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
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
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
the_o philosopher_n water_n of_o life_n the_o blood_n of_o man_n his_o red_a flesh_n his_o body_n and_o bones_n know_v therefore_o that_o there_o be_v many_o sort_n of_o milk_n viz._n virgin_n milk_n woman_n milk_n and_o also_o man_n milk_n for_o when_o first_o they_o be_v join_v in_o one_o and_o she_o be_v big_a have_v conceive_v than_o the_o infant_n must_v be_v nourish_v with_o milk_n but_o than_o you_o may_v know_v that_o this_o milk_n be_v not_o virgin_n milk_n but_o rather_o the_o man_n and_o the_o woman_n milk_n wherewith_o it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v nourish_v till_o it_o be_v growâ—_n to_o that_o strength_n that_o it_o may_v be_v bring_v up_o with_o strong_a and_o full_a food_n that_o food_n which_o i_o mean_v be_v the_o leaven_n of_o it_o which_o give_v it_o form_n that_o it_o may_v perform_v virile_a work_n for_o until_o the_o infant_n that_o be_v this_o our_o stone_n be_v form_v and_o leaven_v with_o its_o like_a the_o blood_n of_o the_o green_a dragon_n and_o the_o red_a blood_n of_o the_o red_a dragon_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o white_a stone_n or_o the_o red_a it_o will_v never_o do_v a_o perfect_a work_n know_v therefore_o son_n that_o the_o first_o water_n be_v that_o water_n rebar_n which_o god_n make_v of_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o generation_n as_o i_o say_v before_o but_o when_o after_o the_o conjunction_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o marriage_n it_o beget_v the_o water_n of_o life_n and_o the_o philosopher_n milk_n with_o one_o of_o which_o or_o both_o you_o must_v augment_v and_o feed_v your_o stone_n perpetual_o much_o more_o can_v i_o say_v to_o thou_o son_n concern_v this_o first_o matter_n but_o let_v this_o suffice_v that_o set_v aside_o impertinency_n of_o word_n we_o may_v now_o divine_a grace_n favour_v of_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o practice_n itself_o of_o the_o philosophic_a stone_n see_v therefore_o my_o son_n that_o thou_o diligent_o put_v all_o these_o matter_n which_o though_o they_o be_v three_o thing_n yet_o be_v they_o but_o one_o only_o in_o a_o glass_n vessel_n and_o let_v they_o quiet_o putrefy_v then_o put_v a_o alembick_a upon_o your_o vessel_n and_o by_o distillation_n draw_v out_o all_o the_o water_n which_o may_v be_v thence_o distil_v try_v this_o first_o in_o mary_n bath_n then_o place_v the_o vessel_n in_o ash_n and_o make_v a_o gentle_a fire_n for_o 12_o hour_n then_o take_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o the_o vessel_n grind_v it_o well_o by_o itself_o without_o the_o foresay_a water_n then_o â—ut_v it_o again_o into_o the_o vessel_n with_o water_n and_o stop_v the_o vessel_n close_o put_v it_o in_o the_o bath_n for_o three_o day_n and_o then_o distil_v the_o water_n as_o before_o in_o the_o bath_n and_o the_o matter_n will_v be_v more_o black_a than_o before_o do_v thus_o three_o time_n over_o and_o then_o grind_v it_o no_o more_o but_o afterwards_o as_o often_o as_o you_o distil_v it_o so_o oft_o pour_v water_n on_o the_o top_n but_o between_o each_o distillation_n give_v it_o so_o much_o fire_n for_o six_o hour_n or_o more_o till_o it_o become_v indifferent_a dry_a then_o pour_v water_n on_o the_o top_n again_o and_o dissolve_v it_o again_o in_o the_o bath_n under_o a_o blind_a alembick_a also_o in_o every_o distillation_n separate_v the_o phlegm_n by_o cast_v away_o six_o or_o seven_o drop_n of_o water_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o each_o distillation_n and_o observe_v this_o order_n cause_v it_o to_o drink_v its_o proper_a water_n till_o it_o have_v drink_v of_o it_o seven_o time_n