it_o so_o also_o there_o must_v be_v in_o humane_a flesh_n a_o inform_a soul_n digest_v in_o man_n the_o brutal_a act_n and_o to_o work_v in_o he_o the_o intellectual_a work_n but_o we_o must_v understand_v it_o otherwise_o in_o our_o stone_n in_o which_o the_o earth_n have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o body_n air_n and_o water_n obtain_v the_o name_n of_o spirit_n neither_o be_v in_o it_o a_o soul_n but_o because_o it_o contain_v the_o air_n and_o fire_n which_o i_o perceive_v well_o you_o do_v perfect_o understand_v but_o the_o philosopher_n divide_v they_o in_o this_o manner_n by_o a_o crude_a spirit_n they_o extract_v a_o digest_v spirit_n out_o of_o the_o dissolve_a body_n and_o they_o have_v remain_v a_o fix_a mass_n of_o ash_n to_o be_v far_o dissolve_v in_o which_o they_o find_v a_o incombustible_a and_o stony_a oiliness_n and_o gumminess_n which_o they_o call_v the_o soul_n which_o enlivens_fw-la unite_v incerates_n and_o produce_v unite_a nature_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n they_o disjoin_v the_o nature_n so_o in_o the_o oil_n they_o reconjoyned_n they_o for_o our_o stoâ—â—_n have_v not_o a_o inform_a nature_n as_o a_o vegetative_a or_o a_o sensitive_a but_o it_o have_v only_o a_o form_a form_n which_o form_n be_v the_o very_a element_n themselves_o because_o it_o be_v homogeneous_a but_o man_n body_n and_o that_o of_o other_o sensitive_n be_v heterogeneous_a for_o bone_n flesh_n blood_n marrow_n hair_n and_o nail_n be_v distinguish_v different_o in_o it_o which_o be_v otherwise_o in_o gold_n in_o which_o whatsoever_o there_o be_v be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o one_o kind_n wherefore_o my_o reverend_a doctor_n the_o philosopher_n speak_v this_o by_o way_n of_o similitude_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o art_n and_o operation_n of_o nature_n not_o because_o there_o be_v a_o soul_n in_o the_o stone_n but_o metaphorical_o as_o you_o well_o know_v nor_o spirit_n nor_o body_n as_o a_o inform_a form_n as_o it_o be_v find_v in_o man_n and_o other_o sensitive_n very_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o oil_n which_o natural_o incerate_v and_o unite_v nature_n and_o natural_o induce_v the_o medicine_n into_o other_o body_n that_o be_v to_o be_v tinge_v be_v not_o compound_v of_o any_o other_o extraneous_a thing_n but_o out_o of_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o body_n that_o be_v to_o be_v dissolve_v which_o oil_n retain_v the_o colour_n of_o its_o spirit_n always_o until_o it_o be_v rethickn_v and_o then_o first_o of_o all_o it_o put_v on_o the_o royal_a ensign_n that_o be_v a_o citrineness_n and_o metalline_a form_n which_o it_o manifest_v to_o all_o in_o gold_n a_o golden_a in_o silver_n a_o silver_n colour_n and_o form_n which_o oil_n if_o it_o be_v sol_fw-mi be_v dissolve_v be_v perceive_v to_o be_v red_a inward_o though_o outward_o it_o appear_v white_a under_o the_o form_n of_o liquid_a quicksilver_n now_o some_o think_v to_o compound_v a_o oil_n as_o generous_a and_o powerful_a as_o this_o oil_n be_v namely_o out_o of_o mercury_n thorough_o dry_v or_o out_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o tin_n or_o body_n of_o the_o sun_n commix_v with_o ingredient_n of_o divers_a kind_n but_o for_o what_o concern_v our_o work_n their_o experiment_n be_v fallacious_a they_o can_v indeed_o reduce_v the_o species_n of_o metal_n into_o a_o kind_n of_o oil_n but_o they_o can_v at_o any_o hand_n reduce_v they_o into_o a_o metallick_n kind_n observe_v and_o keep_v the_o proportion_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v mix_v sound_n and_o entire_a but_o that_o oil_n may_v be_v profitable_a for_o medicine_n to_o sensitive_a creature_n because_o the_o nature_n of_o gold_n be_v dissolve_v therein_o but_o yet_o impertinent_o and_o unprofitable_o as_o to_o our_o philosophic_a work_n beside_o my_o honour_a doctor_n that_o i_o may_v light_o touch_v on_o the_o remain_a head_n of_o your_o epistle_n you_o must_v diligent_o and_o wise_o observe_v that_o fire_n and_o azor_n wash_v laton_n but_o azor_n be_v not_o raw_a quicksilver_n simple_o extract_v out_o of_o the_o mine_n but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v extract_v by_o quicksilver_n itself_o out_o of_o the_o dissolve_a body_n which_o be_v find_v to_o be_v more_o ripe_a upon_o trial_n wherefore_o if_o laton_n be_v a_o unclean_a body_n it_o be_v depurate_v by_o such_o a_o azor_n which_o you_o write_v that_o you_o have_v have_v former_o and_o by_o this_o laton_n purify_v by_o azor_n we_o make_v our_o medicine_n for_o cure_v every_o sick_a person_n indeed_o this_o azor_n be_v make_v of_o the_o elixir_n because_o elixir_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o body_n resolve_v into_o a_o mercurial_a water_n after_o whiâ—â—_n resolution_n azor_n be_v extract_v out_o of_o it_o that_o be_v a_o animate_v spirit_n and_o it_o be_v call_v elixir_n from_o e_o which_o be_v out_o of_o and_o lixis_fw-la which_o be_v water_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v out_o of_o this_o water_n and_o elixir_n be_v the_o second_o part_n in_o the_o philosophic_a work_n as_o rebis_n be_v the_o first_o in_o the_o same_o work_n but_o the_o tincture_n constitute_v the_o three_o work_n for_o as_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o composition_n produce_v divers_a effect_n so_o it_o obtain_v different_a name_n one_o after_o another_o thence_o it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o azor_n be_v not_o requisite_a to_o the_o elixir_n because_o in_o this_o work_n the_o elixir_n go_v before_o azor_n and_o not_o the_o contrary_a like_v as_o water_n proceed_v the_o oil_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o soul_n for_o azor_n be_v draw_v and_o extract_v out_o of_o the_o elixir_n as_o oil_n out_o of_o water_n and_o not_o contrariwise_o as_o mention_n be_v make_v elsewhere_o for_o example_n sake_n as_o in_o the_o art_n of_o physic_n pure_a simple_a fountain-water_n by_o boil_v in_o the_o first_o concoction_n be_v join_v with_o theâ—â—_n flesh_n of_o a_o chicken_n and_o thence_o in_o the_o first_o degree_n of_o concoction_n we_o obtain_v a_o broth_n a_o good_a and_o perfect_a decoction_n the_o humid_a watery_a and_o airy_a part_n of_o the_o chicken_n be_v actual_o dissolve_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a water_n though_o there_o be_v other_o element_n therein_o also_o actual_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v make_v a_o much_o more_o perfect_a medicine_n and_o more_o generous_a for_o restore_v man_n sick_a body_n unto_o health_n the_o decoct_v body_n of_o the_o chick_n be_v beat_v into_o a_o mash_n with_o the_o say_a water_n already_o alter_v into_o a_o boil_a broth_n or_o with_o part_n of_o it_o and_o be_v distil_v by_o a_o strong_a decoction_n whence_o a_o broth_n and_o decoction_n will_v be_v make_v much_o more_o noble_a and_o generous_a partake_v of_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o chicken_n because_o by_o this_o second_o decoction_n not_o only_o the_o moist_a part_n but_o the_o hot_a part_n that_o be_v its_o aërial_n and_o fiery_a part_n be_v melt_v into_o the_o broth_n or_o decoction_n be_v thorough_o mingle_v and_o dissolve_v and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a virtue_n of_o the_o chick_n be_v in_o such_o a_o decoction_n extract_v into_o the_o aforesaid_a liquor_n so_o it_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o philosophic_a work_n because_o the_o crude_a mineral_n spirit_n like_o water_n be_v join_v with_o its_o body_n to_o dissolve_v it_o in_o its_o first_o decoction_n whence_o it_o be_v call_v rebis_n because_o it_o be_v compound_v of_o two_o or_o a_o double_a thing_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o masculine_a and_o feminine_a seed_n that_o be_v of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v dissolve_v though_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n and_o matter_n whence_o the_o verse_n rebis_n be_v two_o thing_n join_v yet_o it_o be_v but_o one_o dissolve_v to_o their_o first_o seed_n the_o sun_n or_o moon_n now_o out_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n dissolve_v together_o the_o elixir_n be_v compound_v that_o be_v a_o tinged_a water_n whence_o the_o verse_n pure_a body_n be_v of_o lixis_fw-la make_v by_o art_n hence_o greek_o elixir_n term_v its_o second-part_n out_o of_o this_o elixir_n my_o venerable_a doctor_n as_o out_o of_o the_o first_o broth_n or_o bâ—llion_n of_o a_o simple_a decoction_n azor_n be_v extract_v to_o wit_n by_o a_o strong_a and_o iterate_a distillation_n which_o azor_n resemble_v and_o participate_v the_o nature_n of_o its_o body_n from_o which_o it_o be_v extract_v which_o be_v hot_a and_o retain_v its_o virtue_n in_o itself_o namely_o a_o oily_a nature_n which_o be_v hot_a and_o moist_a because_o it_o be_v actual_a fire_n and_o air_n though_o all_o the_o element_n be_v in_o it_o in_o essence_n and_o by_o composition_n medicine_n therefore_o to_o cure_v the_o body_n of_o sensitive_n may_v be_v compose_v out_o of_o the_o say_a metal_n by_o several_a artifices_fw-la but_o they_o be_v not_o pertinent_a to_o the_o philosophic_a work_n as_o the_o elixir_n be_v to_o azor_n that_o be_v the_o vital_a spirit_n and_o fugitive_a soul_n be_v not_o diaphanous_a nor_o transparent_a as_o the_o
clear_a tear_n from_o the_o eye_n nor_o every_o dissolve_v spirit_n though_o they_o be_v each_o of_o high_a nature_n than_o another_o according_a to_o their_o degree_n as_o the_o soul_n be_v high_a than_o the_o crude_a spirit_n be_v they_o be_v not_o of_o one_o form_n for_o as_o the_o soul_n lie_v hide_v under_o the_o species_n of_o a_o dissolve_a spirit_n before_o its_o re-inspissation_a for_o the_o soul_n be_v extract_v out_o of_o the_o body_n always_o appear_v like_o quicksilver_n so_o after_o its_o inspislation_n the_o soul_n and_o body_n lie_v hide_v under_o the_o species_n of_o a_o body_n your_o worship_n have_v see_v a_o experiment_n thereof_o in_o the_o powder_n sometime_o send_v to_o that_o king_n who_o physician_n you_o be_v in_o which_o experiment_n quicksilver_n be_v find_v in_o the_o species_n of_o quicksilver_n but_o if_o that_o which_o remain_v in_o the_o bottom_n have_v be_v coagulate_v it_o will_v certain_o have_v assume_v the_o same_o form_n of_o powder_n but_o that_o powder_n must_v be_v call_v a_o tincture_n nominal_o only_o not_o that_o it_o be_v a_o medicine_n for_o metal_n for_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o perfect_o fix_v yet_o as_o a_o medicine_n for_o man_n it_o be_v of_o very_o good_a force_n but_o the_o fix_a medicine_n without_o all_o doubt_n exceed_v this_o humane_a medicine_n in_o all_o virtue_n both_o as_o to_o metal_n and_o to_o man_n which_o can_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o a_o clear_a diaphanous_a and_o transparent_a liquor_n because_o if_o the_o aforesaid_a elixir_n and_o azor_n that_o be_v spirit_n and_o soul_n do_v appear_v in_o and_o have_v a_o transparency_n now_o the_o earth_n as_o to_o its_o proportion_n have_v leave_v the_o water_n and_o have_v be_v separate_v from_o it_o which_o have_v thicken_v and_o coagulate_v its_o part_n cause_v a_o opacity_n in_o the_o elixir_n and_o azor_n and_o make_v a_o congealable_a metallick_n form_n to_o consist_v for_o in_o the_o condense_n of_o fix_a metallick_n species_n the_o condenser_n must_v act_v upon_o the_o condensable_a and_o the_o coagulate_v upon_o the_o coagulable_a which_o can_v be_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a diaphanous_a and_o clear_a water_n but_o it_o happen_v otherwise_o in_o vegetable_n in_o which_o a_o simple_a and_o diaphanous_a water_n be_v thicken_v by_o decoction_n into_o the_o vegetable_n themselves_o which_o yet_o by_o the_o test_n of_o the_o fire_n do_v at_o length_n vanish_v and_o evaporate_v because_o it_o be_v not_o permanent_a and_o fix_v in_o its_o composition_n because_o it_o have_v not_o with_o it_o a_o earth_n natural_o homogeneal_a to_o it_o in_o its_o composition_n as_o quicksilver_n have_v which_o earth_n indeed_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o permanent_a fixation_n in_o homogeneous_a thing_n wherefore_o simple_a water_n can_v by_o coagulation_n be_v so_o fix_v with_o vegetable_n as_o mercury_n with_o metal_n if_o therefore_o mercury_n shall_v be_v reduce_v to_o a_o transparency_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o philosopher_n it_o will_v by_o good_a reason_n remain_v of_o a_o uncoagulable_a substance_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v congeal_v upon_o laton_n to_o a_o metallick_n form_n species_n and_o proportion_n which_o carry_v not_o with_o nor_o in_o itself_o its_o own_o congelation_n namely_o water_v the_o earth_n which_o earth_n as_o be_v say_v be_v mercurial_a and_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o inspissation_n coagulation_n and_o fixation_n if_o then_o this_o water_n abide_v destitute_a of_o metallick_n proportion_n how_o shall_v it_o be_v possible_a that_o such_o like_a species_n shall_v be_v produce_v from_o this_o composition_n they_o also_o err_v who_o think_v to_o extract_v a_o limpid_a transparent_a water_n out_o of_o mercury_n and_o out_o of_o it_o to_o work_v many_o wonderful_a thing_n for_o be_v it_o so_o that_o they_o can_v perfect_v such_o a_o water_n that_o work_n will_v conduce_v nothing_o either_o to_o nature_n or_o proportion_n nor_o can_v it_o restore_v or_o build_v up_o any_o perfect_a kind_n of_o metal_n for_o so_o soon_o as_o mercury_n be_v thorough_o change_v from_o his_o first_o nature_n so_o soon_o he_o be_v forbid_v entrance_n into_o our_o philosophic_a work_n because_o he_o have_v lose_v his_o spermatick_a and_o metallick_n nature_n from_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v manifest_a what_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o your_o opinion_n and_o in_o what_o it_o be_v contrary_a and_o improper_a when_o you_o say_v there_o must_v be_v have_v as_o i_o think_v to_o perfect_v the_o high_a elixir_n a_o gum_n in_o which_o be_v all_o thing_n necessary_a thereunto_o and_o contain_v the_o four_o element_n and_o it_o be_v a_o most_o clear_a water_n as_o a_o tear_n from_o the_o eye_n make_v spiritual_a etc._n etc._n which_o make_v gold_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a spirit_n for_o a_o body_n penetrate_v not_o a_o body_n but_o a_o subtle_a congeal_a spiritual_a substance_n which_o penetrate_v and_o colour_n a_o body_n let_v it_o be_v so_o as_o you_o say_v my_o venerable_a doctor_n that_o nature_n be_v not_o join_v but_o in_o a_o gum_n or_o oily_a substance_n and_o equal_v proportion_v have_v a_o spiritual_a nature_n the_o element_n be_v yet_o fix_o shut_v up_o in_o it_o unâ—o_v which_o gumminess_n the_o whole_a philosopher_n stone_n be_v at_o last_o reduce_v by_o inceration_n under_o a_o gentle_a flux_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o inceration_n resemble_v all_o the_o element_n stand_v like_o copper_n and_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o copper_n exist_v also_o in_o a_o subtle_a spiritual_a nature_n penetrate_v and_o colour_v metallick_n body_n for_o this_o stone_n in_o the_o sublimation_n of_o the_o first_o crude_a body_n have_v not_o lose_v its_o kind_n namely_o of_o the_o same_o spirit_n neither_o yet_o in_o the_o perfect_a and_o great_a gum_n do_v it_o lose_v its_o first_o nature_n therefore_o gum_n and_o oil_n belong_v not_o otherwise_o unto_o this_o work_n but_o as_o element_n equal_o proportion_v shut_v up_o together_o resolvable_a unite_v in_o the_o oily_a viscosity_n of_o the_o earth_n retain_v bury_v inseparable_o mix_v for_o this_o gum_n or_o oil_n first_o be_v extract_v out_o of_o the_o body_n draw_v into_o a_o incinerate_v spirit_n till_o the_o superfluous_a humidity_n of_o the_o water_n be_v turn_v into_o air_n and_o one_o element_n be_v excite_v from_o another_o element_n by_o digestion_n and_o what_o be_v of_o a_o aqueous_a form_n become_v of_o a_o oily_a nature_n and_o so_o the_o whole_a stone_n at_o last_o assume_v the_o name_n of_o gum_n and_o sulphur_n for_o geber_n teach_v this_o when_o he_o say_v as_o you_o have_v write_v in_o your_o epistle_n if_o any_o person_n know_v to_o join_v and_o friendly_o unite_v our_o sulphur_n unto_o body_n he_o have_v find_v one_o of_o the_o great_a secret_n and_o one_o way_n of_o perfection_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v if_o any_o man_n can_v reduce_v a_o body_n to_o this_o that_o it_o may_v be_v make_v a_o gum_n which_o may_v be_v thorough_o mingle_v with_o other_o imperfect_a body_n he_o have_v find_v the_o great_a secret_n of_o nature_n etc._n etc._n because_o this_o perfect_a stone_n be_v a_o gum_n and_o a_o sulphur_n as_o be_v know_v by_o what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v but_o you_o must_v know_v that_o geber_n with_o high_a prudence_n and_o wonderful_a artifice_n hide_v the_o truth_n under_o a_o veil_n intermingle_v with_o it_o many_o obscurity_n and_o falsity_n which_o those_o who_o be_v ignorant_a at_o first_o appearance_n imagine_v to_o be_v truth_n yet_o he_o speak_v like_o a_o philosopher_n secret_o under_o this_o craft_n do_v open_o learned_o and_o philosophical_o describe_v the_o truth_n wherefore_o the_o unexperienced_a and_o sophister_n not_o understand_v his_o mind_n and_o wit_n nor_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v perverse_o turn_v aside_o to_o the_o vulgar_a exposition_n and_o sound_n of_o the_o word_n for_o he_o say_v if_o thou_o know_v that_o we_o have_v say_v something_o to_o thou_o but_o if_o thou_o know_v not_o we_o have_v say_v nothing_o to_o thou_o wherefore_o in_o read_v philosophic_a book_n consider_v especial_o the_o possibility_n of_o nature_n notwithstanding_o some_o writer_n of_o this_o art_n have_v also_o sometime_o err_v and_o have_v happen_v sometime_o to_o have_v handle_v it_o as_o to_o the_o natural_a truth_n either_o ill_a or_o ambiguous_o as_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o arnoldus_fw-la de_fw-fr villa_n nova_fw-la have_v say_v in_o a_o book_n which_o he_o call_v his_o rosary_n that_o raw_a mercury_n that_o be_v quicksilver_n which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v cold_a and_o moist_a by_o sublimation_n may_v be_v make_v hot_a and_o dry_a afterward_o be_v revive_v it_o become_v hot_a and_o moist_a like_o the_o complexion_n of_o man._n you_o will_v say_v then_o what_o wonder_n be_v it_o if_o it_o be_v join_v with_o the_o sun_n that_o it_o likewise_o become_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o mercury_n be_v of_o a_o convertible_a nature_n as_o the_o heavenly_a
