A compendious body of chymistry, which will serve as a guide and introduction both for understanding the authors which have treated of the theory of this science in general: and for making the way plain and easie to perform, according to art and method, all operations, which teach the practise of this art, upon animals, vegetables, and minerals, without losing any of the essential vertues contained in them. By N. le Fèbure apothecary in ordinary, and chymical distiller to the King of France, and at present to his Majesty of Great-Britain.

To make the Salt of Mercury.

TAke what was left after the distillation of astrum Mercurij, put it in a double Vessel, and pour upon it some of the said astrum or star of Mercury; put them together in digestion in ashes to a moderate heat the space of three dayes, after which se∣parate the extraction by decantation, that no impurity may go a∣long with it, pour upon it a good quantity of very subtile spirit of Wine, circulate them together the space of xv. dayes in a well stopt Vessel, after that draw off the spirit of Wine in B. M. and cause the Oyle to ascend in ashes, and you shall have the precious

salt of Mercury in the bottom of the Vessel; keep both these ex∣cellent and noble Remedies for use. They are both a very secret and specifick Remedy to cleanse, and rectifie the whole masse of the blood: upon which account they are wonderful for the cure of Leprosie and Pocks. They also cure all manner of never so malignant and inveterate Ulcers; and carry away and cleanse ea∣sily all manner of scurf in the Head, scab and itch; the Dosis of the Salt is equal with that of the Liquor. Their working is by transpiration and sweat. We will not speak of the Liquation or Resolution of Mercury, though we did promise above to give an Example thereof, because this operation hath an affinity and de∣pendance on the two last distillations by us described: wherefore nothing remains for us to treat of, but of the Extraction where∣by the sulphur of Mercury may be procured: for we have shewed above how the salt thereof is to be made.