mean_n whereof_o that_o which_o before_o lie_v hide_v do_v now_o appear_v neither_o can_v the_o moisture_n be_v separate_v but_o be_v retain_v by_o the_o dryness_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o see_v that_o whosoever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v retain_v by_o or_o with_o his_o contrary_n as_o heat_n with_o cold_a and_o dryness_n with_o moisture_n thus_o when_o each_o of_o they_o have_v besiege_v his_o companion_n the_o thin_a be_v mingle_v with_o the_o thick_a and_o those_o thing_n be_v make_v one_o substance_n to_o wit_n their_o soul_n hot_a and_o moist_a and_o their_o body_n cold_a and_o dry_a than_o it_o labour_v to_o dissolve_v and_o subtiliate_v by_o his_o heat_n and_o moisture_n which_o be_v his_o soul_n and_o strive_v to_o enclose_v and_o retain_v with_o his_o body_n that_o be_v cold_a and_o dry_a and_o in_o this_o manner_n be_v his_o office_n change_v and_o alter_v from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o thus_o have_v i_o tell_v thou_o the_o truth_n which_o i_o have_v both_o see_v &_o do_v give_v thou_o in_o charge_n to_o convert_v nature_n from_o their_o subtility_n and_o substance_n with_o heat_n and_o moisture_n into_o their_o substance_n and_o colour_n now_o if_o thou_o will_v proceed_v aright_o in_o this_o mastery_n to_o obtain_v thy_o desire_n pass_v not_o the_o bound_n that_o i_o have_v set_v thou_o in_o this_o book_n chap._n vi_o the_o manner_n how_o to_o fix_v the_o spirit_n know_v also_o that_o when_o the_o body_n be_v mingle_v with_o moisture_n and_o that_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o fire_n meet_v therewith_o the_o moisture_n be_v convert_v on_o the_o body_n and_o dissolve_v it_o and_o then_o the_o spirit_n can_v issue_v forth_o because_o it_o be_v imbibe_v with_o the_o fire_n the_o spirit_n be_v fugitive_a so_o long_o as_o the_o body_n be_v mingle_v with_o they_o and_o strive_v to_o resist_v the_o fire_n &_o his_o flame_n and_o yet_o these_o part_n can_v hardly_o agree_v without_o a_o good_a operation_n and_o continual_a labour_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o ascend_v upward_o whereas_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v and_o who_o be_v he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o join_v two_o or_o diverse_a thing_n together_o where_o their_o centre_n be_v diverse_a unless_o it_o be_v after_o the_o conversion_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o change_v of_o the_o substance_n and_o thing_n from_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v difficult_a to_o find_v out_o whosoever_o therefore_o can_v convert_v the_o soul_n into_o the_o body_n the_o body_n into_o the_o soul_n and_o therewith_o mingle_v the_o subtle_a spirit_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o tinct_v any_o body_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o decoction_n contrition_n and_o wash_v of_o the_o stone_n thou_o be_v moreover_o to_o understand_v that_o decoction_n contrition_n cribation_n mundification_n and_o ablution_n with_o sweet_a water_n be_v very_o necessary_a to_o this_o secret_a and_o mastery_n so_o that_o he_o who_o will_v bestow_v any_o pain_n herein_o must_v cleanse_v it_o very_o well_o and_o wash_v the_o blackness_n from_o it_o and_o darkness_n that_o appear_v in_o his_o operation_n and_o subtiliate_v the_o body_n as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v and_o afterward_o mingletherwith_o the_o soul_n dissolve_v and_o spirit_n cleanse_v so_o long_o as_o he_o think_v good_a chap._n viii_o of_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o fire_n and_o of_o the_o commodity_n and_o discommodity_n of_o it_o fvrthermore_o thou_o must_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o fire_n for_o the_o benefit_n and_o loss_n of_o this_o thing_n proceed_v from_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o fire_n whereupon_o plato_n say_v in_o his_o book_n the_o fire_n yield_v profit_n to_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a but_o domoge_n and_o corruption_n to_o that_o which_o be_v corrupt_a so_o that_o when_o his_o quantity_n shall_v be_v meet_a &_o convenient_a it_o shall_v prosper_v but_o if_o it_o shall_v exceed_v measure_n in_o thing_n it_o shall_v without_o measure_n corrupt_a both_o to_o wit_n the_o perfect_a and_o corrupt_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o the_o learned_a shall_v pour_v their_o medicine_n upon_o elixir_n to_o hinder_v and_o remove_v from_o they_o the_o burn_a of_o the_o fire_n &_o his_o heat_n hermes_n also_o say_v to_o his_o father_n i_o be_o afraid_a father_n of_o the_o enemy_n in_o my_o house_n to_o who_o he_o make_v answer_v son_n take_v the_o dog_n corascene_a &_o the_o bitch_n of_o armenia_n put_v they_o together_o and_o they_o shall_v bring_v a_o dog_n of_o the_o colour_n of_o heaven_n and_o dip_v he_o once_o in_o the_o sea_n water_n for_o he_o shall_v keep_v thy_o friend_n and_o defend_v thou_o from_o thy_o enemy_n and_o shall_v help_v thou_o whersoever_o thou_o become_v always_o abide_v with_o thou_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v now_o hermes_n mean_v by_o the_o dog_n &_o bitch_n such_o thing_n as_o preserve_v body_n from_o the_o scorch_a he_o eat_v of_o the_o fire_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v water_n of_o calces_fw-la and_o salt_n the_o composition_n whereof_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o philosopher_n book_n that_o have_v write_v of_o this_o mastery_n among_o who_o some_o have_v name_v they_o sea-water_n and_o bird_n milk_n and_o such_o like_a chap_n ix_o of_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o element_n of_o the_o stone_n thou_o must_v afterward_o bother_n take_v this_o precious_a stone_n which_o the_o philosopher_n have_v name_v magnify_v hide_a &_o conceal_v &_o put_v it_o in_o a_o cucurbit_n with_o his_o alembick_a &_o divide_v his_o nature_n that_o be_v the_o four_o element_n the_o earth_n the_o water_n the_o air_n and_o the_o fire_n these_o be_v the_o body_n and_o soul_n the_o spirit_n and_o tincture_n when_o thou_o have_v divide_v the_o water_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o air_n from_o the_o fire_n keep_v both_o of_o they_o by_o themselves_o and_o take_v that_o which_o descend_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o glass_n be_v the_o lees_n and_o wash_v it_o with_o a_o warm_a fire_n till_o his_o blackness_n be_v go_v and_o his_o thickness_n depart_v then_o make_v he_o very_o white_a cause_v the_o superfluous_a moisture_n to_o fly_v away_o for_o than_o he_o shall_v be_v change_v and_o become_v a_o white_a calx_fw-la wherein_o there_o be_v no_o cloudy_a darkness_n nor_o uncleanness_n and_o contrariety_n afterward_o return_v back_o to_o the_o first_o nature_n which_o ascend_v from_o it_o and_o purify_v they_o likewise_o from_o uncleanness_n blackness_n and_o contrariety_n and_o reiterate_v these_o work_n upon_o they_o so_o often_o until_o they_o be_v subtiliate_v purify_v and_o make_v thin_a which_o when_o thou_o have_v do_v thou_o shall_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n have_v be_v gracious_a unto_o thou_o know_v brother_n that_o this_o work_n be_v one_o stone_n into_o which_o gatib_n may_v not_o enter_v that_o be_v to_o say_v any_o strange_a thing_n the_o learned_a work_n with_o this_o and_o from_o hence_o proceed_v a_o medicine_n that_o give_v perfection_n there_o must_v nothing_o be_v mingle_v herewith_o either_o in_o part_n or_o whole_a this_o stone_n be_v to_o be_v find_v at_o all_o time_n in_o every_o place_n and_o about_o every_o man_n the_o search_n whereof_o be_v not_o troublesome_a to_o he_o that_o seek_v it_o wheresoever_o he_o be_v this_o stone_n be_v vile_a black_a and_o stink_a it_o co_v nothing_o it_o must_v be_v take_v alone_o it_o be_v somewhat_o heavy_a and_o it_o be_v call_v the_o original_a of_o the_o world_n because_o it_o rise_v up_o like_a thing_n that_o bud_v forth_o this_o be_v his_o revelation_n and_o appearance_n to_o he_o thut_v make_v inquiry_n after_o it_o chap._n x._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o stone_n and_o his_o birth_n take_v it_o therefore_o and_o work_v it_o as_o the_o philosopher_n have_v tell_v you_o in_o his_o book_n when_o he_o name_v it_o after_o this_o manner_n take_v the_o stone_n no_o stone_n or_o that_o be_v not_o a_o stone_n neither_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o stone_n it_o be_v a_o stone_n who_o mine_a be_v in_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n and_o here_o by_o mountain_n the_o philosopher_n understand_v live_v creature_n whereupon_o he_o say_v son_n go_v to_o the_o mountain_n of_o india_n and_o to_o his_o cave_n &_o pull_v out_o thence_o precious_a stone_n which_o will_v melt_v in_o the_o water_n when_o they_o be_v put_v into_o it_o and_o this_o water_n be_v that_o which_o be_v take_v from_o other_o mountain_n and_o hollow_a place_n they_o be_v stone_n son_n and_o they_o be_v not_o stone_n but_o we_o call_v they_o so_o for_o a_o similitude_n which_o they_o have_v to_o stone_n and_o thou_o must_v know_v that_o the_o root_n of_o their_o mine_n be_v in_o the_o air_n and_o their_o top_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o it_o will_v easy_o be_v hear_v when_o they_o be_v pluck_v out_o of_o