adequate_a activity_n and_o passion_n for_o some_o of_o the_o element_n be_v therein_o either_o in_o a_o active_a or_o passive_a power_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v therein_o actual_o but_o in_o the_o philosopher_n stone_n which_o be_v gold_n be_v it_o be_v a_o uniform_a work_n of_o nature_n all_o the_o four_o element_n active_a and_o passive_a be_v actual_o therein_o and_o permanent_a in_o a_o equal_a proportion_n for_o the_o essence_n or_o nature_n of_o gold_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o four_o element_n equal_o mix_v not_o that_o their_o form_n and_o matter_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v therein_o equal_a but_o their_o passive_a and_o active_a power_n that_o be_v they_o be_v each_o alike_o and_o equal_a not_o in_o quantity_n but_o in_o quality_n because_o that_o the_o active_a do_v not_o exceed_v the_o passive_a in_o its_o act_n nor_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o passive_a do_v not_o exceed_v the_o active_a by_o suffer_v more_o because_o there_o be_v a_o equal_a proportion_n as_o to_o measure_v in_o our_o gold_n or_o in_o our_o medicine_n double_a hot_a double_a moist_a double_a cold_a double_a dry_a and_o all_o these_o be_v actual_o therein_o by_o actual_a action_n and_o passion_n that_o be_v fire_n air_n water_n and_o earth_n as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o and_o all_o these_o be_v say_v to_o be_v alike_o and_o equal_a in_o quality_n not_o quantity_n because_o they_o be_v equal_a in_o active_n and_o passives_n and_o they_o be_v therefore_o durable_o permanent_a in_o gold_n because_o the_o passive_a in_o it_o consist_v permanent_o in_o its_o active_a and_o on_o the_o other_o part_n the_o passive_a rise_v not_o up_o against_o the_o active_a and_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v alike_o in_o quantity_n that_o be_v there_o ought_v not_o be_v so_o much_o matter_n of_o fire_n as_o there_o be_v matter_n of_o earth_n because_o then_o the_o fire_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o quality_n will_v be_v everywhere_o of_o a_o unequal_a activity_n with_o its_o passive_a earth_n and_o of_o a_o far_o great_a wherefore_o there_o be_v in_o gold_n as_o to_o its_o matter_n but_o not_o as_o to_o its_o quality_n much_o more_o of_o the_o heavy_a and_o more_o passive_a element_n than_o of_o the_o light_a and_o more_o active_a that_o â—s_n more_o in_o quantity_n there_o be_v in_o â—t_a a_o great_a quantity_n of_o earth_n than_o water_n a_o great_a quantity_n of_o water_n than_o air_n a_o great_a of_o air_n than_o fire_n wherefore_o it_o be_v the_o heavy_a of_o all_o metal_n but_o in_o this_o â—nequal_a proportion_n of_o quantity_n there_o be_v a_o equal_a and_o like_a proportion_n of_o quality_n of_o hot_a dry_a moist_a and_o cold_a because_o each_o of_o these_o be_v in_o gold_n as_o have_v be_v say_v the_o cause_n of_o which_o weight_n be_v the_o permanency_n of_o the_o solidity_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o water_n and_o the_o solution_n of_o a_o homogeneous_a water_n with_o the_o earth_n because_o water_n dissolve_v a_o homogeneous_a earth_n also_o their_o intrinsical_a thorough_a mixture_n in_o their_o very_a least_o particle_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o weight_n because_o the_o water_n as_o well_o in_o gold_n as_o quicksilver_n suffer_v not_o the_o earth_n to_o have_v any_o â—res_n in_o it_o which_o be_v otherwise_o in_o other_o metal_n in_o which_o pore_n be_v insensible_o make_v in_o their_o congelation_n because_o of_o the_o dross_n mingle_v in_o those_o metal_n all_o over_o reject_v by_o the_o mercurial_a nature_n and_o heterogeneous_a whereupon_o their_o lightness_n result_v which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o want_n of_o matter_n and_o porousness_n of_o the_o same_o as_o weight_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o solid_a addition_n of_o matter_n wherefore_o if_o there_o be_v in_o a_o equal_a commensurative_a quantity_n so_o much_o of_o the_o solid_a matter_n of_o fire_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o earth_n fire_n will_v be_v as_o weighty_a as_o earth_n but_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o weight_n of_o saturn_n be_v its_o immature_n congelation_n because_o it_o dâ—â—â—_n not_o yet_o reject_v the_o dross_n of_o its_o part_n whence_o pore_n be_v make_v in_o it_o but_o the_o pure_a and_o impure_a abide_v through_o mix_v together_o in_o it_o everywhere_o as_o in_o the_o first_o crude_a quicksilver_n in_o which_o the_o inspissation_n and_o coagulation_n be_v weak_a for_o that_o cause_n saturn_n or_o lead_n retain_v the_o weight_n of_o its_o quicksilver_n not_o because_o of_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o solid_a matter_n but_o because_o of_o its_o immature_n coagulation_n or_o coction_n wherefore_o if_o in_o this_o work_n you_o will_v not_o destroy_v the_o fire_n and_o air_n you_o must_v preserve_v in_o a_o distinct_a and_o like_a proportion_n the_o heat_n of_o the_o compound_v but_o if_o you_o will_v not_o destroy_v the_o air_n and_o the_o water_n then_o in_o the_o same_o compound_v you_o must_v cherish_v the_o humid_a so_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n you_o may_v preserve_v the_o water_n and_o earth_n or_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o fire_n in_o the_o say_a work_n by_o preserve_v right_o and_o by_o the_o artifice_n of_o the_o philosophic_a skill_n both_o the_o cold_a and_o dry_a because_o if_o you_o destroy_v any_o one_o of_o they_o the_o proportionabâ—â—_n form_n and_o kind_n of_o gold_n be_v lose_v for_o this_o cause_n the_o philosopher_n say_v our_o gold_n be_v make_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o every_o element_n every_o element_n be_v intrinsical_o preserve_v in_o it_o and_o actual_o compound_v it_o wherefore_o all_o the_o element_n be_v intrinsical_o in_o act_n or_o power_n the_o principle_n of_o all_o compound_a alterable_a thing_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n be_v say_v to_o be_v all_o thing_n furthermore_o my_o reverend_a doctor_n for_o your_o credit_n sake_n you_o must_v understand_v the_o say_n of_o the_o philosopher_n according_a to_o the_o possibility_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n for_o they_o have_v handle_v this_o holy_a and_o hide_a art_n and_o its_o secret_n under_o similitude_n fable_n riddle_n and_o obscure_a word_n and_o have_v hide_v it_o purposely_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o unlearned_a impious_a and_o unworthy_a furthermore_o that_o i_o may_v go_v on_o to_o other_o head_n of_o your_o epistle_n i_o understand_v the_o artifice_n of_o your_o stone_n to_o be_v a_o composure_n from_o gold_n but_o from_o your_o writing_n i_o can_v apprehend_v it_o because_o you_o set_v not_o down_o the_o first_o original_n of_o that_o composition_n therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o handle_v it_o more_o at_o large_a till_o you_o instruct_v i_o full_o and_o more_o plain_o in_o its_o composition_n and_o operation_n for_o i_o can_v neither_o believe_v that_o the_o elixir_n or_o philosopher_n stone_n can_v consist_v of_o the_o sign_n appear_v in_o it_o and_o of_o the_o property_n of_o the_o nutritive_a vegetation_n of_o the_o flame_a fire_n which_o you_o attribute_v to_o it_o as_o i_o have_v open_o show_v in_o what_o i_o have_v say_v already_o but_o when_o i_o receive_v your_o work_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o so_o great_a a_o secret_a send_v unto_o i_o i_o at_o once_o understand_v your_o unfeigned_a love_n and_o free_a confidence_n in_o i_o wherefore_o for_o your_o friendship_n sake_n i_o reserve_v your_o stone_n with_o i_o and_o keep_v it_o as_o a_o most_o acceptable_a gift_n and_o shall_v write_v unto_o you_o more_o concern_v it_o when_o you_o shall_v declare_v it_o to_o i_o more_o manifest_o but_o whereas_o you_o say_v that_o in_o your_o stone_n there_o be_v three_o a_o body_n spirit_n and_o soul_n which_o be_v manifest_a to_o you_o by_o your_o experience_n and_o work_v the_o philosopher_n when_o they_o say_v those_o three_o natural_a thing_n be_v in_o their_o artificial_a stone_n understand_v it_o by_o way_n of_o resemblance_n and_o experiment_n for_o they_o call_v the_o earth_n its_o body_n and_o bone_n because_o it_o be_v a_o astringent_a compound_v and_o restrain_v the_o fluid_a element_n from_o their_o raw_a flexibility_n have_v the_o fire_n also_o with_o it_o symbolical_o by_o its_o dryness_n but_o they_o call_v the_o water_n and_o air_n its_o spirit_n because_o they_o be_v the_o element_n that_o moisten_v and_o dissolve_v the_o earth_n but_o they_o call_v the_o air_n and_o fire_n the_o soul_n because_o they_o ripen_v and_o digest_v the_o whole_a compound_v and_o they_o name_v they_o thus_o with_o resemblance_n unto_o humane_a nature_n because_o in_o a_o well-constituted_n flesh_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v bone_n to_o sustain_v the_o body_n and_o likewise_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n a_o vivacity_n of_o vegetable_a accident_n which_o be_v call_v its_o spirit_n contrary_a to_o the_o error_n of_o the_o pagan_a philosopher_n who_o think_v the_o vital_a spirit_n to_o be_v something_o distinct_a from_o the_o body_n compound_v and_o part_n compound_v
fundamentalis_fw-la medice_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la in_o his_o kingdom_n be_v a_o glass_n in_o which_o all_o the_o world_n be_v see_v out_o of_o this_o those_o that_o know_v the_o virtue_n of_o herb_n and_o all_o thing_n make_v the_o best_a physician_n and_o indeed_o if_o the_o doctor_n be_v not_o such_o as_o to_o understand_v perfect_o why_o this_o herb_n be_v such_o and_o such_o why_o in_o this_o and_o this_o degree_n cold_a or_o hot_a moist_a or_o dry_a he_o be_v no_o doctor_n not_o out_o of_o the_o library_n of_o galen_n or_o avicenna_n but_o out_o of_o the_o fountain_n of_o nature_n the_o fundamental_a physician_n be_v to_o be_v establish_v as_o for_o this_o hydropyrographum_fw-la herâ—meticum_n which_o i_o have_v strip_v of_o the_o german_a and_o put_v into_o a_o english_a dress_n i_o know_v that_o some_o will_v finâ—_n fault_n with_o it_o for_o find_v no_o princess_n in_o it_o other_o will_v be_v offendeâ—_n at_o the_o simpleness_n and_o homelineâ—_n of_o its_o garb_n other_o because_o â—_o speak_v not_o quite_o out_o and_o dotâ—_n not_o betray_v the_o mystery_n to_o everâ—_n capacity_n but_o let_v they_o weigh_v a_o that_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o address_n to_o the_o reader_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a all_o these_o fume_n will_v vanish_v to_o northing_n so_o farewell_n hydropyrographum_fw-la hermeticum_n dear_o son_n to_o point_v out_o unto_o thou_o succinct_o a_o memorandum_n as_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a stone_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o proceed_v in_o its_o preparation_n i_o give_v thou_o this_o information_n that_o the_o say_a stone_n be_v compound_v and_o engender_v of_o two_o thing_n spiritu_fw-la viz._n body_n and_o spirit_n or_o of_o masculine_a and_o feminine_a seed_n that_o be_v of_o the_o water_n of_o mercury_n and_o of_o the_o body_n of_o sol_n whereof_o we_o find_v sufficient_a proof_n and_o attestation_n in_o all_o true_a write_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o therefore_o i_o count_v it_o needless_a to_o enlarge_v myself_o by_o quote_v of_o they_o the_o upshot_n of_o all_o therefore_o be_v aquam_fw-la that_o first_o of_o all_o mercury_n be_v dissolve_v and_o reduce_v into_o a_o spiritual_a water_n which_o be_v term_v by_o the_o philosopher_n the_o first_o matter_n of_o metal_n the_o juice_n of_o lune_fw-fr aqua_fw-la vitæ_fw-la quintessence_n a_o fiery_a ardent_a water_n or_o brandy_n by_o which_o water_n or_o prime_a matter_n materiam_fw-la metal_n be_v unlock_v or_o untie_v and_o free_v from_o their_o hard_a and_o stiff_a bond_n and_o reduce_v into_o their_o first_o and_o uniform_a nature_n such_o as_o the_o water_n of_o mercury_n itself_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n the_o philosopher_n present_v unto_o we_o in_o their_o book_n the_o example_n of_o ice_n or_o freeze_a water_n which_o by_o heat_n be_v reduce_v into_o water_n because_o before_o its_o coagulation_n it_o have_v be_v water_n fuit_fw-la also_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o the_o very_a same_o principle_n from_o which_o each_o thing_n have_v its_o rise_n it_o may_v be_v reduce_v oâ—_n bring_v back_o to_o what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o thence_o they_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o transmute_v metal_n into_o gold_n or_o silver_n without_o reduce_v they_o first_o into_o their_o prima_fw-la materia_fw-la concern_v therefore_o the_o bring_n about_o this_o regeneration_n of_o metal_n fiat_fw-la thou_o must_v diligent_o heed_n and_o observe_v my_o belove_a son_n that_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v only_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o prime_a matter_n of_o metal_n that_o be_v the_o water_n of_o mercury_n and_o by_o nothing_o beside_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o this_o water_n be_v next_o of_o kin_n unto_o the_o metallick_n nature_n amica_fw-la in_o so_o much_o that_o after_o their_o mutual_a and_o uniform_a commixture_n they_o can_v never_o be_v any_o more_o part_v asunder_o this_o the_o philosopher_n in_o the_o turba_n and_o other_o book_n signify_v unto_o we_o say_v nature_n rejoice_v in_o its_o nature_n nature_n sustain_v nature_n â—t_a amend_v nature_n it_o reduce_v nature_n nature_n overcome_v nature_n consequent_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v this_o bless_a water_n and_o its_o preparation_n which_o water_n be_v a_o hot_a igneus_fw-la fiery_a pierce_a spirit_n the_o philosophical_a water_n