its_o weight_n which_o it_o have_v at_o the_o first_o but_o than_o it_o will_v be_v of_o a_o white_a colour_n and_o so_o much_o the_o white_a by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o of_o its_o own_o water_n it_o have_v drink_v this_o be_v white_a elixir_n moreover_o this_o our_o water_n be_v call_v homogeneal_a and_o by_o many_o other_o name_n beside_o know_v that_o this_o water_n and_o matter_n generate_v as_o well_o the_o red_a stone_n as_o the_o white_a know_v also_o when_o this_o first_o matter_n be_v bring_v to_o its_o complete_a whiteness_n than_o the_o end_n of_o one_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o other_o that_o be_v of_o the_o red_a stone_n which_o be_v our_o red_a magnesia_n and_o virgin_n brass_n as_o we_o say_v at_o first_o son_n see_v thou_o well_o understand_v these_o word_n our_o virgin_n brass_n be_v our_o gold_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o brass_n be_v gold_n also_o our_o brass_n be_v our_o live_a brimstone_n but_o all_o live_a brimstone_n be_v not_o our_o live_a brimstone_n also_o quicksilver_n be_v mercury_n but_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o common_a quicksilver_n be_v our_o silver_n as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o water_n of_o life_n which_o be_v our_o seed_n and_o first_o matter_n be_v our_o mercury_n and_o our_o spirit_n of_o life_n which_o be_v extract_v out_o of_o the_o bless_a land_n of_o aethiopia_n which_o be_v call_v magnesia_n and_o by_o many_o other_o name_n beside_o my_o son_n know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o perfect_a generation_n without_o corruption_n for_o corruption_n cause_v cleanliness_n and_o cleanliness_n corruption_n consider_v therefore_o son_n our_o die_a poison_n which_o die_v and_o be_v die_v perpetual_o and_o this_o be_v our_o body_n our_o soul_n and_o our_o spirit_n when_o they_o be_v join_v together_o in_o one_o and_o become_v one_o thing_n which_o with_o its_o part_n arise_v also_o out_o of_o one_o thing_n beside_o which_o there_o be_v not_o any_o other_o neither_o ever_o shall_v be_v wherefore_o my_o son_n great_a folly_n it_o be_v for_o any_o one_o to_o believe_v that_o any_o other_o medicine_n can_v be_v turn_v into_o gold_n or_o silver_n which_o medicine_n will_v little_o profit_v thou_o of_o itself_o except_o it_o be_v mingle_v with_o a_o body_n for_o than_o shall_v it_o perfect_v its_o work_n according_a to_o its_o form_n to_o which_o it_o be_v bear_v for_o it_o be_v never_o bear_v that_o it_o may_v of_o itself_o become_v a_o body_n moreover_n know_v that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o difference_n between_o the_o first_o matter_n which_o be_v call_v the_o seed_n of_o metal_n and_o the_o medicine_n as_o be_v between_o the_o medicine_n and_o gold_n for_o the_o seed_n will_v never_o be_v the_o medicine_n without_o a_o body_n neither_o will_v the_o medicine_n ever_o be_v a_o metal_n without_o a_o body_n much_o difference_n also_o there_o be_v between_o elixir_n and_o the_o medicine_n as_o between_o masculine_a and_o feminine_a seed_n and_o also_o a_o infant_n which_o be_v generate_v of_o those_o in_o the_o matrice_n now_o you_o may_v see_v that_o the_o seed_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o infant_n another_o though_o they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o kind_n one_o thing_n one_o operation_n the_o vessel_n final_o one_o though_o it_o be_v call_v by_o divers_a name_n for_o of_o a_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v a_o infant_n bear_v when_o as_o yet_o the_o man_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o woman_n another_o though_o they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o kind_n which_o you_o ought_v to_o understand_v in_o our_o stone_n but_o what_o i_o say_v before_o that_o