the_o mirror_n of_o alchemy_n compose_v by_o the_o thrice-famous_a and_o learned_a friar_n roger_n bachon_n sometime_o fellow_n of_o martin_n college_n and_o afterward_o of_o brasen-nose_n college_n in_o oxenford_n also_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o learned_a discourse_n of_o the_o admirable_a force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d write_v by_o the_o same_o author_n with_o certain_a other_o worthy_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o like_a argument_n vino_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d london_n print_a for_o richard_n 〈◊〉_d 1597._o the_o preface_n in_o time_n past_o the_o philosopher_n speak_v after_n diverse_a and_o sundry_a manner_n throughout_o their_o writing_n since_o that_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o riddle_n and_o cloudy_a voice_n they_o have_v leave_v unto_o we_o acertaine_a most_o excellent_a and_o noble_a science_n but_o altogether_o obscure_a and_o without_o all_o hope_n utter_o deny_v and_o that_o not_o without_o good_a cause_n wherefore_o i_o will_v advise_v thou_o that_o above_o all_o other_o book_n thou_o shall_v firm_o fix_v thy_o mind_n upon_o these_o seven_o chapter_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o transmutation_n of_o metal_n and_o often_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o beginning_n middle_a and_o end_n of_o the_o same_o wherein_o thou_o shall_v find_v such_o subtility_n that_o thy_o mind_n shall_v be_v full_o content_v therewith_o the_o mirror_n of_o alchemy_n compose_v by_o the_o famous_a friar_n roger_n bachon_n sometime_o fellow_n of_o martin_n college_n and_o brasen-nose_n college_n in_o oxenford_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o definition_n of_o alchemy_n in_o many_o ancient_a book_n there_o be_v find_v many_o definition_n of_o this_o art_n the_o intention_n whereof_o we_o must_v consider_v in_o this_o chapter_n for_o hermes_n say_v of_o this_o science_n alchemy_n be_v a_o corporal_a science_n simple_o compose_v of_o one_o and_o by_o one_o natural_o conjoin_v thing_n more_o precious_a by_o knowledge_n and_o effect_n and_o convert_n they_o by_o a_o natural_a commixtion_n into_o a_o better_a kind_n a_o certain_a other_o say_v alchemy_n be_v a_o science_n teach_v how_o to_o transform_v any_o kind_n of_o mettle_n into_o another_o and_o that_o by_o a_o propermedicine_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o many_o philosopher_n book_n alchemy_n therefore_o be_v a_o science_n teach_v how_o to_o make_v and_o compound_v a_o certain_a medicine_n which_o be_v call_v elixir_n the_o which_o when_o it_o be_v cast_v upon_o metal_n or_o imperfect_a body_n do_v full_o perfect_v they_o in_o the_o very_a projection_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o natural_a principle_n and_o procreation_n of_o mineral_n second_o i_o will_v perfect_o declare_v the_o natural_a principle_n &_o procreation_n of_o mineral_n where_o first_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o natural_a principle_n in_o the_o mine_n be_v argent-uive_a and_o sulphur_n all_o metal_n and_o mineral_n whereof_o there_o be_v sundry_a and_o diverse_a kind_n be_v beget_v of_o these_o two_o but_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o nature_n always_o intend_v and_o strive_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o gold_n but_o many_o accident_n come_v between_o change_v the_o metal_n as_o it_o be_v evident_o to_o be_v see_v in_o diverse_a of_o the_o philosopher_n book_n for_o according_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o impurity_n of_o the_o two_o aforesaid_a principle_n argent-uive_a and_o sulphur_n pure_a and_o impure_a metal_n be_v engender_v to_o wit_n gold_n silver_n steel_n lead_v copper_n and_o iron_n of_o who_o nature_n that_o be_v to_o say_v purity_n and_o impurity_n or_o unclean_a superfluity_n and_o defect_n give_v ear_n to_o that_o which_o follow_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o gold_n gold_n be_v a_o perfect_a body_n engender_v of_o argent-uive_a pure_a fix_v clear_a red_a and_o of_o sulphur_n clean_o fix_v red_z not_o burn_v and_o it_o want_v nothing_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o silver_n silver_n be_v a_o body_n clean_o pure_a and_o almost_o perfect_a beget_v of_o argent-uive_a pure_a almost_o fix_v clear_a and_o white_a &_o of_o such_o a_o like_a sulphur_n it_o want_v nothing_o save_v a_o little_a fixation_n colour_n and_o weight_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o steel_n steel_n be_v a_o body_n clean_o imperfect_a engender_v of_o argent-uive_a pure_a fix_v &_o not_o fix_v clear_a white_a outward_o but_o red_a inward_o and_o of_o the_o like_a sulphur_n it_o want_v only_a decoction_n or_o digestion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o lead_n lead_n be_v a_o unclean_a and_o imperfect_a body_n engender_v of_o argent-uive_a impure_a not_o fix_v earthy_a drossy_a somewhat_o white_a outward_o and_o red_a inward_o and_o of_o such_o a_o sulphur_n in_o part_n burn_v it_o want_v purity_n fixation_n colour_n and_o fire_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o copper_n copper_n be_v a_o unclean_a and_o imperfect_a body_n engender_v of_o argent-uive_a impure_a not_o fix_v earthy_a burn_a red_z not_o clear_a and_o of_o the_o like_a sulphur_n it_o want_v purity_n fixation_n and_o weight_n and_o have_v too_o much_o of_o a_o impure_a colour_n and_o earthiness_n not_o burn_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o iron_n iron_n be_v a_o unclean_a and_o imperfect_a body_n engender_v of_o argent-uive_a impure_a too_o much_o fix_v earthy_a burn_a white_z and_z red_z not_o clear_a and_o of_o the_o like_a sulphur_n it_o want_v fusion_n purity_n and_o weight_n it_o have_v too_o much_o fix_v unclean_a sulphur_n and_o burn_a earthiness_n that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v every_o alchemist_n must_v diligent_o observe_v chap._n iii_o out_o of_o what_o thing_n the_o matter_n of_o elixir_n must_v be_v more_o near_o extract_v the_o generation_n of_o metal_n as_o well_o perfect_a as_o imperfect_a be_v sufficient_o declare_v by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o speak_v now_o let_v we_o return_v to_o the_o imperfect_a matter_n that_o must_v be_v choose_v and_o make_v perfect_a see_v that_o by_o the_o former_a chapter_n we_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o all_o metal_n be_v engender_v of_o argent-uive_a and_o sulphur_n and_o how_o that_o their_o impurity_n and_o uncleanness_n do_v corrupt_a and_o that_o nothing_o may_v be_v mingle_v with_o metal_n which_o have_v not_o be_v make_v or_o spring_v from_o they_o it_o remain_v clean_a enough_o that_o no_o strange_a thing_n which_o have_v not_o his_o original_n from_o these_o two_o be_v able_a to_o perfect_v they_o or_o to_o make_v a_o change_n and_o new_a transmutation_n of_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o any_o wise_a man_n shall_v set_v his_o mind_n upon_o live_a creature_n or_o vegetable_n which_o be_v far_o off_o when_o there_o be_v