and_o the_o hide_a key_n of_o this_o art_n for_o without_o this_o all_o the_o labour_n and_o work_v of_o alchemy_n be_v fruitless_a and_o frustraneous_a observe_v therefore_o my_o son_n and_o mark_v that_o all_o the_o groundwork_n of_o the_o philosopher_n stone_n lapidis_fw-la consist_v in_o this_o that_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o prima_fw-la materia_fw-la metallorum_fw-la that_o be_v with_o thâ—_n water_n of_o mercury_n we_o reduce_v and_o bring_v back_o the_o perfect_a body_n of_o sâ—_n to_o a_o new_a birth_n that_o it_o be_v borâ—_n again_o by_o water_n and_o spirit_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o of_o wâ—â—ter_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v sâ—_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n so_o likewise_o iâ—_n this_o art_n i_o tell_v thou_o my_o son_n uâ—â—less_v the_o body_n of_o sol_n be_v sow_v in_o iâ—_n proper_a soil_n your_o labour_n be_v in_o vaâ—_n and_o it_o produce_v no_o fruit_n as_o christ_n our_o saviour_n say_v unless_o a_o grain_n of_o wheat_n fall_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o die_v and_o rot_v it_o bring_v no_o fruit_n so_o when_o the_o body_n of_o sol_n be_v regenerate_v by_o water_n and_o spirit_n astrale_n there_o grow_v and_o come_v forth_o a_o clarify_a astral_a eternal_a immortal_a body_n bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n and_o able_a to_o multiply_v itself_o like_a unto_o vegetable_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o philosopher_n roger_n bacon_n speak_v i_o do_v assure_v you_o that_o if_o the_o astrum_n do_v cast_v and_o impress_v its_o inclination_n into_o such_o a_o clarify_a body_n of_o gold_n that_o it_o will_v not_o lose_v its_o power_n and_o virtue_n to_o the_o very_a last_o assay_n or_o judgement_n for_o the_o body_n be_v perfect_a and_o agree_v to_o all_o element_n but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o regenerate_v no_o new_a nor_o great_a châ—miâ_fw-la nor_o pure_a nor_o high_o nor_o better_a thing_n can_v come_v of_o it_o he_o that_o do_v not_o know_v nor_o understand_v this_o regeneration_n of_o metal_n wrought_v in_o nature_n by_o the_o water_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o prima_fw-la materia_fw-la ought_v not_o to_o meddle_v at_o all_o with_o this_o art_n for_o in_o truth_n without_o this_o all_o be_v but_o falsity_n lie_n unprofitable_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n yea_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o effect_v it_o otherways_o hence_o be_v that_o excellent_a say_n of_o the_o philosopher_n that_o every_o thing_n bring_v forth_o its_o like_a and_o what_o a_o man_n sow_v the_o same_o he_o shall_v also_o reap_v and_o no_o other_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o philosopher_n richardus_fw-la anglicus_n say_v sow_v gold_n and_o silver_n that_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o nature_n they_o may_v bring_v fruit._n chemiam_fw-la consequently_n my_o son_n thou_o ought_v to_o choose_v no_o other_o body_n for_o thy_o work_n but_o gold_n because_o that_o all_o other_o body_n be_v rank_a and_o imperfect_a and_o therefore_o also_o the_o philosopher_n make_v choice_n of_o gold_n before_o all_o other_o body_n because_o it_o be_v of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o perfect_a illuminate_v all_o other_o body_n and_o infuse_v life_n into_o they_o anâ—_n because_o it_o be_v of_o a_o fixated_a incombustible_a nature_n of_o a_o constant_a or_o abide_a root_n and_o fire_n proof_n also_o because_o as_o roger_n bacon_n say_v the_o corporal_a gold_n as_o to_o its_o nobility_n and_o perfection_n can_v be_v change_v and_o be_v the_o utmost_a bind_v and_o term_v of_o all_o natural_a generation_n and_o there_o be_v no_o perfect_a thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o like_a teach_v also_o the_o philosopher_n isaacus_n hollandus_n say_v our_o stone_n can_v be_v extract_v from_o any_o other_o but_o a_o perfect_a body_n yea_o the_o most_o perfect_a in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o perfect_a body_n extrahitur_fw-la what_o stone_n can_v be_v extract_v thence_o in_o regard_n that_o it_o must_v have_v power_n to_o quicken_v all_o dead_a body_n to_o purify_v the_o unclean_a to_o mollify_v those_o that_o be_v hard_a and_o harden_v those_o that_o be_v soft_a and_o in_o truth_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o extract_v so_o powerful_a a_o stone_n out_o of_o a_o imperfect_a and_o crazy_a body_n for_o a_o good_a perfect_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v get_v from_o that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a and_o unclean_a and_o although_o many_o do_v fancy_n that_o such_o a_o extraction_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v yet_o they_o err_v gross_o and_o be_v very_o unwise_a therefore_o my_o son_n observe_z auro_fw-la that_o the_o
red_a philosophical_a sulphur_n be_v in_o the_o gold_n as_o richardus_fw-la testify_v and_o king_n calid_n say_v our_o sulphur_n be_v no_o common_a sulphur_n but_o be_v of_o a_o mercurial_a nature_n fixate_v and_o not_o fly_v from_o the_o fire_n the_o same_o all_o other_o philosopher_n also_o do_v witness_n that_o their_o red_a sulphur_n be_v gold_n it_o be_v true_a my_o son_n that_o the_o philosopher_n do_v say_v in_o their_o book_n that_o the_o common_a gold_n or_o silver_n be_v none_o oâ—_n their_o gold_n or_o silver_n intelligendum_fw-la iâ—_n regard_n that_o their_o gold_n and_o silver_n be_v quick_a oâ—_n live_v but_o the_o commoâ—_n be_v dead_a and_o therefore_o not_o capable_a to_o brinâ—_n imperfect_a body_n to_o perfection_n noâ—_n to_o communicate_v unto_o they_o thâ—_n least_o of_o their_o perfection_n for_o iâ—_n they_o shall_v bestow_v some_o of_o their_o perfection_n upon_o other_o they_o themselves_o will_v be_v then_o imperfect_a in_o regard_n they_o have_v no_o more_o perfection_n than_o what_o be_v needful_a for_o themselves_o these_o word_n of_o the_o philosopher_n my_o son_n be_v true_a and_o speak_v upon_o very_o good_a ground_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o common_a gold_n and_o silver_n to_o perfect_v other_o body_n that_o be_v imperfect_a unless_o as_o before_o teach_v that_o the_o body_n of_o sol_n and_o lune_fw-fr be_v bear_v anew_o or_o regenerate_v by_o the_o water_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o prima_fw-la materia_fw-la and_o thereby_o a_o glorious_a spiritual_a clarify_a eternal_a fixate_v subtle_a penetrant_fw-la body_n do_v grow_v forth_o which_o afterward_o have_v power_n to_o perfect_v other_o body_n which_o be_v imperfect_a and_o therefore_o the_o philosopher_n also_o say_v present_o after_o that_o those_o labour_n be_v to_o this_o end_n undertake_v about_o their_o stone_n mercurii_n that_o its_o tincture_n may_v be_v advance_v and_o exalt_v for_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o the_o stone_n be_v digest_v and_o carry_v on_o to_o a_o far_o great_a degree_n of_o subtlety_n and_o excellency_n than_o the_o common_a gold_n and_o silver_n possess_v to_o this_o purpose_n the_o philosopher_n bernhard_n speak_v in_o his_o book_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v though_o we_o take_v this_o body_n just_a as_o nature_n have_v produce_v it_o for_o all_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o by_o art_n which_o in_o this_o point_n must_v imitate_v nature_n the_o same_o be_v high_o exalt_v in_o its_o perfection_n to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o that_o superlative_a accomplishment_n and_o its_o superabundant_a ray_n it_o may_v be_v able_a to_o perfect_v and_o complete_a the_o imperfect_a body_n as_o to_o weight_n colour_n substance_n yea_o as_o to_o their_o mineral_n root_n and_o principle_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v have_v remain_v in_o that_o degree_n wherein_o nature_n leave_v it_o viz._n in_o its_o simple_a perfection_n and_o not_o render_v more_o perfect_a or_o exalt_v what_o shall_v the_o time_n of_o nine_o month_n and_o a_o half_a we_o spend_v about_o it_o serve_v for_o â—irtuale_fw-la arnoldus_fw-la in_o his_o epistle_n speak_v home_o say_v gold_n and_o silver_n be_v in_o our_o stone_n potential_o and_o virtual_o after_o a_o powerful_a invisible_a and_o natural_a way_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o no_o gold_n nor_o silver_n can_v come_v of_o it_o but_o the_o gold_n and_o silver_n exist_v in_o our_o stone_n be_v better_a than_o the_o common_a because_o it_o be_v live_v but_o the_o common_a be_v dead_a and_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n the_o philosopher_n call_v it_o their_o gold_n and_o their_o silver_n because_o it_o be_v powerful_a in_o their_o stone_n active_a in_o its_o essence_n but_o not_o visible_a common_a gold_n and_o silver_n which_o be_v also_o confirm_v by_o euclides_n in_o the_o great_a rosary_n say_v nothing_o come_v of_o a_o perfect_a thing_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v already_o perfect_a and_o complete_a be_v so_o make_v by_o nature_n whereof_o we_o have_v a_o example_n in_o bread_n which_o be_v ferment_v and_o bake_v be_v perfect_a in_o its_o degree_n or_o be_v have_v attain_v to_o its_o intend_a end_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o no_o further_a fermentation_n to_o make_v other_o bread_n of_o it_o materiam_fw-la the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o gold_n which_o through_o length_n of_o time_n have_v be_v deduce_v by_o nature_n to_o a_o fixated_a and_o perfect_a condition_n and_o so_o consequent_o it_o be_v impossible_a by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o simple_a gold_n to_o perfect_v other_o body_n unless_o the_o perfect_a body_n be_v first_o dissolve_v and_o reduce_v to_o its_o first_o matter_n which_o do_v it_o be_v introvert_v by_o our_o labour_n and_o art_n and_o reduce_v into_o a_o true_a ferment_n and_o tincture_n moreover_o the_o philosopher_n do_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o come_n to_o a_o good_a end_n until_o gold_n and_o silver_n be_v join_v together_o in_o one_o body_n here_o my_o son_n metaphorica_fw-la thou_o must_v understand_v lune_fw-fr metaphorical_o and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n because_o the_o philosopher_n say_v in_o their_o write_n that_o lune_fw-fr be_v of_o a_o cold_a and_o moist_a nature_n which_o description_n they_o attribute_v also_o unto_o mercury_n and_o therefore_o by_o lune_fw-fr be_v understand_v mercury_n or_o the_o prime_a matter_n which_o be_v the_o philosopher_n lune_fw-fr or_o juice_n of_o lune_fw-fr as_o be_v make_v plain_a by_o that_o excellent_a and_o deeply-fathoming_a piece_n the_o clangor_n buccinae_fw-la and_o thus_o my_o son_n thou_o be_v instruct_v brief_o that_o no_o profit_n be_v to_o be_v get_v by_o this_o art_n unless_o the_o perfect_a body_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o philosopher_n fire_n or_o water_n of_o mercury_n be_v reduce_v into_o their_o primum_fw-la ens_fw-la which_o be_v a_o sulphureous_a water_n and_o not_o mercury_n vive_fw-fr as_o the_o sophister_n suppose_v quid_fw-la for_o the_o first_o matter_n of_o metal_n be_v not_o mercury_n vive_fw-fr but_o a_o clammy_a sulphureous_a vapour_n and_o a_o viscous_a water_n wherein_o the_o three_o principle_n viz._n salt_n sulphur_n and_o mercury_n be_v coexistent_a consequent_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v the_o true_a bless_a water_n of_o mercury_n or_o the_o heavenly_a supernatural_a fire_n whereby_o the_o body_n be_v dissolve_v and_o melt_v like_o ice_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o secretum_fw-la be_v the_o great_a secret_n of_o all_o and_o be_v whole_o and_o only_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v obtain_v otherways_o but_o by_o fervent_a prayer_n unto_o he_o concern_v this_o the_o philosopher_n rogerius_n say_v god_n have_v create_v man_n and_o place_v he_o over_o nature_n and_o all_o creature_n though_o himself_o be_v natural_a and_o nothing_o else_o but_o nature_n except_o the_o breath_n which_o god_n breathe_v into_o he_o the_o very_a same_o be_v to_o be_v thâ—_n judge_v of_o the_o work_n and_o their_o nature_n this_o divine_a spirit_n represent_v unto_o the_o sense_n and_o thought_n in_o a_o true_a vision_n as_o it_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o nature_n especial_o since_o the_o natural_a inbred_a spirit_n discover_v some_o such_o ground_n whereupon_o he_o may_v sure_o rely_v and_o in_o this_o work_n and_o earnestness_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o the_o natural_a creation_n the_o divine_a adam_n represent_v in_o we_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n philosophicus_n and_o st._n peter_n by_o the_o kindle_a and_o burn_a fiery_a spirit_n of_o the_o inbreathed_a breath_n of_o god_n declare_v the_o same_o very_o clear_o say_v that_o the_o element_n shall_v melt_v with_o fervent_a heat_n the_o earth_n also_o and_o the_o work_n that_o be_v therein_o shall_v be_v burn_v up_o and_o that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o new_a world_n very_o glorious_a excellent_a and_o good_a as_o in_o apocalypsi_fw-la be_v describe_v and_o hereupon_o the_o philosopher_n conclude_v according_a to_o what_o have_v be_v allege_v out_o of_o st._n peter_n that_o there_o shall_v happen_v a_o destruction_n of_o the_o elementary_a world_n by_o fire_n observe_v in_o this_o art_n that_o the_o fire_n must_v perform_v the_o like_a in_o its_o type_n in_o nature_n therefore_o my_o son_n set_v thy_o thought_n upon_o this_o water_n mercurii_n wherewith_o the_o body_n of_o sol_n which_o as_o rogerius_n witness_v be_v a_o perfect_a create_a world_n be_v burn_v up_o and_o destroy_v and_o dissolve_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o common_a fire_n in_o regard_n the_o common_a be_v not_o able_a to_o burn_v or_o destroy_v the_o gold_n but_o it_o be_v a_o supernatural_a incombustible_a fire_n the_o strong_a of_o all_o fire_n yea_o a_o hellish_a fire_n which_o only_o have_v power_n to_o burn_v the_o gold_n and_o to_o set_v the_o same_o free_a from_o its_o stiff_a and_o hard_a bond_n this_o supernatural_a fire_n which_o hà th_v such_o a_o power_n over_o the_o gold_n and_o other_o metallick_n body_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o