corruption_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o generation_n and_o of_o cleanliness_n be_v true_a for_o you_o must_v know_v that_o every_o thing_n in_o its_o first_o master_n be_v corrupt_a and_o bitter_a which_o corruption_n and_o bitterness_n be_v call_v die_a poison_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o life_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o will_v be_v sufficient_o manifest_a if_o you_o with_o right_a reason_n do_v weigh_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n consider_v well_o o_o son_n that_o when_o lucifer_n the_o angel_n of_o pride_n first_o rebel_v against_o god_n and_o prevaricate_v the_o command_n of_o the_o most_o high_a be_v assure_v that_o this_o be_v make_v corrupt_a bitter_a and_o harsh_a to_o he_o no_o less_o be_v the_o fall_n and_o prevarication_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n adam_n and_o eve_n who_o death_n and_o condemnation_n follow_v make_v to_o they_o corruption_n and_o bitterness_n and_o likewise_o to_o we_o in_o who_o the_o same_o corruption_n be_v propagate_v many_o more_o like_a example_n i_o can_v recite_v if_o need_n be_v but_o set_v aside_o these_o to_o come_v to_o what_o be_v proper_a to_o our_o discourse_n consider_v well_o that_o of_o all_o precious_a fruit_n which_o grow_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n their_o first_o matter_n be_v bitter_a and_o harsh_a as_o still_o retain_v some_o footstep_n of_o the_o former_a corruption_n and_o putrefaction_n which_o bitterness_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o continual_a action_n of_o natural_a heat_n be_v with_o great_a virtue_n turn_v into_o sweetness_n now_o therefore_o son_n if_o thou_o wiâ—â—_n be_v ingenious_a this_o little_a will_v suffice_v whereby_o to_o find_v out_o much_o more_o and_o to_o perceive_v my_o meaning_n consider_v therefore_o
condense_a mercury_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o gold_n or_o other_o species_n of_o metal_n therefore_o the_o philosopher_n have_v say_v that_o sulphur_n and_o mercury_n make_v sol_fw-mi that_o be_v its_o corporeity_n and_o permanency_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o hence_o conclude_v that_o the_o external_a artificial_a heat_n stir_v up_o and_o assist_v the_o proportional_a intrinsic_a heat_n to_o digest_v and_o ripen_v the_o other_o two_o less_o digest_v and_o immature_n element_n in_o mercury_n namely_o its_o water_n and_o earth_n be_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o compound_v for_o the_o external_a heat_n be_v not_o permanent_a within_o with_o the_o quantity_n and_o weight_n of_o the_o matter_n nor_o add_v any_o thing_n thereto_o but_o the_o intrinsic_a proportionate_a natural_a and_o simple_a heat_n be_v permanent_a with_o the_o quantity_n and_o weight_n of_o the_o mercury_n digest_v by_o it_o because_o that_o heat_n be_v a_o intrinsic_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o mercury_n itself_o to_o wit_n the_o two_o more_o active_a element_n in_o it_o namely_o air_n and_o fire_n therefore_o fool_n do_v ill_a and_o absurd_o understand_v that_o say_n of_o the_o philosopher_n that_o sulphur_n and_o mercury_n beget_v sol_n because_o as_o be_v sufficient_o know_v as_o neither_o air_n nor_o fire_n in_o the_o first_o mercurial_a composition_n nor_o afterward_o in_o the_o natural_a metallick_n digestion_n depart_v nor_o be_v sever_v from_o water_n and_o earth_n so_o neither_o do_v sulphur_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o air_n and_o fire_n depart_v nor_o be_v separate_v from_o mercury_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o water_n and_o earth_n and_o he_o be_v not_o a_o natural_a philosopher_n who_o imagine_v or_o assert_v the_o contrary_a for_o the_o digestion_n of_o gold_n happen_v and_o be_v make_v