Doron medicum, or, A supplement to the new London dispensatory in III books : containing a supplement I. to the materia medica, II. to the internal compound medicaments, III. to the external compound medicaments : compleated with the art of compounding medicines ... / by William Salmon ...

CHAP. IX. Of MAGISTERYS.

MAgisterium seu Resi∣na Jallapae, Magiste∣ry or Resin of Julap.

℞ five pouder of Jallap, put it into a Pellican, and put upon them rectifi••d S.V. so much as over-reposit a hands breadth; close up the head, and set it to digest in Balneo, till the Tin∣ctatets as red as blood: pour off this Tincture and put in more S.V. which work repeat till the Tincture is wholy ex∣tracted: put all the Tinctures together, and in Balneo draw off above half of the spirit (which reserve for the like occasion again) then put into it fair water, and the Jallap will precipitate to the bottom: at last draw off in B.M. the remaing S.V. and take the resin out of the water, which dry and keep for use.

§ 1. Here is to he obser∣ved, first, That if you evapo∣rate all the Spirit, the Magi∣stery will be black, and may be more properly called an Extract, yet it will be of the same Virtue, as if precipita∣ted, though not so beautiful. § 2. That if you precipitate according to the Prescript,

you will do well to let the white mixture to settle for a whole day. § 3. That the Re∣sin before it is dryed, ought to be well wash'd in two or three waters, after which be∣ing dry, it will be hard, and not much unlike common Rosin. § 4. That before your Jallap is beaten into pouder, it be very well clean∣sed and dryed, that the Re∣sin may be the purer. § 5. That the reason of the Prae∣cipitation by cold water, is from weakning of the S.V. whereby it cannot hold up, what it has drawn, but lets it fall to the Bottom. § 6. That this Magistery is ra∣ther a Resin than a Gum, because that it dissolves ra∣ther in Oyly liquors than in watery. § 7. That if you put cold water in before eva∣poration or drawing off the one half of the Spirit, the precipitation will be like Re∣sin; but after the drawing off of the said half, it pre∣tates like a Curd, which comes to a pouder. § 8. That this Magistery is no∣thing but the Resin or pure Cathartick part of Jailap, separated from the terrestial part and Volatile Salt, which has been dissolv'd in the S.V. § 9. That in drawing off the one half of the S.V. you must do it with a very gentle fire, for if it be too strong, it will carry along with it a good part of the Resin. § 10. That all the Cathartick Virtue of the Jallap consists in the Re∣sin: from the Faeces you may draw an Alcalious Salt, but in a very small quantity. However is it not yet appa∣rently known wherein the Cathartick force of Purga∣tives does Consist. § 11. That this Resin is a great Hydra∣gogue, or water-purger: now why Hydrag••gues do rather purge water than o∣ther humors, is because they have more of the Acrimony, than other Purgers have, whereby they are the better able to open and penetrate the Lymphatick Vessels. § 12. That this and other Hydragogues do so cut and attenuate Viscosities, as to render them like to wa∣ter; and indeed all such things as chiefly purge water are either Resinous or Saline

for as Sulphurs or liquified Salts do dissolve Sulphurs or sulphurous bodies, so do Resins (which are sulphurs and Salts) dissolve Viscosi∣ties. § 13. But whereas Salts passing quick, make but lit∣tle impression, do only dis∣solve what is found in the Stomach and Bowels, they therefore only purge mild∣ly; whereas Resins by rea∣son of their viscous and tena∣cious particles do remain a longer time in the body, cau∣sing a fermentation, not on∣ly about the parts, where they are, but also draw from the Brain joynts and other remote parts, by which means flegm and water is brought into the Bowels; so that these latter purge more strongly. § 14. By reason of this vis∣cous and tenacious quality in Resins, you must give this and other Resins always mixt with some other Body (with the addition of a few drops of oyl of Anniseeds) thereby to separate the particles; for if it be taken alone, it is apt to adhere to the in∣ward Membrane of the Inte∣stines, whereby if it cause not ulcers by its acrimonious quality, yet it many times cause Convulsions, swoonings, and heart sickness, and som∣times works two or three days together, to the almost ruin of the Patient. § 15. It is best to be poudred and in∣corporated with some Elec∣tuary and a few drops of oyl of Anniseeds, for so it works safely and without pain: but if it be given in a potion, you must first mix it with a little of the Yolk of an Egg, for it sticks to the bottom of the Mortar like Turpentine, if it be moistned with any watery body. § 16. Given accord∣ing to these Directions, it pur∣ges by stool, without procu∣ring Vomit, and operates much more gently than the pouder of Jallap taken in substance, because it is dive∣sted of its volatile Salt, which is its sharpest part. It pur∣ges all cold, moist and fleg∣matick humors, and is a spe∣cifick against the Gout, Scur∣vy Dropsy, Jaundice, Kings-Evil, Leprosy, Scab and other contumacious Diseases, pur∣ging water from all parts. If it be mixt with Salt of