wine_n be_v mix_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o water_n and_o terrene_a terrestriety_n but_o by_o mean_n of_o a_o artificial_a distillation_n the_o dry_a spirit_n of_o wine_n may_v be_v sever_v from_o all_o the_o phlegmatic_a humidity_n and_o terrene_a terrestriety_n in_o so_o much_o that_o all_o the_o spirit_n be_v sever_v from_o the_o water_n existent_n in_o wine_n and_o the_o water_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o then_o remain_v the_o lees_n out_o of_o which_o a_o white_a salt_n be_v extract_v and_o join_v again_o with_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o the_o spirit_n be_v distil_v and_o cohobate_v divers_a time_n until_o all_o the_o salt_n be_v go_v over_o with_o it_o whereby_o the_o spirit_n be_v huge_o fortify_v and_o acuate_v and_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v a_o notable_a typical_a description_n represent_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o philosopher_n which_o in_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o water_n of_o mercury_n we_o ought_v to_o imitate_v for_o after_o its_o dissolution_n we_o ought_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o have_v be_v teach_v of_o the_o wine_n by_o sublimation_n sever_v the_o water_n or_o phlegm_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o rectify_v the_o earth_n and_o join_v and_o distil_v it_o together_o with_o the_o spirit_n until_o all_o together_o come_v over_o the_o helm_n of_o which_o preparation_n of_o this_o water_n none_o of_o all_o the_o philosopher_n have_v write_v more_o clear_o nor_o better_a than_o raymund_n lullie_o mercurii_n viz._n in_o testamento_fw-la novissimo_fw-la as_o also_o in_o the_o first_o testament_n in_o libro_fw-la mercuriorum_n libro_fw-la q._n essentiae_fw-la etc._n etc._n where_o he_o do_v plain_o enough_o declare_v that_o after_o the_o putrefaction_n separation_n distillation_n of_o the_o philosophical_a spirit_n of_o wine_n the_o spiritual_a water_n be_v to_o be_v mix_v again_o and_o distil_v with_o its_o own_o earth_n that_o it_o come_v over_o with_o it_o he_o declare_v also_o how_o this_o philosophical_a wine_n or_o menstruum_fw-la be_v fortify_v and_o acuate_v with_o its_o own_o salt_n and_o further_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v corâ—us_fw-la that_o this_o water_n menstruum_fw-la or_o philosophical_a spirit_n of_o wine_n be_v thus_o prepare_v do_v dissolve_v or_o open_v its_o own_o body_n or_o mercury_n vive_fw-fr into_o the_o primum_fw-la ens_fw-la or_o primogenial_a water_n whereby_o it_o be_v multiply_v without_o end_n by_o mean_n of_o putrefaction_n and_o distillation_n but_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o extraction_n of_o this_o water_n be_v confirm_v by_o arnoldus_fw-la de_fw-la villâ_fw-la nouâ_fw-la say_v it_o be_v a_o substance_n full_a of_o vapour_n which_o contain_v in_o itself_o a_o fat_a humidity_n whereof_o the_o artist_n sever_v the_o philosopher_n humidity_n such_o as_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o work_n and_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o tear_n of_o eye_n wherein_o dwell_v the_o quintessence_n in_o a_o metallick_n nature_n very_o proper_a for_o the_o metal_n and_o therein_o be_v the_o tincture_n to_o bring_v forth_o a_o entire_a metal_n for_o it_o contain_v the_o nature_n both_o of_o argent_fw-fr vive_fw-fr and_o also_o of_o sulphur_n rosarius_fw-la philosophorum_fw-la say_v concern_v the_o distillation_n of_o this_o menstruum_fw-la or_o water_n mircurii_fw-la that_o great_a industry_n and_o care_n must_v be_v have_v and_o that_o the_o vessel_n to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o cleanse_n of_o this_o spirit_n must_v be_v of_o glass_n and_o exact_o close_v to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v find_v no_o vent_n nor_o place_n to_o fly_v through_o it_o be_v very_o forward_o to_o make_v its_o way_n through_o any_o hole_n it_o find_v and_o if_o the_o red_a spirit_n shall_v be_v go_v the_o artist_n will_v lose_v his_o labour_n the_o philosopher_n call_v the_o red_a spirit_n blood_n and_o menstruum_fw-la therefore_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o have_v good_a vessel_n and_o to_o have_v the_o joint_n well_o lute_v that_o you_o may_v get_v the_o dry_a spirit_n with_o its_o blood_n into_o the_o receiver_n by_o itself_o without_o evaporation_n of_o its_o virtue_n and_o keep_v it_o until_o thou_o have_v occasion_n to_o work_v with_o it_o but_o concern_v this_o distillation_n the_o ocular_a inspection_n go_v beyond_o writing_n and_o none_o can_v be_v a_o master_n before_o he_o have_v be_v a_o scholar_n or_o apprentice_n be_v provident_a therefore_o and_o discreet_a in_o thy_o work_n aqua_fw-la lay_v on_o a_o receiver_n and_o first_o distil_v by_o a_o gentle_a fire_n the_o element_n of_o water_n which_o be_v over_o put_v it_o aside_o and_o lay_v on_o another_o receiver_n and_o close_o the_o joint_n exact_o that_o the_o spirit_n may_v not_o vapour_n away_o increase_v the_o fire_n a_o little_a and_o there_o will_v rise_v in_o the_o helm_n a_o dry_a yellow_a spirit_n continue_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o fire_n so_o long_o as_o the_o spirit_n come_v yellow_a but_o when_o the_o alembick_a begin_v to_o be_v red_a then_o increase_v the_o fire_n very_o gentle_o and_o keep_v it_o go_v on_o thus_o until_o the_o red_a spirit_n and_o blood_n be_v quite_o come_v over_o which_o in_o its_o ascend_a and_o go_v through_o the_o helm_n will_v appear_v in_o the_o form_n of_o cloud_n in_o the_o air_n and_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o red_a spirit_n be_v distil_v over_o the_o helm_n will_v be_v white_a and_o then_o cease_v quick_o and_o thus_o you_o have_v in_o the_o receiver_n the_o two_o element_n of_o air_n and_o fire_n have_v extract_v the_o true_a dry_a spirit_n and_o sever_v the_o pure_a from_o the_o impure_a loe_o now_o you_o have_v the_o prima_fw-la materia_fw-la metallorum_fw-la wherein_o the_o body_n be_v reduce_v for_o all_o the_o metal_n have_v their_o rise_n from_o water_n aquâ_fw-la which_o be_v a_o â—oot_n of_o all_o metal_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v reduce_v into_o water_n like_v as_o the_o freeze_a ice_n by_o heat_n be_v reduce_v into_o water_n because_o it_o have_v be_v water_n before_o do_v not_o marvel_v at_o it_o for_o all_o thing_n upon_o earth_n have_v their_o root_n and_o rise_v from_o water_n o_o how_o many_o there_o be_v that_o work_n and_o never_o think_v upon_o the_o root_n which_o be_v the_o key_n to_o the_o whole_a work_n it_o dissolve_v the_o body_n ready_o aqua_fw-la it_o be_v father_n and_o mother_n it_o open_v and_o shut_v and_o reduce_v metal_n into_o what_o they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o beginning_n it_o dissolve_v the_o body_n and_o coagulate_v itself_o together_o with_o they_o the_o spirit_n be_v carry_v upon_o the_o water_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v see_v there_o operate_n which_o be_v do_v when_o the_o body_n be_v put_v into_o the_o water_n whereupon_o the_o philosopher_n say_v look_v upon_o that_o despicable_a thing_n whereby_o our_o secret_n be_v open_v for_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o all_o know_v well_o and_o he_o that_o know_v it_o not_o will_v hardly_o or_o never_o find_v it_o the_o wise_a man_n keep_v it_o and_o the_o fool_n throw_v it_o away_o and_o the_o reduction_n be_v easy_a to_o he_o that_o know_v it_o secretum_fw-la but_o my_o son_n it_o be_v the_o great_a secret_n to_o free_a this_o stone_n or_o mercury_n vive_fw-fr from_o its_o natural_a bond_n wherewith_o he_o be_v tie_v by_o nature_n that_o be_v to_o dissolve_v and_o reduce_v it_o into_o its_o primigenial_a water_n for_o without_o this_o be_v do_v all_o will_v prove_v but_o labour_v lose_v for_o else_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o sever_v and_o extract_v the_o true_a spirit_n or_o watery_a substance_n which_o dissolve_v the_o body_n aquâ—_fw-la and_o this_o solution_n have_v be_v conceal_v by_o all_o the_o philosopher_n who_o leave_v it_o unto_o god_n almighty_n dispose_n anathematise_v that_o man_n that_o shall_v open_o reveal_v it_o and_o therefore_o they_o speak_v very_o subtle_o and_o concise_o concern_v the_o solution_n of_o this_o crude_a body_n to_o the_o end_n that_o it_o may_v remain_v occult_a unto_o the_o unwise_a mediâ—_n but_o my_o son_n thou_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o solution_n of_o mercury_n vive_fw-fr will_v hardly_o be_v perform_v without_o a_o mean_n but_o none_o such_o be_v to_o be_v use_v as_o be_v sophistical_a as_o many_o rude_a unwise_a and_o ignorant_a fool_n use_v to_o do_v who_o by_o strange_a extravagant_a way_n reduce_v mercury_n into_o water_n suppose_v that_o to_o be_v the_o right_a water_n they_o sublime_a mercury_n with_o corrosive_n mercurii_n with_o all_o sort_n of_o salt_n and_o vitriol_n from_o which_o the_o sublimed_a mercury_n attract_v the_o salty_n spirit_n and_o then_o afterward_o they_o dissolve_v the_o sublimate_n into_o water_n in_o balneo_fw-la or_o in_o the_o cellar_n or_o divers_a other_o way_n item_n they_o reduce_v it_o into_o water_n by_o salt-armoniack_a by_o herb_n soap_n aquafort_n by_o mean_n of_o strange_a kind_n of_o vessel_n and_o many_o the_o like_a sophistical_a proceed_n all_o which_o be_v but_o
perceive_v that_o water_n be_v the_o first_o matter_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v bear_v or_o generate_v in_o the_o world_n for_o certain_o it_o be_v manifest_a unto_o thou_o that_o nothing_o grow_v or_o receive_v increase_v without_o the_o four_o element_n therefore_o whatsoever_o be_v elementate_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o four_o element_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v that_o the_o original_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v bear_v or_o grow_v shall_v be_v of_o water_n yet_o ought_v you_o not_o to_o understand_v this_o before_o speak_v of_o water_n but_o of_o that_o water_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o all_o thing_n out_o of_o which_o all_o natural_a thing_n be_v produce_v in_o their_o kind_n know_v therefore_o that_o first_o of_o all_o air_n be_v engender_v of_o water_n of_o air_n fire_n of_o fire_n earth_n now_o will_v i_o more_o familiar_o and_o friendly_a discourse_n with_o thou_o i_o will_v further_o manifest_v this_o mystery_n unto_o thou_o by_o degree_n lâ—â—t_v by_o too_o much_o have_v it_o happen_v to_o we_o according_a to_o the_o proverb_n that_o he_o that_o make_v too_o much_o haste_n oftentimes_o come_v home_n too_o late_o now_o therefore_o that_o i_o may_v satisfy_v thy_o desire_n i_o will_v discourse_v of_o the_o first_o matter_n which_o philosopher_n call_v the_o five_o essence_n and_o many_o other_o name_n they_o have_v for_o it_o by_o which_o they_o may_v the_o more_o obscure_a it_o in_o it_o for_o certain_a be_v four_o element_n pure_a in_o their_o exaltation_n know_v therefore_o that_o if_o you_o will_v have_v the_o five_o essence_n man_n you_o must_v first_o have_v man_n and_o you_o must_v have_v nothing_o else_o of_o that_o matter_n and_o see_v that_o you_o observe_v this_o well_o this_o i_o say_v that_o if_o you_o desire_v to_o have_v the_o philosopher_n stone_n you_o must_v of_o necessity_n first_o have_v the_o five_o essence_n of_o that_o same_o stone_n whether_o it_o be_v mineral_n or_o vegetative_a join_v therefore_o species_n with_o species_n and_o gem_n with_o gem_n and_o not_o the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o nor_o any_o thing_n contrary_a which_o may_v be_v other_o than_o the_o species_n or_o proper_a gem_n beware_v therefore_o of_o all_o that_o be_v not_o essential_a for_o of_o boneâ—_n stone_n can_v be_v make_v neither_o do_v crane_n beget_v geâ—se_o which_o if_o you_o will_v consider_v you_o will_v find_v the_o profit_n of_o it_o by_o the_o help_n of_o divine_a grace_n by_o the_o assistance_n whereof_o let_v we_o fâ—rther_o proceed_v to_o speak_v of_o this_o bless_a water_n which_o be_v call_v the_o water_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n hide_v in_o the_o concavity_n of_o our_o earth_n concern_v which_o earth_n know_v that_o all_o that_o be_v generate_v must_v of_o necessity_n have_v male_a and_o female_a from_o which_o action_n and_o passion_n arise_v without_o which_o generation_n never_o be_v but_o you_o will_v certain_o never_o receive_v profit_n from_o thing_n differ_v in_o kind_n notwithstanding_o if_o you_o have_v this_o water_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n it_o will_v draw_v other_o body_n and_o humour_n to_o its_o own_o kind_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o virtue_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o will_v make_v they_o perfect_a as_o a_o infant_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o its_o mother_n decoction_n of_o temperate_a heat_n help_v it_o turn_v the_o flower_n into_o its_o nature_n and_o kind_n that_o be_v into_o flesh_n blood_n bones_o and_o life_n with_o the_o other_o property_n of_o a_o live_a body_n of_o which_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o say_v any_o more_o and_o hence_o you_o may_v understand_v that_o our_o water_n change_v itself_o into_o a_o perfect_a kind_n with_o thing_n of_o its_o own_o kind_n for_o first_o it_o will_v congeal_v itself_o into_o a_o substance_n like_o oil_n than_o it_o will_v change_v that_o oil_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o temperate_a heat_n into_o gum_n and_o last_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o perfect_a heat_n of_o the_o sun_n into_o a_o stone_n now_o therefore_o know_v that_o out_o of_o one_o thing_n you_o have_v three_o that_o be_v oil_n gum_n and_o a_o stone_n know_v also_o that_o when_o the_o water_n be_v turn_v into_o oil_n than_o you_o have_v a_o perfect_a spirit_n when_o the_o oil_n be_v turn_v into_o hard_a gum_n than_o you_o have_v a_o perfect_a spirit_n and_o soul_n and_o when_o the_o spirit_n and_o soul_n be_v turn_v into_o a_o stone_n than_o you_o have_v a_o perfect_a body_n soul_n and_o spirit_n together_o which_o as_o it_o be_v call_v the_o philosopher_n stone_n and_o elixir_n and_o a_o perfect_a medicine_n of_o man_n body_n so_o also_o that_o which_o be_v leaven_v with_o its_o genus_fw-la and_o the_o five_o essencâ—_n know_v son_n that_o five_o essence_n be_v divers_a one_o whereof_o be_v to_z humane_a body_n another_o to_o elixir_n and_o to_o the_o imperfect_a body_n of_o metal_n for_o you_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o generation_n and_o growth_n of_o metal_n be_v not_o as_o the_o growth_n of_o man_n body_n for_o a_o genus_fw-la agree_v with_o its_o genus_fw-la and_o a_o species_n with_o its_o species_n moreover_o know_v that_o the_o first_o matter_n of_o man_n which_o beget_v the_o flesh_n blood_n bone_n and_o life_n be_v a_o spermatick_a humour_n which_o cause_v generation_n through_o a_o vital_a spirit_n include_v therein_o and_o when_o the_o matter_n be_v generate_v and_o congeal_v into_o a_o body_n extract_v thence_o the_o five_o essence_n of_o that_o body_n wherewith_o you_o may_v nourish_v the_o body_n yet_o son_n will_v i_o tell_v thou_o moreover_o that_o water_n or_o matter_n or_o seed_n whereof_o man_n be_v beget_v be_v not_o the_o augmenter_n of_o the_o body_n know_v son_n that_o if_o the_o body_n be_v feed_v with_o its_o natural_a food_n than_o its_o first_o matter_n will_v be_v increase_v and_o also_o the_o body_n viz._n the_o first_o matter_n in_o quality_n and_o the_o body_n in_o quantity_n the_o first_o matter_n be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o five_o essence_n yet_o know_v son_n that_o the_o five_o essence_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o augmentation_n be_v another_o and_o as_o i_o say_v before_o the_o increase_n of_o metal_n be_v not_o like_o the_o increase_n of_o man_n body_n although_o the_o five_o essence_n which_o cause_v the_o augmentation_n of_o metal_n may_v be_v a_o fit_a medicine_n for_o humane_a body_n as_o also_o the_o five_o essence_n which_o cause_v the_o augmentation_n of_o man_n body_n may_v be_v a_o fit_a medicine_n for_o the_o body_n of_o metal_n and_o therefore_o as_o before_o be_v say_v the_o five_o essence_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o augmentation_n another_o you_o see_v therefore_o for_o what_o reason_n our_o water_n be_v call_v the_o first_o matter_n and_o seed_n of_o metal_n viz._n because_o of_o it_o all_o metal_n be_v generate_v therefore_o you_o will_v have_v need_n of_o it_o in_o the_o beginning_n middle_a and_o end_n for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o generation_n because_o by_o its_o congelation_n it_o be_v turn_v into_o all_o sort_n of_o metal_n to_o wit_n into_o the_o first_o matter_n of_o the_o sort_n thence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o seed_n of_o metal_n and_o the_o metal_n metallick_n water_n of_o life_n because_o it_o afford_v life_n and_o blood_n to_o sick_a and_o dead_a metal_n &_o join_v in_o matrimony_n the_o red_a man_n with_o the_o white_a woman_n that_o be_v the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n it_o be_v call_v also_o virgin_n milk_n for_o as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v not_o join_v with_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n nor_o with_o any_o thing_n else_o except_o only_o those_o which_o be_v of_o its_o own_o â—ind_n so_o long_o it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o virgin_n but_o when_o it_o be_v join_v with_o a_o male_a and_o female_a and_o marry_v with_o they_o than_o be_v it_o no_o long_o a_o virgin_n because_o it_o adher_v to_o they_o and_o become_v one_o with_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v join_v that_o be_v with_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n who_o it_o join_v and_o be_v join_v with_o to_o generation_n but_o as_o long_o as_o it_o remain_v a_o virgin_n it_o be_v call_v virgin_n milk_n the_o bless_a water_n and_o the_o water_n of_o life_n and_o by_o many_o other_o name_n and_o now_o my_o son_n that_o i_o may_v say_v something_o of_o the_o philosopher_n mercury_n know_v that_o when_o thou_o have_v put_v thy_o water_n of_o life_n to_o the_o red_a man_n who_o be_v our_o magnesia_n and_o to_o the_o white_a woman_n who_o name_n be_v albifica_fw-la and_o they_o shall_v all_o have_v be_v gather_v together_o into_o one_o than_o you_o have_v the_o true_a philosopher_n mercury_n for_o after_o that_o in_o this_o manner_n all_o be_v join_v with_o a_o male_a and_o female_a than_o it_o be_v call_v the_o philosopher_n mercury_n