of_o the_o first_o mercurial_a proportion_n without_o any_o addition_n make_v thereto_o by_o nature_n under_o or_o art_n above_o ground_n as_o be_v say_v neither_o be_v that_o repugnant_a to_o what_o we_o have_v say_v that_o a_o pure_a sol_fw-la and_o clean_a mercury_n must_v in_o this_o art_n be_v conjoin_v because_o this_o be_v not_o do_v to_o that_o intent_n to_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v one_o sulphur_n in_o sol_n and_o another_o in_o mercury_n or_o that_o there_o be_v one_o mercury_n in_o sol_n and_o another_o in_o mercury_n but_o because_o the_o digestion_n be_v more_o mature_a and_o perfect_a in_o sol_n than_o mercury_n and_o also_o in_o the_o sun_n the_o sulphur_n be_v more_o mature_a and_o digest_v and_o therefore_o more_o active_a than_o in_o mercury_n whence_o the_o philosopher_n have_v affirm_v sol_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o quicksilver_n maturedâ—_n for_o in_o mercury_n there_o be_v only_o two_o actual_a element_n to_o wit_n water_n and_o earth_n which_o be_v passive_a but_o the_o active_a element_n air_n and_o fire_n be_v only_o potential_o therein_o but_o as_o it_o be_v know_v when_o those_o air_n and_o fire_n in_o a_o pure_a mercury_n be_v deduce_v from_o possibility_n into_o act_n that_o be_v to_o a_o due_a digestion_n and_o proportionable_a concoction_n then_o â—t_a become_v gold_n wherefore_o in_o gold_n there_o be_v four_o element_n conjoin_v in_o equal_a and_o anatical_a proportion_n in_o which_o therefore_o there_o be_v actual_o a_o more_o ripe_a and_o active_a sulphur_n that_o be_v air_n and_o fire_n than_o in_o mercury_n wherefore_o gold_n be_v by_o art_n dissolve_v with_o mercury_n that_o the_o unripe_a may_v be_v holpen_v by_o the_o ripe_a and_o so_o art_n decoct_v and_o nature_n perfect_v the_o composition_n be_v ripen_v by_o the_o favour_n of_o christ._n whence_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v derive_v why_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o philosophic_a art_n more_o perfect_a noble_a and_o by_o many_o degree_n more_o elevate_v gold_n be_v make_v soon_o an_o in_o less_o time_n than_o by_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n because_o nature_n do_v act_n and_o work_v this_o by_o boil_a and_o digest_v mercury_n alone_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n without_o any_o assistant_n which_o can_v be_v bring_v on_o to_o the_o due_a proportion_n of_o gold_n or_o any_o other_o metal_n in_o a_o little_a time_n but_o our_o art_n help_v the_o work_n of_o nature_n by_o mingle_v with_o mercury_n ripe_a gold_n in_o which_o be_v a_o sulphur_n excellent_o digest_v and_o therefore_o mature_v and_o quick_o digest_v mercury_n itself_o to_o the_o anatick_a proportion_n of_o gold_n by_o subtilize_v its_o element_n whereupon_o there_o follow_v by_o art_n a_o wonderful_a abbreviation_n of_o this_o natural_a work_n wherefore_o my_o doctor_n i_o return_v to_o the_o former_a point_n we_o must_v not_o imagine_v according_a to_o their_o mistake_n who_o say_v that_o the_o male_a agent_n himself_o approach_v the_o female_a in_o the_o coagulation_n and_o depart_v afterward_o because_o as_o be_v know_v in_o every_o generation_n the_o conception_n be_v active_a and_o passive_a both_o the_o active_a and_o passive_a that_o be_v all_o the_o four_o element_n must_v always_o abide_v together_o otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v no_o mixture_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o generate_a a_o offspring_n will_v be_v extinguish_v for_o in_o every_o man_n the_o masculine_a seed_n to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o life_n be_v call_v in_o he_o the_o agent_n when_o it_o be_v first_o mingle_v with_o the_o feminine_a and_o whether_o it_o be_v shed_v out_o or_o consume_v in_o he_o nature_n for_o its_o