CHAP. LIV. To make a Quintessence of marvellous vertue.
THe Quintessence is so called, because it is an essence taken from the Elements without corrupting the said Elements; and therefore it is called Quinta essentia: for it is an essence above the four Elements, the which hath a marvellous vertue in preserving, and conserving all things from putrifaction, and is of so much vertue, that drinking thereof every morn∣ing half an ounce when they rise out of their bed, it preser∣veth them for ever in health. It healeth wounds and all sores, washing them therewith. It preserveth all flesh, fish, and fruits, that is put therein, and the order to make it is thus.
Take good strong Wine fourteen pound, common Hony one pound, Anniseed, Coriander, Lignem Aloes, Calamus Aromaticus, of each ℥. iii. Rosewater ℥. iiii. Beat all the afore∣said things grossely, and infuse them in the said Wine two daies, and then put them in a Goord of glasse, and distill it by Balneo, so long untill the water that cometh forth doe burn, and when it will not burn, distill no more, then keep that which is distilled in a glasse close stopped that it take no air, and so keep it untill thou have occasion to use it, for it is a most rare