mineral_n to_o be_v find_v nigh_o enough_o neither_o may_v we_o in_o any_o wise_a think_v that_o any_o of_o the_o philosopher_n place_v the_o art_n in_o the_o say_v remote_a thing_n except_o it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o comparison_n but_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a two_o all_o metal_n be_v make_v neither_o do_v any_o thing_n cleave_v unto_o they_o or_o be_v join_v with_o they_o nor_o yet_o change_v they_o but_o that_o which_o be_v of_o they_o and_o so_o of_o right_n we_o must_v take_v argent-uive_a and_o sulphur_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o stone_n neither_o do_v argent-uive_a by_o itself_o alone_o nor_o sulphur_n by_o itself_o alone_o beget_v any_o mettle_n but_o of_o the_o commixtion_n of_o they_o both_o diverse_a metal_n and_o mineral_n be_v diverse_o bring_v forth_o our_o matter_n therefore_o must_v be_v choose_v of_o the_o commixtion_n of_o they_o both_o but_o our_o final_a secret_a be_v most_o excellent_a and_o most_o hide_a to_o wit_n of_o what_o mineral_n thing_n that_o be_v more_o near_o than_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v and_o in_o make_v choice_n hereof_o we_o must_v be_v very_o wary_a i_o put_v the_o case_n then_o y_z t_z our_o matter_n be_v first_o of_o all_o draw_v out_o of_o vegetable_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v herb_n tree_n and_o whatsoever_o spring_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n here_o we_o must_v first_o make_v argent-uive_a &_o sulphur_n by_o a_o long_a decoction_n from_o which_o thing_n and_o their_o operation_n we_o be_v excuse_v for_o nature_n herself_o offer_v unto_o we_o argent-uive_a and_o sulphur_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v draw_v it_o from_o live_a creature_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v man_n blood_n hair_n urine_n excrement_n hen_n egg_n and_o what_o else_o proceed_v from_o live_a creature_n we_o must_v likewise_o out_o of_o they_o extract_v argent-uive_a and_o sulphur_n by_o decoction_n from_o which_o we_o be_v free_v as_o we_o be_v before_o or_o if_o we_o shall_v choose_v it_o out_o of_o middle_a mineral_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v all_o kind_n of_o magnesia_n marchasite_n of_o tutia_n coppre_v allums_n baurach_n salt_n and_o marry_v other_o we_o shall_v likewise_o as_o asore_n extract_v argent-uive_a and_o sulphur_n by_o decoction_n from_o which_o as_o from_o the_o former_a we_o be_v also_o excuse_v and_o if_o we_o shall_v take_v one_o of_o the_o seven_o spirit_n by_o itself_o as_o argent-uive_a
or_o sulphur_n alone_o or_o argent_fw-fr vive_v and_o one_o of_o the_o two_o sulphur_n or_o sulphur-uive_a or_o auripigment_n or_o citrine_n arsenicum_fw-la or_o red_a alone_a or_o the_o like_a we_o shall_v never_o effect_v it_o because_o since_o nature_n do_v never_o perfect_a anything_o without_o equal_a commixtion_n of_o both_o neither_o can_v we_o from_o these_o therefore_o as_o from_o the_o foresay_a argent-uive_a and_o sulphur_n in_o their_o nature_n we_o be_v excuse_v final_o if_o we_o shall_v choose_v they_o we_o shall_v mix_v everiething_o as_o it_o be_v according_a to_o a_o due_a proportion_n which_o no_o man_n know_v and_o afterward_o decoct_v it_o to_o coagulation_n into_o a_o solid_a lump_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v excuse_v from_o receive_v both_o of_o they_o in_o their_o proper_a nature_n to_o wit_n argent-uive_a and_o sulphur_n see_v we_o know_v not_o their_o proportion_n and_o that_o we_o may_v meet_v with_o body_n wherein_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o say_a thing_n proportion_v coagulate_v &_o gather_v together_o after_o a_o due_a manner_n keep_v this_o secret_a more_o secret_o gold_n be_v a_o perfect_a masculine_a body_n without_o any_o superfluity_n or_o diminution_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v perfect_v imperfect_a body_n mingle_v with_o it_o by_o melt_a only_o it_o shall_v be_v elixir_n to_o red_a silver_n be_v also_o a_o body_n almost_o perfect_a and_o feminine_a which_o if_o it_o shall_v almost_o perfect_v imperfect_a body_n by_o his_o common_a melt_a only_o it_o shall_v be_v elixir_n to_o white_a which_o it_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v because_o they_o only_o be_v perfect_a and_o if_o this_o perfection_n may_v be_v mix_v with_o the_o imperfect_a the_o imperfect_a shall_v not_o be_v perfect_v with_o the_o perfect_a but_o rather_o their_o perfection_n shall_v be_v diminish_v by_o the_o imperfect_a &_o become_v imperfect_a but_o if_o they_o be_v more_o than_o perfect_a either_o in_o a_o twofold_n fourfold_a hundred-fold_n or_o large_a proportion_n they_o may_v then_o well_o perfect_a the_o imperfect_a and_o forasmuch_o as_o nature_n do_v always_o work_v simple_o the_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o they_o be_v simple_a inseparable_a &_o incommiscible_a neither_o may_v they_o by_o art_n be_v put_v in_o the_o stone_n for_o serment_n to_o shorten_v the_o work_n and_o so_o bring_v to_o their_o former_a state_n because_o the_o most_o volatile_a do_v overcome_v the_o most_o fix_v and_o for_o that_o gold_n be_v a_o perfect_a body_n consist_v of_o argent-uive_a red_a and_o clear_a &_o of_o such_o a_o sulphur_n therefore_o we_o choose_v it_o not_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o stone_n to_o the_o red_a elixir_n because_o it_o be_v so_o simple_o perfect_a without_o artificial_a mundification_n &_o so_o strong_o digest_v and_o sod_a with_o a_o natural_a heat_n that_o with_o our_o artificial_a fire_n we_o be_v scarce_o able_a to_o work_v on_o gold_n or_o silver_n and_o though_o nature_n do_v perfect_a any_o thing_n yet_o she_o can_v thorough_o mundify_v or_o perfect_a and_o purify_v it_o because_o she_o simple_o work_v on_o that_o which_o she_o have_v if_o therefore_o we_o shall_v choose_v gold_n or_o silver_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o stone_n we_o shall_v hard_o and_o scant_o find_v fire_n work_v in_o they_o and_o although_o we_o be_v not_o ignoranr_v of_o the_o fire_n yet_o can_v we_o not_o come_v to_o the_o through_o mundification_n &_o perfection_n of_o it_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o most_o firm_a knit_n together_o and_o natural_a composition_n we_o be_v therefore_o excuse_v for_o take_v the_o first_o too_o red_a or_o the_o second_o too_o white_a see_v we_o may_v find_v out_o a_o thing_n or_o some_o body_n of_o as_o clean_o or_o rather_o more_o clean_a sulphur_n &_o argent-uive_a on_o which_o nature_n have_v wrought_v little_a or_o nothing_o at_o all_o which_o with_o our_o artificial_a fire_n &_o experience_n of_o our_o art_n we_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v unto_o his_o due_a concoction_n mundification_n colour_n and_o fixation_n continue_v our_o ingenious_a labour_n upon_o it_o there_o must_v therefore_o be_v such_o a_o matter_n choose_v wherein_o there_o be_v argent-uive_a clean_a pure_a clear_a white_a &_o red_a not_o full_o complete_a but_o equal_o and_o proportionable_o commix_v after_o a_o due_a manner_n with_o y_fw-es e_fw-es like_o sulphur_n &_o congeal_v into_o a_o solid_a mass_n that_o by_o our_o wisdom_n and_o discretion_n and_o by_o our_o artificial_a fire_n we_o may_v attain_v unto_o the_o uttermost_a cleanness_n of_o it_o and_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o same_o and_o bring_v it_o to_o that_o pass_n that_o after_o the_o work_n end_v it_o may_v be_v a_o thousand_o thousand_o time_n more_o strong_a and_o perfect_a than_o the_o simple_a body_n themselves_o decoct_v by_o their_o natural_a heat_n be_v therefore_o wise_a for_o it_o thou_o shall_v be_v subtle_a and_o witty_a in_o my_o chapter_n wherein_o by_o manifest_a prose_n i_o have_v lay_v open_a the_o matter_n of_o the_o stone_n easy_a to_o be_v know_v thou_o shall_v taste_v of_o that_o delightful_a thing_n wherein_o the_o whole_a intention_n of_o the_o philosopher_n be_v place_v chap._n four_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o work_v and_o of_o moderate_v and_o continue_v the_o fire_n i_o hope_v ere_o this_o time_n thou_o have_v already_o find_v out_o by_o the_o word_n already_o speak_v if_o