Tartar, and Mercurius dul∣cis, it will operate yet more transcendently. § 17. The Dose is à gr. iiij. ad xij. in Bolus, Conserve, or some such like: and gr. xij. is said to work full as much as a whole dram of the Jallop given in pouder.

2. Magisterium, seu Re∣sina Scammonij; Magistery or Resin of Scammony.

It is made as the former, from Jallap: Or as we have taught in our Pharmacop. Lib. 1. Cap. 8. Sect. 68. where you have also a way of doing it with Vinegar.

It purges more gently than Scammony in sub∣stance, because it is divested of much of its sharp volatile Salt, by Dissolution in the Menstruum, as also is freed from the greatest part of its terrenity and faeces. This either alone or mixt with Mercurius dulcis, is a truly noble Purge and gentle. It carries off all Humors, and extirpateth the Kings-Evil, Scurvy, Dropsy, Jaundice, Gout, Sciatica, Leprosy, Scabs, Itch, &c. It opens all Obstructions of the Liver, Spleen, Gall and Womb, and mightily facilitates the cure of the French Pox: Dose à gr. x. ad xv. in Bolus, Electu∣ary, Conserve, &c.

3. Magisterium Magnum, The Great Magistery.

It is made of Oyster∣shells levigated, as we have taught in our Pharmacop. Lib. 3. Cap. 13. Sect. 94. in the preparation of Pearl and Coral. But whereas we there precipitate with Liquor of Tartar; in this, you may, if you so please, precipitate with a great quantity of clear cold water, when stirring with a woodden Spatula, the water will become at first white as Milk, and then the Magiste∣ry will precipitate to the bot∣tom, leaving the water clear and a little acid. Put this water off, and affuse fresh, so doing till the Magistery is perfectly sweetned, and water comes away insipid: put the pouder upon white paper (through which the remain∣ing humidity will go) and set it to dry in the shade, upon the bottom of a hair Sieve.

It has all the Virtues of that of Pearl, besides which, this is known to be more powerful, as large experience has demonstrated. It is an admirable Cordial, and strengthens the Balsam of Life: it helps Heart-burn∣ings, resists poyson, pestilence and putrefaction; it eases pains, chears the Spirits, cools inflamations, and is a general help in all Feavers. It is so famous, that the strongest Agonies and greatest extre∣mities, are suddenly, and as it were miraculously reme∣died thereby. It preserves Health, and prolongs Life. Dose à gr. x. ad ℈j. or ʒss. And thus are prepared the Magisteries of Bones, Horns, and other Shells.

4. Magisterium Putami∣num Ovorum; Magistery of Egg-shells.

This is made as are the Magisteries of Pearl, Coral and Oyster shells, without any difference. But here you are to observe, 1. That your Egg-shells be new, clean and frree from dirt, that the spirit of the Vinegar may the easi∣lier fasten upon them: for any kind of filth does dissolve the action of the dissolvant. 2. That you ought to have the shells of Eens Eggs, not of Ducks, Geese, Turkers, or o∣ther water Fowl; because as these Birds are hotter, so their shells are (by reason of their heat) harder, and so more difficult to be dissolved, thereby requiring a greater quantity of the dissolvant. 3. That spirit of Vinegar is here used, for simple Vinegar would not be strong enough to cause a dissolution. Spirits of Sulphur or Niter, will ad∣mirably do the same thing (but they are much dearer,) for that they produce a very white Calx: but Spirit of Vitriol or Aquae Fortis are naugh for this work, spoiling the Operation by communica∣ting a blackness to the Magi∣stery. 4. That this Magi∣stery is only Egg-shells philo∣sophically Calcin'd by Spirit of Vinegar, then precipitated by cold water into a white Calx, after sweetned by many Lotions, and lastly dryed, to be kept for use.

