine into Vinegar is a wonderful Thing; because somewhat is produced from Wine, which was not before in its vege∣table Essence. In which it is also to be noted, that in distillation of Wine the Spirit first comes forth; but (on the contrary) in distilling Vinegar the Phlegm first comes, afterward the Spirit, as I have shewed above in its own place, where I also made mention of this Example. Therefore Spi∣rit of Wine makes Bodies volatile, because it self is volatile; but Spirit of Vinegar fixeth all Medicaments, as well of Minerals as Vegetables, and renders them solid; so that they apprehend things fixed, and expel fixed Diseases.

* 1.8Consider and observe these things diligent∣ly; for this principal Key is of great concern. Therefore Antimony, which contains in it self its own Vinegar, ought to be so prepared, as all its Venenosity may be taken away, and he, who useth it, conceives no Venom thereby, but rather drives away and casts out all Poyson from himself, by the use thereof.

Therefore Preparation of Antimony consists in the Key of Alchimy, by which it is dissolved, o∣pened, divided and separated; as in Calcination, Reverberation, Sublimation, &c. as we declared above of it. Also in extracting its Essence, and in vivifying its Mercury; which Mercury must after∣ward bee precipited into a fixed Pouder. Like∣wise by Art and a due Method, of it may be made an Oyl, which is effectual wholly to consume that new and unknown Disease, which the French, in their Warlike Expeditions, brought into our Re∣gions. The same is visible in other Preparations, derived from the Spa••y••ick Art and Alchimy; as for Example: If any one would make Beer of Barley, Wheat, or other Corn, all these degrees must be most perfectly known to him, before he can from those Grains extract their most subtil Essence and virtue, and reduce the same into a most efficacious Drink. First, the Grains must be so

long steeped in Water, as untill they be able suf∣ficiently, to open and resolve themselves (as I, when I was a Young Man, travelling into England and Holland, diligently observed to be done in those places) this is called Putrefaction and Corruption. This Key being used, the Water is drawn off from the Grain, and the macerated Corn is laid on Heaps close together, and left so for a due time, until it spontaneously conceive heat, and by the same heat germinating, the Grains adhere each to other: this is Digestion. This being finished, the Grains which adhered in their Germination, are separated, and dryed, either in the Air, or by Heat of Fire, and so hardned. This is Reverberation, and Coagulation. When the Corn is thus prepared, it is carried to the Mill, that it may be broak and ground small; this is Vegetable Calcination. After∣ward, by Heat of Fire cocting these Grains, the more noble Spirit of them is extracted, and the Water is imbibed with the same; which without the aforesaid Preparation could not have been. This way the crude Water is converted into Beer, and this Operation (though I speak but rudely) is and is called Distillation. The Hops, when ad∣ded to the Beer, is the Vegetable Salt thereof, which conserves and preserves from all Contraries, endeavouring to corrupt the same. This way of boyling Water into Drink, by extraction of the Spirits from the Grains, the Spaniards and Italians know not, and in my native Soyl of Germany about the Rhine, few are found skilled in this Art.

After all these works are performed, a new Separation is made by Clarification, viz. of the Drink, in this manner: a little Yest or Ferment is added, which excites an internal Motion and Heat in the Beer, so that it is clevated in it self, and (by the

help of time) Separation of the dense from the rare, and of the pure from the impure is made; and by this means the Beer acquires a constant virtue in Operating, so that it penetrates and effects all those Ends, for which it was made and brought into use: which before could not have been; because the Spirit, the Operator was hindred, by its own Impurity, from effecting its proper Work.

In Wine also doth not Experience teach the same? That cannot, before the time come, in which the Impuritys may be separated from it, so very perfectly and efficaciously perform its own Work, as after Separation of the pure from the impure: which by Drunkeness is manifest; for Beer or Wine unsettled, and not purifyed, give not forth from themselves so much Spirit for ine∣briating, as after Clarification. But of this no more. After all the aforesaid, a new Operation may be instituted, by Vegetable sublimation, for se∣paration of the Spirit of the Wine or Beer, and for preparing it by Distillation into another Drink of Burning Wine, which may also be made of the Lees or Dregs of Wine and Beer. When this is done, the Operative Virtue is separated from its own Body, and the Spirit being extracted by Fire, forsakes its own unprofitable dead Habita∣tion, in which it was commodiously hospited be∣fore. Now, if this Burning Wine, or Spirit of Wine, be rectifyed, an Exaltation is made by often distilling it, and by a certain method of O∣perating, the pure part (free from all Phlegm or Aquosity, may be so concentred, and as it were condensed, as one Measure of it may effect more, then twenty or more could have done before. For it sooner inebriates, and is swift, volatile and sub∣til for penetrating and operating.

* 1.9Here I admonish you, whosoever you are,

who desire to be taught by my Writings, and hope to obtain Riches and a true Medicine from Antimony, that you would not carelesly peruse my Intention, in which is no letter writ in vain, and which hath not a certain singular signification for your Instruction.

Yea, I here solemnly affirm, that there are ma∣ny words dispersed here and there in my Wri∣tings, to which if the Reader give heed as he ought, and know in what Fundamentals the prin∣cipal Heads of the matter are sited, and as it were buryed, he will have no Cause to repent his often turning over the same Leaves, but will esteem every word as much, as a peice of Gold Coyn. For you know, that although the Examples by me pro∣posed, sound harsh, as delivered in a rude manner, yet they contain in them somewhat that is excel∣lent and of great Moment. Yet I am not here am∣bitious to procure Authority or praise to my Writings, which is not my Business, nor would it become me: for when the Operation of them shall be brought to Light, they will acquire praise enough to themselves. I purposely and wil∣lingly produce Examples so rude and common be∣cause the power of Antimony and the true Virtue thereof, deeply and profoundly absconded in its inmost parts, is to be searched out. I was wil∣ling,

by these gross Examples to lead you by the hand, and shew you the way, that by them you might attain to the Thing it self, and not at the very first err from the Gate; for so doing you would long wander, and never bring your Opera∣tion to the desired End. For Antimony is like a Bird, which is carryed through the Air and as the Wind drives it, so it turns it self which way that wills: here, in this Case, Man acts the Part of the Air or Wind, and can drive and move Antimony, at his pleasure, and repose it in such a place, as himself chooseth: he can imbibe it, with a yellow, red, white, or black Colour, ac∣cording as he desires it should be, and as he rules and governs the Fire; because in Antimony (as in Mercury) all Colours are found; which no Man should wonder at, considering how many Things Nature bears absconded in her Bosom, which neither you nor I are able to comprehend in many days.

If a Book happen to be given to a Man, that is unlearned, he knows not what is signifyed by that Writing, or what that Scripture intends; for it is hid from his Eyes, and he stands amazed, as a Cow at the sight of a new Door. But if unto that un∣learned Man, any one suggest the Explication of the Book, and teach him not only the matter contained therein, but also the use of the same, the Man no more admires it, as an Art; but by this means it becomes to him a Common Thing, the Reason and Operation of which he understands, and by his own Study he can learn, conceive, and comprehend the Utility so perfectly, as now none of those Things, which were contained in the Book, are hid from him; because he hath learned both to read and understand what is writ∣ten therein. Such a Book is Antimony to those,

who know not the Art of Reading; therefore I faithfully admonish all, who desire to be par∣takers of its Utilities, to bend their mind to know and pronounce the letters thereof, that so they may acquire the Art of Reading that Book; and in such a manner, that (as in a School) they may be removed from Form to Form; when he who hath rightly gained Expe∣rience, shall preside as Rector, and judge of that, which in Trial is most worthy: for One is worthy to be preferred before another, in the Possession of that.

But here, what comes into my mind, and ought in no wise to be passed over in Silence, I think good to mention; viz: that at this Day many are found who exclaim, and rashly pro∣nounce Crucifige, Crucifige, against all those, who prepare Venoms into Medicaments, by which (as they say) many Mortals perish, or, if they escape with Life, live miserably; such are Mercury, Arse∣nick, Antimony, &c. and this Clamour is cheifly made by those, who (if it please the GODS) are called Doctors* 1.10 of Medicine, yet indeed under∣stand not what the difference is, between Venom, and Medicine, but are wholly ignorant how Ve∣nom may be prepared, so as to pass into a salu∣tary Medicament; and instead of its malignity, put on a better Nature.

Against these I do in a special manner exclaim and protest, against these, I say, who (ignorant of Preparation) exhibit Poyson to Men: for Mercury, Auripigment, Antimony, and such like, are ve∣noms in their Substance, and unless rightly prepa∣red remain Venoms. Yet after a Legitimate Pre∣paration, all their Venenosity is broke, extin∣guished and expelled, so that no part of them re∣mains, but what is Medicine, which resists all in∣ternal Venoms, although most deeply rooted, and radically destroys the same. For Venom, being in such a manner prepared, as it can no lon∣ger hurt, resists all Poyson, which is not as yet pre∣pared, and so very well prepares and subjugates it, as it is compelled with the same to put off its own venomous Nature.

Here I shall raise a great Contention among the Learned; for I know they will doubt what these my Words should signify, as whether what I af∣firm and write be possible to be done or no; and they will be divided into several Opinions there∣about. Some will judge it is in no wise possible, that from those Things, of which we treat, the venenosity should be wholly taken away; nor do I wonder, that they persist in that Opinion, since the Doctrine of like Preparations is absolutely un∣known to them, who have not the least thought of that, which leads to the Knowledge of these more profound Mysteries. Yet a small part of these Men will with me be constrained to acknow∣ledge, it is possible a vile Thing may be changed

into a better. For you (you Doctors I mean) must confess to me, that your purpose is to reduce that Evil, from which the Disease had its Origi∣nal, into a better State. Go to then; will you not also grant, that if any Evil be in those Things, of which Medicine is to be made, the same Evil must be converted into a better State, that it may so much the better perform its operation, and more powerfully and profitably act, without any no∣table peril? But since unto very few as yet is known, or by Experience found, the Way, by which a Man ought to proceed in these Preparations, a very small part of these will assume and contend for the Opinion I here affirm, and publickly pro∣fess: for very many will be carryed away with the greater Rout, crying, Venom, Venom! which Voyces, whilst I hear them, put me in mind of those wild Clamours, by which the Jews re∣quired the Saviour and Redeemer of the World, that he might suffer the Punishment of the Cross, often crying out Crucify him, Crucify him, whom they proclaimed to be the highest, most present, most pernitious, and cursed Venom, when as in∣deed he was the noblest, supreme, most glorious and most profitable Medicine of our Souls, which was to deliver us from the Death of Simers, from the Devil, Hell and all Misfortunes. Although those proud Pharisees and Lawyers neither could nor would understand this, nevertheless he both then was, and will be to the end of the World, and after it to all Eternity, the same superexcellent Me∣dicine: and neither the Devil, nor Death, nor the very Gates of Hell, nor any Creature, how power∣ful, or perverse soever, can effect any thing at all, whereby to overthrow this Truth.

So I hope, yea doubt not (although all vaga∣bond and circumforaneous Medicasters, all Physi∣tians

resident in Cities, and how many soever there be, that profess themselves Masters of any part of Medicine, do all together contrive what they can, and exclaim against Antimony) but that the same Antimony will triumph over the ingratitudes of all those unskilful Men (for true Physitians and such as are always ready to learn, I touch not here) and by its own power and virtue acquired after due preparation, will overcome and tread un∣der foot all its Enemies. But, on the contrary, those ignorant false Judges, and pertinacious con∣temners of Antimony, because they know not the Truth, together with the proud and blood-thirsty Jews, shall perish, and be cast into the Abyss of Hell. How ridiculous those magnificent, and to themselves only wise Doctors, seem to me, who deterr Emperors, Kings, Princes, and all other Great Men, and seriously admonish them not so much as to touch such Medicines with their Lips, be∣cause they are noxious, venomous, and every way perillous, I will not here declare, since I see them only to judge according to their own Opinion, without entertaining any Observations of other things, the Knowledge of which they have not before acquired by their own Contemplation, and therefore cannot judge of any thing else, or otherwise than they have learned. Therefore to these I say, if there be any Man, that hath taken so strong a Poyson, as present Death is necessarily ex∣pected to follow, I will (provided the Man be left wholly to my Care) give him an Antidote by me prepared which shall continually resist that Venom, and quickly expel it out of the Body. But I little care, whether you Mr. Doctor, who do neither know this Thing, nor ever would apply your mind to know it, do slight the same, and repute it as a ridiculous, and altogether false tale;

it is sufficient for me, that I am able (but if praise worthy, let praise be given to GOD) to prove and defend the Truth thereof. For I my self have experienced it, I have made, I have prepared, I have prescribed this Medicine, and there wants not a sufficient number of Witnesses to confirm it under Hand and Seal.

And whensoever I shall have occasion to con∣tend in the School with such a Doctor, who knows not how himself to prepare his own Medicines, but commits that Business to another, I am sure I shall obtain the Palm from her: for indeed that good Man knows not what Medicines he pre∣scribes to the Sick; whether the Colour of them be white, black, grey or blew, he cannot tell; nor doth this wretched man know, whether the Medi∣cament he gives be dry or hot, cold or humid; but he only knows, that he found it so written in his Books, and thence pretends Possession (or as it were Possession) by Prescription of a very long time: yet he desires no further Information. Here again let it be lawful to exclaim, good GOD, to what a state is the matter brought! what goodness of mind is in these men! what care do they take of the Sick! Wo, wo to them! in the day of Judg∣ment they will find the fruit of their ignorance and rashness; then they will see him whom they pierced, when they neglected their Neighbour, sought after Money and nothing else: whereas were they cordial in their Profession, they would spend Nights and Days in Labour, that they might become more learned in their Art, whence more certain health would accrew to the Sick with their Estimation, and greater glory to themselves. But since Labour is tedious to them, they commit the matter to Chance, and being secure of their Ho∣nour and content with their Fame, they (like Braw∣lers)

defend themselves with a certain Garrulity, without any respect had to Conscience or Truth; Coals seem wonderful strange, and as out-landish Wares to them, therefore they spare the Money, that should be bestowed in them, as if they intend∣ed to lay it out to a better use. Vulcan himself, viz. the Prepairer of Medicaments, is not found a∣mong them; for their Fornaces stand in the Apo∣thecaries Shop, to which they seldom or never come. A Paper Scrol in which their usual Re∣cipe is written, serves their purpose to the full, which Bill being by some Apothecaries Boy or Ser∣vant received, he with great noyse thumps out of his Mortar every Medicine, and all the Health of the Sick.

My GOD, change, change these times, and and put an end to this arrogant Pride, overturn those Trees, lest they swell up to Heaven, throw down those Giants lest they accumulate all Moun∣tains; and defend those, who seriously managing their Business, faithfully serve thee, that they may be able to stand against these their Persecutors. I seriously admonish all those in our Monastery, bound by the same Vows with me, that they would with my self Night and Day pray unto GOD, that he would so illuminate these Enemies of true Me∣dicine, as they may execrate their own Error, and acknowledge the Glory of GOD, and his Power insited in the Creatures, and perceive the Clearness latent in them, by Preparation and Anatomy (as it were speaking in their Ears) which otherwise surrounded and covered over with external Impu∣rities, would deeply be concealed, and never brought to Light. But I trust the Creator of all Things, (both of those which fall under our Sense, and of those that are remote from our Senses) will benignly hear our Prayers; that, if not whilst I

and my Brethren live, yet after our Death, such a Conversion of Things and Men (GOD answer these Desires) may follow, as that thick and ob∣scure Veil may be taken away from the Eyes of our Enemies, and they by true and infallible Illumina∣tion, obtain a clear sight, that they may find their lost Groat: which GOD the eternal Governour of Times and Things of his Grace and Mercy grant.

But it is sit, that I, who intended to publish a certain Discourse of Antimony, in all its Numbers absolute, should begin with the* 1.11 Name it self.

The Arabians, to whom in times past this Mi∣neral was known, did in their Language call it Asi∣nat; but the Chaldeans called it Stibium; among the Latines at this day the Name of Antimony is used, by which name they first of all signified it. We Germans in our Language have given it a Name, which seems to express a certain property of its Nature; for since it is seen to consist of a certain streiked Matter, and of it may easily be made Glass endued with various Colours, which proceed there from we have called it Spies-glass, as if we should say streiked Glass. From which Variety of the Name, by a prudent Judgment, a

singular Collection may be made, viz. that Antimony was known, and greatly esteemed, and its virtue and Utility observed and brought into use by the Arabi∣ans, Chaldeans, Latins, and our Germans: but after∣ward, the Heresies of various Opinions arising, the use was vitiated, and its Virtue and Glory first ob∣scured, and afterward wholly extinguished. Of which there is no Reason to Doubt; for nothing is more probable, than that Truth should suffer Dammage and Shipwrack by the Oppression of E∣nemies. For who knows not the Malice of the Devil, which by Reason of our Sins and Blindness is very often permitted by GOD. The Devil is the perpetual Enemy of Mankind, who imploys all his Strength, and all his Deceits, and omits no∣thing, which in himself is, to prevent the Know∣ledge of the profit of true Medecine, and to exter∣minate its use; knowing well enough, that by that means the power and glory of GOD is obscured, and those Sacrifices of the praises of men are impe∣ded, by which they gave thanks to GOD, be∣cause he hath insited as it were the Rayes of his Goodness in the Creatures, whence they may ob∣tain Health by a natural auxiliary.

But since to discourse of the Name of Antimony, is not to our purpose, we will desist from this Mat∣ter. For all the Praise of Antimony consists in the Preparation thereof, which is made for perfecting the Virtues infused in it from Nature by the Author of Nature. Therefore my discourse shall be of this, handling it and its known Virtue, and I will endeavour to make my Name immortal. Yet be∣fore I come to declare the Virtue of Antimony, since I above confessed, that it is meer Venom, I would have you know and diligently note, that Ve∣nom is able to draw Venom to it self, because like it self, much sooner and much more than any other Thing of another Nature.

Now let any Reader consider, and observe it as a Thing worthy of Note, that the true Ʋnicorns-horn, sophisticated by no fallacy, repels all Venom from it self, nor can it assume or draw to it self a∣ny thing of Venom, as is manifest by Experience. Let a living Spider be put in a Circle made of Ʋni∣corns-horn, and out of this Circle it cannot go, or pass over the Ʋnicorns-horn, for it shuns what∣soever is adverse to Venom. But if the Circle be made of venemous Matter, it is not to be doubted, but that the Spider will go out of it, and pass over that Venom like it self. Note this Experiment, make a piece of Silver hollow, and put it in Water, that it may float like a Boat, and put Venom to it, then hold a piece of true Unicorns-Horn, as nigh to it as you can, but so as you may not touch it, that Unicorns-Horn by its spiritual Virtue will drive the Silver from it, so that it will flie away like a Duck, which swimming on the Water flies, when it perceives the Snares of the Fowler ready to entangle it. But on the contrary, Nature in a wonderful manner loves and follows its own like, as appears by this Example. Put a little piece of pure and fine Bread in a dish full of Water, so as the Bread may swim upon the Water, hold a piece of true Unicorns-Horn close to it, yet so as it touch it not; and if you leisurely move the Unicorns-Horn the little piece of Bread will follow it. Nature so much loves its own like, and so much hates what is unlike it self, as this flies, and that follows. Therefore let our Doctors consider, that Venom by a certain Magnetick Power Attracts Venom, and those things which are void of Venom, do in like manner draw to themselves things pure, and want∣ing a Venomous quality.

Therefore Venom may be taken away two ways; first, by its Contrary, which resists Venom, as al∣ready

is related of the Unicorns-Horn. Second∣ly, by Like, when Venom by a certain Magnetick power draws Venom to it self. But the Venom which must heal Venom like it self, ought first to be so prepared, as its Venom may pass into Medi∣cine, and by its own attractive virtue, assume the other to and expel it with it self. Of which thing you have a most clear Example in Soap: That is compounded of Oyl and other fat ingredient Mat∣ters, which seem to be, and in very deed are, more apt to foul, than cleanse Linen; but because in the Boyling of the Soap, especially by the help of Salt, a certain Separation and Preparation is made, the Soap is rendred most apt to draw to it self and wash out all foulness and filths from Linen and other things: so indeed may Venom in a certain manner, by Antecedent Preparation be accommodated so, as to be no more Venom, but a Medicament, it draws to it self all other Poyson, casts it out, and restores the man to his pristine Purity and Health.

Now since our Discourse hath led us so far, and we have begun to open Nature so much; that the truly Studious of Medicine (though hitherto igno∣rant of this) may clearly know, what Good or E∣vil is latent in Nature, what is Venom and what is harmless; which is a thing hath not as yet been found out by Doctors, by reason of their own supine negligence; and that the Truth thereof may be demonstrated and also confirmed, it will not be a∣miss to produce certain Experimental Examples, which may discover the Truth, and refute the false Opinions of others. Put an Egg, which in the Winter is congealed with Cold, into very cold Water, there let it lie for a due space of time, and the Ice will externally adhere to the Egg-shell, but the Cold be extracted from the Egg it self, and re∣stored to its pristine vigour and intireness. Again,

if any Member be benummed with Cold, let not the Patient neglect himself, but apply cold Snow∣water round about, so one Cold attracts the other, and the Member is restored. On the contrary, if any One have a Member inflamed, let him apply to that Inflammation an hot Matter; as for Ex∣ample, Spirit of Wine, which is mere Fire, or the Quintessence of Sulphur, and he will in very deed find, that Heat is attracted by Heat, in a certain Magnetick manner, and like to rejoyce in like, and not only to asswage the pain and heat of the inflam∣ed Member, but absolutely to restore the same to its pristine strength.

Yet lest this our purpose should not be fully e∣nough confirmed by Examples, I will also add an∣other, by way of Supplement. Take Frog-Spawn in the Moneth of March, and laying it on a Board dry it in the Sun, when dry reduce it to Powder, and strew of this Powder, upon Wounds made by Venomous Vipers or Serpents; by this means such Wounds will be so prepared, as they may be perfectly healed by other Medicaments applied thereunto. Or otherwise, if Linen cloaths be of∣ten moistned in Frog-Spawn, and as often dried, and that Linen cut into small pieces and applied to Wounds, they effect the same, as the aforesaid Powder would have done. But that the very foun∣dation of this Truth may more clearly be declared; take a venomous Toad, dry him in the Sun, shut him up in an Earthen closed Pot, and by burning reduce him to Ashes; then having taken out the Ashes, and reduced the same to Powder, apply of that Powder to a Wound made by Venom, and this Poyson attracts the other Poyson, and joyns it with it self. Why so, I pray? Because by this Burning, which is the Calcination of the Toad, its interior Virtue is made manifest, and efficacious for opera∣ting;

so, that Like can attract like, and especially Venom Venom, to it self. Therefore firmly per∣swade your self, that this Truth is infallible and immutable, which I have here proposed to you and others by Example. If any One afflicted with the Pest, do diligently observe this, he will find the Truth of those Things I have here above mentio∣ned: the Astrum of Sol, and the Spirit of Mercury, ministred in a Pestilential Season, preserve many. For the Spirit of Mercury doth also draw to it self its own like, and hath in it self the Medicament, and attractive power of all venomous Diseases. Yet since the Astrum of Sol, from which (as from an operative and all vivifying Sun) all things in their kinds universally arise; therefore I deter∣mine that in the potency of Gold, more than in all other Things, is an Operating Nature; that is, in its own Astrum, whence both it self, and all Me∣tals and Minerals, in the Beginning, received their first Nativity and Propagation of Generati∣on. Touching which more may be said, when I shall manifest to you the Astrum of Sol, and com∣mend the same most religiously to your Consci∣ence.

After the same manner process is to be made with Antimony, which hath the same Operations with corporal Gold; yet of the Astrum thereof I now speak not. For I know (saith Antimony) it be∣hoves me, before that, to fear and tremble; al∣though in many principal Arcanums of Medicine, I far excel it; yet universally I am able to effect none of those Things, which the Astrum of Sol (confirmed by the Testimony of Celestial Verity) is able to produce. The Astrum of Mercury I omit, because I my self have my descent from the same Original with it: but as to a Celestial pene∣trating power of Operating, I give the first place

of Dominion to the Astrum of Sol.

My Writings and Books, composed by Experi∣ence, properly follow and answer each to other; ••s one Metal (as to its virtue) is observed and e∣steemed by another, and must by Fire be proved of what value it is. So these my Sayings, or Writings, or Medicaments, ought to be brought into the Schools, as tending to one Scope and End. Into the Schools, I say, where Riches obtain to them∣selves (as it were) an Hereditary place, and instead of that take away all the Honour, which is due to ••ulcan only, who can boast himself to be a Master in his own Element of Fire. Which may be shew∣ed by Example, and a true and manifest Proof. When most hard Steel is struck with an hard and solid Flint, Fire excites Fire by vehement Commo∣tion, and accension, drawing forth the occult Sul∣phur, or the occult Fire is manifested by that ve∣hement Commotion, and enkindled by the Air so, as it truly and efficaciously burns; but the Salt remains in the Ashes, and the Mercury thence takes its flight together with the burning Sulphur.* 1.12

So here also understand, that Antimony ought in a certain Method so to be handled, as its Mercury may be separated from the Sulphur thereof, in a Natural Manner. Now, as Fire, which lies ab∣sconded in Matter, unless it be made manifest, and

can be demonstrated, is profitable for nothing, is not (as I may say) tangible by the Hands, nor can it effect any thing to purpose; so Medicine can effect nothing that is excellent, unless it be first se∣parated from its Grossness, rectified and so dis∣charged of Impurities, clarified and brought to Light by due Preparation, as is manifest in all Things: for when Separation of the pure from the impure is made, and all that is mountanous or terrestrial is segregated from the pure Metal, then the desired Harvest is to be expected. Hence it is manifest, that Fire can effect nothing, before it is in a certain manner opened and set at Liberty, that it may operate. Therefore, to comprehend much in few Words, I say, this is the Condition of Antimony. Whatsoever is occult and absconded from the Knowledge of the Vulgar, that in joys the Name and Honour of Art, viz. as long as it lies hid; but so soon as it is discovered and made ma∣nifest, Art hath end, and it becomes a Mechanick Work; as I have more than once declared in other of my Books.