well_o son_n that_o according_a to_o the_o old_a proverb_n he_o sweet_a deserve_v not_o who_o nâ—_n bitter_a taste_n but_o now_o to_o speak_v something_o more_o of_o our_o brass_n know_v that_o brass_n signify_v continuance_n or_o continue_v water_n but_o what_o be_v far_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o name_n of_o brass_n you_o may_v easy_o gather_v from_o its_o english_a tetragrammate_a name_n that_o be_v its_o name_n consist_v of_o four_o letter_n to_o wit_n b._n r._n a._n s._n first_o therefore_o by_o b._n be_v signify_v the_o body_n of_o ouâ—_n work_n which_o be_v sweet_a and_o bitter_a our_o olive_n and_o our_o brass_n continue_v in_o its_o form_n by_o r._n be_v signify_v the_o root_n of_o our_o work_n and_o the_o spring_n of_o continue_v radical_a humour_n which_o be_v our_o red_a tincture_n and_o red_a rose_n which_o purifi_v all_o in_o its_o kind_n a._n signify_v our_o fâ—ther_n adam_n who_o be_v the_o first_o man_n out_o of_o who_o be_v bear_v the_o first_o woman_n eve_n whence_o you_o may_v understand_v that_o therein_o be_v male_a and_o female_a know_v therefore_o that_o our_o brass_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o our_o work_n our_o gold_n and_o olive_n for_o it_o be_v the_o first_o matter_n of_o metal_n as_o man_n be_v the_o first_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n s._n signify_v the_o soul_n of_o our_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o life_n which_o god_n breathe_v into_o adam_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n which_o spirit_n be_v call_v the_o five_o essence_n moreover_o son_n by_o these_o four_o letter_n we_o may_v understand_v the_o four_o element_n without_o which_o nothing_o be_v generate_v in_o nature_n they_o also_o signify_v sol_n and_o lune_fw-fr which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o life_n generation_n and_o augmentation_n of_o all_o thing_n bear_v in_o the_o world_n in_o this_o name_n therefore_o of_o four_o letter_n consist_v our_o whole_a work_n for_o our_o brass_n be_v male_a and_o female_a of_o which_o arise_v he_o who_o be_v call_v beget_v therefore_o son_n take_v good_a notice_n what_o be_v signify_v by_o our_o sweet_a brass_n what_o be_v call_v our_o sandiver_n or_o the_o salt_n of_o our_o nitre_n or_o nitre_n what_o also_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o dragon_n what_o sol_n and_o lune_fw-fr our_o mercury_n and_o our_o water_n of_o life_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n concern_v which_o philosopher_n have_v speak_v dark_o and_o in_o riddle_n know_v therefore_o son_n that_o our_o first_o matter_n be_v neither_o gold_n nor_o common_a silver_n nor_o be_v it_o of_o corrosive_n or_o such_o like_a outward_a thing_n which_o denigrator_n grope_v in_o the_o dark_a nowadays_o do_v use_v take_v heed_n therefore_o son_n that_o by_o no_o mean_n you_o admit_v any_o thing_n contrary_a in_o kind_n for_o be_v assure_v that_o what_o a_o man_n shall_v have_v sow_v the_o same_o shall_v he_o reap_v moreover_o know_v that_o when_o our_o stone_n be_v complete_v in_o its_o proper_a kind_n than_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a stone_n which_o will_v not_o easy_o be_v dissolve_v yet_o if_o you_o add_v his_o wife_n to_o he_o he_o will_v be_v dissolve_v into_o oil_n which_o be_v call_v the_o philosopher_n oil_n incombustible_a oil_n and_o by_o many_o other_o name_n know_v therefore_o son_n that_o there_o be_v divers_a leavening_n as_o well_o corporal_a as_o spiritual_a viz._n corporal_n in_o quantity_n and_o spiritual_a in_o quality_n corporal_n leaven_n increase_v the_o weight_n and_o quantity_n of_o the_o medicine_n yet_o be_v not_o of_o so_o great_a power_n as_o the_o medicine_n itself_o as_o be_v spiritual_a leaven_n for_o it_o only_o increase_v the_o medicine_n in_o quantity_n not_o in_o virtue_n but_o spiritual_a leaven_n increase_v it_o in_o both_o and_o where_o the_o corporal_n rule_v above_o a_o hundred_o the_o spiritual_a above_o a_o thousand_o moreover_o as_o long_o as_o the_o medicine_n be_v leaven_v by_o spiritual_a quality_n so_o long_o it_o be_v call_v the_o medicine_n but_o when_o it_o be_v leaven_v with_o the_o corporal_a substance_n it_o be_v call_v elixir_n there_o be_v therefore_o a_o divers_a manner_n of_o leaven_n and_o a_o difference_n between_o the_o medicine_n and_o the_o elixir_n for_o the_o spiritual_a be_v one_o thing_n the_o corporal_a another_o know_v also_o that_o as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v spiritual_a leaven_n it_o be_v liquid_a oil_n and_o gum_n which_o can_v convenient_o be_v carry_v about_o from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o but_o when_o it_o be_v corporal_n than_o it_o will_v be_v aâ—stone_n which_o you_o may_v carâ—y_v about_o in_o your_o pocket_n now_o therefore_o you_o see_v what_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o medicine_n and_o the_o elixir_n nor_o be_v the_o difference_n lessbetween_n elixir_n and_o gold_n and_o silver_n for_o gold_n and_o silver_n be_v difficult_a to_o melt_v but_o elixir_n not_o so_o for_o it_o easy_o dissolve_v at_o the_o flame_n of_o a_o candle_n thence_o you_o may_v easy_o perceive_v how_o various_a the_o difference_n of_o our_o composition_n and_o temperament_n be_v last_o that_o we_o may_v say_v something_o concern_v their_o food_n and_o drink_n know_v that_o their_o food_n be_v of_o airy_a stone_n and_o their_o drink_n be_v draw_v out_o of_o two_o perfect_a body_n namely_o out_o of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n the_o drink_n that_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o sun_n be_v call_v liquid_a gold_n or_o potable_a that_o be_v that_o may_v be_v drink_v but_o that_o out_o of_o the_o moon_n be_v call_v virgin_n milk_n now_o son_n we_o have_v discourse_v plain_o enough_o with_o thou_o if_o divine_a grace_n be_v not_o want_v to_o thou_o for_o that_o drink_n that_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o sun_n be_v red_a but_o that_o out_o of_o the_o moon_n be_v white_a and_o therefore_o one_o be_v call_v liquid_a gold_n but_o the_o other_o virgin_n milk_n one_o be_v masculine_a the_o other_o feminine_a though_o both_o arise_v out_o of_o one_o image_n and_o one_o kind_n son_n ponder_v my_o word_n otherwise_o if_o thou_o wander_v in_o the_o dark_a that_o evil_a befall_v thou_o from_o defect_n of_o light_n see_v therefore_o that_o thou_o be_v diligent_a in_o turn_v the_o philosophic_a wheel_n that_o thou_o may_v make_v water_n out_o of_o earth_n air_n out_o of_o water_n fire_v out_o of_o air_n and_o earth_n out_o of_o fire_n and_o all_o this_o out_o of_o one_o image_n and_o root_n that_o be_v out_o of_o its_o own_o proper_a kind_n and_o natural_a food_n wherewith_o its_o life_n may_v be_v cherish_v without_o end_n he_o who_o have_v understanding_n let_v he_o understand_v glory_n to_o god_n omnipotent_a finis_fw-la colour_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o great_a work_n you_o must_v expect_v to_o have_v it_o exceed_v black_a within_o 40_o day_n after_o you_o have_v put_v your_o composition_n into_o the_o glass_n over_o the_o â—ire_n if_o it_o be_v not_o black_a proceed_v no_o further_o for_o it_o be_v unrecoverable_a it_o must_v be_v as_o black_a as_o the_o raven_n head_n and_o must_v continue_v a_o long_a time_n and_o not_o utter_o to_o lose_v it_o during_o five_o month_n if_o it_o be_v orange_a colour_n or_o half_a red_a within_o some_o small_a time_n after_o you_o have_v begin_v your_o work_n without_o doubt_n your_o fire_n be_v too_o hot_a for_o these_o be_v token_n that_o you_o have_v burn_v the_o radical_a humour_n and_o vivacity_n of_o the_o stone_n know_v you_o not_o that_o you_o may_v have_v black_a of_o any_o thing_n mix_v or_o compound_v together_o with_o moisture_n but_o you_o must_v have_v black_a which_o must_v come_v and_o proceed_v of_o perfect_a metalline_a body_n by_o a_o real_a putrefaction_n and_o to_o continue_v a_o long_a time_n as_o for_o the_o colour_n of_o blue_n and_o yellow_a they_o signify_v that_o the_o solution_n and_o putrefaction_n be_v not_o yet_o perfect_o finish_v and_o that_o the_o colour_n of_o our_o mercury_n be_v not_o yet_o well_o mingle_v with_o the_o rest_n the_o black_a aforesaid_a be_v a_o evident_a sign_n that_o in_o the_o begin_n the_o matter_n and_o composition_n do_v begin_v to_o purge_v itself_o and_o to_o dissolve_v into_o small_a powder_n less_o than_o the_o mote_n in_o the_o sun_n or_o a_o glutinous_a water_n which_o feel_v the_o heat_n will_v ascend_v and_o descend_v in_o the_o glass_n at_o length_n it_o will_v thicken_v and_o congeal_v and_o become_v like_o pitch_n exceed_v black_a in_o the_o end_n it_o will_v become_v a_o body_n and_o earth_n which_o some_o call_n terra_fw-la faetida_fw-la for_o then_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o perfect_a putrefaction_n it_o will_v have_v a_o scent_n or_o stink_v like_a unto_o grave_n new_o open_v wherein_o the_o body_n be_v not_o thorough_o consume_v hermes_n do_v call_v it_o terra_fw-la foliis_fw-la but_o the_o proper_a name_n be_v leton_n which_o must_v be_v blanch_v and_o make_v white_a this_o blackness_n
be_v unconstant_a in_o it_o but_o if_o these_o two_o sperm_n separate_v from_o themselves_o be_v unite_v again_o by_o triumph_v nature_n in_o the_o book_n of_o mercury_n which_o be_v the_o fire_n metalline_n then_o unite_v it_o be_v call_v of_o philosopher_n the_o fly_a dragon_n because_o the_o dragon_n kindle_v by_o his_o fire_n while_o he_o fly_v by_o little_a and_o little_o spread_v his_o fire_n and_o poisonous_a vapour_n into_o the_o air_n the_o same_o thing_n do_v mercury_n which_o place_v upon_o a_o exterior_a fire_n be_v in_o his_o place_n in_o a_o vessel_n set_v on_o fire_n his_o inside_n which_o be_v hide_v in_o his_o profundity_n and_o then_o may_v any_o one_o see_v how_o the_o external_a fire_n do_v inflame_v the_o natural_a of_o mercury_n and_o shall_v see_v a_o poisonous_a vapour_n to_o break_v out_o into_o the_o air_n which_o shall_v be_v of_o such_o a_o stink_a and_o pernicious_a poison_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o head_n of_o the_o dragon_n which_o speedy_o go_v out_o of_o babylon_n but_o other_o philosopher_n have_v compare_v this_o mercury_n with_o the_o fly_a lion_n because_o a_o lion_n devour_v many_o creature_n and_o recreate_v himself_o with_o his_o voracity_n these_o thing_n except_v that_o resist_v his_o violent_a fury_n so_o also_o do_v mercury_n which_o have_v in_o himself_o such_o a_o operation_n that_o it_o spoil_v a_o metal_n of_o his_o form_n and_o devour_v it_o mercury_n too_o much_o inflame_v devour_v and_o hide_v metal_n in_o his_o belly_n but_o which_o of_o they_o soever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v not_o consume_v in_o his_o belly_n for_o in_o their_o nature_n they_o be_v perfect_a and_o more_o than_o he_o indurate_a but_o mercury_n have_v in_o he_o a_o substance_n of_o perfect_a sol_n and_o lune_fw-fr and_o all_o imperfect_a metal_n come_v from_o mercury_n therefore_o the_o ancient_n call_v it_o the_o mother_n of_o metal_n thence_o it_o follow_v where_o he_o be_v form_v to_o any_o thing_n he_o have_v in_o he_o a_o double_a metallick_n substance_n and_o first_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o interior_a then_o of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v not_o like_o the_o other_o metal_n of_o these_o two_o substance_n mercury_n be_v form_v which_o in_o his_o body_n be_v spiritual_o nourish_v so_o soon_o therefore_o as_o nature_n have_v form_v mercury_n of_o the_o two_o mention_a spirit_n than_o it_o labour_v to_o make_v they_o perfect_a and_o corporeal_a but_o when_o the_o spirit_n be_v of_o growth_n and_o the_o two_o sperm_n awake_v than_o they_o desire_v to_o assume_v their_o own_o body_n which_o do_v mercury_n the_o mother_n must_v die_v which_o be_v thus_o natural_o mortify_v can_v quicken_v itself_o again_o as_o before_o some_o arrogant_a chemist_n endeavour_n in_o obscure_a word_n to_o affirm_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o transmute_v perfect_a and_o imperfect_a body_n into_o run_a mercury_n but_o a_o serpent_n lie_v in_o the_o herb_n its_o true_a that_o mercury_n may_v transmute_v a_o imperfect_a body_n as_o lead_v or_o tin_n and_o may_v without_o labour_n multiply_v in_o a_o quantity_n but_o thereby_o it_o lose_v its_o own_o perfection_n and_o may_v no_o more_o for_o this_o reason_n be_v mercury_n but_o if_o by_o art_n it_o may_v be_v mortify_v that_o it_o may_v no_o more_o vivifie_v itself_o than_o it_o will_v be_v change_v into_o any_o thing_n as_o in_o cinabar_fw-la or_o sublimate_n be_v do_v for_o when_o it_o be_v by_o art_n coagulate_v whether_o soon_o or_o late_a it_o be_v do_v than_o his_o two_o body_n assume_v not_o a_o fix_a body_n neither_o be_v like_a to_o conserve_v it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o pore_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o lest_o any_o one_o shall_v err_v there_o be_v in_o the_o vein_n of_o lead_n some_o fix_a grain_n of_o sol_n or_o lune_fw-fr in_o substance_n or_o nourishment_n the_o first_o coagulation_n of_o mercury_n be_v the_o mine_n of_o lead_n and_o most_o fit_a and_o commodious_a it_o be_v to_o bring_v he_o unto_o perfection_n and_o fixation_n for_o the_o mine_n of_o lead_n be_v not_o without_o a_o fix_a grain_n of_o gold_n and_o which_o grain_n nature_n do_v impart_v so_o in_o itself_o it_o may_v be_v multiply_v whereby_o it_o may_v come_v to_o perfection_n and_o plenary_a virtue_n as_o i_o have_v try_v and_o may_v affirm_v also_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v not_o separate_v from_o his_o mine_n that_o be_v his_o mercury_n but_o well_o keep_v for_o every_o metal_n that_o be_v in_o his_o mine_n the_o same_o be_v a_o mercury_n then_o may_v it_o multiply_v itself_o so_o it_o may_v have_v substance_n from_o his_o mercury_n then_o will_v it_o be_v like_o some_o green_a immature_n fruit_n on_o a_o tree_n which_o the_o blossom_n be_v past_a be_v make_v into_o fruit_n and_o then_o the_o apple_n but_o if_o any_o shall_v crop_v away_o the_o immature_n fruit_n then_o his_o first_o form_v will_v be_v corrupt_v because_o man_n know_v not_o how_o to_o give_v substance_n or_o maturity_n as_o internal_a nature_n while_o the_o fruit_n yet_o hang_v on_o the_o tree_n and_o may_v have_v substance_n and_o nourishment_n from_o nature_n for_o so_o long_o as_o maturity_n be_v expect_v so_o long_o the_o fruit_n draw_v sap_n or_o liquor_n and_o that_o by_o augmentation_n and_o nourishment_n till_o it_o come_v to_o perfect_a maturity_n so_o be_v it_o with_o sol_n for_o if_o by_o nature_n a_o grain_n be_v make_v and_o it_o be_v reduce_v to_o his_o mercury_n than_o also_o by_o the_o same_o it_o be_v daily_o after_o a_o 〈◊〉_d manner_n sustain_v and_o reduce_v into_o his_o place_n mercury_n as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o then_o must_v you_o expect_v till_o he_o shall_v obtain_v some_o substance_n from_o his_o mercury_n as_o it_o happen_v in_o fruit_n of_o tree_n for_o as_o the_o mercury_n of_o both_o perfect_a and_o imperfect_a body_n be_v a_o tree_n so_o they_o can_v have_v no_o more_o nourishment_n otherwise_o than_o from_o their_o own_o mercury_n if_o therefore_o thou_o will_v gather_v from_o mercury_n fruit_n which_o be_v shine_a sol_n and_o lune_fw-fr if_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o far_o disjoin_v so_o that_o it_o be_v without_o long_a delay_n then_o think_v not_o you_o as_o nature_n do_v in_o the_o beginning_n you_o will_v again_o conjoin_v and_o multiply_v and_o may_v without_o change_n augment_v they_o for_o if_o metal_n be_v separate_v from_o their_o mine_n than_o they_o like_o the_o fruit_n of_o tree_n too_o soon_o gather_v never_o come_v to_o their_o perfection_n as_o nature_n and_o experience_n make_v it_o appear_v that_o if_o a_o pear_n or_o apple_n be_v once_o pluck_v from_o the_o tree_n it_o will_v then_o be_v a_o great_a folly_n if_o any_o shall_v again_o fasten_v it_o to_o the_o trâ—â—_n and_o thence_o expect_v maturity_n for_o experience_n witness_v the_o more_o it_o be_v handle_v the_o more_o it_o wither_v and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o metal_n for_o if_o any_o will_v take_v vulgar_a sol_n and_o lune_fw-fr and_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v they_o into_o mercury_n he_o will_v altogether_o play_v the_o fool_n for_o no_o subtle_a art_n be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v whereby_o he_o may_v not_o deceive_v he_o although_o many_o water_n and_o comment_n or_o infinite_a thing_n of_o that_o kind_n he_o shall_v use_v he_o will_v daily_o err_v and_o that_o will_v happen_v to_o he_o that_o do_v they_o who_o will_v tie_v unripe_a fruit_n to_o their_o tree_n although_o some_o philosopher_n have_v say_v well_o and_o true_o if_o sol_n and_o lune_fw-fr by_o a_o right_a mercury_n be_v right_o conjoin_v that_o then_o they_o will_v make_v all_o imperfect_a metal_n perfect_a yet_o in_o this_o most_o man_n have_v fail_v who_o have_v these_o three_o vegetable_n animal_n and_o mineral_n which_o in_o one_o thing_n be_v conjoin_v for_o they_o regard_v not_o that_o philosopher_n speak_v not_o of_o vulgar_a sol_n lune_fw-fr and_o mercury_n which_o be_v all_o dead_a and_o receive_v no_o more_o substance_n from_o nature_n but_o remain_v in_o their_o own_o essence_n and_o can_v help_v none_o other_o into_o perfection_n they_o be_v fruit_n pluck_v off_o from_o their_o tree_n before_o their_o time_n and_o be_v therefore_o of_o no_o account_n they_o have_v nothing_o more_o than_o what_o they_o want_v therefore_o seek_v the_o fruit_n in_o the_o tree_n that_o lead_v you_o straight_o unto_o they_o who_o fruit_n be_v daily_o make_v great_a with_o increase_n so_o long_o as_o the_o tree_n hold_v it_o forth_o and_o this_o work_n see_v be_v great_a joy_n by_o this_o mean_v any_o may_v transplant_v this_o tree_n without_o gather_v his_o fruit_n and_o then_o transport_v he_o into_o moist_a better_a and_o more_o fruitful_a place_n which_o in_o one_o day_n may_v give_v more_o nourishment_n to_o the_o fruit_n than_o it_o receive_v otherwise_o in_o a_o hundred_o year_n in_o this_o therefore_o it_o