Given inwardly it prevails

against the Stone and Gravel in both Reins and Bladder, is said to take away Heart-burnings. Outwardly, it is a good desicative, and drys up Ulcers without corrosion: therefore it is of singular use for such Ulcers as happen to the Cornea Tunicle of the Eye. It is also a good Fucus, for if you rub your Hands and Face with it, without mixing it with any Pomatum, it so insinuates it self into the Pores, as to produce an ad∣mirable whiteness.

5. Magisterium Corallo∣rum Verum, The true Ma∣gistery of Coral.

℞ Laevigated pouder of the best red Coral ℥iiij. put it into a large capacious Ma∣trass, put upon it softly, and by degrees, well rectified Spi∣rit of Venus ℥xx. (whose pre∣paration we have taught Cap. 2. Sect. 19. of this Book) the ebulition and of∣fervescency being over, put the Matrass to digest in a va∣porous Bath, the space of 24 hours, which past, filterate all the Liquor (in which all the Coral will be dissolved, nothing of the Coral remaining but a terrene impurity,) this filte∣rated Liquor put into a Cu∣curbit in B. M. cover it with its Head, and draw off the Spirit with such a heat, as that the drops may leisurely follow one another; thus con∣tinue till the matter remains in the bottom of the Vessel half dry; then put out the Fire, and keep the Spirit for the like use again, it being still as good as at first, what remains wash with Spanish Scorzone∣ra water, and the second Cin∣namon Water, A. ℥viij. mixt together; if this quan∣tity of Water is not enough to perfect the Solution, take so much as will do: put this mixture into a Cucurbit, then cover it, and place it in B. M. drawing off the Waters to dryness: so have you a Ce∣phalick Water, and in the bottom of the Vessel a true Magistery, melting immedi∣ately in the mouth, or in any Liquor it is put into.

§ 1. Now here is to be noted, that in this preparati∣on, no Spirit of Vinegar, or the Body of any Salt is used to penetrate and open the

Coral (for that they do much diminish its power and vir∣tues) but only the true Spi∣rit of Venus, which on the contrary does preserve and rather increase them. § 2. That this Spirit is vola∣tile, active and penetrating, not operating as a corrosive (which indeed will dissolve by gnawing, but thereby al∣ter and destroy the virtues of the matter.) It will reduce Coral and other Stones, as also Bones, Horns, Shells, &c. to their first being or spermatick juyce, without altring the goodness or vir∣tues of the things it operates upon; and this is apparent, for that this admirable men∣struum is drawn off again with the same tast, color, ver∣tue and dissolutive faculty which it had before, leaving nothing of it self behind. § 3. That the former Magi∣steries of Oyster-shells and Egg-shells being prepared with this Spirit of Venus, would be of ten, yea an hundred times greater Ver∣tues, than when prepared with Spirit of Vinegar, by which they are a fixed and astringent Earth. § 4. That according to Paracelsus, in the sixth of his Archidoxes, a true Magistery ought al∣most in a moment to pene∣trate our whole Body, by the quickness of its motion, and subtilty of its parts; by which it is manifest, that it is some thing else than a fixed Earth, uncapable of any action, much less of penetration, be∣ing destitute of all manner of salt and spirit, whereby all actions and operations are performed. § 5. The Ce∣phalick water aforesaid is an excellent Cordial, good a∣gainst Epilepsies or Con∣vulsions, either in young or old. § 6. The Magistery is re∣plenished with manifold and great virtues, being a most soveraign Cordial, and a specifick against Melancholy and madness. It is a great Remedy against the Scurvy, and cleanses the whole mass of Blood from all impurities. It is a true preservative a∣gainst Malignant Diseases, because it strengthens so wonderfully the Ventricle; it is prevalent against the French-Pox, Small-Pox

Measles, Plague, and other contagions, which this Ma∣gistery either stops or hin∣ders, or corrects, or other∣wise evacuates, either sensi∣bly or insensibly, to the health and happiness of Man∣kind. § 7. Its Dose is à gr. v. ad ℈j. in Broth or Wine, or rather in the aforesaid Cephalick and Cordial Wa∣ter.

