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Of the Separation of Vegetables.
* 1.1THe separation of those things, which grow out of the Earth, and are combustible, as fruits, hearbs, flowers, leaves, grasse, roots, woods, &c. is made many wayes.
For first by Distillation the Flegm is separated from them, then the Mercury, then the Oyle, then the Re∣fine, then the Sulphur, and lastly the Salt.
All these Separations being made according to the Spagiricall Art many notable, and excellent medi∣cines, come from thence, which are to be used as well within, as without the body.
But now seeing idlenesse is so much in request a∣mongst Physitians, and all labour and study is turned only to insolency; truly I do not wonder, that all such preparations are every where neglected, and coales sold at so low a price, that if Smiths could be o easily without coales in forging, and working their Metalls, as Physitians are in preparing their Medicines, cer∣tainly Colliers would long since have been brought to extream want.
* 1.2In the mean time I will give to Spagiricall Physiti∣ans their due praise. For they are not given to idle∣nesse, and sloth, nor goe in a proud habit, or plush and velvet garments, often shewing their rings upon their fingers, or wearing swords with silver hilts by their sides, or fine and gay gloves upon their hands, but di∣ligently follow their labours, sweating whole nights, and dayes by their furnaces.