thou_o be_v not_o most_o dull_a ignorant_a and_o foolish_a the_o certain_a matter_n of_o the_o learned_a philosopher_n bless_a stone_n whereon_o alchemy_n work_v while_o we_o endeavour_v to_o perfect_v the_o imperfect_a and_o that_o with_o thing_n more_o than_o perfect_a and_o for_o that_o nature_n hash_fw-mi deliver_v we_o the_o imperfect_a only_o with_o the_o perfect_a it_o be_v our_o part_n to_o make_v the_o matter_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n declare_v unto_o we_o more_o than_o perfect_a by_o our_o artificial_a labour_n and_o if_o we_o know_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o work_v what_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o nature_n which_o of_o long_a time_n have_v perfect_v metal_n do_v continual_o work_v do_v we_o not_o see_v that_o in_o the_o mine_n through_o the_o continual_a heat_n that_o be_v in_o the_o mountain_n there_o of_o the_o grossness_n of_o water_n be_v so_o decoct_v &_o thicken_v that_o in_o continuance_n of_o time_n it_o become_v argent-uive_a and_o that_o of_o the_o fatness_n of_o the_o earth_n through_o the_o same_o heat_n and_o decoction_n sulphur_n be_v engender_v and_o that_o through_o the_o same_o heat_n without_o intermission_n continue_v in_o they_o all_o metal_n be_v engender_v of_o they_o according_a to_o their_o purity_n and_o impurity_n and_o that_o nature_n do_v by_o decoction_n alone_o perfect_a or_o make_v all_o metal_n as_o well_o perfect_a as_o imperfect_a o_o extreme_a madness_n what_o i_o pray_v you_o constrain_v you_o to_o seek_v to_o perfect_v the_o foresay_a thing_n by_o strange_a melancholicall_a and_o fantastical_a regiment_n as_o one_o say_v woe_n to_o you_o that_o will_v overcome_v nature_n and_o make_v metal_n more_o than_o perfect_a by_o a_o new_a e_o regiment_n or_o work_v spring_v from_o your_o own_o senseless_a brain_n god_n have_v ginen_n to_o nature_n a_o straight_a way_n to_o wit_n continual_a concoction_n and_o you_o like_a fool_n despise_v it_o or_o else_o know_v it_o not_o again_o fire_n and_o azot_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o and_o in_o a_o other_o place_n heat_n perfect_v allthing_n and_o elsewhere_o see_v see_v see_v and_o be_v not_o weary_a and_o in_o a_o other_o place_n let_v thy_o fire_n be_v gentle_a &_o easy_a which_o be_v always_o equal_a may_v continue_v burn_v and_o let_v it_o not_o increase_v for_o if_o it_o do_v thou_o shall_v suffer_v great_a loss_n and_o in_o a_o other_o place_n know_v thou_o that_o in_o one_o thing_n to_o wit_n the_o stone_n byone_a way_n to_o wit_n decoction_n and_o in_o one_o vessel_n the_o whole_a mastery_n be_v perform_v and_o in_o a_o other_o place_n patient_o and_o continual_o and_o in_o another_o place_n grind_v it_o seven_o time_n and_o in_o a_o other_o place_n it_o be_v ground_n with_o fire_n and_o in_o a_o other_o place_n this_o work_n be_v very_o like_a to_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n for_o as_o the_o infant_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v nourish_v with_o light_a meat_n but_o the_o bone_n be_v strengthen_v with_o strong_a so_o this_o mastery_n also_o first_o it_o must_v have_v a_o easy_a fire_n whereby_o we_o must_v always_o work_v in_o every_o essence_n of_o decoction_n and_o though_o we_o always_o speak_v of_o a_o gentle_a fire_n yet_o in_o truth_n we_o think_v that_o in_o govern_v the_o work_n the_o fire_n must_v always_o by_o little_a and_o little_o be_v increase_v and_o augment_v unto_o the_o end_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o vessel_n and_o furnace_n the_o mean_n and_o manner_n of_o work_v we_o have_v already_o determine_v
may_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v join_v to_o another_o body_n and_o in_o another_o place_n the_o soul_n do_v quick_o enter_v into_o his_o own_o body_n which_o if_o thou_o go_v about_o to_o join_v with_o another_o body_n thou_o shall_v loose_v thy_o labour_n for_o the_o nearness_n itself_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o because_o corporeal_a thing_n in_o this_o regiment_n be_v make_v incorporeal_a &_o contrariwise_o thing_n incorporeal_a corporeal_a and_o in_o the_o shut_n up_o of_o the_o work_n the_o whole_a body_n be_v make_v a_o spiritual_a fix_a thing_n and_o because_o also_o that_o spiritual_a elixir_n evident_o whether_o white_a or_o red_a be_v so_o great_o prepare_v and_o decoct_v beyond_o his_o nature_n it_o be_v no_o marnaile_n that_o it_o can_v be_v mix_v with_o a_o body_n on_o which_o it_o be_v project_v be_v only_o melt_v it_o be_v also_o a_o hard_a matter_n to_o project_v it_o on_o a_o thousand_o thousand_o and_o more_o and_o incontinent_o to_o penetrate_v and_o transmute_v they_o i_o will_v therefore_o now_o deliver_v unto_o you_o a_o great_a and_o hide_a secret_n one_o part_n be_v to_o be_v mix_v with_o a_o thousand_o of_o the_o next_o body_n &_o let_v all_o this_o be_v sure_o put_v into_o a_o fit_a vessel_n and_o set_v it_o in_o a_o surnace_n of_o fixation_n first_o with_o a_o lend_a fire_n and_o afterwards_o increase_a the_o fire_n for_o three_o day_n till_o they_o be_v inseparable_o join_v together_o and_o this_o be_v a_o work_n of_o three_o day_n then_o again_o and_o final_o every_o part_n hereof_o by_o itself_o must_v be_v project_v upon_o another_o thousand_o part_n of_o any_o near_a body_n and_o this_o be_v a_o work_n of_o one_o day_n or_o one_o hour_n or_o a_o moment_n for_o which_o our_o wonderful_a god_n be_v eternal_o to_o be_v praise_v here_o end_v the_o mirror_n of_o alchemy_n compose_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a philosopher_n roger_n bacon_n the_o smaragdine_n table_n of_o hermes_n trismegistus_n of_o alchemy_n the_o word_n of_o the_o secret_n of_o hermes_n which_o be_v write_v in_o a_o smaragdine_n table_n and_o find_v between_o his_o hand_n in_o a_o obscure_a vault_n wherein_o his_o body_n lie_v bury_v it_o be_v true_a without_o lease_v certain_a and_o most_o true_a that_o which_o be_v beneath_o be_v like_o that_o which_o be_v above_o &_o that_o which_o be_v above_o be_v like_o that_o which_o be_v beneath_o to_o work_v the_o miracle_n of_o one_o thing_n and_o as_o all_o thing_n have_v proceed_v from_o one_o by_o the_o meditation_n of_o one_o so_o all_o thing_n have_v spring_v from_o this_o onething_n by_o adaptation_n his_o father_n be_v the_o sun_n his_o mother_n be_v the_o moon_n the_o wind_n bear_v it_o in_o her_o belly_n the_o earth_n be_v his_o nurse_n the_o father_n ofallthe_n telesme_fw-fr of_o this_o world_n be_v here_o his_o force_n and_o power_n be_v perfect_a if_o it_o be_v turn_v into_o earth_n thou_o shall_v separate_v the_o earth_n from_o the_o fire_n the_o thin_a from_o the_o thick_a and_o that_o gentle_o with_o great_a discretion_n it_o ascend_v from_o the_o earth_n into_o heaven_n and_o and_o again_o it_o descend_v into_o the_o earth_n and_o receive_v the_o power_n of_o the_o superior_n and_o inferior_n so_o shall_v thou_o have_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n all_o obscurity_n therefore_o shall_v fly_v away_o from_o thou_o this_o be_v the_o mighty_a power_n of_o all_o power_n for_o it_o shall_v overcome_v every_o subtle_a thing_n and_o pierce_v through_o every_o solid_a thing_n so_o be_v the_o world_n create_v here_o shall_v be_v marvellous_a adatpation_n whereof_o this_o be_v the_o mean_a therefore_o be_o i_o call_v hermes_n trismegistus_n or_o the_o thrice_o great_a interpreter_n have_v three_o part_n of_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v finish_v here_o end_v the_o table_n of_o hermes_n a_o brief_a commentary_n of_o hortulanus_fw-la the_o philosopher_n upon_o the_o smaragdine_n table_n of_o hermes_n of_o alchemy_n the_o prayer_n of_o hortulanus_fw-la laude_n honour_n power_n and_o glory_n be_v give_v to_o thou_o o_o almighty_a lord_n god_n with_o thy_o belove_a son_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n o_o holy_a trinity_n that_o be_v the_o only_a one_o god_n perfect_a man_n i_o give_v thou_o thanks_n that_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o transitory_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n lest_o i_o shall_v be_v provoke_v with_o the_o pleasure_n thereof_o of_o thy_o abundant_a mercy_n