6. Magisterium de Gutta Gamba, Magistery of Cam∣bogia.

℞ Pouder of Cambogia ℥ij. S.V. ℥viij. digest in B. M. two or three hours, decant and filterate it hot, and by adding Rose Water precipi∣tate, abstract the S.V. and coagulate gently. Or thus; ℞ Cambogia ℥ij. S.V ℥vj Oyl of Tartar ℥j. digest and dis∣solve in B.M.

It is said to have all the Vertues of the Crude Gums; but it works much more pleasantly, safely, and gent∣ly. Dose à ℈j. ad ʒss.

7. Magisterium, sen Sul∣phur Vitrioli abstersivus, Cleansing Sulphur of Vitri∣ol.

℞ choice Vitriol lbij. dis∣solve in Wine Vinegar, put it into an earthen Pot, dry it over a gentle fire, encreasing the fire by degrees, till the Vitriol has been red hot an hour: put the Vitriol (being cold) into another Pot, put more Vinegar upon it, let it boyl a little, then put a quart of Water to it, which boyl half away: let it stand a little, and decant this red Water, which reserve: on the Faeces put another quart of Water, boyl it half away, till it is tingedred, let it stand a little, and decant off this red Wa∣ter to the former reserved Water: this Work repeat so often, till the Vitriol will tinge no more Water. These reserved waters put into a glass Vesica, and evaporate to dryness. The solid Tin∣cture at bottom (in a new pot) make red hot, then cast it into a quart of Ram Water to dissolve; evaporate till the water grows red, which de∣cant and reserve: on the Fae∣ces put fresh water, boyl and decant, &c. repeating this Work, till the water will be no more tinged: then cast a∣way

the Foeces, and evapo∣rate these reserved waters to dryness; so have you a red abstersive Sulphur of Vitriol, which will be sweet on the Tongue.

It is exceeding abstersive or cleansing, stops bleeding, heals, and is of great use in all Wounds and Ulcers. It is chiefly intended for Wurtz his Composition of the Ʋn∣guentum Fuscum, or brown Oyntment.

8. Magisterium, seu Crocus Metallorum Absin∣thiacus Mynsichti; Crocus of Metals, with Salt of Worm∣wood.

℞ Crude Antimony, Salt of Wormwood. A. ℥iiij. mix, fire and calcine dilligently, and with care, till the Anti∣mony is somewhat red, and divested of its arsenical Sul∣phur, then dulcify it by wash∣ing in fair water, till no acri∣mony is perceived, dry it, and keep it for use.

It has all the virtues of both the ordinary Crocus and Vitrum, and is given in infu∣sion in Canary or Cinnamon Water, à gr. iij. ad v. you may infuse for one night in ℥ij. or iij. of the Vehicle you intend. This is that Crocus which is made use of in ma∣king the Emetick Salt of Tartar, in Cap. 10. Sect. 7. following.

9. Magisterium, seu Sul∣phur Antimonij per Calci∣nationem, Magistery or Sul∣phur of Antimony by cal∣cination.

℞ Niter ℥vj. Antimony ℥iiij. Common Salt ℥i ss. Charcole ℥ss. being all in fine pouder, mix, and fire in a strong large Crucible: af∣ter the detonation is over, dugment the fire, that the Antimony may be throughly melted, this done, with a pair of Tongs take the Cru∣cible out, and gentle shake or knock it at bottom; so will the Regulus or Metal of the Antimony fall to the bottom, and the soft sine Sulphur re∣main at top; let it stand till it is cold, then separate the Sulphur and Regulus, keeping each for their several uses.

