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MEtals are hard bodies, generated in particular Matrixes or Wombs in the bowels of the Earth, which may be exten∣ded under the Hammer, and melt in the Fire. They are com∣monly reckoned seven in number, which number is referred to the seven Planets, whose names (in the writings of Chymical Philosophers) they sometimes do borrow. They are divided into
perfect and imperfect: Perfect, say they, are those which nature hath advanced and brought to their ultimate and perfect end. The tokens of which perfection are, perfect fixation, a most exact mixtion and union of the constitutive parts of those Bodies, ac∣companyed with (requisite) weight, sound, and colour; capable of bearing a long fusion, and a strong ignition, without altering their qualities, and losing of their substance: There are two of this nature, viz. the Sun and Moon, or Gold and Silver. Imper∣fect Metals are of two sorts, viz. hard and soft; those that are hard, are rather susceptible of ignition then fusion, as Mars and Venus, or Iron and Brass; soft, are those which are sooner sus∣ceptible of fusion then ignition, as Jupiter and Saturn, or Tin and Lead. The Mercury or Quick-silver is accounted the seventh Metal, and is a liquid Metal, for this cause called fluid, as the other are named solid: Yet by reason of this fluidity, some do expell it from the Classis and number of Metals, and place it amongst the substances that are neerly related to Metals, as being a kinde of Meteor of a middle nature between; and even many Philosophers, will have it the first matter of Metals.
Metals and Minerals are differenced in sex, and accordingly several kinde of Menstrues are used for their dissolution: so no∣thing but Regal water can dissolve Gold, Lead and Antimony, which are accounted of the masculine sex; but ordinary Aqua fortis is sufficient to dissolve the others, which are accounted of the female sex.
Before we put an end to this Section, some few Questions, which are usually raised, about the nature of Metals, must be il∣lustrated: The first Question raised, is: If when several Metals are melted together, any Metallick Species, differing from the Me∣tals, which do make the whole Compound, is thereby raised? To which, the Answer is negative, because it is not a true mixture, much less a strict and exact Union, but rather a Confusion, since they may be again separated asunder. There is another Doubt also made upon this matter, Whether or no Metals do specifically differ amongst themselves, or only according to the more or less perfection: But Scaliger answers to this, that Nature hath no more made Metals in order to the production of Gold, then framed other Creatures to the generation of Man; it may be added to this,
that God created this variety of Metals for the perfection and beautifying of this Universe, and the several uses wherein men do imploy them: We must nevertheless acknowledge as a truth, that both Minerals and imperfect Metals participate of the nature of either of the two perfect Metals; and most commonly of both together, as it is evident by the extraction which those can make, that are Masters of the secret of this separation, performed either after a preceding digestion, or by examining by the true instrument of Separation, external Fire, which excites and actuates the internal, potential Fire of things, and is the only Instrument of Philosophers to verifie by deed what I have said: Whence we conclude, that these imperfect Metals and Minerals do continually endeavour the perfection of their natural predesti∣nation, whilest they are yet in their Mothers Womb; which they are able to do no more, when torn off from their Matrixes. This Question is commonly followed by another, which demands, Whether the power of Art doth extend to the changing of an imperfect Metal, and may advance it by this Metamorphosis to the perfection of either of the great Luminaries? To which out Answer is affir∣mative; since it is certain, that both Art and Nature applying Actives to Passives, are capable of great and noble transmutations. But the difficulty of success is almost insuperable: and this i•• that Great Work, which since so many Ages hath vexed the mindes of so many obstinate searchers, wearied and weakened their bo∣dies, and emptied their Purses.
The last Question to be touch'd here, and ordinarily made, is, Whether Gold may be made potable? To which the Answer is, that it cannot be doubted of, since Experience doth shew that it may be converted into Liquor; but the chief point is to know, whe∣ther this Liquor can afford nourishment, as many do endeavour to perswade: which we do deny, since there is neither correspon∣dency nor analogy between Gold and our Body, which is necessa∣rily required between nourishment and the body nourished; but there is no proportion between the Metallick and Animal Nature. Yet no doubt is to be made, but that this Liquor is a very Sove∣raign Medecine, if it be performed with a Menstruum or dis∣solvent friendly and amicable to our Nature, and capable to render Gold so volatile, that it may not be afterwards in the
power of Art, to reduce it again to body. For being thus once prepared, it passes easily to the very last digestion, where it corrects whatsoever it meets with that is defective; and so it alters and changes our body for the better, provided the right Dosis and way of using it be known, otherwise it would rather prove a devouring Enemy, then a familiar and pleasing Guest.