Fundamenta chymica: or, A sure guide into the high and rare mysteries of alchymie; L.C. Philmedico Chymicus.

CHAP. 7. How the Earth nourishes this U∣niversal Spirit.

THough this Spirit be infused into, and dwells in superiour as well as inferiour Bodies, yet it may be best known and discerned in Bodies most evident and neer to our view; of which the Earth is neerest, and most ve∣getable: in it therefore is this Spirit generated, and manifested more copi∣ously: for the Earth is a certain mark, whereto all the Influences, Rayes, and Vertues of the superiour Bodies tend. It is moreover the Fundament and Ba∣sis of the other Elements, containing in it self the seeds and seminal vertues of all things; for which cause it is rightly called the common Mother of all Ani∣mals, Vegetables and Minerals. It is therefore impregnated by the Heavens, and produces all things out of its

womb; and though this Spirit were expelled, washed away, or separated from it by what way you please, yet the Earth, thus void of Spirit, if left a while in the Air, would again be impregnated by the Celestial vertues and influences, so as to produce some Chystalline stones, and lucent sparks: and by this means, the Spirit which was taken for sepa∣rated, would again regerminate in the Earth. Impregnation then made by the action of the Heavens, and of the first qualities, doth continually render her generative: for out of her womb come all things sublunary. She produces all things endued with life, preserves, nourishes, and at last resolves them into their own Nature. When she is agi∣tated by these actions, she causes a two∣fold expiration; one without her, ano∣ther within her: which expirations egrede from this Terrene Spirit, when moved and calefied by the Celestial heat. The expiration elevated with∣out or above the Earth, if it be humid, causes and produces dew and frost; if dry, winde, thunder, and other dry Aereal impressions: but the expiration

included in the Earth, if it be humid, generates liquable Metals and Mine∣rals; if dry, stones, and the like, that are not liquable. All things vegetable proceed from, and are nourished by this Spirit, whereof the Earth is Nurse: for which cause, the ancient Poets call the Earth the common Mother and Nurse of all Creatures.