thou_o have_v take_v i_o from_o it_o but_o for_o somuch_o as_o i_o have_v know_v many_o deceive_v in_o this_o art_n that_o have_v not_o go_v the_o right_a way_n let_v it_o please_v thou_o o_o lord_n my_o god_n that_o by_o the_o knowledge_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o i_o may_v bring_v my_o dear_a friend_n from_o error_n that_o when_o they_o shall_v perceive_v the_o truth_n they_o may_v praise_v thy_o holy_a and_o glorious_a name_n which_o be_v bless_v for_o ever_o amen_n the_o preface_n i_o hortulanus_fw-la so_o call_v for_o the_o garden_n border_v upon_o the_o sea_n coast_n wrap_v in_o a_o jacobin_n skin_n unworthy_a to_o be_v call_v a_o disciple_n of_o philosophy_n move_v with_o the_o love_n of_o my_o well-beloved_a do_v intend_v to_o make_v a_o true_a declaration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o hermes_n the_o father_n of_o philosopher_n who_o word_n though_o that_o they_o be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a yet_o have_v i_o true_o expound_v the_o whole_a operation_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o work_n for_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o philosopher_n in_o their_o speech_n do_v nothing_o prevail_v where_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v chap._n i._o that_o the_o art_n of_o alchemy_n be_v true_a and_o certain_a the_o philosopher_n say_v it_o be_v true_a to_o wit_n that_o the_o art_n of_o alchemy_n be_v give_v unto_o us._n without_o lease_v this_o he_o say_v in_o detestation_n of_o they_o that_o affirm_v this_o art_n to_o be_v lie_v that_o be_v false_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o be_v prove_v for_o whatsoever_o be_v prove_v be_v most_o certain_a and_o most_o true_a for_o most_o true_a gold_n be_v engender_v by_o art_n and_o he_o say_v most_o true_a in_o the_o superlative_a degree_n because_o the_o gold_n engender_v by_o this_o art_n excel_v all_o natural_a gold_n in_o all_o propriety_n both_o medicinal_a and_o other_o chap._n ii_o that_o the_o stone_n must_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o part_n consequent_o he_o touch_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o stone_n say_v that_o which_o be_v beneath_o be_v as_o that_o which_o be_v above_o and_o this_o he_o say_v because_o the_o stone_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o principal_a part_n by_o art_n into_o the_o superior_a part_n that_o ascend_v up_o and_o into_o the_o inferior_a part_n which_o remain_v beneath_o fix_v and_o clear_v and_o yet_o these_o two_o part_n agree_v in_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v that_o which_o be_v above_o be_v like_o that_o which_o be_v beneath_o and_o this_o division_n be_v necessary_a to_o perpetrate_v the_o miracle_n of_o one_o thing_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o stone_n because_o the_o inferior_a part_n be_v the_o earth_n which_o be_v call_v the_o nurse_n and_o ferment_n and_o the_o superior_a part_n be_v the_o soul_n which_o quicken_v the_o whole_a stone_n and_o raise_v it_o up_o wherefore_o separation_n make_v and_o conjunction_n celebrate_v many_o miracle_n be_v effect_v in_o the_o secret_a work_n of_o nature_n chap._n iii_o that_o the_o stone_n have_v in_o it_o the_o four_o element_n and_o as_o all_o thing_n have_v proceed_v from_o one_o by_o the_o meditation_n of_o one_o here_o give_v he_o a_o example_n say_v as_o all_o thing_n come_v from_o one_o to_o wit_n a_o confuse_a globe_n or_o mass_n by_o meditation_n that_o be_v the_o cogitation_n and_o creation_n of_o one_o that_o be_v the_o omnipotent_a god_n so_o all_o thing_n have_v spring_v that_o be_v come_v out_o from_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o be_v one_o confuse_a lump_n by_o a_o daptation_n that_o be_v by_o the_o sole_a commandment_n of_o god_n and_o miracle_n so_o our_o stone_n be_v bear_v and_o come_v out_o of_o one_o confuse_a mass_n contain_v in_o it_o the_o four_o element_n which_o be_v create_v of_o god_n and_o by_o his_o sole_a miracle_n our_o stone_n be_v bear_v chap._n four_o that_o the_o stone_n have_v father_n and_o mother_n to_o wit_n the_o sunue_n and_o moon_n and_o as_o we_o see_v that_o one_o live_v creature_n beget_v more_o live_a creature_n like_v unto_o itself_o so_o artificial_o gold_n engender_v gold_n by_o virtue_n of_o multiplication_n of_o the_o foresay_a stone_n it_o follow_v therefore_o the_o sun_n be_v his_o father_n that_o be_v philosopher_n gold_n and_o as_o in_o every_o natural_a generation_n there_o must_v be_v a_o
itself_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o effect_n of_o generation_n for_o where_o one_o can_v meet_v with_o the_o cause_n of_o generation_n or_o the_o root_n and_o heat_n itself_o it_o will_v fall_v out_o that_o the_o labour_n shall_v be_v lose_v and_o the_o work_n nought_o worth_a the_o like_a mischief_n will_v happen_v in_o respect_n of_o weight_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o aright_o in_o the_o compound_n the_o part_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n pass_v their_o bound_n by_o augmentation_n or_o diminution_n the_o property_n of_o the_o compound_n be_v destroy_v &_o the_o effect_n thereof_o void_a and_o without_o fruit_n whereof_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o example_n do_v not_o you_o see_v that_o in_o soap_n with_o which_o clothes_n be_v wash_v clean_o and_o make_v white_a there_o be_v this_o property_n if_o it_o be_v right_o make_v by_o reason_n of_o equality_n &_o one_o proportion_n which_o participate_v in_o length_n and_o breadth_n whereupon_o through_o this_o participation_n they_o agree_v and_o then_o it_o appear_v because_o it_o be_v true_o make_v and_o so_o the_o virtue_n which_o before_o lay_v hide_v be_v now_o make_v know_v which_o they_o call_v a_o property_n be_v the_o virtue_n of_o wash_v engender_v in_o the_o compound_n but_o when_o the_o gravity_n of_o the_o compound_n pass_v his_o bound_n either_o by_o addition_n or_o diminution_n y_z e_z virtue_n itself_o break_v the_o limit_n of_o equality_n &_o become_v contrary_a according_a to_o y_z e_z distemperance_n of_o the_o compound_n and_o this_o thou_o must_v understand_v to_o happen_v in_o the_o composition_n of_o our_o mastery_n chap_n i._o of_o the_o four_o mastery_n or_o principal_a work_n of_o the_o art_n to_o wit_n solution_n congelation_n albification_n and_o rubification_n now_o begin_v i_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a work_n which_o they_o call_v alchemy_n wherein_o i_o will_v confirm_v my_o word_n without_o conceal_v aught_o or_o keep_v back_o any_o thing_n save_o that_o which_o be_v not_o convenient_a to_o be_v utter_v or_o name_v we_o say_v then_o that_o the_o great_a work_n contain_v in_o it_o four_o mastery_n as_o the_o philosopher_n before_o we_o have_v affirm_v that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o dissolve_v to_o congeal_v to_o make_v white_a and_o red_a and_o these_o four_o quantity_n be_v partaker_n whereof_o two_o of_o they_o be_v partaker_n between_o themselves_o and_o so_o likewise_o be_v the_o other_o two_o and_o either_o of_o these_o double_a quamtity_n have_v another_o quantity_n partaker_n which_o be_v a_o great_a quantity_n partaker_n after_o these_o two_o i_o understand_v by_o these_o quantity_n the_o quantity_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o weight_n of_o the_o medicine_n which_o be_v orderly_o dissolve_v and_o congeal_v wherein_o neither_o addition_n nor_o diminution_n have_v any_o place_n but_o these_o two_o to_o wit_n solution_n and_o congelation_n shall_v be_v in_o one_o operation_n and_o shall_v make_v but_o one_o work_n and_o that_o before_o composition_n but_o after_o composition_n their_o work_n shall_v be_v diverse_a and_o this_o solution_n and_o congelation_n which_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o be_v the_o solution_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o congelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o they_o be_v two_o yet_o have_v but_o one_o operation_n for_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o congeal_v except_o the_o body_n beedissolue_v be_v likewise_o the_o body_n be_v not_o dissolve_v