reduce_v into_o their_o first_o matter_n which_o be_v true_a viz._n that_o unless_o you_o reduce_v they_o into_o argent_fw-fr vive_fw-fr not_o vulgar_a that_o be_v not_o volatile_a but_o fix_v for_o the_o vulgar_a be_v volatile_a and_o full_a of_o phlegmatic_a coldness_n and_o therefore_o it_o need_v to_o be_v reduce_v by_o argent_fw-fr vive_fw-fr fix_v more_o hot_a and_o dry_a in_o quality_n contrary_a to_o argent_fw-fr vive_fw-fr vulgar_a therefore_o i_o counsel_v you_o o_o my_o friend_n that_o you_o do_v not_o work_v but_o about_o sol_n and_o luna_fw-la reduce_v they_o into_o the_o first_o matter_n our_o sulphur_n and_o argent_fw-fr vive_fw-fr therefore_o son_n you_o be_v to_o use_v this_o venerable_a matter_n and_o i_o swear_v unto_o you_o and_o promise_n that_o unless_o you_o take_v the_o argent_fw-fr vive_fw-fr of_o these_o two_o you_o go_v on_o to_o the_o practic_n as_o blind_a man_n without_o eye_n and_o sense_n therefore_o son_n i_o beseech_v you_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n with_o open_a eye_n and_o fall_v not_o into_o the_o ditch_n of_o perdition_n as_o blind_a man_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o difference_n between_o argent_fw-fr vive_fw-fr vulgar_a and_o argent_fw-fr vive_fw-fr natural_a we_o say_v that_o argent_fw-fr vive_fw-fr vulgar_a can_v be_v the_o argent_fw-fr vive_fw-fr of_o the_o philosopher_n whatever_o art_n it_o be_v prepare_v with_o for_o the_o vulgar_a can_v be_v detain_v in_o the_o fire_n but_o by_o another_o argent_fw-fr vive_fw-fr corporeal_a which_o be_v hot_a and_o dry_a and_o more_o digest_v there_o i_o say_v that_o our_o nature_n be_v of_o a_o more_o fix_v and_o hot_a nature_n than_o the_o vulgar_a and_o that_o therefore_o because_o our_o argent_fw-fr vive_fw-fr corporeal_a be_v turn_v into_o argent_fw-fr vive_fw-fr current_n not_o teyn_v the_o finger_n and_o when_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o the_o vulgar_a they_o be_v join_v and_o embrace_v one_o another_o with_o the_o bond_n of_o love_n so_o that_o they_o never_o part_v from_o one_o another_o as_o water_v mix_v with_o water_n for_o thus_o be_v please_v nature_n but_o our_o argent_fw-fr vive_fw-fr do_v enter_v and_o mix_v itself_o actual_o with_o the_o other_o vulgar_a dry_v up_o its_o phlegmatic_a humidity_n and_o take_v away_o the_o coldness_n from_o the_o body_n make_v it_o black_a as_o a_o coal_n which_o afterward_o it_o turn_v into_o powder_n note_v therefore_o that_o argent_fw-fr vive_fw-fr can_v show_v forth_o such_o operation_n as_o our_o physical_a or_o natural_a which_o in_o all_o its_o quality_n have_v the_o heat_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o true_a temperature_n and_o therefore_o it_o turn_v the_o vulgar_a into_o its_o temperate_a nature_n nay_o it_o do_v moreover_o somewhat_o else_o for_o after_o its_o transmutation_n it_o turn_v it_o into_o pure_a metal_n that_o be_v into_o sol_n or_o lune_fw-fr according_a as_o it_o be_v extend_v or_o from_o sol_n and_o lune_fw-fr as_o be_v show_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n or_o part_n of_o our_o practic_n beside_o this_o it_o have_v somewhat_o great_a for_o it_o change_v and_o convert_v vulgar_a mercury_n into_o medicine_n which_o medicine_n can_v transmute_v the_o imperfect_a metal_n into_o perfect_a beside_o it_o turn_v the_o vulgar_a into_o true_a sol_n and_o lune_fw-fr better_o than_o those_o of_o the_o mine_n mark_v again_o that_o one_o ounce_n of_o our_o vulgar_a natural_a mercury_n can_v make_v a_o hundred_o mark_n and_o so_o until_o infinity_n with_o argent_fw-fr vive_fw-fr so_o that_o the_o mine_n shall_v never_o fail_v beside_o this_o i_o will_v have_v you_o know_v another_o thing_n that_o vulgar_a mercury_n be_v not_o right_o nor_o perfect_o mix_v with_o the_o body_n for_o the_o spirit_n can_v be_v mix_v with_o the_o body_n perfect_o unless_o they_o be_v reduce_v into_o the_o kind_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o when_o thou_o will_v mingle_v lune_fw-fr and_o sol_fw-la in_o mercury_n vulgar_a than_o these_o body_n must_v be_v reduce_v into_o the_o kind_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v call_v argent_fw-fr vive_fw-fr vulgar_a through_o the_o bond_n of_o natural_a love_n and_o then_o the_o male_n be_v join_v with_o the_o female_a for_o our_o argent_fw-fr vive_fw-fr be_v hot_a and_o dry_a actual_o argent_fw-fr vive_fw-fr vulgar_a be_v cold_a and_o moist_a passive_o as_o a_o female_a which_o be_v keep_v in_o her_o house_n with_o temperate_a heat_n until_o the_o eclipse_n and_o then_o be_v make_v black_a as_o coal_n which_o be_v the_o secret_a of_o our_o true_a dissolution_n after_o they_o be_v at_o last_o true_o knit_v together_o one_o with_o another_o so_o that_o they_o never_o part_v from_o one_o another_o and_o they_o become_v a_o most_o white_a powder_n â—hich_v be_v the_o male_n and_o female_n engender_v by_o true_a bond_n of_o love_n but_o the_o child_n will_v multiply_v their_o kind_n to_o infinity_n for_o of_o one_o ounce_n of_o this_o powder_n thou_o shall_v make_v infinite_a sol_fw-mi and_o reduce_v to_o lune_fw-fr better_o than_o any_o metal_n of_o the_o mine_n chap._n ii_o the_o extraction_n of_o mercury_n out_o of_o the_o perfect_a body_n â„ž_o take_v one_o ounce_n of_o calx_fw-la of_o luna_fw-la let_v it_o be_v calcine_v in_o that_o manner_n as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o work_n of_o our_o mastery_n which_o calx_fw-la or_o slime_n must_v be_v ground_n into_o subtle_a powder_n upon_o a_o porphyr_n which_o powder_n you_o shall_v imbibe_n twice_o thrice_o or_o four_o time_n in_o a_o day_n with_o the_o best_a oil_n of_o tartâ—r_n make_v in_o that_o manner_n as_o shall_v be_v say_v in_o the_o end_n of_o our_o mastery_n dry_v it_o in_o the_o sun_n until_o the_o say_v calx_fw-la shall_v drink_v up_o of_o the_o say_a oil_n four_o or_o five_o part_n more_o than_o the_o calx_fw-la itself_o be_v grind_v it_o always_o upon_o the_o porphyry_n as_o be_v say_v and_o in_o the_o end_n let_v the_o calx_fw-la be_v dry_v up_o well_o that_o it_o may_v well_o be_v reduce_v into_o powder_n and_o when_o it_o be_v well_o pulverised_a let_v it_o be_v put_v into_o a_o boults-head_n with_o a_o long_a neck_n put_v of_o our_o stink_a menstrual_a make_v of_o two_o part_n of_o red_a vitriol_n and_o one_o part_n of_o saltpetre_n and_o let_v the_o say_v menstruum_fw-la first_o be_v distil_v seven_o time_n and_o let_v it_o be_v well_o rectify_v by_o separate_v the_o earthly_a faeces_fw-la in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o say_v menstrual_a be_v altogether_o essential_a afterward_o let_v the_o boults-head_n be_v well_o lute_v and_o put_v to_o the_o fire_n of_o ash_n with_o a_o little_a fire_n of_o coal_n until_o you_o see_v the_o say_a matter_n boil_v and_o be_v dissolve_v afterward_o distil_v it_o upon_o ash_n until_o it_o lose_v the_o menstruum_fw-la and_o the_o matter_n be_v altogether_o cold_a and_o when_o it_o be_v cold_a let_v the_o vessel_n be_v open_v and_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v cold_a be_v put_v into_o another_o vessel_n that_o be_v very_o clean_a with_o its_o cap_n or_o head_n on_o well_o lute_v to_o a_o furnace_n upon_o ash_n and_o when_o the_o lute_n be_v well_o dry_v let_v the_o fire_n be_v make_v by_o degree_n in_o the_o beginning_n until_o you_o get_v all_o its_o water_n afterward_o augment_v the_o fire_n until_o the_o matter_n be_v dry_v and_o the_o stink_a spirit_n exalt_v to_o the_o cap_n or_o head_n and_o in_o the_o receiver_n and_o when_o you_o shall_v see_v such_o a_o sign_n let_v the_o vessel_n be_v cool_v by_o diminish_v the_o fire_n and_o after_o the_o vessel_n be_v cool_v let_v the_o matter_n be_v take_v out_o and_o make_v into_o subtle_a powder_n upon_o the_o porphyry_n so_o that_o the_o powder_n may_v be_v impalpable_a which_o must_v be_v set_v in_o a_o earthen_a vessel_n well_o lute_v and_o well_o glaze_v afterward_o put_v upon_o thiâ—_n say_v powder_n common_a water_n boil_v stir_v always_o the_o matter_n with_o a_o clean_a stick_n until_o the_o matter_n become_v thick_a as_o mustard_n and_o stir_v the_o say_v saltish_a matter_n with_o a_o stick_n until_o you_o see_v appear_v grain_n of_o mercury_n from_o the_o body_n and_o that_o a_o great_a quantity_n of_o the_o say_v quick_a mercury_n appear_v according_a as_o you_o have_v put_v in_o of_o the_o perfect_a body_n that_o be_v of_o luna_n and_o until_o you_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a quantity_n pour_v upon_o it_o boil_a water_n and_o at_o length_n stir_v it_o until_o all_o the_o matter_n be_v resolve_v into_o a_o matter_n like_o unto_o argent_fw-fr vive_fw-fr vulgar_a let_v the_o terrestriety_n be_v take_v away_o with_o cold_a water_n and_o dry_v up_o by_o a_o cloth_n afterward_o let_v it_o give_v through_o a_o leather_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v wonder_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o our_o argent_fw-fr vive_fw-fr in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n amen_n â„ž_o of_o pure_a silver_n three_o groste_n make_v into_o thin_a plaâ—â—_n and_o make_v amalgama_n with_o four_o groste_n of_o argent_fw-fr vive_fw-fr
most_o cold_a may_v yet_o in_o a_o short_a time_n be_v make_v most_o hot_a and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n with_o temperate_a thing_n may_v be_v make_v temperate_a by_o a_o most_o subtlâ—_n artificial_a invention_n and_o no_o metaâ—_n adhere_v better_a to_o it_o than_o gold_n as_o you_o say_v and_o therefore_o as_o some_o think_v gold_n be_v nothing_o but_o quicksilver_n coagulate_v by_o the_o power_n oâ—_n sulphur_n etc._n etc._n and_o thence_o you_o will_v conclude_v as_o i_o think_v and_o well_o that_o if_o gold_n be_v decoct_v and_o dissolve_v right_o in_o the_o natural_a way_n of_o art_n quicksilver_n itself_o will_v obtain_v the_o natural_a property_n of_o that_o gold_n but_o the_o way_n of_o this_o decoction_n and_o solution_n of_o metal_n be_v know_v to_o very_a few_o and_o it_o manifest_o appear_v for_o the_o cause_n oâ—_n this_o solution_n be_v the_o moistness_n oâ—_n mercury_n restrain_v by_o the_o compactness_n of_o a_o homogeneal_a earth_n and_o contrariwise_o the_o coldness_n of_o the_o earth_n restrain_v by_o a_o wateâ—â—omogeneal_a to_o itself_o the_o homogeneousness_n of_o quality_n remain_v so_o that_o there_o be_v in_o it_o a_o single_a dryness_n and_o double_a coldness_n a_o simple_a moistness_n but_o under_o a_o disproportion_n of_o immaturity_n to_o the_o anatical_a proportion_n of_o the_o ripe_a digest_v sun_n the_o dissolver_n therefore_o differ_v from_o the_o dissolvend_fw-mi in_o proportion_n and_o digestion_n and_o not_o in_o matter_n because_o nature_n may_v make_v this_o of_o that_o without_o any_o additional_a mixture_n as_o nature_n do_v wonderful_o and_o simple_o produce_v gold_n of_o quicksilver_n as_o you_o have_v learned_o discourse_v in_o your_o epistle_n for_o in_o vegetable_n the_o moisture_n of_o simple_a water_n be_v take_v for_o a_o intrinsic_a dissolution_n that_o thing_n congeal_v by_o art_n may_v diffuse_v into_o it_o their_o effect_n and_o the_o dissolution_n of_o thing_n come_v about_o with_o the_o coagulation_n of_o water_n and_o the_o coagulation_n of_o water_n with_o the_o dissolution_n of_o thing_n and_o contrariwise_o and_o so_o it_o be_v likewise_o in_o the_o mineral_n water_n and_o thing_n of_o its_o kind_n he_o therefore_o that_o know_v the_o art_n and_o secret_n of_o dissolution_n have_v attain_v the_o secret_a point_n of_o art_n which_o be_v to_o mingle_v thorough_o the_o kind_n and_o out_o of_o nature_n to_o extract_v nature_n which_o be_v effectual_o hide_v in_o they_o how_o have_v he_o then_o find_v the_o truth_n who_o destroy_v the_o moist_a nature_n of_o quicksilver_n as_o those_o fool_n who_o deform_v its_o kind_n from_o its_o metallick_n disposition_n or_o dissolution_n and_o by_o dissolve_v its_o radical_a moisture_n corrupt_v it_o and_o disproportion_v quicksilver_n from_o its_o first_o mineral_n quality_n which_o need_v nothing_o but_o purity_n and_o simple_a decoction_n for_o example_n they_o who_o defile_v it_o with_o salt_n vitriol_n and_o aluminous_a thing_n destroy_v it_o and_o change_v it_o into_o some_o other_o thing_n than_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o quicksilver_n for_o that_o seed_n which_o nature_n by_o its_o sagacity_n and_o clemency_n oppose_v they_o endeavour_v to_o perfect_v by_o violate_v and_o destroy_v it_o which_o undoubted_o be_v destructive_a to_o it_o as_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o effect_n of_o our_o work_n for_o the_o seed_n in_o humane_a and_o sensitive_a thing_n be_v form_v by_o nature_n and_o not_o by_o art_n but_o it_o be_v join_v by_o art_n and_o well_o mix_v but_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o it_o nor_o add_v to_o it_o if_o the_o same_o species_n must_v be_v renovate_v by_o the_o procreation_n of_o its_o own_o kind_n so_o the_o same_o matter_n must_v abide_v and_o continue_v that_o the_o same_o form_n may_v follow_v which_o it_o do_v not_o otherwise_o wherefore_o excellent_a doctor_n false_a and_o vain_a be_v all_o their_o doctrine_n which_o alter_v mercury_n which_o be_v the_o seed_n before_o the_o metallick_n species_n be_v join_v with_o it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v dry_v up_o it_o dissolve_v not_o what_o then_o can_v it_o do_v in_o the_o solution_n of_o thing_n of_o own_o species_n for_o if_o it_o be_v heat_v beyond_o its_o natural_a digestion_n it_o will_v not_o cause_v nor_o generate_v in_o the_o metalline_a species_n a_o feverish_a heat_n as_o it_o be_v and_o will_v impertinent_o turn_v cold_a into_o hot_a and_o passive_a into_o active_a and_o the_o error_n from_o thence_o will_v be_v incorrigible_a and_o labour_v lose_v for_o example_n fool_n draw_v corrosive_a water_n out_o of_o inferior_a mineral_n into_o which_o they_o cast_v the_o species_n of_o metal_n and_o corrode_v they_o for_o they_o think_v that_o they_o be_v therefore_o