A Bee sucks Honey from Flowers, with such Art as the Almighty hath insited in it, in which Honey is latent a Virtue, Juice, and Corroborative Power, of which a Medicine is made, as is obvious to the Eyes of all Men. Now, from that Honey, of a sweet and most pleasant Taste, a violent Corrosive and present Venom may be prepared; which per∣haps no man, unless he who hath learned it, will believe; no man certainly considers this, unless he be a diligent Observer. Yet for this Cause Honey is not to be contemned, nor is it to be said, that although it hath a most grateful Sweetness, yet it is a Corrupt Medicine; because a Corrosive may be made of it: but it should rather be said, that Corruption proceeds from the Physicians igno∣rance,

who knew not how duely to prepare it. Here I am willing to teach the ignorant Physician, to free him from the last Judgment. For Honey is prepared of the Superfluities of Brute Animals, by which the Grounds and Fields are fatned; in those Grounds arise Flowers, Herbs, Fruit-Trees of various kinds, from which the Bees suck a most noble Quintessence: by this is made the Alteration and Generation of one Thing into another, viz. into Aliment of another Form and Taste, which in no wise agrees with the former, and that is cal∣led Honey. Of such Honey is prepared a Food most grateful, pleasant and fit for man, and for many Things most profitable. Of the same may be prepared a Poyson most hurtful to Man and Beast.

Therefore, do you Searcher of Nature, of what Age, Sex, Fortune or Condition soever, follow me and Nature. I will shew you the Truth, without any Mixture of falsity, drawn from the very Foun∣dation. I will make you understand, who pro∣ceeds rightly, and who unadvisedly. I will teach you to separate the Good from the Evil, the High∣est from the Lowest. For of Antimony, if its Ve∣nom be first changed into Remedy, is made a Medi∣cine, which eradicates, and like Fire penetrates, prepares and by cocting consumes all Diseases. Wherefore Antimony is first to be prepared into a true Stone, which is the Quintessence thereof; and because, in its Operation it is altogether like unto Fire, (when reduced to its Coagulation) it shall by me be named the Stone of Fire. When this Stone of Fire is rightly prepared, as in the End of this Treatise I will further shew, its Medicinal Virtue consumes all noxious Humours, purifies the Blood in the highest Degree, and performs all that may be effected by Aurum potabile.

Therefore, I pray you, my unexperienced Do∣ctor, who have neither learned my Preparation, nor conceived the Use, not to judge from a false Suspi∣tion, and your own ignorant Thoughts; but set about the Work it self, and learn how the Prepara∣tion of Antimony ought to be made, how you should further proceed with it, how its Venom is expelled and separated, and Salutary Medicine posited in the place of it, and exalted. When I say* 1.13 you shall have performed This, then at length will you be able to judge of the difference, and understand those things, which before were very far remote from your Knowledge.

O you wretched and to be pitied Medicasters, who painted with a Fucus, breath out I know not what Thrasonick Brags, and pass over Mountains wanting Foundation, walking through Clouds in your own Thoughts, and know not where at length you shall rest your Foot: you, I say, I admonish to consider what you will answer, in the Extream Judg∣ment of the Son of GOD. Seek, and when you have found, convert what you find to use, and so performing your Office commit the Rest to GOD, who will give success, and never leave you destitute of help. But you infamous men, more mad than Bacchanalian Fools, who will neither learn, nor foul your Hands with Coals, judge not lest you procure Judgment to be pronounced against you, which your Childrens Children may write down to your shame in an undeleble Character.

Every Physician ought above all Things to take Care, that he do neither less nor more, than pro∣cure

the Restitution of Health lost, not instituting his Curation contrary to Nature, or deviating from her direct Intention. When Spirit of Wine is poured upon Aqua Fortis a vehement Ebullition is made, and these two Natures will not easily per∣mit themselves to be together; but he, that knows how by Distillation to conjoyn and unite them, ac∣cording to the true Intention of Philosophers, he may use them in many things for good. After the same manner, Oyl or Liquor of Tartar, and Vinegar made of Rich Wine, act each upon other; for they hate and fly from each other, as Fire and Water, although they proceeded from one and the same Matter. Therefore the Physician ought in a special manner to be mindful, to understand all Circumstances from the Sick very exactly, and con∣fider the same being understood that in Curing he may use such Means, as are fit to remove the Disease, lest the Patient be injured by the Medicine. As for Example, when Iron is dissolved in Aqua fortis, if you suddainly pour Oyl of Tartar upon that So∣lution, you shall difficultly preserve the Glass from breaking; for the contrary Natures, like unto Gun-powder, take Fire, and break the Glass. Of all these Things, our Gown Doctors know nothing at all; therefore they have no other Defence for their Ignorance, than Silence only.

You titular Doctors, you I speak to, who write long Scroles of Receipts: you Apothecaries, who with your Decoctions fill Pots, no less than Those (in Princes Courts) in which Meat is boyled for the sustentation of some hundreds of men: you, I say, who hitherto have been blind, suffer a Collyrium to be poured into your Eyes, and permit them to be anointed with Balsom, that the most thick skin of Blindness may fall from your Sight, and you behold the Truth, as in a most clear Glass. GOD grant

you Grace, that you may know his wonderful Works, and the Love of your Neighbour be root∣ed in you, that you may search out true Medicine, which the Ruler of the Heavens hath, by his own omnipotent hand, and his ineffable and eternal Wisdom, from above infused in, impressed on, and communicated to his Noble Creatures, for the Good of Mankind; whence man may find help in his greatest Necessity, and Counsel for Health in his Diseases. Why do you, miserable Worm of the Earth, and food of Worms, look so intently on the Rind or Shell, and neglect the Kernel, be∣ing unmindful of your Creator, who formed you according to his Image; when as you ought to give thanks to him, and with diligent Study to search out his Works, exceeding Nature her self? Return and look into your self, there behold the Image of your own Ingratitude, that you may be ashamed of your self, especially because you have not searched out those Things, which the most wise GOD, for the Good of Mortals; hath in∣fused in his Creatures; by knowing which, you might have offered unto him the most acceptable Sacrifice of Praise and Gratitude.

But I will put an end to this Discourse, lest my Tears (which I can scarcely keep in, from continu∣ally falling from mine Eyes) should blot this my Writing, and whilst I deplore the Blindness of the World, I blemish this Lamentation, which I would have known to all men. I am a man Religi∣ous, incorporated in a most holy Order, in which I will persevere, as long as it shall please the Omni∣potent GOD, to animate this miserable Body with Vital Spirit: therefore I must not write o∣ther things, or otherwise, than is agreeable to this State. But had I the Office of a Secular Judge, I would lift up my Voyce, and found a Trumpet in

their Ears, that those deaf men may hear, who hitherto would not acknowledge the Truth, but out of Ignorance, without Cause, falsly and slande∣rously persecute, calumniate, contemn, disparage, and meditate how they may totally suppress the same.

But thou, O Lord GOD, who dwellest in the Highest, who art called and truly art the GOD of Rest, who sitting in the Supreme Throne of Ma∣jesty, governest Heaven and Earth, which thou hast created, who conservest the Stars, and or∣dainest the Course of the Firmament in its Moti∣on according to thy Command, before whom all Creatures tremble, which are found in the Earth, or in Heaven, and the Infernal Spirits are astonish∣ed with unexpressable dread, be pleased, I pray to look down upon the Transactions of this most un∣grateful World, and teach them inwardly to know those Things, which thou hast outwardly and visi∣bly proposed to the Sons of Men, that thou mayest be praysed in thy Throne, known in thy Verity, and adored in thy immense Majesty. As for my self, I an unworthy and miserable man, give thanks unto thee, for thy great and infinite Gifts and Be∣nefits of Riches and Health bestowed on me, and laud thy Majesty for ever for the same. More, O my Father and Lord, I neither can, nor am able to desire in this perishing World.

Now, that we may write of Antimony, and be∣gin our Discourse from the very Foundation, whence Antimony acquires its Empire, Triumph and Glory, by which it is exalted to perfect Opera∣tion, we must before all Things discover the cer∣tain Original of its Root: how it is generated in the Earth, to the Dominion of what Stars it is sub∣jected, and what Elements have throughly dige∣sted it, and which they be, that have brought it to

Maturity. Antimony is no other than a Fume, or (as I may otherwise call it) a Mineral Vapour, which is genited from above by the Stars, and af∣terward by the Elements deduced and digested to formal Coagulation and Maturity. Here it is to be noted, that Antimony hath acquired its Essence, Virtue, Power, Operation and Quality, from the same Principle, Root and Essence, whence Vulgar Mercury is produced; yet with more firm Coagu∣lation, so that it is brought to an harder Essence, than the living or running Mercury of the Vulgar hath. The Reason of this is, because it hath assu∣med from the three Principles, a little more of the Substance of Salt, than Common Mercury. For although of all the three Principles, it hath the least part of Salt, yet it hath assumed more of the Essence of Salt, than common Mercury, whence un∣to it hath hapned such a Coagulation. Hardness in every thing is from Salt, which vulgar Mercury hath not. For it hath a very small part of Salt, but in it, in a spiritual manner, is insited a certain more hot Spirit of Sulphur; therefore it alwayes flows, and cannot be brought to Coagulation, un∣less by the help of other Metallick Spirits, which endued with very great Virtues, are chiefly found in the Matrix of Saturn, without which it cannot be fixed, unless by him, who possesseth the Stone of Philosophers, by which its three Principles may be brought to a concordant Equality, and then it ac∣quires such a Body, as will melt, flow, and abide the Hammer, like all other Metals: otherwise Mercu∣ry is and will be fluid Mercury, until its volatility be this way taken away. Hence it is known, that all Animals and all Vegetables are too weak to fix Mer∣cury into a malleable Substance (as many have in vain endeavoured) because all these have not a Me∣tallick Nature. Mercury, within and without, is

no other than meer Fire; therefore it is not com∣bustible by any Fire, no Fire can apprehend it so, as to alter its Essence, but it suddenly slies and re∣solves it self into an incombustible Oyl Spiritually; or after its fixation it remains so invariable, as no strength or power of men is sufficient again to al∣ter it. And whatsoever can now be made of Gold may then also be made of it by Art; because after Coagulation it is altogether like Gold: for it with Gold hath one and the same Root, Stock, or Pro∣duction originally.

But since I purpose not in this place to discourse more largely of Mercury, and intend only simply (yet truly) to describe the very Foundation of An∣timony, from true and certain Principles, I will cease to speak of Mercury, and proceed to a further De∣claration of Antimony. Yet, whatsoever I have proposed by way of Similitude touching Mercury* 1.14, for an Introduction and further Consideration, is not written in vain, or to no purpose; but to the end, that the very Beginning of Antimony may be more clearly understood, which (as I before shewed) received its original, as it were Mercurially, with it.

Wherefore most diligently think on this; often bear in mind, observe and understand, that all Mi∣nerals and Metals together, in the same Time, and after the same manner, and of one and the same principal Matter, are produced and genited. That Matter is no other, than a meer Vapour,

which is extracted from the Elementary ••arth by the Superior Stars, as by a Sydereal Distillation of the Macrocosm: which Sydereal hot Infusion, with an Airy-Sulphureous Property descending upon in∣feriors, so acts and operates, as in those Metals and Minerals is implanted spiritually and invisibly a certain Power and Virtue, which Fume afterward resolves it self in the Earth, into a certain Water, from which Mineral Water all Metals are thence∣forth generated and ripened to their Perfection; and thence proceeds this or that Metal or Mine∣ral, according as one of the three Principles a••∣quires Dominion, and they have much or little of Sulphur and Salt, or an unequal Mixture of the weight of them, whence some Metals are fixed; that is, some constant and stable, some volatile and easily mutable, as is seen in Gold, Silver, Copper, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Tin and Lead. Besides these Metals, other Mine∣rals also are generated of the three Principles, ac∣cording to the Communication and Participation of the unequal weight of them: as are Vitriol, An∣timony, and many other Marchasites, or other E∣lectrums, and Minerals, which for brevity sake we here omit.

But Gold, in its Astrum and Beginning was im∣bibed with a much more perfect Sulphur, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 much more perfect Mercury, than all other Meta•••• and Minerals, and therefore its operative Virtue is much more potent and more efficacious, than the Astrums of other Metals: Yea, all Virtues whatso∣ever are dispersed in other Metals, and many more than them, are found in the Astrum of Gold only. Moreover I say, when that one thing is brought to further Maturity by Fire, it contains more Perfecti∣on, than all Metals and Minerals together. There is one only Mineral, of which I have often made mention already, in which is found a Sulphur of

Sol, equally as strong and powerful, yea more po∣tent and more strong, than in Gold it self: so also, there are two kinds of Metals found, in which this Predominancy powerfully Triumphs, of which at this time I have neither will nor disposition to write; but I am willing to keep within the Bounds I have set my self in treating of the Essence of An∣timony, touching which I purpose now to speak.

Therefore Antimony is a Mineral made of the Vapour of the Earth changed into Water, which Spiritual Syderal Transmutation is the true Astrum of Antimony; which Water, by the Stars first, af∣terward by the Element of Fire, which resides in the Element of Air, is extracted from the Elemen∣tary Earth, and by Coagulation formally changed into a tangible Essence, in which tangible Essence, (viz. whence Antimony is formally made) is found very much of Sulphur predominant, of Mercury not so much, and of Salt the least of all three; yet it assumes so much Salt, as it thence acquires an hard and immalleable Mass. The principal Qua∣lity of it is dry and hot, or rather burning, of Cold and Humidity it hath very little in it, as there is in Common Mercury; in Corporal Gold also is more Heat than Cold. These may suffice to be spoken of the Matter, and three Fundamental Principles of Antimony, how by the Archeus in the Element of Earth it is brought to perfection.

Yet the Lovers of Chymistry should not think this Philosophick Reason by me alleadged of ab∣solute necessity to them, nor need they be solici∣tous to know, in what Center the Astrum of Anti∣mony rests, or from what Root it slows; but should rather desire to learn the Utility and use thereof; viz. which way it ought to be prepared and re∣duced to its State, that they may know its Virtue, Power, and Operation, touching which in times

past so many Things have been written, and to this Day are mentioned, and spoken of by all men of all States and Conditions. For the Learned, as well as the Unlearned hope to have their ardent and in∣satiable Desire satisfied by This; therefore I will not detain the Reader with ambiguous Discourses, or tedious Delays, but simply teach every Thing, which I by great Study and Diligence (which I have often imployed about Antimony) could find out touching the Essence of Antimony. For no man, by reason of the shortness of Life, can know or search out all its Arcanum's: because in Preparation of Antimony, one new Wonder follows another perpetually; one Degree succeeds a former De∣gree, Colour follows Colour, and one Virtue, Pow∣er or Operation always manifests it self greater than another.

And, to begin here I say, Antimony is meer Ve∣nom, not of the kind of the least Venoms, but such, as by which you may destroy Men and Beasts, so ve∣nomous a power is diffused through the whole Substance of this Mineral. Hence ariseth the common Exclamation of all men. For the Peo∣ple, unskilful Doctors, and all Those, to whom the ground of true Medicine is unknown, do with one mouth proclaim it Venom, Venom! Poyson, say they (as I my self above confessed) lies in Antimo∣ny. For this Cause let us disswade all men from its use; for it endangers the Health and Life. There∣fore Doctors resident in Princes Courts, admonish Monarchs, Princes, and other Potentates not to use Antimony. Other Scholasticks cry out, Beware, you in no wise admit Antimony into Medicinal Use; for it's meer Poyson: these the Inhabitants of Ci∣ties and Villages follow. And this far spread Cla∣mour so moves the greatest part of Mortals, as Anti∣mory in these our Days is very ill spoken of, and no

man dares put confidence in the Medicine thereof, which in it is found so various and unexpressible. For truly and holily I affirm (as truly as GOD is the Creator of all things visible, which are con∣tained in Heaven or Earth, which either have come, or in time to come shall come unto our know∣ledge) that under Heaven, or by the Rays of the Sun, with the Guidance of Experience, can be found or demonstrated no greater Medicine, than is in this Mineral; yea, there is no Subject, in which so fluently and abundantly can be found such most certain Remedies for Health, as shall be de∣clared (by sure and undeniable Experiments) to be in Antimony.

Son, attend to this my Discourse, and do thou Reader give heed to my Writings, and do you wise men of the World diligently observe my Declara∣tion of Antimony founded on Experience. For my Theory ariseth from Nature, and my Practice pro∣ceeds from certain Experience, which shews its manifold Utility, and infinite Ways produceth the same, not without the incredible Admiration of all men. But I assent to you, and confess (as I have before acknowledged in my Writings) that Anti∣mony at first is meer Venom, and before Preparation hath nothing in or with it self, but Poyson; and that I affirm to be true. But you, whosoever you are, insignized or not insignized with the Degree of Doctor, Master, or Batcheler, whether skilful in Art, or by some other Priviledge promoted; you, I say, who so inconsiderately and so arrogantly without Truth exclaim, and prate against me, pause a while, and forget not your own Argument, hear what I have here to say. Antimony is Venom, therefore every One must beware he use it not. No, that doth not follow Mr. Doctor, Batchelor, or Master; it doth not follow, I say, Mr. Doctor,

although you be proud of your Red Hat. Treacle is made of the most perillous Venom of a Viper, which is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, whence also it had its Name; therefore no man must use it, for there is poyson in it. Doth this Consequence please you? How doth this my Doctrine like you? You hear, that after Preparation, no Venenosity is found in Anti∣mony; for by the Spagyrick Art Antimony is con∣verted from Venom into Medicine, no otherwise than as of the Venom of a Viper is said, which is con∣verted into Treacle; but without Preparation you shall find no Good in it, nor any thing of Medici∣nal Help, but much loss and detriment.

Now, whosoever desires to become a Disciple of Antimony, he must, after Prayer, and an carrest Invocation of GOD, betake himself to the School of Vulcan; for he is the Master and Revealer of all Secrets. This Master is contemned by the Wise Men of the World, set very light by and derided; because they, by reason of their own Negligence and Malignity, have learned nothing of him; and all Revelation, through their own Sloath, is impe∣ded: for no Medicine was eyer prepared without Vulcan, whatsoever those sensless mad men shall bable and affirm to the Contrary.

But I will proceed to the Process and Preparati∣on of Antimony; for I little value the Clamours of arrogant and self applauding men: let them make and bring to light any Work that can excel Anti∣mony. It is well known to me, that of Antimony may be made Medicines equal to Those, which are in Gold and vulgar Mercury (I except the Astrum of Sol) for of this may be prepared Aurum potabile against the Leprosie, of this may be made Spirit of Mercury, the highest Remedy against the French POX, of this other infinite Remedies may be pre∣pared. If those Contemners cannot perceive and

understand this, what wonder is it? None, because they have not learned it. No man can give a sound Judgment of that, which he never learned. Let the Ass, an Animal like them in stupidity be their Example, who cannot teach a Shepherd how to handle his Pipe, so as to play an Harmonious Tune; because he hath not learned. So, right Judgement, with a solid Foundation cannot be given by a man, who before hath not bent his Studies that way, that from Writings he may be able to discern what, in such a Business, is just or unjust. After the same manner in this Faculty, what can be attributed to any of the Doctors, before he hath from Writings, and by his own proper labour ac∣quired Knowledge?

Yet before I pass to the Process it self, some One may perhaps interrupt and ask me, which way both Minerals and other Things receive their Venonosi∣ty? What Venom is? Whence the Poyson of eve∣ry Thing hath its Original? How it may be taken away, also how such a Mineral may without peril securely be used for Health after evacuation of that Venom? To these Questions I will briefly and clearly answer. The Infusion of Venom falls un∣der a twofold Consideration, viz. Natural and Su∣pernatural.

The first Reason, why GOD the supreme Lord of the Stars, and the Maker of Heaven and Earth, hath proposed to us open Venom, especially in Mi∣nerals, is, that by this his Ordination he might shew to us his Wonders and powerful Works, for distinction of Good and Evil, as in the Law he pre∣scribed to us the Knowledge of That, which lies as a Duty on us to do, viz. to Choose the Good and Eschew the Evil. So also the Tree of Life in Pa∣radise was proposed; its right use tended to Good, but its abuse brought the Fall to Evil; for by

that GOD's Command was broke, whence proceed∣ed Destruction and all Evil. This is the first Reason.

A Second Reason is, that by this we might com∣prehend and understand the Distinction between Evil and Good, and at length learn to exterminate Malice and reposit Goodness in its place. For GOD wills not, that man should perish and be de∣stroyed, but that he should depart from Evil, and come to amendment of Life, that Destruction may be driven far away from his Soul. So, to Us his Creatures, with wonderful Conveniency hath he proposed Good and Evll, which is found both in the Precept of the Word, and in the Work of the Crea∣ture; that we may choose what is profitable and good for Health, and shun what is evil and pernitions.

Thirdly, Venom is also made by the Stars, when contrary Oppositions and Conjunctions of them happen, by which the Elements are Infected so, as they become the Cause of Pestilences, and other Venomous Diseases in this World: which also is to be understood of Comets.

Fourthly, Venom is made from Things repug∣nant each to other, as when any One inkindles a deadly Poyson in himself, by Anger or Sadness; also when a man drinks being above measure hot.

Fifthly, among Venoms may be numbred Wea∣pons, with which any One is slain; then the Abuse of Arms is Venom to that man. But when any One useth Arms, for the just and unblamable desence of his Body, to which end they were invented, then they may be accounted a certain kind of Medicine.

Lastly, the Cause of Venom may be demonstrated by Nature, in this manner: whatsoever Nature re∣fists is Venom, and that because it sights against Na∣ture. As when any one eats such Food, as his Sto∣mach cannot bear, then that Food is Venom to him; for it is repugnant to Nature: on the contrary,

if any One eat such Food, as is Friendly to his Sto∣mach, to him that Food is Medicine.

But Venom is principally attracted to Bodies in the Earth, whilst they are a certain Mercurial Es∣sence (now I speak of the Venom of Minerals) which yet is in an immature, crude, and not well digested Form, which is repugnant to Nature, and difficultly digested; because such a Mercurial Es∣sence is not yet perfect, well digested to Maturity, therefore it passeth through the whole Body, as a crude, immature, undigestible Mineral. As if crude Corn should be eaten by men, that would be so difficult to be digested by the Stomach, as a nota∣ble debility of the Body would follow. For the natural Heat is too weak to deduce that to a due Concoction and Perfection. Corn, which receives its Maturity from the Fire of the Great World, must afterward be throughly cocted by the Minor Fire, that it may be digested by the Microcosm. As before we said, touching the boyling of Flesh to Maturity; so here the same is to be understood of Antimony, which being yet crude, and not throughly cocted in the Earth to fixedness, the Stomach of Man (as I may so speak) is too weak to bear it, or retain the same, as by certain Experience is manifested, viz. that all Catharticks, whether Mi∣nerals, Animals or Vegetables, are venomous, be∣cause of a certain Mercurial volatile Matter still predominant in them; which volatile Spirit is the Cause why other things, which are in man, are ex∣pelled: not that by this Means the Root it self of Diseases is laid hold on, which only is essected by the fixedness of every Medicine. For every Medi∣cine throughly fixed, searcheth out fixed Diseases, and eradicates them; which Purgers not fixed can∣not do, but they do only as it were carry a∣way some Spoyl from Diseases; or they may be

compared to Water, which driven by force through a Street Penetrates not the Earth it self. Fixed Remedies purge not by the Inferior Parts, because that is not the familiar way of Expelling fixed Venoms, and that way they would not touch the Kernel (as I may call it) or Center of the Disease; but by expelling Sweat, and otherways they strike at the very inmost Root of the Disease, not con∣tented with a certain superficial Expulsion of Filths. Therefore we often admonish all and every One, that all venomous Impurity is totally to be taken away from Antimony, before it can either be, or be called such a Medicine, as may safely be given. For this Cause, the Good must be separated from the Evil, the Fixed from the not fixed, and the Medi∣cine from the Venom with accurate diligence, if we hope by the Use of Antimony to obtain true Honour, and true Utility; but Fire only can ef∣fect that. For Vulcan is the sole and only Master of all These. Whatsoever the Vulcan in the Great∣er Orbe leaves crude and perfects not, that in the Lesser World must be amended by a certain other Vulcan, ripning the Immature, and cocting the Crude by Heat, and separating the Pure from the Impure. That this is possible no man doubts; for dayly Experience teacheth the same, and it is very apparent in the Corporal Aspect of Colours, which proceed from the Fire. For by Separation and Fire, which perfect Fixation, Venenosity is taken away, and a Change is made of the Evil into Good, as we have already said. Therefore Fire is the Separator of Venom from Medicine, and of Good from Evil; which is a thing, that None of the Phy∣sicians either dares or can truly and fundamentally own, or demonstrate to me, unless he who hath firmly contracted Friendship with Vulcan, and in∣stituted the siry Bath full of Love, by which the

Spouse, being throughly purged from all Defile∣ment, may legitimately lie down with her Bride∣groom in the Marriage Bed.

Fie upon the Acuteness of the Worldly Wit of those, who neither understand, nor are willing to endeavour to understand these my Writings. If you did know, what is called fixed, and what not fixed, and what it signifies to separate the Pure from the Impure, assuredly you would purposely forget many Things, and omitting other vain Works, would follow me only. For in me (Antimony speaks of himself) you will find Mercury, Sulphur and Salt, then which Nothing is more Conducible for the Health of men. Mercury is in the Regulus, Sulphur in the Red Colour, and Salt in the remaining black Earth. He that can separate these, and again unite them in a due manner, according to Art, so as Fix∣ation may bear Rule, without Venom, he may re∣joyce with Honour and Truth; because he hath ob∣tained the Stone of Fire, which may be prepared of Antimony for the Health of Mortals, and for Tem∣poral Sustentation with parcicular profit. For in Antimony you may find all Colours, Black, White, Red, Green, Blew, Yellow, and more other mixt Co∣lours, than can be believed, all which may be sepa∣rated apart, and known particularly, and singularly applied to use; according as the Artist intends, such an Ordination is to be instituted.