unless_o the_o spirit_n be_v congeal_v &_o when_o the_o soul_n &_o the_o body_n be_v join_v together_o either_o of_o they_o work_v in_o his_o companion_n make_v like_a unto_o he_o as_o for_o example_n when_o water_n be_v put_v to_o earth_n it_o strive_v to_o dissolve_v the_o earth_n by_o the_o moisture_n virtue_n and_o property_n which_o it_o have_v make_v it_o more_o subtle_a than_o it_o be_v before_o and_o bring_v it_o to_o be_v like_o itself_o for_o the_o water_n be_v more_o subtle_a than_o the_o earth_n and_o thus_o do_v the_o soul_n work_v in_o the_o body_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n be_v the_o water_n thicken_v with_o the_o earth_n and_o become_v like_a unto_o the_o earth_n in_o thickness_n for_o the_o earth_n be_v more_o thick_a than_o the_o water_n and_o thou_o must_v know_v that_o between_o the_o solution_n of_o the_o body_n and_o congelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v no_o distance_n of_o time_n or_o diverse_a work_n as_o though_o one_o shall_v be_v without_o the_o other_o as_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n of_o time_n in_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o water_n that_o one_o may_v be_v know_v &_o discern_v from_o the_o other_o in_o their_o operation_n but_o they_o have_v both_o one_o instant_a and_o one_o fact_n and_o one_o and_o the_o same_o work_n contain_v they_o both_o at_o once_o before_o composition_n i_o say_v before_o composition_n lest_o he_o that_o shall_v read_v this_o book_n and_o hear_v the_o name_n of_o resolution_n and_o congelation_n shall_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v the_o composition_n which_o the_o philosopher_n entreat_v of_o for_o so_o he_o shall_v foul_o err_v in_o his_o work_n and_o judgement_n because_o composition_n in_o this_o work_n or_o mastery_n be_v a_o conjunction_n or_o marriage_n of_o the_o congeal_a spirit_n with_o the_o dissolve_a body_n and_o this_o conjunction_n or_o passion_n be_v upon_o the_o fire_n for_o heat_n be_v his_o nourishment_n and_o the_o soul_n forsake_v not_o the_o body_n neither_o be_v it_o otherwise_o knit_v unto_o it_o then_o by_o the_o alteration_n of_o both_o from_o their_o own_o virtue_n and_o property_n and_o after_o the_o conversion_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v the_o solution_n and_o congelation_n which_o the_o philosopher_n first_o speak_v of_o which_o nevertheless_o they_o have_v hide_v in_o their_o subtle_a discourse_n with_o dark_a &_o obscure_a word_n that_o so_o they_o may_v alienate_v and_o estrange_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o reader_n from_o the_o true_a understanding_n thereof_o where_o of_o thou_o may_v take_v this_o for_o a_o example_n anoint_v the_o leaf_n with_o poison_n and_o you_o shall_v approve_v there_o by_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o work_n and_o mastery_n of_o the_o same_o and_o again_o labour_v the_o strong_a body_n with_o one_o solution_n till_o either_o of_o they_o be_v turn_v to_o his_o subtility_n so_o likewise_o in_o these_o follow_v except_o you_o convert_v the_o body_n into_o such_o subtility_n that_o they_o may_v be_v impalbable_a you_o shall_v not_o find_v that_o you_o look_v for_o and_o if_o you_o have_v not_o ground_v they_o return_v back_o to_o work_v till_o they_o be_v ground_n and_o make_v subtle_a which_o if_o you_o do_v you_o shall_v have_v your_o wish_n and_o many_o other_o such_o say_n have_v they_o of_o the_o same_o matter_n the_o which_o none_o that_o ever_o prove_v this_o art_n can_v understand_v till_o he_o have_v have_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n thereof_o the_o former_a doubt_n be_v remove_v and_o in_o like_a manner_n have_v they_o speak_v of_o that_o composition_n which_o be_v after_o solution_n &_o congelation_n and_o afterward_o they_o have_v say_v that_o composition_n be_v not_o perfect_a without_o marriage_n and_o putrefaction_n yet_o again_o they_o teach_v solution_n congelation_n division_n marriage_n putrefaction_n and_o composition_n because_o composition_n be_v the_o beginning_n and_o very_a life_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o unless_o there_o be_v composition_n the_o thing_n shall_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v division_n be_v a_o separation_n of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o compound_n &_o so_o separation_n have_v be_v his_o conjunction_n i_o tell_v you_o again_o that_o the_o spirit_n will_v not_o dwell_v with_o the_o body_n nor_o be_v in_o it_o nor_o by_o any_o mean_n abide_v with_o it_o until_o the_o body_n be_v make_v subtle_a &_o thin_a as_o the_o spirit_n be_v but_o when_o it_o be_v attenuate_v and_o subtle_a and_o have_v cast_v off_o his_o thickness_n &_o put_v on_o thinness_n have_v forsake_v his_o grossness_n &_o corpority_n &_o be_v become_v spiritual_a then_o shall_v he_o be_v mingle_v with_o the_o subtle_a spirit_n &_o imbibe_v in_o they_o so_o that_o both_o shall_v become_v one_o and_o the_o same_o &_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v sever_v like_a as_o water_v put_v to_o water_n can_v be_v divide_v suppose_v that_o of_o two_o like_a quantity_n that_o be_v in_o solution_n and_o congelation_n the_o large_a be_v the_o soul_n the_o lesser_a be_v the_o body_n add_v afterward_o to_o the_o quantity_n which_o be_v the_o soul_n that_o quantity_n which_o be_v in_o the_o body_n &_o it_o shall_v participate_v with_o the_o first_o quantity_n in_o virtue_n only_o then_o work_v they_o as_o we_o have_v wrought_v they_o and_o so_o thou_o shall_v obtain_v thy_o desire_n and_o euclid_n his_o line_n shall_v be_v verify_v unto_o thou_o afterward_o take_v his_o quantity_n and_o know_v his_o weight_n and_o give_v he_o as_o much_o moisture_n as_o he_o will_v
drink_v the_o weight_n of_o which_o moisture_n we_o have_v not_o here_o determine_v then_o again_o work_v they_o with_o a_o operation_n unlike_o the_o former_a first_o imbibe_v and_o sublime_v it_o and_o this_o operation_n be_v that_o which_o they_o call_v albification_n and_o they_o name_v it_o yarit_n that_o be_v silver_n and_o and_o white_a lead_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v make_v this_o compound_n white_a add_v to_o he_o so_o much_o of_o the_o spirit_n as_o make_v half_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o set_v it_o to_o work_v till_o it_o wax_v read_v and_o then_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o colour_n alsulfir_n which_o be_v very_o red_a and_o the_o philosopher_n have_v liken_v it_o to_o gold_n the_o effect_n hereof_o lead_v thou_o to_o that_o which_o aristotle_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n arda_n we_o call_v the_o clay_n when_o it_o be_v white_a yarit_fw-mi that_o be_v silver_n and_o when_o it_o be_v red_a we_o name_v it_o temeynch_n that_o be_v gold_n whiteness_n be_v that_o which_o tinct_v copper_n and_o make_v it_o yarit_n and_o that_o be_v redness_n which_o tinct_v yarit_n that_o be_v silver_n &_o make_v it_o temeynch_n that_o be_v gold_n he_o therefore_o that_o be_v able_a to_o dissolve_v these_o body_n to_o subtiliate_v they_o to_o make_v they_o white_a and_o red_a and_o as_o i_o have_v say_v to_o compound_v they_o by_o imbibe_v and_o convert_v they_o to_o the_o same_o shall_v without_o all_o doubt_n attain_v the_o mastery_n and_o perform_v the_o work_n whereof_o i_o have_v speak_v unto_o thou_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o thing_n and_o instrument_n necessary_a and_o fit_a for_o this_o work_n it_o behove_v thou_o to_o know_v the_o vessel_n in_o this_o mastery_n to_o wit_n aludela_n which_o the_o philosopher_n have_v call_v churchyard_n or_o cribble_n because_o in_o they_o the_o part_n be_v divide_v and_o cleanse_v and_o in_o they_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o mastery_n make_v complete_a perfect_a and_o depure_v and_o every_o one_o of_o these_o must_v have_v a_o furnace_n fit_a for_o it_o and_o let_v either_o of_o they_o have_v a_o similitude_n and_o figure_n agreeable_a to_o the_o work_n mezleme_n and_o many_o other_o philosopher_n have_v name_v all_o these_o thing_n in_o their_o book_n teach_v the_o manner_n and_o form_n there_o of_o and_o thou_o must_v