dissolve_v with_o a_o natural_a solution_n which_o solution_n true_o require_v a_o permanency_n of_o the_o dissolver_n and_o dissolve_v together_o that_o a_o new_a species_n may_v result_v from_o both_o the_o masculine_a and_o feminine_a seed_n i_o tell_v you_o assure_o that_o no_o water_n dissolve_v any_o metallick_n species_n by_o a_o natural_a solution_n save_o that_o which_o abide_v with_o they_o in_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o which_o the_o metal_n themselves_o be_v dissolve_v can_v recongeal_v which_o thing_n happen_v not_o in_o aquafortis_n but_o rather_o be_v a_o defilement_n of_o the_o compound_v that_o be_v of_o the_o body_n to_o be_v dissolve_v neither_o be_v that_o water_n proper_a for_o solution_n of_o body_n which_o abide_v not_o with_o they_o in_o their_o coagulation_n and_o final_o mercury_n be_v of_o this_o sort_n and_o not_o aquafortis_n nor_o that_o which_o fool_n imagine_v to_o be_v a_o lympid_a and_o diaphanous_a mercurial_a water_n for_o if_o they_o divide_v or_o obstruct_v the_o homogeneity_n of_o mercury_n how_o can_v the_o first_o proportion_n of_o the_o feminine_a seed_n consist_v and_o be_v preserve_v because_o mercury_n can_v receive_v congelation_n with_o the_o dissolve_a body_n neither_o will_v the_o true_a kind_n be_v â—â—novated_v afterward_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o art_n nay_o but_o some_o other_o filthy_a and_o unprofitable_a thing_n yet_o thus_o they_o think_v they_o dissolve_v mistake_v nature_n but_o dissolve_v not_o for_o the_o aquafortis_n be_v abstract_v the_o body_n become_v meltable_a as_o before_o and_o that_o water_n abide_v not_o with_o nor_o subsist_v in_o the_o body_n as_o its_o radical_a moisture_n the_o body_n indeed_o be_v corrode_v but_o not_o dissolve_v and_o by_o how_o much_o more_o they_o be_v corrode_v they_o be_v so_o much_o more_o estrange_v from_o a_o metallick_n kind_n these_o solution_n therefore_o be_v not_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o art_n of_o transmutation_n but_o the_o imposture_n rather_o of_o sophistical_a alchemist_n who_o think_v that_o this_o sacred_a art_n be_v hide_v in_o they_o they_o say_v indeed_o that_o they_o make_v solution_n but_o they_o can_v make_v perfect_a metallick_n species_n because_o they_o do_v not_o natural_o remain_v under_o the_o first_o proportion_n or_o kind_n which_o mercury_n the_o water_n allow_v in_o metallick_n species_n for_o mercury_n be_v corrupt_v with_o metal_n by_o way_n of_o alteration_n not_o dissipation_n because_o body_n dissolve_v therein_o be_v never_o separate_v from_o it_o as_o in_o aquafortis_n and_o other_o corrosive_n but_o one_o kind_n put_v on_o and_o hide_v another_o retain_v it_o secret_o and_o perfect_o so_o sol_n and_o lune_fw-fr dissolve_v be_v secret_o retain_v in_o it_o for_o their_o nature_n be_v hide_v in_o mercury_n even_o unto_o its_o condensation_n of_o which_o they_o lie_v hide_v be_v the_o cause_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v latent_fw-la in_o it_o and_o as_o mercury_n dissolve_v they_o and_o hide_v they_o in_o its_o belly_n so_o they_o also_o congeal_v it_o and_o what_o be_v hard_a be_v make_v soft_a what_o be_v soft_a hard_o and_o yet_o the_o kind_n that_o be_v metal_n and_o quicksilver_n abide_v still_o he_o therefore_o who_o thus_o dissolve_v congeal_v rather_o and_o the_o corrupt_a species_n conjoin_v receive_v their_o old-form_n by_o a_o artificial_a decoction_n notwithstanding_o this_o dissolution_n make_v several_a colour_n appear_v because_o the_o species_n remain_v as_o it_o be_v dead_a yet_o their_o intrinsical_a proportion_n be_v permanent_a and_o entire_a so_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o gospel_n speak_v by_o way_n of_o similitude_n of_o vegetable_n unless_o a_o grain_n of_o corn_n fall_v on_o the_o earth_n do_v die_v it_o abide_v alone_o but_o if_o it_o die_v it_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n therefore_o this_o alterative_a corruption_n hide_v form_n perfect_v nature_n keep_v proportion_n and_o change_n colour_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n for_o when_o the_o water_n begin_v to_o cover_v the_o earth_n the_o black_a colour_n begin_v to_o be_v hide_v under_o the_o white_a when_o the_o air_n cover_v the_o water_n and_o the_o earth_n the_o citrine_n colour_n appear_v which_o be_v turn_v to_o red_a when_o the_o fire_n cover_v the_o air_n or_o the_o other_o
three_o element_n and_o these_o last_o colour_n abide_v hidden_o and_o intrinsical_o and_o appear_v under_o the_o show_n of_o a_o white_a spirit_n in_o liquid_a mercury_n until_o it_o be_v recondense_v in_o the_o powder_n which_o be_v in_o the_o body_n because_o the_o soul_n lie_v hide_v in_o the_o spirit_n as_o in_o the_o condensation_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o soul_n lie_v hide_v in_o the_o powder_n or_o body_n for_o there_o be_v a_o corruption_n in_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v alter_v but_o no_o dissipation_n of_o part_n unless_o some_o superfluous_a part_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v as_o unprofitable_a for_o generation_n whereupon_o the_o artificer_n purify_v his_o work_n that_o digestion_n may_v succeed_v better_o this_o be_v manifest_a by_o example_n in_o grain_n for_o of_o two_o grain_n of_o wheat_n if_o the_o one_o be_v cast_v into_o good_a ground_n there_o it_o putrify_v die_v and_o lose_v its_o external_a form_n but_o nothing_o thereof_o be_v dissipate_v yea_o in_o its_o time_n it_o increase_v into_o a_o multiplicity_n of_o fruit_n and_o there_o be_v indeed_o make_v a_o corruption_n only_o of_o the_o form_n and_o not_o any_o dissipation_n of_o the_o matter_n but_o if_o the_o other_o grain_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o fire_n than_o both_o matter_n and_o form_n be_v corrupt_v and_o the_o whole_a be_v dissipate_v and_o that_o corruption_n be_v unprofitable_a for_o generation_n wherefore_o water_n dissolve_v not_o body_n but_o those_o only_o of_o its_o own_o kind_n and_o by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v condense_v nor_o can_v body_n be_v at_o all_o nourish_v to_o generation_n but_o by_o their_o like_a which_o can_v preserve_v the_o species_n destroy_v by_o that_o transmute_v body_n through_o the_o artifice_n of_o the_o work_n though_o vegetable_n be_v nourish_v by_o thing_n of_o different_a kind_n yet_o before_o they_o nourish_v they_o they_o be_v assimilate_v the_o dissolution_n of_o they_o be_v first_o make_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o suck_v and_o draw_v they_o to_o they_o it_o must_v be_v note_v therefore_o that_o the_o solution_n of_o metal_n may_v be_v make_v by_o different_a way_n one_o which_o fool_n know_v as_o be_v abovesaid_a with_o foreign_a thing_n which_o abide_v not_o with_o the_o dissolve_a metal_n which_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v call_v a_o corrosive_a destruction_n and_o defilement_n of_o the_o compound_v the_o second_o solution_n be_v make_v by_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o fire_n which_o be_v no_o true_a solution_n but_o a_o melt_a rather_o of_o the_o colligate_v elementary_a part_n for_o the_o outward_a heat_n of_o the_o fire_n in_o dissolve_v the_o compound_v find_v out_o its_o intrinsical_a natural_a or_o native_a fire_n within_o which_o internal_a and_o proportional_a fire_n dwell_v in_o the_o air_n therefore_o it_o dissolve_v the_o air_n itself_o but_o that_o dissolve_a air_n reside_v and_o dwell_v in_o the_o water_n and_o the_o water_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o water_n itself_o dissolve_v the_o earth_n so_o that_o it_o melt_v both_o the_o active_a and_o passive_a but_o this_o melt_a be_v no_o true_a solution_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o dissipation_n because_o the_o element_n there_o be_v homogeneous_a to_o one_o another_o and_o proportionable_o fix_v by_o digestion_n be_v mix_v and_o one_o of_o they_o educe_v out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o another_o general_o and_o therefore_o this_o fall_v out_o even_o in_o pure_a body_n in_o which_o the_o elemental_a nature_n be_v fix_v wherefore_o in_o they_o the_o flame_n of_o fire_n cause_v melt_v and_o dissolve_v that_o whole_a body_n to_o fluidity_n and_o not_o to_o a_o separation_n because_o fire_n can_v flow_v unless_o the_o air_n consubstantial_a to_o it_o flow_v neither_o do_v the_o aâ—_n flow_v unless_o the_o water_n be_v dissolve_v nor_o do_v the_o water_n flow_v unless_o the_o earth_n flow_v and_o contrariwise_o as_o the_o earth_n be_v dissolve_v by_o the_o water_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a side_n the_o water_n retain_v the_o air_n and_o congeal_v it_o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n ascend_v upward_o the_o air_n retain_v the_o fire_n in_o congelation_n because_o the_o more_o fix_v and_o fix_v element_n cause_n fixation_n by_o act_v together_o on_o one_o another_o as_o earth_n and_o water_n and_o in_o a_o contrary_a manner_n fire_n and_o air_n act_n together_o each_o on_o other_o unto_o solution_n but_o this_o solution_n be_v call_v a_o melt_a of_o the_o compound_v and_o not_o proper_o a_o solution_n of_o it_o because_o the_o part_n separable_a from_o one_o another_o in_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o compound_v be_v not_o dissolve_v as_o be_v do_v in_o the_o three_o and_o true_o philosophic_a solution_n when_o the_o compound_v be_v dissolve_v in_o the_o manner_n aforesaid_a and_o yet_o the_o part_n abide_v unseparate_v though_o separable_a so_o that_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o most_o digest_v element_n may_v be_v extract_v from_o thing_n to_o be_v dissolve_v by_o the_o dissolver_n that_o be_v quicksilver_n and_o the_o grosser_n part_n in_o such_o a_o dissolution_n acquire_v some_o latitude_n of_o subtlety_n because_o the_o body_n be_v turn_v into_o spirit_n and_o contrariwise_o the_o spirit_n into_o body_n fix_v thing_n be_v turn_v into_o volatiles_fw-la and_o volatiles_fw-la to_o fix_a for_o this_o solution_n be_v possible_a and_o natural_a that_o be_v by_o art_n of_o nature_n subserve_v thereto_o and_o this_o be_v sole_a and_o necessary_a solution_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o philosopher_n which_o can_v be_v do_v by_o no_o other_o thing_n than_o quicksilver_n only_o with_o a_o prudent_a proportion_n so_o as_o a_o good_a artificer_n know_v from_o within_o the_o nature_n and_o proportion_n aught_o to_o make_v the_o proportion_n from_o his_o first_o entrance_n upon_o the_o work_n for_o these_o two_o sir_n be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o work_n and_o nothing_o else_o enter_v it_o nor_o generate_v and_o multiply_v as_o we_o have_v say_v beside_o you_o say_v that_o gold_n as_o most_o think_v be_v nothing_o else_o than_o quicksilver_n coagulate_v natural_o by_o the_o force_n of_o sulphur_n yet_o so_o that_o nothing_o oâ—_n the_o sulphur_n which_o generate_v the_o gold_n do_v remain_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o gold_n as_o in_o a_o humane_a embryo_n when_o it_o be_v conceive_v in_o the_o womb_n there_o remain_v nothing_o of_o the_o father_n seed_n according_a to_o aristotle_n opinion_n but_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o man_n do_v only_o coagulate_v the_o menstrual_a blood_n of_o the_o woman_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n you_o say_v that_o after_o quicksilver_n be_v so_o coagulate_v the_o form_n of_o gold_n be_v perfect_v in_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n and_o especial_o of_o the_o sun_n but_o by_o your_o good_a leave_n and_o with_o respect_n i_o must_v tell_v you_o we_o must_v not_o think_v so_o for_o be_v we_o be_v philosophical_o persuade_v that_o gold_n be_v nothing_o but_o mercury_n anatize_v that_o be_v equal_o digest_v in_o the_o bowel_n of_o a_o mineral_n earth_n and_o the_o philosopher_n have_v signify_v that_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v do_v by_o the_o contact_n of_o sulphur_n coagulate_v the_o mercury_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o operation_n that_o be_v from_o mercury_n be_v digest_v and_o thicken_v by_o a_o proportionate_a heat_n wherefore_o we_o must_v know_v that_o gold_n be_v sulphur_n and_o mercury_n together_o that_o be_v the_o coagulant_fw-la and_o the_o coagulate_v in_o one_o and_o nothing_o add_v from_o without_o thereto_o but_o only_o a_o pure_a digestion_n or_o maturation_n which_o multiply_v quality_n and_o excite_v one_o element_n from_o another_o out_o of_o their_o pure_a possibility_n into_o act_n no_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o be_v superad_v but_o this_o digestion_n or_o matutarion_n be_v produce_v active_o from_o the_o superior_a element_n that_o be_v the_o fire_n and_o air_n which_o be_v not_o actual_o but_o potential_o in_o mercury_n which_o yet_o be_v excite_v and_o assist_v by_o a_o external_a heat_n and_o by_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a digest_v heat_n the_o passive_a element_n in_o mercury_n be_v by_o they_o subtilise_v be_v not_o only_o potential_o existent_a but_o actual_o towards_o water_n itself_o and_o the_o water_n be_v subtilise_v towards_o air_n and_o air_n follow_v to_o fire_n and_o in_o this_o proportionable_a action_n of_o nature_n and_o digestion_n of_o mercury_n the_o male_a and_o female_a abide_v together_o in_o close_a nature_n the_o female_a true_o as_o it_o be_v earth_n and_o water_n the_o male_a as_o air_n and_o fire_n which_o earth_n and_o water_n the_o philosopher_n do_v mingle_v in_o gold_n but_o call_v the_o air_n and_o fire_n a_o sulphur_n as_o it_o be_v therein_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o other_o foreign_a addition_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o therefore_o in_o art_n above_o ground_n neither_o be_v there_o find_v and_o foreign_a addition_n to_o digest_v or_o