Therefore now will I distinctly declare, how Medicine is to be prepared, Venom to be expelled, Fixation to be set about, and a true Separation to be made, by which the Evil may be subdued and de∣pressed, and the Good triumph and be taken into use. In the mean while, let the Lover of Art con∣sider, that every of the other Metals may be com∣pared to every of the Pretious Stones; but this only contains universally the Virtues of all Stones;

which those Colours, which it gives forth and ex∣hibits to the Sight from it self in the Fire, do suffi∣ciently demonstrate. Its Transparent Redness is assigned to the Carbuncle, Ruby, and Coral; its Whiteness, to the Diamond and Crystal; its Blew Colour, to the Saphire; Green, to the Em∣rald; Yellow, to the Jacinth; its Black, to the Granate, which Stone contains in it self a certain Blackness occultly absconded. But as to Metals, the Black is assigned to Saturn, the Red to Iron, the Yellow to Gold, the Green to Copper, the Blew to Silver, the White to Mercury, and its mixture of various Colours is attributed to Jupiter. But as all the Colours of all Metals and Precious Stones are clearly found in Antimony; so also all the pow∣ers and Virtues of Medicine are no less shewed in it, than the Colours aforesaid: but to educe from it all these Colours is not the Labour of one man. For our Life is circumscribed with Limits more strait, than will permit one man by his Labour throughly to learn whatsoever Nature keeps con∣cealed and absconded in her Bosom. In one cer∣tain way of Preparation, from Antimony by distil∣lations is drawn forth an Humour acid and sharp, like true perfect Vinegar. Another way is prepa∣red a shining Red Colour, sweet and savoury, as pu∣rified Honey or Sugar. Another way, a Worm∣wood-liike Bitterness proceeds therefrom; other∣wise, a certain Acrimony, like some Salt-Oyl: thus always one Nature follows another. Again, by Sublimation it is driven to the Olympick Moun∣tains, like a flying Eagle, red, yellow and white. Also forced down by Descent, it yields divers Co∣lours and Preparations: also by Reverberation, of it is made a Metal, like common Lead. Like∣wise a transparent Glass, red, yellow, white, black, and endewed with other Colours: all which not∣withstanding,

are not safe to be used in Medicine, unless they be first proved by another Examen. Also it is resolved into rare and wonderful Oyls, which are various and manifold, some of which are made perfect with Addition, others without mixti∣on of any other things; some likewise are taken inwardly, others only outwardly applied to com∣mon Ulcers, and Wounds. It supplies us with so many several Extractions, varied with so many Co∣lours, as it would tire a Delphian Apollo to describe them all; but indeed, all the Mutations of its Na∣ture, which are discovered through the Gate of Fire, it by its own Oracles will best unfold. Of it is made living Mercury, and Sulphur which burns like common Sulphur, so that of that Gunpowder might be made. Of it is made a true and natural Salt; and many other things are prepared of the same.

Therefore we begin to speak of the Preparations thereof, as of its Essence, Magistery, Arcanum, E∣lixir, and particular Tincture, in which you must imploy all diligence and Care; especially when I shall in my Writings declare to you the Stone of Fire, and its Preparation, together with other va∣rious Secrets and Arcanums, which indeed are scarcely at all known to the World; and which have been little regarded, since the Egyptians, Ara∣bians and Chaldeans dyed, who professed these Arts: of which notwithstanding the use is very great, for searching out the very Fountain of true Medi∣cine, and all other Works pertinent thereunto.

Now diligently mind, and with profound Me∣ditation consider all the following Preparations, one succeeding another, as I shall reveal them. For there is no One inserted, which hath not its singu∣lar Utility, but every of them is useful, according as ordained in its State. A fixed Medicine of An∣timony,

expels fixed Diseases and eradicates them; but Antimony not fixed, as when it is crude and not prepared, opens and purgeth the Stomach only, but toucheth not the Root of the Disease. There∣fore I will set about the Preparation of all, that ap∣pertains to Antimony, and discover all the Keys of its Preparation, which now (as by a new Nativity) are brought to Light, and revealed by Fire, in the same state, to which they were ordained by GOD their Creator. This unlocking and preparing of Mineral Antimony is performed by divers Methods and Ways, by the disposure and governance of the Fire, with manifold labour of the Hands, whence proceeds the Operation, Virtue, Power and Co∣lour of the Medicine it self. And since Antimony to the Aspect presents a crude black Colour, mixed with a little whiteness, I will first speak of its de∣structive alteration, which consists in Calcination and Incineration, and that is thus made.

Take Hungarian or other Antimony, the best you can get, grind it, if possible, to an Impalpable Powder; this Powder spread Thin all over the Bottom of a Calcining Pan, round or square, which hath a Rim round about, the height of two Fingers thickness; set this Pan into a Calcining Fornace, and administer to it at first a very moderate Fire of Coals, which afterward increase gradually: when you see a Fume beginning to arise from the Antimony, stir it continually with an Iron Spatula, without ceasing, as long as it wall give forth from it self any Fume. If in Calcining, the Antimony melt, or concrete into Clots, then remove it from the Fire, and when cold again reduce it to a subtle Powder, and as before calcine it, continually stir∣ring as we said, until no more Fume will ascend. If need be repeat this Operation so often and so long, as until that Antimony put into the Fire, will

neither fume, nor concrete into Clots, but in Co∣lour resemble White and pure Ashes: Then is the Calcination of Antimony rightly made.

Put this Antimony thus calcined into a Gold∣smiths Crucible set in a Fornace, and urge the Fire with Bellows, or put it into a Wind-Fornace, ad∣ministring such Fire, as the Antimony may flow, like clear and pure Water. Then, that you may cer∣tainly and infallibly prove, whether the Glass made thereof be sufficiently cocted, and hath ac∣quired a transparent Colour, put a long rod of Iron cold into the Crucible, and part of the Glass will stick to the Iron, which with an Hammer strike off, and hold up against the Light, to see whether it be clear, clean and transparent; if so, it is well, and perfectly mature.

Here let my Reader, unlearned and but a Begin∣ner in Art, know (for I write not to men skilled in this Art, who have often experienced the powers of the Fire, but to Candidates, Tyro's,* 1.15 and the studious Disciples of the Spagyrick Science; be∣cause to make Glass of Antimony is a thing com∣mon, and well known to many) know, I say, that every Glass, whether made of Metals, Minerals, or any other Matter, must be throughly cocted in Fire to due Maturity, that it may have a clear and transparent Colour, and be apt for further Prepa∣ration to Medicinal use: which translucid and pure Maturity Vulcan only effects in his secret and hid∣den Nature. Therefore, let every man know, con∣sider and retain this.

When in the Method we have taught, your An∣timony is converted into Glass, take a Platter or Dish made of Copper, which is smooth and broad, heat it hot at the Fire, otherwise your Matter will flie out; then pour in the fluid Matter as thin as you can, and you will have pure, yellow, transpa∣rent Glass of Antimony. This is the best way of preparing Glass of Antimony per••••se, without addi∣tion; and this Glass, above all others, is endewed with the greatest Virtue and Power, which it ma∣nifests

after its further Preparation. This is by me called Pure Glass of Antimony.* 1.16

For there are other Glasses prepared of Antimo∣ny, by Addition of Borax and other things, in this manner.

Take of Crude Antimony one part, of Venetian Borax two parts; put these together into a Cruci∣ble, which setting the Vessel in a Wind-Fornace, or urging the Fire with Bellows, cause to flow, that they may be well and perfectly mixed toge∣ther, afterward pour out the Mixture into a Pan, or Dish of Copper made hot, as thin as is possible, as before was said in the Superior Preparation, and you will find your Antimony fair and transparently clear,* 1.17 like a Pyropus or Ruby, provided you ob∣serve the due and accurate Method, Operating as you ought, in Governing the Fire.

The Redness may be abstracted from this Red Glass, with Spirit of Wine* 1.18 and by long conti∣nued Circulation in Fire, be perfected, and rendred a most excellent, profitable and efficacious Medi∣cine.

But a transparent white Glass of Antimony, as∣ter commixtion thereof, is prepared in this man∣ner.

Take Antimony beat or ground small one part; Venetian Borax very pure four parts: put these, well mixed together, into a Crucible, and cause the Mixture to flow well. At first indeed it will be yel∣low, but if it stand longer in Fire, the yellowness vanisheth, the Matter receives a white Colour, and thenceforth becomes a fair and white Glass. Whether this Colour be brought to perfect Matu∣rity, you may prove with a cold Iron, as above is said. Many other ways, of Antimony may be form∣ed Glasses* 1.19 consisting almost of Infinite Forms.

But since my purpose here was not to describe other Glasses, then I my self had experienced, and which manifest happy success in Healing, I judged it unnecessary to waste Paper in describing them, or by a tedious discourse to weary the Reader; especially since, unto you is already in part propo∣sed the principal Colour (viz. the Red) which is found in Glass made of Antimony. The black Co∣lour, which Antimony had before Preparation, is now in a Spiritual manner flown up the Chimney; because in such a Spiritual manner, very much of the Venomous Substance had left it before, through the Expulsive force of the Fire, as by Calcination. Yet because in this Preparation all the whole Ve∣nom is not taken away from the Glass of Antimony, but it still retains very much thereof; I am willing (now I have begun) further to reveal to you, which way the Venom may wholly be removed from this Glass, and another Separation of the Pure from the Impure, of the Venom from the Medicine, be instituted; by which the Tongue of the Orator will be loosed, and occasion given to him of largely

expressing my Praises, and publishing the same, as with a great Sound, through all Parts of this Infe∣riour Orb: which will be a necessary Consequence of the Gratitude of my Disciples, when they shall see with their Eyes, touch with their Hands, and with their Understanding comprehend, that I to their great profit, have declared to them the very Truth, withour Deceit, and made them the Heirs of a memorable Testament.

Therefore the first Separation of the Sulphure from its Body, and the Extraction of the Tincture from its Salt, is performed in this manner. Take pure Glass of Antimony, as I taught you to make it, without the adjunction of any other Thing, Grind it to subtle Powder* 1.20 impalpable as Flower;

Which Powder put into a Glass with a Plain 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bottom, called a Cucurbit, and there pour upon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 strong Vinegar well rectified: then set the Vessel in a Digestive Fire, or if it be Summer, expose it to the Sun, stirring it twice or thrice* 1.21 a Day, and so long digest it in that temperate heat, as until the Vinegar contract a Yellow Colour inclining to Red∣ness, like the Colour of most clean and well puri∣fied Gold.

Then pour off this clear and pure Extraction, and pour on fresh Vinegar, and repeat the Opera∣tion, as long as the Vinegar is tinged, and until no more Tincture can be extracted. Filter all these. Extractions mix'd together, and put them into a Glass Body, with its Head annexed, and by B. M. distil off the Vinegar; until in the Bottom remain a Yellow Powder, inclining to Redness. Upon this Powder pour distilled Rain-water often times, and as often distil it off again, still pouring on fresh distilled Rain-water. Repeat this labour so long, as until the Powder remain Sweet and* 1.22 grateful.

This Powder grind upon a Marble or Glass, first made hot; then put it in a Glass Body, and pour upon it of the best rectified Spirit of Wine, so much as will stand above it three Fingers thickness: then set it in a Digestive heat, as above, for extracting the Tincture of Antimony, which will be high colour∣ed and pleasantly red to amazement; and it will deposit a certain Earth, or feculency in the bot∣tom.

This Extraction is sweet, grateful, and so very efficacious in Medicine, as no man, that hath not ex∣perienced the same, will give credit thereunto. The Feces in the bottom retain the Venenosity, but the Extraction Medicine only, which Experience hath taught to be a profitable Remedy for men and Beasts. For if three or four Granes of this Me∣dicine be taken, it expels the Leprosie and Gallick Lues, purifies the Blood, drives away Melancholy, and resists all Venom: and whosoever labours with Shortness of Breath, Difficulty of Breathing, or Prickings of the Sides, he may be cured by the Use of this Medicine:* 1.23 which effects many other

wonderful Things, if rightly administred, and in due time.

That Yellow Powder, of which mention is made above before it is extracted with Spirit of Wine, may be ground upon a hot Stone, and then put into Eggs* 1.24 boyled hard, in place of the Yolk, which is to be taken out: set these Eggs in a moist Place, or Cellar, and the Powder will resolve into a yellow Liquor.

This admirable Liquor heals all green Wounds, if soon after a Wound is made, it be put therein with a soft Feather, and the Wound well covered with a Styptick, or other Preservative Playster. All fresh Wounds inflicted either by Prick or Cut, are healed by this Liquor, without Putrefaction, In∣flammation, or any superfluity of Filth, so perfect∣ly; as unto Him, who created Heaven and Earth,

and in them insited such a Medicine, due Thanks and Prayse deservedly ought to be given. In all old, malignant and corrosive Wounds, use this Ex∣traction or Balsom of Antimony, and it will never fail Thee in thy necessity. And thou thy self, af∣ter me wilt write an Encomium of its Prayses and publish the Virtues thereof, by which externally applied miserable Mortals may be made happy: for the Wolf and* 1.25 Cancer yeild to it; Rotten∣ness in the Benes, malignant Ulcers corroded and perforate with Worms fly from it, and it restores to pristine Health, and provides Entertainment for that with it self, when its fixedness shall be duly used inwardly, and other Convenient Means duly applied outwardly.

Also Glass of Antimony is by me two ways re∣duced to an Oyl, in distillation (as they call it) by Alembeck.

Take Glass of Antimony; as it is made of the Minera of Antimony, subtily pulverized, and ex∣tract its Tincture with distilled Vinegar; after∣ward abstract the Vinegar thence, and edulcorate the remaining Powder. Then pour on Spirit of Wine, with which extract the Tincture, and circu∣late it in a Pelican well closed, for an intire Moneth. Afterward, distil it per se, without any Addition, with a certain singular* 1.26 Dexterity; and you will thence receive a wonderful grateful and sweet Me∣dicine, in the form of a Red Oyl, of which after∣ward may be formed the Stone of Fire.

This Oyl is the Quintescence, and the highest, that can be written of Antimony; as you may find in my former Writings, wherein I have made a short Declaration of Antimony, and in which I shewed also, that there are four Instruments required for its Preparation, and the fifth is that, in which Vul∣can hath fixed his Residence. Understand thus: four Preparations must be made before it can be per∣fected; and the fifth is the Utility, and effect of the Work in the Body of man. The first Labour is Calcinatian and Liquefaction into Glass. The se∣cond is Digestion, by which Extraction is performed. The third is Coagulation. The fourth is Distillati∣on into Oyl, and after that Separation follows Fix∣ation, by the ultimate Coagulation, through which the Matter is deduced to a perlucid Ficry Stone: which that it may operate upon Metals, must be fermented, for acquiring its penetrative Property;

but not so much, as that Ancient Stone of Philo∣sophers, because it is not Universal, but only tin∣geth particularly. Touching which, about the End of this Book, more shall be spoken when we treat of the Stone of Fire.

This distilled Oyl* 1.27 of which we have now spo∣ken, effects all things, that are necessary to be known by a Physician, and which he hath need of, in his Cures.

The Dose of it before Coagulation is eight Grains taken in Wine. It makes a man very young again, delivers him from all Melancholy, and what∣soever in the Body of man grows and increaseth, as the Hairs and Nayls, falls off, and the whole man is renewed as a Phoenix (if such a feigned Bird, which is only here for Example sake named by me, can any where be found upon the Earth) is renewed by Fire. And this Medicine can no more be burned by the Fire, than the Feathers of that unknown Salamander: for it consumes all Symptoms in the Body, like consuming Fire, to which it is deservedly likened; it drives away every Evil, and expels all That, which Aurum-Potabile is capable to expel. The* 1.28 Astrum of Sol only excels every Medicine of the World when rightly prepared to perfect Fixa∣tion: for the Astrum of Sol, and the Astrum of Mercury arise almost from the very same Blood of their Mother, and from one Original of vivisick Sanity.

Now, no man hath cause to fear, that this Oyl of Antimony Extracted first with distilled Vinegar, and afterward with most pure and subtle Spirit of Wine, and then further exalted (as highly as possi∣ble) by Vulcan, will in any wise purge, or excite frequent Stools, or make any Alterations: for it effects nothing of all this, but by Sweat, Urine, and Spittle, expels the very Root of the Disease to amazement, and restores whatsoever is corrupted by any Symptom.

But Common Glass of Antimony, being ground to Powder, put into a little Wine (viz. six Grains or more of the Glass, according to the strength of Nature) and that mixture set in heat for one Night, and in the Morning the Wine* 1.29 poured off clear from the remaining Powder, and so drunk by the Patient, purgeth downward exciting several Stools, and oftentimes also provokes Vomiting, by reason of the Mercurial immature Property, which is yet inherent in the Glass, as every intelligent Physician will easily judge, and indeed he ought further to Examine how this Glass, when he would purge with it, ought to be proved, and admini∣stred in a due Dose.

Many men are required for the Searching out the Powers and Virtues of this Subject. For I a∣lone, by reason of the shortness of my Time, could not dive into and search out all things, do thou thy self set about the Work, and after me, yea with me, thou wilt praise me and I thee: if you find out any more; I praise you by these my Writings, and shall commend you out of the Sepulcher to which I am destinated, although in Body thou art to me unknown, nor ever had I any discourse with thee, because perhaps not yet born.

Common Glass of Antimony is also by Addition distilled into a laudable and salutary oyl, which may be used without peril, with very great profit in the Epilepsie; as here following I shall teach.

Grind the Glass of Antimony to as subtle a Pow∣der as possibly you can, then put it into a Glass-Vessel with a flat Bottom, and pour upon the Pow∣der

the Juice of unripe Grapes, then having well luted the Vessel digest it for certain Days. This being done abstract all the Juice; afterward, grind it well moystned with Spirit of Vinegar, and a double Weight of clarified Sugar. Then, having put it into a Retort, in the Name of the Most High begin to distil, and at last administer a vehement Fire, and you will acquire a most Red Oyl; which must be clarified unto Transparency with* 1.30 Spirit of Wine.

The Use of this, given in a small Quantity, is found to be most profitable. With this Oyl Spirit of Salt may be joyned, and the Mixture poured up∣on a subtle prepared Calx of Gold, (which how it should be made I have already taught in other of my Writings) which hath before, together with its Water, passed by Alembeck. If this be done, this Menstruum takes to its self the Tincture* 1.31 of Gold only, and leaves the Body untouched.

When the Fermentation is made, I shall have need of a vast Quantity of Paper to declare all the Arcanum's of Nature, which by this Medicine are effected beyond the Opinion of all men. I urge this so much the more earnestly to the Physician, that he may consider those things which I propose Philosophically, betake himself to labour, perform this. Preparation of Antimony, and deduce it to Use; then, he himself will dayly find more Praise, and learn from it more Operations than any of the other Physicians could have prescribed him.

When you shall have brought Antimony so far; and duely perfected your Work, in which you are to act prudently, and the matter is to be largely and profoundly weighed, that by Labour you may acquire Experience; then may you boast that you have obtained the Magistery, which is known or communicated to few. This Magistery mix'd with a Solution or Tincture of Corals, and exhibited with Cordial Water effects Wonders in Diseases, that are to be cured by purifying the Blood! And whatsoever Distemper is offered to you, in which the Blood is corrupted by any Accident, this Ma∣gistery heals it, exhilarates the Heart, promotes Chastity and Honesty, and renders man apt and ••it for every thing he takes in hand.

For all these Benefits to the Creator and Conser∣ver of all Things, thanks is always to be given from the bottom of our Heart; because he hath

with so great Compassion respected his Creatures, Infirm both in Body and Mind, and supplied us with Means, by which the Diseases of either may be healed, and we in every necessity obtain solace, assistance and perfect Help.

Now my Intention is to proceed, and speak somewhat of the Arcanum of Antimony, but with very great Brevity.

Take of Antimony most subtiely pulverized 1. Part, of Sal-Armoniack* 1.32, so called, which is brought from Armenia, also pulverized; mix these, and putting them into a Retort distil them together,* 1.33

[illustration]

Here place the Figure in the 82 Page.

A. is the Fornace. B. the Retort. C. the Recipient. D. the Aperture with a Pipe of a Moderate bigness, on which may be set the Alembeck E. The other For∣nace is F, which containing a moderate Fire, sublimes what falls into the re∣ceiving Vessel up into the Alembeck E. And so the Matter which is distilled from the Retort B, by the Fire of the Fornace F, is presently sublimed; Which may not only be useful in this Case, but also in every Sublimation of other Matters.

and upon that which comes forth in the Distillation pour common distilled Rain-water, but let it first be made hot, and so by edulcorating remove all the Salt, that no Acrimony may remain, and the Antimony will appear like pure, white shining Fea∣thers. Dry them with subtle Heat, and having put them in a Glass circulatory or Pelican, pour

on them good and perfectly rectified Spirit of Vi∣triol, and Circulate the Mixture till both be well conjoyned* 1.34 and united, then distill the whole, and pour on Spirit of Wine, circulate again; then let separation be made, and remove the Feces setling to the Bottom, but keep the Arcanum which re∣mains mixt with the Spirit of Wine and Vitriol.

Now when you again rectifie this Arcanum, one drop of it exhibited with Rose water, is more a∣vailable than a Pot full of the Decoction of Herbs; for it causeth a good Appetite, corrects the Sto∣mach, and concocts all malignity in it, drives away Sadness and Melancholy, makes good Blood and a good Digestion; in the Suffocation of the Matrix and Cholick Passion (both which it wonderfully appeaseth) it is instead of a Treasure of inestima∣ble price and deserves Commendation, not easily expressible by Words.

After the Arcanum of Antimony next in order follows the Elixir* 1.35 of the same, which you may prepare in this manner.

Take, in the name of the Lord, good Minera of Antimony, grind it subtlely, and sublime it with half so much Sal-Armoniack. Whatsoever shall be sublimed put into a Glass Retort, and thrice distil it, separating the Feces every time. Afterward re∣move from it the Sal-Armoniack by edulcoration, and reverberate the Matter of Antimony in a Vessel well closed, with moderate Fire (not forcing too much) until it become like the Earth of Cinnabar. This being done, pour on it strong distilled Wine Vinegar, and extract its Redness; afterward ab∣stract the Vinegar, until a Powder remain. This Abstraction must be made in Balnco. Then, ex∣tract this Powder with Spirit of Wine, that the Feces may be separated, and you will have a pure and clear Extraction. Having finished this Opera∣tion, put this Spirit of Wine together with the Ex∣traction into a Cucurbit, and add thereto a little of the Tincture of Corals, and of the Quintessence o•• Rubarb, and then administer the Dose of three or four Grains.

It causeth gentle Stools, and purgeth without Gripings of the Belly; and indeed if you have proceeded well in preparing, it renders the Blood agil••, and is a Medicine apt for those who desire Gentle Purgations.

Here perhaps some Physician may wonder, how 'tis possible, that this Medicine should cause mode∣rate and easie Purgations, when as Antimony is a

Matter vehement and forcible, and to it is joyned Rubarb, which of it self also hath a Purging Pro∣perty. But let him cease his admiration, and know that the venomous purging power of Antimony is by this Preparation so mortified, as it can appre∣hend or expel nothing; but as soon as some purg∣ing Simple is adjoyned to it, it then according to the powers of its own Nature performs the Office of opening and purging. But Antimony prepared hath no action upon the* 1.36 Stomach, thence to ex∣pel its impurities; but by the purging Medicine, its adjunct, acquires a more open Field, and therein can operate without Impediment any other way, and discern, yea search ont the way of Effecting that better, to which it was ordained and prepared, without hindrance.

I would have all men to credit these my words, since I have no necessity to write other than the Truth. This Elixir in such manner prepared, as I have taught, penetrates and purgeth the Body, as Antimony purgeth Gold, and frees it from all Impu∣rity: So that if I would at large commemorate all the powers and virtues thereof, I must put up my Supplications to the GOD of Heaven, and in∣treat him to vouchsafe me a longer Life, that I might laud his wonderful Works, and search out further, and according to Verity communicate to others what I have found, thac they with me excited to admiration, may publickly render thanks to their Creator, for his so great Blessings.

But to proceed in my purpose, having once be∣gun, I here describe the Virtues of Antimony, as far as I have experienced them; yet what is hid from my knowledge, I ought to pass over in silence. For it becomes me not to give my Judgment of things unknown, and which I have not my self ex∣perimented, but I leave them, commending the same to other Judges, who with study and labour in this Subject, have made some good progress. No one man can be so expert in knowing the Virtues of Antimony, as nothing shall remain unknown by him, not only by reason of the shortness of his Life (as I before said) but also, and chiefly because some new thing is dayly found in it.

Therefore, let men know, that Antimony not on∣le purgeth Gold, cleanseth and frees it from every peregrine Matter, and from all other Metals, but also (by a power innate in it self) effects the same in Men and Beasts. If a Farmer purpose in himself to keep up and fatten any of his Cattle, as for Example an Hog; two or three days before, let him give to the Swine a convenient Dose of crude Antimany, about half a dram mix'd with his Food, that by it he may be purged; through which Pur∣gation he will not only acquire an Appetite to his Meat, but the sooner increase and be fatned. And if any Swine labour with a Disease about his Liver or other Parts, or else be Leprous, Antimony causeth the Leprosie to be dryed up and expelled.

This Example seems indeed to sound somewhat gross and rustical, to the Ears of Great men espe∣cially; but my purpose in proposing it only was to the end, that private Men and Laicks, whose Brains were not by Nature fabricated to the most subtle Philosophy of the Learned, may see the Truth here∣of, in the very Operation it self, with their own Eyes; also that by this rude Proposal, they might

give greater credit to my other Writings, in which I have spoken a little more subtely of these Things. Yet I would have no man, following me as his Au∣thor, to give a Medicine of Crude Antimony to men; for mute Animals can in their Stomach con∣coct much more hard Foods, than the tender Com∣plexion of Men is able to digest. Wherefore, he who would rightly and with profit use Antimony, he must learn the Preparation thereof first, and af∣terward know the Dose, as what is convenient for the Young, and what for the Old; how much may be given to robust Bodies, and how much to the weak, in which no small Mystery of this Art consists, the ignorance of which will do more hurt than an imprudent Physician can do good.