know_v that_o herein_o the_o philosopher_n agree_v together_o in_o their_o write_n conceal_v it_o by_o sign_n and_o make_v many_o book_n thereof_o &_o instrument_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o these_o four_o foresay_a thing_n as_o for_o the_o instrument_n they_o be_v two_o in_o number_n one_o be_v a_o cucurbit_n with_o his_o alembick_a the_o other_o be_v aludel_n that_o be_v well_o make_v there_o be_v also_o four_o thing_n necessary_a to_o these_o that_o be_v to_o say_v body_n soul_n spirit_n and_o water_n of_o these_o four_o do_v the_o mastery_n and_o mineral_n work_v consist_v these_o be_v make_v plain_a in_o the_o philosopher_n book_n i_o have_v therefore_o omit_v they_o in_o i_o and_o only_o touch_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o pass_v over_o with_o silence_n which_o he_o shall_v easy_o discern_v that_o be_v but_o of_o indifferent_a judgement_n and_o this_o book_n i_o have_v not_o make_v for_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a but_o for_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a chap._n iii_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n appertain_v to_o this_o work_n know_v thou_o that_o the_o philosopher_n have_v give_v they_o diverse_a name_n for_o some_o have_v call_v they_o mine_n some_o animal_n some_o herbal_a and_o some_o by_o the_o name_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v natural_a some_o other_o have_v call_v they_o by_o certain_a other_o name_n at_o their_o pleasure_n as_o seem_v good_a unto_o they_o thou_o must_v also_o know_v that_o their_o medicine_n be_v near_o to_o nature_n according_a as_o the_o philosopher_n have_v say_v in_o their_o book_n that_o nature_n come_v nigh_o to_o nature_n and_o nature_n be_v like_a to_o nature_n and_o nature_n be_v join_v to_o nature_n and_o nature_n be_v drown_v in_o nature_n and_o nature_n make_v nature_n white_a &_o nature_n do_v make_v nature_n red_a and_o generation_n be_v retain_v with_o generation_n &_o generation_n conquer_v with_o generation_n chap._n four_o of_o decoction_n and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o know_v thou_o that_o the_o philosopher_n have_v name_v decoction_n in_o their_o book_n say_v that_o they_o make_v decoction_n in_o thing_n and_o that_o be_v it_o that_o engender_v they_o and_o change_v they_o from_o their_o substance_n and_o colour_n into_o other_o substance_n and_o colour_n if_o thou_o transgress_v not_o i_o tell_v thou_o in_o this_o book_n thou_o shall_v proceed_v right_o consider_v brother_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o earth_n whereon_o man_n live_v how_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n work_v in_o it_o till_o it_o be_v ripe_a when_o man_n and_o other_o creature_n seed_n upon_o it_o and_o that_o afterward_o nature_n work_v on_o it_o by_o her_o heat_n within_o man_n convert_n it_o into_o his_o flesh_n and_o blood_n for_o like_v hereto_o be_v our_o operation_n of_o the_o mastery_n the_o seed_n whereof_o as_o the_o learned_a have_v say_v be_v such_o that_o his_o perfection_n and_o proceed_n consist_v in_o the_o fire_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n without_o somewhat_o come_v between_o and_o his_o spiritualty_n which_o be_v not_o mingle_v but_o with_o the_o fire_n thus_o have_v i_o tell_v thou_o the_o truth_n as_o i_o have_v see_v and_o do_v it_o chap._n v._o of_o subtiliation_n solution_n coagulation_n and_o commistion_n of_o the_o stone_n and_o of_o their_o cause_n and_o end_n know_v that_o except_o thou_o subtiliate_v the_o body_n till_o all_o become_v water_n it_o will_v not_o rust_v and_o putrify_v and_o then_o it_o can_v congeal_v the_o fit_a soul_n when_o the_o fire_n touch_v they_o for_o the_o fire_n be_v that_o which_o congeal_v they_o by_o the_o aid_n thereof_o unto_o they_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n have_v the_o philosopher_n command_v to_o dissolve_v the_o body_n to_o the_o end_n y_fw-fr e_o heat_n may_v enter_v into_o their_o bowel_n again_o we_o return_v to_o dissolve_v those_o body_n &_o congeal_v they_o after_o their_o solution_n with_o that_o thing_n which_o come_v nigh_o to_o it_o until_o we_o join_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v mingle_v together_o by_o a_o apt_a and_o fit_a commixtion_n which_o be_v a_o temperate_a quantity_n whereupon_o we_o join_v fire_n and_o water_n earth_n and_o air_n together_o when_o the_o thick_a have_v be_v mingle_v with_o the_o thin_a &_o the_o thin_a with_o the_o thick_a the_o one_o abide_v with_o the_o other_o and_o their_o nature_n be_v change_v and_o make_v like_o whereas_o before_o they_o be_v simple_a because_o that_o part_n which_o be_v generative_a bestow_v his_o virtue_n upon_o the_o subtle_a and_o that_o be_v the_o air_n for_o it_o cleave_v unto_o his_o like_a and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o generation_n from_o whence_o it_o receyve_v power_n to_o move_v and_o ascend_v upward_o cold_n have_v power_n over_o the_o thick_a because_o it_o have_v lose_v his_o heat_n and_o the_o water_n be_v go_v out_o of_o it_o and_o the_o thing_n appear_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o moisture_n depart_v by_o ascend_v &_o the_o subtle_a part_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o air_n and_o mingle_v it_o selse_a with_o it_o for_o it_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o when_o the_o thick_a body_n have_v lose_v his_o heat_n and_o moisture_n and_o that_o cold_a and_o dryness_n have_v power_n over_o he_o and_o that_o their_o part_n have_v mingle_v themselves_o and_o be_v divide_v and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o moisture_n to_o join_v the_o part_n divide_v the_o part_n withdraw_v themselves_o and_o afterward_o the_o part_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o cold_a by_o reason_n that_o it_o have_v continue_v &_o send_v his_o heat_n and_o decoction_n to_o the_o part_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o earth_n have_v power_n overthem_fw-mi and_o exercise_v such_o dominion_n over_o the_o cold_a that_o where_o before_o it_o be_v in_o the_o thick_a body_n it_o now_o lurk_v and_o lie_v hide_v his_o part_n of_o generation_n be_v change_v become_v subtle_a and_o hot_a and_o strive_v to_o dry_v up_o by_o his_o heat_n but_o afterward_o the_o subtle_a part_n that_o cause_v nature_n to_o ascend_v when_o it_o have_v lose_v his_o accidental_a heat_n &_o wax_v cold_a than_o the_o nature_n be_v change_v and_o become_v thick_a and_o descend_v to_o the_o centre_n where_o y_o e_o earthly_a nature_n be_v join_v together_o which_o be_v subtiliate_v and_o convert_v in_o their_o generation_n and_o imbibe_v in_o they_o and_o so_o the_o moisture_n couple_v together_o the_o part_n divide_v but_o the_o earth_n endevour_v to_o dry_v up_o that_o moisture_n compass_v it_o about_o and_o hinder_v it_o from_o go_v out_o by_o
their_o place_n for_o there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a noise_n go_v with_o they_o my_o son_n for_o they_o will_v quick_o vanish_v away_o chap._n xi_o of_o the_o commistion_n of_o the_o element_n that_o be_v separate_v begin_v composition_n which_o be_v the_o circuit_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n for_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o composition_n without_o marriage_n and_o putrefaction_n the_o marriage_n be_v to_o mingle_v the_o thin_a with_o the_o thick_a and_o putrefaction_n be_v to_o roast_v grind_v and_o water_n so_o long_o till_o all_o be_v mingle_v together_o and_o become_v one_o so_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o diversity_n in_o they_o nor_o separation_n from_o water_n mingle_v with_o water_n then_o shall_v the_o thick_a labour_n to_o retain_v the_o thin_a then_o shall_v the_o soul_n strive_v with_o the_o fire_n and_o endeavour_n to_o bear_v it_o then_o shall_v the_o spirit_n labour_n to_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o body_n and_o pour_v forth_o into_o they_o and_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v because_o the_o body_n dissolve_v when_o it_o be_v commix_v with_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v likewise_o commix_v with_o every_o part_n