be_v quick_o join_v to_o another_o water_n with_o a_o identative_a and_o unite_n mixture_n now_o in_o gold_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o mercury_n therefore_o be_v there_o be_v in_o it_o little_a dross_n which_o be_v not_o of_o a_o mercurial_a nature_n as_o we_o have_v show_v there_o be_v therein_o no_o great_a resistance_n but_o that_o a_o pure_a mercury_n may_v more_o easy_o adhere_v to_o gold_n and_o silver_n than_o to_o other_o metal_n in_o which_o many_o superfluity_n and_o dross_n do_v forbid_v and_o hinder_v other_o metal_n or_o their_o congeal_a mercury_n any_o contact_n or_o through_o mingle_v with_o crude_a mercury_n for_o those_o superfluity_n as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v be_v not_o of_o the_o first_o composition_n of_o mercury_n nor_o of_o the_o same_o natural_a or_o proportional_a homogeneity_n and_o if_o happy_o they_o be_v of_o its_o composition_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o of_o its_o proportion_n for_o whatever_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n proportion_n be_v not_o superfluous_a wherefore_o they_o can_v be_v inseparable_o thorough_o mingle_v neither_o with_o mercury_n to_o be_v coagulate_v by_o art_n nor_o with_o mercury_n coagulate_v which_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o mineralness_n be_v join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o metal_n be_v such_o dross_n be_v combustible_a by_o fire_n and_o therefore_o separable_a what_o wonder_n be_v it_o then_o if_o in_o those_o metal_n to_o which_o they_o be_v accidental_o superad_v they_o hinder_v their_o natural_a commixtion_n and_o permanent_a union_n with_o coagulate_v mercury_n or_o other_o crude_a mercury_n for_o this_o very_a cause_n gold_n itself_o though_o never_o so_o pure_a can_v far_o more_o difficult_o abide_v with_o be_v join_v and_o adhere_v to_o a_o unclean_a and_o drossy_a mercury_n coagulate_v or_o not_o coagulate_v than_o with_o a_o pure_a and_o clean_a one_o because_o a_o simple_a nature_n do_v rejoice_v in_o the_o society_n of_o and_o be_v perfect_v by_o a_o simple_a nature_n that_o be_v like_a to_o it_o and_o same_o with_o it_o in_o its_o first_o homogeneity_n and_o elemental_a proportion_n but_o gold_n as_o have_v be_v say_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o mercury_n thicken_v by_o its_o proper_a digestion_n and_o elemental_a action_n therefore_o albeit_o in_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o gold_n and_o mercury_n in_o ripeness_n because_o gold_n be_v more_o ripe_a than_o mercury_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o diversity_n in_o their_o matter_n therefore_o whatsoever_o gold_n have_v acquire_v by_o the_o digestion_n it_o have_v unto_o maturity_n mercury_n may_v acquire_v the_o same_o without_o any_o extraneous_a thing_n but_o art_n to_o breviate_v and_o contract_v the_o work_n join_v gold_n with_o mercury_n as_o be_v say_v and_o out_o of_o two_o sperm_n it_o make_v and_o generate_v artificial_o that_o same_o thing_n which_o nature_n do_v create_v in_o the_o mine_n of_o one_o actual_a seed_n the_o identity_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v always_o everywhere_o observe_v but_o not_o the_o same_o active_a power_n and_o therefore_o as_o nothing_o extraneous_a to_o its_o nature_n do_v enter_v this_o work_n in_o its_o first_o composition_n so_o neither_o do_v any_o thing_n multiply_v it_o which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o first_o temperament_n thereof_o wherefore_o some_o man_n think_v false_o that_o the_o philosopher_n stone_n may_v be_v compose_v of_o divers_a thing_n or_o of_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v nourish_v by_o they_o instead_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a sperm_n notwithstanding_o divers_a name_n have_v be_v impose_v on_o they_o neither_o do_v his_o philosophic_a work_n eat_v any_o thing_n or_o convert_v it_o into_o its_o own_o nature_n which_o be_v extraneous_a because_o it_o do_v not_o vegetate_v wherefore_o though_o there_o be_v in_o the_o say_v philosophic_a stone_n a_o body_n and_o a_o soul_n or_o a_o spirit_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o vegetable_o animate_v as_o tree_n and_o plant_n for_o this_o stone_n as_o all_o mineral_n be_v of_o the_o aforesaid_a first_o and_o not_o of_o the_o second_o or_o any_o superior_a intention_n or_o imposition_n but_o tree_n and_o plant_n be_v of_o the_o second_o imposition_n as_o vegetable_n be_v of_o the_o three_o four_o five_o or_o last_o imposition_n for_o mix_a thing_n in_o those_o four_o last_o imposition_n do_v vegetate_fw-la for_o in_o they_o the_o element_n by_o many_o transmutation_n and_o by_o be_v often_o alterate_v be_v more_o subtle_a wherefore_o they_o be_v more_o active_a and_o perfect_a though_o they_o be_v not_o more_o durable_a and_o permanent_a in_o â—heir_a permixtion_n because_o the_o element_n in_o they_o be_v not_o of_o a_o fix_a but_o dissolvable_a composition_n wherefore_o they_o take_v in_o their_o nourishment_n vegetable_o but_o our_o stone_n as_o also_o all_o the_o mineral_n be_v of_o the_o first_o imposition_n because_o it_o vegetate_v not_o nor_o be_v vegetable_o nourish_v but_o nourishment_n befall_v it_o rather_o by_o apposition_n of_o a_o nourishment_n of_o a_o like_a nature_n to_o it_o and_o not_o by_o vegetation_n for_o example_n sake_n because_o as_o be_v manifest_a by_o experience_n out_o of_o a_o feminine_a seed_n to_o wit_n out_o of_o mercury_n put_v to_o it_o unitive_o insensible_o and_o by_o way_n of_o composition_n this_o philosopher_n stone_n be_v nourish_v but_o by_o mean_n of_o a_o digestive_a heat_n for_o it_o take_v and_o assimilate_v its_o like_a unto_o itself_o to_o be_v multiply_v by_o way_n of_o apposition_n and_o not_o vegetable_o wherefore_o it_o become_v weighty_a in_o quantity_n and_o more_o active_a and_o perfect_a in_o quality_n neither_o do_v fire_n or_o heat_n multiply_v this_o our_o stone_n as_o its_o due_a nourishment_n because_o it_o be_v not_o of_o its_o first_o composition_n but_o heat_v it_o by_o a_o extrinsical_a accident_n for_o how_o can_v flame_n or_o fire_n multiply_v the_o stone_n itself_o or_o make_v it_o of_o itself_o more_o weighty_a when_o it_o can_v be_v fix_o and_o permanent_o mingle_v with_o it_o nor_o be_v not_o of_o its_o first_o composition_n or_o form_n nothing_o therefore_o nourish_v and_o multiply_v the_o say_a stone_n to_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o same_o form_n except_o the_o feminine_a seed_n which_o nourish_v it_o by_o mean_n of_o heat_n and_o nourish_v it_o not_o vegetable_o but_o by_o way_n of_o apposition_n and_o commixtion_n he_o therefore_o who_o thus_o multiply_v and_o nourish_v it_o shall_v not_o err_v because_o this_o multiplier_n an_o nourisher_n be_v turn_v into_o the_o same_o kind_n a_o man_n may_v indeed_o increase_v the_o stone_n and_o its_o weight_n by_o extraneous_a thing_n but_o this_o must_v be_v do_v out_o of_o its_o natural_a kind_n not_o convertible_a into_o it_o for_o that_o weight_n will_v be_v make_v beside_o nature_n that_o be_v not_o into_o the_o same_o species_n nor_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o one_o species_n yea_o it_o will_v be_v a_o aggregation_n of_o divers_a kind_n and_o a_o accidental_a composition_n which_o may_v be_v separate_v by_o the_o test._n but_o when_o the_o philosopher_n say_v that_o the_o stone_n may_v be_v make_v of_o every_o thing_n true_o they_o understand_v it_o not_o as_o some_o perverse_o interpret_v they_o that_o the_o stone_n may_v be_v make_v of_o divers_a thing_n unlike_a unto_o it_o both_o in_o kind_n and_o nature_n or_o which_o be_v more_o absurd_a that_o it_o may_v be_v multiply_v by_o a_o flame_n minister_v to_o it_o from_o without_o for_o this_o reason_n especial_o because_o fire_n and_o its_o flame_n may_v by_o a_o certain_a production_n arise_v out_o of_o every_o thing_n now_o the_o refutation_n of_o this_o opinion_n be_v manifest_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v before_o but_o when_o the_o philosopher_n say_v that_o the_o stone_n be_v make_v of_o every_o thing_n they_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v make_v of_o the_o four_o element_n proportional_o equalise_v to_o one_o another_o by_o a_o due_a and_o natural_a digestion_n out_o of_o which_o four_o element_n every_o thing_n that_o be_v generable_a and_o corruptible_a be_v make_v therefore_o by_o this_o similitude_n the_o philosopher_n say_v our_o stone_n be_v â—â—de_v out_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v out_o of_o every_o element_n because_o if_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v mortify_v or_o destroy_v the_o whole_a proportion_n of_o the_o golden_a nature_n will_v perish_v and_o its_o kind_n and_o every_o thing_n in_o whatsoever_o latitude_n and_o sort_n of_o alterable_n be_v generate_v out_o of_o the_o four_o element_n either_o actual_o or_o potential_o mix_v yet_o it_o can_v be_v proper_o say_v of_o every_o producible_a thing_n but_o of_o our_o golden_a stone_n and_o other_o thing_n equal_o mix_v that_o they_o be_v make_v out_o of_o every_o thing_n for_o this_o reason_n especial_o because_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o produce_v by_o a_o equal_a but_o by_o a_o adequate_a proportion_n of_o the_o element_n all_o the_o element_n be_v not_o actual_o existent_a but_o in_o their_o
mercury_n which_o be_v such_o as_o the_o planet_n be_v with_o which_o it_o be_v in_o conjunction_n for_o that_o arnoldus_fw-la though_o in_o other_o science_n he_o be_v a_o reverend_n and_o ingenious_a doctor_n yet_o in_o this_o art_n he_o handle_v experiment_n only_o without_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o cause_n now_o when_o he_o say_v that_o in_o the_o first_o sublimation_n the_o crude_a spirit_n be_v sublime_v from_o the_o inferior_a salt_n mineral_n and_o that_o mercury_n itself_o which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v cold_a and_o moist_a become_v a_o powder_n of_o a_o hot_a and_o dry_a nature_n as_o he_o say_v this_o yet_o conduce_v nothing_o to_o our_o work_n but_o let_v it_o be_v so_o that_o he_o make_v of_o mercury_n such_o a_o powder_n as_o he_o speak_v of_o that_o be_v thorough_o dry_v and_o hot_a by_o sublimation_n from_o salt_n yet_o those_o purification_n be_v vain_a and_o impertinent_a to_o our_o work_n yea_o as_o to_o the_o perfect_a of_o our_o work_n they_o be_v hurtful_a for_o though_o these_o inferior_a mineral_n communicate_v with_o metal_n in_o their_o nature_n yet_o not_o in_o kind_n and_o proportion_n for_o the_o superior_a and_o inferior_a mineral_n in_o their_o nativity_n and_o subterraneous_a formation_n be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o constitution_n universal_o and_o therefore_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n but_o they_o differ_v in_o proportion_n quality_n and_o kind_a or_o form_n wherefore_o if_o mercury_n be_v distil_v with_o those_o inferior_a mineral_n and_o thorough_o dry_v than_o his_o internal_a nature_n be_v confound_v and_o disproportion_v and_o be_v hinder_v and_o make_v unprofitable_a as_o to_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o feminine_a seed_n and_o invalid_a for_o our_o metallick_n work_n for_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v turn_v into_o the_o form_n of_o a_o powder_n except_o from_o his_o body_n of_o sol_n or_o luna_n so_o soon_o he_o undergo_v a_o through_o dryness_n unprofitable_a to_o the_o philosophic_a work_n yet_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o a_o drossy_a and_o impure_a mercury_n may_v and_o aught_o by_o a_o simple_a salt_n be_v sublime_v or_o purge_v once_o or_o often_o according_a to_o a_o due_a philosophic_a experience_n to_o take_v from_o it_o its_o droâ—s_n and_o outward_a mineral_n impurity_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o fluidity_n and_o radical_a humidity_n of_o mercury_n may_v always_o remain_v unaltered_a for_o the_o mercurial_a kind_n and_o form_n in_o such_o a_o work_n aught_o to_o remain_v uncorrupted_a as_o have_v be_v say_v already_o nor_o ought_v its_o outward_a form_n to_o be_v reduce_v into_o a_o thorough_o dry_v powder_n because_o its_o external_a form_n be_v corrupt_v show_v its_o internal_a nature_n to_o be_v confound_v unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o generation_n that_o it_o be_v alter_v as_o may_v be_v manifest_o see_v in_o the_o sign_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o natural_a way_n for_o there_o be_v sublimation_n of_o mercury_n from_o its_o own_o proper_a body_n which_o be_v conjoin_v and_o mingle_v with_o it_o by_o a_o amalgamation_n with_o it_o in_o its_o most_o inward_a part_n from_o which_o be_v oftentimes_o raise_v and_o reunite_v it_o reject_v and_o lose_v its_o superfluity_n and_o be_v not_o confound_v in_o its_o nature_n and_o afterward_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o philosophic_a work_n and_o powerful_a to_o dissolve_v metallick_n species_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o great_o alter_v intrinsical_o for_o the_o philosophic_a work_n unless_o it_o be_v alter_v by_o fix_a body_n dissolve_v in_o it_o but_o wonderful_a thing_n may_v be_v do_v in_o medicine_n for_o sensitive_n from_o this_o dry_a powder_n whether_o it_o be_v reduce_v into_o a_o oil_n or_o into_o water_n or_o it_o abide_v in_o a_o powder_n but_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o pertinent_a to_o the_o philosophic_a experiment_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v universal_o note_v that_o so_o soon_o as_o mercury_n be_v turn_v into_o a_o powder_n of_o whatever_o sort_n contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o body_n to_o be_v dissolve_v so_o soon_o will_v it_o be_v unprofitable_a to_o the_o philosophic_a work_n there_o be_v certain_a deceive_a sophister_n who_o by_o join_v venus_n to_o it_o or_o add_v other_o species_n make_v a_o sophistick_a work_n that_o be_v they_o give_v unto_o imperfect_a copper_n a_o colour_n but_o not_o natural_a they_o induce_v indeed_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o apparency_n but_o not_o a_o true_a nature_n that_o be_v transmutation_n like_a as_o he_o that_o paint_v a_o dead_a image_n or_o compose_v a_o statue_n of_o wood_n which_o appear_v only_o but_o be_v not_o and_o as_o much_o as_o a_o live_n differ_v from_o a_o image_n and_o picture_n so_o much_o differ_v their_o work_n from_o the_o philosophic_a hence_o this_o mixture_n persevere_fw-la not_o in_o the_o test_n of_o the_o fire_n though_o it_o be_v mineral_n because_o nature_n attract_v it_o not_o from_o a_o proportionable_a digestion_n nor_o have_v art_n vehement_o decoct_v it_o to_o a_o alteration_n of_o the_o mix_a nature_n wherefore_o that_o copper_n appear_v to_o be_v superficial_o only_a and_o not_o permanent_o and_o intrinsical_o tinge_v wherefore_o we_o must_v not_o adhere_v to_o the_o experiment_n of_o deceitful_a sophister_n because_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o natural_a art_n confute_v this_o sophistick_a work_n and_o show_v it_o to_o be_v false_a and_o if_o you_o will_v instance_n far_o and_o say_v that_o as_o the_o say_v armaldus_fw-la by_o sublimation_n purge_v away_o the_o dross_n of_o mercury_n and_o dry_v it_o in_o its_o nature_n so_o also_o as_o you_o say_v he_o by_o revive_v it_o moisten_v it_o again_o and_o make_v the_o mercury_n itself_o hot_a and_o moist_a and_o in_o its_o nature_n conformable_a to_o its_o body_n this_o hinder_v not_o my_o reverend_a doctor_n nor_o refute_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o philosophic_a art_n yea_o rather_o a_o error_n appear_v in_o the_o natural_a art_n for_o as_o be_v manifest_a arnaldus_n do_v teach_v if_o you_o regard_v the_o find_v of_o his_o word_n that_o mercury_n thus_o thorough_o dry_v be_v revive_v by_o hot_a water_n into_o which_o it_o be_v cast_v and_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v make_v hot_a and_o moist_a when_o it_o be_v first_o sublime_v hot_a and_o dry_a but_o what_o true_a philosopher_n will_v say_v that_o mercury_n or_o any_o other_o metal_n be_v change_v in_o nature_n and_o internal_a quality_n by_o simple_a water_n however_o hot_a or_o boil_a or_o that_o it_o can_v thence_o acquire_v its_o natural_a humidity_n and_o so_o be_v revive_v therefore_o mercury_n in_o this_o revival_n acquire_v nothing_o because_o common_a water_n neither_o decoct_n nor_o alter_v it_o because_o it_o neither_o have_v entrance_n nor_o ingress_n into_o it_o and_o that_o which_o neither_o have_v entrance_n nor_o ingress_n alter_v not_o because_o every_o thing_n to_o be_v alter_v must_v first_o be_v thorough_o mingle_v for_o indeed_o such_o a_o water_n may_v wipe_v away_o from_o it_o some_o superficial_a dross_n swim_v upon_o it_o but_o can_v infuse_v into_o it_o a_o new_a quality_n for_o what_o nature_n soever_o mercury_n reduce_v into_o a_o powder_n and_o mortify_v by_o sublimation_n retain_v such_o nature_n altogether_o it_o retain_v revive_v by_o water_n now_o this_o i_o will_v have_v to_o be_v speak_v in_o honour_n and_o respect_n unto_o the_o say_v arnaldus_n but_o i_o contemplate_v and_o defend_v the_o truth_n of_o nature_n and_o experience_n furthermore_o honour_a doctor_n that_o i_o may_v by_o this_o my_o answer_n satisfy_v your_o epistle_n and_o put_v a_o end_n thereto_o i_o humble_o entreat_v you_o that_o you_o will_v take_v in_o good_a part_n and_o favourable_o bear_v what_o i_o have_v write_v not_o by_o way_n of_o confutation_n but_o disputation_n but_o if_o i_o have_v answer_v any_o thing_n that_o offend_v you_o take_v it_o yet_o in_o good_a part_n and_o favourable_o or_o signify_v it_o to_o i_o in_o writing_n and_o i_o will_v satisfy_v you_o to_o my_o power_n as_o the_o most_o true_a doctor_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o shall_v give_v and_o teach_v i_o thanks_o be_v to_o christ._n the_o prefatory_a epistle_n of_o bernard_n earl_n of_o tresne_n to_o the_o noble_a doctor_n and_o most_o learned_a philosopher_n thomas_n of_o bononia_n my_o friend_n if_o i_o have_v any_o thing_n more_o noble_a imagine_v you_o with_o what_o good_a will_v i_o shall_v dedicate_v it_o to_o thou_o for_o have_v consider_v the_o wonderful_a virtue_n of_o this_o science_n in_o its_o height_n which_o you_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o therefore_o be_v i_o willing_a to_o dedicate_v this_o my_o labour_n unto_o thou_o entreat_v thou_o to_o accept_v it_o with_o as_o good_a a_o will_n as_o i_o give_v it_o unto_o thou_o and_o conclude_v that_o whilst_o i_o give_v thou_o this_o my_o labour_n that_o i_o have_v give_v a_o