This Sulphur is a good thing to remove any kind of Obstruction in the Stomach,

Liver and Spleen; it pre∣vents and takes away Ca∣chexies, Green-Sickness, Gouts, running Gouts, Me∣lancholy, Dropsies, Jaun∣dice, Feavers, &c. Dose à gr. iiij. ad viij. in any conve∣nient mixture. The Pres∣cript is not much unlike to that which we have delive∣red in Our Pharmacop. Lib. 3. Cap. 8. Sect. 65. where you have also the Vir∣tues of the Regulus.

10. Magisterium, sen, Antimonium Resuscitatum, Antimony Revived.

℞ of the best Hungarian Antimony, Sal Armoniack, A. grind them well together in a mortar, and sublime them into yellow and red flowers. Take these flowers, put them into a Bolt-Head, and affuse upon them Spirit of Vinegar so much as to over-top them, the breadth of four fingers: digest 8 or 10 days, and ab∣stract the Liquor by distilla∣tion or evaporation; grind the whitish calx, and edul∣corate with warm water, by which it will be reduced to its pristin color, having lost its malignity, and poyson.

This Dr. Gideon Harvey commends as a gentle Vo∣mitory, Dejectory, and Di∣aphoretick; accommodated to all Ages, Sexes and Climes; radically, curing all Oppilations, Feavers, Drop∣sies, the Jaundice, Asthma, Ph••hisis in beginning, Con∣vulsions in Children, but more particularly Agues in them, obstructon of the Courses in Women. Dose a gr. iiij. ad x xij. or ℈j. if the sick be strong.

11. Magisterium Speci∣ficum Antimonij Helmontij, Helmonts Specifick Purge.

℞ crude Antimony, Sal Armoniack finely poudred, A. ℥xij. sublime the com∣bustible red flowers, according to Art. Of these flowers take ℥viij. fine Niter ℥xvj. let them fulminate in subli∣ming pots, and gather the flowers without any wast; dulcify them with hot water, till there is no more saltness remaining. Ʋpon this pou∣der (dryed over a soft fire) put rectified S. V. four fin∣gers breadth above it; then put all into an Alembick with its Receiver luted to it, di∣stilling at first with a gentle

fire, after increasing it, di∣stil to dryness, being perfectly dry, expose it to the fire for an hour, and keep it for use.

This preparation of Anti∣mony provokes Sweat strong∣ly, and being taken fasting in a morning; or 2 or 3 hours after Supper, at night going to bed in some Bolus, Con∣serve, or Cordial Water, à gr. xx. ad ʒss. it gently loosens the Belly, being a specifick Purge. If taken in a less quan∣tity, it sweats only.

12. Magisterium Antife∣brile Antimonij, An Anti∣monial Magistery against Feavers.

℞ Cinnabar of Antimony ℥ijss. Salt decripitated ʒv. pouder and mix them toge∣ther put them into a glass Cu∣curbit, upon which put Oyl of Sulphur ℥iiij. digest two or three days in a gentle sand heat; then increase the heat to the evaporating away the superfluous humidity: wash what remains, dry it, pouder it, and mix it with slos sul∣phuris ℥iiij. which set over burning Coals, in an earthen ••••sh, stir it continually with an Iron Spatula, till the flow∣ers are consumed, then put upon it S.V. to over-top it two singers bredth, which when consumed by burning, the remaining mass dry, pou∣der, and keep it for use.

It cures all intermitting Feavers and Agues, taken (half an hour before the Fit) à gr. xij. ad ℈j. in some Cordial Syrup; drinking a little Broth two hours after: purge before you use it, and repeat it three or four times, it works chiefly by Sweat.

13. Magisterium Saccha∣ri Saturni, Magistery of the Sugar of Saturn.

℞ Saccharum Saturni ℥ij. Spirit of Vinegar, fair Water, A. lbij. dissolve, and put upon it, drop by drop, Oleum Tartari, per deliquium, and the Magistery will precipi∣tate white; boyl them a little, then filerate through brown Paper, and the white pouder will remain in the Cane, which sweeten by many Loti∣ons in fair water.

It drys much, and heals running sores, in Pomatum it is good against Tettars, &c, but is most commonly used for a Fucus or Paint.

14. Magisterium Jovis,

Magistery of Jupiter.