thereof_o &_o other_o thing_n enter_v into_o other_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o similitude_n and_o likeness_n and_o be_v change_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o soul_n must_v partake_v with_o the_o commodity_n durableness_n and_o permanencie_n which_o the_o body_n receive_v in_o his_o commixtion_n the_o like_a also_o must_v befall_v the_o spirit_n in_o this_o state_n or_o permanencie_n os_fw-la the_o soul_n and_o boby_a sore_o when_o the_o spirit_n shall_v be_v commix_v with_o the_o soul_n by_o laborious_a operation_n and_o all_o his_o part_n with_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o other_o two_o to_o wit_n the_o soul_n and_o body_n then_o shall_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o other_o two_o be_v convert_v into_o one_o indivisible_a thing_n according_a to_o their_o entire_a substance_n who_o nature_n have_v be_v preserve_v and_o their_o part_n have_v agree_v and_o come_v together_o whereby_o it_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o when_o this_o compound_n have_v meet_v with_o a_o body_n dissolve_v and_o that_o heat_n have_v get_v hold_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o moisture_n which_o be_v in_o it_o appear_v and_o be_v melt_v in_o the_o dissolve_a body_n and_o have_v pass_v into_o it_o and_o mix_v itself_o with_o that_o which_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o moisture_n it_o be_v inflame_v and_o the_o fire_n defend_v itself_o with_o it_o then_o when_o the_o fire_n will_v be_v flame_v with_o it_o it_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o fire_n to_o take_v hold_n of_o it_o that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o cleave_v unto_o it_o with_o the_o spirit_n mingle_v with_o his_o water_n the_o fire_n will_v not_o abide_v by_o it_o until_o it_o be_v pure_a and_o in_o like_a manner_n do_v the_o water_n natural_o fly_v from_o the_o fire_n whereof_o when_o the_o fire_n have_v take_v hold_n it_o do_v forth_o with_o by_o little_a and_o little_o evaporate_v and_o thus_o have_v the_o body_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o retain_v the_o water_n and_o the_o water_n to_o retain_v the_o oil_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o burn_v nor_o consume_v away_o and_o the_o oil_n to_o retain_v tincture_n and_o tincture_n the_o precise_a cause_n to_o make_v the_o colour_n appear_v and_o show_v forth_o the_o tincture_n wherein_o there_o be_v neither_o light_n nor_o life_n this_o then_o be_v the_o true_a life_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o work_n and_o mastery_n which_o thou_o sought_v for_o be_v wise_a therefore_o and_o understande_v and_o thou_o shall_v find_v what_o thou_o look_v for_o if_o it_o please_v god_n chap._n xii_o of_o the_o solution_n of_o the_o stone_n compound_v the_o philosopher_n moreover_o have_v take_v great_a pain_n in_o dissolve_v that_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n may_v the_o better_o be_v incorporate_a for_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v together_o in_o contrition_n assation_n and_o rig_v ation_n have_v a_o certain_a affinity_n and_o alliance_n between_o themselves_o so_o that_o the_o fire_n may_v spoil_v the_o weak_a of_o nature_n till_o it_o utter_o fade_v and_o vanish_v away_o as_o also_o it_o again_o return_v upon_o the_o strong_a part_n until_o the_o body_n remain_v without_o the_o soul_n but_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o dissolve_v and_o congeal_v they_o take_v the_o part_v one_o with_o another_o as_o well_o great_a as_o small_a and_o incorporate_v they_o well_o together_o till_o they_o be_v convert_v and_o change_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v the_o fire_n take_v from_o the_o soul_n as_o much_o as_o from_o the_o body_n neither_o more_o nor_o less_o and_o this_o be_v the_o ceuse_n of_o perfection_n for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v necessary_a teach_v the_o composition_n of_o elixir_n to_o afford_v one_o chapter_n for_o expound_v the_o solution_n of_o simple_a body_n and_o soul_n because_o body_n do_v not_o enter_v into_o soul_n but_o do_v rather_o withhold_v and_o hinder_v they_o from_o sublimation_n fixation_n retention_n commistion_n and_o the_o like_a operation_n except_o mundification_n go_v before_o and_o thou_o shall_v know_v that_o solution_n be_v after_o one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n for_o either_o it_o extract_v the_o inward_a part_n of_o thing_n unto_o their_o superficies_n and_o this_o be_v solution_n a_o example_n whereof_o thou_o have_v in_o silver_n that_o seem_v cold_a and_o dry_a but_o be_v dissolve_v and_o that_o his_o inward_o appear_v it_o be_v find_v hot_a and_o moist_a or_o else_o it_o be_v to_o purchase_v to_o a_o body_n a_o accidental_a moisture_n which_o it_o have_v not_o before_o and_o to_o add_v hereunto_o his_o own_o humidity_n whereby_o his_o part_n may_v be_v dissolve_v and_o this_o likewise_o be_v call_v solution_n chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o coagulation_n of_o the_o stone_n dissolve_v some_o among_o the_o learned_a have_v say_v congeal_v in_o a_o bath_n with_o a_o good_a congelation_n as_o i_o have_v tell_v thou_o and_o this_o be_v sulphur_n shine_v in_o darkness_n a_o red_a hiasinth_n a_o fiery_a &_o deadly_a poison_n the_o elixir_n that_o abide_v upon_o none_o a_o victorious_a lion_n a_o malefactor_n a_o sharp_a sword_n a_o precious_a triacle_n heal_v every_o infirmity_n and_o geber_n the_o son_n of_o hayen_n say_v that_o all_o the_o operation_n of_o this_o mastery_n be_v contain_v under_o fix_v thing_n to_o put_v to_o flight_n to_o melt_v to_o incerate_v to_o make_v as_o white_a as_o marble_n to_o dissolve_v and_o congeal_v that_o put_v to_o flight_n be_v to_o drive_v away_o and_o remove_v blackness_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o soul_n the_o melt_a be_v the_o liquefaction_n of_o the_o body_n to_o incerate_v belong_v proper_o to_o the_o body_n and_o be_v the_o subtiliation_n thereof_o to_o whiten_v be_v proper_o to_o melt_v speedy_o to_o congeal_v be_v to_o congeal_v the_o body_n with_o the_o soul_n already_o prepare_v again_o flight_n appertain_v to_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o melt_v whiten_v incerate_v and_o dissolve_v belong_v unto_o the_o body_n and_o congelation_n to_o the_o soul_n be_v wise_a and_o understand_v chap_n xiiii_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o stone_n and_o of_o his_o nature_n bauzan_n a_o greek_a philosopher_n when_o it_o be_v demand_v of_o he_o whether_o a_o stone_n may_v be_v make_v of_o a_o thing_n that_o bud_v make_v answer_v yea_o to_o wit_n the_o two_o first_o stone_n the_o stone_n alkali_n and_o our_o stone_n which_o be_v the_o life_n and_o workmanship_n of_o he_o that_o know_v it_o but_o he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o have_v not_o make_v it_o and_o know_v not_o how_o it_o be_v engender_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v no_o stone_n or_o that_o conceive_v not_o with_o himself_o whatsoever_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o will_v make_v a_o trial_n of_o it_o prepare_v himself_o for_o death_n and_o cast_v away_o his_o money_n for_o if_o he_o can_v find_v out_o this_o precious_a stone_n another_o shall_v not_o arise_v in_o his_o place_n neither_o shall_v nature_n triumph_n over_o he_o his_o nature_n be_v great_a heat_n with_o moderation_n he_o that_o now_o know_v it_o have_v profit_v by_o read_v this_o book_n but_o he_o that_o remain_v ignorant_a have_v lose_v his_o labour_n it_o have_v many_o property_n and_o virtue_n for_o it_o cure_v body_n of_o their_o accidental_a disease_n and_o preserve_v sound_a substance_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o their_o appear_v in_o they_o no_o perturbation_n of_o contrary_n nor_o breach_n of_o their_o bond_n and_o union_n for_o this_o be_v the_o soap_n of_o body_n yea_o their_o spirit_n and_o soul_n which_o when_o it_o be_v incorporate_a with_o they_o dissolve_v they_o without_o any_o loss_n this_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o their_o resurrection_n a_o medicine_n preserve_v body_n and_o