Should I confirm all things by Examples, that would be the Cause of a very Prolix Writing; therefore I will break off this Discourse, and pass on to another Preparation of Antimony, and de∣scribe its fixedness; which acts like Wine, from which its Spirit is substracted and separated from its Body. This Spirit heals the Body internally, and if externally applied, draws to it self all the Heat of a part inflamed: but, on the contrary, when of the Wine, Vinegar is made, it cools, either in∣wardly or outwardly applied; although the Wine and Vinegar have their Original from the same Root, and proceed from the same Stock. The Reason of this diversity is, because Vinegar is made through digestion only, by which Putrefacti∣on of the Wine follows, together with a Vegeta∣ble Fixation: but on the contrary, Spirit of Wine is made with Separation by distilling, or vegetable subliming, which renders the Spirit volatile. By like reason Antimony is prepared, and according to its divers Preparations hath divers Effects, and diversly communicates its Gifts to us, which are

scarcely comprehensible by the humane Intellect. But the Fixedness thereof, touching which I here treat, is thus prepared.

Take of Antimony as much as you will, grind it to a subtle Powder, which put into a Cucurbit, and pour on it of Aqua fortis so much as will stand a∣bove it the breadth of six Fingers; and having well and firmly closed the Vessel, place it in a subtle heat for ten Days, that the Matter may be extracted. Decant off this Extraction pure and clear, and filter it, that it may be free from all feculencies and Im∣purities; then put this Extraction into a Glass-Body, and abstract all the Aqua fortis by Distillation in Ashes or Sand, and in the bottom the Powder of Antimony will remain yellow and dry. Upon this pour distilled Rain-water, and put it in a like Glass in moderate heat, and you will have a Red Extracti∣on. This again filter, and gently distil off the Rain-water by B. M. and the Powder will remain red in the Bottom. Upon this red Powder pour strong distilled Vinegar: this Vinegar will in some time draw to it self the Colour red as Blood, and put down Feces. Afterward distil off the Vinegar, and there will again remain a red Powder. This Powder reverberate continually for three days to∣gether without ceasing in an open Fire; This be∣ing done, abstract the Tincture from it by Spirit of Wine, and separate the Feces remaining from the Tincture. All these Works being with so great labour performed, again separate the Spirit of Wine by distillation in Balneo, and a fixed* 1.37 Red Powder will remain, which operates wonderfully.

Half a dram of this being taken thrice a day, viz. Morning, Noon, and Night, or oftner, hurts no man; for it expels all clotted Blood out of the Body, and being long taken securely opens all pe∣rillous Imposthums, and expels them; radically cures the French Disease, causeth new Hairs to grow, and notably renovates the whole man.

Now, since I have taught to make a fixed Powder of Antimony, and the Extraction thereof very com∣modious for Use, leaving this Discourse, I purpose briefly to treat of the Flowers of Antimony, which may be many ways prepared. But the greatest part* 1.38 of men neither can discourse of, nor answer to these; because they have not learned the Pro∣cesses of such Operations: but the least part, viz. the Disciples, Apostles, and Followers of the Spa∣gyrick Art, will more esteem my Writings, more diligently read them, and more prudently give Judgement of the same.

But, my Disciple and Follower, if you will imi∣tate me, my advice is, that you take up your Cross, at first, and suffer as I have suffered; learn to bear Persecution, as I have already born it, labour, as

all our Predecessors with me have done; with con∣tinual Prayers seek unto the Lord GOD, and be thou patient, and laborious without weariness, and then the Most High, who hath mercifully heard me, will not forsake Thee: for this Cause I every hour give thanks to GOD, as my Eyes filled with Tears can and do witness.

Now, to proceed in my Instruction, touching the Flowers of Antimony, it is to be understood, that the true Flores of Antimony, may be prepared, not one, but various ways, as is known to every Spagyrist. There are some who drive them, mix'd with Sal-Armoniack, over by Retort; then they edulcorate them, by washing away the Sal-Armoni∣ack, and these they greatly esteem; for these Flowers are of a fair and white Colour. Others have peculiar Instruments for this Work, prepa∣red with windy Caverns, through which the Anti∣mony may receive the Air, and be sublimed. O∣thers, setting three Alembecks one upon another sublime them with strong Fire, and with one and the same labour make white, yellow, and Red Flores; all which ways I have tried, and found no Error in them: But the Process, by which I make Flowers of Antimony, most profitable for Medicine, and more efficacious in their Operations is this.

I mixed the red Flowers of Antimony with Col∣cothar of Vitriol, and sublimed them together thrice. So, the Essence of Vitriol ascends with them, and the Flores are more strong: which being done, I extract the same Flowers with Spirit of Wine. The F••ces settle to the bottom, and sepa∣rate themselves from the Spirit. These the Arti∣ficer lays aside, and distils off the Spirit of Wine in B. M. until the Powder remains dry.

These are my prepared Flowers of Antimony, which I administred to my Brethren, and others,

who in there Necessities, required help of me, for their Souls spiritual, in respect of my Ecclesiastical State, & for their Bodies temporal, by reason of the Trust they reposed in my Art. These Flores purge gently, without frequent, or excessive Stools, & have cured many Tertian & Quartan Fevers, also very ma∣ny other Diseases; so that I purposed, by the help of our Saviour Jesus, and his most Holy Mother Mary, to ordain in my Testament a perpetual Monument upon my Altar, of all the Cures which I have per∣formed by his grace; that I might so doing, not only give thanks to GOD, but also make my Gratitude known to Posterity, that they likewise may acknow∣ledge the wonderful works of the Most High, which I (by my diligence) have extracted from the Bowels of Nature, and which he himself had hid and ab∣sconded in her profound and most secret Recesses.

But touching the Sublimations of Antimony, which are afterward called Flowers; let the Reader fur∣ther observe, viz. that they are like Waters, which break out in high Mountains. Now, of the difference of waters, which arise in the highest Mountains, yea in higher than they, if such can be found; for even un∣to them would the waters ascend; since it is known, that in the tops of the highest Mountains, Springs do very often issue it; and of other waters which are found by digging deep in the Earth, and by follow∣ing their Springs must be searched out: any man may judge that the Matrix of waters in the Earth, is on one part more aboundantly replenished with the Riches of waters, then on another; since every Ele∣ment hath a peculiar Matrix, either strong or weak, according as it is produced by the Sydus, whence Elements derive their Original and have being Now, when such a Matrix is strong and potent in the Earth, it can drive forth its Seed strongly and efficaciously from it self, by a vehement Pressure,

even up to the Snowy Mountains of the Alps, or to the very top of the Babylonish* 1.39 Tower.

If any fatuate man hear this my Discourse, he will say, I am either mad or drunk with Wine; but this will be no other than a Reproach, like to that, which was cast upon the Disciples of our Saviour. Of Sublimation, the Reason is the same; for as Waters, which are many times found in the highest Mountains, are more salubrious, and more cool than those, which by digging deep into the Earth are found in Plains; so, if the Matter by pressure & force of sire be driven upwards to the Mountains of the Ancient Wise men, who died long before my time, the Earth, which for the most part is unprofitable, remains until its Salt shall be extracted from it for its proper use. Thus is made Separation, by which the Evil may be distinguished from the Good, the Pure from the Impure, the thick from the thin, the subtle from that which is not subtle, and the Venom from the Medicament. We miserable Mortals, by Death which we have deserved for our Sins are put into the Earth, until we putresie by time, and be re∣duced to silths; and afterward by the Heavenly Fire and Heat raised, clarified, and exalted to a Celestial Sublimation, where all our Feces, all Sins, and e∣very Impurity shall be separated, and we made the Sons of GOD, and of Eternal Life, unto which the Lord of his Mercy and Goodness bring me with you. But I hope no Man will take amiss this Comparation of the Mundane with the Spiritual, viz. the Heavenly Exaltation with the Earthly Sub∣limation.

For no man should suppose what I have done, to be done without Reason, but rather know, that I am ignorant what is white or black, how much the tenebrous and dismal Air differs from the serene and clear Heaven. Therefore let us break off this Discourse, and produce another Preparation of Antmony.

Let the Disciple, Apostle, and faithful Imitator of Art, understand this Instruction, and according to the true Philosophick Doctrine faithfully con∣sider, that every Extraction from Antimony (as also from all other Things) hath great difference in O∣peration, which neither consists in the Matter, nor is known by the Matter, from which it is drawn; but consists and remains in the Preparation, and in the Addition, by which the Virtue is extracted from the Matter, as is known by Experience; as for Example. Whatsoever is Extracted from An∣timony, or any other thing with Spirit of Wine, hath a far other virtue of Operating, than those, which are extracted with good and sharp Vinegar. The Causes of this I have already hinted in my o∣ther Writings; but the principal Cause is, be∣cause all Extractions made with Spirit of Wine, from Antimony, or any purging Herbs, Roots, or Seeds (understand of the first Extraction) power∣fully expel by Seidge: but on the contrary, what∣soever is extracted with Vinegar, purgeth not downward, but rather prevents that, and retains in a certain peculiar manner, by which the Volatile is changed into fixed.

This is a singular Secret, and an Arcanum of great price; but there are none, or very few found, who mind such things; because many things are hidden, and lie deeply buried in this Arcanum, which no One, either Master or Servant, nor any Wise man of this World hath unto this Day observed or con∣sidered.

Therefore the Extraction of Antimony is made two ways, viz. with Vinegar, and with Spirit of Wine. Vinegar obstructs, and Spirit of Wine, of it self powerfully expels and causeth Urine, as also Stools; as elsewhere in another manner is shew∣ed, and especially where I speak of my Twelve Keys, as namely, that the Extraction of Glass of Antimony moderately purgeth; but on the con∣trary the Extraction of the same Glass, which is made with Vinegar purgeth not: which is true and not permixt with any falsity. But this Experi∣ence gives occasion of thinking and reflecting, by which way of Reasoning, Nature gives promotion and production to a true Philosopher. But it is a thing much to be admired, that every Subject, which is first of all extracted with Spirit of Wine, should have a Purging Property. Yet when Glass of Antimony is from the beginning extracted with distilled Vinegar, and that Vinegar again abstract∣ed, and theu the Antemony extracted with Spirit of Wine, all its venomous purging virtue passeth a∣way, and no sign thereof remains, nor assumes it to it self any power of provoking Stools; but it performs its Operations by Sweat, and other ways, chiefly by Salivation and Ejection by the Mouth; it searcheth out all hurtful Evils in the Body, purg∣eth the Blood, heals the Diseases of the Lungs, and profits those who are strait-breasted, and troubled with a frequent Cough. In a word it Cures very many Diseases, also asswageth a Ma∣lignant Cough, and whatsoever is of that Dispo∣sition, and is a Medicine very admirable.

Moreover, there is another Extraction of Anti∣mony made in this manner. Grind crude Antimo∣ny to powder, and pour upon it strong Vinegar, not of Wine, but made of its proper Minera, and expose the Mixture in a Vessel well closed to the

Solar heat; then, after some time the Vinegar will be tinged with a Blood-like Colour, pour off this Extraction clear, filter it, and distil by Alembick in Sand: then again, in distilling, it shews admira∣ble Colours, pleasant to the Sight, and wonderful in Aspect. This Oyl* 1.40 at length becomes Red as Blood, and leaves many Feces and prevails against many Infirmities: for its singular Virtue and Use is commanded in the Leprosie; the New Disease lately risen amongst the Souldiers is by it consum∣ed and dried up, and indeed it effects Wonders.

[illustration] depiction of an alembic

Here place the Figure in the 96 Page.

The Physician before all Things, should dili∣gently contemplate its use, according to his own Experience and Knowledge; but especially com∣pleating its Preparation in a due manner, without being weary of his labour, or forgetting any of those Things which are prescribed to be perform∣ed.

Again, another Extraction of Antimony, is thus instituted. (Take, in the Name of the Lord, of Antimony and crude Tartar, of each equal parts; put these well mixed together in Powders, into a strong Crucible, which will not suffer the Spirits to penetrate it, and burn this Matter in the Fire, un∣til the Tartar be wholy combust: this work must be done in a Wind-Fornace. Grind this burnt Matter to a subtle Powder, and pour on that Com∣mon Water first made hot, and so edulcorate the Matter by Lixiviating. And so it becomes a Liver* 1.41, so called by many of our Ancestors, who lived long before us.

Put this Liver dried into a Cucurbit, pour there∣on most pure Spirit of Wine; abstract the Spirit by distilling in B. M. so that a third part only may remain. But before Distillation, the Spirit of Wine together with the Extraction must be filtred through Paper. This Extraction may indeed be profitably used; but in a small Dose, and with great Caution. What happens in this Operation is ve∣ry admirable. For the Spirit of Wine abstracted, can no more be united with the red Extraction, whence it was distilled; but one sloats above the other, as Water and Oyl, which cannot be mixed. But if the abstracted Spirit of Wine be poured upon other Liver of Antimony, it again attracts the Colour to it self; yet this, although poured upon the former Extraction, cannot be mixed therewith. Which is a Thing so strange, as it may be numbred among Wonders. But who can declare all the Wonders of GOD? or who will worthily esteem the Gifts of the Creator, which he hath implanted in his Creatures? by us scarce∣ly perscrutable with deep Meditation.

I before made mention of the Extraction of An∣timony, from its Glass* 1.42 by Vinegar, and also by Spirit of Wine: but now I say, when such an Ex∣traction is made by Vinegar, and the Vinegar is a∣gain abstracted by B. M. and the Powder which remains is resolved in a moist place, into Oyl or Liquor of a Yellow Colour; it effects such Won∣ders in Wounds, new and old, as I neither can, nor dare to commit them all to writing.

For it represseth all Symptoms of what kind so ever, suffereth none to take Root, and admits no Putrefaction in fresh Wounds. Also the Extracti∣on of this Powder, before Solution is made by Spi∣rit of Wine, effects the same, and yields not us in∣feriour to other Medicaments, which are admini∣stred against internal Affects.

I have often made mention of this Preparation in other of my Writings, also in this Treatise of Antimony, very largely; because I know how great Benefits and how great Secrets are latent in it. Therefore I hope, no Disciple will be affected with tediousness, by Reason of Repetitions in my Wri∣tings, which I faithfully open and bring to Light. For whatsoever I write is not without Reason; and my words are Short, but require much Consi∣deration, although often repeated. To the Igno∣rant my Discourses contribute little understanding, to Children and the unexperieneed little Profit; but to my Disciples and Apostles, much health and prosperity.

There remains another Extraction by a Caustick Water, which Experience hath taught me in this manner.

Take of Vitriol and Common Salt, equal parts; from these by Retort distil a Water,* 1.43

which be∣ing forced out by vehement fire, comes forth a

matter like thin Butter, or the Sediment of Oyl Olive; which keep apart for use.

[illustration] depiction of an alembic

Here place the Figure in the 101 Page.

Of your Earthen Retort A. open the upper hole B. into which put your Ma•••••••• by Parts, lest all together senting the heat, should act too forcibly; and pre∣sently Close the Hole with its proper Cover. To the Spirits received in the Vess••l C. exit is given by the hole D. into the other opposit Receiver E. to which again is applied the other Receiver F. So, the more subtle Spirits ascending through the Hole D, settle in the Recipient F. But the more gross remain in the bottom G. of the Receiver C. This Instrument will be most apt for your use here; not only, as I said, lest a most strong Spirit passing out break the Glasses, but also for other Works, as by an easie speculation you will hence gather.

Subtly grind the Caput-mortuum, and in a Cellar permit it to resolve into Water, this Water keep and filter it through Paper. Afterward take Hun∣garian Antimony, grind it to a sine Powder, and having put it in a Cucurbit with a slat bottom, pour this Water thereon, and set the Vessel in Heat. When it hath stood there for a due time, the Matter will be like an Amethyst, with a blackish Violet-Colour. Then augment the Fire much, and you will have a transparent Colour, like unto a blew Saphyr. From this Colour precipitate a white Powder, by pouring on Common Water. This Powder taken, hath the same Operation, as the Red Extraction of Glass of Antimony, by Seidge, and it also excites Vomiting. In that Solution made from the Caput-mortuum, and kept in a Cellar, if thin Plates of Iron be digested, Mars will be truly transmuted into Venus, as Experience will teach.

Now further consider. Take that distilled Oyl

or Water, as is spoken of above in this process, and pour it upon Crocus Martis, with Sulphur re∣verberated to a Redness; set the Mixture in Heat, and you will have an extracted Tincture of Mars, red as blood. Take of this Extraction one part; of the Red Extraction of Antimony, which is pre∣pared with fixed Salt Nitre and Spirit of Wine, three Parts; of the Water of Mercury* 1.44 leisurely injected through a long Pipe, one Part; and of the Calx of Gold dissolved in this Caustick Water, half a part. Mix all these together, and after they are canted off clear, distil the Mixture with a Moderate Fire in Sand. All will not pass over by Distillation, but a sair clear Solution re∣mains sixed* 1.45 in the Bottom; which we may use in old open Wounds, wherein it laies a Foundation for Healing to Amazement.

The Caput. mortuum w••••ch is left, being resolved in an Humid place, yields a Liquor so sharp, as no Aqua fortis may be compared with it in Sharpness. But of these enough at this time. For I must now speak of a White Powder, which may also be pre∣pared of Antimony in this manner.

Take pure Antimony, which is brought from Hungaria, or found in like Mountainous Places; grind it to a subtle Powder: take also the same measure of pure Sal••itre, which hath been the third time diligently cleansed. This Composition burn in a new glazed Pot (which was never infe∣cted with any Fatness) in a Circulatory Fire; not all together, but by parts, and at divers times. This way of Operating, Ancient Spagyrists called Detonation, a Term of Art to be learned by the Disciple of Art, as being not Common to every Rustick, in his Artifice and Experience.

This Operation being performed, grind the hard Matter, which remained in the Pot, to a sine Powder, and upon it in another Glazed Pot pour common Water warm; which when the Matter is setled again repeat the pouring on of Water se∣veral times, until all the Salnitre be extracted;

Lastly, dry the remaining Matter, and with fresh Salnitre* 1.46 as much as its own weight is, burn it a∣gain, and repeat the same Operation the third time.

What remains after this third Operation grind to a subtle Powder, and on that pour the best Spi∣rit

of Wine; circulate the Mixture for one Month, in a Cucurbit or Circulatory diligently nine or ten times, so often pouring on fresh Spirit. This being done, dry the Powder with gentle heat, and for one whole Day keep it red-hot in a Cruci∣ble, such as Goldsmiths use to melt their Metals in. Afterward resolve this Powder (in a moyst Place, upon a Stone or Glass Table, or in Eggs boyl∣ed to an hardness) into a Liquor, which set in heat, again dry, and reduce to Powder. This Powder effects many egregious and wonderful Things, which cannot easily be believed by Those, who have not proved the same.* 1.47

But it operates not suddenly, it must have time to exercise its Powers, and shew its own Vertue, by the Testimony of Experience, very admirable.

Whosoever labours with internal Imposthumes, let him take of this white fixed Powder of Antimo∣ny in the Spirit of Wine, or any other rich Wine, the fourth part of a Dram, five or six times a Day, and he will find his internal Imposthume opened, and all the Coagulated Blood to be expelled by de∣grees, without any peril of Life or Health. He, who is afflicted in his Body with the New Disease of Souldiers, if he use this Powder in the aforesaid manner, will also find this Evil consumed through∣out the whole Body, and by the same expelled. Moreover, it produceth new Hairs, and renovates a man to the admiration of all men; it gives new, sound, and pure Blood, and is the Effecter of so much Good, as even the least part of it (although

Equity seems to require this) cannot by me be de∣scribed or declared. It is not fit I should here ma∣nifest all things clearly, and in such manner, as any man, without Labour and Toyl, by reading my Writings, may become a perfect Doctor; no more than it is fit, that a Young Country Man* 1.48 should be fed with the whitest and best baked Bread, which he hath not prepared with his own Labour, or the Corn of which himself thrashed not out.

But I make too large a Progress in this open Field of Doctrine, in which the Ancient Hunters take their Larks, and the Young Ones presently follow them with their Nets. For my Style (as all my Writings witness) hath a certain singular purpo∣sed Method, like that of all Philosopers before me. If any one think it strange, that I here propose certain singular Processes, in which my Philosophy dissers from other, let him be answered with this, rhat Philosophick Speech much differs from the Method of other mens Discourses, who nakedly and sincerely declare some Process, without any Ambiguities or Cloudings of Aenigma's. There∣fore, consider the difference, and accuse not me,

as if I had deviated from Order, in my Style of Philosophy, and of Preparations and Processes. For in a Philosophick Discourse, it is behooful to learn and judge of what appertains to the Theory, but the Practice teacheth you the Instruction of Processes; therefore in them, true, simple, clear and well grounded Words are to be used.

Also, of Antimony is made a Balsom, against grievous Diseases very profitable; yet not of Crude Antimony, but of the Regulus thereof, whence may be made living Mercury, in the fol∣lowing manner.

Take of the best Hungarian Antimony, and crude* 1.49 Tartar equal parts, and of Salnitre half a part; grind them well together, and afterward flux them in a Wind-Fornace; pour out the flowing Matter into a Cone, and there let it cool; then you will find the Regulus, which thrice or oftner purge by Fire, with Tartar and Nitre, and it will be bright and white, shining like Cupellate Silver, which hath fulminated and overcome all its Lead.

Grind this Regulus to a subtle Powder, and hav∣ing put it into a Glass, pour it on Oyl of Juniper, or Spirit of Turpentine, which comes forth in the

first Distillation, and is pure as Fountain Water; keep the Vessel well closed, in a subtle heat of B. M. and the Oyl of Juniper, or Spirit of Turpen∣tine, will become red as Blood, which pour off, and rectifie with Spirit of Wine. This is endu∣ed with the same Virtues, as Balsom of Sulphur, as I shall then shew, when I write of Sulphur, because they require one and the same Preparation.

Of this Balsom only three or four Drops, taken thrice in a Week with hot Wine, heal the Diseases of the Lungs, cure the frequent Cough, and Asth∣ma, also they are conducent in the Vertigo, prick∣ings of the Sides and in diuturnal Coughs.

Also many Oyls may be prepared of Antimony, some per se and without Addition, and many others by Addition. Yet they are not endued with the same Virtues, but each enjoys its own, according to the Diversity of its Preparation. Of which I now give you this Similitude. There are many kinds of Animals, which live only in the Earth, as are many Creeping Things, Worms and Serpents; also others, some of which are new kinds, which before were not, and these also proceed from Pu∣trefaction of the Earth. Some inhabit the Wa∣ters, as all kinds of Fishes; others slie through the Air, as every kind of Flying Things, and Birds; some also are nourished in the Fire, as the Sala∣mander. And besides these, in the more hot Re∣gions and Islands, are found many other Animals, which to these Nations are unknown, which pro∣long their Life by the Solar Heat, and which die so soon as brought into another Air. So Antimo∣ny, when prepared by the Addition of Water, assumes another Nature and Complexion for ope∣rating, then when prepared by Fire only. And although every Preparation of it ought to be made by Fire, without which the Virtue of it can∣not

not be manifested: yet consider, that the Additi∣on of Earth gives it wholly another Nature, than the Addition of Water. So also when Antimony is sublimed in Fire through the Air, and further prepared, another Virtue, other Powers, and ano∣ther Operation follow, than in the Preparations already described. Therefore the Oyl of Anti∣mony, per se, without addition, and the true Sul∣phur thereof are prepared after this Method.

Take crude Hungarian Antimony, put that ground to a subtle Powder, into a Glass Cucurbit with a flat bottom: and pour thereon the true Vinegar of Philosophers rendred more acid with its own Salt. Then set the Cucurbit firmly closed in Horse-dung, or B. M. to putrefie the matter for forty Days, in which time the Body resolves it self, and the Vinegar contracts a Colour red as Blood. Pour off the Vinegar, and pour on fresh, and do this so often, as until the Vinegar can no more be tinged. This being done, filtre all the Vinegar through Paper, and again set it, put into a clean Glass firmly closed again in Horse-dung, or B. M. as before, that it may putrefie for forty Days; in which time the Body again resolves it self, and the Matter in the Glass becomes as black as Calcan∣thum, or Shoomakers Ink. When you have this Sign, then true Solution is made, by which the fur∣ther Separation of Elements is procured. Put this black matter into another Cucurbit, to which apply an Alembick, and distil off the Vinegar with moderate Fire; then the Vinegar passeth out clear, and in the bottom a sordid matter remains; grind that to a subtle Powder, and edulcorate it with distilled Rain Water, then dry it with gentle heat, and put it a Circulatory with a long Neck (the Circulatory must have three Cavities or Bel∣lies, as if three Globes were set one above another,

yet distinct or apart each from other, as Sublima∣tories; with their Aludel [or Head] are wont to be made, and it must have a long Neck like a Phial, (or Bolthead and pour on it Spirit of Wine high∣ly rectified, till it riseth three Fingers above the Matter, and having well closed the Vessel, set it in a moderate heat for two Months. Then fol∣lows another new Extraction, and the Spirit of Wine becomes transparently red as a Ruby, or as was the first Extraction of the Vinegar, yea more fair. Pour off the Spirit of Wine thus tinged, filtre it through Paper, and put it into a Cucurbit (the black Matter which remains set aside, and se∣parate from this Work; for it is not profitable therein) to which apply an Head and Receiver, and having firmly closed all Junctures, begin to distil in Ashes with moderate Fire: then the Spirit of wine carries over the Tincture of Antimony with it self, the Elements separate themselves each from other, and the Alembeck and Recipient seem to resemble the form of pure Gold transparent in Aspect. In the end some few Feces remain, and the Golden Colour in the Glass altogether fayls. The red Matter, which in distilling passed over into the Receiver, put into a Circulatory for ten Days, and as many Nights. By that Circulation Sepa∣ration is made; for the Oyl thereby acquires Gra∣vity, and separates it self to the bottom from the Spirit of Wine; and the Spirit of Wine is again Clear, as it was at first, and swims upon the Oyl. Which admirable Separation is like a Miracle in Nature: Separate this Oyl* 1.50 from the Spirit of Wine by a Separatory.