℞ Flowers of Tin, dissolve them in a sufficient quantity of water, which filter, and drop upon it guttatim Spirit of Sal Armoniack, Or Oyl of Tartar, per deliquium, and at bottom you will have a ve∣ry white precipitate, sweeten it by many ablutions in warm water, then dry it keep it from the Air in a glass close stopt.

§ 1. But before you can perfectly make this Magiste∣ry, you ought to know how to make the Sublimatum Jo∣vis, which is as follows: ℞ Tin, Sal Armoniach, both in pouder, A. mix them well together, which put into a strong earthen Cucurbit, able to endure the Fire: fit to it a blind head, luting well the juncture, place the Cucurbit on a grate, in a small Fur∣nace, with an open fire, but only so as that the fire may pass through the Registers, for which end stop up the top of the Furnace with Brick and Lute, but leaving Re∣gisters at pleasure. Let the Vessel be placed in the Fur∣nace, about a third part of its height: give a small fire at first, and increase it by de∣grees, till the bottom of the Cucurbit is red hot, continue such a fire till nothing more will sublime, which you may know by the growing cold of the blind Head: the Vessels being cold, unlute them, so will the flowers stick to the Head and Top of the Cucur∣bit, which is some part of the Tin clevated with the Sal Armoniack: but at the bot∣tom of the Cucurbit you will find some of the Tin revived. § 2. The Tin is brought to a pouder, by putting it into a large earthen Pot or Pan unglased, putting it also o∣ver a Fire to melt, and then stirring it with a Spatula, till it comes into a brown or grevish pouder. § 3. This Magistery of Tin is an admi∣rable Fucus, for being mixt with Pomatum, it makes a delicate white. § 4. It is also to be noted that the Tin in the sublimation is dis∣solved by the acid of the Sal Armoniack; but in its praecipitation by the Alcali•• thereof; for the Spirit of Sal Armoniack is an Alcalie as well as the Oyl of Tartar; which is the reason that it

destroys the force of the acid, and making it let go its hold, causes the Precipita∣tion.

15. Magisterium Mar∣casitae ex floribus, Magistery of Bismuth from its flowers.

℞ Flowers of Bismuth or Tinglass, dissolve them in wa∣ter, and precipitate with Spi∣rit of sal Armoniack, or Oyl of Tartar. Or thus, Dissolve in a Matrass Bismuth ℥j; with spirit of Niter ℥j; put this Dissolution into a clean white-ware Vessel; put upon it lb vj. of water, in which sea salt ℥j. was before-hand melted, so will a White prae∣cipitate fall to the Bottom: Decant the water, sweeten the Magistery by many Lotions, then dry it.

§ 1. Here is to be noted, That Bismuth may be brought to a pouder by beat∣ing in a Mortar, or by calci∣ning it as you did Tin, at sect. 14. § 2. aforegoing. § 2. That the flowers are made of that calcined pow∣der, by mixing it with equal parts of Sal Armoniack, and then subliming as you did Tin in the former Section. § 3. That the Praecipitate made with Niter is an excel∣lent Cosmetick, called Spa∣nish-white, and serves to whi∣ten the Skin, being mixt with Pomatum or Rose water. § 4. That ʒj of this Magiste∣ry is mixed with ℥j of Poma∣tum, or ℥ jv of water, so used, it softens and whitens the skin, and is good against the Itch, or any Itching humour, be∣cause it destroys those Acids or Salts which cause it.

16. Magisterium seu Ar. canum Mercurii Vitae Para∣celsi; The Mercury of Lise of Pacelsus.

℞ Mercury essentisicated, the which separate from all its superfluities, as the pure from the impure: afterwards sublime it with Antimony, so that they may both of them ascend and be made one: then let them be resolv'd upon a Marble and be coagulated; and do thus even four times; which being sinish'd, thou shalt have the Mercurius Vitae by us so oft mentioned.