sake_n do_v vegetate_v and_o be_v wonderful_o increase_v and_o nourish_v and_o make_v to_o itself_o in_o the_o same_o man_n loin_n the_o like_a specific_a seed_n the_o like_a be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o feminine_a seed_n in_o the_o woman_n wherefore_o both_o these_o seed_n abide_v always_o and_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v for_o original_a agent_n and_o first_o patient_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o various_a or_o different_a nativity_n or_o generation_n of_o mixt_n and_o vegetable_n for_o they_o be_v call_v simple_a mixt_n which_o grow_v under_o ground_n out_o of_o our_o sight_n or_o about_o the_o surface_n thereof_o by_o the_o commixture_n of_o the_o element_n alone_o compound_v one_o with_o another_o or_o from_o their_o first_o solution_n because_o they_o grow_v not_o as_o vegetable_n but_o how_o much_o soever_o of_o matter_n be_v compact_v and_o mix_v in_o they_o so_o much_o of_o their_o first_o weight_n be_v reserve_v in_o the_o same_o compound_n for_o example_n sake_n how_o much_o soever_o at_o first_o a_o mass_n of_o some_o mercurial_a substance_n do_v weigh_v in_o its_o mineral_n disposition_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o much_o weight_n of_o gold_n will_v abide_v digest_v therefrom_o and_o the_o scoriae_fw-la and_o faeces_fw-la reject_v from_o it_o will_v rather_o be_v diminish_v than_o multiply_v because_o they_o receive_v no_o nourishment_n but_o there_o be_v manifold_a degree_n of_o this_o first_o and_o simple_a natural_a mixture_n the_o first_o be_v the_o naked_a concretion_n and_o composition_n of_o the_o four_o element_n and_o that_o immediate_a in_o which_o there_o be_v not_o yet_o any_o change_n make_v or_o exaltation_n of_o one_o element_n into_o another_o but_o a_o simple_a union_n of_o a_o symbolise_n composition_n of_o they_o persevere_v and_o abide_v of_o which_o sort_n stone_n be_v the_o second_o degree_n follow_v upon_o the_o first_o because_o from_o the_o aforesaid_a stone_n mineral_n about_o which_o we_o discourse_v be_v generate_v and_o the_o more_o noble_a subterraneous_a species_n emerge_n and_o arise_v from_o hence_o because_o in_o these_o begin_v the_o action_n of_o element_n and_o their_o mutual_a transmutation_n though_o their_o action_n be_v not_o in_o so_o great_a vivacity_n and_o virtue_n as_o in_o vegetable_n and_o sensitive_n because_o they_o have_v neither_o growth_n nor_o sense_n as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o the_o three_o degree_n be_v that_o which_o comprehend_v precious_a stone_n and_o gem_n because_o in_o they_o be_v find_v a_o perfect_a and_o complete_a action_n from_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o element_n compact_v and_o act_v mutual_o as_o i_o have_v declare_v more_o large_o in_o my_o philosophy_n where_o i_o have_v perspicuous_o manifest_v this_o three_o degree_n together_o with_o the_o second_o to_o be_v a_o mean_a betwixt_o the_o first_o and_o second_o composition_n of_o natural_a thing_n then_o another_o nativity_n or_o generation_n be_v that_o which_o be_v not_o account_v to_o be_v of_o simple_a mixt_n but_o compound_v vegetable_n which_o be_v true_o divisible_a into_o four_o kind_n or_o class_n as_o i_o have_v discourse_v more_o large_o in_o my_o other_o book_n which_o i_o send_v you_o for_o there_o be_v vegetable_n but_o sensitive_n more_o especial_o which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n beget_v their_o like_a by_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o male_a and_o female_a for_o the_o most_o part_n concur_v and_o commix_v by_o copulation_n which_o work_n of_o nature_n the_o philosophic_a art_n imitate_v in_o the_o generation_n of_o
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
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