This Oyl is of a singular and incredible Sweet∣ness, with which no other thing may be compared, it is grateful in the Use, and all Corrosiveness is se∣parated from it. No man can by Cogitation judge, by Understanding comprehend, what incre∣dible Effects, potent Powers, and profitable Vir∣tues are in this Royal Oyl. Therefore, to this Sulphur of Antimony, I have given no other Name, than my Balsom of Life; because it effects very much, by the Grace of GOD, in those, in whom was no help to be hoped for, but by the Mercy of GOD, and nothing remained but a most certain expectation of changing Life with Death; as my Brethren can witness hath been often done. It refresheth a man so, as if he were new born; it purifies the Blood; mixt and exhibited with the Tincture of Corals, it cleanseth the Leprosie, and expels every Scab, which through impurity of the Blood takes Root in man. It drives away Melancholy and sadness of Heart, it confirms the

Junctures, and above all strengthens the Heart, when given with the Magistery of Pearls. Also it helps the Memory, and in Swouning a more noble Medicine is not found, if six drops of it mixt with equal parts of Oyl of Cinnamon be put upon the Tongue, and the Nostrils and Arteries be anoint∣ed with a little of the Essence of Saffron.

Ah Good GOD, what moves me to speak, write, and invent many Things! For I suppose I shall find few among the Doctors, who will give absolute Credit to these my Writings, which I have declared faithfully, instead of a Testament, to my Disciples, Apostles, and Followers; but Others, who before knew these wonderful Effects, and have often in Truth experienced these Vir∣tues, will more accurately attend, and more easily believe, and for this bounty of mine (viz. because I have opened, by the permission of GOD, the Powers and Virtues which are infused in the Crea∣tures, and have as it were freed them from Prison, brought them to Light, and unto free Operation) give me thanks, and speak honourably of me, af∣ter I am reduced to Dust in the Grave.

Another way to drive Antimony, without Addi∣tion, over by Alembeck is this.

Make a Regulus of Antimony, by Tartar and Sal∣nitre, as I above taught, grind this subtily, put it in a great round Glass, and place it in a moderate heat of Sand. This way the Antimony will be sublimed: whatsoever shall be sublimed, that dayly put down with a Feather, that at length it may remain in the Bottom, and there persist until nothing more of it can be sublimed, but the whole remains fixed in the Bottom. Then is your Regulus fixed and precipitated per se. But consider, here is requi∣red a sufficient time, and reperition of the Labour often, before you can obtain. that. This Red Pre∣cipitate

take out, grind it to a subtle Powder, which spred upon a flat and clean Stone, set in a cold moist Place and there let it remain for six Months; at length the Precipitate begins to re∣solve it self into a red and pure Liquor, and the Feces or Earth is separated from it. The Salt of Antimony, I say, only resolves it self into Liquor, which filter, and put into a Cucurbit, that it may be condensed by extraction of the phlegm; and again set it in a moyst place, then will it yield you fair Crystals. Separate these from their phlegm, and they will be pellucid, mixt wiith a red Colour; but when again purified become white. Then is made the true Salt* 1.51 of Antimony, as I have often prepared it.

This Salt dry, and mix with it Venenian Earth (which is called Tripel) three Parts, and in strong Fire distil it. First a white Spirit comes off, after∣ward a red Spirit, which also resolves it self into white. Rectifie this Spirit gently and subtily in a dry or moyst Balneo, and so you will have ano∣ther white Oyl distilled from the Salt of Antimony. This Oyl, but why do I call it Oyl? this Spirit, I should rather say, since the Salt is distilled in a Spiritual manner, in Quartans and other Feavers often manifests its Virtues, and is very conducent in breaking the Stone of the Bladder; it provokes Urine, and is profitable in the Gout. Outwardly applied to old corrosive Wounds, which have their Operation from Mars, it purifies them. Also, this Spirit of the Salt of Antimony purifies the whole Blood, as the Salt of Gold doth. And al∣though,

in healing very many other Diseases it may be prositably applied, yet it is not so perfect, as the above described red Oyl of Antimony, in which its Sulphur is deduced to the highest, puri∣fied and separated, as I said; therefore I forbear to speak more of this.

Now, since I have treated of the Sulphur and Salt of Antimony, and shewed how they may be re∣duced Medicine; I here treating further, purpose to speak of its Mercury also, and to manifest what Medicine lies absconded, and as it were buried in it.

Take the Regulus of Antimony, made in such manner, as I above taught, eight Parts. Salt of Humane Urine clarified and sublimed, one Part. Sal-Armoniack one Part: and one Part of Salt of Tartar. Mix all the Salts together in a Glass, and having poured on strong Wine-Vinegar, lute it with the Luting of Sapience, and digest the Salts with the Vinegar for an intire Moneth in conveni∣ent Heat; afterward put all into a Cucurbit, and in Ashes distil off the Vinegar, that the Salts may remain dry. These dry Salts mix with three Parts of Venetian Earth, and by Retort distil the Mix∣ture with strong Fire, and you will have a wonder∣ful Spirit. This Spirit pour upon the aforesaid Regulus of Antimony reduced to Powder, and set the whole in putrefaction for two Moneths. Then gently distil the Vinegar from it, and with what remains mix a fourfold weight of the filings of Steel, and with violent Fire distil by Retort: then, the Spirit of Salt, which passeth out, carries over with it self the Mercury of Antimony in the Speci∣es of Fume. Wherefore in this Operation you must apply a great Recipient with a large quantity of Water in it, so doing, the Spirit of Salt will be

mixed with the Water, but the Mercury collected in the Bottom of the Glass into, true Living Mercury.* 1.52

Behold, O Lover of Art, I have shewed you, how of Antimony may be made Running Mercury, which very many have so long, and in so many Parts of the World sought; and how we may use this Mer∣cury with prayse in Medicine, I will here discover and set down in Writing.

Take in the Name of the Lord, of this Mercury one Part, express it through a Skin, and pour on it of red Oyl of Vitriol highly rectified, four Parts: Extract the Oyl, and the Spirits of the Oyl will re∣main with the Mercury: Force it with vehement Pire, and somewhat will be sublimed. This Sub∣limate again put down upon the Earth in the Bot∣tom. Then pour on other Oyl, of the same weight as before, and repeat this labour a third time. The fourth time, put the Sublimate which ascends with the Earth, and grind both together, and the whole will be clear and pure, like a Speculum or Crystal. Put this into a Circulatory, and pour on it a like weight of Oyl of Vitriol, and thrice so much Spirit of Wine. Circulate until Separa∣tion be made, and at length the Mercury resolve it self into Oyl, and float about like Oyl Olive. When you see this, separate this Oyl from the other Liquor, and put it into a Circulatory, and there pour on strong distilled Vinegar, and permit it so to rest for about twenty Days. Then this Oyl again acquires its own Gravity, and settles to the

Bottom; and whatsoever Venenosity was in it, remains in the Vinegar, which will be tenebrous and altogether confused.* 1.53

This is a great Arcanum, and seems repugnant to Nature, that this Oyl should first swim, and af∣terward being rendred more ponderous, settle to the Bottom. But consider, the Oyl of Vitriol is also heavy, yet when the Mercury in its Separation is not altogether pure, it stands above it; but when the impure Lightness is taken from it by Vi∣negar, because the Vinegar assumes that, then the Oyl receives its just weight, becomes compact, and settles to the Bottom. This is the Oyl of the Mercury of Antimony, which is the fourth Column of Medicine.

Now come hither you Lepers! where be you? I will supply you with Means for Health. This Oyl is prositable against the Apoplexy, comforts the Brain, makes a man industrious, and cherisheth the vital Spirits of the Head. If any one hath la∣boured long with grievous Diseases, and will for

some time dayly use this Oyl, his Hairs and Nayls will fall off, and he will be renovated, as a man new∣born. All the Blood in the Humane Body is by it so purified, as every Evil is taken off from it, and expelled. This heals the French Disease, which we have lately inherited; for by this Medicine it is radically extirpated. And, to comprehend much in few words, the praise of this Oyl is greater in Medicine, than can be expressed by Speech or Writing.

Why do we, miserable Mortals, taken from the Earth, and ready to return into Earth, stick here? Why do we not hasten to give Thanks to GOD our Creator, for this Medicine so mercifully granted to Us? You Doctors (if it please the Gods) of either Medicine, come to me a religious man and Servant of GOD, I will manifest to you what your Eyes never saw, and will shew you the way of Health and Sanity, which before you never knew. Yet if any one be found among you, who under∣stands my Processes, and the way of Preparation, better than I; let him, I pray, not be silent, or set a Seal to his Lips: for here I stand ready to learn, nor am I ashamed further to inquire, and desire that Light, which before I knew not. For I have often said, that this our Life is circumscribed with more strait Limits, then that one man should be able to search out all Things, which Nature bears absconded in her Bosom. But on the contrary, I being the Author, let them be silent, who have ex∣perienced less than I, and if they have not attained to a solid Understanding of my Writings, let them not attempt to amend them, or (like Braw∣lers) with inconsiderate Words reprehend, what they never learned in the Schools, and the Processes of which they never received from men skilled in the Law. For my Terms otherwise sound, and

signifie other than theirs, who oppose themselves against me, and who are ashamed of the Labour of Planting Trees, and of Grafting fruitful Sprouts thereon; therefore they always abide among dry and withered Wild Trees, and can never attain to any Branch of green, sappy, and well manured Fruit Trees.

Hasten not, I say, O man experienced in our Art, to pass your Sentence of Judging, and be not willing to condemn, what you have not yet your self acquired by Thoughts, or gained by Disci∣pline. Many imprudent men frequently say, Fishes are frozen in Waters; but these discover their own imprudence and want of Knowledge. For it will never be proved, that a Fish, even in the bitterest Winter will ever be frozen in Waters, as long as the Ice of those Waters is dayly broken by the diligence of Mortals. But the reason why Fishes dye, is because, when the Ice is not opened, their respiration is hindred, and they thence are are suffocated. For it may easily be proved, that no Animal can live, when to it the use of Air is denied. Whence it may well be concluded, that those Fishes, which are found dead under the Wa∣ter, in an extream Cold Season, die not of Cold (as men of little understanding think) but because they are deprived of Air. By like Reason (that we may apply this Example) I say; since Antimony, is to produce such admirable Fruits, it is to be taken out of the Mountains; but first, by the Care of the Miners spiracles, or breathing places, are to be made for it, and afterward it must be prepa∣red with Water, Air and Fire, as with auxiliary Mediums, lest its fruitfulness be suffocated in the Earth. But with many and laborious Preparati∣ons of Artifice, it must be manifested and brought to Light, for the expected Sanation of Diseases,

by reason of which it hath been so long sought into.

Where now, O Wretch! who contemnest An∣timony, and among all men accusest it as mere Ve∣nom, where is thy Rhetorick, or Dialect, where∣with to defend thy self? But since thou under∣standest neither White, nor Black, nor Green, nor Red, nor Yellow; nor knowest which way to go about to justifie Antimony, its Virtue, Power and Utility, being unknown to thee, thou doest well, if thou keepest Silence, and permittest this Repre∣hension of thy Ignorance, as a Wave driven with vehement wind to fly over thy Head; fearing, that if those Winds and Waves should be predomi∣nant, thy own weak and frail Bark would be sunk and submerged. To avoid this peril, seasonably call upon thy Sleeping Master, as the Disciples of our Saviour Jesus Christ did, when they feared they should perish. Yet this must not be done with a dissembled and feigned, but with a true and pure Heart, without all Hypocrisie; then your Redem∣ption and Help will undoubtedly follow, so that in all Verity you will see and find the Winds and the Sea to obey you, and all Things to be brought to the desired End.

I wish man were but so disposed, as he would study to obtain somewhat with labour and Dili∣gence, then certainly the Gods, the Presidents of Prosperity and Art would give Success, by which such a Disciple and Follower of Art might be as∣sured, that in the wished School of Art, and desired Domicil of Grace, Felicity and Health should not be denied him, but that he himself should certainly see and find the Foundation of the Corner Stone, upon which he might commodiously build up all the other Orders of Stones. Then would cease the so many evilly founded Impertinencies of Bab∣lers, which in the Schools stun the Ears of Disci∣ples,

and in Houses the Ears of the Sick; and the Master it self would speak, as it were with open Mouth, and by certain Experience confirm, that a Castle or Palace of Stone cannot so easily be set on Fire and burnt, as a Pidgeon-House, or the old Nest of a Stork composed of rotten Wood, and dayly dried more and more by the Sun.

But my Auditor and Disciple, do thou with sharp Judgment weigh this my sincere Information, and with fervent desire strive to penetrate the in∣most Center of Art, which by the external Face can be known by no man; prosecute and press af∣ter the Virtue and Power thereof, no otherwise, than as a Hunter pursues a Wild Beast; search out its Footsteps through the Snow, that you may rightly distinguish, and not take an Hart instead of an Hind, or an Hare instead of a Fox, or give a false estimate thereof, by erring from its Foot∣steps. Well, cast out your Nets, and take a mul∣titude of Fishes, according to your own Wish or Desire. Place your Threads as is behooful, and dispose of the Birds, which allure others to their place, and by this way of Fowling you will fulfil your desire with prosit. That by these, to every Searcher I may briefly propose my Admonition and Advice, I say: My Friend the Hunter, dispose rightly your Nets and Instruments for Hunting as behoveth; and you Mariner, who Night and Day say through the vast Seas, and are often driven hither and thither by the Winds, give heed to the Point of your Compass, and undoubtedly you will reap prosit, and not bring home your Ship, swiftly returning, without great Gain of Merchandize.

But why do I treat of many things, or spend time unprositably (as tatling Sophisters are wont to do) in beating out the empty Chaff? I am de∣ceived;

I do not unprofitably spend my time; for all the Words in my Writings are of use, and in them are found few empty Letters, which con∣tain not some Utility together with a profitable Instruction, so that the time I spend in Writing will rather be a Recreation, than a Burthen to me. Therefore now, after the manner of Fencers, I will step back one pace, and into the Chymical Labora∣tory infer a new Doctrine of External Things; viz. shew, that Antimony is of such a Nature, as may be prepared so, as to yield present help in Me∣dicine pertinent to External Wounds, which ma∣nifoldly offer themselves to us, and are declared by Chirurgy. Therefore I will begin and briefly explain my Processes, viz. how that is to be used in Medicine, and how it may profitably be pre∣pared.

Whosoever thou art, among Junior Students, that desirest to search out the Occult things of Na∣ture, and to bring her hidden Secrets to Light, attend to what I say, that thou mayest be able to distinguish Day from Night, and what is clear from the Obscure.

Take of Hungarian Antimony one part, Common Salt half a part, and six parts of Argilla not burnt, grind all together, and distil vehemently with a continual Fire without Intermission and at length an Oyl will come forth: from this abstract its Phlegm by Distillation, that a red dry Powder may remain in the bottom of the Cucurbit. This Powder grind subtily, and resolve it into a Liquor, upon a Mar∣ble Stone; and you will have a red shining Balsom for Wounds, which far excels very many other Balsoms. Its Use* 1.54 is principally in Wounds, which have been a long time open, and in the Cure of which the Doctors with their Plaisters, Unguents, Oyls and Ligaments could effect no∣thing:

but with very great Disgrace they at length take off the Horse's Bridle and Saddle, and return him to the Stable, whence they had him.

My Form of Speaking Savours of Simplicity; for I am a man Religious, to whom the Method of Secular Men is unknown; therefore cannot so clearly detect and describe all Things, as the Matter it self seems to require. Such a man as I, as to the Terms, because he cannot so formally use them, de∣sires to be pardoned in this, and if he neglect any thing therein, he craves the candid Acceptation of all men, and in respect of his State offers himself willing and ready to serve all Christians Day and Night, and by his Prayers to GOD, to recompence this their Benevolence.

This Oyl is salutary in many grievous Accidents, and especially in old wounds, so that few Medicines are found, which must not give place to this. Only that Oyl, which is prepared with the Vulgar Sub∣limate of Apothecaries, is equal unto it in Effects, and is oftentimes by Experience found to be better, especially in the Wolf and Cancer, and in the Noli me tangere. But in ordinary Fistula's, and the Herpes the superiour Oyl effects wonders, which were they not confirmed by Experience, could not be believed, and all which I recite not, lest some

one or other should judge me to do it from Ambi∣tion, or that thence I hunt after Fame, which was never by me either sought or desired; nor at this time, as I can holily affirm, is it aimed at by me.

Now I will give you the Preparation of another Oyl.

Take Mercury mortified (which is sublimed to clearness and Splendor, and sold by Apothecaries) and Antimony, of each equal parts. Grind them together, and distil them by such a Retort, as will retain the Spirits thrice, and afterward rectifie this Oyl with Spirit of Wine. Then the Opera∣tion is absolved, and the Oyl becomes red as Blood; but at first it is White, and like Ice or congealed Butter. This Oyl effects wonders in many Affects, where Nature gave no hope of Amendment, and it always mostly shews its force, virtue, power, and efficacy, in the perfect Emendation of Evil in∣to Good.

By Addition may be prepared another Oyl ve∣ry profitable in external Wounds.

Take of Antimony one part, Sulphur one part, Sal-Armoniack, or Salt of Urine purified half a part, and Calx-Vive two parts. Expel the Oyl strongly: whatsoever is sublimed, that grind with the Caput-mortuum, and thereon again pour the Oyl distilled off, and thrice distil it; then the Oyl is prepared.

When old Wounds can in no wise be healed, then use this Oyl. For it is strong, potent and pe∣netrative: and lays a good Ground (even as Oyl of Vitriol doth) for future Sanation.

An admirable Balsom of divers Ingredients (a∣mong which is Antimony) very useful in old Wounds, is thus prepared.

Take of Sulphur ℥iiij. set it over a moderate Fire to melt, and put into it half a pound of Mer∣cury,

and stir the Mixture so long together, as un∣til both become one Mass. This Mass grind to Powder (for it is made as Cinnabar is wont to be prepared) then grind with it ℥iiij. of Antimony, of red Arsenick ℥iiij. of Crocus Martis ℥ij. and of Powder of Tiles ℥viij. Put all these into a Glass Cucurbit, and sublime them, as such things are wont to be sublimed; and in this Sublimation you will have Rubies in Colour not inferiour to the Ori∣ental, but they are not fixed; for they are volatile, and fly from the Fire. Let the Artificer separate these Rubies from the Cinnabar, which ascends in the Sublimation, grind them to Powder and ex∣tract them with strong Vinegar. This being done. let him abstract the Vinegar leasurely in B. M. and a Powder will remain; this Powder grind small as before, and having put it into another Glass, ex∣tract its Tincture with Spirit of Wine, and sepa∣rate the remaining Feces. This Extraction with Spirit of Wine digest in B. M. well closed for one Month. Then abstract the Spirit of Wine, as you abstracted the Vinegar, and put the remain∣ing, Powder of Wine into a flat Glass Dish, and set that Dish in a Cellar into a Pail full of Water, that it may Swim upon the Water, as a Boat. So do∣ing. the Powder which is in the Glass will in a few days resolve it self into a clear and perlucid Li∣quor.

This Liquor is salutary in old open Wounds, and is a vulnerary Balsom in like Accidents, if put into them, and they covered round with a common Stiptick Plaister. In diuturnal open Wounds, it leaves no man destitute of help, although such, as in the Cure of which all other Remedies have been tried in vain. Of open Ulcers, which have their Original from within, I speak not here; for they cannot perfectly be healed without internal Re∣medies,

which drye up all Fluxions, and radically extirpate the Disease: although at this time few are found, who bend their thoughts this way, or take any Course to touch the Root it self of those Diseases, of which I now treat.

If Men would in their Minds well consider the Calamities of Life, into which the Fall of our first Parents precipited us, and seriously weigh that O∣riginal Sin, and the great troop of Evills thence issuing, Viz: of Sadness, Anguish, Diseases and Miseries, they certainly would spend their time better, and imploy more labour to search out the health of their neighbours, so strictly commended to them by the Supream Ruler of Heaven, and by him commanded as their proper Duty. But how many (with grief be it spoken!) shunning labour, consume their time unprofitably, and do not what was to be done by them, but what they formerly have done, and still have a lust to do, being affrayd to do so much, as will soyl their Fingers Ends; as if they did envy the Tradesman, who perhaps gets a small Gain by selling Soap, which they would not willingly buy, to wash their delicate hands. Are not all we miserable Mortals, that live here▪ Stran∣gers in the Earth, possessing nothing, that we can call ours? Are not all Things we here use, the Goods of our Lord, lent to us, whilst we live and no longer? Therefore we ought so to behave our Selves in using them, that supported with a good Conscience we may be able to stand in that Day, in which an Account is to be given for them; and be not for our Ingratitude cast into Prison, and ut∣ter Darkness where shall be weeping and gnashing of Teeth. If this were the Meditation, and this the Intention of every Man, he would be like a Monster, if he should think of admitting Sin in him∣self, or of neglecting his Office; and all Men

would, with a certain Emulation strive to pleasure their Neighbours, with the Gifts received from GOD. But these things are remote from the thoughts of the World, and Wordly Men; Mo∣ney, Money, is the Scope of all their Intentions; this the Potent seek directly or indirectly, and for this the Poor are subservient to them, that they also may participate of the Mammon of Iniquity.

Yet take heed, I advise you to take heed, lest the Bones of that Flesh, sticking in your Throat, Suffocate you, or the Back-bones of Fishes pierce your Heart. But what doth Admonition help which the World little esteemes of and derides? Hear, I pray you an History; or learn a Parable. When I, according to my Vow, undertook a Pil∣grimage to St. James, to visit that holy Place as a Stranger, I prayed to GOD, and bound myself with a Vow, that if the granted me an happy Re∣turn to my Monastery, I would render him due Prayers. He granted my Request, and I daily re∣turn Thanks to him. But I thought many more would have rejoyced with me, and have given thanks to the same GOD, for the famous Reli∣ques, which at that time I brought with me to our Monastery, (for Consolation of the Poor, and ma∣ny Others) that it might procure to it self a Name, in this perishing Valley of Tears, that could not bee wiped out by any Oblivion. Yet hence few were rendred either better, or more grateful to GOD, for so great a benefit; but persevered in Derision and Contempt of that, which GOD will vindicate in the last Day.

But of these enough at this time, let us proceed in our Instruction of Antimony, whence yet another Medicine may be prepared, which I my self have experienced to be very salutary; and effectual in every kind of Feavers, and in the Pestilence.

Grind Antimony subtily, put it into a Glass Re∣tort, and distil it with a strong fire, without any Addition, 3. or 4. times, and alwayes with a large Receiving Vessel; at length of it is made a Red Pouder, which extract with Vinegar, and circulate the Extraction with a gentle fire for ten whole Dayes; abstract the Vinegar by Distilling, and that which remains, by a singular* 1.55 Artifice in distilling will be changed into an Oyl. Let this Oyl be fur∣ther Circulated until all Humidity be drawn off therefrom, and it again be reduced to Pouder, as it was; when the Vinegar is abstracted and separa∣ted by Distillation, then gather the Oyl in a new Receiver.

Four Grains of this Oyl taken with water of Car∣duus Benedictas, if the Sick be well covered and Sweated, heal Quotidian, Tertian & Quartan Fevers. The same Dose is very available for expelling the Pest, either given with Spirit of Wine, or with distilled Vinegar, according as the Paroxysm of the Pest first invades, either with Heat, or with Cold. Which is witnessed by three Brethren in our Monastery, who recovered of the Plague by this Arcanum, when they expected no other but Death, and had made their Wills. This so reconciled their Minds to this my Art, as they helped me, with greater Zeal then before, both by their Pray∣ers and Labour, and spent the leisure time they had exempt from Religious Dutyes, in serving me day∣ly; and in a short time attained to so great Expe∣rience, that by their own Industry, and the In∣dustry of their Brethren, they gained more true Knowledge in searching out the Arcanums of Na∣ture,

then they could before obtain in alonger series of time. Therefore, for these Men, I give them thanks, even unto my very old Age; and in very deed I return them thanks, because they deserved so well of me, and of others, by their so faithful Labour; but they finished their Course of this Life before me, and entred the way of all Flesh, wherefore I recommend their Reward to the Supreme Physitian, who dwells in the highest Hea∣vens, and there will refresh them with sufficient Joy, and make up in Heaven that Just Recompence, which here on Earth was denyed them by ignorant, and ungrateful Men.

Another Oyl of Antimony for wounds, is pre∣pared with Addition in the following Manner.

Take of Antimony, Sulphur, Saltnitre, of each e∣qual parts; Fulminate those under a Bell, as Oyl of Sulphur per Campan. is made; which way of prepa∣ring hath long since been known to the Antients. But Consider, you will have a better way, if instead of a Bell, you take an Alembeck* 1.56, and apply to it a Recipient; so you will obtain more Oyl, which will indeed be of the same Colour, as that which is made of Common Sulphur, but in powers and vir∣tues not a little more excellent, then it.

[illustration] depiction of an alembic

Here place the Figure in page. 128.

We use 3 or 4. Drops of this inwardly taken with Spirit of Wine against the Phthisick of the Lungs; but outwardly, if it first be anointed, and a Stiptick Playster applyed, against all Wounds stinking, and tending to putrefaction, and so will find it to be the most certain Remedy of all Wounds.

Again another Oyl of Antimony against all corroding Wounds very profitable, is this way made.

Take of Antimony lb. j. Common Salt dryed, lb. ss. Tiles broken; lb. v. Grind all together, and put them into a Retort, whence distil a Yellow Oyl. When all the Spirits are come forth, put the Matter in another Glass. and from it extract the Plegm, and a Pouder will remain; which in an humid place spread upon a stone, and you will have an Humid Balsom, which is a singular Remedy in all Verminant Wounds, and in the Cancer, which hath being cheifly in the Face of a Man, and in the Breasts of a Woman. Much more might be written of this Balsom, did I not fear, that every unskillful Man, and the Rabble of Sophisters would fall foul on me, and say I speak too largely, and commit more to writing, then Experience hath taught me; and so that I boast only of Speculati∣ons, and mere Imaginations.