Paracelsus commends this Arcanum to the Skyes, and that it has the Power, not on∣ly of Transmuting of Persons,

but of other things, and the renewing of every growing thing out of the old Quality into a new. So it reduceth Mars into the first Matter; and does so again transmute it, that 'tis made Iron again. After the same manner it re∣neweth Gold likwise, the which it reduceth into its proper Mercury and Tin∣cture; and again digesteth it into Gold, so as to become a Metal like the former. It operates in like manner with Growing things, if their roots be perfused or moistned therewith, they will bring forth flowers and fruits a se∣cond time: if when the first-seed shall fall off, they be at that time moistned with the same, as above: they will produce second flowers, and fruits without any respect of time. The same is to be understood of men and Beasts, to whom if this Mercury be given, it re∣novates all their old and con∣sumed members, and restores their deficient and lost Vir∣tues into the youthfull-like body or habitation; inso∣much that the Menstrua and Blood do as naturally flow in old women as in the young, and reduces her old Age into the like perfection of Nature, as when she was young: in∣somuch that youth is increa∣sed thereby, and so the Age is renewed. But you are to understand me thus, Not that this Arcanum excites a new Essence (as some Mali∣ciously interpret our Mean∣ing:) but that the Essence and youthfull spirit, from whence the Juvenile virtues do pro∣ceed, do remain unconsu∣med, although by being op∣pressed, it might be account∣ed for dead: and therefore our Mercurius Vitae, sepa∣rates the Impurity, where∣by it comes to pass, that the old life does most efficaci∣ously recover its virtues: and it perfects its operations after a wonderful manner, viz. in casting off the Nail, of hands or feet, and by rooting out gray hairs; it strengthens youth, in so much that Cor∣ruption cannot come to that height as to discover old age, by those signs attending it: for this cause we have disco∣vered it to Chymists in a ve∣ry

few words (for it is need∣less to write much) but as for foolish pretenders, they are hence excluded.

17. Magisterium Metal∣lorum Paracelsi, Paracelsus his Magistery of Metals.

℞ Circulatum purged ex∣cellently well yea to the high∣est essence; whereto put the thinnest metalline leaves, or s••ings of any Metal you please, excellently and most subtilly wrought and mundi∣fied: these two being put to∣gether in a sufficient weight, must be circulated for four weeks, and the leaves will be reduced by this temperate medium into an Oyl, and in∣to a form of Fatness swim∣ming at top, and colored ac∣cording to the Condition of thee Mettal, the which you shall separate by a silver drawer from the Circula∣tum. This therefore is potable Gold or Silver, &c. The like may also be extracted from other Metals, and may be ta∣ken in drink, or with your food without any detriment.

§ 1. What this Circula∣tum is, we shall in some other place declare, however this know, That the Process must be done without any Cor∣rosive; or any of those com∣plexionated things, which are contrary to the Metals. § 2. And, whereas great Regard is to be had to their agree∣ment and affinity, therefore the temperate alone is suta∣ble thereunto. But you are to know what that temperate thing is: a temperate, a com∣plexioned thing or body, this doth receive the other into it self, and is incorporated in∣to that whereto it shall be ad∣joyned; so that it doth no more discover the old, and its own Complexion, but the Virtues of that body only, which shall be added unto it. § 3. Thus indeed Vinum ar∣dens, or inflamable S.V. hath in it a full and perfect Com∣plexion, yet it doth not (as I may so speak) complexio∣nate that which is put into it; but does so perfect its operation, according to the Virtues of that Body which was put therein. And there∣fore seeing it doth thus at∣tract the Virtues of another, and tame its own, it is for

this Reason, said to be tem∣perate, and is deservedly so called. § 4. Out of any thing that is like to this, may be made a Magistery; so that the Virtues of the Me∣tals may pass into that same temperate thing, and may be mundisied and purified therewith, and be distilled even to their limit or end; such-alike Magistery after it shall be perfected, shall be called Potable, because it may be taken in drink; whence it comes to pass, That the Magistery of Gold is called Aurum Potablic, and that of Silver Argentum potabile, and so of Iron, Lead, Quick∣silver, &c. they may be made potable, and so called, and be described according to their own Complexions: and according to those pro∣cesses, they have far greater Operations than is expedient for us to write of. § 5. Af∣ter this manner, with one temperate Medium, and one process, by way of Practise may all the Magisteries of the seven Metals be made.