Morcover, another Oyl is made in this mann••••.

Sublime one part of Antimony, with a fourth part of Sal Armoniack, with subtile Fire. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 carryes up the Sulphur of Antimony, red as B••••••••. Grind this Sublimate to a fine Powder, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 took at first lb.j. of Antimony, grind with it aga•••• ℥v. of Sal Armoniack, and Sublime as before. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sublimate dissolve in a moyst place. Or otherwi•••• take the Sublimate, and edulcorate it from the Sa•••• added, gently dry it, and you will have Sulph••••▪

which burns like Common Sulphur, which is sold at the Apothecaries. From this Sulpur extract its Tincture with distilled Vinegar, and when you have abstracted the Vinegar by gentle Heat of B. M. and by a subtile Operation again distilled the remaining Pouder, you will have (if in this Operation you erre not) a most Excellent* 1.57 Oyl grateful, Sweet, and pleasant in its use, without any Corrosiveness or peril.

It heals the Phthisick, remedies the Priekings of the Sides; and if any One labours with difficulty of Breathing, let him take too Granes in the morning, and as many at Night going to Bed. in the Elixir or Spirit of Wine, and he shall be healed, For it di∣lates the Passages of the Breast, expells all Impuri∣ties, and Phlegmes out of the Breast; and to me it hath often produced many unlooked for Effects. But since in other Preparations of Antimony, I have described such Virtues, as with this are common to them, I Judge it needless to repeat them all, lest in the Sectators of Art I should create tediousness through multiplicity of Words. or alien thoughts by an impertinent Tantolooy.

In the mean while, the Liquor, which, as I above said, was resolved in an Humid Place, is an exter∣nal Medicine, and very profitable; for it cleanseth

the Impurities of the Skin, and if a little Oyl of Tartar be mixed therewith, it heals the Phagede∣na of the Fingers; and if often anointed there∣with, it purisyes the Skin and cures Scrophulaes.

Also, Sulphur of Antimony is prepared in ano∣ther Manner.

Grind Antimony to a fine Pouder, which boyl for two hours or a little longer, in a sharp Lixi∣vium made of the Ashes of Beech-wood. When boyled, filter the Antimony clear, and poor Vinegar upon the filtred Liquor, and then the Sulphur will settle to the bottom wholly red. Pour off the Phlegm and gently dry the Pouder. Distil this Pouder with the Vinegar of Wine; extract the Tincture, and do as you did with the former Sul∣phur. To reduce the same into an Oyl by Distil∣ling, is worth your while: Although the Oyl above mentioned hath greater Virtues, because its Body, by the Sal Armoniack, in the beginning of the Sub∣limation was better dissolved and opened.

There yet remain many things to be written of Antimony, and especially Three, necessary to be known by the Spagyrick Physitian and Philosopher, viz. the Preparation of Vinegar, which is made of its Minera; and then the Philosophick Signate Star, which is not to be omitted; and lastly the Lead of Philosophers, of which we shall speak somewhat; touching which Many have imagined Great Things, and thought (in their way of Reasoning, and Speculation) to prepare the true and syncere Mercury of Philosophers of it; which indeed can∣not be done, since so great Efficacy is not from a∣bove insited in Antimony, as that in it can exist that Mercury, or of it be prepared. That Mercury is the first Ens, or first Water of Metalls, which is perfect, otherwise the Great Stone of the ancient Wise Men could not be made of it. That first

Ens, I say, and the Seeds thereof, are found in a∣nother Mineral, in which the Operation (according to the Genius of Metalls) is greater, then in Anti∣mony. Yet this supplyes us with a certain Parti∣cular, and most profitable Operation; and besides in it you may find whatsoever appertains to in∣ternal and external Medicine. For it is the Column of ever Shop of Apothecaries, if duely prepared, as I often admonish; nor is any thing wanting in it, provided the Artist hath learned well to distinguish the Disposition of Metalls and Mineralls, and dili∣gently observes both the Preparation and Use of Antimony; because then, and not before, follows a perfect Judgement of it. Therefore I will stand to my Promise, and comfort my Disciples, accor∣ding to their Wish, by satisfying and instructing them, which way the Separation of Good from Evil may be known to them, and giving Information touching the Vinegar of Philosophers, which is made of Antimony.

M••lt the Minera of Antimony, and purify it, grind it to a Subtile Pouder, this Matter put into a Round Glass, which is called a Phiall, having a long Ne••k, pour upon it distilled Water, that the Vessel may be half full. Then having well closed the Vessel, set it to putrefy in Horsedung, until the Minera begin to wax hot, and cast out a Froath to the Superficies: then 'tis time to take it out; for that is a Sign the Body is opened. This digested Matter put into a Cucurbit, which well close, and extract the Water, which will have an acid Taste. When all the Water is come off, intend the Fire, and a Sublimate will ascend; this again grinde with the Feces, and again pour on the same Water, and a second time abstract it, then it will be more Sharp. This Operation must be repeated, until the Water be made as Acid, as any other Sharp

distilled Vinegar of Wine. But the Sublimate, the oftner the Operation is repeated, the more it is di∣minished. When you have obtained this Acid Vinegar, take fresh Minera as before and pour this Vinegar on it, so as it may stand above it three Fingers; put it into a Pelican, and digest it two dayes in Heat, then the Vinegar becomes red, and much more sharp then before. Cant this clean off, and distil it without Addition in B. M. The Vinegar comes off white, and the Redness remains in the Bottom, which extracted with Spirit of Wine is an excellent Medicine. Again rectify the Vinegar in B. M. that it may be freed from its Phlegm; lastly dissolve in it its proper Salt, viz: in ℥iiij. of it, ℥j. of the Salt, and force it strongly by Ashes; then the* 1.58 Vinegar becomes more sharp, and acquires greater Strength, and virtue.

[illustration] depiction of an alembic

Here place the Figure in the 133. Page.

This Vinegar Cools vehemently, not as com∣mon Vinegar, but with great Admiration, and cer∣tain Experience, especially for asswaging the Gan∣graene, produced from Gunpouder; also it heals o∣ther enraged Wounds and Members, when joyned with the Soul of Saturn, wrought up into an Un∣guent, and applyed outwardly. And mixt with Water of Endive, to which Salt prunella is added, it consumes the Squinancy, and extinguiseth its great Heat: besides, it asswageth the Motion of the Bloud inflamed. In time of the Pestilence, ta∣ken inwardly, the Dose of one Spoonful, several times, and outwardly applyed to the Swellings by Linen Clothes moystned therein, extracts the Ve∣nom, and most excellently cools: But consider, when you would use it in this manner outwardly, it must be mixed with a third part of Water distilled from Frogspawn.

Many highly esteem the Signate Star of Amimo∣ny, and very many have endeavoured to prepare it, sparing no labour to attain the same. Which some have acquired with good success, others have lost all their labour and Cost, Many have assumed an Opinion, that this Star is the true Matter, whence the Stone of Philosophers may be made, induced hereunto, by this thought or Imagination, viz. because Nature here self hath signed it into a Star, therefore they could not choose but esteem of it, and by these Cogitations were led into the Way

of Error, But I syncerely denounce, that it is no∣thing so. For these kind of Searchers erre from the Kings high-way, and kill themselves in clambering up Rocks and Cliffs, in which wild Goats inhabit, and Birds of Prey build their nests. It is not given to this Star to contain in it self so great Potency, or from it self to form so pretious a Stone. Yet I affirm, that in it lyes absconded a famous Medicine, which may be made of it. The Star is thus made.

Take of Hungarian Antimony 3. parts: Of Steel 1. part. melt these together with 4. parts of burnt Tartar, when melted pour out the whole in∣to a Cone, when cold take out the Regulus, and se∣parate it from all impurity, and the Scoria. Grinde this Regulus to Pouder and weigh it, then add there∣to thrice so much of burnt Tartar, and pour it out as before. Repeat this labour the third time; then the Regulus purgeth it self, and becomes pure and clear. Note, when you have rightly com∣pleated the Fusion, and have used a manual Opera∣tion, as is fit (which is of principal concern in this Work) you will obtain a fair Star* 1.59 bright and shining like Cupellate Silver, no less artificially formed, then if some Painter had with his Com∣passes diligently divided the same.

This Star with Sal Armoniack is reduced to a red* 1.60 Sublimate; for the Tincture of Mars ascends. Such a Sublimate may be resolved in a moist place into a Liquor, which discovers wonderful Virtues in Chirurgy.

This Regulus, or Signate Star, melted often with the Stony Serpent, is brought to such a state, as at length it consumes it self in it, and wholy unites it self with the Serpent.* 1.61 This being done, the Sectator of Art hath a Matter altogether hot and fiery in which very much of Art is latent. This prepared Matter resolves it self into an Oyl; this very Oyl ought to be brought over the Helm by Distillation, and then rectifyed, that it may be pure and clear,

This Oyl may commodiously and securely be taken inwardly; but with great Prudence and Caution, and not oftner then twice or thrice in a Week, and no more at one time, then three Drops in ℥ij. of Wine, or other Water distilled from Herbs, according to the Exigency of the Disease. For this Reason, it is the Physitians part to know the Causes of Diseases, together with the Complex∣ion of the Sick, that he may the more securely use his Remedies.

This is a famous Acrimony* 1.62 containing in it self many Arcanums; but there is no need to reveal all things together and at once to unskillful men. Some Arts are to be suppressed, that some Secrets and Arcanums may remain proper to the Philoso∣pher,

who in searching them out hath daily sustained grievous Toyl.

But let him, who resolves to tread in my Foot∣steps not be weary of Searching; but what I have done, let him do, and what I have so often desired, and what with so earnest Wishes I have sought, let him seek. These Principles, which I have prescribed you, are sufficient for to search out the End by. Many have failed, yea many have been cut off by Death, before they could in their Learning attain to the Principles only; that is, they were deprived of Life, be∣fore they could acquire the Magistery of Art. Therefore, I at first set forth a Book of Rudi∣ments, that the Studious follower of Art (who in his first Experiences had need of so much time) might the sooner attain his desired end, and wished Scope, and next unto GOD give me thanks.

Moreover, in this Oyl a wonderful Effect is latent. For if this Oyl be circulated with Cry∣stals for some time, viz. for three Days and Nights (the Crystals being first Calcined) it from them extracts a Salt: which being done, the Oyl may again be distilled off by Retort. Thus you will have a Medicine, which admirably breaks the Stone in the Bladder, and expels it, and also

effects many other Things, by a certain famous vir∣tue in it.

But that we may also say something of the Lead of Philosophers, let the curious searchers of Na∣ture know, that between Antimony and common Lead, there is a certain near affinity, and they hold a strict friendship each with other. As a Tree casts out of it's side it's superfluous Rosin, which is the Sulphur of that Tree; as the Cherry-tree, and other Trees, which give forth such Gums: there are other kinds of Trees also, which by reason of their abundance of Mercury, produce and cast forth from themselves a certain Excrescen∣cy, which neither in Form, nor Virtue is in any wise like to their Fruit; but hath wholy other properties, as in Oaks and Apple-trees is apparent, which produce like bastard Fruits, or Monsters: So the Earth also hath like abortive Fruits, which in Separation from the pure Metals, are severed and cast out.

Now, although there is so strict an affinity be∣tween Antimony, and Saturn; yet by reason of the too much Sulphur, which Antimony hath in it self, it is cast out from it: because its viscous Body (in it's Nativity) could not come to per∣fection; and therefore it was constrained necessa∣rily to consist among Minerals: because it's abun∣dance of hot Sulphur was the Cause, that hindred it's Mercury, that through defect of Cold it could neither come to Coagulation, nor into a Malleable Body. Moreover, I say, the Lead in Antimony is no other, then it's Regulus, which hath not as yet obtained Malleableness. And, as above I said, when the Regulus and Steel by Liquefaction are uni∣ted, and deduced to a Star, there are many, who would thence make the antient stone of Philoso∣phers; which I before denyed to be possible. Yet

what Medicines may be prepared of it, you have already briefly heard; therefore touching them, I shall not add a Word more.

But the Reason, why the Regulus is called and accounted Lead, is this. When that Regulus is taken, which Antimony gives forth from it self in making Glass, and put into a Crucible well closed, which can resist the fire, with the Salt of Saturn (having been first Cemented with the Salt for three hours) and these permitted to melt together, in a Wind Fornace, the* 1.63 Regulus, when taken out, is found to be rendred soft, and more ponderous, then it was before. For it receives it's ponderosity from the Spirit of the Salt, which also gave it softness, so that it's Body now is compact and heavy.

Therefore I say, there is not much difference be∣tween the Signate Star, and Lead of Antimony; which notwithstanding are every where distin∣guished as two divers things. For either of them is made of the Glass of Antimony, and prepared in∣to

to one and the same Medicine, as is already by me sufficiently declared. Here therefore I break off my Discourse, that I may explain what the stone of fire is, after I shall have declared the Appendix which follows.

O GOD grant thy Grace, and open the Hearts and Ears of Men unwilling to hear, and to them impart thy Blessing, that they may acknowledge Thee in thy Omnipotency, and wonderful Works of Nature, to thy Praise, Honor and Glory, and for the Health, So∣lace, and Confirmation of the Strength of their Neigh∣bor, and also for Restoring the Sick to their pristine Health. Amen.

Notes

• * 1.1

  What the Authour hath premised here at large, and elsewhere often inserted touching Piety, the Worship of GOD, and Invocation of his Name, I purpose neither to praise nor dispraise; Let them be judged signs of his own earnest Piety, Arguments of his sincerity, and signate Impresses of his fervent zeal (by so many Tautologies and Reiterations) often boiling up. Every Man, according to the Opinion of his mind, and the perswasion, in which he was educated from his Childhood, will more or less esteem of this. It was my business to translate the Authours writings into Latin, in such a Method and Order, as I thought would in no wise give any distaste to the delicate Palat of the Reader; also to indicate that, which seems pertinent to the business of every Chymist and true Spagyrist, and not to neglect the other. For since Piety is available for all things, as divine Oracles teach, and the principal exercise of Piety is Prayer; by which Celestial Gifts are obtained of GOD the giver of all good things; our Authour wills, that unto him the mind be lifted up, even in the midst of the Operations of Chymistry full of labour and toil. If Prayer effected no other thing, it certainly collects the mind (called away from all other things) into it self and renders it apt for that, which is in hand; whence it comes to pass, that it reflects upon many things, and considers them, which otherwise would not enter the mind, if it set about its Work perfunctorily, and distracted with various Conceptions: And so, by the help of Prayer we receive many things, which we (if not ungrateful) must needs acknowledge we have obtained from GOD. How often this is found to be of use in Spagyrick Works every Man knows, that hath any time intirely devoted himself to this business; viz. how often those things which he long sought and could not find, have been imparted to him in a moment, and as it were infused from above, or dictated by some good Genius. That also is of use in dissolving all Riddles, or Aenigmatical Wri∣tings: For if you burn with a great desire of knowing them, that is Prayer; and when you incline your mind to this or that, variously discussing and medita∣ting many things, this is Co-operation; that your Prayer may not be idle, or tempting GOD: yet this your endeavour is in vain, until you find the Soluti∣on. Nevertheless if you despair not, but instantly persist in desire, and cease not from labour, at length in a moment the Solution will fall in; this is Revela∣tion, which you cannot receive unless you pray with great desire and labour, using your utmost endeavour; and yet you cannot perceive, how from all those things (of which you thought) which were not the Solution of the Aenigma, the Solution it self arose. This unfolding of the Riddle opens to you the my∣stery of all great things, and shews how available Prayer is for the obtainment of things Spiritual and Eternal, as well as Corporal and perishing goods: and when Prayer is made with a Heart not feigned, but sincere; you will see that there is nothing more fit for the acquiring of what you desire. Let these suffice to be spoken of Prayer, which Basilius and all Philosophers with him do not vainly require, as an Introduction to Chymistry. For Piety is profitable for all Works, especially for all Great Undertakings.
• * 1.2

  What are here set down, touching the true Theory of Philosophy, are Compendiums of those things, which Philosophers have in so many Books (writ about the same business) revealed, shall I say, or concealed. Attend to the words of the Authour, and you will see, that he perfectly knew that Spirit penetra∣ting all things, which presides or bears rule in all things, yet is involved and absconded in matter and defilements on every side; from which if once freed, it returns to the purity of its own substance, in which it produceth all things, and is all in all. To comment upon this, would be a work no less than the produ∣ducing of all Books of Philosophers, compiled with such accurate study, and contending with so great contention about the Theory.
• * 1.3

  Manual Operation is chiefly required in this third Part, without which, every Operation, like a Ship wanting Ballast, floats and is uncertain. It is difficult to express this with a Pen; for more is learned by once seeing the work done, then can be taught by the writing of many Pages; yet if it be no offence to you, to peruse these Commentaries together with Pasilius (in this so necessary part) will not a little help.
• * 1.4

  By Use, the Authour understands what others call Dose; for what will a good Medicine profit you, if you know not in what quantity to administer it; that the same may rather heal, then hurt or kill. By experience only to learn this, is a work full of perilous casualty, yet the Discipline or knowledge of Doses was found out this way first, and afterward easily taught by Words. Where a living Voice is wanting, it is safer to be too timerous, then in any wise bold or adventurous, although of Antimony I can affirm, that being duly pre∣pared it is as harmless a Medicine as Cassia or Manna. The whole caution is chiefly about its use, after the first preparations; because it may still retai•• much of its own crude Venome.
• * 1.5

  That Indication is to be taken from things helping and hurting, is known even to Tyro's. But what the Authour subjoyns touching internal and external curation, are not so rude, as not to deserve good Attention: And also those things which he permixeth with his own Satyrical Reprehension, if the Reader be so wise as to believe that Basilius intermixed them to deter the unworthy de∣riders of Chymistry from approaching to his sacred Arcanums, he will be wise for himself. For whilst others rail and swell with indignation, he gathers the fruit of the Authour's Axioms, which as another Agent he scattered among these Thorns. Whilst you, O lover of Chymistry, peruse these, so long will I keep silence.
• * 1.6

  What follow, seem somewhat confused, according to the Sentiments of cer∣tain Theologicians, who have held various opinions of Spirits residing in the Fire, Air, and other Elements; adjudging them to the Eternal Fire of Hell, &c. All which with Basilius, we leave as unknown, to the Judgement of the Divine Knowledge. But what he himself subjoyns, touching the wonderful virtue and power of Antimonial and all other Chymical Spirits, which we our selves with so great admiration have often seen, we understand only of material Spirits; which certainly are endued with as great virtues, and effect things no less won∣derful then those Spirits, which phantastick persons (oppressed with Melancholy) affirm they see and talk with; yea I cannot remember that I ever found written or declared (by such, as taking a liberty of lying, endeavour to please or terrifi•• others) any greater or more wonderful virtues then these Spirits have.
• * 1.7

  Here the Authour speaks largely in commendation of Antimony. Read, read (I say) O Lover of Chymistry, and you will find nothing Hyperbolical, nor any thing Thrasonick. Basilius in speaking as he doth, hath not exhausted the Praises of Antimony; because no Man unto this day could ever experience all its Virtues. We have seen many of its Effects, and many new Effects are daily found by curious Searchers, yet many more remain unknown. So that, as in Fire is an inexhaustible Fountain; (for the more you take from it, the more it gives) so in Antimony is an inestimable Treasure of new Virtues. For if from it you extract its Acetum a thousand times, it will a thousand times yeild new Acetum. Nature seems to have made choyce of this Mineral, therein to hide all her Treasures. There∣fore not without reason hath Basilius made for it a Triumphant Chariot, which is daily enriched with Spoyls taken from the Camps of Ignorance.
• * 1.8

  Beleive not only Basilius, but me also, with the same Faith and sin∣cerity affirming to you; This is the first-Key, this is the principal part of the whole Art, this opens to you the first Gate, this will also unlock the last, which leads to the Palace of the King. But as I said, not only beleive, but also consider and observe. Here you stand in the Entrance, if you miss the Door, all your Course will be Error, all your Hast Ruine, and all your Wis∣dom Foolishness. He who obteins this Key, and knows the Method (which is called Manual Operation) by which to use it, and hath strength to turn the same, will acquire Riches, and an open Passage unto the Mysteries of Chy∣mistry.
• * 1.9

  Come hither you Traveller, stay your Journy here. Contemn not or slighty pass over this tantological, but not impertinent, Admonition; often in your mind have recourse to this Description of Beer, search, contemplate, and weigh all Things, perhaps in this turbid and famous Gulf, you will find the Fish you look not for. If in this Light you yet be blind, I know not any Collyrium will profit you: if with so certain a manuduction you cannot pass on to the work it self, I know not who will lend you a Staff, or what Demonstration can direct the Journy of a stupid Man. Beleive, read, me∣ditate, labour, and spare the use of so many Chymical Books, which distract you with the Error of various ways, this one tells you all Things.
• * 1.10

  Basilius somewhat indulgeth his own Genius, inveighing against False-Physitians, whose ignorance (in his time) was so very great, as they contemned every sublime Preparation of Medicine, which he himself, and Chymists with him did profess; prescribing the same as unprofitable, perillous, and hurtful: against whom, it is not strange, if the Chymists (on the other hand) rose up with some small vehemency, and endeavour couragiously, by assistance of their Knowledge and Conscience, to break through that Rout of unskilful Men; but the best Things are not allways the most prosperous. Chy∣mists overcame by the Justice of their Cause, but were overcome by Number : yet, having verity and goodness on their side, they fought with so great Confidence, as they were certainly assured they should bear away the Victory; which our Author here shews, and Par••celsus (prophesying of the Coming of Elias the Artist) did presage would be. And certainly unto me (seriously considering how greatly Chymisis have in these improved their Know∣ledge) the Dawning of that Day hath opened it self, since I behold so many Rays of the approaching Sun.
• * 1.11

  Poets do often posit in the midst of their Poems, Histories or Fables of Princes, that by a continued Series of Things, they may the more easily attain their End, which is to delight their Readers: Chymists for another end use the same Medium. For since their purpose is to teach the Readers so, as they may only be understood by those, who wholly devote themselves with a servent desire to the Study of that Science, they keep not that Order, which proceeds from the beginning to the End by Mediums. Therefore our Author, at length coming to treat of the Name of Antimony, whence it took beginning, acts as another Man addicted to some Scholastick Order: but by and by turning from this Dis∣tourse, he answers an Objection, before it is made by Interiogation; viz. whether from Antimony all its Venome may be taken away, the possibility of which he pro••es by very profitable and significant Examples.
• * 1.12

  You, who read this most simple Comparison of Steel and a Flint, slack the Reins of your Admiration, and seriously ask your self, whether there can be found out any way or Method, by which from this Stone and Cold Iron may be extracted, a Substance, of which one only Grain (but why do I speak of a Grain?) of which the hundred part of a Grain can in a very short time Convert a great Mass of some rude Matter, into the most splendid and most pre∣tious of all Things; yea, into Fire most profitable for Mankind? This is possible, and is dayly done, when the fixed is made Volatile, and the Volatile again fixed. He that hath understanding, let him understand, and cease to defame the admirable virtues of Chymical Works.
• * 1.13

  Here again the Author waxeth hot against false Physicians; but do you read on, and after this Heat he will give you a profitable Doctrine, which you may soon find in Aqua Fortis and Spirit of Wine.
• * 1.14

  Which so miserably perplexeth all the Students of this Art: what our Mercury is, which is the Matter of the Stone, which is found every where and in all Things, is here briefly and clearly manif••sted. Therefore our Author Basilius doth not in Vain in••ite your Attention. All the Light I am able to add to this Clearness, would rather obscure, than illustrate the same: therefore, with him, I admonish you to attend.
• * 1.15

  Rightly doth Basilius say, he writes to the Tyro's of this Art; because he begins with the Glass of Antimony, that is, from the very Rudiments of Chy∣mistry, and so accurately teacheth to make that, as no man how ignorant soever can be deceived therein: yet the Ancients have not seldom experienced, how often they have erred in the Praxis, for such I have written these Commenta∣ries. For me, let every One please himself in his own Writings: surely I think I have offered somewhat, which Posterity will always thankfully accept. For although I did for several years most diligently read Basilius and other Masters of the Art of Arts, and in Labouring followed them, as exactly as possi∣bly I could, yet I committed so many Errors (the remembrance of which fills me with Horror) lost so much Money, and was so often constrained to amend those Errors with labour, as I have compassion of all Those, who would enter into this way, incited thereunto by their earnest desire to help their Neighbours: for I have no respect to Others, who aim at nothing but Riches, and would make so noble an Art subservient to Avarice, the worst of all Vices; let them sustain the dammage they deserve to suffer. But do you, who are endued with a more no∣ble Spirit, First seek the Kingdom of GOD, which is either constituted or propagated by Charity to your Neighbour, and all other Things, which other men so impiously seek, shall spontaneously (which is the Bou••ty of GOD) be added to you. I need to use no great Arguments to perswade any man to read those Commentaries; for every One's own Business will sufficiently admoni••h him, when he shall see me often with one word, and a most simple Animadversion to save him so great Charges, which he hath too frequently b••stowed in labour∣ing without success. I do here candidly profess to thee, studious Reader, had the Manual Operations been as sincer••ly shewed to m••, as I ••••re open them, I should have saved a great Sum of Money; for I very often erred, when I would over eagerly prosecute certain Processes of ot••••rs, and by that vain endeavour, lost some Thousands of Florens. Yet I seldome twice repeated any of these Operati∣ons, which our Author (most sincerely and openly, of all that I know) hath in this Book inserted. I shall not here institute a Tyrocinium of Chymistry, as other Authors, well known to young B••ginn••rs, have already done; but I am willing, by Admonition to help those, who long since could loose this Subject from its Bonds, and with most fervent desire design to arive to the Goal exposed to their Eyes and Mind, least either slippery Blood in the Way, or Entellus now lying prostrate, should hinder them from gaining the proposed Reward, which is Riches and Health.
• * 1.16

  This is now the Common, and well known way of making Glass of Anti∣mony, which is profitable in many Operations: but to administer it so to the Sick without Distinction, is a Work full of danger and peril. It indeed suc∣ceeds happily, but this casual or accidental health of some, is not of so great mo∣ment, as therefore to expose the Life of one man to Peril. For I have seen a Sick man, who after he had taken but half an ounce of the Infusion, vomited and purged above measure, and soon after died. Hence are those Tears, hence those Clamours arise against Chymists, as if the impious rashness of some false Chy∣mists were to be imputed to the Art, which Pseudochymists care not how many Houses they fill with Funerals, provided one or two that are healed will blaze their Fame, and they can hear themselves called Doctors, and rob the simple of their money. The reason of this great danger is, because all the Emetick force of Antimony contained in the fixed Salt thereof, in which resides all its Vene∣nosity, which weak Natures cannot overcome, and therefore receive not so much good from the Salutiferous virtue thereof, as hurt from its Venom. But this thing should not deter sound men from the use of Antimony, since they see it, even then when mixed with Venom, often to produce salutary Effects. They should rather thus reason: if that salutiferous Virtue be freed from the No••ious faculty, what Good would it not do, or what Diseases would it not heal? Therefore, behold I here offer to you such Glass of Antimony, as I my self ••••se often, and may be used ly every man, without any danger of a mortal Cata∣strophe.

  Take pure Glass of Antimony, made as Basilius here teacheth, m••lt it in a Crucible, and keep it in flax so long, as until a third part be consumed. T••••u let it cool, and grind the same to an Impalpable Powder, upon which pour Spi∣rit of nine highly rectified, until it stand three singers above the Powder; close the Vessel firmly, and circulate the Matter for three Moneths; then by Distillation abstract the Spirit of Wine, or if it be tinged with Redness, (which always will be, if you have rightly operated) only pour it off, and keep it apart, for it is an excellent Medicine. T••e remaining Body put into a Crucible, per∣mit it to flaw, and then cast it into what Forms you will. For it can assume whatsoever Shapes you will have it, which may be set in Rings, and worn on the Hand. But its Medicinal use is thus.

  Put this Glass for one Night in two ounces of Cold Wine, and in the Morning let the Sick drink that Wine, and you will find very good success; for it purg∣eth kindly, and if Nature incline to bring the Matter upward, it performs that action moderatily, causing gentle Vomits. Only Note this: the prescribed D••se must be diminished, according to the Strength, Age and Constitution of the Sick. Here, Reader, candidly accept of this my first Admonition offered to thy self, and expect to find more, if you willingly and intently peruse the after follow∣ing.
• * 1.17

  The Caution, to which our Author here ascribes the Success, is that you use a most strong Fire, such as is required for melting of Gold: for without this you cannot acquire the Redness of a Pyropus.
• * 1.18

  Not with common Spirit of Wine, bne with Philosophick Spirit, which for extracting this Tineture, I thus prepare.

  Take of Sal-Armoniack thrice sublimed ℥iiij. Spirit of wine, distilled up. on Salt of Tartar so, as it may be perfectly d••••••••genated: put them together in a Phial, which place in heat of Dig••stion the Spirit may fully imbibe the Sulphur or Fire of the Sal-Armoniack; then ••istil the mixture by Alembick thrice, and you will have a true Menstruum, wherewith to Extract that Redness from the Glass of Antimony.

  Also the Tincture of this Glass is extracted with its proper Vinegar, and by a further Operation is perfected, and becomes a most excellent Medicament.
• * 1.19

  Let him who desires to prepare more Glasses of Antimony, consult Be∣guinus, Hartman, Crollius, and other Authors; we here acquiesce in these pro∣posed by Basilius.
• * 1.20

  What I here shall advise is short, but very profitable, without wh•••• what the Author appoints cannot be done, nor by beating or grinding in a Mo∣tar can you ever bring the Body to a requisite fineness, much less upon a Porphy Stone can you grind the same. Therefore first beat it in a Mortar, afterward mix it with distilled Vinegar, that it may have the Consistency of a soft P••∣like matter, and so grind it upon a Porphyry Stone, as Painters grind their Co∣lours, and undoubtedly you will obtain your desire.
• * 1.21

  Thou art happy, if thou canst be wise my Dammage, O Lover of An•••••• I exactly followed this short Ad••••••ition, stirring the Cucurbit twice or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Day, but the Matter was always coagulated like a Stone, and stuck so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the bottom, ••as it could by way ree be r••n••e••id there: but afterward, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ore wary, from the very first I begun to stir the Matter with a Wooden Spatula five or six times a Day, or oftner; you may imitate the same, if you be wise, not only here, but also in the Superior Preparation of Antimony, and in every Extraction of Tincture from Antimony.
• * 1.22

  Our most sincere Author here deceives you not, but conceals a certain ma∣nual Operation, which if you attend to me clearly discovering the same, the Work it self will never fail to Answer your desire. If you have much Tincture, you must have a great Cucurbit; if Little, a less will serve. For if you take a greater Vessel, than your Tincture requires, the Vinegar must necessarily have a greater Fire to cause it to ascend, by reason of the height it must unavoidably rise, or it cannot be distilled; and in sustaining so forcible a Fire, there is great danger of Corrupting the Tincture it self. Here also is required another Caution; viz. this, after two thirds are distilled off, you must change your Vessel, and put the remaining Matter into a less Glass Body, and thence distill off the Vinegar, until the Remanency acquire the just thickness of a Poultis. Also take heed, as Basilius seems to intimate, that you distil not off the Vinegar unto dryness, lest the Tincture by Adustion be wholly corrupted.

  Notwithstanding all This my own Precaution now given, I could not choose, but labour a whole year to little purpose, often repeating this Tincture with a v••in endeavour, whence I was almost as often weary of Chymistry through desperation; for my Tincture was of no essicacy in Medicine; because a meer Caput-mortuum only, unsavoury and of no value. Hence consider, how little any Process profits, whether set down in Writing, or received from a Friend by ward of mouth, unl••••s you set to your hand, and practically learn every par∣ti••••lar of the Work sit to be observed in opera••ing. Also see, how liberally I deal with you, in revealing that, the ignorance of which hath put me to great trouble and cha••ge. The manual Operation, which is vequisite for edulcorating this Pap-like Matter remaining in the bottom, is this. Upon this Matter pour distilled Water, and gently abstract the same by Balneo. When you have re∣peated this a third time, you will find the Water to come off sweet; which time must be observed with very great diligence. For if you be deceived in that, your Work is at an end, all your labour lost, and you shall get nothing, but a Caput Mortuum. For as soon as twenty, or at most thirty drops of sweet water come forth, an Acidity appears again and distils forth, which the un∣wary judging to be an Acidity of the Vinegar formerly added, proceed in di∣stilling, expecting the Water to come forth sweet; but this being the Acidity of Antimony, which (the Vinegar being extracted) immediatly follows the Sweet Water, that persisting to distil destroys the whole Virtue of the Antimo∣ny, and leaves nothing remaining but an unsavoury Caput-mortuum. There∣fore be thou more wary, and as soon as this Sweet Water comes forth, cease to di∣stil, and take out the Pap-like Matter residing in the Bottom, and putting that into another Glass, permit it to dry at the Solar-Heat; or else evaporate all its moysture with most gentle Fire, that it may remain a dry Powder: and when you have avoyded this danger, then go on.
• * 1.23

  These Medicaments, which perform their Operations, not by sensible force, as Catharticks, Emeticks, Diaphoreticks, and the like are wont to operate, but insensibly uniting their own more pure Universal Spirit unto our Spirits, a∣mend Nature and restore it to health, are not to be used, unless where the Body hath first been cleansed from the impurities af peccant Humours, otherwise you cast these Pearls into a Dunghil, where (overwhelmed with Filths) they cannot shine and manifest their Virtues. For although, by reason of their manifold Virtues, they may be called Universals, yet they are to be numbred with To∣picks, before which Generals are to be used, according to the Opinion of Ga∣len, and all Physitians.

  The Tincture here spoken of, performs all those Cures, which Basilius mentions, if the use of it be continued for some time. For where that Saying is of force, Medicines used help, continued heal, it must certainly be applied to those especially, which insensibly operate.
• * 1.24

  Indeed soft Eggs, according to the Saying; are always warily and softly to be handled; but in these hard Eggs also, I have somewhat to advise you of; for it after you have taken out the Yolk, you be not mindful to break that Pellicle, which divides it from the White, you will wonder to see how your Balsom will intrude it self within the White, and deprive you of a great part thereof.
• * 1.25

  If Chirurgions would h••re give credit to our Author, with how great Care would they prepare this Balsom for themselves, and with how great Fruit, and how frequently might they we the same? For I interposing my Judg∣ment must say, that Basilius here comes far short, in expressing its due Prayses; for it performs more, than he declares of it. One short History, drawn from the Centuries of my Medicinal Observations, will confirm the truth of what I I have said. A certain Woman, about forty Years of Age, for seven years together suffered great dolours in her left Breast, which were accompani∣ed with a Tumor and Hardness. Those Chirurgeons and Physicians, whom she advised with, did all with one Consent judge her Disease to be a Cancer; and she was also judged to labour with a Cancer, by the Censure of that famous Practitioner, who at Orscotus (a Village about the Duk••s-Wood) very laudably and happily practised Chirurgy, and drew to himself a vast number of People: for after he had, for three Moneth together, in vain endeavoured to heal this Disease, he severely pronounced her Breast was to be cut off, or the Disease could not be extirpated. The Woman, resolving rather to suffer all Dolours of the Disease, then to sustain so cruel and inhumane a R••••••d••, c•••••• to me. I•• beholding her Breast, found it wholly infl••••ed, and twi•••• as bigg as the other, and an abundance of thin Humors flowing to the Wound. I purposed to try all I could do, rather than suffer this miserable Woman to peri••h; and thinking of this Balsom resolved to try, whether That, which in other Diseases had justified the promises of its Author, would sail me here. Therefore, to the Diseased Woman waiting my Answer, I said; in eight days time I would resolve her, whether there was any hopes of Cure or no, without Cutting off; and there∣upon gave her this Remedy to anoint her Breast therewith: and which is very strange, in the Space of two Days the Matter came to Ripeness, and a just Consistency. Therefore, I then filled with good hope, adjoyned inward and outward Remedies, which seemed convenient for the purpose, and in two Moneths Space the Womans Breast was perfectly healed. Upon this I, not with∣out a peculiar Joy, blessed and praysed the Lord, that had conferred so great vir∣tue on this Balsom.
• * 1.26

  This is the Work, this the Labour, very few true Sons of Art (whom A∣pollo loves) could extract this Tincture by Alembeck. There is need (as Ba∣silius saith) of a cereain peculiar manual Operation. This Tincture I sought many years, and at length (GOD favouring me) found the same. Wilt thou have me discover it to Thee by an Aenigma? I see thou desirest I should, therefore take this Mystery, thus. Alciatus, painting a Dolphin wreathed a∣•••••• an Anchor, writ these words: Make not too much hast. Esteem of this A••monition, not only in all your Life, but also in this very matter, as very pro∣fitable to you: for the hasty Bitch (as the saying is) brings forth blind Whelps. Therefore I again and again admoni••h you, to cause wings to be pre∣pared for your Matter, by Juno, Bacchus and Vulcan; but, as you love your Life, permit it not suddainly to sl••••, rather deliver it to Mercury to be instructed by him gradually to accustom it self to flying; yea, bind it with a Cord, lest (as a Bird got out of a Cage, and past your Reach) it through Ignorance ap∣proach too ••••••r the Se••, and with Icarus, having its Feathers burnt, fall head∣long into the Sea. But after you have detained it for its due time, loose its Bonds, that it may fly, and come to those fortunate Islands, unto which all Sons of Art direct their Sight, and whereunto all Adeptists aim to arrive, as unto their desired and long sought Harbour. Here, O Lover of Art, you should not be offended, or angry with me, as if I deluded you (desirous of the Knowledge of this Secret) by a Tantalick. Apple shown. What should I do? I in this Case give you advice. Would you have me cast Pearls before Swine? and unto all men expose the Mystery, which the Antient kept so holily, and might not reveal it, unless to the worthy Sons of Art only? Thou thy self wouldest bewail nothing more, and wouldest even execrate me, for doing so. They, who understand me, understand Art: and unto such as are Chymists, have I opened the way, which if they diligently travel in, they may arrive, where they desire to be. No man did ever so clearly reveal this to me; but by reading the Writings of Authors, strenuously labouring, and trusting in GOD without fainting or desperation (which is a most efficatious kind of Prayer) I at length attained to what I have. Do thou study, and be diligent, that thou mayest comprehend: for he, who, knows how to render Tinctures volatile, is already admitted into the very Pe∣netrale and Conclave of the Chymical Art; because of all other Mysteries the Method is the same. Peruse the Fables, search into the Riddles, and consider the Parables of all wise men; they all tend hither, and all say the same. Com∣pare the Parables of others, with this my Aenigma, and this with them, that you may understand how much Light I have added in all, and how Easie I have made the Way to those serene Temples of Wisdom.
• * 1.27

  Had I not known Basilius, I should have thought him, in this place to have dealt like a Deceiver, or Vagabond Medicaster with you: but the Matter it self unto me, so often speaks for him, as I religiously scruple even in the least to doubt his Promises. For whatsoever I have experienced (but there are very few Processes contained in this Book, which I have not tryed: for He, from the very first, was my Teacher, Friend and Patron) I have found so very efficacious beyond the Author's Promises, that it seems to me, he hath been sparing in declaring the virtues of his Medicaments, least in praysing them, he should be thought too much to commend himself. Yet I shall not here in his stead, undertake to comment much on their laudable Virtues. Let him who believes not, make tryal, that he may know. Whosoever shall by his own incre∣dulity be deterred from experiencing the Truth hereof, he will suffer punishmtnt enough for his Offence, by the Want of the fruit of the same. For this Oyl, if rightly used in its time, is a Medicine truly universal. Consider, I pray, what I say, if rightly used in its time, that is, the Body being first purged from gross and crnde Humours, and general Medicines used (as you may remember I did before admonish) this Oyl is an Universal Medicine, for healing all Diseases Cu∣rable. For Chymists are not so mad, or conceited, by reason of the Goodness and Virtue of their Medicaments, as not to judge some Diseases to be Unsanable. Who can restore any of the Principal Members absumed by putridness? yet I would not have all Diseases judged unsanable, by these our Chymical Remedies, which are every where vulgarly condemned as such. As for Example, how of∣ten have I restored the Cryst••lline Humour taken away; which who judgeth not impossible to be reduced? But, of these and the like, another place will be more fit to write. Only of tllis Medicament I say, that it heals Feavers of every kind; yea, even the Quartan it self (that ancient Reproach of Physicians) and in Chronical Distempers manifests wonderful Effects. Here among many of my Observations I will give you one only Experiment. In the Year 1665. A young Maid, aged twenty one Years, swollen to an enormous Grossness with the Dropsie, came to me for help. I took this only for her Medicine. For I gave her no other thing, then this very Medicament twice a Day, to which I dayly added a Clister: and in twenty dayes she had sweat so much, as her Body was lessened half an Ell. Within that space of twenty Days, as I said, she also voyded of urine (provoked by the same Medicament) not a little, but her Sweat was wonderful.

  Note: my Friend, and Lover of Art, thac this Oyl, whether you prepare it. your self, or receive it from another prepared by him, doth not imitate other Dia∣phoreticks in operating, which being used, will in their first Dose provoke Sweats. For if this be given to a Patient whose Body is obstructed with Hu∣mors, the first Dose acts nothing, but gently opens the Passages, that Sweats may be procured; the next day it causeth a gentle and kindly breathing of Sweats only; the third Day it Sweats moderately; but the fourth Day, and thence for∣ward, it causeth such an abundance of Sweat, as the Waters proceeding thence run through the Bed upon the Floor. Here is need of a true Physician; Hercules Club will profit little, if not in che Hand of Hercules himself.
• * 1.28

  Let no man here prodigally or rashly wast his own Gold, now he hears of the Astrum of Sol, nor expose himself to so great Hazard, as to enter a peril∣lous Combat with vulgar Mercury. In the Chymical World another Sol shines, and another Mercury attends on Jupiter. Yet the Chymical Sol, or Mercury here, is not Gold, but more excellent than all Gold; yea, more potent than every Mercury, although fabulous, and feigned to be capable to restore the Dead to Life: it is the Gold, and Argent-vive of Philosophers, which Basilius here hints at. But we have treated, and must treat of Antimony only.
• * 1.29

  This is a Common Vomitory, or Emetick Wine, well known, which all wandering Empiricks now use in all Places, sometimes with a prosperous, sometimes the Contrary, always ambiguous Success; which proceeds partly from the Physician, and partly from the Medicine. This is a Thing to be bewayled; for as histories relate•• that George Castriot King of the Epirots, when the Em∣perour of the Turks had often asked him, how his Sword, which he had sent, when Peace was made, according to his agreement with the Turk, could perpe∣trate such wonders as he spake of, saying he saw not any thing singular in it, made this Answer: I did indeed und the Sword of Scanderbeg but not Scan∣derbeg's Arm, with which that Sword was managed, so as to perform so great Miracles: so, very many Chymical Medicines, are either dead, or (which is more to be deplored) oftentimes the Causes of Death, when not managed by the hand of a skilful Doctor. Which Unhappy Success of this Medicine is caused from the Mercurial Properties, with which it is too much impregnated (as Ba∣silius well notes in this Place) and which I am wont to correct in this manner.

  Take Glass of Antimony, most pure, ℥iiij. Venetian Borax ℥ss. melt them together. This being artificially done, you will have a Green Glass trans∣parent as an Emrald. Grind this to a subtle Power, upon which pour French-Wine, and permit the mixture to sland for several days in a Moderate Heat.

  Of this Wine give to the Sick, from ʒj. to ℥ij, according to the Age, Habit of Body, Strength, and other Things either Natural, or not Natural, which the Prudence of the Physician (when he sits as Judge, whether the Life of any One is likely to be continued or not) ought always well to consider. That this Emetick Wine may be given to the Sick without peril, Exprience the most certain Mistress of Physicians hath taught me, and yet more than this: for when the Wine poured in the Powder shall be all exhausted, if you pour on more French Wine, that will also be imbibed with the same Virtues. For here Antimony discovers in it self to be somewhat, that is of all wonderful Things the most admirable: because it contains in it self inexhaustible Treasures, and although you take from it, yet you diminish not the Virtues thereof. A like stupendious Miracle also is in extracting the Vinegar of the same, and in other Works fit to be kept under the Seal of Harpocrates.
• * 1.30

  When the Author saith, it must be clarified with Spirit of Wine unto Transparency; the Admonition is short indeed, but of great weight. For he wills, that this Oyl should be driven over by Alembeck; the signification and manual Operation of which, I have already above taught.
• * 1.31

  Do you think, O Lover of Chymistry, you understand what you read? You cannot understand, unless either divinely Philip, or humanely Oedipus, appear to you, and clearly teach you the way of preparing this Tincture. The difficulty of the Aenigma consists in this; viz. that all Menstruums, with which Tinctures are extracted, must necessarily be void of Colour; otherwise how can you know: whether you obtain the Tincture you would extract, or on∣ly retract the same you poured on? I will not detain you with a tedious Dis∣course full of ambiguities, but lead you as it were by the hand, shewing you how I instituted this Process in the Year 1665. If you thence, by your attenti∣on, and comparing the precedent with the present, and these with those that follow, reap any profit, open the Bosom of your Heart, that no part of this may fall to the Earth.

  I took that Red Oyl, thus far prepared as is already shewed, and rectified it by Retort; and then acquired a white Oyl, of an acid but grateful Taste. Upon this I powred half so much Spirit of Salt: the Mixture I digested in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Phial for a full Month, that these two Spirits might be mell conjoyned; after∣ward, for the better conjunction of them, I distilled them thrice by Retort. Then I poured them upon the Calx of Gold (the Method of preparing which you will find in other Writings of Basilius) and set them together in Digestion for a Month; which being elapsed, the Menstruum was tinged with a d••••y Yellow Colour inclining to redness. I leisurely poured off the Tincture, and having put it into a Retort, with gentle Fire abstracted the Humidity, that a red Pouder might remain in the Bottom. This Powder I edulcora∣ted with distilled Water, and again extracted the Tincture with Spirit of Wine; then I rendred this Dragon volatile, and gave him his own Tayl to be devoured for six whole Months, and obtained a Tincture most pleasant and grateful; ten or twelve Grains of which given to the Sick, provoke Sweat, comfort the Natural Powers, and (not to amuse the Intelligent with words) i•• all Diseases both of Humane and other Bodies, it is an Universal Medicine.

  Since it hath happened to me here to make mention of the most excellent of all Tinctures, I will once teach the Chymist what will be of use to him for the future. That is to say, it is of great concern to know, with what Menstruum every Tincture should be extracted, For it is not sufficient (according to the erre∣neous Opinion of many) that Menstruums be sweet and void of Corosion; but it is also behooful, that there be in them a peculiar Amity and Conveniency with the Mercury of the Body, on which they are poured, that from the same they may extract its true and sincere Sulphur. By Example, I shall teach you somewhat more clearly. Distilled Water extracts the Tincture from Sulphur, made of the Glass of Antimony by distilled Vinegar. But if in this Operation you per∣swade your self you have separated the Pure from the Impure, you will be de∣ceived: for this Water imbibes a certain Salt, which infects the Tincture; but Spirit of Wine rectified is its proper Menstruum: because ••hat only assumes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 volatile Sulphur thereof, and hath no Commerce with the Salt.

  The same happens in Tincture of Corals, which is extracted with Spirit of Wine distilled upon Grange Pills: for here you obtain not the sincere Tincture of Corals; because, by this Menstruum, the pure Sulphur is not separated fro•• the Body of the Corals. The like Error to be committed in many other Things, I have observed by Experience, which should be esteemed the best Mistress, unl••••s we take it for granted that chargeable and fruitless Processes are necessarily re∣quired in this Art. But that I may conclude with the Tincture, whence all this Discourse hath proceeded; I would have no man to think this to be the Aurum potabile of Philosophers: for this would be a very great Error in Phi∣losophy, and give occasion to Sophisters (as their manner is) to prefer their So∣phisms before the Truth it self. Although this Tincture is most precious, and a Tincture of Gold, yet it hath only ass••med the Colour of Gold: but the weight thereof, which is proper to Aurum potabile, adheres not thereunto.

  Touching the potable Medicine here is not place of speaking, unless I would transgress the limits, which I have at this time prescribed my self, of Comment∣ing upon the Triumphant Chariot of Antimony, which our Basil Valentine hath made for it so truly magnificent. Otherwise, I should declare, how Sol might be prepared by Venus and Vulcan, so as in the space of two hours to re∣solve it self into Mercury united with Bacchus, leaving very few feces; which Mercurial Menstruum may again be separated from the resolved Gold; and so you might acquire a most grateful Liquor very ponderous, which can never afterward be reduced to its former Consistence. This very Operation I have shewed to some Curious Lovers of Chymistry. But of these elsewhere another Occasion of Writing will be given.
• * 1.32

  Of Antimony and Sal-Armoniack equal parts are to be taken, which Basilius seems to intend, but I know not how he forgot to mention it.
• * 1.33

  That with one and the same labour, the Sal-Armoniack together with the Antimony, may be distilled and sublimed, such an Instrument as this I but shew you, describing all its Parts, may be made.
• * 1.34

  This Union must be so firm, as in distilling one may not be separated from the other; otherwise you will lose your Labour and Cost. Of how great moment this Union is in Chymistry, they best know, who only by confounding two things together, think they shall effect Wonders; but afterwards (their Ex∣perience failing them) they learn how great difference there is between Union and Confusion: for Things confounded receive no Virtue, that was not in them before; but by Union, I know not what Spirit is ingested, which performs such things as the Mind of man could never perceive to have their being thence. Hence consider in the Generation of Animals (who would believe it!) how from the Union of Elements is generated Sight, Tast, Touching, and so many Powers of Animals, which are insited in none of the Elements, and yet arise from them united. Whensoever it happens, that any Tincture seems to have u∣nited it self with its Menstruum, and afterward may be separated therefrom, that therefore is because Matrimony is not legitimately Celebrated, nor the Union in a due manner perfect; Which you shall more than once see to happen in the Tincture of Sol and Antimony.