18. Magisterium de Gem∣mis Paracelsi, Magistery of Precious stones.

℞ Gems, grind or beat them, calcine them in a Re∣veratory with Sal Niter, A. burn them excellently well into a Calx: after wash them with burning wine, so long untill there be found no more superfluous matter: After washing, calcine again and proceed in all respects as be∣fore; and so the whole essence will pass into the burning wine; Evaporate this by Ebulition, so shalt thou have an Alca∣lie, the which being resolved into a Water keep.

§ 1. There is no reason that thou shouldst abhor the Use hereof how acute or cal∣cineous soever it be; for 'tis by that acuity alone, that it operates upon that which re∣sists it; and it is so subtill that one only drop, tingeth the whole body into a singu∣lar Virtue. § 2. This Ma∣gistery out of precious stones is to be understood after the same manner as that out of Metals; as to Virtues, which each stone hath according to its nature: but for stones there needs no temperate

Medium, or any kind of Ad∣dition; because their Solu∣tion is not the same with that of Metals; but from this general process of Gems are excepted those of Pearl and Coral.

19. Magisterium succini Paracelsi, Paracelsus his Magistery of Amber.

℞ Levigated Amber, as much as you please, and of the Circulatum so much as is suf∣ficient; digest them in a flat bottomed Vessel in Ashes for six dayes, then let the Circu∣latum be destilled thence, and be poured on again, the which let be done so often, until there be found an oyl in the bottom, the which Oyl is the Magi∣stery of Amber.

It has all the Virtues of Amber, its subtil Oyl and volatile Salt are much more pleasant to be taken. This (saith Paracelsus) hath dis∣closed to us its wonderful vir∣tues, may it so remain.

20. Magisterium herba∣rum Paracelsi, Paracelsus his Magistery of Herbs.

℞ of Herbs what quantity you please, permix them with burning wine, and putresy them therewith for a month; then distill them by B. M. and cohobate the distilled Liquor upon the faeces or Caput Mor∣tuum; which often iterate till the whole quantity of the burning wine, be four times less than the juyces of the Herbs: Distil the same by a Pelican with new addita∣ments for one Month, then se∣parate it, having so done, you have the Magistery of the matter or herb desired.

After the same manner are you to make the Magiste∣rys of Flowers.

21. Magisterium Vini Paracelsi, Paracelsus his Ma∣gistery of Wine.

℞ of the oldest Wine, q.v. the best that can be gotten both for Color and tast, put it into a glass Vessel, so that a third part thereof may be full, and shut it with Her∣mes seal; and keep it in horse dung in a continued heat for four Months; not letting the heat be defective. This done, in the Winter time, when the cold and frost are ex∣treamly

sharp, set it abroad in the Cold for a Month, that it may be congeased, so will the Cold force the spirit of Wine, together with its substance, into the Center of the wine, and separate it from the Flegm. That which is congeal'd or froz'n cast away, but that which is not congea∣led is the spirit with its sub∣stance: this put into a Pe∣lican in sand, which digest with a gentle heat for some time; so shall you have the Magistery of Wine.

This differs much from the Spirit of Wine, for there the Essence is wanting; here you have the whole essence of Wine with the Spirit.

22. Magisterium Sangui∣nis Paracelsi, Paracelsus his Magistery of Blood.

℞ Blood, let it be shut up in a Pelican, and so long tran∣scend or rise up, upon the horse belly (or dung-hill) untill the third part of the Pelican be filled; for all blood in its re∣ctification is dilated, accord∣ing to the Quantity, and not according to the Weight: this time being finished, rectifie it by a B.M. by this way the Phlem will separate, and the Magistery remain in the bot∣tom, the which being shut up in a retort with Hermes seal, distill it 9 times; so have you the Magistery of blood.

Here some may say, That the Blood when it is let out of the Veins, is depriv'd of those Virtues necessarily, that renew and sustain the Blood: but this is not so; for it may be conserved in the Essence, as we have even now taught. But it ought to be the Blood of a found Animal; or, of one that is brought into a re∣newed Quality and Essence, by Arcana's and Quintessen∣ces, that the Blood may ther∣by flow from them sound and uncorrupt. There is in like manner the blood of Bread, and of other Comestible things, which is in like man∣ner to be taken for thesame use; for there are therein such Virtues as are scarce to be searched out by us, nor will we undertake the bur∣then of doing it to its high∣est worth.