  The Instrument, by which I conjoyn my Tinctures, and am wont to copulate them in an undissolvible Copulation, you shall find described hereafter in this ••very Book. That in Spirit of Wine is to be noted, which happens not in other Menstruums; because it is most easily united to Things, and again with a slight artifice separated from the same.
• * 1.35

  This Process as it is easie to perform, so it may by us be easily passed over, lest we should seem to take Pen in hand, rather from an itching desire of Writing, then for illaminating Things obscure.
• * 1.36

  Note here very seriously, that Galenick Catharticks have power of expel∣ling, but not of Correcting Humors; but Chymical Purgers are endued with ei∣ther Faculty; and certainly it should not be minded how much is expelled, but how much is healed, which the occult power of Medicaments prepared Chymi∣cally doth much better effect, than that common and publick violence of purging forcibly.
• * 1.37

  Diaphoretick Antimony is sold in Shops, but what here the Author shews us, by the name of Fixed Powder of Antimony, is not to be bought for Silver or Gold; the Virtues of which so far exceed all that, of which the Common Sort are Partakers: In vain with so great attention and study (of which in preparing this Powder, there is very great need) did our Philosopher intend this Work, if these Mysteries of so great Effects must come to the hand∣ling of the Vulgar, or be publickly sold for Money. Let him who attains to this fixed Powder use it in Chronical Diseases, especially where Sweats are to be excited, and he will see Effects causing him to rejoyce, if he use it in himself; and by which he will be glorified, if he use it in others.
• * 1.38

  How much Chymistry was impeached by Calumnies, in the times of Basi∣lius, is manifest by the very many Reliques of Writers, with which some Theo∣logicians, imprudently judging what they understood not, and Politicians (not much more prudent than them) have defamed their own Books; and in the mean while also given occasion to Others, more throughly searching into the matter, of judging those very Authors, with no greater circumspection to have likewise bespattered other innocent Persons with their Censure. I do not here speak of those Writers, who sharply reprehend certain Vagabond Sophisters, that covering their own Wickedness, under the Pretext of a most noble Art, do by a great Name impose great Frauds upon the People. For this kind of men are not only worthy of severe Reprehension, but also of due Punishment. But, what Evil do they deserve, if under their Denomination the Good be abused? Why is the most certain and so salutary and profitable an Art proscribed? Be∣cause there are men found, which use not the Art it self, but the Name and Sha∣dow of this Art. Yet I am unwilling to prolong this Apology, lest Envy, which hath been the greatest Cause of Calumny, fall upon me in this manner la∣menting, whilst I hear Basilius encouraging his, and have reason to applaud our own Times, in which some part of that most thick Cloud, which cast out so many Thunders, is already vanished. In Shops they now sell Medicaments, Chymically prepared (as they say) and those very Persons, who are willing mostly to be esteemed Hippocratick Disciples, scarcely dare to condemn Chy∣mistry, and since they call into use what are made by the Chymical Art, they cannot deny it. Are not those Times at hand, in which Elias the Artist, the Revealer of greater Mysteries is to come? Of whose Coming Paracelsus so clearly prophesied in various places of his Writings? Perhaps it will be worth our while, for the Solace of the oppressed Disciples of Basilius, to quote certain places, in which he predicts the coming of Elias not then born: which if any One cammodiously interpret, as all other Sayings of that man are to be taken, he will find nothing of absurdity in them, unless he resolve to discover his own absurd Stupidity, or wicked Envy. In the Book of Minerals, Chap. 8. Pa∣racelsus thus writes: What is most vile, GOD suffers to be discovered, but what is of greater moment is yet hid from the Vulgar, until the coming of Eli∣as the Artist; others read, until the Art of Elias, when he comes. And a∣gain, in his Book of Minerals, Treatise the first. It is indeed true (saith he) that many things lie hid in the Earth, which I, as well as others am ignorant of. For this I know, GOD, in time to come will manifest his Wonders, and bring to light many more of them, then unto this Day have been known by us. Also this is true; there is nothing absconded, which shall not he revealed; there∣fore there cometh One, whose Magnale lives not yet, who shall reveal many Things.

  Therefore be comforted, be comforted, O Lover of Chymistry, and prepare the way of that Elias, who brings happy times, and will reveal more Secrets than our Ancestors, by reason of Envy, and the Iniquity of their Days durst discover. Whosoever thou art, conversing in this Art, confer some small matter to this fe∣licity; and let us give the World that Medicine, which by reason of evil Hu∣mors predominant, it cannot take all at once, by degrees, that it may gradually recover of its Disease, and the Times of Elias come (for Arts also, as well as is understood of other things, have their Elias, saith Theophrastus) where it will be lawful for us to speak freely of these things, and openly to do good to our Neighbours, without persecution of the Impious. Read, understand, and com∣fort your self with these.
• * 1.39

  This Parable is of very great moment, but so very clear to those, from whose Eyes the Cataract is taken away, as to explain it to them, would be to hold a Candle to the Light of the Sun: to others, from whose sight the Cataract is not took off, this place gives no occasion of detracting the same. Therefore read, peruse, and meditate; Day is an Instructer to the Day; the later Reading explains the former, and the former the later.
• * 1.40

  Here thy Sincerity, Valentine, is suspected. Who can by this thy Prescri∣ption make this Quintessence, which Petrus the Spaniard, in his Book Of the Quintessenc of all Things, destrvedly extols, as the greatest Secret of Phi∣losophy? What shall I say? Malice makes thee, not a perverse, but timerous man, fearing, least if Arcanum's should be communicated openly to the wicked, they would do more hurt with them then good. This Process seems to me to be purposely described obscurely by this Religious Man (why else should he not have written otherwise!) because he knew the Sons of Art would understand it by his Prescript. But that you, Reader, may understand, you have not in vain spent your Money in buying, or time in reading these Commentaries, I will clearly and nakedly discover to you, how I my self have oftentimes performed this very Work: do you give good heed to all Things, that you may not at all be deficient; for the Operations are so concatinated, or co-linked together, as one being omitted, or negligently performed, all the other are spoyled, and your labour cannot answer your Desires.

  Take of the best Minera of Antimony, which is friable (for if you take crude Antimony, as Basilius seems to indicate, you can effect nothing; because it hath already lost its most subtle Sulphur in the first Distillation) grind it to so subtle a Powder, as it may pass through a Tiffany Seive: put it into a Cucurbit, and pour upon it Vinegar, which according to Art is distilled from its proper Mi∣nera. Set it in Digestion for forty Days, and (if you have exactly observed all things, which are hereunto required) your Vinegar will be tinged with a Co∣lour red as Blood. This red Tincture poured off by Inclination, put into a Retort, and gently abstract the Vinegar. The Powder remaining extract with spirit of Wine, that it also may contract a blood-like Colour. Put this Extraction into a Circulatory Vessel, like to this, the Figure of which I here expose; because I never found any more apt to render the Spirits volatile: Then place this double Vessel in B. M. to be digested so long, as until you see the Tincture raise it self upwards and passover volatile by Alembeck; seeing this, cool your Vessel, and put all the Matter into a Cucurbit, and distil the Spirit according to Art, which will passover the Helm as red as Blood. Then again abstract the Spirit, and you will have a most ponderous thick Oyl.

  How this Oyl should after this be joyned with its own Salt, and united, we elsewhere speak; the use of which in amending Metals is very great. Here we have described it, and brought it so far, as it becomes a most excellent Me∣dicine in grievous Diseases, which are in all places accounted uncurable. It performs its whole Operation by Sweats. And since there is no Disease, which it helps not; what need is there to name any? It is better to be altogether Si∣lent, then to detract from its praises, by reciting a few. There is no man who hath made any Progress in Chymistry, that knows not what the Quintessence of Antimony is.
• * 1.41

  The Liver is a Cause of much Discourse in Banquets, and the Liver of Ant∣timony will be to us no small Occasion of the like in Chymical Operations. But in the first place consider, than instead of Crude Tartar, it is better to take Salt of Tartar, not only for decelerating the Operation (for otherwise it must be melted so long, as until the Tartar be changed into Salt) but chiefly, that you may have Glass of a far better Colour. Also Basilius forgot, or for some Rea∣sons did omit, to appoint the Glass first to be poured into a Platter made hot, and then beaten to powder in an hot Mortar: otherwise the Glass, by reason of the Salt of Tartar, as soon as it takes the cold Air is changed into a certain Pulse or Pap. Besides, he omitted to determine the Quanticy of Water, in which this Powder should be dissolved, that we may have a more fair and deep Colour; in which Exaltation of Colour very much is sited. Also the Precipitation of the Liver from the Water, which must be made with Vinegar, he involved in Si∣lence; although this, and the above mentioned, are necessary in this Operation.

  Here I am unwilling to forbear to admonish, that not only in this, but in every Melting of Antimony, the Artist ought to observe the Face of Heaven, and be∣gin his Work when the same is clear and serene. If you do otherwise, you will in vain deplore the Obscurity of the Colour in your Liver of Antimony. For if you laugh at me, attributing much Virtue to the Influences of the Stars, I shall deride you, deploring the unluckie Success of many Processes. But I would not digress so far, as to take on me to prove the Virtues of Celestial Influences, against men, either knowing so little, as they canot understand, or having ex∣perienced somewhat do not discern; but in the mean while are so obstinate, as they will not believe those things which they see, have tried, and in very deed found to be so. I would no more urge Reasons against these men, then against these, who deny even the Mutation of Metals by the Stone of Philosophers. We judge such men more worthy of Contempt than Refutation, who say that is not possible, which they have beheld with their Eyes, and done with their hands: for it is very rude to say, I deny, I deny, who proves? These perverse men by their thus acting, do sometimes-provoke the patience of good ingenious Artists, judging that they, with a certain Zeal of confirming what they assert, will proceed so far, as to discover to them their Experiment of so excellent an Art. But I do not think that any of them, who have obtained the Mystery will be so imprudent, as unadvisedly to cast Pearls before Swine, and to discover to the unworthy, what GOD hath revealed to him; or give them of the Bread he Eats, which is not to be cast to Dogs.

  Therefore, returning to the Matter from whence I digressed, I affirm, that there are some times of the year, in which if Liver if Antimony be made, and pre∣cipitated with a due Menstruum, it will be imbibed with altogether another Colour, and be endued with other Virtues than that, which is made at another time; and that, both for Metals, and for healing the Infirmities of men, as I my self have experienced in many grievous Diseases, and Symptoms of Diseases. I will also add this: from the Liver of Antimony may be extracted a Redness with Spirit of Wine, which Redness is made volatile, and passeth over the Helm, which also may be exhibited to all without danger. Nor is there any great need of that Caution of Basilius (even before the Redness is volatilized) that it must be given in a small Quantity. For being given from thirty to forty, or fifty Drops, it sweats very moderately, and doth not Purge or Vomit: but it effects wonders in purging the Blood, extirpating the Roots of a Disease; and rendring the Patient vigorous, by insensible Expiration, and its occult Vir∣tues. This Vendible Wine needs not the Bush of Eloquence to commend it to the Sick; who once having experienced its Virtues, know what it can do, and that it as much answers their Desires, as they esteem their Money.
• * 1.42

  Here our Author acts as a Teacher careful, and full of Affection, who not satisfied once to mention, doth often inculcate the principal Precepts of his Doctrine. But, what it is, that sp••••ially moves him to repeat the Virtues of the Sulphur of Antimony, I see not: he saith, he repeats nothing in vain; therefore do thou, Reader, if thou judgest it of Concern, more attently consider, whether you may not here find somewhat that is not mentioned, or the Reason why it is again spoken of. I, who pros••ss my self to write to the Intelligent, reiterate nothing here. He that comprehends, let him comprehend; he that hath not there under∣stood, I fear will not here understand.
• * 1.43

  Here I will teach you the Manual Operation, O Lover of Chymistry, which undoubtedly you will greatly esteem of, when you shall find the great commo∣dity thereof in operating. Lest, as it often bappens, when you distil the Spi∣rits of Metals, your Vessels should be broken.
• * 1.44

  Chymists, that they may whet the Ingenuities of their Readers; and more, left any but the true Students of Art should penetrate into their Secrets, deliver not all Things in one place, but scatter their D••••ments, that by the Di∣ligent Collection of them, they may judge of their Aptness, as the Eagle proves her Young, erposing them to the Solar Rays: so you see Basilius here proposeth the use of the Water of Mercury, which he taught to be made in his Treatise, which is Called a Supplement, or rather gave a rude Draught of th••t Pro••ess. For neither there, nor here dath he make mention of an hole, that must be open, in the superior part of the Retort, and thereinto a long Pipe sitted, through which the Mercury may be put in, in very small Parcels. For if you include a very small part of Mercury in a Retort, first made very hot with a vehe∣ment Fire, as this must be, if you would excract the Spirit, that Mercury, with its own vehement and untamable violence, would not only burst the Retort, but overthrow the Fornace also; unless you give it a larger space, and greater liberty of Flying; so that, after it hath visited many Retorts, it may rest, and being as it were tired, settle. But since it is well known to all true Chymists, of how great Virtue this Mercury is, in the Resolution of Metals, I will here make no further mention thereof.
• * 1.45

  This Solution is not yet fixed, but if you be not already wearied with labour, by a further Operation you may fix it. The principal use of this is, in the Emendation of Metals, which Basilius doth doth not so much as mention. Now the Genius of all Chymists will understand me, here candidly discove∣ring this Secret to all. Do thou, Lover of Chimistry, in mind and thought swiftly follow me expounding the Oracle; but the Operation cannot be so swift∣ly performed.

  This Powder must first be Extracted wi••h strong Vinegar, which afterward abstract, and what remains in the bottom edulcorate with distilled water: again Extract it with Spirit of Wine, and abstract the Spirit, and in the bottom will remain a Red Powder. Joyn this with the fixed Salt, which is made of the Feces, which remained after the Vinegar was used for Extraction. And de∣liver it to Vulcan for three Months space, that it way no more flie from the Fire, but most pleasingly sport with and in the same. If you perform this, you have Two conjoyned in an inseparable Matrimony: and you have separated the pure from the impure, have rendred the Volatile fixed, and fixed the Volatile, and are not far from that Fel•••••••••• which will answer all your Desires.
• * 1.46

  Basilius doth not misguide or delude you, O Lover of Chymistry, whilst he so candidly discovers most Secret Mysteries, and so sincerely and faithfully presents their wonderful Effects. As by this very Operation you have an Example: For after the first Detonation with Nitre, and so soon as you shall have separated the Salnitre from the Powder with pure Water, you have the Powder of Ruland, with which that man effected so many Medicinal Won∣ders, whereby he got to himself so great a Name, and so much Wealth. Which, if you prepare under a certain Constitution of Heaven (as I advised, in pre∣paring the Liver of Antimony) you will have so much the better, by how much the more Red: for the Colour is the Soul thereof, the Effect of which in Medi∣cine, Ruland proved and commended; but he, neither exhausted its prayses, nor did he perswade the Unexperienced, that so great Virtues were latent in this Medicament. This Crocus of Metals (for so it is called) is not that, which is publickly sold in Shops, upon eight Grains of which they pour Zij. of Wine, and although the Sick only drink that wine, without any other Powder, it of∣tentimes works so forcibly, upwards and downwards, as either way, sometimes both wayes, the life it self issues out. But the use of this is thus. Take eight, nine, ten, or eleven Granes of this our Author's preparing the first Time, accord∣ing to the strength of the Sick, and all other Things co-indicating; pour on them three or four ounces of Wine; for it matters not much, whether you take more or lese of the Wine. Set the Mixture in B. M. for the space of four or five hours, and so extract a most Red Tincture from this Crocus of Metals (which in an Infusion of the Crocus of the S••••s cannot be extracted) this Wine, now impregnated with the Sulphur of the Crocus, togethor with the more subtle part of the Powder, which i•• cauting off comes out, I give to the Sick, and it purgeth kindly upwards and downwards without molestation. Nor doth this Medicament only expel Humours, but (as is proper to Antimonials rightly pre∣pared) it strikes at the very Root of the Dis••ase, and whatsoever in the Body is corrupted and declined from its due state, that it amends and restores. What wonderful Effects, this only Tincture hath discoverad to me, I forhear to mention, lest I should be compelled to bring their Credit in Question, who have experienced them. In this only believe me, whosoever thou art, that wouldest use Chymical Medicaments, alwayes be sure to take the true Tinctures of Things, in which their volatile Sulphur is absconded; if you neglect this, you neglect your own Fame and Gain, and the Health of the Sick.
• * 1.47

  If you have believed, or experienced the Virtues of this Powder once de∣tonated, you will not be a Thomas in this third Detonation. Set to your hand, touch and use this, and it will perform the same, which true Diaphore∣tick Antimony can, but with greater Security aod Efficacy.
• * 1.48

  Valentine hath so clearly detected all Things, as no man, either before or after him, hath done it more clearly. All that came after him seem to have con∣spired, and agreed together to spread Clouds over that Light, which he brought into the World. Hence it is, that they do not Publickly extol his Prayses, ac∣cording to the high Esteem every man Privately hath of him; nor have they translated his Books into other Tongues, although He, of all Authors, is the most worthy, Who speaks in the Languages of all Nations, that he may be a comfort to the Lovers of Chymistry, erring in the Labyrinths of others, and always produce a new Off-spring of Philosophers. But no man should think, that he could so clearly speak, as every man, handling Chymistry (according to the Saying) with unwashed Hands, might presently understand him; that is, as himself saith, not possible to be done, nor is it expedient that the Son of a vile Clown should eat of the finest Flower, in preparing which he took no Pains; yet (as below he confesseth) our Author hath used plain, simple and clear Words.
• * 1.49

  What I advised to in the Preparation of Liver of Antimony is here to be repeated; instead of Crude Tartar take Salt of Tartar, by which the Operation will sooner and better proceed. Salnitre here is unprofitable. Therefore, take of Antimony and Salt of Tartar, of each equal parts, melt them and make a Regulus, according to the Rule here given by Basilius. If you cast away the Glass (as all men for the most part do) you will do ill. For I, of that prepare a very profitable Medicament in this manner. I grind this Glass in an hot Mortar, taking heed it contract no Humidity from the Air, which may easily be prevented, and having put it in a Phial, pour Alcohol of Wine thereon, and thence extract a most beautiful Tincture, in Colour red like Blood. This Tincture is a most excellent Cordial, if thirty, forty or fifty Drops of it be taken in convenient Liquor, and that, if you will, twice or thrice a day; for it is taken with safety, and recreates the whole Man.
• * 1.50

  Here you have not only whatsoever can be made of Antimony, but also almost all that can be promised by a Chymist. This is that with which all the Books of all Chymists are filled, which is involved in so many Fables, compli∣cated in so many Riddles, and explicated with so many obscure Commentaries, that is, which in all the World is desired by Fools, sought by the Sons of Art, and sound by the Wise. This Basilius reveals, this he repeats, this he inculcates; this is his Triumphant Chariot, which he as it were carries about, and often shews in the various Parts of his Writings. Before in this Treatise, he presents it under the Name of an Extraction of Crude Antimony, here it is Oyl of An∣timony, soon after it is converted into a Stone, which is called the Stone of Fire. Thus this Proteus often offers it self, always various, yet always the same in Substance. Compare all these Processes, which are so often diversly propounded, with these my Commentaries made upon the Extraction of Crude Antimony, and you will have the Work compleat in all its Numbers; you will have a Trea∣sure, in which, if you know not what you have, I remit you to Aesop's Dunghil-Cock, who found a Gem in the Dunghil, but knew not what he had. Consider diligently, O Lover of Chymistry, and you will find that no man hath dealt more clearly and sincerely with Thee, than Basilius, and me after him, who shew thee where the Hare••lies, which so many Others have hunted in vain. If now you be not here wise, you will not be healed with three Anticyra's. Therefore I will add nothing, lest I make Fools ma••, who now indeed are wise.
• * 1.51

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. or like with like, is a Proverh among the Greeks, and is here manifest in our Chymical Work. For this Salt acuates all Menstruum's, for their more easie extraction of Metals; but those Extractions most, which are made of Antimony, as of a Mineral to it of affinity and like.
• * 1.52

  What were Arcanum's in the times of Basilius, are now in our times but vulgar Chymical Works. How often shall we find any One, who numbers him∣self among true Chymists, that is ignorant of the Way of making Mercury of Antimony? either in this manner, as Basilius teacheth, or in another. For various Artificers have now invented various Methods, and every One ••sith that, he best approves of.
• * 1.53

  There is no need of Torches at Noon Day, nor of Commentaries in so per∣spicuous a Description, by which Basilius teacheth to make the Mercury of Antimony. Begin leisurely, give heed to all particulars, and your Work shall never deceive you. Lest I should darken the Author, I desist from Commenting; but add, that I doubt not, but that this Mercury will manifest wonderful Effects in the Humane Body: Yet I have not experienced its Virtues for the health of Animals, therefore my Commentaries must not exceed my Experience.

  But in the Emendation of Metals, it shews it self to be endued with sing••∣•••••• Virtues. For I say, and clearly affirm, he that can bring this Oyl here de∣•••••••••••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Basilius, to the state of a fixed Stone, may glory that be hath a fixed 〈…〉〈…〉 inferior to the one only King of Kings, the Great stone of Phi∣•••••••••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 when thou hast proceeded thus far, O Lover of Chymistry, go not 〈…〉〈…〉 take off thy band from the Plough: but go on chearfully, perhaps in so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Grove.

  The Golden Branch, with Leaves and Twigs of Gold Will shew it self to Thee—
• * 1.54

  A wise General of an Army so disposeth his Souldiers in time of Fighting, that in the beginning of the Battle, the good and strong Souldiers sight, and in the End of the same the best and most strong come to deal with the Enemy; but such as are not powerful enough, for the first and last Encounter, in Arms or strength, lare by him placed in the midst, that they may take Example of fighting from the Former, and hope of help and Victory from the Later. The Emperor is imitated by the Orator, in placing his Arguments so, as he may overcome the minds•• of men. Basilius imitates the Orator, in disposing his Processes so, as be may lead his Disciple to Sapience, and the Fruit of wisdom. We have already had famous Processes, and in explaining them have used our Endeavour, and contriba∣ted some Light. Now follow those, that are in themselves clear enough, and not of so great moment as the former; therefore we shall not insist upon them.
• * 1.55

  This Extaction may be rendred volatile with Spirit of Wine, after the sam•• manner, as I taught yuu in the former Operations.
• * 1.56

  I now, O Lover of Chymistry, Speak to you by Pictures, not in words onely that by a Compendium of Speech, you may also have this Compendium of Labour, and Charge. Behold this Instrument, and provide for yourself such an One, that you may follow Basilius, in making Oyl of Sulphur per Campan. For this Way ℥j. will yeild you as much Oyl, as a Pound will make in the Common Method. From Sixteen ounces of Sulphur you may ••••tract half an Ounce of Oyl, which others, in their way, do scarcely ex∣pect from Sixteen pounds.
• * 1.57

  This is another Repetition of the Process, by which the Balsom of Antimony is made, as our Author calls it in this Treatise, or the Quintessence of Antimony, of which often above. Yet in the process there is this difference, that here the Sulphur is s••parated by the Sal Armoniack from the Antimony, and then extracted from the Vinegar; whereas, in the other Processe, the Sulphur is extracted by the Vinegar, whilst it is yet united with the Antimony. But these are not things of so great a Moment, as to frustrate the Effect of Operations. Therefore this Variety giv••s the greater Liberty to the Operator, that he may not be Scrupulous in tho•• Things, in which he understands the Reason of what he doth, and of the Method by which he acts.
• * 1.58

  This Vinegar also is numbred among the chief of those things, which are prepared of Antimony, therefore I thought it worth while to illustrate this with some Commentaries. For although it may be made in the way Basilius prescribes, yet there are still some things wanting to render the Work both more easy and more perfect, which I here subjoyn; For six pounds of Antimony are required sixteen pounds of Distilled Water, and when (after Digestion) we would distil it, a certain manual Operation must be observed, on which depends the Success of the whole Work almost. For the Alembeck must be so placed, as his Pipe or Beak may be covered with Water, which either must be put into the Recipient, or pass out by distilling into the same; otherwise the Spirit's of the Antimony will be lost, and more then half part of the same perish, or the Work require much more time for its perfection. I have expressed this by a Figure here placed; that if any by hearing do not sufficiently perceive this, they may by seeing understand. When the whole Water hath passed over by Alembeck, the Fire (as the Author admo∣nisheth) is to be incresed, and three Dayes, and as many Nights continued with∣out intermission. Then let all cool, and the Sublimate, as he teaches, must a∣gain be mixed with the Antimony; this Labour for three Dayes and Nights must be re-assumed, and afterward repeated to the third time. Then your Water will be acid, as common Vinggar. If you tinge this Vinegar with now Minera of Antimony, you will have a Tincture, which Basilius names this Balsome of Life, so often described, but never sufficiently commended. O, did Mortals know what Mysteries lye absconded in this Tincture, I question whether they would be desirous to set about any other Preparation of Antimony. All things are in this One. I have spoken, O Lover of Chymistry, do thou act.
• * 1.59

  Here it is to be noted. In the third fusion of the Regulus, the Fire must be vehemently heightned, that if any Impurity remain with the Regulus, it may by that intense heat be taken away. By this means you will have a Regulus in beauty and whiteness comparable to Silver, but in Virtut and Price far Supe∣rior.
• * 1.60

  This Sublimate, before it is set in a Cellar to be there resolved, should be purged from the Sal Armoniack with distilled Water. They are sew Things which I admonish, but by the ignornace of these or those, great Errors are committed, and the Work with all its Costs and Charges perisheth, or at least yeilds not sufficient to pay what the Materials cost.
• * 1.61

  Of a Snake or Serpent the Nature is such, if you slacken your hold he riseth up, if you gripe him hard he bursts, the same I fear here: Therefore the Author calls that a Serpent, which he mixeth with this Regulus. But it is the Serpent of a Sto••e, or a Stony-Serpent; because the Salt, as a Snake willingly licks a Stone.
• * 1.62

  They, who understand of how great Utility it is to extract the Essences from Metals, are not ignorant of the Virtues of this sharp Oyl. For this is the only Menstruum for this purpose. How many are they who have spent their whole Life in Chymical Operations, and never could arrive to the knowledge of a true Menstruum? To thee it is here revealed, if Health be your aim, you may safely use it in the Body; if you attempt somewhat more sublime, and have already conceived good hope you shall compound it, this is the principal help of all, for ascending to the Throne of the Chymical Kingdom.
• * 1.63

  I not enviously, as many Chymists do, but affectionately deal with Chirurge∣ons: wishing that they would in their mind, as according to their faculty they may and ought, endeavor to prepare such helps, for their miserably afflicted Pa∣tients, and such Compendiums of Sanity, as may be prepared of this Regulus. Would you, have me discover to you the Mystery? Hear•• with pleasure, and use it. This Regulus, by the Salt of Saturn rendred Malleable, must be mixed with equal parts of Mercury condensed by Saturn, and in a vehement fire fluxed, and so well mixed. The Matter comes forth, in it's external Face like unto Silver, but in its internal Virtues is more noble, and more pretious then any Silver. But you Chyrurgeon; studious of your own Art, and by Art covetous of Glory, deduce that into thin Plates, and externally apply it to Wounds, and Malignane Fistula's. So doing, you will be amazed, when you shall see Na∣ture, helped by this Art, to perform more, in a very short time, then you could have hoped for in a longer time, by so many unguents and Plaisters. The Ru∣sticks (to use the Words of Basilius) will no more deride and upbraid you, saying, they can effect more with a piece of crude and stinking Lard, then you are able to do with the laborious Process of your whole Chirurgick Art.